We don't see any demand slowing down in the next five years.

- Rajiv Poddar

Joint Managing Director, Balkrishna Industries

How do you assess the Indian CE market revival in the post-Covid scenario?

Post the pandemic, the government has been focusing on significant initiatives for construction, real estate, infra projects, and logistics, which should boost the equipment industry. In fact, from the OTR tire, point of view, the demand in 2021 rose above pre-Covid-19 levels, despite supply chain and logistics issues, and we don't see any demand slowing down in the next five years.

What kind of demand are you experiencing for your products & solutions?

We currently manufacture a range of over 3,200 SKUs, which are exported to over 160 countries across the world. In the industrial construction segment, BKT has the widest range of tires in tipper mining, backhoe loader, wheel loader, motor-graders, and material handling sectors. The latest introduction of XL Grip Ultra - in the tipper mining segment is one such, technologically upgraded tire, that BKT offers to suit both the mining and construction sector.

Being a global player in the off-highway tire market, we are continuously focusing our efforts on upgrading our product range, doing so can help ensure better performance in various applications as well as improve comfort for equipment operators and minimise unplanned downtime.

Especially 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.

How do you look at the future demand trends and opportunities for OTR tires?

The construction industry in India is expected to grow steadily over the next four quarters. The growth momentum is expected to continue over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 9.5% during 2022-2026. Even in the recent Union Budget, FM announced significant initiatives for the construction, real estate, infra, projects, and logistics, which should boost overall construction sectors and will create demand for off-highway tires. Additionally, the rise in coal consumption and privatisation of this sector were demand drivers for huge earthmoving machines.

With increased demand in both the construction and mining industries, we believe there are a lot of opportunities within these sectors.

What are your plans at EXCON?

EXCON has always been a special platform for us in terms of showcasing, connecting, and enhancing the effectiveness of our products and services. Our participation at the EXCON this year will be a continuation of a decade-long association that has helped us grow and expand our presence in the industry.

We plan to focus on the mining sector as it has witnessed tremendous growth owing to increased coal consumption. At this year's EXCON, we are keen to showcase our all-steel radial tires focusing on the mining sector.

What are your expectations from EXCON this year?

EXCON is one of the biggest platforms in South Asia for construction equipment and technology. In the past decade, this expo has promoted sustainability within the construction sector and provided a powerful platform for technological advancements.

We are expecting incredible technologies to be launched and introduced at this EXCON. We, too, are equipped with some of the best technologies infused products for this expo which we believe will be a game-changer for the mining industry.

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