1871

Continental-Caoutchouc- und Gutta-Percha Compagnie is founded in Hanover as a joint stock company.

1872

Works sickness fund
The Company establishes a works sickness fund, which becomes a compulsory insurance for all employees in 1875. The works sickness fund is converted into a company health insurance fund for production workers as a result of the health insurance legislation of 1884.

1885

Endowment policy for retirement provisions

Establishment of an endowment policy for retirement provisions, initially for master craftsmen and workers. Premiums are paid by the Company. Employees working for the Company for over ten years are entitled to endowments, maturity occurring on their 65th birthday or upon their decease. State provision of invalidity benefit and old-age pensions only came into force in 1891.

1903

Pension scheme for employees

Introduction of a pension scheme for salaried employees – this does not become a legal requirement until 1913. Provisions for old age begin at age 65. 1984 sees the introduction in Germany of uniform regulations covering corporate pension schemes for all employees (both wage earners and salaried staff).

1989

THE BASICS – corporate guidelines

Introduction of THE BASICS, a set of corporate guidelines reflecting the vision, values and self-image of the Corporation. The original eight “Commitments” have now become 17 guidelines which are used as a framework for employee activities. THE BASICS assist in shaping the future of Continental, and set out a pledge which includes respecting the national origin of every employee, acknowledging their national customs, rules and legal requirements and ensuring that environmental protection plays a role in corporate processes.

1992

Foundation of the REG tire disposal company

This initiative, originated within the Corporation, is aimed at disposing of and re-using old tires in an environmentally responsible manner, and at creating a transparent disposal market.

1994

Introduction of eco audits

The introduction of the Continental eco audit lays a foundation for external inspection of the environmental management systems in Continental factories.

1995

Employee participation program

Introduction of the “Conti 100” stock ownership program – the first of its kind in Germany.

EU eco audit certificate for the Continental plant in Korbach

In October 1995, the Korbach plant is the first European rubber processing site, and one of the first industrial sites overall, to be certified in accordance with the EMAS standard.

Volkswagen AG environment prize

Award for environmental certification (Korbach plant), for used tire disposal (REG), for intensive recycling efforts in various fields, and for the development of innovative products with an ecological edge, e.g. ContiEcoContact.

1997

EU EMAS certificate for the Continental plant in Otrokovice (Czech Republic)

The Czech plant in Otrokovice is the first outside the EU to be successfully certified in accordance with the EU-EMAS regulations.

B.A.U.M. environmental award

Continental’s environmental protection activities are recognized by B.A.U.M., the German Federal Working Group for Environmentally Responsible Management.

1999

Product life cycle assessment for car tires

Publication of the first product life cycle assessment for car tires. The product is followed throughout its entire life cycle, from the extraction of resources through to manufacturing the raw materials and making the tire, as well as the period of usage on the car. The assessment also includes recycling of the used tire as a retread, as tire-derived fuel for the cement industry or in a tire-fueled power plant.

2000

ContiPLUS

Introduction of an old-age benefits scheme financed by both employer and employee, with a self-insurance option, initially for Continental AG and the ContiTech division.

Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award for Large Industry for the plant in Mt. Vernon, IL (U.S.A.)

The Governor’s award is presented each year for outstanding services by companies in avoiding emissions in the state of Illinois.

2001

EU-EMAS certificate for the Continental plant in Timişoara (Romania)

The Romanian plant in Timişoara is successfully certified in accordance with the EU-EMAS regulations. Continental thus demonstrates that the environmental standards of the company can also be “exported” to eastern Europe alongside its production lines.

OSHA-Zertifikat für den Continental-Standort Lousado (Portugal)

Als erster Standort innerhalb des Continental-Konzerns wird das Reifenwerk in Lousado nach dem internationalen Standard OSHA 18001 (Arbeitssicherheit und -medizin) erfolgreich zertifiziert.

ESH policy of the Continental Corporation

A common ESH policy summarizes the individual goals of the different departments in respect of environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and fire prevention.

2002

EMAS Excellence Award from the European Union for the tire plant in Otrokovice

The EMAS Excellence Award is given to one company in each member state of the EU. The first award presented to a company outside the EU goes to the Otrokovice tire plant in the Czech Republic in 2002 in recognition of its environmental management system.

2003

“Integration at Work”

The “Integration at Work” project is launched. With this project, Continental AG aims to introduce to the world of work young people who have not quite achieved occupational training level.

2004

Continental traffic study

The start of the Continental traffic study – arising from the Uniroyal traffic study (since 1977).

“We Reward Your Safety”

Start of the “We Reward Your Safety” project for making school routes safer for children and young people.

2006

German prize for the promotion of youth employment

ContiTech receives the German prize for promoting youth employment under its “Integration at Work” project.