Continental, the international tyre manufacturing parent of Semperit Ireland, has increased sales by 15.8 per cent to DM13 billion (#6.6 billion) in 1998. The growth is partly due to the acquisition of ITT Automotive and Chassis.

Semperit Ireland closed its manufacturing operation in Ballyfermot in 1997 with the loss of 690 jobs. Continental employs 180 people in Ireland through Semperit Ireland - it is involved in marketing - and Advance Tyre - the retail side - operations in the Sandyford Industrial Estate. A spokesman said employment levels have remained steady.

Continental recently announced a shared services centre in Tullamore, Co Offaly, which will create 100 jobs this year.

(# - Euro)