Continental Plans Significant Investment in Culpeper, Virginia, Plant

- The planned investment brings new jobs, upgrades and technological advancements.

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Jul 28, 2015, 01:30 ET

CULPEPER, Va., July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental, a leading international automotive supplier, announced today it plans to invest significantly in its Culpeper County facility over the next three years. By increasing plant productivity, Continental's investment will bring growth and development to the county, including the potential for an additional 25 full-time jobs. The planned investment is part of Continental's ongoing commitment to regional economic development and manufacturing expansion.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe made the announcement during a news conference at the Culpeper County facility, alongside Steven E. Nixon, Chairman of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors, Jeff Klei, President of Continental North America, and Brandon Lane, Plant Manager, Culpeper.

"Growing the manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth is an essential element of diversifying and building the new Virginia economy," said Governor McAuliffe. "Continental's continued success in Culpeper is a testament to the region's outstanding workforce, low energy costs and high quality of life. I look forward to working with Continental and other manufacturing companies from across the globe to bring jobs and economic activity to Virginia."

The intended investment will be used to upgrade the facility, provide training associated with the project and supply new equipment to increase productivity of the current stability control system product line. Additionally, Continental will expand the plant's product portfolio with the next-generation MKC1 stability control system.

"Continental is proud to be a longstanding corporate partner and employer in Virginia. Less than a year ago, we celebrated Continental's commitment in our Newport News facility and now we are pleased to do the same in Culpeper," said Klei. "Thanks to the generous support of state and local officials, we are pleased to announce this intended investment. We remain dedicated to advancing technologies in our facilities and enhancing our manufacturing capabilities in North America."

As a significant contributor of advanced vehicle safety components, including brake and suspension products, the Culpeper County manufacturing facility has produced more than five million valve blocks each year since 2012. The facility was also named Culpeper County's Business of the Year. Most recently, the plant was recognized by Ford Motor Company for excellent quality and delivery performance.

"Our team is looking forward to the investment and the potential to expand our workforce," said Lane. "The expansion will have a significant impact on our employees. We are very optimistic about the future and excited to be a part of Continental's worldwide growth strategy."

The Culpeper County plant is part of Continental's Chassis and Safety Division in North America. The plant has been located in Culpeper, Virginia, for more than 37 years.

About Continental

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 200,000 people in 53 countries.

SOURCE Continental