Mumbai-based manufacturer outlines five-year plan with new market entries and USD 400m investment programme

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT), one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers, has unveiled an ambitious strategic roadmap targeting revenues of USD 2.6 billion by 2030, representing a significant expansion from its current operations focused primarily on off-highway tyres.

The Mumbai-headquartered company presented its five-year plan to the board of directors, outlining total investments of USD 400 million to be funded predominantly through internal resources. The strategy centres on three core pillars: reinforcing its leadership position in off-highway segments, expanding carbon black operations, and entering new tyre categories specifically for the Indian domestic market.

BKT reported record revenues of INR 106.15 billion for fiscal year 2024-25, marking a robust 13 percent increase over the previous year despite challenging global macroeconomic conditions. This performance has provided the foundation for the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

The most significant strategic shift involves BKT’s entry into passenger car radial (PCR) and truck & bus radial (TBR) tyre segments, departing from its traditional focus on agricultural and industrial applications. Both new product lines will target exclusively the Indian market, with TBR pilot launches scheduled for Q4 of FY25-26, followed by PCR pilots in Q3 of FY26-27. The company expects these new verticals to contribute approximately 20 percent of overall sales by 2030.

“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 of BKT.

In its established off-highway tyre (OHT) segment, BKT will continue consolidating its global agricultural leadership while strengthening positions in rubber tracks, mining, industrial, and construction applications. Following the successful commercialisation of rubber tracks, the board has approved expanding the dedicated production facility, which is expected to become operational in the second half of 2026.

The company plans to leverage its proprietary All-Steel Radial technology for mining applications, developing tyres up to 57 inches to complement its existing bias range. Geographically, growth efforts will concentrate on the Americas, India, and selected international markets whilst maintaining a steady European presence.

BKT’s carbon black division represents another growth engine. Over the past three years, it has established itself as a strategic partner for major tyre manufacturers domestically and internationally. The company focuses on speciality carbon black segments targeting high-performance non-tyre applications, including speciality and advanced carbon black grades.

Production capacity will expand from 200,000 to 360,000 metric tonnes annually to support this trajectory, incorporating advanced carbon black development. The project is scheduled for completion by early 2026, positioning BKT to capitalise on growing demand in both tyre and non-tyre applications.

The strategic plan emphasises an integrated industrial structure leveraging shared infrastructure, existing synergies between production hubs, and consolidated brand investments. This approach aims to enable scaling without compromising profitability—a critical consideration as BKT diversifies beyond its traditional market segments.

Despite the expansion into new categories, BKT remains committed to its core off-highway vision, targeting a 10% global market share in off-highway tyres by 2030. This goal underpins the company’s strategy of consolidating positions in high-value segments whilst expanding its presence across strategic international markets.

The announcement comes as India’s tyre industry benefits from strong domestic economic growth, providing favourable conditions for BKT’s market expansion. The company’s existing portfolio spans over 3,600 products sold across 163 countries worldwide, primarily serving agricultural, industrial, earthmoving, mining, ATV, and gardening sectors.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Gurugram-headquartered tyre major Apollo Tyres has announced the appointment of Mahalakshmi Ramaswami as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Ramaswami’s appointment was approved by the board of directors following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Prior to joining Apollo Tyres, she most recently served as the Head of HR for the Southeast Asia Cluster based in Singapore at Mondelez International.

She brings over two decades of experience across multinational organisations spanning fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and consulting sectors.

During her tenure at Mondelez, Ramaswami is credited to have a played pivotal role as the HR Director for India Region in the business turnaround by aligning people strategy with organisational objectives.

She also has held leadership roles at prominent Indian and multinational companies including Bharti Group, Ranbaxy, Ballarpur Industries and EY.

Ramaswami holds an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (Hons.) from Delhi University.

On the other hand, as part of the Management Restructuring at Apollo Tyres, Dipankar Ghosh, Group Head of HR Business Partnership for Manufacturing & Projects, will no longer be part of the senior management structure as defined under securities regulations, effective 16 July.

The restructuring reflects Apollo Tyres’ strategic focus on strengthening its human capital capabilities as the company navigates competitive pressures in both domestic and international markets.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!