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.

Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

The tyre industry gathered to honour outstanding innovation and individual accomplishment over the past year during the Tire Technology Expo 2026 held in Hannover. The Tire Technology International Awards, spanning 13 categories, recognised both technological progress and the commitment to a more sustainable future within the tyre sector. Organised by the Tire Technology International magazine, the winners were selected by an independent panel of journalists and technical experts.

Sustainability was a dominant theme, highlighted by three distinct environmental awards. Bridgestone received the award for tyre design innovation, celebrated for developing a truck tyre composed of 70 percent recycled and renewable materials, a notable industry milestone. In manufacturing, Continental was acknowledged for its significant strides in reducing freshwater consumption during production with the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing award. The Environmental Achievement – Industry Contribution award went to the BioButterfly project, a collaborative effort involving Michelin, IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens. This initiative was praised for creating bio-based butadiene from bioethanol, presenting a credible substitute for fossil fuel-derived materials and demonstrating strong potential for immediate industrial application.

Further technical achievements were recognised across several categories. Flexsys earned the Chemicals and Compounding Innovation of the Year award for developing the first practical alternative to the antioxidant 6PPD after extensive research. Teijin Aramid was honoured with the Materials Innovation of the Year award for industrialisation of its high-performance Twaron Next para-aramid fibre. A collaborative R&D breakthrough by Goodyear and TNO, which integrates tyre intelligence directly into a vehicle's automatic emergency braking systems to enhance safety, won the R&D Breakthrough of the Year award. In manufacturing equipment, Comerio Ercole’s advanced modular calendering line, Zeus, won the Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award. Uzer Makina, a long-time finalist, was finally named Tyre Industry Supplier of the Year.

The event also celebrated conceptual and product excellence. Michelin had a particularly successful evening, first winning the Tire Concept of the Year award for its Lunar Airless Wheel, designed to withstand the extreme conditions on the moon. The company then claimed the highly anticipated Tire of the Year award for its Primacy 5 Energy, a tyre noted by the jury for achieving top EU label ratings in most sizes while offering improved longevity and reduced emissions compared to its predecessor. In the final major category, Continental was named Tire Manufacturer of the Year for the second consecutive year and the fifth time overall, following a review of the top manufacturers' yearly contributions.

The awards also highlighted personal achievements within the field. The Young Scientist Prize for 2026 was presented to Max Dixey, a PhD student at Queen Mary University of London, for his compelling presentation on the effects of carbon black activators. Finally, a Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Michelin’s Pascal Prost. A veteran engineer, researcher and long-time contributor to both the conference and the awards jury, Prost was celebrated by peers and colleagues for his enduring and significant impact on the tyre industry.

Matt Ross, Chairman of the awards and Editor-in-Chief of Tire Technology International, said, “As is now becoming the norm, this year’s awards were incredibly close. Continental and Michelin have picked up multiple awards and should be highly commended, but I’m also happy to see such an array of winners across the whole range of categories. The level of innovation on display across the tyre sector is staggering, and I hope that this year’s awards have captured even a hint of the groundbreaking work taking place to move this industry forward.”

On Frost’s achievement, Ross said, “For as long as I have worked on Tire Technology International and these awards, Pascal has been a valued contributor, a hugely appreciated advisor – and a wonderful sounding board. I would like to join with his peers and friends from across the industry in celebrating his phenomenal contribution to the tyre business.”

MRF has announced a significant move to expand its manufacturing footprint in southern India. The company revealed that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tamil Nadu Government, facilitated through the state’s nodal investment promotion agency, Guidance. This preliminary agreement outlines the company’s intent to establish a greenfield manufacturing unit dedicated to the production of automotive tyres and related ancillary products. The proposed facility is planned for location within the SIPCOT Industrial Park situated in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu.

As the agreement is currently non-binding, its progression to a final commitment is contingent upon several conditions. These include the Tamil Nadu government’s sanction of a bespoke incentive package, the provision of necessary infrastructure, the allotment of land and the securing of all requisite statutory approvals in accordance with applicable state laws.

According to the official statement released by MRF, the project, upon receiving all clearances and moving forward, envisions a substantial capital outlay. The estimated investment for this venture is projected to be approximately INR 53 billion, with the capital expenditure to be phased over a 12-year period. Beyond the financial injection into the region’s economy, the initiative is also anticipated to be a major source of employment, with expectations of creating direct job opportunities for around 1,000 individuals.

The second Sustainable Development (ESG) Industrial Ecosystem Innovation Competition for Chinese and Foreign Enterprises in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area recently concluded, with Sailun Group emerging as a distinguished honouree. Recognised for its collaborative ESG efforts with Vale, a global leader in metal and mining, Sailun received the prestigious ‘Innovative Model’ award, standing out as the sole tire company to achieve this recognition.

Organised jointly by the Shanghai Pudong Foreign-Invested Enterprises Association and the Shanghai Pudong Domestic-Funded Enterprises Association, the competition welcomed participation from companies registered and operating in the area, along with their partners. Invited by Vale Metals (Shanghai), Sailun took an active role by meticulously organising and presenting its innovative achievements in sustainable development. Through a structured application process highlighting solid practices and creative excellence, the company successfully secured the award.

Vale, one of the world’s foremost iron ore producers, maintains a longstanding strategic partnership with Sailun. Driven by a mutual dedication to sustainable supply chains, the two organisations have intensified collaboration, particularly in mining tyre supply. By integrating Sailun’s low-carbon tyre technologies, they inject environmental vitality into operations while enabling Vale to achieve refined efficiency through cutting-edge solutions. Their partnership exemplifies a synergistic model that harmonises efficiency, safety and low-carbon practices, serving as a standout case of ESG-driven empowerment across the industrial chain.