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.

Goodyear and TIP Group, a prominent European equipment solutions provider, have renewed their longstanding partnership for another five-year term. This extension coincides with a significant milestone, celebrating two decades of joint efforts supporting fleet operations across the continent. Throughout this period, Goodyear has provided TIP's fleets with tailored, high-performance commercial tyre solutions designed to meet specific operational demands.

A central pillar of the renewed alliance is a shared commitment to sustainability. By integrating Goodyear's latest product innovations, such as the KMAX GEN-3 range, TIP can now offer its customers truck tyres constructed with a minimum of 40 percent sustainable materials. These products are engineered to deliver the expected durability while also featuring B-label rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency. Further supporting sustainable operations, Goodyear’s retreading services aid TIP in prolonging tyre life cycles, which helps reduce waste, conserve resources and manage operational expenses.

Complementing the supply of tyres, TIP’s clients gain access to extensive service support through Goodyear’s expansive TruckForce Network of over 2,000 locations. This network is critical for minimising vehicle downtime, optimising tyre performance and ensuring fleet reliability. These combined efforts actively contribute to TIP Group’s broader environmental, social and governance objectives, enabling more sustainable fleet management without sacrificing efficiency or customer value.

Concurrently, TIP continues to advance its own modernisation initiatives, investing in sustainable fleet solutions, advanced telematics and refurbishment capabilities. These investments help customers extend asset lifecycles, improve regulatory compliance and lessen their environmental impact. The enduring partnership with Goodyear thus serves as a key component in TIP’s comprehensive strategy to navigate evolving market and regulatory landscapes.

Piotr Czyżyk, Vice President – Commercial Sales EMEA, Goodyear, said, “This partnership is built on trust, long-term thinking and a deep understanding of the transport fleet market. For 20 years, we have worked closely with TIP Group to deliver reliable products, innovative fleet solutions and retreading services that help keep their customers moving. Extending our agreement for another five years reflects our shared commitment to performance, efficiency and sustainability – and to continuously evolving together as market expectations change.”

Paul Beadle, COO, TIP Group, said, “Our collaboration with Goodyear is a strong example of how strategic partnerships can create real value for fleet operators. Managing more than 90,000 trucks, trailers and specialised assets across Europe means reliability is critical, which is why we value long-term partners like Goodyear. By combining high-performance tyres and mobility solutions with our operational experience, we deliver more efficient and more sustainable fleet solutions and ultimately more value for our customers.”

Maxam Tyre Europe will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of agricultural tyres at Fieragricola 2026 in Verona from 4–7 February. Under the banner ‘More Pull. Less Fuel’, the company's participation highlights a core commitment to efficiency and enhanced productivity through smart tyre performance. Exhibiting in Hall 6, Stand D4, the Sailun Group subsidiary will feature a curated selection from its diverse range.

Among the products on display will be the MAXAM AgriXtra XL VF tyre, a model recognised by the German Agricultural Society, the DLG, for its contributions to soil preservation, improved traction and reduced fuel consumption. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the Maxam brand and its innovative solutions. This focus on sustainable technology aims to demonstrate how advanced tyre engineering can significantly improve operational efficiency and support modern, responsible farming practices.

Prinx Chengshan has successfully rolled off its first off-the-road giant tyre, model 30.00R51, a milestone celebrated by company leaders and Rongcheng Mayor Liu Jinjun. This achievement marks a crucial step in the construction of the firm's new green and intelligent off-road tyre factory and represents significant progress in enhancing its high-end product portfolio, effectively addressing a gap in the domestic market for premium off-road tyres.

The newly produced tyre, with an outer diameter of nearly three metres and a weight of 1.8 tonnes, is engineered for massive dump trucks operating in open-pit mines, capable of carrying loads over 120 tonnes. Its design features a wide, deep tread pattern for superior traction and a specialised shoulder cooling system that promotes heat dissipation. This innovation enhances safety by reducing risks such as blowouts while also improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in demanding mining environments.

This strategic development responds to steadily rising global demand for high-end off-road tyres, fuelled by growing infrastructure investment and mining industry modernisation. The company's significant investment of over CNY 1.1 billion (approximately USD 158 million) in its new production base, initiated in 2025, underscores this focus. The facility, covering more than 100,000 square metres, is planned to have an annual capacity of 84,000 engineering tyres and 10,000 giant tyres for diverse applications across mining, construction and industrial sectors.

From its inception, the project has been guided by principles of high-end intelligence and green environmental protection. It incorporates modern workshops, smart manufacturing processes and sustainable initiatives like rooftop solar power generation to ensure energy-efficient development, reflecting a firm commitment to circular economy practices and Industry 4.0 standards.

Moving forward, Prinx Chengshan will leverage its global network of research and development centres to continue advancing independent innovation. By fully implementing a ‘Product + Service’ model, the company is committed to its in-depth transformation towards high-end, intelligent and green manufacturing. This direction aims to provide efficient and reliable solutions for global mining progress, injecting robust momentum from ‘China Smart Manufacturing’ into the industry's future.

Giti Tire recently hosted an immersive event at its Hefei R&D Centre for its distributor and dealer network, moving far beyond a simple meeting to deliver a hands-on masterclass in future mobility. The core experience was a guided tour through Giti's Innovation Hub, where specialised zones deconstructed the entire tyre development journey. Partners witnessed firsthand the advanced materials, EV-specific engineering and rigorous motorsport-grade testing processes that form the foundation of Giti's collaborations with leading global automakers.

The event physically manifested this innovation with two pivotal showcases. Guests received a rare, hands-on examination of the Giti Flexcore (Airless) Technology, a concept designed for ultimate safety and sustainability by eliminating punctures. Furthermore, they experienced the cutting edge of automotive performance firsthand by entering the cabin of the YANGWANG U9X, a premier electric supercar, engaging directly with its advanced technology and premium construction.

This carefully curated experience was designed to demonstrate how Giti meticulously engineers, challenges and validates ideas long before production. By providing this transparent look into their technological ecosystem, Giti reinforced its role not just as a supplier but as a strategic partner invested in shared growth. The event served to align the network with the brand's forward trajectory, firmly establishing Giti’s commitment to co-shaping the future of mobility through tangible innovation and deepened collaboration.