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.

Comerio Ercole is set to make a significant impact on the global stage in 2026 with its participation in two major industry exhibitions. The company will showcase its latest advancements at both Chinaplas 2026 and Tire Technology Expo 2026, highlighting a comprehensive portfolio designed to enhance precision, productivity and sustainability in polymer processing.

At Tire Technology Expo, Comerio Ercole will present integrated systems tailored for the tyre industry, focusing on high-performance rubber calendering and digital intelligence. A flagship solution is the TRIPLE 4-roll calendering unit. Its innovative "S" configuration provides remarkable flexibility by enabling the processing of both textile and steel cord, as well as the production of rubber sheeting, all within a single line. The system’s capability for simultaneous lamination ensures high precision and product stability while minimising defects. Downtime is a critical factor in tyre production, and the patented FASTEEL system directly addresses this. By automating the steel cord change process, it dramatically reduces changeover time from hours to minutes, allowing the line to continue running during preparation and thereby maximising plant availability and operator safety. Following the calendering process, the SUPERCUT system guarantees clean, precise transversal cuts for both steel and textile-reinforced rubber, integrating guillotine and high-speed rotary blades to minimise waste and streamline downstream winding.

Simultaneously, at Chinaplas 2026, taking place in Hall 2.1 at Stand C85, the company will place a strong emphasis on its patented HYDROPLUS concept for PVC and plastic calendering. This technology suite is engineered to deliver micrometric precision and robust process stability through advanced hydraulic controls. Central to this is HYDROGAP, a system that achieves exceptional thickness uniformity with high-resolution gap positioning. Complementing this are HYDROSAFE, which ensures rapid roll separation for ultimate protection, and HYDROTHERM, a feature that intelligently compensates for thermal expansion to maintain precise gap settings during fluctuating operational temperatures.

Beyond mechanical innovation, the company is driving digital transformation with its CELEMETRY and MINERV-AI platforms. CELEMETRY focuses on sustainability by converting production data into actionable insights for environmental reporting and energy optimisation. MINERV-AI captures and standardises operational expertise through artificial intelligence, supporting more effective maintenance protocols, training procedures and overall operational consistency. Through these combined efforts at both exhibitions, Comerio Ercole is demonstrating a holistic approach to advancing the plastics, rubber and tyre industries.

The seventh edition of Trelleborg Tires’ Tractor Driver of the Year competition took place at the Cremona Circuit in Italy on 28 February 2026, drawing 50 skilled participants from across the nation. Held at a venue renowned for its professional standards, the event has become a fixture in the agricultural calendar, offering a platform for drivers to demonstrate their expertise while experiencing advanced tyre technology in practical scenarios. After a demanding day of challenges, Francesco Coppe emerged victorious, distinguished by his exceptional precision and versatility across the various disciplines.

The competition featured a series of exercises designed to assess core abilities, including manoeuvring, loader operation, reverse driving and trailer handling, culminating in a field regularity test. Throughout these tasks, participants directly observed the benefits of Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction technology, which aims to boost traction, reduce soil impact and enhance overall efficiency. This year, Fendt joined as the technical partner, supplying the machinery for the event. The tractors used, such as the Fendl 300 Vario Gen5, 500 Vario Gen4 and 800 Vario Gen5 models introduced in 2025, exemplified how modern agricultural engineering supports operators in achieving high performance with comfort and ease, both on road and in the field.

Daniela Gambatesa, Marketing Manager Italy, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ once again confirms its position as a landmark event for the agricultural sector: a unique opportunity to celebrate expertise, innovation and professionalism. This 7th edition recorded a remarkable participation of tractor drivers, highlighting the growing importance of the initiative. A key highlight of the event was the new ‘5,000 Hours of Guaranteed Performance’ campaign dedicated to ProgressiveTraction® treads, originally launched in July 2025 and now featuring a customised look for Fendt tractors equipped with VarioDrive technology. This initiative allows us to prove in real working conditions the long-term durability and efficiency of our tyres, offering tangible support to agricultural professionals in their daily operations. The collaboration with Fendt as technical partner further reinforces our shared commitment to excellence, combining advanced technology with high-performing solutions for the industry.”

Silvia Uderzo, Advertising & Sales Promotion Specialist, Fendt Italia, said, “Fendt has believed in the ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ project since its early editions, reflecting the trust and importance we attribute to this initiative. Taking part again this year represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skills of tractor drivers and to demonstrate how the technology, performance and comfort of our machines play a decisive role in improving operational efficiency. The partnership with Trelleborg Tires confirms our shared commitment to delivering increasingly high-performing and sustainable solutions to agricultural professionals, combining innovation with close attention to their real operational needs.”

