FLETCHER, N.C. – Continental recently celebrated the 88,000-square-foot expansion of its Henderson County manufacturing facility located in Fletcher, N.C. The $35 million investment added production and warehouse space, new manufacturing infrastructure as well as new equipment for machining and assembly, and will create approximately 40 new jobs in the state.
Continental held a special ceremony to celebrate the opening of its newly constructed expansion area. The event was attended by government officials – including North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, U.S. Congressman Mark Meadows, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Sharon Decker, State Sen. Tom Apodaca, State Rep. Chuck McGrady and representatives from the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and the Town of Fletcher Council – as well as local dignitaries and employees.
Continental said the driving force behind this investment is the increasing demand in Electric Parking Brake (EPB) production.
"Thanks to the growing demand for brake calipers and the overall economic turnaround in North America, we have nearly tripled our regional production at the Henderson facility over the past three years," said Samir Salman, CEO for Continental North America. "This investment demonstrates Continental’s commitment to deliver quality products to our customers and to the future growth of the automotive industry."
The story of growth and investment in Continental’s Henderson plant is part of a larger, worldwide trend of increasing demand for EPB production, the company states. Electric parking brakes are gaining significant ground against traditional braking systems and will be fitted to an increasing range of vehicle models and classes within the next few years, according to Continental.
"As a result of the rapid growth in business, we have experienced a parallel increase in employment opportunities," said Jeff Scott, plant manager of the Henderson facility. "We have hired more than 200 new employees in the past three years."
"It is an exciting time to be a part of this growing industry and we feel that this investment will further strengthen our presence in the state of North Carolina. We are extremely thankful to all of those who have helped contribute to our success."
The Henderson plant is part of Continental’s Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit in North America and has become a strong contributor in the company’s strategy to further develop foundation brake and EPB product segments in the region. The plant has been located in Fletcher for more than 16 years and currently employs more than 600.
