Continental Tyres (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Bright Future Ahead for the Greenfield Factory at WHA ESIE 4, Equipped with WHAUP Solar Energy Systems

Continental Tyres’ Greenfield Rayong plant is one of the 22 production units worldwide under the ‘Rubber Technologies’ sector of Continental Group. Present in 17 countries, Continental’s Tire Business Area employed nearly 57,000 people and recorded sales of EUR 11.7 billion in 2019.

Located at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 4 (WHA ESIE 4), in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, the plant occupies a 470-rai plot (750,000 sqm). With a workforce of 700 people, the Greenfield factory manufactures tires for passenger cars and light trucks. Following the start of operations two years ago, it produces 1,85 million tires annually and expects to reach a capacity of 4.2 million tires by 2025. In July this year, the facility will start manufacturing motorcycle tires, with an additional 100 people.

As WHA ESIE 4’s first occupant, Continental Tyres selected its location according to specific and strict requirements in terms of plot size, easy access, modern infrastructure, reliable electricity and water supply, as well as the availability of skilled workforce. Another important prerequisite was its proximity to its customers in Thailand and to its key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. “Since Day 1, the WHA Industrial Development team has not just been a supplier for us, but a reliable partner that has constantly supported us in terms of regulations and general advice,” explains Mr. Vignesh Devasenapathy, Continental Tyres (Thailand) Plant Manager.

To develop the knowledge and expertise of its employees, Continental Tyres (Thailand) has set up a 2-year vocational program called “Work Integrated Learning Program” (WiL) with Rayong Technical College, for high vocational degrees, and Chulalongkorn University, for master’s degrees. In 2020, the company also organized CSR activities focusing primarily on safety in schools and on roads.

It also signed an agreement with WHA Utilities & Power (WHAUP) for the installation of four types of solar energy systems, representing a total capacity of 4.2 MW. Solar roof panels have been installed on two factory buildings and on the car park, plus a floating solar farm on a 7,000 sqm pond. These systems started operations in February 2021. “In our industry, energy efficiency is a key element. Solar energy will represent over 20% of our power consumption and will enable us to significantly reduce our production costs,” concluded Mr Vignesh, who looks forward to the promising outlook of the 3-year old production facility.

Continental’s Greenfield Tyre Plant in Rayong province is the company’s most environmentally-friendly facility worldwide. One of the largest tenants in WHA industrial estates in Thailand, Continental has brought to Thailand over 140 years of tire manufacturing know-how as well as the most advanced technologies.

Contact Information:

Mr. Vignesh Devasenapathy
Plant Manager
Continental Tyres (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Tel. +66 (0) 3310 3000

Remarks: The article was written for WHA Group Newsletter July 2021 Vol. 51