Technology company Continental has inaugurated its greenfield plant to manufacture surface solutions materials mainly for the Indian automotive and two-wheeler market. The new plant, set up with an investment of about INR 2 billion, Continental's sixteenth plant globally for surface solutions.
Located in Pune, the new plant will primarily produce Acella Eco and Acella Lux materials, which add aesthetic value to vehicle interiors. In addition, eco-friendly foam foil Yorn and Yorn Light will also be made in the near future. These are suitable for car interiors, including electric vehicles and two-wheeler seats, catering primarily to the domestic market and exports.
Dr Dirk Leiss, Head, Business Area Surface Solutions, Continental, said that premium vehicle interiors are increasingly becoming important for car users.
The 149,000 square feet manufacturing facility, with an initial annual capacity of five million square meters of surface material, can be scaled up to 10 million square meters, the release added.
Philip Nelles, Member of the Continental Executive Board and Head of Group Sector ContiTech, said, “Growing our business in the Asia-Pacific region is one of our main strategic pillars. Amongst others, India will play a major role to strive for our goal. That’s why we continue to invest into our Indian locations.”
Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO, Continental India, said, “We have now invested in Pune, a significant and long-established hub for the automotive industry, and we aim to be our customers’ first partner of choice for surface solutions. With this, we reaffirm our commitment to the local market, aligned to our’ in the market, for the market’ philosophy.”