Inside BKT’s Largest Factory | mojo4ndustry
A recent trip to BKT Bhuj Facility allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most innovative tire manufacturing plants in India. The event was hosted exclusively by Ashok P Chhajer, Sr General Manager – OE Sales at BKT Tires. The tour took us through the company’s state-of-the-art R&D center, carbon black production plant, and more.
He said, “We develop a range of products and rely heavily on R&D. The R&D team and infrastructure work 24×7 to develop the new products behind the scenes. In addition to our R&D Center, our laboratories are our biggest strength. We have laboratories for the development of compounds, testing of compounds, analysing compounds, testing endurance parameters, and testing methods. We have more than 3200 SKUs. It is impossible to test and validate every product on Indian Earth. There is no equipment or fields. How do we assess? We assess our networks. These laboratories are the backbone of our R&D. R&D is the backbone of any company and for our R&D our labs are the backbone.”
Chhajer also added, “We are focusing on automation. What benefits will automation bring us? Is it only an increase in productivity? No. It is consistent in the manufacturing process. If you have a consistent manufacturing process, you will get a better product, but besides this, the biggest advantage is inconsistency in the process resulting in consistency in the quality of the product, product finish, and the upgradation of our team members and our workforce.”
Speaking about robotics and automation he said, “There are robotic operations we have installed in many places and this journey will continue. I am sure management will have more and more automation in that manufacturing process. We are also working on sustainability. You have seen what kind of green area is here. One-third of the area is converted into a green zone, which controls air pollution and rain. In addition, it serves as a bird shelter. We also depend on solar energy to a large extent. Besides this, we have our windmill.”
