Hankook is expanding its research and development capabilities in Europe, with the installation of new facilities in Hannover. The expansion includes 70% additional office space and 40% increased warehouse and workshop capacities for testing. The company is also planning to increase its engineering workforce at the tech center accordingly.
The company’s European Tech Center (ETC) center focuses on the development of bespoke tire solutions for the European markets, as well as the development of original equipment tires for passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks. 45 engineers and tire specialists are currently employed at the center.
The expansion plans reflect the growing importance of Hankook’s OE supplies in Europe and will further strengthen the company’s footprint in the European tire market.
Hankook is ensuring the facilities are as eco-friendly as possible with a photovoltaic system installed on the building’s roof, which allows for CO2-neutral operations.
Stefan Fischer, head of ETC at Hankook Tire said, “The new location and additional capacities of our ETC are in line with the continuous growth Hankook sees in Europe. The steadily increasing numbers of development projects for the European original equipment and replacement market ask for a corresponding expansion of development capacities. Our new location opens up new possibilities and clearly signals a long-term investment.”
