Continental, an international automotive supplier, has started construction of its second automotive electronics manufacturing plant in Changchun, China.

The new production facility is scheduled to start in September 2012 and will take over production for the chassis & safety and interior divisions from the existing automotive electronics Changchun plant.

The current plant employs 2,500 people across its three automotive divisions to manufacture products for 136 customers in 58 locations across China and exports to 73 customers in 19 countries worldwide.

Continental China head Jay Kunkel said already in operation for 16 years, Continental Automotive Changchun is one of the most important manufacturing plants in China.

"It has played a significant role in helping us successfully establish ourselves in China. As part of our over-proportional profitable growth plans in China, this new plant represents another important step in our expansion plans, emphasizing our confidence in the Chinese market," Kunkel said.