A leading tyre maker with 11 manufacturing facilities across India, including a plant in Chennai, JK Tyre is now one of the key players catering to both domestic and international markets. The company’s products are exported to more than 100 countries. Globally, it ranks among the top three tyre manufacturers for energy efficiency and 19th overall in the world, with more than five decades of experience in tyre manufacturing. JK Tornel, the company’s two plants in Mexico, serve local clients in the region. There are many firsts in the tyre maker’s portfolio, including being pioneers of radial technology, the first OE fitment of tubeless passenger radials, and the first to launch tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) based on sensor technology. It is also India’s first tyre produced with 80 per cent sustainable material. With its extensive service network across the country, JK Tyre is a dominant player in servicing its customers. Under the leadership, guidance, and foresight of Dr Raghupati Singhania, CMD, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd (JKIL), the company has completed 50 years.
JK Tyre caters to all major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India. The long list includes Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai India, Kia, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Stellantis, and MG in the passenger vehicle (PV) segment, while the commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturers consist of Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, Daimler, Switch Mobility, Force Motors, Eicher, and state government transport services. It was the first company in India to introduce truck and bus radial tyres. The company’s tyres are available for all vehicles, from two-wheelers to heavy-duty trucks. JK Tyre also supplies tyres for special applications in the defence sector.
The Chennai plant is spread across a total area of 102.95 acres, of which 25 acres have been earmarked as a green belt, while 40 acres are still available for future expansion. The plant is ideally located close to the port, facilitating the company’s exports. The workforce is young, with 86 per cent under the age of 30, comprising diploma engineers and science graduates. The current overall capacity is 350 tons, increased from 90 tons in 2012 to the current 350 tons in 2025.
Sustainability at the core
JK Tyre has placed sustainability at the core of its long-term business strategy, with a clear goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all operations. This commitment is reflected in its continuous efforts to integrate responsible practices, drive energy efficiency, and innovate for a cleaner future. At the forefront of this vision is the company’s Chennai tyre plant, which serves as a benchmark for green manufacturing within the Indian automotive sector.
The facility sources over 70 per cent of its power from renewable energy through a combination of 7.5 MWp rooftop solar capacity and 24 MW of wind energy, while 35 per cent of its thermal energy needs are met via biomass. It also houses a Miyawaki forest and has operated a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system since inception, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship. Further strengthening its leadership in sustainable manufacturing, JK Tyre became the first tyre company in India to receive the ISCC+ Certification for its sustainable tyres.
“Our Chennai plant is an example of how technology and innovation are being integrated, and how we have built the most modern and automated plant in India. We have invested almost R2,600 crores to create this state-of-the-art, technologically-led facility. More importantly, we have cultivated a culture of the highest commitment in terms of productivity, quality, and a sense of belonging. We are also fully committed to our sustainability approach,” explains Anshuman Singhania, MD, JKIL.
The land for the Chennai plant was acquired on 29 May 2010, and the plant was commissioned on 5 February 2012. It still holds the record for the fastest setup of a greenfield project, achieving production in 17 months. The plant is strategically located in the middle of an automobile hub, with the city and ports also within a short distance for logistics. The Chennai plant has received two prestigious awards for its safety measures.
For FY25 consolidated financials, JKIL’s total revenue was Rs14,772 crores, with an EBITDA of Rs1,678 crores and a PAT of Rs516 crores. The company achieved double-digit growth last year and expects this trend to continue in the coming years.
“At JK Tyre, innovation is deeply embedded in our engineering and manufacturing philosophy. The Chennai Plant exemplifies our pursuit of technological excellence and future readiness. Located in India’s automotive hub, it features a high degree of automation and integration with Industrial IoT and AI for data-driven precision and operational efficiency. Anchored in global TPM and TQM models, the facility ensures consistency, quality, and productivity through an automated data-driven approach. Sustainability is equally central, operating on green energy through 7.5 MW rooftop solar and 24 MW wind power; the plant has been a zero-liquid-discharge facility since inception,” elaborates VK Misra, Technical Director, JKIL.
In terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the company is actively involved in a number of activities with NGOs in the areas of education, motivational classes for youngsters, healthcare and medical check-up campaigns, plantation activities, and renovation of ponds in nearby villages. It also conducts plastic-free clean-up drives on beaches with the support of volunteers. JK Tyre has been actively involved in promoting motorsports in India for more than four decades and has produced many talented racers in the country, from basic karting to Formula 1. This was also Dr Singhania’s vision – to see the Indian Flag at a Formula 1 racing track.
“We started in 1977 with our first plant in Udaipur, Rajasthan. After that, we made three major acquisitions: in Mysuru, Karnataka, in 1979; then one in Tornel, Mexico; and another in Haridwar — the Cavendish plant. The Chennai plant was established as a greenfield project in 2012. Today, our overall capacity is over 35 million tyres annually, with all plants producing different product lines. The two plants in Mexico contribute 20 per cent of the company’s revenue, producing 5 million tyres,” explains Singhania.
The R&D centres play a key role in product development. The research centre is close to the company’s Mysuru plant, with 250 scientists and state-of-the-art testing facilities for various products. The company has also collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, for more than 20 years for simulation testing.
The company states that expansion will take place depending on market conditions, demand, and supply. The Chennai plant caters to markets across India and exports 35-40 per cent of its production to the UAE, Europe, Mexico, and Latin America. It is the largest exporter of truck radial tyres in the EU and UK. The company is also exploring new markets in Africa and Asia. Regarding tariffs imposed by the US, Singhania is confident that discussions will lead to an amicable solution benefiting all stakeholders.
Future outlook
With above-average monsoon rains, ongoing infrastructure projects across India, mining and construction activities, and the latest booster dose of GST reforms, demand for the automotive industry is set to rise. Results already show that the country’s
largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki,
has sold a record number of cars post-GST reforms. Demand is also spreading to other automakers, which will create significant demand for tyres, benefiting JK Tyre as well as other tyre companies across various vehicle segments.
The manufacturing sector is a central pillar of India’s economic growth, with strong performances in key industries. Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ will further boost manufacturing activities. Several global majors prefer India as their manufacturing hub, benefiting from government support. The sector also provides huge employment opportunities to millions. Going forward, India’s growth story remains intact for various products and services, which bodes well for the Indian economy and manufacturing sector. The sector is expected to continue playing an important role in increasing its contribution to GDP in the coming years.