Shanghai (May 7, 2012) — Continental A.G. expects to expand the size of its staff in China this year by 25 percent to more than 20,000 to keep pace with growth by its various subsidiary companies there.

Continental has 18 manufacturing locations and 10 research and development centers in China—including a tire plant in Hefei—and is planning this year to add a vehicle interiors plant in Jinan, a ContiTech R&D center in Changshu, a second automotive electronics plant in Changchun and a bicycle/2-wheeler tire factory in Hefei.

These projects, for which no investment sums were disclosed, will “further empower the company to realize localization of its entire value chain and meet the demands of the local market,” Conti said.

Elke Strathmann, director of labor relations and Conti’s board member for human resources, said, “With a strong focus on China, we are not only developing our talent to support our business growth here, but also providing excellent career opportunities for our Chinese people worldwide.”

To achieve its goals, Conti is extending its comprehensive recruiting programs in China, including campus recruitment, Continental University Competition, Continental Day in major cities and sponsorship of Formula Student China.

Press release on Global Tire News