MAHARASHTRA, India — Off-the-road tire manufacturer Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has shut down its five tire plants in India, according to a report on an equitybulls.com, a business news and commentary website based in India.
The move complies with a directive issued by the Indian government, which called for shutdowns of some manufacturing plants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plants are to be idled at least through March 31, and, according to the website, it could be extended, based on the government's guidelines.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi locked down India for 21 days to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The lockdown is in effect until March 31.
BKT operates four tire plants in India: in Aurangabad, Bhuj, Bhiwadi and Chopanki, which collectively employ about 2,600 hourly workers. It also has a tire mold factory in Dombivali.