Indian group BKT (Balkrishna Industries), a major player in the global off-highway tyre market, says it aims at a turnover US$2 billion by 2020. The company says it is a challenging target but is based on “a positive trend of growth of 30% over the last five years corresponding to 6% market share in the specialist segments for agriculture, earthmoving, mining, and industrial vehicles and machinery as well as port, ATV and gardening applications.” The company employs more than 7,000 people and sells o
Indian group BKT (Balkrishna Industries), a major player in the global off-highway tyre market, says it aims at a turnover US$2 billion by 2020.
The company says it is a challenging target but is based on “a positive trend of growth of 30% over the last five years corresponding to 6% market share in the specialist segments for agriculture, earthmoving, mining, and industrial vehicles and machinery as well as port, ATV and gardening applications.”
The company employs more than 7,000 people and sells over 2,300 products in 130 countries worldwide.
“Actually, it is a quite realistic target based on a firm and strategic business approach; continuous and consistent investment in research and development of always new solutions as a response to the special requirements of each segment, and not least on an intense communication activity,” says BKT.
“The focus lies on a brand of strong and deeply rooted values that are emblematic for a dynamic, solid, and likewise modern company.”
The first production plant for conventional tyres was in 1987 in Aurangabad, Western India, followed in 1995 by the production off-highway tyres up to the establishment of the second production plant in Bhiwadi in 2002. In 2003 the production of ATV, gardening and earthmoving tyres started.
In 2004 the radial Agrimax tires were launched. In the same year, the production of tyre moulds started in Dombivali, and 2006 the third production plant in Chopanki was opened.
“The latest and particularly remarkable production plant in Bhuj is a real milestone for BKT. Equipped with state-of-the-art production plants and a site extension of over 300 acres, it aims at a production of 120,000 tonnes/year.”
The company says the US$500 million Bhuj plant is also a brilliant example of a “social factory,” hosting a housing colony for employees and their families, residing within the community, where a hospital, a fire station, a large sports centre and a school have been built.
BKT is also exhibiting at the 30th Reifen fair (24-27 May: Hall 3.0 Stand 3B40) in Essen, Germany, the main international trade show for the tyre industry.
“Fielding a comprehensive line-up of product novelties and ultimate tyres for agricultural, industrial and construction machinery, this is BKT’s public appearance at Reifen,” says BKT.
“The purpose is showing clients, partners and visitors the extensive variety of ranges available in all business segments the company operates in. BKT also aims at emphasizsng its versatility in developing new sizes and specific technological solutions for all applicative needs.”
The BKT tyre range for construction machinery is represented by Earthmax SR 31, which has just been launched at bauma in Munich in the 23.5 R 25 size.
“This product is great in terms of stability and robustness. Conceived for loaders, dozers and articulated dumpers, it stands out for extraordinary traction and manoeuvrability, even under the toughest operating conditions.
“In this case, too, the special tyre tread compound performs very well, countering both impacts and high temperatures. Moreover, the radial casing structure guarantees a reduced rolling resistance, which results into lower operating costs.”
