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.

Citira has taken another significant step towards becoming the leading tyre management provider in Northern Europe by acquiring Dekkservice Kvinesdal, marking its first service point acquisition in Norway. The well-regarded tyre shop has built a strong reputation since its establishment in 2000, serving both passenger car and heavy vehicle customers with consistent high-quality service and personal relationships.

Under the new arrangement, Dekkservice Kvinesdal will maintain its operations with the same team at the same location, ensuring continuity for its valued customers. The team will continue managing daily operations while gaining access to Citira's resources for continued development. Ivar Røyseland will become a co-owner of Citira as part of this strategic partnership that combines local expertise with broader organisational support.

David Boman, CEO, Citira, said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Ivar and the Dekkservice team to Citira. They have established a well-run tyre shop with a longstanding reputation in the industry as a trusted tyre service point, which has truly impressed us. The combination of strong expertise and local customer relationships makes them an ideal partner, and we are proud that they have chosen to join us. This marks an important first step as we pursue our ambition to build a nation-wide service network in Norway.”

Røyseland said, “When we started Dekkservice Kvinesdal, our goal was to build a tyre shop that customers could trust for timely and high-quality service. After more than 25 years, I am incredibly proud of the relationships we have built with customers and the team we have become. Joining Citira will now allow us to focus fully on further developing the business while leveraging the resources of a larger organisation, and it is exciting to do so as their first service point in Norway.”

Recreatives Industries, the company behind the iconic MAX 6x6 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles, has unveiled a new proprietary tyre engineered specifically for its platforms. The TerraTread, available initially in a 23x11-8 size for the MAX 2 model, represents the largest original equipment tyre ever offered for that vehicle. Its expanded 23-inch diameter on an eight-inch rim provides increased ground clearance and a noticeably smoother ride. The design also delivers superior traction across diverse surfaces and enhances performance in water. According to the company, this new tyre substantially broadens the capabilities of both current and older MAX 2 vehicles while ensuring proper fit and boosting amphibious functionality.

Beyond the MAX 2 application, Recreatives Industries is developing a larger 25x12-10 TerraTread version intended for its MAX 4 and Buffalo Truck models. This larger tyre will utilise a 10-inch rim to preserve essential sidewall flexibility while improving flotation, overall stability and rugged off-road performance. The development of this larger TerraTread is a key component of the company's strategic plan, which includes a structured reintroduction of the MAX 4 and Buffalo Truck vehicles targeted for the middle of 2026.

The introduction of the TerraTread line underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its range of proprietary accessories and performance enhancements. These upgrades not only improve vehicle capability but also contribute to increased per-unit revenue. By engineering exclusive components tailored to its own vehicles, Recreatives Industries is strengthening its vertical integration and cultivating a more comprehensive ecosystem around the MAX brand. Initial stock of the new TerraTread tyres is anticipated to arrive during July and August of 2026, at which point they will be made available through the company's dealer network and its online store.

Andrew Lapp, CEO, Recreatives Industries, said, “Our TerraTread tyres were designed to elevate what MAX can do. The 23-inch TerraTread transforms the MAX 2 with additional clearance, improved ride quality and aggressive all-terrain performance. At the same time, the 25-inch development supports our forward platform planning as we position MAX 4 and Buffalo for expanded availability.”

Apollo Tyres Ltd has officially opened a dedicated outdoor tyre testing facility in Ivalo, Finland, marking a major advancement in its global product development capabilities. Initially announced several months ago, the site became fully operational in December 2025 and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to engineering high-performance winter and all-season tyres for international markets.

The inauguration was led by Vice Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar, alongside Chief Commercial Officer Benoit Rivallant and Chief Technology Officer Daniele Lorenzetti. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of the facility, which was established through a long-term collaboration with UTAC, a globally respected automotive testing and certification organisation. This investment strengthens Apollo Tyres’ ability to lead in the areas of innovation, safety and precision engineering.

Designed to address the complex demands of contemporary tyre development, the facility features snow and ice tracks that simulate diverse real-world winter conditions. It is equipped with advanced data collection systems to assess critical performance parameters such as braking, handling, traction and stability. The bespoke infrastructure enables comprehensive evaluation of tyre behaviour in extreme cold weather environments.

