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 Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is broadening its international footprint with a new European project group focused on tyre retreading. An inaugural online meeting for this initiative is scheduled for 22 July 2026, marking the first step in creating a pan-European network uniting companies, research bodies and sector specialists.

Retreading extends the lifespan of premium tyre casings, conserving raw materials and reducing CO₂ emissions while supporting Europe's circular economy. The sector faces regulatory shifts, including the ESPR Regulation, the Digital Product Passport and heightened traceability mandates.

The AZuR project group will serve as a permanent forum for retreaders, tyre makers, equipment suppliers, research institutes and associations. The agenda prioritises innovation, digitalisation, legislation, best practices and joint ventures, with the kick-off session defining the group's mission, thematic focus and structure.

The online meeting via Microsoft Teams on 22 July from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CEST invites existing AZuR partners and new European stakeholders. Retreaders, manufacturers, academic institutions and associations are encouraged to participate and shape the platform from its inception.

Triangle Tyre has secured a position on the 2026 list of China’s 500 Most Valuable Brands, with a recorded valuation of RMB 65.156 billion (approximately USD 9.62 billion). The announcement came during the 23rd World Brand Conference, hosted by World Brand Lab in Beijing on 24 June. The company’s inclusion underscores a consistent upward trajectory in brand equity, driven by comprehensive operational capabilities and sustained industrial focus.

The annual ranking assesses brands through financial metrics, brand strength and consumer behaviour analysis. The entry threshold rose to RMB 5.089 billion (approximately USD 751.62 million), while the collective brand value of the top 500 reached RMB 45.29 trillion (approximately USD 6.69 trillion), a year-on-year increase of RMB 3.26 trillion (approximately USD 481.48 billion). These figures highlight the accelerating expansion and rising influence of indigenous Chinese brands.

Central to Triangle Tyre’s brand prominence is its commitment to proprietary research. The company holds over 1,000 active patents and has achieved breakthroughs in giant engineering radial tyres, direct-pressure vulcanisation and aircraft radial tyres, establishing a fully independent intellectual property system. In May 2026, its self-developed civil aviation tyre received technical authorisation from the Civil Aviation Administration, followed by AS9100D aerospace quality certification in June.

Triangle Tyre has also integrated green design and low-carbon manufacturing across operations, utilising smart factories to enhance digital lean production. These efforts have yielded quality and efficiency gains, while the company’s environmental strategy earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal and strengthened its ESG framework. The brand’s national recognition affirms its innovative capacity and market performance, and the company aims to consolidate its competitive position through continued technological and operational excellence.

Liberty Tire Recycling, North America’s foremost tyre recycler, has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Womble, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for 2026 in the East Central region. The honour, presented by Ernst & Young LLP, distinguishes visionary business leaders who demonstrate exceptional innovation, sustained growth and a commitment to creating lasting value within their industries.

An independent panel of judges recognised Womble for his transformative leadership at the helm of the nation’s largest tyre recycling enterprise. Under his guidance, the organisation has evolved from a regional operator concentrated along the East Coast and Midwest into the only fully integrated, coast-to-coast recycler of its kind in North America. His efforts have been pivotal in pioneering advanced, sustainable applications for scrap tyre materials.

Beyond operational expansion, Womble has spearheaded several industry-first initiatives that underscore his commitment to environmental stewardship. He co-founded the Tire Recycling Foundation and serves on its board while also overseeing the publication of the company’s inaugural Sustainability Report. Additionally, he has forged strategic partnerships to address the collection and recycling of specialised tyres, such as those from bicycles and mining equipment, across both United States and Canada.

Established in 1986, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme subjects nominees to a rigorous evaluation process that weighs financial performance, strategic growth and personal dedication to community impact. Regional winners like Womble are celebrated for their role in reshaping industries and fostering long-term economic and social progress.

Womble said, “Being recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year is one of the highlights of my entire career. I think entrepreneurship is what the American dream is built on. It's certainly what my DNA is built on, and to be honoured with such people that are making such a difference in the world is quite an achievement.”

Shannon Crone, Entrepreneur Of The Year East Central Program Co-Director and EY Executive Director, said, "Through their vision, focus and commitment to growth, they are building companies that move markets forward, create opportunities for their teams and strengthen the communities around them.”

Prometeon Tyre Group has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental, social, governance and economic priorities. The document illustrates how sustainability considerations are now embedded within operational frameworks and strategic planning across the global tyre manufacturer’s industrial, agricultural and off-the-road segments.

The report highlights notable energy achievements, with renewable and high-efficiency sources accounting for 51.5 percent of total consumption. Certified green electricity and biomass represented 31.3 percent, while combined heat and power systems contributed 20.2 percent. For electricity specifically, the renewable share reached 47.5 percent, with the Milan headquarters and Cinisello Balsamo R&D centre fully powered by certified green energy and a new 116 kWp photovoltaic installation.

The Gravataí plant in Brazil maintained carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions through renewable certificates and a biomass boiler for process steam. Overall energy intensity per finished tonne dropped 14.7 percent since 2016, supporting the company’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s 1.5°C pathway, despite a challenging international policy environment.

Material circularity also advanced, with recycled content reaching approximately seven percent, driven by increased recycled steel, rice husk ash-derived silica and pyrolysis oil-based carbon black. From January 2025, Turkish-produced Coach C02 tyres incorporate 23 percent ISCC+ certified materials via mass balance. The Group also earned a B score for Climate Change and B- for Water Security from CDP, placing it at the Management level for structured environmental governance.

Supply chain oversight intensified with 21 supplier audits covering 18 percent of annual raw material expenditure, assessing labour standards, safety and association rights, while cumulative coverage since 2021 reached 99 percent. Prepared under Global Reporting Initiative standards, the report underscores Prometeon’s systematic approach to measuring and communicating its economic, environmental and social impacts.

Nicolas Marchi, Chief of Internal Audit, Compliance, Sustainability & Institutional Relations Officer, Prometeon, said, “The 2025 Sustainability Report confirms Prometeon’s ability to translate its ESG objectives into tangible and measurable results. The increase in the share of energy from renewable and high-efficiency sources, the growth in the use of recycled materials and the recognition achieved through the CDP assessment demonstrate the soundness of the strategy we are implementing. In a rapidly evolving global scenario, we continue to view sustainability as a key driver of competitiveness, innovation and attractiveness. For this reason, we remain firmly committed to our journey towards net zero by 2040, engaging the entire value chain and further strengthening our commitment to people, customers, partners and the communities in which we operate.”