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.

MESNAC Union Technology (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China’s MESNAC Co., Ltd., has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in the Qilu (Cambodia) Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng Province, marking the company’s second major investment in Southeast Asia.

Executives from the Qilu Special Economic Zone, MESNAC Chairman and President Guan Bingzheng, and representatives from the tyre sector attended the 30 October ceremony.

Zhou Chuanhai, General Manager of MESNAC Union Technology, said the ceremony underscored the company’s growing international ambitions. “The opening of the MESNAC Vietnam factory and the groundbreaking of the Cambodia factory jointly demonstrated the bold and hardworking spirit, and pragmatic executive force of the MESNAC Union Technology team,” he said. The two projects, he added, “further confirmed the company’s firm determination to expand overseas and serve global tyre enterprises.”

Zhou said Cambodia’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia offered “unique geographical advantages and vast market potential”. He added that the company would continue to uphold its mission “To advance rubber industry to a higher level,” while strengthening its global production and service network to offer more efficient integrated solutions for tyre manufacturers.

The ceremony concluded with guests witnessing the official launch of the project.

The new Cambodia plant follows the commissioning of the firm’s Vietnam facility and forms part of MESNAC’s push to scale up its presence in the region. The company said the investment will expand manufacturing capacity, improve service capability in Southeast Asia and support a more comprehensive product offering for global tyre clients.

Bridgestone has introduced the Potenza Sport EVO, an ultra-high-performance tyre that represents a significant evolution of its acclaimed Potenza Sport line. This next-generation tyre is engineered to deliver superior sports performance, enhanced safety in wet conditions, increased longevity and greater energy efficiency. A key feature is its expanded size range, ensuring compatibility with a broader spectrum of high-performance vehicles.

Central to the tyre's advancement is the incorporation of Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology, a forward-thinking engineering approach designed to provide uncompromised performance while supporting sustainability. This technology ensures the Potenza Sport EVO is fully prepared to meet the unique demands of both electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion engines.

The performance gains are substantial. The tyre provides exceptional control and stability during high-speed driving, whether on straightaways or through corners. Its wet grip is best-in-class, achieving a top EU label A-grade and enabling a five percent shorter wet braking distance compared to its predecessor. This is complemented by a two percent improvement in dry braking. These handling and safety benefits are the result of specific innovations, including a high-stiffness compound for stability, a dedicated construction with a stiff carcass and a sporty, asymmetric profile shape. For wet grip, a bespoke compound with optimised fillers works in synergy with a precisely engineered tread pattern.

Beyond performance, the Potenza Sport EVO offers notable practical advantages. It provides a fifteen percent increase in mileage, translating to thousands of additional kilometres of use. Furthermore, its rolling resistance is reduced by up to six percent, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency for conventional cars and extends the driving range of electric vehicles.

Developed in Europe, the Potenza Sport EVO will be available in 139 sizes across a 17- to 23-inch spectrum, a considerable expansion that fulfils 92 percent of the sport market's coverage needs. The launch will occur in two phases, beginning with 92 sizes in January 2026 and the remainder following in 2027, making the tyre available across numerous global markets.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President Consumer Replacement at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The new Bridgestone Potenza Sport EVO with ENLITEN Technology is built for high-performance vehicles and drivers, whatever the powertrain. Building on the success of the remarkable Potenza Sport – a tyre chosen as original equipment by many of the world’s most prestigious car brands, like Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche – it continues the proud Potenza family legacy.”

Vredestein Tires, the renowned  European tyre brand from Apollo Tyres Ltd, immersed attendees in the vibrant automotive culture of the 1980s and 1990s at the recent RADwood SoCal event. The brand curated a compelling showcase of era-defining vehicles, each fitted with period-correct Vredestein tyres to celebrate its legacy of combining classic authenticity with modern performance. A key attraction was a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, equipped with Hitracs tyres and on loan from the Petersen Automotive Museum, which will be awarded in a forthcoming November sweepstakes.

Further demonstrating its product versatility, Vredestein collaborated with Los Angeles automotive influencers Abraham Ruffei, Armagan Sezenol and Steve Ellis. Their vehicles, including an R34 Nissan Skyline, a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, were prominently displayed on Vredestein tyres.

The complete Vredestein corral featured:

    1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, on Hypertrac tyres
    1982 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, on Vredestein Pinza AT tyres
    1998 Nissan R34 Skyline, on Hypertrac tyres
    1986 Land Rover Defender, on Vredestein Pinza AT tyres
    1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso, on Hypertrac tyres
    1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, on Hitrac tyres
    1986 DINAN 635CSI, on Hypertrac tyres
    1987 BMW 325, on Sprint+ tyres

Art Cervantes, Founder, RADwood, said, “Vredestein Tires is a proud supporter of RADwood and this nostalgic era of automobiles. They love helping vehicle owners across the country find those hard-to-source, period-correct sizes that complement their full array of tyre styles. Each tyre delivers performance, a premium driving experience and is aesthetically appropriate for modern classics. It’s a brand for people who love cars and see driving as an experience.”

Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the commercial, agricultural and OTR tyre sectors, is displaying its advanced Serie 02 radial tyres at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, which is being held in Hannover, Germany, from 9 to 15 November 2025. The company is featuring its AT02 model, a key part of its agricultural line, within the Sindipeças exhibit, a Brazilian automotive components association. This highlights a natural link to Brazil, where Prometeon manufactures these tyres at its Gravataí and Santo André facilities.

The Serie 02 range, designed for tractors (AT02), harvesters (H02) and sprayers (SX02), incorporates significant technological advancements. Its design includes reinforced lugs and an optimised tread that enhance traction and self-cleaning while reducing fuel consumption. The radial structure utilises advanced polymers to create a larger footprint, which improves load distribution, minimises soil compaction and boosts overall productivity. Built for durability, these tyres offer excellent resistance to cuts, chipping and wear. Their versatility ensures reliable performance across diverse terrains and conditions, including road travel, where they provide safety, comfort and dependable handling.

Dario Gotti, Global Head of OE and Agro Business at Prometeon, said, “Our established presence in the LATAM market has made us a benchmark in terms of performance and brand awareness in the agricultural tyre sector. Prometeon’s strategy is to extend this leadership globally, as we have already done in the Truck & Bus Radial tyres segment. In this context, Agritechnica represents an important opportunity for us to meet key customers and OEMs, with whom we have longstanding partnerships. The agricultural tyre business requires a high level of expertise, both in research and development and in manufacturing processes – elements that are core to Prometeon and allow us to play a leading role in the international market.”

Igor Zucato, Global Head of Agro R&D at Prometeon, said, “The new Serie 02 product line for the Agro business represents the culmination of our research in terms of efficiency, sustainability and performance. Every component – from the radial structure to the material compounds – has been designed to meet the needs of an increasingly technological and productivity-driven sector. Our goal is to provide operators with solutions that enhance agricultural work while reducing fuel consumption and the environmental impact.”