Changshu, August 30, 2018

 

Continental has opened a new 3D blow molding plant in Changshu (China), built with an investment of approximately Euro 10 million (about RMB 70 million). In the future, 3D blow molded hoses used in high performance turbochargers for automotive OEMs will be produced from there. Thus, Continental meets growing technology demand within China’s manufacturing sectors. “The investment into the new plant underlines our focus on and commitment to the Chinese domestic market, especially the automotive market,” emphasized Thomas Reichenbach, Manager of the 3D Blow Molding Project, Continental. 

 

The new plant will rely on Continental’s global hose and duct expertise and adopt internationally advanced 3D blow molding technology to provide Chinese automakers with high performance turbocharger ducts. The 3D blow molding plant in Changshu is Continental’s fourth production site featuring the 3D blow molding technology across the world, following Waltershausen in Germany, Somersworth in the US and San Luis Potosi in Mexico. Its production workshop is equipped with multiple state of the art production lines for highly automated and intelligent production. The new plant will start series production in the third quarter of 2018.

 

High-quality automotive plastic products can effectively increase performance and reduce the overall vehicle weight, thereby optimizing the body structure and improving fuel efficiency. With the adoption of the blow molding technology, recovery and recycling can be realised, thus reducing pollution emissions during production, meeting the requirements for sustainable liquidity in the industrial production process. What is offering additional value to the customers is that, by relying on the 3D blow molding technology, auto parts manufacturers will eliminate the cumbersome production and assembly of intermediate parts in the production process, greatly shortening the supply chain, improving the production efficiency of the automotive industry.

 

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2017, Continental generated sales of Euro 44 billion and currently employs more than 243,000 people in 60 countries.