Opened in 1979, Contintental’s hose plant in Norfolk, Neb.

Continental's Norfolk, Neb., hose plant is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

"We are proud to share in this 40th anniversary celebration of a very valuable and productive facility," said Jim Hill, ContiTech CEO of the North America Region. "This plant has made hydraulic and industrial hose for applications all over the world, and we are confident that it will continue that process into the future."

The plant was built and began business operations in 1979. Stan Patzel was the facility's first plant manager. "Stan is retired now and lives in the Lincoln area, but he and the early pioneers of our plant still remain in touch with us," said Dan Granatowicz, current plant manager. Today, the 282,000 sq. ft. plant rests on 100 acres about 115 mi. northwest of Omaha and 120 mi. north of Lincoln, the state capitol and home to another Continental plant.

"Our facility has been a strong contributor to the Continental family of hose," Granatowicz said. "This is due in great part to an exceptional workforce and we look forward to at least another 40 years of successful operations."

The facility produces more than 70 million ft. of hose a year and has produced more than 2.5 billion ft. of hose in its 40-year existence. The Norfolk plant manufactures hydraulic and industrial hose for a variety of industrial applications, including fuel-dispensing, freon-charging, mine spray and general purpose hose.

"The Norfolk plant is part of an organization that enables us to strategically position ourselves to provide dynamic growth for all of the hose markets in which we compete in the North America region," Hill said. "We will continue to grow our customer network and provide the seamless distribution of our products with our focus on North America."

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2018, Continental generated preliminary sales of around $44.4 billion and currently employs around 244,000 people in 61 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world's leading industry specialists. The Continental division offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With around 47,000 employees in 42 countries and sales of some 6.3 billion euros (2018), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Today's top stories

Lone Star Constructors Progressing On I-35E in Texas

Volvo Unveils Major Updates With New Series of Excavators

Rugged Terrain Makes Project a Challenge

Equipment East Opens New Location in Auburn. Mass. — 'EE RENTS'

ConExpo-Con/AGG Champions Mental Health With CIASP Donation

Remastered SkyTrak 8042 Telehandler Offers More Features, Capabilities —Without Compromise

ILICA Trap Shoot, Golf Outing Scheduled for June 14 in Lerna/Mattoon

McCann Industries Experiences Significant Growth in Product Support