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.

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Goodyear highlighted progress at its Amiens tyre plant modernisation during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The facility, which first opened in 1958, is undergoing a major transformation launched in 2022 and supported by the French government’s France 2030 programme. This investment aims to strengthen the site’s long-term competitiveness and future readiness.

Nearly 800 employees work at the Amiens plant, producing consumer tyres for global original equipment and replacement markets. Beyond technology, the overhaul emphasises workforce development through expanded training, upskilling programmes and active recruitment for roles ranging from operators to engineers. These efforts are designed to align the site’s evolution with new technologies while preparing a skilled workforce for the future.

Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and President, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, said, “We’re proud to welcome President Macron to Amiens and show the progress our team has made. Over the past several years, we’ve reshaped this plant – bringing in more advanced technologies, increasing automation and digital solutions to shift its production towards premium, higher-value tyres. This modernisation is about our people and the future of the Amiens facility. Together with the French government, we’ve strengthened this site and built on Goodyear’s longstanding presence in France, reinforcing our commitment to manufacturing and jobs here.”

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The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has recognised outstanding individuals and organisations for their leadership and contributions to the tyre and rubber industry, including end-of-life tyre management and broader sustainability efforts. The awards were presented on 4 June 2026, following the association’s annual general meeting at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport in Mississauga.

The 2026 Industry Leadership Awards honoured achievements in three categories: Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability and Young Leader. The ceremony highlighted a range of innovations, from circular economy advancements to operational excellence and community-focused initiatives.

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award was Emmie Leung of Emterra Group. Over five decades, she grew a single-person start-up into one of Canada’s largest integrated resource management companies. In 2005, she founded Emterra Tire Recycling, which became a leading supplier of crumb rubber and recycled tyre materials, significantly advancing responsible tyre management nationwide. Beyond business growth, she introduced a formal diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and the Community Care programme, supporting charitable partnerships and environmental awareness.

In the Sustainability category, TRAC recognised three recipients. Dr Marcela Castano of Bridgestone led the implementation of ISCC Plus certification across 15 manufacturing facilities, integrating certified mass balance into operations and strengthening market confidence in sustainable materials. Reliable Tire Recycling was honoured for transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable products through proprietary machinery and research partnerships with the University of Manitoba, focusing on energy efficiency and waste reduction. Muhammad Shah of eTracks Tire Management Systems was recognised for his collaborative, solutions-focused work supporting service providers and ensuring responsible recovery streams across Ontario.

The Young Leader award went to three professionals. Paul-André Gaudreault, plant manager at AirBoss of America, oversees complex rubber production processes and has strengthened operational consistency since joining the company in 2013. Paresh Kulkarni of Kal Tire manages Canada’s only commercial rubber devulcanisation line, helping scale operations across North America, Latin America and Europe. Tyler Scott of Nokian Tyres has built a 26-year career spanning sales, technical service and training, managing national accounts and securing early EV OEM fitments while earning an MBA.

All recipients demonstrated measurable impact in advancing circular economy principles, operational innovation or industry leadership. Their work continues to strengthen environmental outcomes and economic resilience within Canada’s tyre and rubber sector.

The annual awards underscore TRAC’s commitment to celebrating leadership that drives sustainable change. The association noted that the honourees reflect the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a more circular tyre industry.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, said, “This year’s award recipients represent the strength and diversity of our industry. Across different roles and areas of expertise, they have demonstrated leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to advancing the sector. Their contributions are helping address complex challenges and support the long-term sustainability of our industry. Recipients are recognised across three categories: Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability and Young Leader.”

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe has emerged as the dominant force at the 2026 Isle of Man TT, securing more race victories and podium finishes than any other tyre manufacturer despite a weather-disrupted schedule that reduced the event to only five races. Riders using Dunlop tyres claimed three wins and nine podium appearances around the legendary Mountain Course.

