What are the present market trends for OTR Tyres in Indian industries? 

The OTR tire domain has been continually evolving to adapt to the changing market needs of the various industries it services. One of the most prominent shifts within the segment is the shift from bias to radial technology. Radial technology offers several advantages such as its superior innovative edge, as well as higher reliability. BKT has been the industry leader spearheading this shift, and actively catering to the demand of the customers moving towards this emerging segment, with its wide range of advanced OTR tires. BKT is the only Indian company to produce world class all-steel radial tires, made with superior technology, andoffering to the mining and construction sectors. 

Which significant factors are impacting productivity and operation in OTR tyre manufacturing sector? 

The pandemic has significantly changed the workings of industries globally. Due to the restrictions and protocols imposed internationally due to COVID-19, the challenge for the industry has been adapting to the new normal. Shipping of goods has been affected, with containers taking longer than usual to arrive. However, on the back of its robust trade channel and commitment to excellence, BKT has been able to expand more than ever, and deliver timely service to all customers. There has been a very rapid growth curve for us, in order to ensure the best preparedness against the pandemic. 

Which product contributes major chunk of revenue. How do you evaluate the revenue generated in from exports? 

Our All Steel Radial Earthmoving tire sales have entered potential Indian markets in recent years and also Global markets owing to our world class offerings in the domain, that are specially designed to increase operational efficiency and act as great assets to the dependent industries. We are all set to increase our sales further, with the  arrival of several cutting-edge products, such as the Giant 57’’ EARTHMAX SR 468 tire, the largest tire ever manufactured by us. 

What are the challenges present in this industry? How do you plant to overcome then? 

One of the major challenges for the industry is the sourcing of raw materials. The pricing of the raw materials is also volatile, adding to the uncertainty of the present times. However, we at BKT are constantly ahead of the curve and foresee any forthcoming challenges. In order to secure the availability of carbon black, a key raw material in Tire manufacturing, considering its international demand, and achieve complete self-reliance, BKT has enhanced the installed capacity of carbon black from an achievable capacity 1,15,000 MTPA to 2,00,000 MTPA. This also includes 30,000 MTPA of high value of advanced carbon black material. Some of the other challenges in the industry are the unfavourable trade conditions posed by the pandemic. BKT continues to grow, remaining unaffected by the same, owing to its far-reaching distributor network and operational efficiency. 

In terms of investments and R&D, how well are you equipped to bring innovations? 

Our priority continues to be the manufacturing of state-of-the-art products that offer the best of modernisation, automation, and superior quality. In order to provide the same level of service we are renowned for, an estimated capacity expansion of ₹450 crores is being undertaken, for technological upgradation of certain existing equipment and installation of automated material handling systems. This is being carried out at our company plants located at Rajasthan and Bhuj. We are also significantly expanding our carbon black production and the capex of the increased capacity of carbon black and co-gen power plant is around ₹650 crores. These R&D undertakings are bound to ensure the innovative edge of BKT continues to take markets by storm. 

What are the new and upcoming additions made by your organisation to the OTR segment?

BKT continues to venture into all OTR markets, with a product range that features over 2,700 SKUs. It has the latest range of all steel radial tires in the market, that are known for their enhanced productivity, and technological superiority, and ability to withstand the most gruelling conditions. Actively pioneering the shift from bias to radial tires, BKT has set up an ultra large all steel radial plant, to bring the latest innovation in the domain to the forefront. Offering the best of the OTR segment to the industry, BKT is always enhancing its best-in-class products. The Giant 57’’ EARTHMAX SR 468 tire, which is the largest tire ever manufactured by BKT, is all set to make us ahead of competition in the Earthmover tire domain even more. The tire, specifically designed for 240 ton Giant Rigid dump trucks, provides extreme resistance in highly challenging environments and is one of the highest most agile OTR products offered across the globe.