BKT to focus on mining products at excon
BKT, the Indian multinational group and a global player in the off-highway tyre market, is all set to cross a billion dollars this year with India contributing 20 per cent and exports of 80 per cent.

With a current market share of nearly 6 per cent in the global off-highway tyres segment, BKT aspires to increase this to 10 per cent over the next four to five years. Commenting on the Indian market, the company’s Joint Managing Director, Rajiv Poddar said, “In 2019, our company had a growth of 8 per cent as compared to the previous year and increased to 26 per cent in 2020 and 25 per cent in 2021. So, despite lockdown, we were able to achieve good numbers due to the increase in construction activities across India”

Rajiv further added, “We give a lot of thrusts to develop infrastructure by way of expansion of around Rs 2,500 crore in the last two years in the field of tyres, carbon black, and self-sustaining power generation plant at our Bhuj plant. Apart from building new infrastructure, it is very important to maintain and upgrade your existing infrastructure, hence last year the company completed Rs 450 crore capacity expansion at the Bhuj plant. Overall, we have invested a lot of our time and efforts to be ahead or at par with the competition.”

Arvind Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director, BKT, continued, “During one of the most difficult times that the world has seen by way of the pandemic in 2021, we adopted a strategy that helped us satisfy even our most demanding customers and deliver our products as per their requirements. We truly feel that it is time to act and put our best foot forward to meet our commitment to the rising needs of our customers. This expansion is our answer to the universal demand.”

The company recently launched the 47-51 and 57-inch tyres, and will be shortly launching 63-inch tyres for the Indian market. To service the giant OTR tyre market, (sizes 51-inch and above), BKT introduced the sub-branded Mineforce range of giant OTR tyres, catering to heavier dumper and loader tyre requirements.

Staying ahead of the competition
To meet the growing demand for tyres from the agricultural and construction space, BKT has announced the expansion of production capacity at its Bhuj plant in Gujarat,” said Rajiv, during the recently-concluded press conference in Mumbai. The modern R&D centre in Bhuj hosts all facilities for developing top-of-the-range solutions. “We have spent a lot of time and money to upgrade our existing infrastructure. We have launched new segments for the Indian market,” he added.

The company has invested $103.3 million to expand the Bhuj plant, which will add 50,000 metric tonnes of tyre manufacturing capacity. The production plant features state-of-the-art machinery and infrastructure.

Arvind further added, “The worldwide demand for agricultural tires is on the upswing. There is a strong indication that growth in this sector is here to stay and, in keeping with the company vision of growth and quality, the present expansion would meet the expectations of our loyal customers.”

Tyre partner with 8 IPL teams
Rajiv also announced that BKT is the official tyre partner of eight IPL teams: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the newly-announced teams – Gujarat Titans for the latest season.

Speaking on the tie-up, Rajiv said “We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and euphoria around the league reach new heights with the creation of two additional teams to the country’s biggest and the world’s most popular cricketing tournament. We at BKT are sincerely devoted to sustaining the virtues exemplified by the ‘gentleman’s game.’ This is a league that unifies the entire country and has a large number of fans following that transcends boundaries and truly exemplifies the country’s rich diversity.” Also, Rajiv announced that the company has roped in Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador. Speaking on the partnership, he added, “Both BKT and Ranveer Singh bring in innovativeness in approach and we are excited at building this partnership on the edifice of these qualities.”

For the upcoming Excon exhibition, the company will be focusing on launching new mining products. However, Rajiv didn’t divulge more details on this.

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