The German business said its ContiTech division's market had been difficult for a number of years due to cost and competitor pressures, and that a cost-cutting programme initiated in 2021 had not delivered the hoped for turnaround.

The unit manufactures flexo sleeves and rollers for offset, flexo and gravure presses, as well as application rollers for post-press kit including laminators and hotmelt glue systems.

Around 20 staff based in Waltershausen, Thuringia, will be affected by the production stop. Just under 1,000 people in total work for Continental in Waltershausen.

“The ongoing strained economic situation in the sector prompted management to take this decision. Investigations into alternative approaches failed to produce practicable results,” the company stated.

The colleagues directly affected in production and administration were informed of the decision on 9 September.

The company said it is seeking “socially compatible solutions” for them and has begun talks with employee representatives.

“We regret this economically necessary step,” said Andreas Bakenhus, head of the Continental Elastomer Coatings business segment in the EMEA region.

“We would like to thank our colleagues who have perseveringly dedicated themselves to the production of rollers and sleeves. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the headwinds from the difficult market environment were too strong.”

The group said the printing industry “remains an important customer group for Continental” and that other products for the industry, such as offset printing blankets, will remain part of Continental’s portfolio.

“Despite the obvious challenges, we believe in the future of the printing industry,” said Bakenhus.

“That’s why we’re adapting our portfolio to supply our customers with products that are both high-quality and cost-effective.”

Founded in 1871, Continental currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets. In 2023 the business generated sales of €41.4bn (£34.5bn).