Tire manufacturer Hankook has started with the expansion of its European production facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. The construction phase, which will last until 2027, will result in a new production line for truck and bus tires with a maximum capacity of 800,000 tires per year. Hankook is investing 540 million euros in the new production line.
In the future, Hankook's new plant will produce tires for long-distance and mixed applications, SmartLine AL/DL 50 and SmartFlex AL/DL 51, as well as the new e-SMART series, which has been specially developed for electric commercial vehicles. In addition, the production line will also enable Hankook to meet the needs of customers in Europe with other products for all areas of application, from long-distance and regional transportation to use on construction sites and for the winter season. "We are very pleased with the progress that has been made. After receiving the necessary permits, we were able to start construction work as planned, and preparatory groundwork is now in full swing," said Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe. “Once the new production line is ready, we will produce truck and bus tires for the
European market, thereby shortening transportation routes," Park continued. The tire plant in Hungary has been in operation since 2007 and Hankook sees it as a strategic pillar for its expansion in Europe. The plant currently has a production capacity of 17 million tires for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The new production facility will also use the latest technologies in tire production, such as sustainable, regenerative and recycled materials, and additive 3D manufacturing for tread shapes. The plant has been awarded ISCC PLUS certification. Hankook will invest around EUR 540 million in the expansion project by 2027, which will also create 450 new jobs. Hankook currently operates eight production sites worldwide with a total capacity of approximately 100 million tires per year.