The rubber is hitting the road as BKT plans to expand its operations globally. Aggregates Business examines the role the quarrying and aggregates sector will play.
One of the leading tyre manufacturers in the off-highway sector, BKT (Balkrishna Industries Ltd), is thinking big when it comes to the off-highway machine sector as it charts a path to global expansion.
In the 2024–25 financial year, BKT announced it had achieved revenues of INR 10,615 Crores (US$1.28 billion), up 13 per cent on the previous period. While some businesses might be tempted to rest on their laurels, BKT is using this as a foundation to expand further in the global market.
The India-based company has announced its five-year strategic plan, with the main goal of reaching total revenues of INR 23,000 Crores (around US$2.6 billion) by 2030. To reach this lofty goal, the company plans to focus on three key pillars to turbocharge its growth: the off-highway sector, expanding its carbon black business, and launching products in new tyre categories in the Indian market.
The plan was agreed at the BKT board of directors meeting in May. The board approved total investments of INR 3,500 Crores (approximately US$400 million), primarily funded internally, to support its key strategic plans.
BKT joint managing director Rajiv Poddar said the company is taking a united approach to achieving its targets.
“To consolidate our position, while achieving such important growth, as announced in our five-year strategic plan, the board has approved the expansion of the dedicated production facility, expected to be operational in the second half of 2026,” he said.
“In parallel, BKT will continue to develop its mining range, supported by its proprietary All-Steel Radial technology up to 57 inches, complementing the existing Bias range.
“This strategic decision is driven by the strategic role of the quarrying and aggregates sectors, as they represent a high-demand and high-stress application area for the off-highway tire market.”
The quarrying, aggregates, mining, industrial and construction sectors shape the key foundations of BKT Tires’ approach to the off-highway segment.
As part of its approach to enhancing its market share, BKT has gone to the drawing board and identified its key markets.
The company has its sights set on the major markets of the Americas, India, and select international markets.
Poddar shared further details about the key markets in which BKT plans to expand its offering.
“North and South America are two core growth pillars, where BKT has ramped up investment and distribution efforts to increase the market share of global tyre sales,” he told Aggregates Business.
“In second place is BKT’s domestic market, India, where the focus will be on entering new business sectors. In fact, this country represents the launch market for truck and bus radial [TBR] and passenger car radial [PCR] tyres.
“India’s vehicle parc is rapidly expanding, and the country is projected to become the third-largest passenger vehicle market globally, up from fourth position today. This dynamic context opens up significant opportunities to deliver value, especially in segments that demand long-term performance and consistent quality.
“A steady presence in Europe will be maintained, as this geographic area remains a stable and significant market, where BKT reaches a consistent percentage of sales and has an established presence in all major countries. The company will consolidate its leadership position in Europe while maintaining a close relationship with OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] and leveraging replacement partnerships.
“A key role will be that of high-potential emerging markets. In line with its growth strategy, BKT is directing capacity expansion in those markets where mining, construction, and rubber tracks have strong potential for future growth.”
The future is carbon black
Carbon black is one of the jewels in the BKT crown. The product segment is supported by a state-of-the-art research and development centre, equipped with advanced equipment and a team of experts with decades of industry experience.
The Poddar family, including Rajiv and Arvind Poddar, provides family-based management to the specialty segment.
In an industrial setting, carbon black is used as a reinforcement filler in tyres and rubber products. In a broader sense, it also has applications in plastics, inks, coatings and many working environments. Known for its strikingly deep black colour, carbon black contains more than 99 per cent pure carbon.
While BKT is known for its capabilities as a tyre manufacturer, it is targeting the non-tyre segment with its carbon black business.
“BKT has built a solid and reliable foundation over the past three years, positioning itself as a strategic partner for major tyre manufacturers both in India and internationally,” Rajiv Poddar said
“This is why the company is strengthening its presence in the specialty carbon black segment, targeting high-performance non-tyre applications.”
“This non-tyre segment, which includes both specialty and advanced carbon black grades, is expected to become a key pillar of growth in BKT’s carbon black business.
“To support this trajectory, the board has approved an expansion of production capacity from 200,000 to 360,000 metric tonnes per year, which includes the development of advanced carbon black. The project is scheduled for completion by early 2026.”
Poddar is excited for BKT’s future in the coming years as it executes its ambitious plans.
“This roadmap demonstrates the ambitious vision of BKT for the future, setting clear goals and standards of growth and innovation,” he said.
“This is demonstrated by the entering new product categories, thus opening a new phase of growth, while consolidating the company’s position in high-value segments and expanding BKT’s presence across strategic global markets.
“With a clear and strategic roadmap, targeted investments and a modular approach to expansion, BKT is positioning itself to lead across diverse segments while staying true to its core values of reliability, performance, and long-term partnerships.
“Despite a global scenario of uncertainty and characterised by several geopolitical and macro-economic factors, BKT has shown strong operational resilience, leveraging its technological and manufacturing excellence, thus remaining committed to the company’s long-term growth strategy.”AB
