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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

American tyre brand General Tire has officially widened its all-terrain product family by unveiling the Grabber AT3 Plus, a new all-season tyre engineered for unpredictable weather and rugged off-road use. The launch addresses the rising popularity of both traditional 4x4 vehicles and the rapidly expanding sport utility vehicle segment, offering a single solution that balances highway driving with trail capability.

When measured against the previous model, the latest Grabber delivers superior snow traction and enhanced wet-road grip thanks to a thoroughly reengineered tread design that visually signals its off-road intentions. Durability remains a priority, as both the compound and tread pattern have been optimised for harsh conditions while still providing precise handling and reduced cabin noise. The tyre is built for year-round use on pavement and dirt, and every available dimension bears the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, ensuring legal compliance for winter driving across numerous countries.

Upon its release, the Grabber AT3 Plus will be offered in rim diameters ranging from 15 to 22 inches, widths between 195 and 315 millimetres and aspect ratios of 80 down to 40 percent. Certain sizes carry LT identification along with LRD and LRE load ratings, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications, while speed ratings can reach up to 240 kilometres per hour. To achieve its balance of toughness, grip and ride quality, General Tire integrates three proprietary systems: TracGen for loose-surface traction and on-road precision, Comfort Balance for smooth rolling and noise reduction and DuraGen for cut-resistant tread blocks and stone bumpers.

A rugged sidewall with a pronounced shoulder, clear tread markings and logo detailing gives the tyre an assertive appearance that complements modern SUVs and off-road vehicles. Depending on the dimension, the Grabber AT3 Plus earns a C grade for wet braking, a B for noise emissions and most commonly a D for rolling resistance.

Matthias Bartz, Business Development Manager – EMEA, General Tire, said, “Our R&D department has achieved a remarkable feat in further developing the leading Grabber AT3. The Grabber AT3 Plus delivers improvements across all key performance areas – without any compromises.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin North America, Inc. is participating once again in a special journey to transport World War II veterans to Normandy, France, in observance of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines, reflecting a unified effort to preserve the memory of veteran courage and sacrifice through direct, intergenerational experiences rather than solely through historical texts.

A charter flight carrying the veterans departed on 2 June, accompanied by caregivers and volunteers from the partner organisations. Over the course of a nine-day stay, the group will attend commemorative ceremonies and celebrations marking the anniversary. The Best Defense Foundation views the journey as not merely a commemoration but a meaningful opportunity for connection.

This year’s programme again includes students selected through the Best Defense Foundation’s NextGen initiative, who travel alongside the veterans as escorts and witnesses. From Omaha Beach to Pegasus Bridge and Carentan, the students will explore historic sites with those who lived through the events, ensuring that the stories of service members are passed on with authenticity and respect.

The collaboration among Michelin, the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines began in 2021 and has brought veterans back to France each year since the 78th anniversary in 2022. Michelin’s historic link to D-Day dates to spring 1944, when the 1939 Michelin Guide’s detailed maps were reprinted by Allied commanders to aid navigation in France. The company later produced additional maps for Allied advances, earning formal recognition from Allied Forces, and continues that legacy today through acts of remembrance and return.

Matthew Cabe, President and CEO, Michelin North America, Inc., said, “It is deeply meaningful and humbling for Michelin to stand alongside these veterans in Normandy. Supporting this initiative is one way we demonstrate our deep gratitude for these heroes and ensure the significance of their service is carried forward for generations to come.”

Bob Somers, Senior Vice President – Global Sales, Delta, said, “As we mark the fifth year of the Normandy Legacy Flight, we are reminded that carrying forward a legacy of this magnitude requires partners who share not only our values but a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. We are profoundly grateful for our partnership with Michelin, whose steadfast commitment and collaboration make this mission possible year after year. Together, we are honoured to pay tribute to our nation’s greatest heroes by preserving their legacy, honouring their sacrifice and ensuring their stories endure for generations to come.”

