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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Steelbird Hi-Tech eyes 60,000 daily helmet output, plans largest integrated helmet ecosystem
For Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech, helmets are no longer just about head protection — they're about identity, design, trust, and increasingly, industrial self-reliance. While others chase volume, Steelbird is doing something different: building an ecosystem that is as much about in-house capability as it is about category innovation. Steelbird Hi-Tech is expanding its in-house helmet production, targeting 60,000 units/day and ₹ 1,300 crore revenue by FY26–27. MD Rajeev Kapur is pushing for policy reforms to curb fake helmets while launching 15 new models a year and building India's most integrated helmet ecosystem. In a recent interaction with HT Auto, Kapur laid out a vision that combines product ambition with manufacturing depth — all with one overarching goal: 'We're not here for noise. We're here for a life-saving scale." A manufacturing-led moat, built brick by brick Steelbird now manufactures and sells over one crore helmets annually, commanding more than 35 per cent of the branded market. But what sets the company apart is where and how these helmets are made. Also Read : Steelbird SXE launched at ₹3,599 with TPE energy absorber. Check details Steelbird has built out a vertically integrated production network with nine manufacturing facilities across Baddi and Noida, supported by design and innovation teams in Italy and Panchkula. With a built-up area exceeding 1 million sq. ft., the company produces every critical component — from visors, straps, shells, EPS, and even decals — in-house. 'We don't outsource because we can't afford inconsistency," Kapur said. 'This isn't apparel. It's a safety product." The company completed a ₹54 crore capex last year and is investing another ₹50 crore in FY25 to expand capacity. A new facility is adding two lakh sq. ft., raising daily output to 60,000–70,000 helmets. For Steelbird, this isn't opportunistic expansion — it's an effort to build a quality-controlled supply chain at scale. A product pipeline with depth, not just dazzle Steelbird's product strategy is just as focused. The company will launch 15 new helmet models each year for the next five years — including premium models with Bluetooth integration, smart visor tech, and eventually, even FIM-grade racing helmets. The latest launch, the SXE, is already approaching 1,000 units per day in sales. Each model takes up to two years of development and investment of ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore. This is not about flooding the market. It's about targeting segments with clear gaps — including kids' helmets under 700 grams, women-specific models like Bella and Eve, and the entry-level commuter segment. Counterfeits, compliance gaps and the fight for safer helmets Kapur is unflinching when it comes to the issue of counterfeit helmets. He estimates that 60 per cent of helmets sold in India are fake or non-compliant — some even BIS-marked but sold at ₹200. 'The problem isn't the roadside seller — it's the licensed manufacturer making fakes," he said. Steelbird has submitted a white paper titled 'Mission Save Life 2.0" to the Ministry of Road Transport and other government bodies. It calls for UN-aligned safety standards, third-party labs, and real-time certification audits. Kapur believes that without enforcement, innovation risks being undercut by low-cost non-compliance. Scale with purpose: CSR, women riders and customisation While Steelbird is focused on facilitating manufacturing and re-skilling in design, it is also creating a deeper connection with consumer needs. Steelbird expects CSR related revenue will cross ₹100 crore income by FY26 due to helmet inclusion in road safety programs increasing with corporate and insurance support. On the retail side, Steelbird has already achieved ₹100 crore in online sales, which they plan to ramp to ₹500 crore in five years with the addition of over 300 exclusive outlets and a network of over 1 lakh retail points of sales. It's also betting big on customisation. A new AI-based helmet design platform is in the works, allowing users to personalise helmets for both style and fit. 'A helmet today is part of your personal gear — not just road compliance," Kapur pointed out. The carbon fibre leap and export ambitions Steelbird is now preparing to launch India's first in-house carbon fibre and fibreglass weaving facility, allowing it to build lightweight, high-strength helmets for performance and export markets. The company already exports to 50+ countries and serves OEMs such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Royal Enfield. With localisation efforts growing and a ₹1,300 crore revenue target for FY26–27, Steelbird is positioning itself not just as a domestic leader, but a credible global supplier. When purpose scales better than price Steelbird's story today is one of a company transitioning from scale to substance. With every new plant, product line, and policy suggestion, it is redefining what a modern Indian helmet company can be — not just in terms of numbers, but in values. For Rajeev Kapur, this is not a valuation play. 'We're not chasing trends. We're building something that lasts — because lives depend on it." And that, perhaps, is why Steelbird stands out — not because it makes the most helmets, but because it knows why it makes them. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Steelbird commits ₹50 cr capex to scale production, launches SXE helmet with advanced safety tech
