Balkrishna Tyres

Partha Pratim Basistha

Balkrishna Tyres
BKT is one of the world's leading manufacturers of off-highway tyres having the widest product range, strengthened by more than 2000 SKU's (Stock Keeping Units). Established in 1988, BKT (Balkrishna Tyres), entered into the production of cross ply off-highway tyres in 1995. Exports contribute to 94% of BKT's sales while the rest is contributed from domestic sales. BKT has overseas offices in USA and Italy.

According to Mr. Arvind Poddar, Vice-Chairman & MD, BKT "we have targeted to achieve a 10% share in off-highway tyre solutions by 2015 in the global market. Achieving the set target will boost BKT's sales to $1300 million. We are confident of achieving our target, with the increasing demand from the export market, with around 86% of the requirement coming from the replacement segment and rest from the original equipment manufacturers."

BKT exports it's off-highway tyres to more than 130 countries wherein its 48% sales come from the European markets, 24% from US, and 28% from other markets including India.

BKT is working on its backward and forward integration to facilitate its ambitious growth plans. The backward integrations are being done by increasing its existing production capacities and also by setting up new production facilities. Its forward integration is being implemented by strengthening supply chain, linked to production, for onward movement of the finished products. Value addition in marketing is being done through better product offerings in the off-highway value chain and through a robust research and development support.

Balkrishna Tyres Balkrishna Tyres
Chopanki Plant Calendaring Machine

Providing details of the market expansion, Mr. Poddar says, "Our new upcoming facility at Bhuj, which is spread over an area of 300 acres, with a capital investment of $365 million will support 80% of our capacity expansion. We are confident of attaining 100% capacity utilization by 2014. The new plant will produce 1,20,000 Metric tonnes per annum of mixed production comprising radials, bias tyres, large OTR's and agri tyres. The plant will score on logistics advantage, by providing lesser lead times, being located close to important export gateway ports in Gujarat state. With most of the major machinery for the new plant at Bhuj already into the commissioning mode, part of the plant has already started producing tubes from December 2011. With the full range of tubes going to be available for various off-highway tyres, the plant will serve regular requirements of our distribution partners."

Balkrishna Tyres Balkrishna Tyres
Curing Inspection-finish

Mr. Poddar says, "For capacity addition, we will also bank on our facilities at Chopanki and our earliest unit at Bhiwadi in Rajasthan. Besides, capacity expansion will also be helped by our Waluj-Aurangabad facility. The expansion process of the existing units is likely to be completed by August this year." Post expansion capacities of existing units will be 1,67,000 MT by end of 2012 from 1,20,000 MT at present. Supported by the upcoming Bhuj facility, BKT's total capacity is expected to be 2,70,000 MT by 2014.

Meeting Volume Demand

The ability of BKT to meet high volume demand is supported by its large unit which has a capacity of producing 150 tyres of various sizes. The company offers tyres in various weights starting from less than 2 kg to 1700 kg along with different rim sizes in the range of 5-54 inches. The nature of tyres comprises conventional variant of cross plytyres to the advanced polyester radials, all steel OTR radials, aramide–belted run flat for defence applications tyres. Mr. Poddar points out"Our extensive market presence is backed by our ability to deliver multi-varied product offerings across the off-highway segment."

Balkrishna Tyres
Xray Machine

Balkrishna Tyres Balkrishna Tyres
The ability to provide wide range of tyres is based on "flexible" production process adopted by the company. "High and varied production output is facilitated through a manufacturingprocess that allows frequent changes of moulds." Eight to ten moulds are changed every day in our plants based on the requirement of the tyres to be produced. Production flexibility is supported by our prompt R&D team in producing the required tyre variant within a span of 10-12 weeks. The planned product development support allows us to produce more than 160 new customized variants every year.

Moulds are one of the major constituents for production of tyres. It givestyres the desired finish and shape based on applications. To have competitive product positioning through its tyres, BKT has recently started its new mould plant at Dombivali, near Mumbai. According to Mr. Poddar, "The new plant would double our capacity to produce high quality moulds, offering better finish, with the help of state-of-the-art machines. The mould manufacturing plant will play an important role in rolling out tyres from our Bhuj plant, since timely mould availability is a major requisite in the tyre manufacturing process."

Balkrishna Tyres
WareHouse

According to Mr. Poddar, "Market expansion of BKT will come from its captive customers, led by marketing and technical support from its channel partners. Having enjoyed presence in international markets, BKT will keep focusing on the same in future. The presence in domestic market will continue to be mediocre." However,"Given the strategy of its global OEM customers, many of those having presence in India or are planning to have so by promoting of second-hand equipment, BKT may look for an increased focus at home. However, in that case, Mr. Poddar points out that "Sales and support for the tyres will be taken up by our channel partners and distributors."
Global Maritime India Summit 2023 Modernizing Logistics and Coastal Shipping
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the third edition of Global Maritime India Summit 2023 held in Mumbai, remarked that India has a vast coastline, a strong riverine eco-system, and a rich cultural

Read more ...

India Warehousing & Logistics Show A key platform for knowledge sharing in Warehousing & Logistics Industry
The 10th-anniversary edition of the India Warehousing & Logistics Show (IWLS) is scheduled to take place for three days at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E) in Mumbai from November 21st

Read more ...

