Three U.S. Conti plants celebrating milestones in 2024

FORT MILL, S.C.—Three Continental Tire the Americas tire factories in the U.S. are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024:

• Conti's truck tire plant in Clinton, Miss., is celebrating its fifth year; a passenger/light truck tire plant in Sumter, S.C., is celebrating its 10th year; and a passenger and truck tire plant in Mount Vernon, Ill., is celebrating its 50th year.
• According to parent company Hanover, Germany-based Continental A.G., the company produces more than 16 million tires a year in the U.S., with more than 6,700 manufacturing-related employees. Conti said it has invested more than $1.5 billion in its tire operations in the U.S.

Continental Tire the Americas CEO Jochen Etzel said the company's tires are known for their high performance and premium quality.

"Since 1988, when Continental first started manufacturing operations in the U.S., we have strategically and consistently enhanced the manufacturing footprint to support growth in the American market," Etzel said. "This is integral to our overall success."

Continental's newest tire plant in Clinton, which opened in 2019, employs around 700 people and has a rated annual capacity of 500,000 truck/bus tires.

The Sumter plant opened in 2014 employs approximately 1,300 workers and has a rated annual capacity of 4 million passenger and light truck (P/LT) tires.

The Mount Vernon plant started producing tires in 1974 as General Tire & Rubber Co. It was acquired by Continental in 1987. It employs over 3,900 workers and has a rated annual capacity of over 14 million P/LT and commercial truck/bus tires.

Conti serves both original equipment and replacement customers from these plants.

"The U.S. tire plants have grown considerably over the years, fueled by our passion for tires," Benny Harmse, head of manufacturing at Continental Tire the Americas, said.

"Being one of the top premium tire manufacturers, we have an unwavering commitment to excellence and cutting-edge technology,"

Continental also also manufacturing plants in Barnesville, Ga, which produces tire cord, and in Plymouth, Ind., where subsidiary Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. produces racing tires.

Conti acquired Hoosier in 2016.

In 2023, Continental generated sales of $44 billion and employed around 200,000 in 56 countries and markets. Conti's tire business unit reported sales of $15.1 billion, 0.3 percent lower than in fiscal 2022.

Tire-related sales revenue in North America was $4.48 billion last year, according to Tire Business research, making Conti the No. 4 tire maker in the region.