International Motors presented one of its 2026 Diamond Supplier Awards to Hankook, sending a delegation to the tire-maker’s Tennessee production facility to hand off the honor in person earlier this week.

This annual award honors suppliers that International deems consistently prioritize technology, quality, delivery, cost, sustainability, and people. International said those suppliers contribute to innovation and continuous improvement, strengthening its ability to serve customers and meet evolving industry demands.

Suppliers were evaluated, according to International, for the ability to:

• Deliver advanced technological solutions
• Uphold a shared commitment to zero-defect quality
• Ensure uninterrupted production through reliable delivery performance
• Deliver advanced technological solutions
• Uphold a shared commitment to zero-defect quality
• Ensure uninterrupted production through reliable delivery performance

Hankook’s Growth & Success in Tennessee

Rob Williams, president, Hankook Tire America, explained the accomplishments of the Hankook plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, starting by pointing out that when the facility opened in 2019, it employed about 900 workers. Now, there are nearly 2,300 employees, and two phases of construction are underway: Phase 2 PLT and Phase 2 TBR.

With that new growth, when the plant reaches full capacity, it will build about 10 million PLT units and one million TBR units annually.

“So, think about that for a moment. From 2017 to 2026, we went from building zero domestic units to what will soon be 11 million. That'll make us the fastest-growing tire manufacturer in North America,” Williams said.

He continued by explaining what aligns Hankook with International’s needs.

“It starts with innovation. We've got to have the most innovative products. Technology. We always have to be advancing technology. Operational efficiency, very important. Some of the things we've been able to do with International is make sure we can supply them with a quality product, timely, and accurately,” Williams explained.

“Obviously, we need to do this with cost affordability in mind. So, we need to make sure that we're controlling our costs so we can pass cost savings along to our partners. And then, certainly, sustainability,” Williams said. “We need to make sure that we're taking care of the environment, taking care of the people that live in this environment. And what I always say is, ultimately, what we do with the help of our friends at International and their team members is we create safe mobility for the fleets in North America.”

International Supplier Since 2013

Hankook has been one of International’s suppliers since 2013, Ken Everhart, corporate sales director, Hankook Tire America, explained.

“We're proud to say that International has been our longest-standing commercial OE partner, and we appreciate that,” Everhart added.

Current International vehicles using Hankook tires include:

• International HV Series – Current tire fitments are AH37 and DH37
• International MV Series – Current tire fitments are AH37 and DH37
• IC Bus Platforms – Current tire fitments are AH37 and DH37

International said its tire solutions support International Motors customers with tires designed to improve fuel efficiency, durability, uptime, and overall operating performance.

Hankook: Building a Quality Product for Fleets

Throughout the award presentation, the speakers repeatedly praised Hankook’s standout quality.

“The product we're seeing now is fantastic, great quality, customer first. If you look at the values that we have at International, it all starts with customer first, and that’s the way we're going to differentiate ourselves at International. The way Hankook will differentiate yourselves, from what I see, is through a fantastic quality product,” said Wayne Rygel, supplier quality director, International Motors.

“If we have it where that customer doesn't have to worry about that product failing, they can have trust and confidence in the Hankook tire, in the International truck. That's how we're going to win together,” Rygel added.

Likewise, Sanjay Goel, director cabin, International Motors, credited Hankook for its customer-first approach to business, namely, providing quality.

He shared that International has more than 1,600 suppliers, yet this year only handed out seven Diamond Supplier Awards.

“It's a very tough competition,” Goel told the audience.

“Our business varies from year to year, and Hankook has demonstrated that they are in it for the long time. They've been working with us quite some time, and the growth represents the culture and the values that Hankook is providing. It's very similar to the values that International has. Hankook shows a customer-first mindset. That's one of their top values.”