Hankook to build high-tech, global R&D facility

Hankook Tire has unveiled its plan for construction of the company’s new, high-tech central R&D facility in Korea. For this project, Hankook Tire has contracted a partnership agreement with the world’s high-profile architectural firm, Foster+Partners, for architect and interior design of the building.

On January 7th, Hankook Tire and Foster+Partners held a signing ceremony in Daejeon, Korea, in commemoration of the new partnership for this project.

Hankook Tire’s new R&D center is projected to be equipped with the high-tech, future-oriented facilities, such as a seven-story tire auto-stacking system and smart information system. Through such a latest and state-of-the-art research facility, Hankook Tire aims to provide the best suited research environment for its researchers, therefore securing the premium product quality and extending sustainable growth of the company into the future.

Hyun Bum Cho, President & CMO/CCMO (Chief Marketing Officer / Chief Corporate Management Officer) at Hankook Tire said “Upon completion of the new R&D facility, Hankook Tire will be able to further strengthen research capabilities to develop cutting-edge tire technology.” He also added, “The new R&D center will enable us to accelerate the introduction of new tires with even more advanced features, fulfilling our customers demand for better, premium quality products. The new research center will become Hankook Tire’s vital growth driver towards becoming the top-five tire company in the world.”

Hankook Tire’s new R&D center, covering the total area of 99,175 m2, will be located at Daedeok Innopolis, the country’s premier research complex in Daejeon. The construction of the new facility is projected to be completed by the end of 2015.