“Privatisation of coal in India, combined with the construction of smart cities across has ensured that OTR tyre growth in India is even higher among others.”

What are the current market trends in OTR tires? 

In recent years, giant earthmoving machines have had a huge rise in demand, owing to the swiftly growing construction and mining segment. As a result, the large/ultra large tyres that cater to this segment have witnessed great innovation and re-modelling in recent years, to offer new-age solutions for heavy-duty equipment. As this trend takes over the markets, one also witnesses a shift in international trade for the OTR landscape.

The tyre industry, like many other industries, is witnessing a rise in domestic demand and a rapid boost in trade ties within the country. The dependence on imports for raw materials or/and finished goods has significantly diminished, with India turning to Indian players for the same, and in the coming years, Indian products are set to have an edge. This is no doubt exciting for the local markets. We at BKT are positive that this new trend will further strengthen our brand’s position in the country and also drive our country’s growth.

How is demand progressing for OTR tires? Which segments are driving the demand currently?

The demand for OTR tyres continues to increase worldwide, with rapid industrialisation as well as the onset of several mining activities. Rapid urbanisation continues to drive the swift growth of the domain across the globe. Furthermore, the privatisation of coal in India, along with the construction of smart cities across the length of the country, has ensured that OTR tyre growth in India is even higher than in most parts of the world. Hence, the construction and mining domains have been spearheading growth for OTR tyres in recent times.

What are the design and technology developments happening in OTR tires?

An emerging design trend for the OTR segment is an ever-expanding shift towards radial tires, from bias tyres, which has led to several breakthrough technologies pertaining to the domain. Radial tyres combine the best of modernization and automation, offering superior technology to transform the construction and mining world. BKT has been actively pioneering this shift towards advancements in radial tires’ usage, with its board recently approving an estimated Capex of ₹450 crores to offer the very best technology, which also constitutes superior radial tyre offerings, for all its clients.

What are the latest offers from the company in OTR tires?

We currently manufacture a range of over 2,700 SKUs, that each offers something unique to the OTR tyre market. We are the only Indian company to produce world class all steel radial tires, some of the most advanced OTR offerings that are bound to transform the construction and mining world. Made with the superior technology and quality BKT is known for, these tyres are a game changer for the earthmoving segment. We also have an all-steel radial plant dedicated to the same, wherein we produce these latest best-in-class offerings. Our internationally renowned innovation has also pioneered BKT’s new product, the 57″EARTHMAX SR 468, which is the largest tyre ever manufactured by us.

Additionally, our best-in-class Bhuj site is manufacturing a wide range of tyres that are suited for many specific functions in the mining domain, such as quarries, surface mining, construction and underground mining. We are constantly innovating at BKT to offer the very best in mining applications and have a wide range of offerings for other earthmoving machines, including 100 tonne and 60 tonne dump truck tires. In the medium term, we are also planning to unveil new sizes, under our expansion program, to cater to every possible demand in the market. In India, tipper trucks are used in lighter mining operations, and BKT is the only Indian company to have a very wide range of options for the same.

What are the strategies to tackle the Covid challenges?

At BKT, our corporate philosophy of “Growing Together” enabled us to come together to overcome the challenges. While the pandemic did disrupt business, BKT was able to grow more than ever during this time, owing to our seamless distribution network and the expansion of flourishing trade channels. As we currently export to over 160 countries, we ensured we had a well mapped out strategy for all our exports, to ensure no delays. With our streamlined approach, we organised our work to prioritise timely deliveries.

BKT is well renowned for its quality offerings, with every tyre we produce undergoing 500 tests in its production cycle. On the back of superior quality and extensive planning, we could avoid delays, and instead substantially increase our growth during this sensitive period.