Conti relies on India

Conti relies on India

Technology company Continental has inaugurated its new factory in Pune, India. It produces surface materials primarily for the Indian automobile and two-wheeler markets, but also for export. Continental has invested more than 20 million euros in the equipment and machinery to produce high-quality surface materials for the interiors of cars, including electric vehicles and two-wheeler seats.

“Expanding our business in the Asia-Pacific region is one of our most important strategic pillars,” said Philip Nelles, member of the Continental Board of Directors and head of the ContiTech division, at the opening ceremony in Pune. "India plays an important role in this. That's why we continue to invest in our Indian locations. This way we stay close to our customers and maximize our added value."

Continental offers a wide range of high-quality surface solutions. This provides customers in the automotive industry with many interior combination options that attract car buyers. Compared to natural leather, the company's surface materials are durable, innovative, easy to care for and affordable. Dr. Dirk Leiß, head of the Surfaces business area, emphasized that the company focuses on sustainability. "High-quality vehicle interiors are becoming increasingly important to drivers. Our surface materials provide luxury and comfort. They improve the overall driving experience," he explained.

The new location is Continental's sixteenth surface solutions plant worldwide. The company produces well-known surface materials such as Acella Eco, which are used by the leading automobile manufacturers and brands. Dr. Leiß added: “Our modern surface solutions and our over 300-year tradition in the industry stand for quality worldwide.”

Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO, Continental India, said: "Continental has been growing steadily in the Indian market. We have now invested in Pune, a major and long-established hub of the automotive industry. We want to be the partner of choice for surface solutions for our customers. This reaffirms our commitment to the local market, in line with our philosophy 'in the market, for the market'."

The approximately 14,000 square meter production facility has an initial annual capacity of five million square meters of surface materials. This can be expanded to up to 10 million square meters. “We are committed to our environment and do a lot to ensure that we reduce our CO₂-Continuously reduce footprint," said Plant Manager Landry Tchapda. "The new plant features world-class energy efficiency standards, sustainable production processes, an ergonomic work environment, 100 percent wastewater treatment, exhaust air purification for all processes and the use of energy from renewable sources."

During the inauguration ceremony, Tchapda mentioned, "We have a skilled workforce and state-of-the-art technologies. That's why our production is world-class and meets all the requirements of our customers. We have not only created resources and capacities for production, warehousing, logistics, purchasing and distribution, but also planned laboratories, design and product development. India is a promising market that will continue to grow. That is why we are expanding our activities at a rapid pace. We aim to provide our innovative surface solutions for a wide range of applications in car interiors and two-wheelers will become the market leader in the near future.”

The new surface solutions plant will primarily produce Acella Eco and Acella Lux materials. They aesthetically enhance the vehicle interior. The environmentally friendly foam films Yorn and Yorn Light will soon also be produced in Pune.