BKT earns SQEP silver award from Caterpillar plus approval of two Earthmax models
— Photo courtesy BKT Group
Caterpillar granted an award of great importance in the course of the official ceremony, which took place on September 15: the Chopanki production plant, indeed, obtained the prestigious SQEP Silver Award for Supplier Quality Excellence Process Certification, which is bestowed to Caterpillar suppliers that are able to achieve the highest levels of quality and process control only. Not only is the Indian tire manufacturer now part of this Program for Excellence, it has also obtained homologation for the Original Equipment supply of the two tires Earthmax SR 47 and Earthmax SR 45 to be fitted on two different models of CAT equipment.
This is another success for BKT that, thanks to the Chopanki plant, has been able to comply with all requirements of the SQEP Silver Award, positioning themselves among Caterpillar’s best suppliers. A certification awarding the Indian multinational company’s commitment to offering high-quality solutions that are evidence of the attention drawn to product performance as well as to the research in sustainability and innovation.
Officially inaugurated in 2006 for the purpose of increasing BKT’s production capacity, the Chopanki site is specialized in the production of All Steel radial tires for the industrial and OTR sectors. All BKT tire lineups are entirely produced in India at the production sites of Aurangabad, Bhiwadi and Chopanki, to which adds a modern mold plant in Dombivali and last but not least the latest production site in Bhuj provided with state-of-the-art facilities and machinery.
It is right at Chopanki, where the Earthmax SR 47 and Earthmax SR 45 are manufactured, for which BKT has obtained the homologation or approval for the supply for two CAT equipment models, namely the CAT 773E dump truck with a capacity of 60 tons – equipped with Earthmax SR 47 24.00 R 35 – and the 770G model with a capacity of 40 tons – fitted with Earthmax SR 45 size 18.00 R 33.
Earthmax SR 47 has been specifically developed for rigid dumpers and the material transport on the most critical surfaces such as one can fine in rock quarries. A characteristic feature is its long life-cycle thanks to the deep E4-class tread and the special lug pattern designed for the purpose of providing excellent traction in addition to regular tread wear. This pattern is also available with a special “cut resistant” compound version ensuring enhanced resistance against cuts and punctures. Earthmax SR 47 is available on the market in sizes E4-class 18.00 R 33 and 24.00 R 35.
Likewise perfect for rigid dumpers is Earthmax SR 45, made of a special compound that is particularly resistant against cuts, abrasion and impacts, risks that often occur under extreme operating conditions. This results in significantly reduced equipment standstill times along with increased productivity. Moreover, the special lug design provides extraordinary traction, whereas the deep tread ensures a longer tire life, increasing productive efficacy over the time. The tire is available on the market in size 18.00 R 33.
The CAT equipment, for which the BKT tires have been homologated, are dump trucks designed for mining and quarry applications as well as for the use in the construction sector. These pieces of equipment are highly productive and reliable, and focus on the user’s need to transport more material at a lower cost per ton. “This is a great result we are really proud of. The Caterpillar SQEP Silver Award is a very prestigious and aspired accolade. Not only does it confirm our product’s great quality, but also the excellence of our production system,” Mr. Arvind Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director of BKT, states. “The homologation as official CAT supplier is a further acknowledgement of our products’ high specialist level and evidence of both our development and growth as far as Original Equipment is concerned. Pushing forward this market is one of our main strategic objectives testifying both the quality and reliability BKT has achieved for the large global Manufacturers.”
About BKT
Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) is an Indian based tire manufacturer. The BKT group offers a large and always updated production range of Off-Highway tires specially designed for vehicles in the agricultural, industrial, earthmoving, mining, ATV and gardening sector. BKT’s innovative solutions designed for the most differing user needs include more than 2,400 products sold in over 160 countries worldwide. Visit the website www.bkt-tires.com for further information.
