The Kaluga tire plant, which previously produced Continental AG’s tires, underwent a rebranding to Gislaved, a change confirmed by the company’s press service. The move reflects a broader corporate strategy to optimize regional branding under the Gislaved name while maintaining production capabilities in Russia.
With an annual capacity of around 4 million tires, the Kaluga facility remains a significant manufacturing hub, employing more than a thousand workers. Its winter tire lineup currently features the Soft Frost 200 and Nord Frost 200 models, and subsequent introductions are planned to expand the range to include summer tires. This expansion aligns with a long-term plan to diversify offerings and meet seasonal demand in European and North American markets.
Officials anticipate that the plant will operate at full capacity by 2024, accompanied by a projected 10% increase in staff. In addition, production on three lines focused on premium and mid-price segments is expected to grow, signaling an emphasis on higher-value products and improved efficiency across the facility. These developments are part of a broader push to strengthen regional manufacturing footprints while leveraging the Gislaved brand heritage.
Earlier this year, the German parent company transferred control to the Russian Cordiant group, which is part of the S8 Capital holding. Cordiant acquired the rights to the Gislaved brand, including production technologies and formulations for rubber compounds, from Continental. This acquisition marks a strategic shift in brand ownership and supply chain arrangements, potentially enabling more localized production and access to regional markets across Europe and North America.
The context around these corporate moves comes as Continental has signaled forthcoming adjustments to its global workforce. The timing and scope of those anticipated job reductions are part of a broader industry-wide reevaluation that companies in the tire sector have been weighing as markets evolve and supply chains adapt to changing demand patterns. The Kaluga plant’s transition to Gislaved and the subsequent ownership changes illustrate how brands and manufacturing assets are being restructured to optimize regional competitiveness while maintaining a stable supply for customers worldwide.