BKT has announced that with its enhancement at Bhuj, it is aiming for an annual tyre production of 600,000 metric tonnes (MT). The company also envisages the achievement of two billion dollars in turnover in three years.
Bhuj from 201 to 2023
When the first tyre rolled off the Bhuj production line in 2012, the plant was located on an area of 123 hectares. Then it was a $500 million investment. Before starting the works, the desert landscape was completely arid. There was neither water nor electricity. But after the laying of many kilometres of drinking water pipes and power lines, the site grew with 126 hectares in 2016, 131 in 2019, 137 in 2021 and 258 in 2022. By the end of 2023, the forecast is to reach a total surface area of 323 hectares, of which 283 have already been acquired.
Better production and safety
BKT claims that Bhuj today sees more efficient machinery installed, with features that make it possible to work faster and more precisely. This increases the quantity of production and the quality of the finished product. This means, for example, that the amount of product discarded is reduced, increasing the sustainability of the manufacturing process and consequently reducing production costs. Occupational risks are also reduced and worker comfort improved.
Self-produced carbon black
A further strategic choice by BKT to enhance the Bhuj site was to invest in its own carbon black plant. The plant came into operation in 2017, when the first 65,000 MT/PA of hard grade carbon black was produced, the type of carbon black used specifically in tyre tread. The following year, production increased from 65,000 to 110,000 MT and saw the addition of production of soft grade carbon black. This carbon black is used in the casing compound to improve its strength and durability, generating less heat. In 2021, total production of the two types of carbon black reached 138,000 MT per annum, while last year it rose to 165,600 MT per annum.
The goal for 2023 is 198,600 MT. In addition to this, the R&D department plans to add a third type of carbon black, the ‘specialty carbon black’. It is a type of carbon black with unique properties compared to that used in rubber compounds, such as high resistance to colouring, a high level of purity, a low ash level and very low level of PAHs, which make it suitable for use in specific applications, such as paints, plastics and inks.
Increasing production capacity
The expansion of the plant means an increase in production capacity. The operational logistics have also improved significantly. This has allowed the introduction of new specialist workers, as well as providing greater flexibility in production and storage flows. Speaking of work, the construction of new facilities also marked an improvement in employees' safety conditions, an aspect which BKT takes very seriously. The community that operates on the Bhuj site today is very large. At the end of December 2022, the number of people working there was 4,776.
The wellbeing of the BKT family
BKT dedicates a significant investment to the wellbeing of its community every year, through the expansion of the area housing the families of employees (now almost 1,000 people live there), in the care of their health and in the education of their children.
A good use of resources
Bhuj is also a model for the good use of resources. In 2013, the internal power plant was created to have a reliable and controlled source of electricity. Today, both solar panels and the cogeneration plant make it possible to self-produce energy. In 2022, the cogeneration plant was expanded from 20 MW to 40 MW. Projects are still underway to increase the power of self-produced renewable resources.
Water is also at the heart of BKT's path towards sustainability. Since 2019, the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) principle has been adopted. This means that no liquid waste is released outside the plant. All water used in the plant is treated, purified and reused. The objective of the ZLD principle is to conserve water resources, reduce the environmental impact of wastewater discharge and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of the plant.
Carbon black production made more sustainable
The tyre manufacturer has also taken an approach to carbon black production to make the whole process more sustainable. The company has substituted bulk bag containers with mobile silos. This means that the tyre production plant receives the carbon plant with the aid of mobile silos transported pneumatically to the storage. This will make BKT save on packaging, i.e., 100,000 bulk bags in the next few years. The whole transportation system is also designed to reduce energy usage, consumption and quality. Every transfer system is controlled by weight and the energy used. The future goal is challenging – reducing energy consumption up to 70 percent. This translates in saving more than two million kilograms CO2 emissions per year, which are comparable to 5,000 apartments of 100 square metres each.
At the same time, the gas used to manufacture carbon black is now ending up in a co-generation plant, able to reuse 75,000 cubic metres of gas per year. This means saving 215,000 MT of coal per year.
