We are stakeholders in major public transport projects throughout the world, including subway, trolley-car and train systems. Trolley-cars, in particular, offer real potential for growth, as a key component in many cities' urban planning policies. The importance of acoustics and anti-vibration systems makes Hutchinson's specialist expertise and solutions particularly valuable. The Group is among the world's leading designers of suspension systems, complex connection joints as well as door and window seals.

In a market where the primary concerns are the security and protection of human beings, standards are particularly stringent and extreme reliability is required. Hutchinson has 80 years of experience in runflat systems. Its latest innovation is the Safetank®, a secure, self-sealing, blast-proof fuel tank. Hutchinson also offers vibro-acoustic solutions for new generations of nuclear and hybrid submarines.

We are one of the three major players in this high-added-value niche market, with specific engineering contracts. The offshore market has safety and durability requirements similar to those of the aerospace industry. We equip risers and other oil and gas transmission lines. Our high-capacity shock absorbers built into the feet of oil platforms absorb repeated oscillating movements. We are diversifying into wind and sea power, where the issues are the same: vibration control, severe environmental conditions and the need for durability in a deep sea environment. Hutchinson also provides membrane tank seal solutions for methane carriers.

The new environmental standards for low-energy buildings have sparked innovation at Hutchinson. We provide acoustic and thermal insulation and sealing systems. Hutchinson has also become the number-one supplier of drive belts for domestic appliances since the revolutionary invention of the POLY-V belt. Furthermore, Hutchinson sealing technology is used in the packaging for over-the-counter drugs and personal hygiene products, which is subject to stringent safety standards. We also meet a wide range of challenges in the machine tooling and industrial supplies sector.

Hutchinson, France's only manufacturer of bicycle tires, is at the cutting edge of bicycle technology and provides equipment to world mountain biking champions and Tour de France teams. As the pioneer in tubeless tire technology, we offer products for lovers of high-tech cycling (racing, road cycling, tourism, cyclo-cross, trekking and BMX), as well as motorcycles and scooters. The European market remains stable, while the American market has grown strongly over the past 4 years.