Classic tires. In 1946, Heidenau Gummiwerke began in Heidenau with the production of soles and rain caps. Hence it was of course only a small step to make tires. In 1953, those were already 60.000 car and 40.000 motorcycle tires. In 1968 in the glorious GDR all tire manufacturers were swept together and Heidenau was allowed to make all motorcycle tires for the entire DDR and adjacent socialist-communist wing regions. And that production was so good that the company survived the merger of the two Germanys. But the changed market situation ensured that the workforce went from thick 800 to more than 40.
Reborn in 1994
Separated from the Pneumand bandage, the 'Reifenwerk Heidenau GmbH & Co KG was created in 1994. Datr company scored well on the scooter market. But despite all the bumps and bumps in the business, Heidenau had kept good contact with the actual clientele: the motorcyclists. Heidenau took advantage of the growing market for 'classic' motorcycle tires. A unique selling point was that Heidenau also produced tires for sidecar combinations and winter tires. Heidenau is now a modern company where the knowledge is passed on internally in the most old-fashioned way. Heidenau has thereby acquired exceptional independence in knowledge and production possibilities.
The machine in which the rubber is impregnated into the fabric between 60-70 degrees and under a humidity of 0% is a good example of durability. The machine that is as high as the hall dates from 1955, but has over the years always been adapted, improved and upgraded under the motto: "There is no old and new tools, there is only good and bad tools."
There is a lot of manual work involved in the production of the diagonal tires. And the control of the end product is extremely critical. For example, 3.500 tires are made on a daily basis, with a number of professional motorcycle travel organizations running on Heidenau tires because there is simply feedback that you cannot predict or experience digitally.
And in the meantime, Heidenau is again making tires for modern engines. Just like before. In the times of the GDR.
