Henderson County Manager Steve Wyatt confirms he’s learned that auto parts manufacturer Continental plans to move its Henderson County plant operations to Mexico.
“I’ve been told it will be a multi-year phasing out of the plant, and relocation of the plant to Mexico,” Wyatt told us. “I’ve been told (Continental) plans to meet with employees today, and that the phasing out will be over years.”
Wyatt said Brittany Brady, head of the Henderson County Economic Development Commission, confirmed the news with Continental.
The county manager says there are about 700 people employed there.
“I’m very concerned about the employees and their future, and their families, and I’m very disappointed,” he said. “I’ve asked our economic development director to find out if there’s anything we can do to change Continental’s mind.”’
Wyatt further says that he has been in contact with county economic development staff Wednesday.
Continental shared this official response with News 13:
Today, Continental announced that due to adverse market conditions and a decline in production volume, the company is taking steps to optimize its manufacturing footprint worldwide. As a result, Continental has decided to to begin the process of closing its Henderson facility in Fletcher, North Carolina. The Henderson Plant is a hydraulic brake systems location that mainly produces conventional brake calipers and electric parking brakes. It will remain open and operational until the fourth quarter of 2022.
This action will not immediately impact employees.
