Continental’s Americas Headquarters in Fort Mill Unveils Expansive New Facility
Continental Tire the Americas recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art facility at their headquarters in Fort Mill. This sustainably designed, 90,000 square-foot building is capable of accommodating 350 employees and is designed with future expansion in mind. Sitting on 33 acres in northern Lancaster County, South Carolina, the building embodies the company’s commitment to growth and development.
Investing in Local Growth and Expansion
Reflecting on this significant milestone for the company, Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas, said, “Who would have imagined when we moved to the 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, particularly our Tire business.”
This new facility builds on Continental’s existing footprint in Fort Mill, just steps away from their main headquarters. Employees, managers, and executives played a key role in the ideation phase of the project. This collective effort led to the careful selection of architectural designs, color schemes, and furniture
A Building That Embodies Continental’s Sustainability Vision
The design and construction of the new facility were guided by Continental’s sustainability vision. The project aims to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, signaling its commitment to sustainable site development, energy efficiency, water savings, optimal material selection, and exceptional indoor environmental quality.
The innovative layout of the office combines optimal functionality with eco-friendly materials crafted by local artisans. The interior solutions include recycled carpet tiles, low VOC paint, and ample natural light creating a unique and collaborative environment.
The facility’s exterior showcases an optimized parking area designed to minimize heat signature. It features 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations available for cars and motorcycles. In addition, 840 solar panels situated on the roof and parking area contribute to offsetting 25% of the building’s total energy consumption. The property also incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for outdoor irrigation needs.
More than Just an Office
The facility goes beyond being just a workplace. “Our objective for this building was to create a workplace destination that you want to come to,” said Etzel. The building incorporates spacious collaboration zones across all three levels and dedicated quiet areas for focused work. Moreover, the structure is surrounded by a lush, wooded area proposed for future outdoor trails, fostering a serene ambiance conducive to creativity.
The collaboration of Gresham Smith for design and Edifice for construction was instrumental in bringing this sustainable project to life. This project clearly demonstrates Continental’s commitment to sustainable development and investment in South Carolina, contributing to the growth of the local economy, and setting the stage for future expansions.
