Tyre mould maker EMT now a Continental operation

Continental has acquired EMT s.r.o., a mould manufacturing specialist based in Puchov, Slovakia. The tyre maker and automotive technology company obtained all shares in its long-standing supplier on 2 April 2024 after entering into an agreement with EMT’s shareholders, including majority shareholder Dynamic Design Europe. Beyond confirming the retention of all 107 EMT employees, Continental has not disclosed details of the agreement.

Specialising in the milling of steel moulds, EMT primarily manufactures moulds used in the production of commercial vehicle and specialty tyres. With its acquisition of EMT, Continental “completes its internal portfolio for mould making technologies” and is now in a position to independently produce tyre moulds for all applications if required.

Continental began the journey to mould making independence with the purchase of Czech mould specialist VFC in 1993 and German manufacturer A-Z Formen in 2015. Both companies specialise in producing moulds for passenger car tyres.

In-house expertise a ‘strategic advantage’

“With the acquisition of EMT, we can act completely independently in mould making if required. Having expertise for all mould applications in house is a strategic advantage, given the economic uncertainties worldwide,” says Dr Bernhard Trilken, head of production and logistics for Continental’s Tires group sector.

“We are excited about the technological reinforcement that the EMT team brings to the table. As a long-standing partner, the relationship with Continental is already close,” adds Julia Sadrina, who is responsible for production of tyre moulds and machinery worldwide for Continental’s Tires business.