At Automechanika Dubai, the largest aftermarket exhibition for the Midde East and African (MEA) region, Keshav Sunderam Rajam, CEO of Kwik Patch Pvt. Ltd., shared insights into the company’s journey, product expansion, and global growth strategy. Over the past 35 years, Kwik Patch has built a reputation for high-quality tyre repair solutions, positioning itself against global leaders rather than competing on price.
Strengthening Global Presence
Kwik Patch has remained steadfast in its focus on quality and R&D, ensuring that it matches established brands in the field while maintaining competitive pricing. The company has been a regular exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai for over a decade, underscoring its commitment to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. “We come here because a lot of our key customers are here, and this event allows us to reconnect with them while also identifying new opportunities,” Keshav explained.
The company has made a significant shift in its business model over the past 15 years. “Earlier, 95% of our business came from a single US-based customer, but today, only about 10-15% comes from the US. The rest of our business is now spread across 70 countries,” he noted. India remains a critical market, contributing 25% of revenue, with Kwik Patch holding a 70% market share in tyre repair strings. While Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are strong regions for the company, Keshav sees Oceania and Africa as the next big opportunities.
The Middle East serves as a strategic hub for Kwik Patch’s expansion, with Dubai acting as a key logistics center. The company has been working with Milestone, a regional distributor, for over 25 years. “Dubai is a gateway to the Middle East and African markets, and our collaboration with Milestone has helped us create a strong foothold in this region,” Keshav said. The distributor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the two companies and the steady demand for high-quality tyre repair products in the region.
Innovation and Future Growth
Kwik Patch is not only expanding geographically but also diversifying its product portfolio. “We are continuously improving our existing products while also launching new offerings such as mounting paste and tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS),” Keshav said. The company is also preparing for future shifts in the tyre industry, including EV tyres that feature foam layers, which present unique repair challenges. “We are studying how EV tyres evolve, but the fundamental repair needs will remain,” he added.
Manufacturing flexibility has been a core strength for Kwik Patch. “We are the only factory in the world that can produce both chemical cure and VersaCure (DualCure) patches. This gives us an edge in customizing solutions for different markets,” Keshav stated. Additionally, 90% of its export sales are customized under private labels, catering to regional demands in terms of specifications, branding, and packaging. The company also maintains a 30% excess production capacity to accommodate new customers without delays.
Market Trends and Long-Term Outlook
The tyre repair industry remains resilient, largely due to rising rubber prices and the high cost of new tyres. “As long as rubber prices increase, more people will repair their tyres rather than replace them. That’s good news for us,” Keshav pointed out. While some see EVs as a disruption, Keshav believes that the repair industry will remain stable for at least the next decade. “People in Europe and the US are repairing more than ever due to economic pressures. This isn’t just an Indian mindset — it’s a global trend,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Kwik Patch plans to strengthen its distribution partnerships and expand into new regions while staying ahead of industry changes. “For the next 10 years, I see steady growth for tyre repairs. As long as vehicles are on the road, repairs will be necessary,” Keshav concluded. The company is also closely monitoring advancements in self-healing and airless tyres, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of industry developments.