At a time when India's helmet market is witnessing a shift towards safety-conscious and certified gear, Steelbird Hi-Tech India has announced a capital expenditure of ₹50 crore across its nine manufacturing plants this year. The investment is part of the company's broader plan to launch 75 new helmet models over the next five years and boost domestic production to meet surging demand. The capex will support R&D, plant modernisation, and capacity expansion, crucial for developing technologically advanced products like the newly launched SXE helmet with TPE impact absorption technology . Production infrastructure and market strategy The company currently operates six plants in Baddi and three in Noida, supported by two offices in Delhi, one in Italy, and a digital platform in Panchkula. It aims to sell over one crore helmets this year. Last year, the company sold 87 lakh helmets. According to Managing Director Rajeev Kapur, 'Every helmet takes nearly two years to develop, and we are scaling up to meet the growing demand with safer and smarter designs.' With a 35 per cent share in India's branded helmet market, the company is witnessing a clear shift in customer buying behaviour. 'The most popular helmet used to be the ₹1,000 model; today, it's the ₹2,000 one,' Kapur noted. Sales channels and OEM partnerships Steelbird distributes through 2,200 direct distributors and dealers, each connected to 400–600 retailers, and operates 300 exclusive retail outlets. Online sales have crossed ₹100 crore and are expected to reach ₹500 crore in the next five years. About 30 per cent of Steelbird's helmets are sold to OEMs, including Hero, Honda, Yamaha, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, and Ola. 'We also cater to corporate buyers and CSR-linked initiatives, and we're targeting ₹100 crore in CSR-driven sales over the next two years,' Kapur said. The rest of the sales come through retail and online platforms. SXE helmet: New model with TPE energy absorber The company has launched the SXE helmet under its Advanced Safety Series, marking a significant step in rider protection. Priced at ₹3,599, the SXE features a multi-layered shell comprising ABS reinforced with fibre composites, a black EPS liner, and a shock-absorbing TPE ( Thermoplastic Elastomer ) layer. The technology, the company claims, helps reduce rotational impact forces by approximately 20 per cent, lowering the risk of traumatic brain injury during high-speed crashes. Product pipeline and certification push The company is also developing new models across price ranges and use cases, including women riders. 'We've launched models like Bella and Eve and will soon introduce another designed specifically for women,' said Kapur. Steelbird is also preparing to launch an FIM-certified racing helmet in the next two to three years. 'FIM helmets are complex and require multiple layers of materials like carbon fibre, thicker visors, and metallic locking systems,' he explained. Bluetooth-enabled helmets are part of the product roadmap. Eight models were introduced last year, and a new intercom-enabled version under the Fighter range is set to be launched by year-end. While the company has a concept ready for a lightweight motocross helmet with titanium parts, Kapur cited high R&D costs and low demand as reasons for holding back the commercial rollout. Focus on Indian market, road safety concerns Despite exporting to Europe and several Asian countries, Steelbird is focused on the Indian market. 'India presents an enormous opportunity. We're not prioritising exports right now,' said Kapur. He added that the company works on a 10 per cent profit margin. Commenting on helmet regulation, he said, 'If the proposed law requiring helmets to meet UN or WHO standards is enforced, demand will surge.' He also pointed to the economic cost of road accidents: 'About 3.52 per cent of India's GDP is lost to road accidents. That's a massive figure — and enforcing helmet standards is a crucial part of solving this.' To advocate for stronger policy implementation, the company has launched an NGO titled 'Dialogue to Action'. 'Conferences alone aren't enough—we need enforcement and change on the ground,' Kapur said.
