The new headquarters of the Group, which has a history of 165 years of steady growth, serves the business units HF TireTech Group and HF ToolTech Group.

The designing of the new office is tuned to the needs of the Group’s forward march. Direct access from the office facilities to the assembly hall and machine testing area brings all fields of work close together and ensures optimised communication. The established and well proven production unit in Belišće, Croatia remains. Continuous investments in logistics, painting, warehousing and machining under highest economic aspects guarantee state of the art manufacturing.

Back on track

The COVID 19 pandemic and the global lockdown that came with it saw HF being tested hard for its resilience and the capability to help its partners put their production process back on track through its engineering and other services.

“For HF, partnership means to support its valued customers with benefits that will help to keep their production back on track,” says HF TireTech Group Managing Director Dr. Joern Seevers.

HF´s benefits & services for the tyre production are many:

• Technical support for restarting the HF Curing Presses

• Inspection and readjustment of mechanical settings

• Inspection of safety-related components

• Performance check and functional analysis of hydraulic/pneumatic systems

• Software check-up and functionality test

• Close coordination and supply of spare parts

• Individual training for technicians and service people for a smooth and efficient production ramp-up; trainings can take place on customers site or in Hamburg at the Group’s testing press. Virtual support is also available

Dr. Seevers said: “Together with our customers we analyse production processes, optimise, adjust to changed situations, look behind the production and develop new strategies to achieve more flexibility, increase quality, reduce costs and raw material - get into action with a higher level in automation and smart retrofitting and be ready for sustainable tyre production.”

Tandem Mixer technology:

HF takes it to the next level

HF Mixing Group is supplying Tandem Mixers for more than 15 years and has kicked off a revolution in mixing since then. The concept appears to be simple, but all those years of experience have shown that the highest degree of machine engineering has to be combined with extensive process know how to make a Tandem Mixer successful. And a mixing line is only successful if the calculated output and productivity is achieved – combined with a reliability which enables stable production for years.

As matter of fact to develop the process to mix on a Tandem Mixer takes some time and efforts – not to forget the technological know-how of the mixing process itself. HF offers the possibility to accompany this development by offering extensive trials and engineering studies – to shorten the time from ordering a machine up to the point of running in full production.

The goal of a Tandem Mixer is to reduce the specific cost of mixing a compound – on many occasions, HF has proven that overall cost reductions of 15% can be achieved compared to standard lines with a single mixer. This, in between other, is achieved by reducing the mixing steps for a PCR compound from 2,5 to 1,5 steps.

But productivity is not the only driving factor to invest in a Tandem Line – the quality of the compound overall and specifically constant and repeatable mixing of modern compounds is to be ensured. To optimise dispersion, distribution, temperature control and process stability makes a significant difference in today’s production of more complex compound recipes. The intermeshing mixers produced by HF and used in a Tandem Line guarantee to meet these requirements more than any other mixers on the market.

Experiences have shown that no compromise on quality can be made – and HF is supporting this approach with delivering a control system for Tandem Lines which enables their customers to not only run the machine efficiently but also uses online condition monitoring to always reflect on a reliable compound quality which is repeatable.

HF emphasises on result driven production concepts for its customers – further innovations in terms of integrating industry 4.0 solutions to the mixing process are on its way and the focus is clear: Intelligent machines will integrate new digital solutions into the mixing process and will ensure to meet the expectations of the future.

Brownfield projects

The COVID pandemic put a stronger focus on replacing existing machines instead of adding new capacities to a production plant. Also, productivity as well as sustainability aspects are driving many tyre companies to have a closer look to the installed base.

But inspecting a mixing line which has run for more than 15 years (or sometimes even 25 years) brings to light what challenges may come up if this line will be replaced by a new one. Output values need to be increased, a new mixer technology should improve the quality of compounds, modern automation solutions should support the daily production procedures and increase process stability – many more requirements should be met. One of the largest challenges is limited space when looking at an upgrade of machinery.

Not only the pure space but also intralogistics within a mixing line can create headache – from upstream equipment feeding a mixer all the way to downstream machinery processing the batch further – many modern solutions can be used today but looking at the available space installing them is the challenge.

With a clear focus on such brownfield projects, HF has managed several conversions from old to new with unmatched success. A key in such projects is the planning and pre-engineering process. Starting with an inspection of not only the mixer but all surrounding factors in the building – considering also the material flow – and then continuing with a 3D- scan of the existing equipment including pipe and cabling routing the basis for planning can be laid. Supported by this 3D-scan HF engineers plan and design with 3D models the complete mixing mill room.

By keeping the existing machinery as the base layer and inserting new equipment in an over-lay collisions of steel constructions, limitations in space and optimised pipe and cable routing can be identified. Furthermore, an improved process flow chart is the basis of planning material flow, work processes and even manpower to operate the new mixing line. Finally, new controls and automation solutions – on the basis of industry 4.0 – will improve operating and monitoring the equipment.

One of the largest benefits using HF’s Pre-Engineering is shortening the planning and execution time – and last but not least the reduction of financial funds is possible by starting up the new line much quicker compared to the conversion of lines in earlier years.