With full control over its winter testing schedule, Apollo Tyres now enjoys greater operational independence and flexibility throughout the season. This autonomy allows for more consistent testing under varied climatic conditions, faster development cycles and improved responsiveness to engineering requirements. By consolidating its winter testing operations at a single advanced location, the company has enhanced both efficiency and cost management.

The new setup enables engineering teams to conduct uninterrupted testing, resulting in quicker validation of new products, greater repeatability in results and reduced logistical demands. These operational improvements support the delivery of winter and all-season tyres that meet rigorous standards of safety, durability and performance.

Developed in line with current technical and legal norms, the facility is also built to accommodate future regulatory changes. Its adaptable infrastructure ensures alignment with evolving testing protocols and certification standards, allowing Apollo Tyres to stay ahead of industry requirements. As expectations for winter mobility continue to grow, this facility positions the company to consistently meet the needs of customers, partners, and regulators in the years ahead.

Kanwar said, “This inauguration is more than the opening of a facility, it is a clear demonstration of Apollo Tyres’ commitment to innovation, safety and performance excellence. With this investment, we are strengthening our ability to develop tyres that perform reliably in the most demanding winter conditions while maintaining exceptional year-round versatility.”

Rivallant said, “This facility is a great asset within Apollo Tyres. It is more than a tyre test facility, as it gives us also the possibility to invite our customers to be part of and experience winter testing for themselves. This will strengthen their insights in tyre development and performance.”

Lorenzetti said, “The launch of our dedicated outdoor tyre testing facility is a major step forward for our R&D capabilities. It gives us highly consistent, real-world data, enabling faster validation and quicker speed to market. Most importantly, it strengthens our ability to continuously improve tyre performance, safety and sustainability – delivering better products to our customers, faster.”

A recent nationwide survey commissioned by Bridgestone has explored the reasons behind UK motorists' loyalty to their local garages, revealing that the decision to return is driven by a blend of practical, personal and experiential factors. The research, which polled 2,000 drivers, indicates that while competitive pricing remains the primary reason for 48 percent of respondents, it is by no means the sole consideration.

The findings highlight the significant role of human connection in the automotive service industry. Some 35 percent of drivers are motivated by the personal relationships they develop with staff, demonstrating that a friendly face can be a powerful draw. This sense of familiarity is often deeply ingrained, with 29 percent of motorists citing family tradition as the reason for their continued custom. This suggests that loyalty can be multigenerational, passed down through habits formed over time.

Consumer priorities are also evolving to include broader ethical considerations. There is a growing segment of the market, measured at 26 percent, willing to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, with this group open to paying a premium for services from a garage that utilises green technology like solar power. This figure has shown an upward trend compared to 23 percent the previous year, signalling an increasing public interest in environmentally responsible practices.

Beyond these deeper values, the survey also uncovered that smaller comforts can influence choice. Some 30 percent of respondents would pay more for a pleasant waiting environment. In a lighter but telling detail, eight percent of motorists even admitted that the quality of the refreshments on offer plays a part in their decision-making process.

According to Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director for Bridgestone North Region, these results paint a picture of a more discerning driver, one who seeks value and a positive overall experience rather than simply the lowest price. In response to this shift, Bridgestone is actively supporting garages that align with this ethos through dedicated programmes. One such initiative, backed by more than GBP 1 million in investment, recognises retailers who excel in best practice and premium service delivery. The long-term goal is to accredit 150 sites across Europe, enhancing the customer journey while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. This work is part of a broader corporate commitment to creating value across several key areas, including energy, ecology and customer empowerment.

Chapman said, “It’s encouraging to see that motorists are increasingly looking for more than just the lowest price. At Bridgestone, we’ve always believed that true value is found in quality products and solutions, which provide superior levels of safety and longevity. It’s also interesting to see emotional factors such as trust, familiarity and even a good cup of coffee playing a part in the decision-making process. These small touches help define what makes a motorist return.”