FORT MILL, S.C.—Continental A.G. is "adapting" production at some of its plants across the globe in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The German tire maker declined to identify which plants are affected or to what extent "as the situation remains highly dynamic and local regulations vary from plant to plant.
"We are making every effort to keep the impact of any temporary production modification as minimal as possible," Conti said.
Conti emphasized that the health of its employees, suppliers and customers is "of the highest importance" as it implements additional safety measures in countries affected by the coronavirus.
"As a result, we are gradually adapting production in our tire plants around the world, including in North America, in coordination with our customers and suppliers," Conti said.
Conti, the fourth-largest tire maker globally, said it ramped up its inventory intentionally over the past few days and described its warehouses as "well equipped."
It said it did not anticipate any supply shortages of locally produced or imported tires.
"However, we would like to emphasize that the situation remains highly dynamic."
Continental operates three tire plants in the U.S. — in Mount Vernon, Ill.; Sumter, S.C.; and Hinds County, Miss. — and one in Mexico, employing nearly 6,500 hourly workers.