Hantaimei's new plant starts operation, TBR tires accelerate layout

Hankook Tire America Corp. is expected to start production of all-steel radial tires (TBR) as early as this year, according to Rob Williams, president of the company's Clarksville, Tennessee plant. ​

The plant is Hankook's first TBR tire manufacturing base in the United States and is currently in the second phase of a multi-year, $1.6 billion investment plan.

The investment will not only promote the implementation of TBR tire production, but also double the plant's passenger car tire production capacity. Williams recently said that the plant's initial daily production target for TBR tires is set at 3,000, and the total annual production is expected to reach about 1 million.​

"Hankook sees the U.S. market as a key growth driver, and investing in it is the company's top priority, with the TBR market being an important part of it.

Hankook already has experience in producing TBR products at its global production bases, and the commissioning of the Tennessee plant has achieved localized production, effectively improving supply chain efficiency and bringing convenience to many core suppliers and customers." Williams said, "This not only ensures a stable product supply, but also allows us to strategically pass on cost advantages to end consumers."

In addition, the introduction of TBR production to the United States has enhanced Hankook's market response flexibility and product launch speed, effectively consolidated the overall supply chain, and provided more reliable guarantees for local manufacturers in the United States, enabling Hankook to calmly cope with the continued growth in demand for TBR products and gain a competitive advantage in the North American market.

Williams pointed out that most of the TBR tires currently sold by Hankook in North America come from South Korea, with only a small amount produced in China. In view of the changing tariff environment, the company has significantly increased its inventory in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2024.​

Launching a new TBR product line, "Hankook Smart"​

Hankook recently launched a new name for its TBR product line, "Hankook Smart", which covers Hankook's medium-duty truck tire products, such as SmartFlex, SmartWork and SmartCity tires.

Williams said that the "Hankook Smart" series combines all the company's existing technological achievements, while also incorporating some innovative elements to upgrade the performance of previous generations of commercial truck tires. ​

"We look forward to further strengthening our upcoming TBR tire production business in the United States, and plan to further enrich our product line through the subdivision of the "Hankook Smart" series name, such as Line, Work, City, Touring or Control.

This will help customers have a clearer understanding of our products, clarify their applicable scenarios and application areas, and better meet the diverse needs of customers in the future."​

Productivity establishes market position​

With a global production, R&D, sales, marketing and communication network, Hankook Tire is able to provide differentiated products and services to meet the diverse needs of different regions.

Currently, Hankook Tire has 8 major tire factories and 5 major R&D centers around the world, with products sold in more than 160 countries and regions, and 20,000 employees dedicated to providing high-quality tire products to car owners around the world.

In recent years, Hankook Tire has continued to expand and continuously increase its global market share, which is undoubtedly the best recognition of Hankook's strength by the market.