Continental is expanding its production facilities in Lousado, Portugal, increasing capacity for the production of radial earthmoving and port tyres with a diameter larger than 24 in (610 mm).

In the course of the ramp-up, more than 100 new jobs will be created, the company said.

Christian Kötz, Member of the Executive Board at Continental and Head of the Tire division, said: “Both the port and earthmoving segments are among the key growth areas in the commercial specialty tyre market. The new production lines clearly reflect our commitment to these segments and the overall OTR (off-the-road) business.”

The new production hall will be created adjacent to the radial agricultural tyre production facility, opened in 2017.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art tyre building machinery and automated devices, it is designed to deliver cutting-edge radial tyres while following the highest of ergonomic standards,” Continental said. “Once at full speed, the production lines will deliver three earthmoving tyre lines and another three port tyre lines.”

Besides the new production facilities, the research and development centre in Lousado is being expanded and will be used for continuous performance and quality tests of all agricultural, port and earthmoving tyres, the company said.

Kötz concluded: “This investment strengthens our footprint in Lousado and transforms the top-efficiency plant into a competence centre for big radial tyres for off-road use.”