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.

The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has released its third-quarter member survey for 2026, indicating a slight easing of anxieties regarding raw material availability. Despite this modest improvement in sentiment, the sector continues to grapple with persistently high costs, with no significant financial respite on the horizon.

wdk Chief Economist Michael Berthel addressed the findings, noting that the acute fears of immediate supply bottlenecks have subsided among member companies. However, he underscored that the overall situation remains highly unpredictable, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, which continue to threaten global trade routes.

While the supply of necessary materials is currently stable, the wdk raw material index for a standard natural rubber compound has surged to its highest point in roughly two years. Berthel pointed out that this disconnect between secure supply and unrelenting price levels leaves firms facing a dual challenge, especially in Germany, where elevated energy costs compound the financial strain of expensive inputs.

The association’s report also reveals a bifurcated business climate, with robust international operations contrasting sharply with weak domestic orders. Berthel characterised the overall recovery as fragile, stressing that without substantial government action to reduce energy levies and bureaucratic hurdles, a genuine upturn for the domestic industry remains elusive.

Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, is set to equip all teams for a historic first in Japan. The 2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix will mark the series' debut night races, with Rounds 14 and 15 of Season 12 scheduled to start at 20:00 local time on 25 and 26 July.

Tokyo’s presence on the Formula E calendar began in 2024 with the city’s inaugural FIA World Championship race, and it returned as a double-header in 2025. The temporary 2.575-kilometre Ariake waterfront circuit, featuring 18 corners and a mix of straights, technical sections and high-speed combinations, will host the event. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the entire race weekend, including the floodlighting, will be powered by advanced biofuels in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The unprecedented evening timetable presents a strategic challenge for competing teams. With practice and qualifying occurring during the warmer afternoon, the races will unfold after sunset on a significantly cooler track. This shift demands that engineers not only collect effective data in daylight but also accurately predict tyre behaviour, grip and track temperature evolution as conditions cool towards race time.

Despite the evening start, Tokyo’s intense late-July heat and humidity are expected to persist, placing a premium on the Hankook iON Race tyre’s warm-up characteristics, stable grip and consistent performance. Throughout the weekend, Hankook will also host a booth in the Fan Village, allowing attendees to explore the company’s iON tyre technology and electric vehicle tyre lineup.

Bridgestone Thailand has introduced the BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO, its newest premium sport tyre, during the IMPACT Speed Fest 2026 event. Positioned as a next-generation offering under the design philosophy of ultimate control and superior performance, the tyre was presented to media representatives for firsthand evaluation. Engineered to provide sharp responsiveness and precise handling, the product caters to drivers seeking sporty dynamics while also accommodating the growing electric vehicle segment under the EV Ready designation.

The tyre incorporates five core performance enhancements aimed at elevating driving confidence and efficiency. Braking capabilities have been significantly improved, with the tyre achieving the highest wet grip index across all available sizes, resulting in up to five percent shorter stopping distances on wet surfaces. Dry braking performance also benefits from an innovative curved tread block design that optimises contact pressure, reducing stopping distances by two percent. Handling stability is reinforced through a specialised groove layout and the integration of high-strength nylon and aramid fibre in the tread, ensuring firm grip across varying speeds.

Durability and energy efficiency have also been addressed, with material and structural upgrades extending tyre longevity by as much as 15 percent, equivalent to over 6,000 additional kilometres of use. Rolling resistance has been lowered by up to six percent, a feature particularly beneficial for electric vehicles. Bridgestone developed this tyre with a lightweight construction to support the performance expectations of EV drivers who continue to value acceleration and high-speed capability, aligning with the company’s broader sustainability objectives.

Available from 2026 in 71 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches, the POTENZA SPORT EVO is now accessible through authorised Bridgestone retailers and COCKPIT outlets nationwide, with online ordering options also provided. The launch reinforces Bridgestone’s commitment to blending sporty heritage with environmentally conscious engineering, offering a solution that meets the diverse needs of modern performance and electric vehicle owners.

Akihito Ishii, Managing Director, Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “As a global leader in providing sustainable mobility and advanced solutions, Bridgestone is committed to continuous research and development to deliver innovative products that effectively meet the diverse needs of consumers. With this commitment, Bridgestone aims to redefine Thailand’s premium sport tyre segment through the launch of the new BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO. Developed under the concept of ‘Ultimate Control, Superior Performance’, this new tyre is engineered to excel in every aspect of driving performance, delivering an exhilarating driving experience while providing the safety and confidence drivers need on every journey.

“BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO is one of the innovations that Bridgestone is especially proud to introduce to consumers in Thailand, particularly those seeking premium, high-quality tyres. We are confident that this new tyre will not only meet the expectations of performance-oriented drivers but also expand our reach among EV owners who demand exceptional driving performance, precise handling, superior grip, and longer-lasting durability.”

Kumho Tire USA has initiated the Georgia Veterans Tire Assistance Program, building upon its recent alliance with the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation. This new effort will distribute certificates for complete sets of four replacement tyres to 50 financially struggling veterans throughout the state, amounting to 200 tyres with a total value exceeding USD 50,000.

The programme acknowledges that dependable vehicles are critical for veterans to reach jobs, medical facilities and daily essentials. By covering the expense of new tyres, the initiative aims to ensure that recipients can travel safely and without the burden of unexpected automotive costs.

Administration of the programme falls to the GVSF, which will handle applicant selection and the distribution of certificates over the course of the year. Those not chosen in a given round may have their applications reconsidered in subsequent quarters, provided they continue to meet the established criteria.

Eligible applicants must be Georgia residents who are US military veterans, own or routinely use the vehicle in question and hold a valid licence, insurance and registration. Proof of financial hardship and tyres deemed unsafe due to wear, age or damage are also required, with a 24-month restriction on prior assistance. This marks the inaugural project under the Kumho-GVSF partnership, reflecting the tyre manufacturer’s broader dedication to enhancing community safety and mobility.

Edmund Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "When we announced our partnership with the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, our goal was to identify meaningful ways to support Georgia's veterans and their families. The Georgia Veterans Tire Assistance Program puts that commitment into action by helping veterans maintain reliable transportation for work, appointments, family commitments and everyday needs."

Joe Higgins, Board Chair, Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, said, "The Georgia Veterans Service Foundation is grateful to Kumho Tire for this generous donation to help Georgia veterans continue travelling safely and stay connected to their communities. These tyre certificates will provide meaningful assistance to veterans by improving mobility, safety and access to essential resources."