BKT Tyres Venture into New Future-Ready Dimensions
Serving the Indian and international market through and through, BKT (Balkrishna Industries Limited) is not only one of the leading companies in the Off-Highway Tyre businesses but also an established and undisputed leader in the off-highway tyres solution providing segment with proactive endeavors for achieving greater heights.
In a conference held on 22nd March against the backdrop of EXCON’22, Mr. Rajiv Poddar - Joint Managing Director, Mr. Dilip Vaidya – Technology Director, Mr. Ashok Chhajer - General Manager – OE Sales, and Mr. Vikash Naithani - Asst. General Manager presided over to tell the journey of BKT Tyres in the last two challenging years.
Even with the continuous challenges of logistics, procurement of raw materials and machinery as well as manpower retention, BKT managed to not just survive but thrive with consistent growth in the market. In 2019, BKT recorded an 8% growth which jumped to a whopping 26% in 2021 with a much higher target for 2022.
BKT’s expansion plans worth 2500 crores will see new plans for their tyre segment, the core business of the company; Carbon Black a new segment of BKT which is mainly used as reinforced filler in tyres and rubber products and also as colorant, additive and fillers in plastics, inks & coatings and other industial applications. The expansion plans also include the self-sustaining plant at Bhuj, Gujarat. Key emphasis will remain on infrastructural upgrade and enhancing market segments. EXCON will see the key focus on mining tyres with the creation of new product ‘MineForce’. With close to 2 lakh tonnes of sales in last 2 years, much higher numbers are expected in 2022.
Constant innovations are holistically implemented with optimization of machines with real time data analysis and smart functions in some of the older plants. The technological investments are 3% for R&D development and testing plants for compound elements and raw materials as the company aims to move into the category of innovator. As far as sustainable goals are concerned, BKT is one step ahead with windmill and solar energy and Carbon Black (with 80% of Carbon Black being utilized and 20% being sold); for generating steam and integration of renewable energy till the last step. In the Bhuj plant, over 1 lakh trees have been planted. Technology for smarter tyres are underway equipped with sensors for monitoring quantities air pressure, applied strain, temperature, acceleration, wheel loading, friction and tread wear.
As far as demand is concerned, India is a growing market with high traction area given by the government policies with renewed infrastructural development and a highly mechanized tilt in the country. BKT showcased a strong emphasis on being and remaining a Make in India company. Recent challenge for the Tyre giant remains in shipping with rising commodity prices due to escalating geopolitical scenario.
For further information
visit: www.bkt-tires.com/ww/en
