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Are you going to participate in the upcoming EXCON Exhibition ‘22? What new products are you going to introduce to the market?

We are thrilled to confirm that BKT will be participating in the upcoming EXCON Exhibition, especially after the Covid-gap. Our participation at the EXCON this year will a continuation of a decade-long association.

This EXCON, we will be showcasing all-steel radial tires. We also have witnessed how the mining industry is spearheading the tires industry and have been focusing on upgrading our mining segment products. We believe that the products we will be showcasing this year at EXCON will revolutionize the mining domain.

It’s been a long time between 2019 and 2022 to be here at EXCON ‘22. What do you think of the company’s overall performance?

The growth to has been consistent; even during the pandemic, with an average growth of 20% y-o-y in the last two years. The company is investing over 2500 crores as part of a larger expansion plan and last year the company completed a ₹450 cr. capacity expansion. These investments are in tires, which is our core business, and in carbon black - a new segment we have ventured into. Further, we have also undertaken technological upgrades at Bhuj, and revamped the old Waluj plant. More so, BKT is actively pursuing products for the mining segment under the sub-brand, MineForce and focusing on all-steel radial tires range for Agri, mining, and construction.

Everyone has been affected by the pandemic in the past couple of years. Describe how challenging for you to stay stable in the market.

Covid hit the world in 2020 and created havoc in the global economy. Like every other sector, the tire industry was also affected but marginally and short-lived.

We adopted a strategy that helped us satisfy even our most demanding customers and deliver our products as per their requirements. In fact, during these times, we developed and launched our giant all-steel radial tire, all thanks to the extraordinary determination of our team. It is more than a tire; it is a positive message to the market. Through our enthusiasm and know-how, BKT always finds new ways to grow, even in the most complex situations.

How did you and your company manage to stay stable in the current economic situation that gave rise to the demand for and cost of raw materials?

The company continued with its growth streak even during the pandemic and had an average growth of 20% y-o-y in the last two years. Today, the company commands around 5- 6% market share globally with over 3200 SKU and exports to more than 160 countries – making BKT one of the major players in the market. To keep the growth to consistent, major investments are made in our core business - Tires, and in carbon black - a new segment we have ventured into.

In fact, OTR tire demand in 2021 rose above pre-COVID-19 levels, despite supply chain and logistics issues, in fact, we don’t see any demand slowing down in the next 5 years. In 2022, we predict a record growth year for BKT. 

Are there any new products planned for an introduction? Provide details of the same?

BKT has been constantly developing newer products to meet the requirement of varied machine/ equipment operating parameters, in line with OEM upgrading and innovations. Our deep understanding of the Off-Highway tire market has led to capabilities to manufacture over 3,200 SKUs. Every year, BKT adds 80 to 90 new SKUs to meet global demand thanks to extensive R&D, product design, and new product development activities. BKT is one of the few companies with in-house tire molds production facilities, manufacturer of carbon black pigments, and key raw materials used in the manufacturing of tires, which provide us with major autonomy and ensure enhanced quality control throughout the entire supply chain.

BKT is gearing up to meet the global demand for super giant tires for giant dumpers and loaders, used in the mining industry. BKT is championing the ‘All-Steel radial tire’ – Earthmax series, which are designed to equip rigid dump trucks to operate in the most challenging conditions.

BKT recently announced the latest breed of bias mining category i.e. Mineforce. We are also investing in the research and development of 63-inch tires. Simultaneously, we have focused on all-steel radial tires and are very excited to showcase these at the EXCON ‘21.