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.

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Michelin UK is calling on motorists to check their tyres this October after new research (OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted in September 2026, commissioned by Michelin) found that half are unsure about some of the most basic elements of tyre safety. The findings arrive as TyreSafe's Tyre Safety Month gets underway and suggest that while drivers recognise vehicle safety matters, knowing what to inspect and how to act when something requires attention remains unclear for many.

Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (24 percent) cannot tell whether their tyres are road legal, and only 53 percent know that the UK's legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Everyday maintenance also presents difficulties: 19 percent of motorists are not confident about inflating tyres and setting pressures correctly, and 56 percent lack confidence in using a tyre repair kit.

Since tyres are vital to braking, handling and grip, Michelin stresses that knowing how to check and maintain them is essential for the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users. The company is therefore urging drivers to act now and inspect their tyres during Tyre Safety Month rather than waiting for problems to emerge.

Michelin points drivers to four key areas of tyre care. On legality, UK car tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tread around the entire circumference, and drivers should watch for visible damage including cuts, cracks and bulges. On tread depth, regular checks are preferable to waiting for the legal limit; a gauge gives an accurate reading, while a 20 pence coin offers a handy alternative because its rim measures 1.6 mm.

On pressures, Michelin notes that incorrect inflation can affect handling, braking, fuel consumption and tyre wear. Drivers should check when tyres are cold, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, usually in the handbook or on a label inside the vehicle, and use a pressure gauge. On damage, drivers should learn their tyre repair kit before an emergency; many modern vehicles carry a sealant kit instead of a spare wheel, injecting sealant through the valve to temporarily seal certain punctures and restore pressure so the vehicle can reach safety or the nearest tyre professional.

Joe Brammer, Technical Manager, Michelin UK, said, “The findings highlight an opportunity to make tyre safety advice more accessible and help motorists feel better equipped to make informed decisions about their vehicles. By understanding a few key checks and knowing when to seek professional advice, drivers can take a more active role in maintaining their tyres and help to keep themselves and others safe on the road.”

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Toyo Tires will stage its Treadpass showcase at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas from 3–6 November, assembling a hand-picked roster of vehicles making their global premieres. Set between the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central and South Halls, the exhibit pairs the tyre maker with skilled builders, handing them a high-visibility platform for their craft.

Twenty-seven world-debut machines will populate this year's display, spanning a spectrum broad enough to satisfy nearly any automotive taste. Among them are a 1979 Porsche 935 styled after racing machinery and powered by a 637-horsepower electric drivetrain, alongside a 2027 Rolls-Royce Cullinan with a custom body kit marking its first North American appearance. Toyo Tires will again dedicate a section of its website to detailing each build, listing model year, make, model, wheel and tyre fitment and other notable modifications.

Working with Time Capsule, a business-to-business firm known for finely crafted diecast miniatures, Treadpass will host an oversized die-cast toy box. The centrepiece is a 2014 Scion FRS (Toyota GT86) conceived and assembled by Daniel Song of DRVNmind. It carries the first Neo86 widebody conversion fitted outside the demonstration car built in Japan a year earlier, restyling the Scion with cues drawn from the iconic AE86 and honouring the celebrated US-built AE86 nicknamed ‘Run Free’. A Beams 3SGE swap with individual throttle bodies from Panic Made and custom high-rise headers from Dream Maker Goods sit under the hood, while Rays TE37V 18x10 wheels in Dash White carry Toyo Proxes Sport R 255/35/18 rubber.

Leen Customs returns as a collaborator, with limited-edition pins once again part of the SEMA experience. Ten designs will honour select Treadpass vehicles and be handed out at scheduled times. A separate 11th pin will be offered during an Artist's Meet with Leen Customs founder Hansel Echeverria on 4 November from noon to 1 p.m.

As the industry's premier trade gathering, the SEMA Show draws manufacturers and buyers from every sector. Toyo Tires remains a highlight, presenting distinctive builds from leading shops nationwide. Among the vehicles on view will be a 1972 Chevrolet Blazer K5 by Tony Arme, a 1974 Capri Mk 1 by JH Restorations Ltd., a 1979 Ford F-250 Crew Cab by Fat Fender Garage, a 1979 Porsche 935 Baby Moby by Bisimoto and a 2027 Rolls-Royce Cullinan by WALD USA. Further details on the tyres behind these builds can be found on the Toyo Tires website.

