Studds Accessories is investing ₹150 crore in a new manufacturing facility as it bets on premium motorcycle riders, rider accessories and growing export demand to drive its next phase of growth.The company, which reported FY26 revenue of ₹634.2 crore and EBITDA margins of 19.3 per cent, expects turnover to approach ₹750 crore in FY27, implying growth of 16-18 per cent. The investment, equivalent to nearly 24 per cent of annual revenue, comes as Studds targets premium helmets, riding gear and international markets while positioning itself for a ₹1,000-crore revenue milestone over the next few years.While the company has not provided a formal FY30 target, Managing Director Siddharth Bhushan Khurana indicated that crossing the ₹1,000-crore revenue mark is “on the horizon”, supported by premiumisation, exports and growing demand for rider accessories.Exports, currently growing at more than 30 per cent annually, have emerged as a key growth engine. Studds recently established a subsidiary for SMK in Italy and is targeting key European markets including, France, Germany, the UK, through a dealer-direct strategy aimed at strengthening market penetration.Industry estimates peg India’s helmet market at ₹3,500 crore and over 35 million units annually. As premium motorcycle ownership rises and safety awareness improves, organised manufacturers are increasingly focusing on higher-value products and rider accessories rather than relying solely on helmet sales.Betting on a changing riderFor Studds, the opportunity extends beyond simply selling more helmets. The ₹150-crore investment will be deployed across a new five-acre facility in Faridabad and is being executed in two phases. The first phase is scheduled to commence this quarter, while the second phase is planned around 18 months later. The expansion will support premium helmets, accessories and export-oriented manufacturing while increasing automation and production efficiency.Studds describes itself as India’s largest organised helmet manufacturer based on publicly available financial disclosures and exports its products to more than 70 countries. The company’s premium SMK brand is being positioned around international ECE 22.06 safety certifications and higher-end touring riders, reflecting its increasing focus on premium products and global markets.Premiumisation gathers paceAccording to Khurana, the premium segment is growing significantly faster than the mass commuter market as riders increasingly prioritise safety, comfort and overall riding experience.“The premium customer is buying not only helmets but also jackets, gloves and other accessories. That’s where a large part of the future growth opportunity lies,” he told businessline.The definition of premium itself is changing rapidly. A ₹5,000 helmet that was considered premium a few years ago is increasingly viewed as a mid-tier product today, with many riders willing to spend ₹10,000 or more on certified helmets and riding equipment.The trend is being reinforced by the growth of premium motorcycle brands such as Royal Enfield, KTM, Triumph, Harley-Davidson X440 and Honda’s higher-capacity models, creating a new generation of riders willing to spend more on safety equipment, touring accessories and riding apparel.Innovation reshapes the helmet marketTechnology is increasingly becoming a differentiator in premium helmets. Khurana said rider communication systems, bluetooth-enabled intercoms and connected riding technologies are witnessing growing interest among touring enthusiasts. The industry is also exploring heads-up display (HUD) systems that can project navigation and safety information onto helmet visors, alongside advanced connectivity features that allow riders travelling in groups to remain connected during long-distance journeys.The shift reflects a broader evolution in the industry from viewing helmets purely as protective equipment to treating them as part of the overall riding experience.Chasing a bigger rider walletPerhaps the biggest shift underway in the industry is the move beyond helmets. As motorcycle touring gains popularity and organised riding communities expand, manufacturers are increasingly seeking a larger share of rider spending across multiple product categories.Studds is expanding into top boxes, side panniers, touring luggage and rider communication systems, products that are becoming integral to the premium riding ecosystem.While accessories currently contribute less than 10 per cent of company revenue, Khurana expects the category to account for 15-17 per cent of revenue in the coming years.Industry executives say premium riders today often spend not only on helmets but also on jackets, gloves, boots, luggage systems and communication devices, creating a much larger addressable market than helmets alone.Exports emerge as a second growth engineAlongside premiumisation, exports are becoming a major pillar of Studds’ growth strategy.The company is currently growing exports at more than 30 per cent annually and recently established a subsidiary in Italy to strengthen its presence across Europe. Studds is targeting key riding markets including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland and Turkey, where demand for premium certified helmets remains strong.The company is also shifting from a distributor-led model to a dealer-direct approach in parts of Europe, a strategy it believes will improve market penetration and customer engagement.Khurana said Studds’ international products are designed in Europe and manufactured in India, allowing the company to combine European styling and safety requirements with India’s cost-competitive manufacturing basePublished on July 3, 2026