Transaid corporate partner Hankook Tyre UK marks grand opening of new headquarters with royal visit

25th July 2025

• Hankook House, the brand’s new UK headquarters, officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of Transaid on 17th July 2025.
• 357,221 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility features cutting-edge logistics and eco-conscious design.
• New site underpins Hankook’s continued expansion and long-term commitment to the UK market.

On 22 July 2025, Transaid corporate partner Hankook Tyre UK proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new UK headquarters, Hankook House, with a special visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of Transaid. The event marked a significant milestone for the company, reflecting its sustained growth and strategic investment in the UK.

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Mr. Chang Yool Han, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK and distinguished guests including Mrs. Anne Burnett, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire; Mrs. Alison Eastwood, Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council; Cllr Katie Thurston, Mayor of Daventry; The Rt Hon Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Mrs. Caroline Barber, CEO of Transaid.

The visit included a tour of the 357,221 sq. ft. advanced facility, where The Princess Royal met team members and learned more about Hankook’s innovations in tyre technology and logistics. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, formally marking the opening of the new headquarters.

Established in the UK since 1993, Hankook has enjoyed steady and sustained growth, fuelled by rising demand for its premium tyre range. The opening of Hankook House represents a major milestone in the company’s long-term vision, supporting its strategy for continued expansion in the UK market. Strategically located in the heart of the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle’—with direct access to the A45, M1, and M45—the new facility is optimised for enhanced national distribution and improved customer service. Just a short distance from the previous headquarters, the move ensures continuity for staff while significantly upgrading operational capacity across the 22-acre site.

The site reflects Hankook’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, incorporating advanced energy-efficient systems and eco-conscious design. It has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC rating A, underscoring the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint while driving innovation and operational excellence.

 

In 2025, Hankook Tyre UK proudly marks 19 years of partnership with Transaid. Over the course of nearly two decades, Hankook has supported Transaid through a variety of impactful initiatives — from donating fundraising prizes and participating in charity cycle challenges, to funding the production of four locally manufactured bicycle ambulances. These ambulances, built by an organisation that employs people with disabilities, provide life-saving access to healthcare in remote communities across sub-Saharan Africa. To date, Hankook has raised over £136,130 in support of Transaid’s vital work.

Chang Yool Han, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK, commented: “The opening of Hankook House marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the UK market. As demand for our premium products continues to grow, this state-of-the-art facility enhances our logistics capabilities, drives technological innovation, and reinforces our dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer service.

“We are also proud to continue to support Transaid’s life-saving work and remain firmly committed to advancing safe, sustainable transport solutions both in the UK and globally.”

Caroline Barber, CEO of Transaid, added: “We were honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal officially open Hankook’s new headquarters. Her presence not only marked a special occasion but also underscored the strength of the long-standing partnership between Hankook and Transaid. We are immensely grateful for Hankook’s continued support, which plays a vital role in helping us improve road safety and expand access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.”

With the opening of Hankook House, the company enters a new era of growth, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the tyre industry.