Stan Chen, Deputy Director – Consumer Marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp, said, “Over the years, Treadpass has been an incredible way for us to collaborate with top builders and create a one-of-a-kind experience at the SEMA Show. We are thrilled to bring the activation back for its 13th year and deliver another unforgettable experience for attendees while showcasing the largest culmination of world-debut cars at this year’s show.”

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) and Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT) collectively secured six accolades at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2026, a recognition reflecting their strength in corporate management, financial stewardship and investor relations. The Investment Analysts Association (IAA) hosted the ceremony on 21 October 2026, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai.

STA claimed all three honours in the Agro Industry category for a second straight year. Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul was named Outstanding CEO, with Thitima Wongwairoj, Regional Finance and Controller Manager, accepting on his behalf. Chief Financial Officer Patrawut Panitkul received the Outstanding CFO award, also collected by Wongwairoj. Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul earned Outstanding IR recognition, with Pimpetch Sapkhoonthawee of Investor Relations accepting for him.

STGT, which won Outstanding CEO and Outstanding IR in 2024, took three awards in the Consumer Products category. Chief Executive Officer Jarinya Jirojkul was honoured as Outstanding CEO, while Chief Financial Officer Thanawan Sa-ngiamsak received Outstanding CFO. Chairman of the Executive Committee Vitanath Sincharoenkul was named Outstanding IR, with Sa-ngiamsak accepting on his behalf.

The six awards underscore the confidence of Thai securities analysts and fund managers in both companies' management teams amid global economic uncertainty. Sri Trang Group continues to uphold good corporate governance, rigorous financial discipline and transparent disclosure while integrating environmental, social and governance principles into its operations. These include STA's responsible raw material sourcing and EU Deforestation Regulation preparedness, alongside STGT's delivery of products meeting international quality standards. The IAA Awards, among Thailand's most prestigious capital market honours, are scored by analysts and fund managers on management expertise, disclosure quality and investor engagement.

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited, said, “Receiving awards in all three categories for the second consecutive year is a great honour and a source of pride for Sri Trang. This recognition inspires us to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence. It reflects the dedication of our executives and every member of our team, who work together to advance the business responsibly and with a firm commitment to good corporate governance. As economic and industry conditions evolve, we will continue to communicate accurately, transparently and promptly about both opportunities and challenges, enabling investors to understand our strategic direction and strengthening their confidence in our long-term growth.”

Jarinya Jirojkul, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited, said, “At Sri Trang Gloves, trust begins with the quality of the rubber gloves we deliver to users around the world and the responsibility with which we manage our business. Receiving awards in all three categories this year is a source of pride for our entire team, whose collective efforts uphold product quality, sound financial management and effective investor communication. We remain committed to financial discipline, prudent resource management and open, transparent disclosure so that shareholders and investors understand our performance, opportunities and risks. We will continue to develop our business to create long-term value.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Joseph Stanekenas, a professional driver with General Transport, as the recipient of the 42nd Goodyear Highway Hero Award. The honour recognises his courageous response to a serious highway accident involving a semi-truck that had collided with another trailer and caught fire.

Upon witnessing the crash, Stanekenas immediately parked his vehicle and rushed to assist the driver trapped inside the burning truck. With the help of fellow commercial driver Charles Johnson, he led the rescue despite dangerous conditions, and the two men pulled the driver from the vehicle and moved him to safety. The driver survived thanks to Stanekenas' swift initial response and the pair's shared willingness to risk their own safety for a stranger.

Established in 1983, the Goodyear Highway Hero Award recognises professional truck drivers across the US and Canada who demonstrate exceptional courage and selflessness on the job. As the 42nd recipient, Stanekenas will receive a cash prize and a ride aboard the iconic Goodyear Blimp, with Johnson also invited to join the Blimp experience in recognition of the teamwork that made the rescue possible. The award reflects Goodyear's commitment to honouring the commercial trucking industry and the drivers who keep North America's roads, businesses and communities moving.

Karly Becker, Director of Safety, General Transport, said, “Joseph has been a driver for General Transport for four years and is always willing to go above and beyond in every aspect. It is a pleasure to have Joseph as part of our fleet but our honour to nominate his heroic actions through Goodyear’s Highway Hero Award to save a stranger’s life.”

Joe Stuglis, Vice President, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear, said, "Professional truck drivers keep goods and services moving across North America every day, but their impact often extends far beyond the freight they haul. Joseph and Charles demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness when they stopped to help a fellow driver in a life-threatening situation. Their actions made a difference, and we are proud to recognise their bravery."

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