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.

India will once again be represented at the world's most formidable rally raid as veteran racer Sanjay Takale prepares for his second attempt at the Dakar Rally in 2026. This event, renowned as the ultimate endurance challenge, will see Takale draw upon his disciplined approach and decades of international racing expertise across both motorcycles and cars. His participation underscores a continued, though rare, Indian presence on this global motorsport stage.

Takale’s previous campaign was historically successful, culminating in an 18th-place overall finish. Framing his upcoming effort as an evolved chapter, he is focusing on intensified preparation and strategic refinement. This return is fuelled by over 35 years of accumulated track insight and a sharpened competitive perspective.

In addition to his driving career, Takale’s role as Director of aerpace Industries allows him to champion broader national ambitions in engineering and mobility. He consistently frames motorsport as a dynamic proving ground for core industrial principles like precision, systemic endurance and meticulous execution.

Ultimately, Takale's journey back to the Dakar starting line symbolises India's growing footprint in international motorsport. It is a narrative built not on fleeting speed but on profound experience, resilience and a dedicated pursuit of excellence under the world's most extreme racing conditions.

Takle said, “My first Dakar was an extraordinary experience. Dakar changes you once you race it; you are never the same. It challenges you mentally, breaks you down and teaches you resilience, discipline and the true meaning of fighting back. I emerged not just as a stronger driver but as a different person altogether. This year, my focus is clear to return, finish the rally again and significantly improve my position. I will once again be competing for my team, aerpace Racers, with technical support from Compagne Sharenne, France. I am proud to represent India as the only four-wheeler entry for the second consecutive year. My goal is simple: to see the finish line and to finish stronger.”

Hankook Tire has been honoured with a Ministerial Commendation by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea. The honour was conferred at the 2025 Outstanding Overseas Investment Contributors Awards, an event hosted at the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest, Hungary, designed to recognise firms that enhance national competitiveness through global investment. During the ceremony, the company's leadership detailed its achievements to an audience of diplomatic officials and fellow Korean businesses operating in the region.

The award celebrated Hankook Tire's excellence across four critical areas. Economically, its strategic manufacturing base in Rácalmás, Hungary, established in 2008, has become a significant contributor to the Korean economy through consistent profit repatriation. The company has also acted as a catalyst for other Korean enterprises, enabling market entry for supply chain partners while securing its own strategic alliances within Europe, thereby strengthening the collective agility and global standing of Korean industry.

Beyond commerce, the company's deep local social commitment was highly recognised. The Hungarian plant is a cornerstone of the regional economy, having multiplied its local workforce to approximately 3,000 employees and maintaining this stability even through periods of global economic uncertainty. This commitment extends through extensive community outreach, including the long-term donation of tyres to enhance public and private mobility safety, alongside targeted investments in local infrastructure, social welfare and youth scholarships.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire serves as a central pillar for the Korean business community in Hungary. By holding leadership roles in major business associations, the company facilitates essential dialogue and practical cooperation, helping to resolve common challenges and support the sustainable operation of Korean enterprises in the market. Through this powerful combination of economic performance, social integration and community leadership, Hankook Tire exemplifies the impactful role of responsible overseas investment in fostering mutual growth and strengthening international ties.

Ho Taek Lim, Managing Director of Hankook Tire Hungary plant, said, “As a representative company with deep roots in Hungary, Hankook Tire is committed to fostering unity within the Korean community and supporting the successful establishment of Korean companies entering the market. Through close collaboration with local institutions, we will continue enhancing the competitiveness of Korean companies in Europe while advancing Korea’s national interests.”

Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced the Vredestein Comtrac 2+, a new summer tyre engineered for light commercial vehicles. Set for a European launch in January 2026, this premium model will be available in 21 sizes for rims from 15 to 17 inches, including extra-load variants for heavier demands. It builds upon its predecessor with significant advancements in durability, efficiency and overall performance, aiming to lower the total cost of ownership for fleet operators.

A key innovation is a fourth-generation polymer compound, which boosts abrasion resistance by 13 percent. This advancement extends tread life, reduces replacement frequency and minimises the release of microplastics from wear. The tyre’s construction includes a reinforced bead area and a robust carcass for enhanced stability and reliability under heavy loads, improving vehicle uptime. Safety in wet weather is addressed through a specialised silica filler and an efficient tread pattern designed to prevent aquaplaning by rapidly dispersing water.

Furthermore, the Comtrac 2+ achieves a seven percent reduction in rolling resistance, improving fuel economy for conventional vehicles and helping to extend the driving range of electric and hybrid vans. Every aspect of the tyre is crafted for maximum longevity and cost efficiency, supporting business operations with fewer interruptions. The product also meets the stringent requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation, aligning with contemporary environmental and sustainability standards.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial EMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Comtrac 2+, we set out to address the changing demands of today’s light commercial vehicle operators, whether independent trade professionals or major fleet managers. Our R&D Team has engineered the tyre to deliver longer tread life, lower rolling resistance and a safer, more comfortable ride that drives greater efficiency – all at an accessible price point.”

MRF Tyres has once again proven its motorsport pedigree by securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Team Title. The official accolade was presented at the season-ending FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent, where Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Arun Mammen collected the trophy. This gala represents the pinnacle of the international motorsport calendar, formally recognising champions from across the discipline.

This victory marks the team’s third ERC crown, following previous successes in 2022 and 2023. It was earned through a campaign defined by remarkable consistency and adaptability across diverse rally stages. Strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination between the team’s personnel, engineers and driving crews were fundamental to this achievement, highlighting the programme’s overall strength and the reliability of its products.

The company has extended its appreciation to every individual who contributed to this result. The recognition at such a distinguished forum reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence and cements its position as a leading force on the global rally stage.

Mammen said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come.”