JK Tyre & Industries, one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers and technology innovators, has commissioned India’s first precision Tyre Buffing and Grinding Machine (Wet Grip on Worn Tyre) at NATRAX, Pithampur. This milestone represents a significant advancement in domestic tyre testing and validation capabilities, reinforcing India’s move toward self-reliance in automotive safety evaluation.
The inauguration was led by Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, and Dr. Manish Jaiswal, Director, NATRAX, alongside senior officials. The facility strengthens the long-standing partnership between JK Tyre and NATRAX, expanding the scope of tyre performance analysis and regulatory testing in the country.
The newly installed machine adheres to ECE R117 standards, which evaluate the wet braking performance of tyres worn close to the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm. It enables the preparation of worn tyre samples across C1 (passenger car), C2 (light commercial), and C3 (heavy truck/bus) categories for Wet Grip on Worn Tyre (WGWT) testing. This capability is expected to provide comprehensive performance validation across vehicle segments while aligning Indian testing protocols with global benchmarks.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Raghupati Singhania said, “With the inauguration of the Precision Tyre Buffing and Grinding Machine (Wet Grip on Worn Tyre) at NATRAX, JK Tyre has taken yet another step forward in advancing tyre testing and safety innovation in India. It reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, technology leadership, and enhancing vehicular safety through modern engineering and contribution to build world-class testing infrastructure.”
The installation complements JK Tyre’s strong testing and R&D ecosystem, which integrates homologation support and new product development. The company has been associated with NATRAX since 2017, utilising its advanced testing infrastructure for vehicle-level assessments such as handling, braking, wet grip, and noise evaluation. JK Tyre’s dedicated facilities at the centre include two workshops, a team of trained professionals, and advanced systems like a skid trailer, steering robot, and noise measurement equipment, supported by a fleet of test vehicles.
With decades of expertise in product engineering and performance innovation, JK Tyre continues to pioneer technologies that redefine tyre safety and reliability. The launch of India’s first Tyre Buffing and Grinding Machine for Wet Grip on Worn Tyres further strengthens its position as a technology-driven manufacturer, aligning with its goal of contributing to India’s advancement in automotive testing and global competitiveness.
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