Area Development
Continental North America, which manufactures state-of-the-art automotive brake systems, will invest more than $40 million to expand its manufacturing plant in Morganton, North Carolina.

The expansion will add production floor space to meet the growing demand for Continental's next generation MK C1 integrated brake system. It will also extend the warehouse and supporting areas to accommodate increasing production and logistics. The facility currently produces Continental's MK 100 brake systems and has started production of the new MK C1.

"The Morganton Plant has a proven record for producing the current brake system and is a natural fit for expansion to meet the production needs of our newest product," said Samir Salman, CEO of Continental, North America. "Continental is working to make mobility safer, more efficient and convenient and the MK C1 makes a major contribution to safe and dynamic driving, as well as energy efficiency."

Continental, an International technology company that develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods, has been awarded a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) to support the expansion, which will create approximately 160 new jobs over the next five years, adding to the facility's more than 400 full time employees. The expansion is expected to be completed in early 2018.

"We're always encouraging our existing manufacturing partners to expand right here in North Carolina," said Governor Roy Cooper. "And we feel confident that Continental will be able to find the skilled workforce they need to enhance their footprint in the beautiful mountain gateway of Morganton. The addition of these good-paying jobs will mean more money in the pockets of Burke County residents."

Continental reports its MK C1 can build up braking pressure in 150 ms (time-to-lock), which is twice as fast as conventional systems today. In addition, the system meets the requirements for a recuperative braking system without any additional measures, while providing a high level of comfort. Continental supplies Alfa Romeo with its MK C1 for the new Giulia.