Continental Starts Construction of Training Center in Mississippi

Continental AG is saving money to make acquisitions in the Asian market.

Continental Ag is preparing to start construction on its Employee Training Center in Clinton, Mississippi.

The center, which will be used for employee training, job interviews and other personnel tasks, is expected to be completed in the fall, the Clarion-Ledger reports. The construction is starting about two years after the German auto parts and tiremaker signed a deal to build a $1.45 billion tire plant in the area.

“Tire business is people business,” Michael Egner, project manager for Continental’s Greenfield Project in Clinton, said in a news release to the Clarion-Ledger. “The training and qualifications of our workforce will have a significant impact on the success of the ramp-up.”

The center will have classrooms, computer labs and hands-on technical training areas that promote energy efficiency and sustainability, such as solar panels and advanced utility metering.

The company plans to hire 250-500 people in its first phase from October through 2019, the Clarion-Ledger reported. With expansion planned through 2028, that total is expected to rise to 2,500 jobs.

Continental is partnering with Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi for recruitment and training with the opportunity to be sent to the company’s plants around the U.S.

Starting in October, the company will be hiring maintenance technicians, material handlers, information technology workers and general management.

The training center will be the first completed structure on the site, while the commercial vehicle tire plant will start construction this year and be in production by the end of 2019.

Discount Tire & Service Centers has a new sponsorship deal with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2024 season. Discount Tire said this partnership will not only benefit its customers with season-long promotions and giveaways but will also support local non-profits.

"We're thrilled to launch this strategic partnership with the Los Angeles Angels," said Sergio Andonian, president, Discount Tire & Service Centers. "As neighbors, from Anaheim, we are dedicated to serving our local communities and providing quality tire & automotive service at the most competitive prices. Together, we look forward to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities. Add baseball to the mix, and with this winning combination, the possibilities are endless."