Continental has opened an Employee Training Center next to its manufacturing facility in Clinton, Mississippi. A ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by Mississippi governor Phil Bryant as well as federal, state and local governmental officials. Investment at the site since it opened has totalled US$1.45bn.
“This a great day for Continental Tire and the state of Mississippi,” governor Bryant said at the ceremony. “This training center is state-of-the-art and will facilitate jobs for Mississippians for years to come. Workforce training is vital to a healthy economy and something that has been a priority of mine since taking office. We are thrilled to have Continental Tire as a business partner in Mississippi.”
Michael Egner, project manager, commented, “This is where our growth begins. The Training Center will support the recruitment and professional development that will drive the success of our employees in Clinton. I want to thank all of you who gathered with us today in support of this important project.”
The facility is equipped with classrooms, computer labs and technical equipment, which will be used for job interviews, new employee orientation and training. Continental’s partnership with Hinds Community College will drive employment and professional development at the facility.
“Continental’s commercial vehicle tire business throughout the Americas region has been growing significantly over the past several years as we have continued to introduce leading products, technology, services and solutions designed specifically for our trucking and transportation fleet customers,” said Paul Williams, executive vice president, truck tires at Continental, the Americas region. “This training center is the first step in a long journey of ensuring top-quality jobs for our employees in Clinton, and with that also setting the foundation to manufacture premium quality products for our customers.”
The Training Center forms a central part of Continental’s long-term growth strategy in Mississippi and will support recruitment and retention for the company’s commercial vehicle tire plant.
In addition, the facility will be used by the company’s sales team and for special events for Continental’s customers. By the time the factory begins production in 2020, around 400 employees will have been hired there. By 2028 approximately 2,500 jobs will have been created.
