Automotive supplier Continental's Sensors & Actuators (S&A) Business Unit has opened a new competence center in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
The new facility will be responsible for worldwide research and development of sensors and actuators, which help in reducing emissions and fuel consumption of combustion engines in cars.
The move follows growth of this business segment and is expected to strengthen Continental's position in the Czech Republic.
Continental S&A Business Unit head Klaus Hau, "The expansion of production in Frenstat, especially in the area of sensors and actuators, made it necessary to relocate our development department."
Located in a modern laboratory and office complex with 5,000m2 area, the new competence center will be used to replace the previous Frenstat facility.
The shift from Frenstat is scheduled to take place in two stages, wherein a majority of the workforce will be moved to Ostrava in April 2014 and the remaining employees moving gradually by July.
Following the relocation process, the company plans to increase the workforce to 200 employees.
S&A Ostrava activities head Mojmir Sustala said the modern office space and the new laboratory wing provide the company with very good working conditions.
"And what is important with a view to the future is that this site gives us the flexibility we need for further expansion," Sustala added.
Image: New S&A competence center in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Photo: Courtesy of Continental AG.
