Continental celebrated the opening of its new corporate headquarters in Hanover, Germany, on Dec.13 with an event held at its campus with more than 150 guests, including business, political and cultural leaders. Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer highlighted the significance of the new headquarters during the opening ceremony.
“We have created a place where our vision, values, and culture can come alive in an open, connected and sustainable working environment. It is an expression of our sense of togetherness and a symbol of our long-term aspirations,” Setzer said.
Among the attendees were Stephan Weil, Lower Saxony’s minister president, and Belit Onay, Hanover’s mayor. Weil commended Continental’s commitment to the region. “The new corporate headquarters is a clear and architecturally impressive commitment from Continental to Lower Saxony and its state capital of Hanover. Continental is a strong and reliable business partner and an important employer in the region. I hope the employees feel at home at the new campus and wish the entire company a successful future,” Weil remarked.
The new campus features six buildings, including a 75-meter suspended bridge that connects the northern and southern parts of the campus.
The campus, which has been operational since Dec.1, houses around 2,400 employees from group functions and the tires and ContiTech group sectors. It incorporates an open-space concept with interactive and collaborative areas, as well as quiet zones for focused work. The architecture is designed to enhance performance and encourage innovation and networking through informal, interdisciplinary interaction, the company said.
“The layout of the building will strengthen our culture of innovation and networking by facilitating informal, interdisciplinary interaction between our teams. This physical proximity will ensure intensive exchange and an inspiring, creative working environment,” Setzer explained.
In line with Continental’s commitment to sustainability, the new headquarters meets the German government’s criteria for climate-friendly new buildings and features sustainable building elements. The complex includes solar panels, a rainwater collection system and a geothermal system for heating and cooling. The roofs of the parking garages are equipped with photovoltaic systems generating electricity for charging electric cars and bicycles.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, and natural fibers were prioritized in the office design, with features to ensure a pleasant and sustainable working environment.
The Munich-based architecture firm Henn designed the headquarters. The move to the new building was completed in November 2023, following a delay due to the pandemic and material shortages. The official cornerstone-laying ceremony had taken place in 2019, Continental said.
