Continental Sumter, S.C. Tire Facility Selected as Semi-Finalist for National Award

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has been chosen as a semi-finalist in the job creation category by the National Development Council (NDC) for its Academy 2015 Awards. The awards recognize the top economic and community development projects in the nation and are part of the NDC Academy 2015 biennial conference.

In 2011, Continental announced it would create 1,600 new jobs in Sumter, South Carolina and invest more than $500 million by 2021 to complete the greenfield-site plant. Continental’s all-new 1-million-square-foot facility began production in October 2013 and today employs more than 625 residents of Sumter and the surrounding communities.

According to the state of South Carolina, the per capita income in Sumter has increased by more than 11 percent since Continental announced its investment in the community and the area’s unemployment numbers have been cut in half.

“Sumter, South Carolina’s unemployment rate has gone down and the county’s unemployment rate has gone down because of Continental’s decision to locate in the county and bringing in suppliers,” said South Carolina’s United States Senator Lindsey Graham.

Recently, a Continental supplier, King Machine, established a $3 million location in Sumter County and created more than 20 jobs. Additionally, Continental has invested more than $100 million in small business in South Carolina to date.

The Continental Tire Sumter Project was selected by NDC as a semi-finalist in the Jobs Creation category. One project in each category will be awarded the top honor at the NDC Academy 2015 Awards on May 14.

For photos and to learn more about the Continental Tire Sumter Project, visit: http://ndcacademy.org

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international tire manufacturer, automotive supplier and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 200,000 people in 53 countries.

The Tire Division currently has 24 production and development locations worldwide. The broad product range and continuous investments in R&D make a major contribution to cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility. As one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers with more than 47,000 employees, the Tire Division achieved sales of €9.8 billion in 2014.