BKT showcases its tyre making prowess at EXCON

January 15, 2018 4:28 pm

Balkrishna Industries (BKT), a company with over 30 years of global presence in the off-highway tyres segment, displayed some of its finest masterpieces: cutting-edge tyres for construction and earthmoving equipment at EXCON 2017 – the 9th international construction equipment and construction technology trade fair held in Bengaluru between 12th and 16th December.

BKT stall was dominated by the large Earthmax family – a tyre line, which has been specifically developed to favour the best weight distribution on the ground for dumpers, loaders, dozers, graders and some multi-purpose vehicles.

Right at the forefront, there was Earthmax SR 45 in size 18.00 R 33, an ideal tyre for rigid dumpers operating even on the harshest grounds. An essential feature is the extraordinary tread depth increasing tyre durability and ensuring productive efficiency on the long run.

The next exhibit in size 24.00 R 35 was Earthmax SR 47, specifically designed for rigid dumpers as well. This tyre stands out for an extra-long product life-cycle thanks to its E4-class tread that reduces wear and provides extreme resistance against cuts and abrasion.

Earthmax SR 46 is BKT’s response to adverse and rocky environments. Displayed at Excon in size 27.00 R 35, this tyre features an all steel casing reinforced with steel-belts to provide excellent protection against impacts, mechanical stress, and punctures.

Strength and resistance are the characteristic traits of Earthmax SR 55, an extraordinary ally whenever one needs to face high production peaks with very little standstill times – thanks to the extra-deep L-5-class-marked and smooth-surfaced tread. The tyre was showcased at the trade fair in size 18.00 R 25.

“This year in its 9th edition, Excon is a major event in the field of construction and the most momentous one for the South Asian market. It is a unique occurrence that BKT could not have missed – an extraordinary opportunity to exchange ideas with branch professionals, operators, and experts, and to demonstrate them innovative products tailored to their individual needs,” said Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, BKT.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Ashok Chhajer, Sr. DGM – OE Sales, BKT said, “With over 82 per cent of its products exported to more than 160 countries across the world, BKT has become a true global leader in the off-highway tyre segment. Also, we have enhanced our market penetration in domestic market and today 18 per cent of our products are being consumed locally which was 8 per cent a couple of years back. In 2018, we would continue to grow in domestic as well as international markets.”

Manufacturing strength

Currently BKT has four functioning state-of-the-art manufacturing plants spread across India. The Chopanki site is specialised in the production of all steel radial tyres for the industrial and OTR sectors. All BKT tyre line-ups are entirely produced in India at the production sites of Aurangabad, Bhiwadi and Chopanki, to which adds a modern mould plant in Dombivali and the latest production site in Bhuj provided with state-of-the-art facilities and machinery.

The Bhuj plant, built up with an investment of $500 million, has a production capacity of 120,000 tonnes per year with having capabilities of producing a diverse range – from 5-inch lawn tyres to 51-inch giant OTR tyres.

The main plant area of 72 acres is armed with internationally sourced highly efficient, state-of-the-art equipment including 9 Marangoni machines from Italy, 13 mixers, 177 presses, and 65 tyre building machines.

This year in its 9th edition, Excon is a major event in the field of construction and the most momentous one for the South Asian market.

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, BKT