Research opens up the future
BKT's R&D division was what allowed the Bhuj site to grow. Established in 2017, this hub develops both products and processes, to ensure the company can maintain its international leadership. Led by a specialist team of researchers and analysts, it remains an important and up-to-date research centre in the tyre sector.
Coming to testing, a special test track was inaugurated in 2017. With six different tracks, this circuit includes tracks for tyre performance tests in dry and wet conditions, an asphalt track and a sloping concrete track. Thanks to a wide variety of tests, many important characteristics such as traction, handling, comfort, soil compaction and more can be measured here because of high precision devices and instruments.
A concrete vision
Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director at BKT, says, "People have asked me if all this was really necessary, so much in such a short time. The goals we set ourselves when we decided to open the Bhuj site were proportional to the financial solidity of the time, but above all, to a vision which is as great as it is concrete.”
He added, “Analysing the market and anticipating it with passion and foresight is what we have done all these years. Growth has always been in step with demand, not without – let me say it – courage and creativity, but never without our objectives and investments having solid foundations. Global tyre demand is growing and we see no signs of it slowing down over the next five years. This is a demand which started to rise during the 2020 pandemic, and which today is above pre-Covid levels. Will it be difficult? Will it be a challenge? Our vision is simple, which is why it is very concrete. The journey we started out on at Bhuj in 2012 was never a return journey, but one to prepare ourselves to discover the future."
Bekaert Acquires Steel Cord Business From Bridgestone In China And Thailand
- By TT News
- January 28, 2026
In a strategic expansion of its global footprint, Bekaert has agreed to acquire Bridgestone’s tyre reinforcement operations in China and Thailand, encompassing the tyre cord production facilities in China (Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd) and Thailand (Bridgestone Metalpha (Thailand) Co. Ltd.). This move significantly strengthens the market leadership of Bekaert’s Rubber Reinforcement division, its largest business unit, which has led the global tyre cord sector for decades. The acquisition, set for completion in the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, is a continuation of the division's proven strategy in integrating the captive production of major global accounts.
This transaction reinforces the enduring strategic partnership between Bekaert and Bridgestone, a leading tyre manufacturer. As part of Bridgestone's mid-to-long term plan to boost competitiveness through collaboration, the deal includes a long-term supply agreement ensuring continued provision of high-quality tyre reinforcement. For Bekaert, the integration of these two established production facilities enhances its manufacturing presence and solidifies its position in the tyre cord market.
Financially, the acquisition is projected to contribute approximately EUR 80 million in annual consolidated sales for Bekaert. The purchase involves a cash consideration of EUR 60 million, which will be drawn from the company's existing cash reserves. By securing these key assets and a lasting supply partnership, Bekaert not only expands its operational scale but also deepens its trusted supplier relationship with a pivotal global account.
Yves Kerstens, CEO, Bekaert, said, “Bekaert and Bridgestone share a longstanding strategic partnership built on mutual trust and collaboration. When the transaction closes, we are delighted to welcome the plant teams to Bekaert and remain committed to joint growth and innovation with Bridgestone. The acquisition is also a clear signal of strengthening our global leadership position in the tyre reinforcement industry.”
Yokohama Rubber Secures Certificate Of Rubber Fender Test Environment
- By TT News
- January 28, 2026
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has successfully secured a Certificate of Rubber Fender Test Environment from Japan’s Specialists Center of Port and Airport Engineering (SCOPE), awarded on 23 January 2026. This certification follows a thorough assessment under SCOPE’s Rubber Fender Testing Environment Certification Program, which validates that the company’s testing facilities for marine rubber fenders operate with integrity and reliability. Specifically, the certification confirms that Yokohama Rubber employs a robust system designed to prevent data fraud, ensuring the trustworthiness of all test results for fenders it manufactures and sells.
