FAIRLAWN, Ohio—ContiTech, one of three main business sectors for Continental A.G., has stated its intent to increase market share in both lightweight and heavy duty belting in the Americas.
True to its word, ContiTech Industrial Solutions Americas will look to significantly increase capacity at a heavy duty belt manufacturing plant in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, adding about 75,000 square feet.
"With the expansion of our plant's capacity in Ponta Grossa, we are raising the standards in the production of the world's most durable belts," said Andreas Gerstenberger, head of business area Industrial Solutions Americas at ContiTech. "Our goal is to double or even triple our production over the next few years, and by producing heavy duty steel cord conveyor belts in Brazil, we'll be able to shorten product shipping timelines."
Specifically, ContiTech Industrial Americas purchased a new cable press in Ponta Grossa, making the location the second for ContiTech to manufacture belts rated up to ST1000, considered the world's strongest belt rating.
Investment details for the expansion were not disclosed.
Known as the Phoenix Phoenocord ST10000 conveyor belt, this heavy duty belt can be manufactured in lengths weighing up to 60 metric tons.
The belts deliver "extreme durability and reliable performance with high-capacity and high-breaking strength," ContiTech said in a news release.
The belt can be used in above-ground or below-ground operations, including hard rock mining and other extreme material handling applications.