Performance across the Supersport and Sportbike classes proved particularly strong, complemented by competitive pace in the Superbike races. The achievements highlighted the versatility and reliability of the latest generation of Dunlop KR slick racing tyres. Dunlop supported over 15 riders during the two-week event, offering multiple specifications of KR108, KR108+ and KR109+ tyres. A dedicated team of trackside support engineers provided ongoing advice on tyre selection for the challenging and ever-changing weather conditions.

The Isle of Man TT, which takes place on a 37.73-mile (approximately 60.72 km) public road circuit featuring narrow lanes and mountain passes, saw temperatures shift from warm sunshine during practice to cold, damp conditions on race days. Following his fourth-place finish in the Sportbike race, lap record holder Peter Hickman described it as the wettest he had ever experienced on the course. That changeable weather underscored the KR tyres’ adaptability, delivering both immediate pace and multi-lap durability.

Michael Dunlop extended his historic TT record by winning both Supersport races and the Sportbike race, while other Dunlop-supported riders consistently ran at the front. Peter Hickman recorded top-four finishes in every race, and both Josh Brookes and Ian Hutchinson placed inside the top five. Across all five races, Dunlop riders occupied 9 of 15 podium positions and 14 of 25 top-five spots. This success follows previous race wins at the North West 200 in May, with Dunlop KR tyres also recently in action at the FIM Endurance World Championship’s 8 Hours of Spa and the Dunlop Campionato Italiano Velocità event at Imola.

Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “The Isle of Man TT is an event like no other, and rider confidence in tyres is crucial when facing a track like this at an average speed of 135 mph. To finish the week with more race wins and podium finishes than any other tyre manufacturer is a fantastic result and a testament to the performance and consistency of our latest generation Dunlop KR racing slicks. Michael Dunlop’s three wins were a highlight, but we’re equally proud to have supported so many riders running at the front throughout the event. Feedback from teams throughout the paddock was extremely positive, reinforcing the strength of a tyre range that continues to win in road and circuit racing across Europe.”

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Michelin North America has announced the commercial expansion of its Michelin X Line Grip D commercial truck drive tyre lineup. Building on its 2025 market debut, the new range aims to meet fleet demand across long-haul and regional applications by introducing expanded new-tyre sizing alongside a matching pre-mould retread solution.

The backbone of the X Line Grip D ecosystem is the proprietary Michelin DURACORE casing, engineered specifically to withstand punishing commercial life cycles and maximise casing retreadability. It comes with up to 1.6 million kilometres casing life or up to 4 retread cycles.

By extending the structural life of the initial casing across multiple retread generations, the design aims to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for commercial transport operations and minimise fleet tyre expenditures.

The new Michelin X Line Grip D pre-mould retread is manufactured using the exact compound chemistry and directional tread geometry found in the original, new tyre. This design replication ensures that secondary and tertiary life-cycle deployments maintain identical traction parameters and wear performance as the original tyre asset.

The tyre family features an advanced, directional chevron tread pattern paired with specialised rubber compounding to optimise heavy-duty rolling metrics. It is claimed to offer around 20 percent increase in total mileage when compared directly against the previous industry-standard Michelin XDN2 tyre. Engineered to register the lowest rolling resistance metrics when tested against leading tier-one competitor drive tyres. Lastly, it provides enhanced wet starting traction over major competitor products, maintaining its gripping performance whether the tread block is brand new or deeply worn down.

The expanded Michelin X Line Grip D tyre dimensions and the matching pre-mould retread lines are immediately available for order through authorised Michelin Commercial Service Centres and dealer networks across North America.

Yahn Heurlin, Vice-President – B2B Marketing, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “The expansion of the Michelin X Line Grip D lineup reflects our commitment to delivering unmatched performance across every mile of the tyre’s life. Fleets have validated the performance of the Michelin X Line Grip D tyre in real-world conditions, and now we are expanding that same trusted performance through an additional size offering and a retread solution engineered to deliver the same performance as the new tyre.”

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