The German-held group whose revenue in Romania stands at more than EUR1.5 billion needs IT, electronics, telecommunications, mechanical, automation and computer engineers, especially for its centers in Timisoara and Brasov.
“We recruit young people who are still in college and are not necessarily looking at those who have successfully passed all their exams,” said Christian von Albrichsfeld, who runs Continental Automotive Romania, one of the largest companies in the group, which posted EUR319 million revenue last year.
What the company looks for in a potential employee, such as those young people are, is understanding of what the company needs, knowledge of technology and capability to work in teams with Romanian employees and employees from other countries. It also wants them to be aware that a large company has rules they have to follow, von Albrichsfeld added.
Continental has facilities in Timisoara, Sibiu, Carei (Satu Mare County, northern Romania), Nadab (Arad, western Romania), Brasov and Iasi. Continental is also a partner in a joint venture in Slatina (south of the country) and in a tire distribution center for Eastern Europe in Sacalaz, Timis County (western Romania).
“In Romania we create products that use the latest technologies,” Christian von Albrichsfeld said, such as heads up display systems, components for hybrid cars and new technologies for the so-called self-driving cars.
Automotive component manufacturers have become some of the most active employers in Romania’s economy in the last few years because of export demand. Five of Continental’s companies in this country are among the largest 100 exporters in 2012, according to the National Statistics Institute data.
Continental, along with Michelin, Autoliv, Delphi Packard and Takata Petri account for more than one third of the exports of the 100 largest exporters in Romania.
Continental is currently making two investments, one in Brasov and one in Timisoara. The investment in Brasov will amount to EUR40 million and create 550 jobs, while the investment in Timisoara will reach EUR71 million and create 400 jobs.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)