Germany-based technology company Continental invests 10 million euro (Rs 82 crores) in a 3D blow molding plant in Changshu, China. The plant is set to start its series production in the third quarter of 2018. The plant will be used to manufacture high-performance turbochargers for automotive OEMs.

The new plant will rely on Continental’s global hose and duct expertise and will adopt internationally advanced 3D blow molding technology to provide Chinese automakers with high-performance turbocharger ducts. Thomas Reichenbach, manager of the 3D Blow Molding Project said, “The investment into the new plant underlines our focus on and commitment to the Chinese domestic market, especially the automotive market.”

The 3D blow molding plant in Changshu is Continental’s fourth production site featuring the 3D blow molding technology across the world, following Waltershausen in Germany, Somersworth in the United States and San Luis Potosi in Mexico.

Inaugural ceremony of Continental's new 3D blow molding plant in Changshu, China

High-quality automotive plastic products can effectively increase performance and reduce the overall vehicle weight, thereby optimising the body structure and improving fuel efficiency. With the adoption of the blow molding technology, recovery and recycling can be realised, thus reducing pollution emissions during production, meeting the requirements for sustainable liquidity in the industrial production process.  Continental claims that through 3D blow molding technology, auto parts manufacturers will eliminate the cumbersome production and assembly of intermediate parts in the production process, greatly shortening the supply chain, improving the production efficiency of the automotive industry.