Hankook Tire opens new global R&D facility

Hankook Technodome in Daejeon

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Hankook Tire has opened its new research and development (R&D) center Hankook Technodome in Daejeon in a bid to become a global top-tier tire brand.

Designed by Foster and Partners, the comprehensive tire research laboratory stands on a floor space of 96,328 square meters with a six-story R&D facility and an eight-story residence building. The residence building features various facilities including a fitness center, clinic, cafe and daycare center.

The nation’s largest tire maker invested a total of 266.4 billion won ($234.9 million) to build the center.

“Hankook Technodome is equipped with high-tech facilities and an optimal work environment to strengthen our global competitiveness through innovation, while actively dealing with rapid changes in the business environment and delivering products optimized for various customers’ needs,” said Hankook Tire Vice Chairman and CEO Suh Seung-hwa during an opening ceremony for the R&D center.

“I believe that Hankook Technodome will be a great foundation to lead not only the future of tire technology but also the automotive industry in general. It will symbolize Hankook Tire’s cutting-edge technology and corporate culture.”

With its innovative and eco-friendly design, Hankook Technodome was awarded Gold certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings by the U.S. Green Building Council, a prestigious membership-based non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction and operation.

Under the R&D center’s so-called “one company concept,” 10 independent offices and laboratories are housed under the same roof to symbolize that all the offices are of one company. Also, Hankook Technodome’s central arena was built to boost communication between employees, an official added.

“Innovation is not an option, it’s a must,” said Cho Hyun-bum during the opening ceremony.

“Hankook Technodome symbolizes Hankook Tire’s commitment to R&D innovation, and will enhance its role as a core instrument of the company’s global R&D infrastructure. I believe the newly built center will greatly boost Hankook Tire’s future competitiveness as it seeks to be a global top-tier company.”

Suh said during a question and answer session that although Hankook Tire is not expected to reach its goal of 7 trillion won in global sales volume, it will achieve another goal of 1 trillion won in operating profit this year.

Cho also said during the session that Hankook Tire is not interested in taking over Kumho Tire that is currently up for sale.