MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (Aug. 11, 2006) — Continental Tire North America Inc. plans to invest $70 million to $100 million over the next three years as part of its previously announced capital projects in Mount Vernon.
“Seven months ago I made a promise to all of you that if Mount Vernon employees and the Mount Vernon community would invest in (Conti's) future, the company would invest in theirs,” said Alan Hippe, Conti's president and CEO. “Today I am happy to stand here—as I did in February when we broke ground for the tandem mixer—and tell you that (Conti) has delivered on that promise, and that we plan to continue making investments in the Mount Vernon plant.”
The planned improvements include the mixer as well as a new warehouse and other projects to upgrade and expand equipment in the factory. The warehouse will house up to 150,000 tires.
Mr. Hippe also said Conti has a three-year plan to increase product offerings and improve product mix in the light truck and high-performance tire segments. Conti will produce more than 500 new or expanded tire products, including an extension of the CrossContact LX tire, which will be built in Mount Vernon.