These fenders serve as critical safety components, acting as cushioning buffers to protect vessel hulls from impact during harbour mooring and ship-to-ship transfers at sea. To promote safer and more secure maritime operations, SCOPE launched its certification initiative in April 2023, focusing on verifying the reliability of fender testing environments. The programme is aligned with technical guidelines from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC) and evaluates compliance across multiple SCOPE-defined criteria. These include adherence to static compression testing standards, the elimination of opportunities for data falsification, the integrity of statistical values in test data and the establishment of corporate systems that prevent tampering.
Yokohama Rubber’s expertise in this field dates to 1958, when it pioneered the world’s first pneumatic fender for offshore vessel berthing. Recently, the company has broadened its portfolio beyond high-performance pneumatic fenders to include solid fenders, which represent a principal segment of the fender market. This strategic expansion establishes Yokohama Rubber as a comprehensive fender manufacturer and reinforces its revenue foundation.
The achievement aligns with the company’s ongoing medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026), which spans fiscal years 2024 to 2026. A key element of this strategy involves driving growth in the MB Segment by focusing resources on core domains such as hose and couplings along with industrial products. Within this framework, Yokohama Rubber aims to strengthen its product lineup and sustain strong market shares for marine products, including fenders, to secure steady profit growth in the industrial products business.
Bridgestone India Taps Punjabi Star Parmish Verma For Regional Growth Push
- By TT News
- January 27, 2026
In a strategic move to strengthen its connection with vital regional audiences, Bridgestone India has partnered with multifaceted Punjabi star Parmish Verma. This collaboration is designed to resonate deeply in North India, a crucial and rapidly expanding market fuelled by increasing vehicle ownership and a youthful demographic. Verma, a prominent cultural figure and known automobile enthusiast, aligns naturally with the brand’s emphasis on safety, reliability and performance. His authentic passion for vehicles and responsible driving complements Bridgestone’s identity as a leading mobility solutions provider.
Central to this alliance is the co-creation of engaging, music-led narratives and digital content for Bridgestone’s campaigns, leveraging Verma’s artistic talents and significant social influence. This approach recognises the powerful role of popular culture in shaping brand preferences within the region. The partnership also advances the company’s broader regional engagement goals, aiming to build deeper trust with consumers nationwide. Furthermore, it embodies the ‘Emotion’ principle of Bridgestone’s corporate commitment, which seeks to inspire excitement and deliver joy through mobility. By uniting with a figure of Verma’s reach and genuine interest, Bridgestone India fosters a more dynamic and culturally relevant dialogue with its audience.
Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Sales & Marketing, Bridgestone India, said, “North India is a strategically important market for us. Parmish Verma’s credibility and deep connection with audiences make him an ideal partner to represent Bridgestone. This collaboration enables us to engage meaningfully with young consumers who seek fresh, inspiring and relatable brand experiences.”
Verma said, “Bridgestone is a brand people trust for safety and performance. I’m proud to be associated with an organisation that values quality and puts customers first. I look forward to connecting with audiences in a new and meaningful way through this partnership.”
Bridgestone Americas Appoints Michele Herlein As New Chief People Officer
- By TT News
- January 24, 2026
Bridgestone Americas has appointed Michele Herlein as its new Chief People Officer. In this role, she will oversee all human resources operations across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Her primary focus will be advancing the company's Culture 2.0 initiative, which aims to enhance teammate empowerment, collaboration and accountability.
Herlein rejoins Bridgestone with over two decades of executive leadership expertise. Her background includes previous positions within Bridgestone Americas and Bandag, Inc., centred on culture, leadership development and succession planning. Most recently, she was the Founder and CEO of CultureMax and previously served as the Chief Administrative and Human Resource Officer at Barge Design Solutions. She is also a published authority on creating high-performance organisational cultures. Beyond her corporate work, Herlein is a co-founder of Impact100 Nashville, a philanthropic women’s collective that has awarded more than USD 1.2 million in grants to area nonprofits.
Scott Damon, Bridgestone West CEO and Group President of Bridgestone Americas, said, “I am excited to welcome her back to Bridgestone, recognising the perspective and presence she will add to our West leadership team, the HR function and the broader organisation.”
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