Hankook Tire Co. hosted an opening ceremony on Oct. 18 for its new central R&D center – the ‘Hankook Technodome’ – in Daejeon, South Korea.
As the company aims to become a global top-tier brand based on technological leadership, the Technodome will house Hankook’s R&D innovation and act as a core part of the company’s global plan, Hankook said.
“Hankook Technodome is equipped with the high tech facilities and the 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 Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire Co.
“I believe the new Hankook Technodome will be a great foundation to lead the future of tire technology, as it symbolizes optimized process in development of future technologies and securing original technologies through strengthening our headway towards a global top-tier company,” he adds.
At the new facility, Hankook plans to focus on creating original technology for the future of the company’s mid-to-long term R&D plans, and lead the company’s efforts to create the latest tire technology. Additionally, the Technodome will help Hankook work with new technologies such as electric vehicles and self-driving cars.
The Hankook Technodome cost Hankook an investment of KRW 266.4 billion (roughly $237 million) and was designed by the architectural firm Foster + Partners.
The massive R&D center is six stories tall and is equipped with various state-of-the-art research and testing facilities. A Driving Simulation system as well as ‘SPMM (Suspension Parameter Measuring Machine)’ are both included to perform virtual tests and record digital results. The property also includes an eight-story residence building that houses a fitness center, medical clinics, café, and a day a care center.
The Hankook Technodome has also earned Hankook Gold certification of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), one of the most prestigious green building certification systems.
