The closure of this Continental tyre plant in Kedah will see about 950 workers made redundant.
Continental has recently announced plans to cease tyre manufacturing operations at its Alor Setar plant by the end of 2025. This facility, which produces passenger car, light truck, and motorcycle tyres for the Asia Pacific market, currently employs around 950 workers.
Continental stated that the decision follows a comprehensive business review, aimed at safeguarding the company’s competitiveness and overall business performance in the APAC region. This move forms part of a larger strategy to adapt to changing customer demands, optimise product offerings, and streamline its manufacturing footprint across Asia-Pacific.
Despite the closure, Continental emphasised that Malaysia remains a vital market within its Asia-Pacific strategy. The German tyre giant reassured customers and partners that it will continue to strengthen its business relationships and uphold the trust it has built over the decades.
Continental has stated that its priority is to support the 950 employees affected by the Alor Setar plant closure. The company has pledged to provide career counselling and assist employees in exploring new employment opportunities both within and outside the organisation. Continental is working closely with local agencies and potential employers to ease this difficult transition.
The Alor Setar plant first opened its doors on December 20, 1979, and became a fully owned Continental subsidiary in May 2012. The company continues to have tyre manufacturing operations in Malaysia through its Petaling Jaya plant, located in Section 51.
Continental incidentally isn’t the first major tyre maker in recent memory to announce that it is shutting plants over here, with Goodyear previously closing its Shah Alam manufacturing facility late last year. About 550 jobs were lost in that particular plant closure.
