Continental hosted the grand opening for the company’s new Employee Training Center in Clinton, Miss. The ceremony, attended by Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant as well as federal, state, and local governmental officials, marked a major milestone for the anticipated development. The total investment for the Continental manufacturing site under development in Mississippi is $1.45 billion.

The Training Center is the first completed structure in Continental‘s long-term growth strategy in Mississippi. The Training Center will support recruitment and retention for Continental’s commercial vehicle tire plant. Additionally, the Training Center will be used for the company’s sales team as well as for special events for Continental’s customers. By the time the tire plant officially starts production in 2020, around 400 employees will be hired. Approximately 2,500 jobs will be created by 2028.

“This a great day for Continental Tire and the State of Mississippi,” Gov. Bryant said. “This training center is state-of-the-art and will facilitate jobs for Mississippians for years to come. Workforce training is vital to a healthy economy and something that has been a priority of mine since taking office. We are thrilled to have Continental Tire as a business partner in Mississippi.”

The Training Center is equipped with classrooms, computer labs, and technical equipment that will be used for job interviews, new employee orientation, and training. Additionally, Continental’s partnership with Hinds Community College will drive employment and professional development at the facility.

 “Continental’s Commercial Vehicle Tire business throughout the Americas region has been growing significantly over the past years as we have continued to introduce leading products, technology, services, and solutions designed specifically for our trucking and transportation fleet customers,” said Paul Williams, Executive Vice President, Truck Tires at Continental, the Americas region. “This training center is the first step in a long journey of ensuring top quality jobs for our employees in Clinton and with that also setting the foundation to manufacture premium quality products for our customers.”