Claas Balers Turn 30
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.
While well-established in the rural sector for many decades, the company has announced that it will focus its commercial specialty business on material handling, earthmoving and port operations, but will discontinue production of its agricultural tyre business by the end of 2025.
Following a comprehensive business review that established the market for agricultural tyres had undergone strong disruptions in recent years. Continental’s ambition is no longer compatible with the increasing commoditisation of the market.
The decision will largely affect employees located at its plant in Lousado, Portugal.
Until end of 2025, Continental will fulfill all contractual delivery obligations towards its agricultural customers, namely with its tire lines TractorMaster, Tractor70, Tractor85, CombineMaster and CompactMaster. The successful Multi-Purpose Tires lines will continue as part of Continental’s Commercial Specialty Tires Business.
Continental was founded in 1871, offering solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation.
