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

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.