Quality capability – outstanding results
During the past months HF ran through a VDA system-audit which was required by our valued customers who belong to the top ranked tyre manufacturers worldwide. HF achieved more than 95% which is considered an excellent achievement. HF was evaluated in the fields of risk management during the production process, traceability, maintenance, trainings, project change management, standardisation, production management, cutting edge technology, technical know-how and the professionality of staff.
Additionally, we renewed our ISO 9001:2015 certificate. ISO 9001 is not just a standard that consists of numerous requirements. Behind ISO 9001 is the philosophy of an (almost) automatically functioning company. A company that develops unique competitive advantages through clear business processes and responsibilities, a high level of customer orientation and continuous improvement. ISO 9001:2015 is a management system that enables companies to align their products and services to customer needs and, by defining clear business processes, to offer their customers consistently reliable services. The standard aims to bring lasting and sustainable success to companies.
We are confident that theses audits confirm our customers trust in our services.
Tyre building machines – Service support & technical upgrades
HF TBM Service department is ready and available to provide various service options for your machines. Our personnel are available to visit sites, inspect machines and provide detailed reports of the inspection. Reports will include technical improvement kit proposal, replacement parts, maintenance recommendations. HF can also offer a quotation for the maintenance/repairs to be completed on the machine.
HF has spare parts available for all machine types. For frequently ordered parts HF can provide standard price lists and yearly contracts for fixed pricing. HF also offers customised machine upgrades, technical improvement kits (new and replacement modules) for improvements in Quality, Reliability, Output, Capability. HF Technical Improvement Kits can be offered for all machine types
HF TBM Service Department provides turn-key services with our highly qualified personnel in the mechanical, electrical, technology and software disciplines.
HF TBM Service Department provides you with remote support using a connection terminal box that can be installed easily by the customer. Remote connection to PLC/Machine is safe and secure using a VPN connection. Online video and chat communications are available through TEAMS.
Tyre building machines – Common design approach for all tyre designs
The fundamental basis for our TBM design, no matter which type you are looking for, is the same. All tyre building machines consist of our long proven modular components and are sized to your specifications.
Depending on your requirements, we offer two carcass drum types, which are capable to adapt different tyre constructions: Inflated turn up with bladder or mechanical turn up drums or flat turn up with Ply up/down constructions with our patented FAPBS drum. This allows you to increase your flexibility and to react to current market changes due to the E-mobility such as high load index, lower rolling resistance and lower noise emissions.
The HF ONE is the solution for the current and future demands.
In addition, all TBMs are built up on a modular base to have the capability for integration of an automatic robot system for loading the beads & unloading the tire. The machine layout is prepared to allow a for simple future upgrade of these features as well as additional reinforcement strips which are applied on Body Ply or Innerliner.
Features & benefits:
- Multiple drums support with quick change from drum to drum
- Patented FAPBS drum for high Ply turn up, thick sidewalls and Ply up/down constructions
- Modular machine design for upgrade possibilities
- Hands off operation with robot system for bead loading
- High OE quality standard by excellent accuracy of material positioning splicing
- Maintenance friendly
- Excellent machine availability by robust design and high repeatability (TT)
Contact: HF Tire Building Machines: tbm-service@hf-group.com; www.hf-tiretechgroup.com
Continental Expands Rayong Facility, Launches Radial Motorcycle Tyre Production
- By TT News
- May 23, 2026
Continental marked a major milestone on 22 May 2026 during opening ceremonies for the second expansion phase of its Rayong plant in Thailand. The development includes growth for the Passenger and Light Truck Tires division and the start of radial production for motorcycle tyres.
The Rayong motorcycle tyre facility operates with fully in-house manufacturing, from rubber compounds to finished products, using modern equipment. All processes adhere to Continental’s global quality and control standards, enabling production of both radial and diagonal tyres with capacity for future expansion. A high degree of automation and automatic monitoring systems eliminate manual errors while maintaining strict quality checks at every step.
Continental’s Rayong production serves diverse riding styles, including sport-touring and adventure touring segments, with popular radial and diagonal tyre models already in production. In March 2026, the plant received IATF certification, meeting international automotive standards that guarantee continuous quality processes and supply reliability for original-equipment customers.
The expansion also reflects Continental’s sustainability commitment, with solar energy supplying about 13 percent of the plant’s electricity needs. Additionally, the project has created new jobs, strengthening the regional economy.
Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires, Continental, said, “By expanding our facility in Thailand, we are strategically strengthening our global production structure for Continental Motorcycle Tires. Together with our established operations in our Korbach plant in Germany, we are laying the groundwork for a faster, more flexible response to market demands. Rayong is a key component of our international motorcycle tyre strategy and underscores our clear commitment to growth and state-of-the-art production processes. For our customers, this means premium quality made by Continental – no matter which continent they’re on or which roads they travel."
Sahil Agrawal, Head of Manufacturing Operations in Rayong, said, “Quality is our top priority – for our original equipment customers as well as for end consumers. Our system captures every detail: all tyres are fully traceable at every production step. Online monitoring systems such as automatic scales, profilometers and camera systems ensure that every component is within specification limits. Automation – from the green tyre spray system to automatic tool management – enables us to achieve maximum quality levels while creating an ergonomic and safe working environment.”
Bridgestone’s Sustainable Business Model Drives Continued Inclusion In Top ESG Indexes
- By TT News
- May 23, 2026
Bridgestone Corporation has once again been selected as a constituent of several globally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) indexes, including the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series, the MSCI Selection Indexes, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and the MSCI Japan Equity ESG Select Leaders Index.
The Japanese tyre giant’s continued inclusion in these rankings serves as a concrete and objective embodiment of its corporate mission to serve society with superior quality. Company leadership views the ability to sustain such ESG initiatives over many years as a distinct organisational strength.
Regarding the Dow Jones indexes, Bridgestone has been selected for the Best-in-Class World Index for four consecutive years since 2022, which recognises the top 10 percent of sustainability leaders among 2,500 major global companies. The firm has also maintained a place in the Best-in-Class Asia Pacific Index for 16 straight years since 2010.
In the FTSE Russell assessments, Bridgestone has achieved eight consecutive years of selection for the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2018, alongside the same duration for the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index. The company has also been included in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for five consecutive years since 2021. For MSCI, Bridgestone has secured three straight years of selection for the MSCI Selection Indexes since 2023 while receiving the highest AAA rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings for three consecutive years.
The company has additionally earned high marks from the international non-profit CDP, receiving an A minus rating in both Climate Change and Water Security for 2025, marking six consecutive years at the leadership level. Bridgestone also obtained an A rating in the Supplier Engagement Rating for the seventh time. Key initiatives behind these recognitions include the expansion of its sustainability business model towards carbon neutrality and a circular economy, actions supporting nature positive goals such as sustainable natural rubber and water resource management, a comprehensive due diligence system based on Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles for human rights and environmental risk and global policy execution guidelines.
Bridgestone places sustainability at the core of its management, aiming to implement and evolve its unique business model across the entire value chain from production and use to renewal and raw materials. These efforts link business operations directly to the realisation of carbon neutrality, a circular economy and a nature positive world.
Tegeta Green Planet And Shine Energy Inspire Eco-Responsibility In Young Learners
- By TT News
- May 23, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy, both affiliated with Tegeta Holding, have launched a joint educational initiative to raise environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility among young people. The project addresses modern challenges such as environmental protection and sustainable development.
Company representatives are visiting schools across Tbilisi to hold informational meetings, presentations and workshops. The programme begins with presentations, followed by interactive games and activities designed to help students retain the information. At the end of each session, participants receive symbolic gifts and prizes as motivation.
Tegeta Green Planet focuses on teaching students the principles of specific waste management, including how to properly handle used tyres, batteries and oils. The sessions explain why proper waste management is essential for environmental protection and how it connects to the circular economy. Meanwhile, Shine Energy educates young people on the importance of energy, its everyday use and why developing renewable and sustainable energy resources is crucial.
The initiative is not limited to schools. In the near future, both organisations will expand their efforts to universities, aiming to broaden awareness about environmental protection, waste management and energy efficiency. The ultimate goal is to foster environmentally responsible attitudes among the younger generation, helping build a more sustainable and conscious society.
Zeon Earns Top Supplier Engagement Rating From CDP For First Time
- By TT News
- May 22, 2026
Zeon has been recognised as a Supplier Engagement Leader in the 2025 Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) conducted by CDP, a United Kingdom-based international environmental nonprofit organisation. This achievement represents the first time the company has received the highest possible rating in this assessment.
The evaluation measures how corporations address climate change within their supply chains, focusing on responses to the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire across five critical areas. These include governance, emissions targets, Scope 3 emissions management, risk management and overall supplier engagement strategies.
Zeon earned the top rating for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through supplier collaboration, a group-wide initiative, alongside continuous dialogue maintained via procurement activities. Guided by its philosophy of contributing to planetary preservation and human prosperity, Zeon remains committed to sustainable management. The company reaffirmed that it will continue working with suppliers and other stakeholders to tackle climate change and meet societal expectations.
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