Continental invests in technology for 3D blow molded hoses used in high performance turbochargers
- Investment of approximately 10 million Euros in Changshu, China
- New plant will start series production in the third quarter of 2018
Changshu, August 2018. Technology company Continental invested approximately 10 million Euros (about 70 million RMB) in a new 3D blow molding plant in Changshu, China. The plant has officially opened now. In the future, 3D blow molded hoses used in high performance turbochargers for automotive OEMs will be produced 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,” Thomas Reichenbach emphasized, manager of the 3D Blow Molding Project. 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.
Ribbon cutting ceremony of the new plant.
Continental’s 3D blow molding plant mainly produces 3D blow molded hoses used in high performance turbochargers for automotive OEMs.
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 United States 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 realized, 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.
Sébastien Bonset
External Communications Manager
ContiTech