Continental Tires Creates More EV-Centered Job Opportunities In Rayong

Continental Tires’ application to expand its radial tyre production capacity at the WHA Eastern Seaboard 4 Industrial Estate is approved, according to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI).
Source: The Nation

More good news for Rayong land owners! Continental Tyres will be pumping another THB13 billion, the expansion will increase annual production from 4.8 million tyres to 7.8 million, creating over 600 new jobs. Continental Tires has been operating in Thailand for 15 years and has invested heavily in sustainable production practices.

The Rayong factory, which opened five years ago, is equipped with energy-efficient machinery, automated systems, and solar panels, contributing to a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process. This expansion aligns with Continental Tyres’ strategy to support the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.

The company said its high-performance tyres are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of electric vehicles, offering enhanced performance and durability. Narit said Continental had decided to increase its investment to support the growth of the EV industry in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. 

The Rayong factory would serve as an important production base for selling tyres to automakers and general users, including passenger cars, light trucks, motorcycles, premium tyres, and high-performance tyres for EVs, he said. EV tyres are 2-3 times more expensive than conventional tyres because they require a different gearbox and acceleration system than internal combustion vehicles.

Narit noted that the tyre industry is an important component of the automotive supply chain, so the move will strengthen the country’s position in the global supply chain. Thailand is currently the world’s second-largest tyre producer and exporter. Over the last five years (2020-2024), 41 applications for investment promotion in tyre production were submitted, totalling more than THB 112 billion. 

Many world-class tyre manufacturers have set up production bases in Thailand. They include: Michelin (France), Bridgestone (Japan), Goodyear (USA), Continental (Germany), Sumitomo Rubber (Japan), Yokohama Tire (Japan), Zhongche Rubber (China), Prince Chengshan Tire (China), Linglong (China), Century Tire (China), and Maxis (Taiwan).

Continental Group of Germany is the world’s fourth-largest tyre manufacturer. In 2023, the company’s tyre business generated more than €14 billion (THB500 billion). The company operates 20 tyre factories in 16 countries around the world, and has been in business in Thailand for nearly two decades.

It would be a massive gamble for the tyre heavyweight given automotive market in Thailand is soft. Granted EV tyres are more costly, it can spell more revenue for machine tool providers; from Wire Drawing Machines, CNC Lathes and Machining Centers to Steel Belt Cutting Machines, the result will still heavily depend on the consumer interest on migration, also for costs reasons.

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