Continental will close its diesel fuel injection plant in Blythewood at the end of 2010 as its work is transferred to a plant in Virginia, the company announced today.

The eight-year-old, 221,750-square-foot plant employs 440 people.

Continental chose to expand its Newport News, Va., plant, and will invest more than $190 million and add about 300 jobs there by end of year 2013. The 37-year-old Newport News facility makes gasoline fuel components and employs 576.

"This expansion will achieve significant advantages (by) reducing our overall manufacturing costs by eliminating redundancies and consolidating common functions," Kregg Wiggins, a senior vice president with Continental Automotive Group, said in a statement.

The automotive industry has been suffering from a severe drop in sales from the recession.

Continental said it made the decision to switch work to Newport News after analyzing the expansion potential of the two plants as well as plant performance, employee skill levels, costs and state incentives.

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine approved $3 million from a state Opportunity Fund for the project.

“Although both locations offered distinct advantages and unique opportunities, Continental ultimately concluded that Newport News offered a more desirable venue,” the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based automotive group said in a statement.

"We sincerely regret the impact that this decision will have on our employees and their families in Blythewood and appreciate their years of service," Wiggins said.

Some Blythewood workers might be offered jobs with Continental in Newport News.

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