Focus on quality and technology: key for sustainable business growth

May 2, 2022 7:10 pm

Our products’ quality and manufacturing standards remain the same for domestic as well as export says Ashok Chhajer Sr. General Manager, OE Sales, Balkrishna Industries Ltd.

BKT has been constantly developing newer products to meet the requirement of varied machine/ equipment operating parameters, in line with OEM upgrading and innovations. Their deep understanding of the Off-Highway tire market has led to capabilities to manufacture over 3,200 SKUs which are exported to over 160 countries worldwide. Here’s an excerpt from the interview, with Ashok Chhajer, Sr. General Manager, OE Sales, Balkrishna Industries Ltd., in which he discusses, BKT’s plans for EXCON, industry outlook, and BKT’s overall performance in addition to its initiatives in promoting innovative and sustainable solutions that benefit clients.

Outlook for tire manufacturing growth in future

The construction industry in India is expected to continue over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 9.5 percent during 2022 – 2026. The significant initiatives by Government for construction, real estate, infra, projects, and logistics, should boost the equipment industry. The amalgamation of these activities might create demand for off-highway tires.

OTR tire demand in 2021 rose above pre-COVID-19 levels, despite supply chain and logistics issues, and we do not see any demand slowing down in the next 5 years.

BKT performance in the present scenario

We are in the tire manufacturing for the construction industry as well as the agriculture industry, in addition to the off-road application category. For the last 30-plus years, we have successfully focused on specialist highperformance tires. Since our market is spread across the globe and not confined only to India, BKT had witnessed a fantastic performance from the export segment. Even during the pandemic, the company continued with its growth streak and had an average growth of 20 percent y-o-y in the last two years.

Overall our 60 percent turnover comes from agriculture and today, we are seeing very good demand from the agriculture sector followed by the mining sector. In fact, in the construction equipment market, we are the only Indian manufacturer, that has rolled out a technologically advanced all-steel radial tire range that offers improved fuel economy, longer life, and least downtime.

BKT has been constantly developing newer products and increasing capacities to meet the requirement of varied machine/ equipment operating parameters, in line with OEM upgrading and innovations. In 2022, we predict a record growth year for BKT.

Sustainability@ BKT

At BKT, we care about the environment and the future, as we feel that we have a huge responsibility for coming generations. This is why we invest in many projects that enable us to significantly reduce the environmental impact of our production sites and of the tires we manufacture. There is no doubt that the future passes through sustainability. BKT’s environmental sustainability has been certified by many awards.

BKT has adopted the most severe international standards on production parameters and quality control in compliance with environmental regulations including the European “REACH” Directive. BKT obtained the ISO 14001:2015 certification for its International Environmental Management System. In addition, BKT has been awarded the National Energy Conservation Award by the Indian Government for three consecutive years, an acknowledgment of our natural resource management. In 2019, the company also obtained the sought-after District Sustainability Award given by the US Department of Energy & Environment and New Zealand’s Sustainable Business Award.

Energy storage backups and carbon emission @ BKT

As a part of its philosophy and the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility, we have installed wind power plants, which enable the company to self-generate clean and renewable energy. The wind turbines generate Focus on quality and technology: key for sustainable business growth Ashok Chhajer Sr. General Manager, OE Sales, Balkrishna Industries Ltd. Our products’ quality and manufacturing standards remain the same for domestic as well as export. Now you can read this story online by scanning this QR code SPEAK OUT May 2022 n OEM Update 43 5 MW and contribute 50 percent of the energy needed to operate the production plant. Of course, government supply is always there, still for the reduction and optimisation of energy consumption, solar plants have been installed on the roof of the plants. In addition, we have a fully captive power plant in Bhuj, to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

Moreover, we use VDF (Variable Frequency Drive) mechanisms on the main engines to control frequency and voltage and so reduce energy consumption; along with energy-efficient pumps and motors. We have installed gas-fired boilers in place of coal-fired burners, which reduce air emissions.

Even our BKT Carbon Bhuj is a greenfield and an ‘energy positive’ plant with its unique energy management system. The cogen facility generates high-pressure steam and electricity, which caters to captive consumption.

Regulatory standards and export performance

Regulatory norms applicable for manufacturing are country-specific or continent-specific, especially for exports, particular products require particular certifications. We, at BKT, follow implement all regulatory parameters that have been defined. As we are in different segments, each segment calls for something different norm, like, the engines have Euro norms; the mining sector deals with horsepower. If any specific country or continent is asking for any certifications, it is implemented as far as our parts are concerned.

Moreover, all BKT production plants, as well as tire design and development processes, are certified for quality as to ISO 9001:2015. Our products manufacturing standard remains same for domestic use and export.

Future expansion plans

We would like to announce our plans at the right time presently. For this year, BKT has already rolled out its first radial agricultural tire at its new expanded Bhuj, plant. We have started production at our brandnew, cutting-edge plant (from both a structural and mechanical point of view) in Waluj.

The BKT Carbon Bhuj plant was built to provide high-quality carbon black to India and other major markets in the world. The currently installed plant is of 140,000 MT capacity and will be expanded to 280,000 MT in phase 2. The new production facility will accommodate the growing demands for superior quality, technical solutions, and performance.

BKT is one of the few companies with in-house – tire mold production facilities, and manufacturer of carbon black pigments, which provide us with major autonomy and ensure enhanced quality control throughout the entire supply chain. On the product front, every year, BKT adds 80 to 90 new SKUs to meet global demand, thanks to extensive R&D, product design, and new product development activities.

BKT @ EXCON

Our deep understanding of the Off-Highway tire market has led to capabilities to manufacture over 3,200 SKUs which are exported to over 160 countries worldwide. This year at EXCON, we are highly focused on the growing demands of the mining sector and have plans to launch products that will be a game-changer for this sector