Continental to Invest US$209 Million in Guanajuato

Continental will invest US$209.48 million to expand its assembly plant in Guanajuato and build a new manufacturing unit, announced Diego Sinhue Rodríguez, Governor of Guanajuato. The German mobility company expects to finish both projects by 1Q23, which will create over 1,550 jobs in the next three years.

"This announcement tells us about the level of success that a company like Continental has achieved in Guanajuato thanks to its constant research and technological development. A level that is only possible with professional and highly trained personnel," said Sinhue. Continental’s plant in Silao, Las Colinas, focuses on car brake components. Continental has 23 plants throughout the country.

Guanajuato plays a critical role in Mexico’s automotive industry, attracting many manufacturing companies. "With this announcement, Guanajuato is also consolidated as the best investment pole in Mexico. It confirms our state as an industrial powerhouse, moving steadily forward in its transition from manufacturing to mindfacturing,” said Sinhue.

Continental recently made a US$40 million investment for the construction of a new production plant in San Luis Potosi, which aims to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand for wire stranding and spiral wire in the region. The plant in San Luis Potosi opened its doors in 2017 and currently hosts over 950 employees, as reported by MBN. 

The company keeps searching for ways to increase its operations in North America. “Being able to grow in North America is our goal. We have many successful installations in the region that will be complemented by this investment through additional production capacity,” said Andreas Gerstenberger, Head, Continental’s Industrial Fluid Solutions Global Business Area. 

Mexico’s automotive sector is increasingly investing in R&D capabilities, which often require the collaboration of the private sector, academia and the public sector. Experts agree that this “triple-helix” model is critical for Mexico. “These sectors work together on a common project that results in the creation of jobs, talent development and sustainable development for the region in which the initiative takes place. Several additional helixes can be added to the model,” Alejandro Arredondo, Managing Director, Bajio Aerospace Cluster, wrote for MBN.