Hindustan Times
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Steelbird SXE launched at ₹3,599 with TPE energy absorber. Check details
The Steelbird SXE gets Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) layer in the impact-absorbing liner — said to be the first helmet in India with the tech. Notify me Steelbird has launched a new motorcycle helmet, the SXE, at ₹ 3,599. The model adds to the company's mid-range segment and boasts a design that prioritizes safety for the rider as well as practicality. The SXE comes in two finishes — a solid paint and a decal-covered variant — and in four sizes, from 560 mm to 620 mm. What is unique about this helmet is the addition of a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) layer in the impact-absorbing liner — said to be the first helmet in India with the tech.. This puts the SXE in a rare club of helmets around the world that attempt to manage both linear and rotational forces of impact in crashes. Also Read : Steelbird Tornado helmet series launched at ₹ 1,959. Check details Steelbird SXE: Tech Structurally, the SXE helmet incorporates a multi-layered impact management system. It consists of a high-impact ABS outer shell, an expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner, and a TPE layer designed to reduce rotational forces. While full crash data is not publicly available, the manufacturer suggests that the TPE insert may reduce rotational impact by approximately 20 per cent, which could have implications for lowering the severity of head injuries in certain crash scenarios. The helmet is certified under both the BIS IS 4151:2015 safety standard (India) and the DOT FMVSS 218 regulation (USA), indicating compliance with widely accepted global testing protocols. In terms of ventilation, the SXE includes a combination of intake and exhaust vents aimed at improving airflow and temperature regulation during rides. Reflective fabric strips around the neck section have also been included to increase visibility at night. Also Read : Steelbird hits 87 lakh helmet sales in FY25, plans to cross 1 crore in FY26 Steelbird SXE: Design The SXE has a comparatively aerodynamic shell shape meant to cut wind resistance. The helmet features a double visor setup of a scratch-resistant outer visor and a backup internal sun shield for varying light conditions. The primary visor also happens to be Pinlock-compatible, enabling customers to fit in anti-fog inserts should they require them. Within the helmet, the liner is made from breathable and hypoallergenic material, with mesh areas that are meant to deal with moisture and heat. The thermoformed padding is shaped to remain in shape even under pressure. A micrometric buckle is used for fastening, allowing for relatively easy adjustment. The logo has been applied using a technique referred to as Eco-dome technology sits on the exterior, adding a subtle design identifier rather than serving a functional purpose. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 20 Jul 2025, 09:30 am IST
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Steelbird unveils SXE helmet with TPE safety tech, dual certification
Steelbird has launched the SXE, a new motorcycle helmet that stands out for being India's first to incorporate a TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) energy absorber layer . Aimed at enhancing rider safety and comfort, the helmet is built with advanced materials and features designed to handle both high-speed impact and everyday wear. Safety offerings At the heart of the SXE's safety offering is its multi-layered protective shell. It includes a tough ABS outer shell, fiibre composite reinforcement, black EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner and a shock-absorbing TPE layer. This layered design helps reduce both linear and rotational impact forces, the kind most associated with traumatic brain injuries. Steelbird claims a reduction of rotational forces by nearly 20 per cent, which could lower the risk of serious head trauma in a crash. Certifications for safety The SXE is certified under both BIS IS 4151:2015 and the DOT FMVSS 218 standard used in the US. That dual certification makes it suitable for riders seeking globally recognised safety benchmarks.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Are Investors Undervaluing Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited (ASX:SXE) By 22%?
Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Southern Cross Electrical Engineering fair value estimate is AU$2.36 Current share price of AU$1.85 suggests Southern Cross Electrical Engineering is potentially 22% undervalued The AU$2.41 analyst price target for SXE is 2.1% more than our estimate of fair value In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited (ASX:SXE) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$10.8m AU$39.7m AU$47.4m AU$40.6m AU$36.8m AU$34.7m AU$33.7m AU$33.2m AU$33.2m AU$33.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ -14.38% Est @ -9.25% Est @ -5.65% Est @ -3.13% Est @ -1.37% Est @ -0.14% Est @ 0.73% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.2% AU$10.0 AU$34.5 AU$38.5 AU$30.8 AU$26.0 AU$22.9 AU$20.7 AU$19.1 AU$17.8 AU$16.7 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$237m The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.2%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF2034 × (1 + g) ÷ (r – g) = AU$33m× (1 + 2.7%) ÷ (7.2%– 2.7%) = AU$773m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$773m÷ ( 1 + 7.2%)10= AU$386m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$623m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$1.9, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 22% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Southern Cross Electrical Engineering as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.025. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Check out our latest analysis for Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Currently debt free. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Construction market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, we've compiled three essential elements you should explore: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Southern Cross Electrical Engineering that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does SXE's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the ASX every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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