The gradual expansion plan of the operations stands for a planned total investment of more than 300 million euros (13 billion Thai Baht). The Board of Investment of Thailand is supporting the project under its Investment Stimulation Measure for Economic Recovery Scheme, thus supporting Continental’s ongoing growth in Thailand and the APAC region. This expansion will create approx. 600 additional jobs in the upcoming years. With more than 900 employees already working in its Rayong tyre plant, the company is reinforcing its commitment to the Thai market and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Our latest capacity expansion in Rayong reflects our strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region, one of Continental Tyres’ strategic growth markets. With our increased production capacity, we will meet the demands of our customers even better, locally in Thailand, and regionally in the Asia-Pacific markets,” says Dalibor Kalina, Head of Continentals Business Area Replacement Tyres in the Asia-Pacific region.
“At Rayong, we take great pride in being a very versatile and reliable part of Continental’s global tyre production network. We supply the vehicle manufacturers and the replacement tyre sector with both passenger, light truck tyres and motorcycle tyres. Our latest expansion is a significant milestone in addition to this year’s anniversaries of 15 years of business in Thailand and five years of tyre production in Rayong,” says Vignesh Devasenapathy, Plant Manager of the Continental tyre plant in Rayong. He adds: “I want to thank my entire team for their passion and dedication in delivering our commitments to our customers, which is the basis for our success here at Rayong.”
At its Rayong plant, Continental produces premium tyres, like the MaxContact MC7, and other tyre lines that also meet the specific requirements of electric vehicles. In 2023, Continental equipped all the top five highest-volume manufacturers of electric vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region with original equipment tyres. In addition, Rayong is one of the biggest Continental motorcycle production facilities worldwide.
Moreover, the plant meets highest energy efficiency standards. Its machinery is equipped with latest production technologies, while logistics and handling processes are highly automated. With a photovoltaic capacity of 6.7 megawatts peak, 13 percent of the annual electricity necessary in tyre production can be covered by renewable energy sources.
Continental is consistently investing in the sustainability, digitalization and automation of its global production in its 20 tyre plants in 16 countries worldwide. The focus is on the research and development of new innovative technologies, alternative materials and environmentally friendly production processes, as well as on the continuous improvement of the overall efficiency of logistics processes.