In the wake of increasing industrialisation in the construction and mining sectors, focus is on the all steel radial tyres, says Ashok P. Chhajer, General Manger – OE Sales, Balkrishna Industries Limited in a media interaction at International Mining & Machinery Exhibition (IMME) 2018.

What is new in OTR segment from BKT?
We are focussing on the all-steel radial tyres. Recently, we have added 33/65-33 tyre in the steel radial for wheel loader shovel application that is the newest, and soon we are going to launch smooth pattern for their underground mining applications. In 2019, we will be introducing our tyre size up to 51-inch rim diameter and by 2020 it will be 57-inch diameter that is all about the new plant lined up in short-term bases.

What makes BKT products truly international?
For any organisation to become a global player, there are certain needs like wide range, quality product back with service support and right pricing – without these you cannot be on the global map. Our products have all these parameters. In a wide range, we have a solid tyre, smallest tyre and largest tyre and a tyre up to 54-inch rim diameter. We have a wide range in agricultural tyres – be it buyers, radial, let it be IF technology, VF-Technology. We have an ASR range underground mining, surface mining etc.

While selecting tyres, how should a buyer differentiate in terms of quality?
We play a vital role in that. We go and study the mines we conduct our survey we have expertise. They go and recommend them stating your mine is like this or that. For this mine you need this kind of tyre and they give them their recommendation based on that they select a right pattern, right compound. We educate them.

Which product contributes major chunk of revenue. How much revenue comes from exports?
As of date, 60 per cent is agriculture and next is OTR that is ASR and bias put together must be around 35-36 per cent. Around 82 per cent is from exports. We are present in 160 plus countries. Or major chunk of volume come from Europe, North America, Africa and Australia and many other countries.

On R&D front, what kind of investment are you having?
R&D is the core strength of BKT and works 24X7. We are able to introduce almost 260 new sizes every year. We spend four to five line for our top line in R&D. It contributes not only to manufacturing of tyre but to mold manufacturing too.

How is equipment efficiency impacting the sector
It depends on individual to individual. If you take the corporate sector, they will like to go for the best product that will give the value for the best product. On the other side, if you see the contractor. Good contractors are also available in the market they also go for a right product. There are kind of buyers who go for old tyre or second hand tyre it depends on individual taste or decisions.

What kind of challenges are you facing presently in this industry?
Looking at the current scenario, the market is booming everywhere. However, meeting on time schedule still a major challenge even in the wake of government support.

Meeting on-time schedule still a major challenge even in the wake of government support.
Ashok P. Chhajer, General Manger – OE Sales, Balkrishna Industries Limited