Continental Riding High in Seguin

Seguin continues to build its manufacturing base in the TMASC region. On February 1st, Continental Automotive Systems Inc. announced a $113 million dollar expansion at its Seguin plant in order to begin producing automotive emissions sensors. The expansion will create over 300 new jobs to add to the plant’s existing 1,340.

Regional and industry connections

The Seguin plant’s new line will manufacture emissions sensors which have to date only been produced in Europe and Asia.  These sensors will supply both existing and new customers. Continental’s corporate parent has global reach, and the Seguin plant supplies critical components to numerous prominent advanced manufacturers.  According to a press release from the Seguin EDC press release:

“Continental is part of Continental AG, one of the world’s leading automotive industry suppliers based in Hanover, Germany. Continental’s Seguin, Texas facility currently manufactures powertrain control modules utilized by numerous domestic and international automotive manufacturers including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Volvo, Acura, Mazda, and Caterpillar. Currently 1 out of every 5 automobiles in the United States have a control module produced in the Seguin Texas plant.”

Regional partners make the difference

Seguin’s plant won out over other Continental facilities located in the US and elsewhere to secure the new production line. But it’s no accident that Seguin has the highest manufacturing jobs per capita in the state of Texas, with a rate nearly twice the national average. The economic development team which made the difference in securing this latest Continental project is indicative of the kind of collaborative, responsive and committed team that TMASC communities can muster in support of advanced manufacturing.

Seguin’s team included not only the City of Seguin, Guadalupe County, and the Seguin Economic Development Corporation; but also the State of Texas.

Project Incentives:

• The City of Seguin and Guadalupe County: five-year partial tax abatement on new property
• Seguin Economic Development Corporation: $600,000 grant
• The State of Texas: $1.2 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund; $532,500 grant of from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills Development Fund to help offset training expenses for Continental’s new employees.

A healthy future

According to Terry Treviño, Director of Seguin Economic Development, the Seguin plant has more than doubled its workforce since January 2010. She added that, “As most areas throughout the nation are losing jobs, Seguin continues to thrive – a testament to the strong fundamental advantages that make Seguin competitive on an international scale”

Local plant manager Scott Williams would agree:

“The community has been proactive and supportive of our efforts at every stage of our growth. In addition, the strong, skilled local workforce and excellent logistical advantages are among the factors that benefit our continued expansion at the Seguin facility. We look forward to continued partnership and growth for years to come.”

Seguin is a shining example of how TMASC communities are helping the world’s most competitive companies succeed and grow.