BKT (Balkrishna Industries Ltd.) has announced its five-year strategic plan, which includes the investment of US$400m in the next three years, primarily funded internally, and is targeting US$2.6bn in total revenues by 2030.
The strategic plan focuses on three main areas: strengthening leadership in the off-highway sector, entering new tire categories for the Indian market and expanding the carbon black business.
Off-highway tires
In the off-highway tires (OHT) segment, BKT says it will strengthen its position in rubber tracks, mining, industrial, and construction segments. Following the official commercialization of its rubber tracks, the board has approved the expansion of the dedicated production facility, expected to be operational in the second half of 2026. The tire maker has also said it will continue to develop its mining range.
Growth efforts will focus on the Americas, India, and selected international markets, while maintaining a steady presence in Europe.
New tire categories
BKT has announced the development and launch of two new product lines for the domestic tire market: truck and bus radial (TBR) and passenger car radial (PCR). TBR tire pilots are scheduled for launch in Q4 FY25–26, followed by the PCR tire pilots in Q3 FY26–27.
The plan is built on an integrated and efficient industrial structure, “leveraging shared infrastructure and resources, existing synergies between production hubs, and consolidated brand investments”, the tire maker said. This will enable BKT to to scale without compromising profitability.
“With this development plan, we are setting a clear and ambitious vision for BKT’s future – built on solid foundations, modularity and organic growth. We are entering new product categories with the same focus and consistency that have driven us in the off-highway space, backed by the trust we’ve earned worldwide,” said Rajiv Poddar, joint managing director, BKT.
Carbon black business
The company says it aims to strengthen its presence in the specialty carbon black segment, targeting high-performance non-tire applications. This non-tire segment, which includes both specialty and advanced carbon black grades, is expected to become a key pillar of growth in BKT’s carbon black business.
The board has approved an expansion of production capacity from 200,000 to 360,000 metric tons per year, which includes the development of advanced carbon black. The project is scheduled for completion by early 2026.
In related news, Michelin recently announced the construction of an initial industrial demonstration unit for production of the 5-HMF molecule – a bio-sourced and non-toxic molecule which can be used to replace ingredients derived from fossil fuels in a wide variety of industrial fields. Click here to read the full story
