Continental Invests In Production Systems For Agricultural Industry

Technology company Continental is expanding its capacity for the agriculture sector at its Hanover site, investing more than 2.5 million euros in new systems for drive components for agricultural applications. It has therefore installed a new production line and a new test rig at its Hanover-Vahrenwald plant. This is enabling the company to raise its production output, extend the range of applications for the belts and increase its competitiveness. 

“There is no future without agriculture. Our investment is, therefore, a clear signal of our future intent and an important step on our growth journey,” says Claudia Holtkemper, who heads up the business unit for power transmission belts and components at Continental. “The constant growth in the world population means that the demand for harvest products is increasing globally and, with it, the demand for innovative components and systems for high-tech equipment and agricultural machines. We offer our customers innovative products and services plus individually tailored solutions for enhanced efficiency in the field.”

New application fields for high-performance belts The new line has already been commissioned. Among the belts, Continental is manufacturing on it are variable-speed belts – including a new, smart type with an integrated sensor that enables predictive, proactive maintenance. These belts are used as high-performance belts in agricultural machines such as combine harvesters to provide reliable power transmission – even under extreme conditions such as dirt, dust, humidity, heat, and cold. The installation of the new line means that belts can be manufactured in widths of up to 40 inches – 10 inches more than the previous maximum. Thanks to this new specification, the power transmission belts now represent an alternative to chain drives in even more agricultural applications.