Continental Acquires Machine Tool Manufacturer VÚK

In order to strengthen Continental’s manufacturing presence in the Czech Republic, tire manufacturer, Continental has acquired Czech machine tool manufacturer VÚK. The company’s largest factory in the world, which has a workforce of 4,500 employees is also located in Otrokovice, Czech Republic. Continental will use the new unit to strengthen its expertise in the development and production of tire assembly machines.

Bernhard Trilken, head of manufacturing and logistics – tires, Continental said that with the acquisition of VÚK, Continental was strengthening its production capabilities in tire assembly machines as part of achieving its growth strategy Vision 2025. The two companies would work together on expanding Continental’s portfolio, and also gaining new expertise in machine construction. The deal would also strengthen Otrokovice as a technology site.

At the Otrokovice factory, Continental makes tire molds for the company’s molds and machinery business unit (CMM) in addition to car, truck and industrial tires. VÚK will be integrated into this unit, which is Continental’s internal developer and producer of tire assembly machines and tire molds.
Didier Fuchs, head of Continental molds and machinery said that he was looking forward to taking on 90 new colleagues. He said that the merger was an important component in consolidating the company’s competitiveness.

VÚK employees are highly skilled in machine assembly and mechanical components while employees of Continental’s CMM unit are expert in the area of mechanical, hardware and software engineering and management of large projects. The company also runs a worldwide service network for the tire plants.