Continental’s Surface Solutions business area, part of the ContiTech group, has officially inaugurated the Phase III expansion at Benecke Changshun Eco Trim (Changzhou) Co., Ltd. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Continental’s ongoing investment in sustainable and intelligent production, further reinforcing its localization strategy, “In the market, for the market.” The new facility aims to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly automotive interior materials in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
The Phase III expansion adds approximately 12,000 square meters of plant buildings, 3,250 square meters of raw material warehouses, and 1,500 square meters of supporting facilities. The project includes utilizing existing land and an additional 9.2 mu (about 6,000 square meters), as well as the renovation of 1,000 square meters of the existing plant. This development boosts the plant’s annual production capacity by 13 million square meters of high-performance composite surface materials, bringing the total capacity to 35 million square meters annually.
Commitment to Sustainability and Smart Manufacturing
Continental has committed to achieving carbon-neutral production by 2040 and aims for carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2050. In alignment with these goals, the Changzhou plant is targeting full carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030. The site is equipped with advanced energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies, such as rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, energy management systems (WiriTec), wastewater recycling systems, expanded bio-waste gas treatment, and NIR heating technologies. These efforts are expected to reduce natural gas consumption by 1.7 million cubic meters annually, cut CO2 emissions by 4,247 tons, reduce hazardous waste by 30 percent, and lower overall energy consumption by 3 percent.
In recognition of these green initiatives, the Phase III facility has been awarded LEED Gold certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices.
Boosting Production with Smart Technology
The expansion has also focused on enhancing production efficiency and quality through smart manufacturing technologies. The facility now features automated equipment for defect detection, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and sample delivery robots, which streamline the production process and ensure high product standards.
Deepening Localization Strategy for China’s Market
The completion of the Phase III expansion reinforces Continental’s localization strategy, enabling the company to respond swiftly to the evolving needs of local customers. “The phase III expansion at our Changzhou plant marks another significant milestone in Continental’s journey in China. It signifies not only an expansion in our capacity and scale but also deepens our localization strategy of ‘In the market, for the market’,” said Enno Tang, president and CEO of Continental China. He emphasized the company’s focus on enhancing Industrial 4.0 capabilities, lean manufacturing processes, and green production practices to deliver high-quality products tailored to the Chinese market.
Acella: Pioneering Sustainable Automotive Interiors
Continental’s Acella brand, known for its eco-friendly surface materials, continues to lead in sustainable automotive interiors. The brand’s staynu technology offers superior environmental benefits, such as stain resistance, easy cleaning, and low emissions. The use of recycled PET plastic bottles in car door and control panel applications further exemplifies Acella’s commitment to sustainability.
Since the Changzhou plant’s establishment in 2014, it has produced over 150 million square meters of Acella surface materials, reflecting the strong demand in the automotive interior market. The new expansion is set to support this growth, aligning with China’s rapid adoption of new energy vehicles and smart mobility solutions.
The Phase III expansion of the Changzhou plant represents Continental’s dedication to sustainable manufacturing and innovation in the Chinese market, as it continues to drive forward the vision of “Creating value for a better tomorrow.”
