BARNESVILLE, Ga. (Oct. 14, 2013) — Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C.'s (CTA) tire cord fabric plant in Barnesville is marking its 125-year anniversary.
The Aldora Mills factory opened in 1888 as a cotton mill and began producing tire cord between 1920 and 1921. Over the years it has experienced many expansions, changes and updates that have added to the plant's overall modernization and efficiency, the company said.
In 1930, the plant was sold to General Tire & Rubber Co., which was purchased by Continental A.G. in 1986.
Today the 888,000-sq.-ft. facility produces about 36 million pounds of tire cord fabric annually for use in the production of Continental- and General-brand passenger and light truck tires.
"Aldora's long history is only possible because of the dedication of its employees and their continued efforts to stay competitive and advance our production techniques," said Terry Graham, Aldora Mills plant manager. "We look forward to the future to continue as a world-class manufacturer and contributing to the success of Continental."
To celebrate the plant's anniversary, Aldora Mills employees, their families and Jochen Etzel, CTA's chief executive, attended a picnic at the Rock Ranch on Oct. 12.
"The employees at the Aldora facility are valued members of our Continental family and the material produced at this facility is an essential component of our tires," Mr. Etzel said.
"Aldora is one of the most modern tire cord production plants in the world. Its successful 125 years is attributed to the employees and family members celebrating with us today as well as past employees dating back all the way to 1888."
Conti said Aldora Mills and its employees have supported the local community through the years with sponsorships and volunteer activities in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Lamar Program.
The Aldora Mills factory is the largest employer in the Barnesville area with more than 200 employees.