OK Play eyes tractor segment with plastic fuel tanks

Sohna, Haryana, Oct 9 (UNI) Targeted at servicing the tractor segment, leading plastics company, OK Play India Ltd (OPIL), has entered into an alliance with US-based Solar Plastics Inc for producing and marketing roto-moulded plastic fuel tanks.

''Our products are suitable for tractors, trucks, buses and off-road vehicles,'' said company Managing Director Rajan Handa.

The company is also eyeing the booming automobile sector. It will set up a manufacturing unit at Ranipet in Tamil Nadu with an investment of Rs 10 crore. ''The auto segment is booming and there lies a huge scope. We want to replace metals with plastics and explore a market that already exists,'' said Mr Handa.

The company is already working in close cooperation with Europe-based Same Deutz-Fahr group for developing the fuel-tank and other parts of the tractor.

Lamborghini group member Same is the largest manufacturer of tractors and is now eyeing the tractor segment in the country and is also mulling to set up a manufacturing base in the country.

OPIL has successfully designed fuel tanks, consoles and is in the process of converting other metallic parts to plastic.

''Same has given us a tractor, which needs the maximum number of parts to be coverted to plastic and we are working towards it. The fuel tank is already ready, while work on others is progressing.'' OPIL has also patented a design where there is a translucent panel to heck the fuel levels discarding the need for any additional equipment.

''The auto sector is indeed an exciting segment. With an investment of 20 million dollars expected to come in over the next three years, the company is looking at a sales of Rs 25 crore in the automobile sector,'' said Mr Handa.

The company is already working with Tata and Volvo for their buses. Mr Handa hinted that OPIL will soon tie up with a auto major in the country as well for its fuel tanks and other parts.

OPIL is also eyeing the export of auto components to markets ''that are closer than the US''. ''When a huge market exists in the country, exports come at a later stage. And rupee appreciation has made the idea a little problematic as well,'' said Mr Handa.

The company's clientele includes JCB, Ashok Leyland, Escorts, Punjab Tractors and RHINO and supplies them with products like roof tops, engine and hydraulic pump covers, air duct, bus seats, mud flap and front skirting and shields three wheelers.

UNI