Hankook Tire Co. is setting up its own European winter tire testing facility in Ivalo, Finland.
The tiremaker recently signed a contract with the Finnish tire testing company Test World Oy to build the testing facility next to the company’s testing area Mellatracks. Preparations for construction began immediately after signing the agreement, and the test facility is expected to be operational starting December 2016, Hankook said.
Hankook designated proving ground will incorporate new test tracks for different test situations. The testing center will be built with state-of-the-art workshop facilities, as well as offices, meeting and social rooms, the tiremaker said.
“Hankook Tire constantly invests to enhance its competitiveness in the global market. With our improved technological capability and production facility based on our technology leadership management, Hankook Tire will acquire more robust, more advanced R&D capabilities to become a global top-tier tire brand,” said Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire. “The new proving ground in Ivalo where various winter tests will be made shall boost effectiveness of our winter tires to provide maximum satisfaction to our customers.”
Hankook is investing in a Finnish proving ground as there are increasingly varying conditions and the uncertain winter in more southerly Scandinavian or Alpine areas these days, Hankook said. Ivalo’s location offers very stable and long winter conditions which extends the time available for testing.
