ContiTech officially broke ground Wednesday on a new state-of-the-art compounding center, marking a major expansion of its Mount Pleasant manufacturing facility and a continued investment in Southeast Iowa.
The project is part of the company’s previously announced $85 million investment aimed at strengthening its U.S. manufacturing footprint and supporting long-term growth. The new facility will integrate production, warehouse, and office operations while adding advanced mixing technology and an automated warehouse system.
Company leaders say the expansion will have a direct impact on the local workforce and economy.
“This expansion will add 50 new high-quality jobs, which will bring the total number of employees in Mount Pleasant close to 300,” said ContiTech USA CEO Andreas Gerstenberger. “It will promote economic growth in the city, state, and country.”
Gerstenberger also emphasized the strategic importance of the facility, noting that rubber production is central to the company’s operations.
“Rubber is the foundation of our products, and with this expansion, Mount Pleasant will become a true pillar of our operation and one of the biggest ContiTech plants in the region,” he said.
Mount Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall echoed that sentiment, highlighting the significance of the investment for the community.
“This $85 million expansion is no small decision. It speaks volumes to ContiTech’s confidence in this community, in our workforce, and in our future of manufacturing right here in Southeast Iowa,” Brimhall said. “The new compounding center will not only strengthen ContiTech’s operations, but also bring approximately 50 high-quality jobs to our city.”
The groundbreaking ceremony itself featured a unique touch, as a MedForce helicopter delivered gold ceremonial shovels to mark the occasion.
The Mount Pleasant facility, originally built in 1977, last underwent a major expansion in 2016. Company officials noted that the site is well-positioned for continued growth, with no physical limitations preventing future expansion.
Once completed, the compounding center will allow nearly 95 percent of the rubber used at the plant to be produced on-site, improving efficiency and supply reliability. ContiTech products manufactured in Mount Pleasant are used nationwide, including components for major infrastructure systems such as the New York City subway.
Company officials also highlighted the long-term investment in employees, noting it can take up to a year to fully train new workers. The plant has never experienced a layoff, underscoring its stability and importance to the regional economy.