Conti breaks ground with new HQ ‘campus’

Hanover, Germany – Continental has marked the start of construction of its new headquarters facility in Hanover, the German group announced 31 July.

The first development phase for the building complex is to be completed by the end of 2020 and to provide space for 1,250 employees. A later expansion to 1,600 workplaces is an option.

Relocation of the employees should be completed in 2021, in time for the company’s 150th anniversary, the press statement about the ground-breaking ceremony noted.

However, the group’s ContiTech business will not be relocated to the new Continental campus, a spokeswoman confirmed to ERJ. The new building, she emphasised, will house corporate functions only.

The company also confirmed to ERJ sister publication, Tire Business, that it is currently "checking several options" for the tire business unit.

Continental‘s current corporate headquarters has become too small for the nearly 900 employees, said CEO Dr. Elmar Degenhart, explaining the project ambitions during the event.

“We are building a creative Continental campus,” said Degenhart. “It will connect people and promote personal dialog between them. They will find areas where they can retreat to concentrate in peace and quiet.

“At the same time, we are setting up open areas that encourage creative sharing of ideas and knowledge.”

With the investment size of "low-triple-digit Euros", the new Continental campus will consist of a total of eight buildings, which will be connected to each other by four bridges. The longest of these, with a span of 71 metres.

In combination with the buildings, it will form the landmark at the eastern entrance to the state capital city of Hanover near the Pferdeturm.

“The new headquarters of our long-standing company is a clearly visible commitment to its roots in Hanover, said Continental's CEO, noting support for the project received from local authorities.

The design by Berlin-based architects Henn is intended to facilitate collaboration and networking throughout Continental. Other features include facilities to improve work-life balance and direct road and rail connections for commuting and transportation.