Excon 2023 - Propelling India’s Technological Prowess & Global Stature
Preparations for the upcoming Excon 2023 edition are in full swing, with organizer CII, in collaboration with various departments of the Karnataka state government, planning key activities for the attendees. No doubt, given the impressive stature of the

Read more ...

Terex India Hosts TEXCON 2023
Terex India’s TEXCON 2023 event, held at its Hosur facility in Tamil Nadu, showcased an impressive line-up of Technological and Sustainable Solutions for Construction and Recycling Industries. P.P. Basistha reports. Terex, global manufacturer of materials

Read more ...

JCB India: Growing its Excavator Business Across Sectors
JCB India is leveraging its design and manufacturing capabilities to market its excavators as it aims to meet the rising demand from infra development projects. P.P. Basistha witnesses the company’s manufacturing prowess and wide range of products at the

Read more ...

Crane Owners Association of India Organizes 11th AGM
Cowners came together for the 11th Annual General Meeting of Crane Owners Association of India (COAOI) on 29th September 2023 at the Taj Palace Hotel, Mumbai. The gathering included esteemed members of COAOI. SANY India was the event’s partner

Read more ...

ICEMA: Laying the Foundation for a Transformative Future
ICEMA’s CE Technology Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to identify key challenges in the development and adoption of advanced in-house technologies. “The Technology Vision Roadmap developed by the Construction

Read more ...

Demtech: Bigger & Better in 2023
The second edition of Demtech 2023 Conference and Exhibition, held at Bengaluru on the 28th and 29th September 2023, played host to 450 delegates, representation from 10 countries, and 45 exhibitors. The success of Demtech 23 has once again proved

Read more ...

CCMA to organize 4th International Suppliers Conference 2023 on “Construction Chemicals for Next Gen”
The 4th edition of the International Conference of Suppliers for leading manufacturers and suppliers of construction chemicals is being organized by the Construction Chemicals Manufacturers Association (CCMA). The conference will be held on 4th and

Read more ...

Mumbai to host 3-day India Warehousing & Logistics Show from November 21st
The 10th-anniversary edition of the India Warehousing & Logistics Show (IWLS) is scheduled to take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E) in Mumbai from November 21st. This event, organized by RX India, a part of RX Global (www.rxglobal.com)

Read more ...

CVF Off Highway 2023 - Wraps Up with Remarkable Success
In a whirlwind one-day event featuring 10+ sessions with 40 esteemed speakers, over 35 partners, and a turnout of 350+ delegates, CVF Off Highway 2023 marked a triumphant close of its 3rd Edition. CVF Off-Highway has solidified its position as the

Read more ...

Green Compliant Office Buildings Boom in India
The recently released CBRE-CII joint report titled ‘Indian Real Estate: Taking Giant Strides - 2023 Mid-Year Outlook’ highlights the growing focus of developers and occupiers on sustainability, green-certified office stock in India, which has increased by over

Read more ...

ICEMA Organizes Annual Session on CE Industry
The 2023 Annual Session of ICEMA (Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association) focused on Innovation, Investment, Sustainability and Localization as key imperatives for growth and presented perspectives of industry experts. Union Road

Read more ...

CVF Off Highway Forum - Shaping the Future of Indian Off Highway Equipment Markets
The highly anticipated CVF Off Highway Forum set to take place on August 24th, 2023, at Eros Hotel, New Delhi, will provide a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and drive innovation. This event will bring

Read more ...

First edition of Construction Tradeshow ‘Gujarat CONEX 2023’ to be held from 21st to 23rd September
Gujarat CONEX 2023, an international trade fair for Construction Machinery, Building Materials & Machines, Mining Machines, and Construction Vehicles is being organized by K and D Communication and Messe Muenchen India in collaboration

Read more ...

CSIR - CRRI Organises ‘One Week One Lab’ Campaign Highlights Waste to Wealth Initiatives
CSIR - CRRI (Central Road Research Institute) hosted a week-long celebration across four major cities - Delhi, Hyderabad, Odisha, and Shillong, during 16 July to 22 July, that showcased the technological breakthroughs and innovations of the CSIR

Read more ...

NATCON 2023 - Fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation within the construction sector
ACCE(I) - the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India) recently organized NATCON 2023 (National Convention of Civil Engineers), a conference titled ‘Building Tall and Resilient’ hosted by the Hyderabad Centre. The event witnessed an overwhelming

Read more ...

Thermax Construction Chemicals hosts गपशप 2023
Thermax Construction Chemicals hosted an innovative forum in the construction space on June 8, 2023, bringing together numerous professionals, industry leaders, and distinguished guests at The Westin in Koregaon Park, Pune. The event served as an

Read more ...

Niftylift’s HR17E wins HAE Product of the Year
The Hire Association Europe (HAE) runs the Hire Awards of Excellence, which took place on 22 April, 2023 at the Grosvenor House in London. The awards celebrate the achievements of hire and supply companies across UK’s plant, tool, equipment, and event

Read more ...

Fintech and Data Analytics to enable Future-Ready Financing Ecosystem for CE & Infrastructure: ICEMA
ICEMA (Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association), an affiliate body of CII, organised the 4th Annual Finance Conclave in New Delhi, based on the theme ‘Bringing a Paradigm Shift in Financial Eco-system: Digitalisation and Beyond

Read more ...