Continental to Manufacture "Softy" Tyres in Sri Lanka

In early August Continental’s tyre operations in Germany, Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH, entered into a strategic alliance with another German manufacturer of super elastic tyres, Gumasol-Werke Dr. Mayer GmbH. As part of the deal, in future Gumasol’s "Softy" range of products will be manufactured in Continental’s factory in Sri Lanka, where Conti already produces super elastic tyres for the Asian and American markets.

“In this way Gumasol wants to guarantee Softy’s high premium quality through the know-how available there,” stated press statements issued by both companies. Shortly before the official statement on the alliance was released, local media in Germany reported on plans to close Gumasol’s manufacturing facility in Germersheim, southwest Germany. Approximately seventy jobs will be lost when this facility closes.