Off-highway tyre Group BKT has obtained ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certification recognising the tyre testing and calibration work of the laboratory at its flagship Indian plant in Bhuj.
The certification was recently awarded by NABL, the Indian body which regulates the accreditation of test and calibration laboratories. It is a member of the international bodies in the sector – i.e. the International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC) and the Asia Pacific Accreditation Co-operation (APAC) – and it follows their standards and criteria.
Italy-based BKT says this recognition makes it possible to have quality certified by precise tests of the raw materials and semi-finished materials, and control over manufacture and testing of the end product.
The company adds that the greatest benefit is for the tyres which become even more reliable and safe. Certified by rules which are valid worldwide, BKT says this certification abolishes the need for new tests once the product has been exported, thus reducing costs and lead-times.
The results from certified laboratories such as the Bhuj one are used by governmental bodies to look at measures to tackle and reduce pollution.
BKT says the certification has important and strategic meaning for the company, which is targeting greater market penetration worldwide.
Opened in 2015 and located in the Indian state of Gujarat, the Bhuj plant was created to be constantly expanded and developed. In 2017, a new R&D centre was opened, managed by an expert team of engineers, chemists and technicians. It handles all the issues relating to the technological development of BKT tyres: starting from designing a new tyre to creating mixes to improve product performance, from tests to process implementation for efficient, customised production of top of the range tyres.