Safety first

Supporting all major tyre manufacturers with mixing technology HF constantly strives for improving operational procedures in the mixing mill room. When it came apparent that the variety of compounds increased more and more – driven by many more types and technologies in tyres today – the changeover times from one recipe to the other was put in the focus of operational optimisation. Not only flexible automation solutions are required but also quick availability of the mechanical equipment after the last batch of the current recipe was dispatched. In between other HF identified the cleaning of the mixing chamber as a critical action during changeover in two aspects: First it needs to be safe for the maintenance personal to enter the mixing chamber and secondly time can be saved if the access to the chamber can be optimized.

In order to meet both requirements HF’s engineers designed a maintenance box, the so-called mBox©, which is mechanically integrated directly underneath the mixer – combining the mixer with the chute of a dump extruder for example.

In the moment the mixing line is switched to cleaning mode and all movements of parts are blocked a moveable platform – the floor of the maintenance box – is inserted horizontally underneath the mixer. A door of the box can be opened, and maintenance personnel can enter the box safe and secure, standing underneath the mixer with easy access to the mixing chamber.

Besides the safe working environment customers from HF have noticed saving time and having the opportunity of even inspecting the mixing chamber easier and more frequent during a changeover.

Especially in new installations of a mixing line the mBox© can be integrated in the design of the line easily and right from the start – benefitting the safety and operation of the line daily.

HF Screw Presses

The production of screw presses is one of HF`s core competences for decades. The screw press has gained recognition during its affiliation with KRUPP. Thus, the presses operate all over the world and more than 2.500 presses are installed in various industries for example the edible oil industry, biomass technology and rendering. And, most interesting for the tyre industry, the presses accomplish benchmarking results in the dewatering of natural and synthetic caoutchouc. As a more efficient and space saving solution instead of band dryer systems or similar the screw press has its strong eligibility in dewatering process.

HF Curemaster

HF brought the first hydraulic column type curing press to the tyre industry in 1997. Since then, it continued to develop this product to meet the demanding requirements of its customers.

The HF Curemaster was launched two years ago and since then the patented truck tyre curing press has been successfully installed in multiple locations and in efficient operation. The press provides a flexible and compact footprint, making it possible to replace older presses with potentially more presses per existing trench.

The HF Curemaster also focuses on optimising energy efficiency to ensure the lowest total cost of ownership in the curing plant. The HF Curemaster´s hood design incorporates insulation inside the hood to provides the best insulation effect. In addition, the HF Curemaster provides an extremely fast cycle time to minimise the overall amount of heat loss during the open and close sequence of the press.

HF PCR Design

Delivering for a new greenfield plant is relatively straightforward. However, HF understands the important need of the replacement market as well. It is important to be flexible to meet all the varying trench layouts (pit, shelf, pitless, and so on). Equally important is the need to be able to replace existing 42” – 45” old mechanical presses with 48” – 52” modern presses in order to meet the growing demand for larger tyre sizes.

All replacement projects are analysed carefully together with customers. Attention is paid closely to all details related to operation, maintenance access, mould & bladder change requirements as well as all local safety regulations. HF´s long experience with curing presses provides a large variety of modular options to be used for finding the optimised fit for each specific request.

HF Stack Passenger Car Inflator (PCI)

The requirement for post cured tyres continues to grow in the market and HF has designed a simple and compact solution that can be incorporated in all HF presses as well as behind most all existing older presses.

The patented HF Stack PCI design allows for the PCI to be integrated into even the tightest footprints. This solution eliminates any movement or rotations of the PCI body itself and greatly reduces the amount of moving mechanical components and maintenance.

HF Digitalisation

HF recognises the important trend of digitalisation for the tyre manufacturers and has developed reliable, customised software solutions for machine data communication between machine control and customer IT systems. The main steps were to focus on MES, SCADA and Recipe Management interfaces.

HF Smart Curing enables customers to get started quickly and effectively with a future-oriented digitisation solution. The main advantage in this case is that software for machine data acquisition is supplied directly by the supplier and not by IT service providers.

OPC server technology and efficient network solutions are tailored to the machine enable secure data acquisition. This software can provide feedback in regard to condition monitoring, diagnostic function, machine services, energy monitoring and remote service.

The benefit of connecting your equipment with digitalised solutions clearly accelerates a target-oriented development and improves the Total Cost of Ownership of the equipment.

A landmark supply agreement was formalised at the PIF Private Sector Forum 2026 in Riyadh to advance local manufacturing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) will provide polybutadiene rubber and carbon black to a joint venture established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Pirelli. This partnership will supply the raw materials necessary to produce three and a half million tyres annually at a facility within the King Salman Automotive Cluster at King Abdullah Economic City.

This initiative marks a significant step for the NUSANED localisation programme by enhancing domestic content and establishing a comprehensive tyre production value chain within Saudi Arabia. The agreement is unprecedented as it enables the complete manufacturing of car tyres locally. It will result in the creation of a bespoke Saudi tyre brand specifically designed for passenger vehicles and regional car manufacturers, operating alongside the production of Pirelli-branded tyres.

