A big new facility is rolling into Fort Worth—and putting a spin on the local economy. Today, Germany-based Continental, the No. 4 tire brand on earth by revenue, announced that it’s building its first fully owned tire distribution center in the U.S. right here in North Texas.
From its Americas HQ in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Continental said construction will begin this month on the new facility, which is aimed at improving both service levels and customer support. The facility will initially wheel in at 753,000 square feet, but it has the potential to expand to 1.26 million square feet, the company said.
Continental is investing $69 million to build the facility, the Dallas Morning News reported earlier this month, citing a state filing. Operations are slated to begin in 2026, with a planned capacity to store more than 800,000 tires. ‘A key distribution hub’
Continental said the location—on Old Burleson Road in Fort Worth—was selected after a comprehensive network study by the company identified Dallas-Fort-Worth as “a key distribution hub” for the premium tire manufacturer. Continental currently serves the U.S. market through seven distribution centers.
“This facility marks our first owned tire distribution center in the U.S., reflecting our commitment to enhancing service levels and better attending to our customers,” Bill Caldwell, SVP of Continental Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires in the U.S., said in a statement. “Designed for future expansion, the new distribution center will include advanced automation technology and sustainability features, such as solar panels. We see the facility as a blueprint initiative for future building designs in respect of automation and renewable energy supply.”
Continental said the Fort Worth facility will feature modern technologies and align with the companies’ long-term sustainability goals.
Tire division employs more than 56,000 worldwide
The company’s tires group sector features a premium portfolio encompassing car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. In fiscal 2023, the Tires group sector generated sales of €14 billion, employing more than 56,000 people worldwide across 20 production and 16 development sites.
Founded in 1871, Continental said it offers “safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions” for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, the company generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.