Continental Tire the Americas opened its all-new manufacturing plant on 500 acres in Sumter, South Carolina. During first phase of production, capacity will reach approximately five million units per year in 2017. A second phase is expected to bring the plant's full production capacity to approximately eight million units per year by 2021. Altogether, CTA will invest more than $500 million into the Sumter plant and create about 1,600 new jobs.

Tires produced at the Sumter plant will help meet the increasing demand for Continental and General brand tires from both aftermarket business and automotive manufacturers, the company said.

"Today's celebration is recognition of the successful collaboration between business and government," said Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas. "I would like to personally thank Governor Haley, the state of South Carolina, South Carolina Ports Authority, Sumter County and the city of Sumter. Their strong support made this project a reality."

Nikolai Setzer, member of Continental's Executive Board and head of Continental's global tire business, said, "The opening of this plant is a very important milestone for our goal of growing our tire business in the United States. This beautiful new facility contains the highest level of machinery and technology to produce the best car and light truck tires possible. And, most importantly, we began to produce tires three months ahead of schedule. The Sumter plant is an important part of Continental's growth strategy worldwide. This $500 million investment is our very clear commitment to providing our customers with the tires they need to grow their business," Setzer added.

"Today we are celebrating the opening of Continental Tire's Sumter facility – a $500 million investment that is creating 1,600 jobs. Continental's success in South Carolina isn't an accident, it's what happens when you combine a great product with a strong business environment and skilled workforce," said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. "This is another example proving that Team South Carolina can deliver products of the highest standards and meet the demands of companies around the world."

To date, approximately 390 employees have been hired in Sumter. It is expected that the plant will have a total employment level of 570 at the end of 2014. Total employment is expected to reach 1,600. Continental has partnered with readySC's local Technical Colleges to assist with staffing and training interested candidates.