Continental expands India footprint

Continental has inaugurated a plant at Pune to make surface solutions materials mainly for the Indian automotive and two-wheeler market.

With investments totalling about Rs 200 crore for facilities and machinery, the German components manufacturer will produce premium surface materials for car interiors, including electric vehicles, as well as two-wheeler seats, catering primarily to the domestic market and exports.

The 149,000 square feet manufacturing facility, with an initial annual capacity of 5  million square meters of surface material can be scaled up to 10 million square meters. It will primarily manufacture Acella Eco and Acella Lux material, that add aesthetic value to vehicle interiors. Eco-friendly foam foil Yorn and Yorn Light will also be produced in the near future.

The new plant has a variety of green credentials including the latest energy efficiency standards, sustainable production processes, an ergonomic work environment, 100 percent sewage and wastewater treatment as well, exhaust air treatment of all processes, and use of energy from renewable source, the company said.

“Growing our business in the Asia-Pacific region is one of our main strategic pillars. Amongst others, India will play a major role and so we continue to invest into our Indian locations,” Philip Nelles, Member of the Continental Executive Board and Head of Group Sector ContiTech.

Continental offers a wide range of premium quality surface solutions to offer customers a variety of options of interior combinations to attract car buyers. Compared to natural leather, the company’s surface material products are durable, innovative, easy to maintain, and affordable, the company said. Dr. Dirk Leiss, heading the business area Surface Solutions said, “Our surface material provides both, luxury and comfort, improving the overall driving experience.”

The plant in Pune is Continental’s 16^th surface solutions plant globally, producing well-known surface materials like Acella Eco used by worldwide OEMs and automotive brands.

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