United States. Continental officially opened a new sustainably designed facility in Fort Mill, South Carolina, with local and state officials, key construction project representatives, and CSR partners.
The 90,000-square-foot building, which sits on 33 acres in North Lancaster County, accommodates up to 350 employees and is designed and built for future expansion potential.
"Another great moment for Continental and for the State of South Carolina," said Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas.
"Who would have imagined when we moved to Palmetto State in 2009, that we would have invested over $800 million in our facilities across the state? The U.S. is a strategic growth market for Continental and particularly for our tire business," he said.
"This new structure is much more than your typical office building," Etzel continued. "In the past, the office was a place to come; Our goal for this building was to create a work destination that you would want to come to," he said.
From the site design to the building designed to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, to the incorporation of efficient and energy-saving materials, the project was carefully planned to be an example of Continental's sustainability ambitions, according to the company.
The open office design incorporates natural materials installed by local artisans that create a unique and collaborative environment. The building uses LED lighting to save costs and contains carpet tiles with recycled content and low-VOC paint.
Outside, the heat-optimised parking area includes 10 EV charging stations that can be used for EVs or motorcycles. On the roof and in the parking area there are a total of 840 solar panels. These panels contribute up to 25 percent of the building's total energy consumption. Rainwater harvesting will be used for watering the plantings and lawn area. The project was designed by Gresham Smith and built by Edifice.
"I want to personally acknowledge the countless hours of all trades that made this vision a reality. On behalf of the executive team and the entire Continental family, I want to thank the project team, the construction partners, the county and the state of South Carolina again."
