BKT looking at new export market

“We are looking at new export market like Russia, Eastern Europe, Canada, South America, Africa and Western Africa,” says Rajiv Poddar, Executive Director, BKT
Balkrishna Industries (BKT), one of the global majors in the off-highway tire industry, has displayed its strength in the recently concluded EXCON 2013. Apart from displaying its product range for various applications, BKT has introduced new tires for mining.
BKT’s product rangeCurrently, BKT provides over 2,100 different SKUs (stock keeping units) for various applications. The company has products from 5-inch rim diameter to 54-inch rim diameter for vehicles ranging from Go-cart, trailers, forklifts etc. to technologically advanced machines like high horsepower tractors, combines, harvesters, GPS-controlled vehicles, articulated dump trucks, high-speed cranes, sophisticated port vehicles and container handlers etc.
BKT at EXCON 2013At EXCON, BKT has displayed couple of new sizes. One of them is the new development 2400R35 SR47, which is for the dump truck. These tires are basically for rocky terrain. SR47 is designed to be the best product in the 65-tonne category. It would take care of the rocks, especially in those rocky terrains to avoid the chirping and chunking of the tire.
Continuous improvement of existing products is in the heart of BKT so that it can reach the next level effortlessly. After seeing the initial feedback from its customers, the company has included a complete compound line-up and modified the pattern which brings the existence of SR47.
In addition, BKT has also presented a few of its key existing products in the OTR segment. It has also showcased its widely accepted 29.5 R 25 OTR tyre for the articulated dump truck category.
Positive outlook on mining
Justifying on the timing of launch of new tires for mining applications when the mining sector is almost paralysed, Rajiv Poddar, Executive Director, BKT said, “Mining is down locally in India, not everywhere. Also in the long term, mining is going to come back; it’s not going to be down forever. So from the long term perspective, we feel that these are important sizes for the mining industries.”
WOW campaignAt EXCON, BKT’s newly launched campaign titled ‘WOW’ could gather huge attraction from its customers. ‘WOW’ has been designed to promote BKT’s super efficient industrial, mining and OTR tires under the sub-brand Earthmax. The campaign is created in-line with the performance and efficiency of the Earthmax products which are bound to evoke a sense of wonderment in its users.
Bhuj plant to strengthen capabilityHaving production capacity of 160,000 tonnes, BKT exports almost 98 per cent of its products. Today, BKT has made its mark in more than 130 countries. Globally Europe contributes to 48 per cent, America 24 per cent whereas rest of the world contributes to 14 per cent of its export market. Witnessing the increased investment in the construction and infrastructure sector, the company is gradually strengthening its position in the Indian market.
With an investment of Rs 2,300 crore, BKT is setting up a plant in Bhuj, Gujarat. Once operationalised, Bhuj plant will add about 120,000 tonnes per year thereby increasing BKT’s production capacity to the level of 280,000 tonnes. This is a greenfield project and will focus on developing a wide range of BKT’s radial and bias tires. It will also produce ultra large and giant OTR tires up to 51-inch rim diameter.
Expansion plansWhile commenting on the company’s expansion plans, Mr Poddar said, “With the enhanced capacity, you will see a lot more presence of BKT in the Indian market.”
BKT is also looking at the new market for exporting. “We are looking at new export market like Russia, Eastern Europe, Canada, South America, Africa and Western Africa,” reveals Mr Rajiv.

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