At BKT, we are focusing on sustainable sourcing
What trends are you currently seeing in the construction equipment sector, and how is your company adapting to these trends?
The construction equipment sector is seeing a strong shift towards more sustainable and efficient operations, with a growing demand for equipment that minimises environmental impact while maximising productivity. There’s also a rising focus on smart technologies, such as data-driven fleet management, to improve equipment usage and reduce downtime. At BKT, we’re aligning with these trends by investing in R&D to develop compounds that will enhance the durability of our tyres and even in manufacturing processes. By focusing on these, we aim to support the construction equipment sector’s evolution with high-quality, reliable tyre solutions.
Can you discuss any innovative technologies or products you are showcasing at the exhibition?
At Bauma Conexpo India 2024, we’re excited to showcase our advanced range of tyres designed specifically for the construction and industrial sectors, including Earthmax SR31, Airomax AM27, XL Grip Ultra, Maglift, and Liftmax LM81. Each of these tyres addresses unique industry challenges, from durability in extreme conditions to enhanced load-handling capabilities.
The Earthmax SR31 is crafted with an all-steel radial structure for exceptional stability and heat resistance, ideal for large construction machinery facing rugged environments. The Airomax AM27 is built to support mobile cranes and other high-load applications, offering superior lift and maneuverability, which is crucial in construction sites where precision is the key. XL Grip Ultra is tailored for heavy-duty equipment, featuring a deep tread pattern that ensures maximum traction and control even in soft soil, helping operators handle tough terrains with ease.
In the industrial segment, our Maglift tyre is specifically engineered for forklifts, delivering enhanced durability and stability under heavy loads, which directly addresses the high-performance demands of material handling applications. Lastly, Liftmax LM81 is designed to support aerial lift equipment with high load-bearing capacity and smooth maneuverability, ensuring safety and precision in lifting operations. These innovative tyres underscore BKT’s commitment to providing solutions that reduce downtime, boost productivity, and enhance safety across the construction and industrial landscapes.
What challenges do you see facing the industry in the coming years, and how is your company preparing to tackle them?
The construction equipment sector faces several challenges ahead, including fluctuating raw material costs, stricter environmental regulations, and rapid technological advancements. Additionally, the sector must meet the growing demand for resilient products that can perform reliably in diverse and challenging conditions. At BKT, we are proactively preparing for these challenges by focusing on sustainable sourcing, investing in in-house production of key materials like carbon black, and advancing our R&D efforts to develop robust tyres capable of withstanding these pressures. Our in-house mould plant is a significant asset in this regard, enabling quicker concept-to-market transitions for new tyre sizes and ensuring we stay ahead of market needs. This combination of sustainability, efficiency, and innovation is central to BKT’s approach, allowing us to provide reliable, future-ready solutions that empower the construction equipment sector to meet both present and future demands.
With the Indian government now fast-tracking infrastructure projects, the CE sector is expected to get increasingly busy. How do you look at the market for your products in India?
We’re very optimistic about the Indian market. The government’s focus on infrastructure and the fast-tracking of projects is fuelling demand for reliable, high-performance construction equipment tyres. This presents a tremendous opportunity for BKT, as our tyre solutions are specifically designed to meet the unique demands of the Indian market. With over 3600 SKU’s we are well-positioned to support India’s infrastructure push by delivering durable, high-quality tyres that cater to diverse applications. We believe our products will play a key role in enhancing efficiency and productivity across the construction equipment sector.
Please share more information on the investment made in the Indian market in terms of the manufacturing facility, etc.
BKT has made substantial investments in our Indian operations to support market demand and maintain quality control. Our state-of-the-art facility in Bhuj, Gujarat, is a key component of our manufacturing strength, equipped with advanced technology and processes that allow us to produce a diverse range of off-highway tyres. We have also invested in in-house carbon black production, ensuring a steady supply of a critical raw material while reducing our dependency on external suppliers along with enhancing mould building capacity. This vertical integration allows us to control quality and maintain cost stability, ultimately benefiting our customers with better pricing and product consistency.
How was the year 2024 in terms of performance? What is your company’s plan for 2025?
The year 2024 was a dynamic year for BKT, with solid growth in both domestic and international markets. We continued to strengthen our product offerings, expand our presence in strategic sectors, and enhance our commitment to sustainability initiatives. Looking forward to 2025, we plan to focus on further expansion, with an emphasis on creating products tailored for India’s unique demands. We will continue investing in R&D, to deliver more durable reliable tyre solutions. Additionally, we aim to deepen our customer engagement efforts and strengthen our distribution network across India to reach more regions and industries effectively.