Indian multinational group BKT aims to increase annual tyre production to 600,000 metric tonnes in 3 years at its Bhuj facility.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) is a global player in the off-highway tyre market and has set a goal to harness its Bhuj facility to achieve annual tyre production of 600,000 metric tonnes in three years. The company’s research and development (R&D) division is the backbone for achieving this goal. BKT’s investment in its R&D department has been consistent and constant, with a focus on innovative product design, development, and sustainable materials.

Bhuj plant houses cutting-edge research and development facilities
The Bhuj plant has dedicated 25 acres to an R&D centre called the ‘Mahabirprasad Poddar Knowledge Centre’. This hub develops products and processes to ensure the company can maintain its global leadership. The ‘Suresh Poddar Innovation Hub’ is an R&D centre dedicated to tyre research and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and the latest software. Tyre development in the facility ranges from design to compound creation to improve performance. The company conducts around 500 tests throughout the tyre production stages to maintain quality control.

Rigorous tyre testing conducted at the ‘Xtreme Centre’ and special test track The plant also hosts an ‘Xtreme Centre’ dedicated to rigorous testing of tyres before approval and marketing. Mining tyres undergo testing for 120 hours with varying pressures, while agricultural tyres undergo testing for approximately 10,000 km. A special test track was also curated with six tracks to measure important characteristics such as traction, handling, comfort, and soil compaction, among others. This helps ensure the durability and quality of the products before rolling them into the market.

The Bhuj plant is a flagship manufacturing unit for BKT
BKT relies on its Bhuj plant, established in 2012 and spread across 640 acres. The plant comprises state-of-the-art technology and world-class infrastructure, making it a flagship manufacturing unit for the company.

For more details visit: https://www.bkt-tires.com/