Donnie Edwards, Founder, Best Defense Foundation, said, “Michelin's commitment to this mission goes beyond sponsorship. It is a shared belief that the men and women who fought for our freedom deserve to be remembered, honoured and heard. Because of partners like Michelin, we are able to bring veterans back to the places that shaped history and ensure their stories live on in the people who will carry them forward.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goodyear is set to field its most ambitious endurance racing effort to date at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. A total of 44 cars spread across the LMGT3 and LMP2 classes will take on the famous French circuit, all riding on Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres. The event marks a significant milestone for the tyre manufacturer as it supplies nearly three-quarters of the entire starting grid.

In the LMGT3 category, all 25 entrants will rely on the familiar Goodyear Racing Eagle medium compound in dry conditions, switching to a specially developed wet tyre when rain arrives. For the 19 LMP2 machines, competitors from series such as the European Le Mans Series and their counterparts in North America and Asia will have access to an updated Eagle medium slick. That tyre first appeared at Le Castellet last season before making a strong impression at La Sarthe a month later.

Tyre management is expected to shape race strategy across both highly competitive classes. Goodyear engineers point to the possibility of some drivers completing up to four consecutive stints on a single set of slicks, a distance roughly equal to two Formula 1 Grands Prix. With regulations capping any single driver’s continuous running at four hours, equivalent to around 44 laps or 600 kilometres, last year’s dry conditions saw teams in both categories exceed that distance on one set of tyres.

More than 7,000 tyres and a team of over 100 specialists, including fitters, engineers and support staff, have been deployed to manage Goodyear’s largest endurance racing operation. Each entry receives a dedicated track support engineer. Above the circuit, the Goodyear Blimp will offer aerial experiences for guests and media, while a fan zone on the ground showcases the link between racing and the brand’s Eagle tyre range. Goodyear Racing Eagles are also competing this weekend at Pocono Raceway in NASCAR and at Bristol Dragway for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Programme Manager, said, “Le Mans presents challenges unlike anything else in endurance racing because conditions constantly change across the 24 hours. Teams often face huge swings in track and ambient temperatures between day and night, while safety cars and slow zones can cool tyres before drivers are thrown straight back into racing speeds.

“Our Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compounds have been developed to have a very wide operating window, giving drivers of varying ability levels confidence throughout the race and across changing conditions. This year we could see teams running up to four consecutive stints on a single set of tyres, meaning our tyres will be able to last longer than the regulations allow drivers to stay in the car.

“Goodyear is proud to be an intrinsic part of one of motorsport’s true jewels in the crown. We always aim to put on a show for fans both on and off-track, and the extreme challenges of Le Mans provide a true opportunity for Goodyear to demonstrate its technology and expertise to a global audience.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin has been named the world’s most valuable tyre brand for the ninth consecutive year, according to a new report by Brand Finance. The French company’s brand value rose 17 percent to reach USD 10.3 billion. Michelin also retained its title as the strongest tyre brand globally, achieving a Brand Strength Index score of 93.2 out of 100 and remaining the only tyre manufacturer with a AAA+ rating.

This achievement further positioned Michelin as France’s strongest brand in 2026 and marked its first entry into the world’s top 10 strongest brands across all industries. Bridgestone held second place among tyre brands with a six percent increase in value to USD 8.8 billion, while Continental Tires stayed third at USD 3.9 billion.

The world’s top 25 tyre brands together are now worth USD 42.3 billion, a nine percent year-on-year increase, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and intense sector competition. Giti was identified as the fastest-growing tyre brand of 2026, with a 38 percent jump in value to USD 1.5 billion, closely followed by China’s Sailun, which grew 37 percent to USD 1.2 billion.

Several other Chinese brands, including Linglong, Triangle Tyre, Sentury Tire and newcomer Double Coin, continue to expand their international presence. Apollo Tyres recorded the largest rise in Brand Strength Index score among the top 25, reaching 80.6 out of 100, reflecting stronger consumer perceptions, growing brand equity in India and increased global visibility.

Lorenzo Coruzzi, Valuation Director, Brand Finance, said, “Michelin’s continued leadership demonstrates the enduring value of a strong brand in a highly competitive market. Its exceptional performance across key research metrics such as reputation, consideration and price acceptance reinforces the strength of its position in major markets worldwide. At the same time, the rapid growth of brands across Asia-Pacific such as Giti, Sailun and Apollo shows that competitive dynamics within the tyre sector are evolving quickly, with challenger brands successfully building credibility and market presence on a global scale."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!