Continental A.G. plans to increase its work force by approximately 7,000 in 2014, assuming the market develops accordingly, which would grow its total figure to approximately 185,000.

The additional jobs would be added in markets the firm has identified for growth.

The firm said it also hopes to add an additional 9,000 to the projected 185,000 with the planned acquisition of Veyance Technologies Inc. Continental said the 200,000 employee mark is looming on the horizon.

Continental currently employs approximately 178,000 in 49 countries.

"The larger work force reflects our business success," said Elke Strathmann, Continental executive board member responsible for human resources. The executive said the firm plans to increase sales by 5 percent to approximately $48.7 billion.

Continental said in 2013 it created approximately 1,800 jobs in China, 1,500 in North America, 1,500 in Romania and 1,400 in Germany. It reported sales of $45.9 billion last year.

"In the last few years, we have broadened our base both product wise and geographically," Strathmann said. "This has made talent management and cultural development all the more important."

Continental is a world automotive supplier that produces brake systems, systems and components for power trains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers.

Source: rubbernews.com