Page 64 - CO JAN 2020

INTERACTION POST EXCON 2019

It has been a vibrant EXCON for BKT

BKT’s extensive range of radial OTR tires are designed to withstand even the harshest operating
conditions in quarries, mines and construction sites. ASHOK CHHAJER, GM-OE SALES, BKT TIRE, in an
exclusive interview to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, speaks about the company’s product offerings,
performance of the company in 2019 and the outlook for 2020.

In terms of the market performance how has 2019 been for BKT? 8 per cent comes from the off road applications. In terms of
I agree to the views of the industry experts that the market has our position in the Indian market, we are placed very well in the
been slow. Most of the stalwarts from the industry are hoping that industry. We are a premium brand in most of the foreign market
the coming months will show some positive signs. as well.
Detail us about the products launched at EXCON 2019 How was EXCON 2019 for BKT?
At the 10th edition of EXCON, we have launched 2 new products- The first day was a slower one in terms of the footfall and there was
3300 R51 for the 100 T dump truck tyres and the 45-65-45 for 13 not much traction in terms of business. However the expo picked up
cubic meter bucket capacity wheel loading shovels. Both the well from the second day and it was an overwhelming response for
tyres are made with all steel grade constructions. It is in the DNA us. We are associated with EXCON since its 2nd edition and were
of our company to introduce new size of also one of the sponsors for the EXCON. This edition in particular
tyres Y-o-Y. Once the drawing is finalised, has been a vibrant one for BKT.
we require at the max 16 weeks to roll
out the first tyre. This is the fastest in the BKT is known to carry out customisation for OEM’s. Can you tell us
tyre industry. This is with a grace period more about it?
of two weeks. It was in the continuation Providing customised solutions to OEM has been our strength. We
in the same and our aim is to are specialised for that. We have helped OEM’s create record. A
reach 63 inches for the tire. few months back, JCB created a record by running their equipment
at 200km per hour. It was done on the BKT tyre. We work closely with
What is your market share them to design and develop that can withstand their expectatoions
in the tyre industry? and requirements.
We are not in any of the
on road applications. How do you look at the market in 2020 and going forward?
Out of the entire tyre We are optimistic that the first quarter will be better than the
market only 10 per cent previous year. However going ahead it will all depend on the kind
comes from off road of infrastructure projects that will be announced by the government
applications which and how fast they will be cleared and how fast the actual work will
include aircraft tyres. In begin. During the monsoon, things will again slow down however
a more specific way, only they will pick up after the monsoon is over.

64 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|JANUARY 2020