This project is a result of an agreement between BEML and JK Tyre for supply of these Ultra-Large tyres to BEML for their modern vehicles and supply to Coal India Ltd. who is one of the largest consumers in the world for OTR tyres. The application of the tyres would be for the construction machines like earth movers, etc.
Dr. R.P. Singhania, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said: “We are already a major player in Off-The-Road (OTR) tyre segment and have presence across India in almost all applications like Mining, Rock Excavating, Quarrying, Dam Building and Port operations. Now we are expanding in the manufacturing of Ultra-Large OTR tyre in our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mysore. Our OTR tyre expansion plans will envisage an increase of almost 100% tons per day from existing operating capacity. Targeted completion of the OTR tyre expansion project is March 2010.
He added: “We have entered into a joint venture agrement with BEML Ltd. which is the largest OEM of OTR Tyres for producing large earth moving equipment for Coal India. We have delivered the first consignment of the tyres to BEML. The tyres delivered are 24.00-3548 PR tyre weighing almost 750 kgs and standing almost 7 feet tall. The largest tyre in the range for BEML will be 40.00-5758 PR weighing almost 3,700 kgs and standing almost 12 feet tall.”
JK Tyre is expanding despite the slowing domestic market. It is investing Rs. 120 crores into the OTR plant at Mysore which will be completed by March 2010. The company also has free access to countries forming part of North America Free Trade Agreement trade block, besides emerging economies of Latin America. The company plans to utilize these markets for exporting its OTR tyres out of India next year.
