SEOUL, Korea – Hankook Tire recently unveiled its plan for construction of a new, high-tech central R&D facility in Korea. For this project, Hankook Tire has contracted high-profile architectural firm, Foster+Partners, for architecture and interior design of the building. 
On Jan. 7, 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 high-tech, future-oriented facilities, such as a seven-story tire auto-stacking system and smart information system. Through such a state-of-the-art research facility, Hankook Tire says it aims to provide the most suitable environment for its researchers, therefore securing the premium product quality and extending sustainable growth of the company into the future.
Foster+Partners, founded by the prominent British architect Sir Norman Foster, is known for its high-tech, future-oriented architectural designs and glass-and-steel buildings. Based in London, Foster+Partners has undertaken various important international large-scale projects, such as Millennium Bridge, London City Hall, Swiss Reinsurance, Great Court at the British Museum, Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Headquarters and New York Hearst Tower.
Hyun Bum Cho, president, chief marketing officer and 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. 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 toward becoming the top-five tire company in the world.”
Hankook Tire’s new R&D center, covering a total area of 99,175 square meters, will be located at Daedeok Innopolis, the country’s premier research complex in Daejeon. The construction of the new facility is projected to be complete by the end of 2015.
