We are the only manufacturers in India to make OTR aerial sheet tires and are matching international companies when it comes to quality and performance says Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, BKT Tires.

Considering that mining equipment handles a lot of load on uneven surfaces, what qualities should they possess?
Any tire should be able to meet the demand of the application irrespective of Off-the-road (OTR) or uneven surfaces. For example, there is a tractor tire using the same machine, same equipment but if I look at two different soil processes in Turkey and Australia; Australia has a very soft soil and even if you put water it goes through directly (unlike Melbourne). The same sort of tire will not work in Turkey because it has a rocky terrain. At the end of the day, you have to analyse each and every area and what sort of tire would fit that region and soil.

How your product range can enhance the efficiency of mining OEM equipments?
We are the only manufacturers in India to make OTR aerial sheet tires. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly talked about the mission of India being ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant) and BKT is trying to fulfill PM’s vision of being ‘Aatmanirbhar’. BKT is the only manufacturer currently giving a substitute to these imported products. We are also matching the quality standards of international companies.

Considering BKT is a Multi National Company (MNC), how are you coping with coronavirus pandemic and what are your export plans?
Coronavirus pandemic has put everyone in a limbo with the short term period being uncertain but in the medium and long term, commodities across the world will bounce back and things will continue to be used. We are upbeat about the medium and long term but the next 6-9 months will be challenging in terms of liquidity crisis, cash crunch and we have to get through this difficult period. Coming to our export plans, they are going as per the schedule.

Could you shed some light on your product range and after-sales services in unlock period?
We have the entire product range available with us with up to 51’’ of tires. We will be launching ultra large tires, which are available in 57’’ and 63’’ and they will be coming towards the end of this financial year, which will complete the gamut of mining and earthmoving tires. As far as sales and after sales services are concerned; In India, we have stationed our partners at the particular site, where our products are and everything is going seamlessly and without any hassles.

As BKT deals with different verticals, what is your outlook for the upcoming quarters?
BKT is looking to match the numbers of last financial year with respect to Covid-19 situation not getting worse and we don’t deal with other issues. We are fighting on a daily basis to produce the order, sell it and provide after sales service to manage the situation. At the end of the day, our motto is simple i.e. the end user should win because he should be satisfied and his demands should be met.