On A Growth Path
BKT has grown from $8 million to $450 million in the last decade, which reiterates that BKT is a growth-oriented organisation.

A part of well diversified Indian industrial conglomerate, the Siyaram-Poddar Group, Balkrishna Tyres (BKT) started in the year 1988 to manufacture two- and three-wheeler tyres. However, the real success story of BKT began in 1995, when it ventured into production of off-highway tyres (OHTs). With complete focus on intensive market research, in-depth product knowledge and excellent product development capabilities, BKT has already made its mark in the OHTs segment and is continuously evolving itself to achieve a greater footprint in this niche segment.

"With the hard work and support of all its associates, BKT has grown from $8 million to $450 million in the last decade. This reiterates that BKT is a growth-oriented organisation and we would like to continue this growth momentum in the coming decades," says Arvind Poddar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, BKT.

Manufacturing

Currently, BKT has three state-of-the-art tyre manufacturing units located in north and western states of India. A fourth tyre manufacturing plant is coming up in western India, very near to the seaport.

All plants put together, produce a vast range of over 1900 Stock Keeping Units (SKUS), thus making BKT one of the most coveted brand, offering one-stop-shop to the distributing channel as well as the discerning end-users.

The machines are modern, efficiently producing tyres as per international standard and satisfying the varied needs of the consumers. From efficient compound mixing machines to the best-in-class curing presses, to the high cost and renowned tyre building machines, BKT plants are fully equipped with the most modern machinery and are very well maintained to get the optimum output in terms of quality and quantity.

"We have been continuously investing in upgrading our production facilities with an objective of enhancing the production output as well as quality excellence, and cater to the ever-growing demand for BKT products," explains Poddar.

Effectively handling multiple mould changes and managing more than 40 compounds everyday, BKT blends charisma into the tyres, thus serving the diverse needs at a time.

Consistency in tyre quality is the result of more than 450 checks, which every tyre in the manufacturing process goes through and thus making BKT tyres, one of the most reliable ones in terms of lowest claim ratio in the industry.

With the enormous demand, which BKT tyres enjoy, capacity enhancement is a regular agenda with the production team, and thus results into higher output with the passage of each quarter.

The fourth plant shall practically double the capacity and thus would be greatly facilitate in reducing the tyre lead times.

The new plant would be a greenfield project, with ultramodern facilities having advanced technology equip?ment. This plant would be having vast tract of land available for future expansion, which would not be a constraint.

The collective zeal of the various teams including the manufacturing, R&D, quality control, etc, formulates "Team BKT", into a unique group of result-oriented squad, which can't allow any tyre going flawed in the entire process.

Mould Plant

BKT has own mould plant near suburban Mumbai in Western India, offering great flexibility in having faster turnaround times - from the concept to tyre availability in the market. The best-in-class machinery and the 3D modelling systems offer greater control on the mould/tyre dimensions and thus the own plant acts as an added advantage.

Markets & Exports

A testimony to BKT's consistency in offering high-quality specialty tyres is amply demonstrated by the fact that 95 per cent of its products are consumed by the demanding overseas markets, of which over 50 per cent is sold in technologically advanced Europe. Other major markets for BKT are North America and the Middle East, followed by South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. With its total dedication to the speciality tyre segment, BKT has also emerged globally as the preferred supplier to OEMs in construction, agricultural and industrial tyre segments.

Today, BKT has presence in more than 120 countries across the globe and has the privilege of being the largest tyre exporter out of India. Apart from catering to the Indian OEMs, BKT has been a preferred supplier on a global basis to leading OEMs in the agricultural and industrial/construction equipment sectors.

Quality control

Quality control is zealously carried out at every stage of manufacturing - starting from the raw material to the finished product ensuring a product of a consistently high quality. State-of-the-art manu?facturing tools run by experienced ope?rators allow BKT to manufacture tires of outstanding quality efficiently and cost-effectively. All BKT plants are ISO 9000 and IS0 14000 certified and that reflects in the plant efficiency.

In order to ensure high standard of quality, BKT has set up a sophisticated test centre with modern equipment, including those that are used for endurance-testing. Besides in-house testing, BKT regularly conducts tests under international regulations outside India as well which reinforces the confidence the R&D team puts into each product. BKT runs on SAP and the all the processes are integrated by this world renowned IT infrastructure, thus giving the cutting edge which is essential in today's scenario.

