Continental Motors says it is consolidating its manufacturing operations into its two “advanced manufacturing centers” in Alabama and Germany, a change that signals the closure of the engine maker’s facility in San Antonio.
FAA-approved parts for Lycoming engines and the line of Titan experimental and certified engines currently produced in San Antonio will be transferred to the other factories, in what the company described as a “difficult decision.”
“Continental Motors has grown significantly in the past three years in both products and facilities as we strive to become the leader in GA propulsion for small aircraft,” said Rhett Ross, president and CEO of Continental Motors Group. “However, as we have seen our business grow in the number of products, customers and operating sites, it has become apparent that changes are needed to make us more responsive to the needs of our customers. After significant review, we felt that we needed to simplify the business, not in products or services, but in the complexity of our operations.”
Continental says it will work closely with its employees through the transition to help them find new jobs within the company or with other employers in the San Antonio area, as well as with distributor Aviall so as not to interrupt the availability of parts and engines within the Titan line.
For customers, it will be “business as usual,” the company said, with plans in place to assure a “smooth transition along with continuous service and support.”
