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Briefly describe your experience at Excon 2022, which was held in Bangalore.

Excon is an excellent platform to connect with customers; showcase products and launch new products. Even though EXCON has to be delayed by a year due to Covid, the enthusiasm from the exhibitors and visitors is unmatched.

What was the response you received to your product that was on display at the exhibition?

We received an excellent response - just beyond imagination. It is quality footfalls. Only genuine visitors who were interested in the construction equipment and allied industry.

Would you participate next time in the exhibition by obtaining a bigger space for your products and company?

We have been associating with EXCON, since 2000, I remember visiting it as a visitor at Palace Grounds, and since then we have decided to join hands as an exhibitor, and later on, as the sponsor. The way EXCON has grown in the last 22 years, our association has also grown up with them very well. So will be the future.

Which products were showcased at the exhibition?

We have showcased our latest edition in our product basket which includes rubber tracks suitable for skid steer loader applications for construction equipment. In fact, we are the only tire company in India to produce rubber tracks for Agri and Industrial machines and have recently started production of Rubber Tracks for harvesting machines for paddy fields.

Additionally, we showcased some of its finest tires for construction and earthmoving equipment namely the E4 EARTHMAX SR468 TL and L5 EARTHMAX SR53 TL, which are ready to confront the most challenging mining conditions.

What are the policy measures required for the rapid growth of the CE industry? How do you look at the future demand trends and opportunities for OTR tires in the CE industry?

Construction is the second largest industry in India after agriculture, contributing significantly to the country's economy, and is expected to grow steadily over the next four quarters. Even in the recent Union Budget, FM announced significant initiatives for the construction, real estate, infra, projects, and logistics, which should boost overall construction sectors and in turn create demand for off-highway tires.

What are the challenges you foresee which are likely to impact the CE industry growth prospects in the short to medium term?

From the OTR tires' point of view, the demand in 2021 rose above pre-COVID-19 levels, despite supply chain and logistics issues the tire industry is witnessing a spurt in domestic demand and a rapid boost in trade ties within the country. We don't see any demand slowing down in the next few years. In fact, we foresee the potential momentum, in the times to come, as mining activities across the globe are at their peak.

In lieu of the same, we are continuing to increase capacity for key product segments to meet customer demand in the mining and construction segment. Additionally, we have introduced the radial tires for the mining sector under the sub-brand of BKT MineForce.