R&D and Technology

BKT's R&D team is one of the best in the industry with vast experience in their respective area. The team is credited for developing successful solutions to a variety of customer needs, right from small Turf tyres to large OTR tyres consistently.

BKT has a modern R&D centre, capable of developing various types of rubber compounds required for manufacturing tyres for varied applications. Many different types of compounds are available at BKT, acting as genesis for varied applications, to which BKT tyres cater. BKT is also associated with European testing facilities to ensure its products per?form to demanding stringent applications.

Eco-friendly Approach

BKT has consistently made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and uphold its strongest belief - 'Environment Protection at all costs'. BKT is committed to social causes as well as to protecting the environment. A large part of BKT's energy requirement is fulfilled through non-conventional and renewable energy sources, where BKT has invested rationally.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year at all plants with various programmes such as planting tree and plant distribution within the factory pre?mises. However, commitment towards env?i?ro?nmental protection is an ongoing agen?da and is religiously followed at each plant.

BKT strongly believes in "Green World" cause and ensures environment-friendly steps at all plants.

Output at all three plants are in com?pliance with European directive "REACH", as of November 2009. BKT is the first Indian tyre manufacturer to operate in full respect of Social Respon?sibility and of all EU and REACH stan?dards contributing to human health by red?ucing factors that endanger the environment.

'Green Power' is generated through the windmill established by BKT in Rajasthan. Energy conservation is on top of the agenda, with a belief that "power saved, is power generated".

Unique product range & SKUs

BKT has been continuously expanding its production base and it has today the most comprehensive product range with more than 1900 SKUs and can easily be categorised as one-stop-shop for OHT solu?tions. Apart from tyres for replacement mar?ket, today, BKT caters to all major original equipment (OE) customers for their requirement of off-highway tyres, globally.

BKT's unique off-highway tyres include: Agricultural tyres (cross ply and radial); industrial and construction tyres (cross ply and radial); OTR tyres (all steel radial); and other special application tyres like turf tyres, ATV, golf, go cart tyres, and military tyres.

The major highlight of BKT's product range is the width and depth of its product range, showing the magnitude as well as diversity:
  • Small go-kart tyres to gigantic earthmover tyres.
  • Tyres for rim size from smallest 5" up to largest 54".  
  • Tyres weighing from 2.1 kg to 1,700 kg.
  • Conventional cross ply tyres to most modern polyester radials, all steel OTR radial, aramide belted (puncture proof) and run flat military application tyres.  
  • Tyres for varied applications from conventional farming to modern and high technology oriented agriculture. From effortless implements to complex GPRS controlled tractors.  
  • Tractor tyres specially designed to carry higher loads at a higher speed on roads and with minimal soil compaction in field.  
  • Mega sizes radial tyres for Tractors having over 250HP engine capabilities.
  • Scientifically designed and engineered tyres for tankers and wagons.
  • Tyres for construction, material han?dling, port applications, mining (under?ground as well as open cast mines).
  • Tyre for golf carts used at golf courses and passenger transport at airports.
  • Tyres for ATV/ Quads from utility to high performance racing tyres. Also available, E-marked ATV tyres for usage on European roads.
New Product Development

BKT has always been in the forefront to adopt new generation technologies in tyre manufacturing as well as on the raw material front. It has been proactive in tandem with its equipment suppliers to modify the equipment, making them best-suited for production. Equipment is selected from the best available source.

Similarly, all the raw materials at BKT are sourced from top quality suppliers with whom BKT has enjoyed an excellent relationship for many years. This ensures a continuous supply with consistent quality.

BKT develops 150-160 new SKUs every year. This continuous development is the basis for the vast product range available from BKT, thus offers one of the widest range to choose from.

Resources and Infrastructure
  • Dedicated team of engineers for R&D  
  • Dedicated team of engineers for Technical support & Quality Control  
  • Complete testing equipments for compound development
  • 3D Modeling & EDM Process for tyres and moulds
  • Controlled Laboratory tests  
  • Highly efficient Product testing machines
  • Tie-ups for Outdoor Testing Facilities