Henderson County, NC – Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. an automotive components subsidiary of Continental AG, announced their expansion plans today at their Fletcher facility. Growth of the Conti facility will include a physical expansion of the existing footprint by 88,000 sf, and the creation of 40 new jobs, in addition to the current employment base of 626. The braking instruments and hydraulic systems manufacturer will invest over the next five years more than $35 million in new real and business personal property to achieve the expansion. The average wage associated with the new positions will exceed $40,000/year, compared to the Henderson County average wage of $32,500/year.
Nathan Kennedy, Chair of the HCPED Board of Directors, said, “Continental’s growth in our community is a reflection of the Partnership’s continued focus on our existing industry. The products that are made in Henderson County, and the people that make them, are cause for celebration.”
Before committing to expand in Henderson County, Continental completed an extensive evaluation process to consider other location options in North America. “Henderson County and the Town of Fletcher communicated their interest in encouraging our growth, as well as the retention of our existing workforce. We appreciate that the business climate here affords us the opportunity to focus on our goals as company,” shared Jeff Scott, Continental Plant Manager.
Over the next five years, as the expansion takes place, Continental will begin production of a new electronic parking brake system that has been adopted across multiple vehicle platforms. The system is integrated with the brake caliper and is operated with the touch of a button instead of a parking brake lever.
Chairman of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, Charlie Messer stated, “Continental has continually invested in our community, through employment of our friends and neighbors. Those jobs mean more dollars circulating in our local economy, funding many of the amenities that we define as quality of life, and contributing to one of the lowest unemployment rates in the State of North Carolina.” Mayor Bill Moore with the Town of Fletcher shared, “Continental is a partner with our community and local government. We greatly appreciate the positive impact we have seen from their local leadership and workforce, and we are excited that this successful relationship continues.”
Partners involved in the effort to support this project include Henderson County, the Town of Fletcher, the State of North Carolina, Blue Ridge Community College and Duke Energy. HCPED is a 501(c)6 organization that works to: retain and attract quality jobs; solicit new business compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County; promote Henderson County’s business image; assist expansion of existing companies; and enhance Henderson County’s overall quality of life. For more information on the Partnership, visit www.hcped.org. For more information about Continental, visit www.conti-online.com.