Continental has officially inaugurated the expansion of its tyre plant in Rayong, Thailand, marking an expansion of its manufacturing and regional operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The event was attended by partners, government representatives, and employees, and also included the launch of local production of radial two-wheeler tyres at the facility. The expansion involves an investment exceeding EUR 300 million (US$ 348 million) and adds an annual production capacity of 3 million passenger car and light truck tyres.

It also creates 600 new jobs, increasing the company's workforce in the region. The upgraded facility is intended to meet demand for tyres in Thailand and across the wider Asia-Pacific market.

A key element of the expansion is the start of radial two-wheeler tyre production in Rayong. This development expands Continental's two-wheeler tyre portfolio from diagonal to radial products and extends its global two-wheeler production network. The plant is also one of Continental's largest two-wheeler tyre manufacturing sites worldwide.

Continental CEO Christian Kotz stated that the Rayong facility forms part of the company's global production network and that the expansion increases its Asia-Pacific presence while supporting production of car and two-wheeler tyres. He also noted the relevance of Thailand and the wider APAC region for the company's operations.

Dalibor Kalina, Head of Continental's tyre business in the Asia-Pacific region, stated that the region is a growth area for the company's long-term strategy. He highlighted planned expansion in ultra-high-performance tyres, supported by an SUV-focused product portfolio. He also stated that the increased capacity supports regional supply capability and responsiveness to demand.

Two-wheeler tyre operations were also addressed by Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tyres at Continental, who stated that the Rayong expansion increases the company's two-wheeler production capacity alongside its facility in Korbach, Germany. He added that the development supports response to global demand and aligns with existing manufacturing processes.

According to plant management, the expansion incorporates automation and updated production systems. Vignesh Devasenapathy, Plant Manager of the Rayong facility, stated that the project increases operational efficiency and creates employment opportunities. The plant has also received two consecutive Safety and Environmental Governance awards from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand.

The facility includes renewable energy systems such as rooftop, carport, and floating solar installations with a combined capacity of approximately 6.7 megawatts. Around 13 per cent of the plant's electricity demand is met through renewable sources, while water management systems have reduced water consumption per production unit by more than 70 per cent.

Sahil Agrawal, Head of Manufacturing Operations in Rayong, stated that the plant's quality systems provide traceability of each tyre at every production stage. Automated monitoring systems, including profilometers, scales, and camera systems, are used to support quality control and reduce manual intervention. Automation in processes such as green tyre spray systems and tool management is also used to improve production consistency and workplace ergonomics.

Production at the Rayong facility began in 2019 with passenger car and light truck tyres, followed by two-wheeler tyre manufacturing in 2021. The facility produces products including the MaxContact MC7, along with other lines designed for electric vehicle applications. In 2025, Continental supplied original equipment tyres to seven of the top ten highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Rayong plant is International Automotive Task Force (IATF)-certified, ensuring compliance with global automotive original equipment standards and supporting quality and supply reliability. The two-wheeler tyre facility is vertically integrated, covering processes from rubber compound production to finished tyre delivery, and is designed for future expansion. It produces radial and bias-ply tyres for different riding segments, including sport touring and adventure categories.

Overall, the expansion of the Rayong plant reflects increased capacity, updated manufacturing systems, sustainability measures, and regional integration within Continental's Asia-Pacific operations.