The PIF Private Sector Forum serves as a vital platform connecting PIF-related companies, government entities and private firms to cultivate new partnerships. The event plays a crucial role in enabling the private sector to drive transformative projects. It facilitates the exploration of high-potential opportunities that support business expansion and contribute to shaping the nation's economic future, in direct alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Maxion Wheels South Africa played host to the Guinness World Record (GWR) Challenge4 team on 25 February 2026, marking a significant moment for the company’s local operations. The team is currently undertaking an ambitious attempt to secure their ninth world record by driving a fully electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz across six continents and through more than 75 countries. The vehicle is fitted with Maxion wheels, showcasing the company’s engineering capabilities in one of the most demanding electric vehicle journeys ever conceived.

The visit to the company’s light vehicle aluminium wheels plant near Johannesburg gave employees a firsthand opportunity to engage with the team and observe how Maxion’s advanced wheel technology performs under extreme global conditions. More than a technical showcase, the event highlighted the company’s central role in accelerating the global transition to electric mobility and its increasing contribution to South Africa’s own sustainable transportation evolution.

With worldwide EV adoption accelerating, Maxion Wheels continues to support its customers by delivering innovative steel and aluminium wheel solutions that prioritise functionality, safety and efficiency. This forward-looking approach is evident at the Johannesburg facility, where recent investments in solar energy underscore a firm commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing. The integration of renewable power reinforces the company’s dedication to maintaining a sustainable and resilient industrial presence in the region.

The Challenge4 expedition, which began in July 2025, is scheduled to cover more than 80,000 kilometres across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas. The team expects to complete the historic journey in the second half of 2026.

Hankook Tire is preparing to drive excitement in the final stretch of TGL Presented by SoFi Season 2 as the tech-driven golf league approaches its regular-season climax. The concluding three matches are scheduled to take place from 1 to 3 March 2026 at the SoFi Center in Florida, marking a significant moment for both the league and its founding partner.

As the first Official Tire Partner and a Founding Partner of TGL, Hankook Tire has maintained a strong presence throughout the season, leveraging its global ‘Hankook’ brand across multiple platforms. From stadium LED displays to television commercials and live broadcast graphics, the brand has engaged golf fans around the world. This visibility aligns with Chairman Hyunbum Cho’s vision of ‘Innovative Technology’, through which the company seeks to merge mobility and sports while reinforcing its premium identity in approximately 150 broadcast markets.

The path to the championship is far from decided. The action begins on 1 March 2026 with a highly anticipated clash between Jupiter Links GC, co-founded by Tiger Woods, and the league-leading Boston Common Golf, backed by Rory McIlroy. This matchup is more than a meeting of celebrity owners; for the sixth-place Jupiter Links, a victory is essential to break into the top four and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The following day, Los Angeles and New York golf clubs face off in a contest with significant playoff implications. Both teams are locked in tight races with their counterparts, where tiebreakers like total holes won could ultimately decide their fate. Each squad understands that a commanding win is their best path forward. The regular season then concludes on 3 March 2026 with a rematch, as The Bay Golf Club and Jupiter Links GC battle to secure their positions, ensuring every shot until the final hole carries immense weight.

Apollo Tyres Ltd recently marked the seventh edition of EK NAAM, its flagship programme dedicated to recognising and uplifting women entrepreneurs from underserved communities. The initiative, launched in 2019, has evolved into a significant platform that celebrates grassroots women leaders who drive community transformation and inclusive development through their resilience and vision. By spotlighting their achievements, Apollo Tyres reinforces its commitment to fostering gender equity and enabling sustainable livelihoods.

At this year’s ceremony, eight remarkable women were honoured as EK NAAM Change Agents for their outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. The awardees included Sahida Beevi, Seemamol S, Meera Appa, Pinki Ji, Manjulaben Patel, Kavita Ji, Gohil Dakshaben and Bahamuni Kisku. Their recognition followed targeted support and collaboration between Apollo Tyres and its NGO partners, underscoring the impact of structured interventions in empowering women at the grassroots level.

The event featured notable voices who enriched the discourse on equity and inclusion. Gregor Trumel, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs and Director of The French Institute in India, spoke on the importance of diversity in strengthening societies and international partnerships. R Mahalakshmi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Apollo Tyres, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to inclusive growth, emphasising that supporting women entrepreneurs is essential for lasting community progress. A special interaction with Anjum Chopra, former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, offered the audience valuable perspectives on leadership and determination.

The occasion also saw Apollo Tyres Foundation reaffirm its strategic alliance with Saral Jeevan India Foundation and Frontier Markets, aimed at expanding economic opportunities for rural women through digital platforms. Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, highlighted the vital role of women-led enterprises in fostering grassroots economic development. Additionally, a panel discussion titled ‘Justice in Action: Advancing Equity for Inclusive Futures’ called for moving beyond conversation to concrete systemic change, ensuring fairness and access for marginalised groups by embedding equity into policy and practice.

Through EK NAAM, Apollo Tyres continues to advance its sustainability goals in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, positioning women as key drivers of change and community resilience.