CTNA on the Move in 2009

Continental Tire North America is moving its corporate headquarters – but not very far. In 2009 the company will relocate about 40 miles south, from Charlotte, North Carolina, to northern Lancaster County, South Carolina, into a US$11 million 7,000 square metre office facility currently under construction. The site will house more than 300 employees.

This announcement was made on February 20, and is a decision that was facilitated by incentives from the state of South Carolina and Lancaster County Council. Continental spokesman Rick Holcomb also referred to South Carolina’s “very proactive business climate” as a reason for the company’s decision.

“Any time you land a headquarters of an international company, it’s a good thing,” said Keith Tunnell, president of the Lancaster County Economic Development Corporation. Tunnell looks forward to the benefits Continental’s presence will bring to the local area. “Over time, you hope the individuals in these jobs will decide to live here and invest in our community and our schools. It’s an overall win-win for the community.”

Continental’s warehouse and rubber mixing facility in Charlotte is still under lease and will remain in operation, the company said. Continental ceased tyre manufacturing operations at that site in July 2006 and laid off nearly 500 workers after a prolonged battle with the USW.

Officials at Continental are lauding the move as a positive sign for the company. “This is an exciting move for CTNA and one that’s good for employees, our business and the region,” CTNA CEO Matthias Schoenberg said in a statement. “We are grateful to Governor Sanford and so many others in the state of South Carolina for the opportunity to relocate there, and we look forward to calling Lancaster County home.”