Continental names Tobias Hacker new plant manager in Clinton

By editor3 | February 3, 2025 |

Continental Tire, a leading technology company and premier tire manufacturer, recently announced the appointment of Tobias Hacker as Plant Manager of the Continental Tire plant in Clinton. Hacker takes over the reins from Ryal Siem, who retired on December 31, 2024.

Hacker, originally from Germany, is not a new face to Clinton. He was involved in the development and start-up of Continental in Clinton from 2018-22. With over sixteen years of service within different areas and locations around the world, Hacker brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. In 2022, he became the Head of Logistics for the Americas at the Ft. Mill, South Carolina, Continental Headquarters.

“Clinton is my home, and I am excited to be back,” shared Hacker. “I’ve watched this plant grow from a dirt pad to what it is now. We will continue to be the benchmark for truck tires, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such great people. Ryal left a legacy in Clinton, and I am thankful for his dedication and love for the people.”

Siem, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, brought over forty years of manufacturing expertise to Clinton. Under his leadership, the Clinton Plant produced its one-millionth tire in 2023 and reached a headcount of 750.

“I am thankful for my time with Continental,” said Siem. “The Clinton plant will continue to strive and grow under the leadership of Tobias. I am leaving the plant in good hands.”

The Clinton plant began operations in 2019. This plant is a key part of Continental’s tire business growth strategy and represents a commitment to a long-term investment in Mississippi. With around 750 employees, Continental Tire in Clinton celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2024.

Continental Tire has U.S. manufacturing facilities at Clinton for truck tires; Mt. Vernon, Illinois, for passenger tires, light truck tires and truck tires; Sumter, South Carolina, for passenger and light truck tires; Lakeville, Indiana, Hoosier Racing Tire Corp., specialty tires for racing applications; and Aldora Mills Barnesville, Georgia, for producing tire cord. Together, the U.S. manufacturers employ over 6,500 employees.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.

The Tires group sector has twenty-four production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tire manufacturers, with 57,000 employees and posted sales of €14 billion in 2022 in this group sector. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tire production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles, and two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the tire business includes services for the tire trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tires.