We design and develop products that withstand all kinds of terrains

By OEM Update Editorial June 9, 2022 6:39 pm IST

BKT is one of the few companies with in-house-tire molds production facilities, and manufacturer of carbon black, which provide us with major autonomy and ensure enhanced quality control throughout the entire supply chain, says Ashok Chhajer, Sr. General Manager, OE Sales, Balkrishna Industries Ltd.

 

What makes BKT tires special for OEMs around the globe? 

Our products are not standard products; each and every tire is a specialized tire. We design and develop products that withstand all kinds of terrains. So, in terms of execution, every tire at various stages of production has to undergo 500 quality checks, which results in durable tires with very high quality.

 

R&D is the backbone of BKT. Qualified and experienced engineers along with our state-of-the-art infrastructure give us the edge. We have our inhouse testing track, world-class labs, and equipment with a stringent quality control process that is followed before any product is introduced to the market. We introduce on an average 80- 90 new products every year. These are all based on in-depth market research, market analysis, and our R&D.

 

What is the future tech for the OTR segment? 

In the Indian OTR segment, radialisation is still at a nascent stage, whereas, in the automobile industry, car tires are 100 percent radialised; truck tires are also swiftly catching up. However, in case of the earthmover and industrial construction tires, they are yet to be radialised. So, the radialisation process must occur as that is the future technology.

How BKT is equipped to play a global business game? 

Quality is of utmost importance to any customer globally. A customer buys tires that perform efficiently and has value for money. Rightly, BKT is an Indian manufacturer but it is a global player. For our current product range, 80 percent of our turnover comes from export and 20 percent from the domestic market, however, this year, the figures may change and we have hopes of seeing an uptick in the domestic market.

Last year, BKT inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, which is built for an investment of USD 56-million, with an annual production capacity of around 30000 MT of OTR tyres. This modern factory is aiming to produce products suitable for agricultural and industrial vehicles. Our manufacturing facilities are of global standard and we implement all regulatory parameters that have been defined by each country.

 

How promising is the demand from the power sector? 

Most of India’s power generation is coal-based. Thermal power plants are currently witnessing a shortage of coal, due to which India wants to increase its production over the next three years. It’s all a chain reaction. In order to increase the production of coal, more mines need to be opened and these mines will definitely need equipment. So, these certainly open up new avenues, not just for BKT but other machine manufacturers as well. 

 

Can you talk about your participation at the recent CII Excon Expo 

Excon is an excellent platform to connect with customers; showcase products and launch new products. Even though EXCON has to be delayed by a year due to Covid, the enthusiasm from the exhibitors and visitors is unmatched. This is a golden exhibition for those who are related to construction, infrastructure, mining, and metal handling, directly or indirectly. It is a great opportunity to nurture new talents as well. We have showcased our latest edition in our product basket which is CTL. This is suitable for skid steer loader applications for construction equipment. Additionally, we have showcased our finest tires for construction and earthmoving equipment –the Giant EARTHMAX SR 468 TL, the latest addition to the EARTHMAX family that is ready to confront the most challenging mining conditions.