Steelbird Hi-Tech India Gears Up for Rapid Growth Amidst Helmet Demand Surge

The largest helmet manufacturer in the world, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, is expecting a revenue growth of over 30 percent this year. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for branded helmets in India and the potential implementation of mandatory helmet laws. The company’s Managing Director, Rajeev Kapur, stated that Steelbird plans to launch 36 new helmet models for the premium segment at the Motor Show (EICMA) in Milan this year, along with introducing a super high-end model.

Kapur mentioned that currently only 30 percent of riders and 10 percent of pillion riders wear helmets in India, but the demand for helmets is expected to rise significantly. He also noted that out of the 50 million helmets produced in the country, 45 million are branded, while 5 million are fake. He anticipates that fake helmet manufacturers will go out of business, leading to increased demand for branded helmets.

In the previous fiscal year, the company sold eight million helmets and expects to sell 10 million this fiscal year and 15 million by March 2026. Steelbird saw a revenue growth of 27 percent last year and aims to achieve over 30 percent growth, targeting Rs 1,000 crore this year. In the fiscal year 2024, Steelbird’s revenue reportedly amounted to Rs 711 crore.

To meet the growing demand, Steelbird recently announced a Rs 105 crore investment in its Baddi plant to increase the production capacity to 50,000 units per day. Additionally, a new manufacturing facility is being established in South India to bolster helmet production. Steelbird currently operates five manufacturing facilities, four in Baddi and one in Noida.

Kapur emphasized that the company’s primary focus is the domestic market due to its high potential demand. However, the company aims to generate Rs 100 crore in revenue from the export market within the next two years, not exceeding 10 percent of the overall revenue.

The Baddi plant is projected to produce 50,000 helmets per day starting in September, while the new South India plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with an initial capacity of 20,000 helmets per day, is expected to be operational by fiscal year 2027.

Additionally, Kapur mentioned the company’s plans to launch 36 helmet models in the premium segment and expand its network to around 1,000 outlets from the current 220 exclusive facilities in the coming years.