Arvind Poddar, chairman and managing director of Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), wasn't able to attend his induction into the Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame on Oct. 29 due to a death in the family. But thanks to a video message and one big announcement, he was there in more than just spirit.
"We have a concrete plan to set up a new tire plant in the U.S., generating local employment," Poddar said in his pre-recorded speech during the 2018 Tire Industry Honors program in Las Vegas.
The plant will be BKT's fifth off-highway tire plant, but first outside India. The others are in Bhuj, Aurangabad, Bhiwadi and Chopanki, India. Some 2,400 SKUs are produced at the four plants.
Rajiv Poddar, joint managing director with his father, said the company is scouting areas for the plant's location. A final decision on the plant should be made in the next few months, he added.
T.C. Goel is general manager of the new project.
For more information on Arvind Poddar and BKT's tire manufacturing plants, check out these links:
"Two Commercial Tire Leaders Join the TIA Hall of Fame."
"More Off-Highway Tires to come: New Plant in India Will Double BKT's capacity."