Pirelli is all set for the Australian Grand Prix, where a new era of Formula 1 begins with more uncertainties than any season opener in recent history. The 2026 cars, fundamentally redesigned in both power unit and aerodynamics, have completed nine days of pre-season testing across Barcelona and Sakhir, but Albert Park will offer the first genuine opportunity to assess their true potential. For the Italian manufacturer, this weekend represents far more than routine tyre supply; it is about observing how an entirely new generation of machinery interacts with its products on a familiar yet demanding street circuit.

The tyres brought to Melbourne reflect the sport's broader evolution, featuring a reduced contact patch and smaller overall diameter while retaining the 18-inch rim architecture. The full range spans five slick compounds, from C1 to C5, alongside Intermediate and Full Wet options. For Albert Park, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds, C3, C4 and C5, continuing a strategy employed over the previous two seasons. The 5.278-kilometre layout, winding around a lake, combines fast straights with low and medium speed corners that do not place extreme thermal demands on the rubber. Degradation here typically results from mechanical wear rather than heat buildup, largely due to the smooth asphalt surface comprising public roads. Last season, minor graining appeared on dry days but remained at very low levels.

Friday practice will offer the first indications of how teams approach unlocking their cars' potential. Pirelli anticipates close observation of how squads balance performance simulations with longer runs, particularly regarding thermal management across both axles. The significant energy delivered by new power units to the rear axle creates an asymmetry requiring careful correction, especially in qualifying. Teams are expected to experiment with tyre blanket temperatures and preparation lap strategies to achieve optimal operating windows.

Predicting race strategies involves multiple variables unique to this opening round. Individual car loads will determine whether the softest compound can feature meaningfully in race stints on a circuit considered relatively low in severity. Overtaking presents another consideration, as Albert Park remains challenging for passing despite recent modifications. The introduction of Overtake mode could prove significant here, potentially reshaping tactical approaches.

Weather adds further complexity, with the race falling in early autumn, one week earlier than last year, bringing potential temperature swings and rainfall. Intermittent showers dramatically influenced the 2025 race, won on Intermediate tyres, and similar conditions remain possible.

Melbourne celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Australian Grand Prix this year, marking its 29th occasion as host since replacing Adelaide in 1996. Michael Schumacher holds the record with four victories, followed by Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel with three each, while 21 other drivers have won here, including reigning champion Lando Norris. McLaren leads constructors with 12 wins, one ahead of Ferrari.

This season also launches a collaboration between Pirelli Design and renowned designer Denis Dekovic, creating 15 special-edition podium caps for selected grands prix. Each cap draws inspiration from host country traditions through dedicated colours and materials. The collection begins in Australia, where podium finishers will wear caps inspired by the southern hemisphere sky and the stars of the Australian flag, available on the Pirelli e-commerce platform.

Italian bicycle tyre manufacturer Vittoria has expanded its premium road tyre lineup with the introduction of the Corsa PRO Speed in a new 700x30c (30-622) format. This latest addition directly responds to requests from WorldTour professional teams and reflects the shifting priorities in contemporary high-performance road cycling, where riders continuously seek marginal gains in speed, aerodynamics, comfort and overall efficiency.

The new 30 mm model joins the established Corsa PRO family, Vittoria’s flagship range defined by its supple 320 TPI cotton casing. Within this series, each variant serves a specific racing purpose: the Corsa PRO Speed is engineered for outright velocity, the standard Corsa PRO offers versatility for general racing and the Corsa Control is built for challenging conditions. The new 30 mm iteration of the Speed model aims to bridge the gap between aerodynamics and ride quality.

Building on technology introduced with the 2025 Corsa Wide Rim series – a 29 mm tyre co-developed with Team Visma | Lease a Bike to minimise micro-turbulence on wider rims – this new 30 mm tyre is designed to deliver tangible benefits in grip and comfort without sacrificing speed. The increased air volume and larger contact patch provide superior traction, particularly in wet conditions, while also absorbing road vibration for a smoother ride. This setup aligns perfectly with modern road bike frames, which now commonly accommodate wider tyres.

The Corsa PRO Speed 30 mm is positioned as a pure performance tool for elite competition. It is intended for fast, smooth asphalt in events like time trials, triathlons and high-speed road races. By offering this size, Vittoria aims to enhance the racing experience for both professionals and serious amateurs, further cementing its reputation as a leader in road tyre innovation.