NEWPORT NEWS, Va.—Continental A.G. will invest about $150 million over a multi-year period to expand its Newport News auto parts manufacturing facility, in part to add capacity for turbochargers.
By adding production lines to its 360,000-sq.-ft. facility, Continental said it will nearly double the facility's work force by adding 500 jobs.
Continental said it has experienced growing demand in the U.S. for powertrain technologies in recent years. With support from state and local governments, the company said it plans to expand its current product portfolio in the plant.
The investment will include the start-up of turbocharger production and increased production of Continental's gasoline high pressure injector, fuel rail and pump assembly lines. This is the first time Conti plans to produce turbochargers in the U.S., according to the company.
“As one of Continental's global Lead Plants and Centers of Expertise for powertrain technology, the Newport News manufacturing facility is an essential part of our overall business strategy as we look to grow business here and leverage some of the region's best talent,” said Jeff Klei, president, Continental North America.
“Thanks to the generous support of state and local officials, we are pleased to make an investment that plans to introduce the assembly of turbochargers to North America and increase our overall production of powertrain technologies in Newport News.”
The Newport News plant—which has produced more than 265 million fuel injectors since it opened, according to the company—is part of Continental's Engine Systems Business Unit in North America and has been located in Newport News for 44 years.