Continental buys Czech tire machine tool maker

Hanover, Germany – Continental AG has taken over the its long-term supplier of components for tire-assembly machines, VÚK spol. s.r.o, based in Otrokovice, Czech Republic. Terms of the deal were not disclosed,

With the acquisition, Continental expects to strengthen its presence in Otrokovice, where the group’s largest tire plant is also located.

In a 9 July statement, the tire maker said the new unit would help drive forward its development and production of tire assembly machines.

The purchase, it added, will both expand Continental’s portfolio and give it new expertise in machine-construction.

In addition to car, truck and industrial tires, Conti manufactures tire moulds for the ‘Continental Molds and Machinery’ business unit (CMM) in Otrokovice.

VÚK will be integrated into CMM, which is Continental’s internal developer and producer of tire assembly machines and tire moulds.

“For us at CMM and for the Otrokovice site, this merger is an important component in consolidating our competitiveness,” stressed Didier Fuchs, head of the business unit.

The Otrokovice plant’s portfolio also includes tires with ContiSeal and ContiSilent technology as well as ultra-high-performance tires. In addition, the site also accommodates a drive-test facility as well as tire design workshops.