Continental is expanding its global manufacturing footprint for its Specialty Tires division in Sri Lanka. Through bolstering local pre-production capabilities, the Kalatura plant is poised to achieve self-sufficiency in producing material handling tires, optimizing manufacturing processes and reducing dependencies in the logistics supply chain. Over the next three years, Continental will invest approximately 13 million Euros, generating roughly 200 new job opportunities. This strategic move aims to enhance product availability for customers by streamlining the supply chain.
Klaus Framenau, Head of Business Field Material Handling, emphasizes the significance of the Kalutara plant within Continental’s global production network. He underscores the recent investment as evidence of the plant’s role in manufacturing tailor-made specialty tire products for clients worldwide. Furthermore, Continental’s Material Handling division seeks to expand its presence in growing markets as outlined in its Vision 2030 strategy.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Kalutara plant has been manufacturing industrial solid tires for various material handling vehicles, focusing on Press-on-Band and Super Elastic tires primarily for American, Asian, and selected European markets. With renowned specialty tire brands such as Continental, General Tire, and Barum, the company caters to diverse customer requirements globally.
Continental’s Specialty Tires division specializes in developing, producing, and marketing a wide array of tire applications, ranging from agricultural and earth-moving to port vehicle tires, along with offerings for bicycles, motorcycles, and racing. Additionally, the division provides tailor-made digital tire solutions to enhance customer efficiency and reduce operational costs sustainably. Continental remains committed to advancing innovative technologies and sustainable products and services throughout the tire value chain, from sustainable materials procurement to end-of-life tire recycling
