Baartman named mgr. of Conti's S.C. tyre plant

ERJ staff report (TB)

Sumter, South Carolina -- Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. (CTA) has named Craig Baartman, director of manufacturing at CTA, plant manager of the $500 million passenger/light truck tyre factory under construction in Sumter.

In his new role, Baartman will be responsible for leadership of the plant, which is scheduled to open in late 2013, according to CTA CEO Jochen Etzel.

“We are excited to welcome Craig to his new role,” Etzel said. “His business acumen and extensive project management experience here in Sumter are strong assets, and we are confident in his leadership for this exciting project for CTA.”

A native of South Africa, Baartman has been with Continental for 12 years and has more than 18 years of experience in the global automotive, manufacturing and supplier industries.

Besides director of manufacturing, Baartman has worked as an industrial engineer, area manager and production manager at the company's plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Prior to joining Continental, Baartman held engineering and leadership positions with automotive suppliers in South Africa and the United Kingdom.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Conti