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Tag: Oldest Indian Businesses

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part IV

    Finally reaching the last part of our series, we take a look at three more companies that have journeyed through the years and navigated the winding road to success.

    Apeejay Surrendra Group
    TVS Group
    Bajaj Group

    Apeejay Surrendra Group

    Group Apeejay Surrendra Group
    Founder Lala Pyare Lal
    Founded 1910
    Industry Conglomerate

    Apeejay Surrendra Group
    Apeejay Surrendra Group

    The Indian business conglomerate was founded in the year 1910 by Lala Pyare Lal in the city of Jalandhar, which was then relocated to Kolkata in the year 1951. The company was first set up to manufacture steel goods for the domestic agricultural market. Slowly and steadily, it grew and expanded into the shipping business in 1948.

    A scarcity of steel and steel goods in the 1950s proved to be the turning point of success for the conglomerate as it turned to non-traditional sources of steel and began importing from countries like USSR, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, East Germany, and China. The imports included products for construction and infrastructure building. This led to the group’s expansion in diverse international markets that included steel, finished steel products, coal, and machinery. The Apeejay Surrendra group successfully set up India’s most advanced steel mill and was among the first in the country to manufacture stainless steel.

    With time and globalization, the group has ventured into other diversified businesses and proven its mettle by turning those businesses into international successes. Some of the group’s businesses include hotels, real estate, construction, tea estates, logistics, knowledge parks, and pharmaceuticals.

    Apeejay Tea Ltd

    The company was incorporated in the year 1995 and has a long association with Assam through its tea plantations and the Kharjan estate.

    Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd.

    The Park Hotels are pioneers in luxury boutique hotels operating for over 50 years

    Apeejay Shipping Ltd.

    Beginning operations in the year 1948, the company operates a fleet of modern dry bulk carriers globally.

    Apeejay Oxford Bookstores Pvt. Ltd.

    True to its name, the company operates retail outlets offering books and other related items to its customers.

    Apeejay Infralogistics Pvt. Ltd.

    The company is dedicated to having an integrated approach to creating and developing support facilities like parking yards, business centers, office parks, food courts, weighbridges, security services, etc.

    Apeejay Insurance Broking Services Pvt. Ltd.

    The company was incorporated in the year 2004 and operates worldwide. They provide expert services in underwriting commerciality, coverage and responsiveness, policy administration, and claims. Their general services portfolio includes services like insurance portfolio analysis, risk assessment, and post-placement services.

    TVS Group

    Group TVS Group
    Founder T. V. Sundaram Iyengar
    Founded 1911
    Industry Conglomerate

    TVS Group
    TVS Group

    The TVS Group, aptly named after its founder, T. V. Sundaram Iyengar was founded in the year 1911, with Madurai’s first bus service. The company’s main business was in the transportation sector as it owned and operated a large fleet of trucks and buses under the name Southern Roadways.

    As the company grew and expanded its business operations, the group established a new company called Sundaram Clayton in the year 1962 in collaboration with Clayton Dewandre Holdings of the United Kingdom. The company established its plant in the year 1976 in Hosur that manufactured mopeds. It was in the year 1980 that India’s first ever two-seater moped, TVS 50, rolled out of this factory. Following this, the company began commercially producing motorcycles in the year 1989 after another collaboration with the Japanese auto giant Suzuki Ltd., in the year 1987. The TVS Group successfully operates more than 50 subsidiary companies, 9 of which are publicly listed.

    TVS Motor Company

    This is the flagship company of the group and manufactures motorcycles. In terms of revenue, it is the third-largest motorcycle company in India.

    TVS Motor – India’s Multinational Two-wheeler Company
    TVS Motor – a single man’s vision led to the formation of one of India’s largest multinational two-wheeler companies. Success story of TVS Motor
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    Sundaram Fasteners Ltd.

    Established in the year 1966, the company now operates globally and manufactures critical high-precision components for the automotive, windmill, and aviation sectors.

    Sundaram Clayton Ltd.

    Founded in 1962, the company is based in Chennai and makes aluminum and magnesium castings for the automotive industry.

    TVS Srichakra Ltd.

    The company began in the year 1982 and is a leading manufacturer of tires and tubes for two and three-wheelers in the country. It also has a large program of Off-the-road tires for the export and domestic market.

    Wheels India Ltd.

    As the name suggests, the company is a global player in the auto components industry. It manufactures wheels for cars, UVs, commercial vehicles, tractors, and construction and earthmover equipment.

    India Motor Parts & Accessories Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1954, the company’s business operation includes the distribution of automobile spare parts and accessories.

    India Nippon Electricals Ltd.

    The company was incorporated in the year 1984, it manufactures electronic ignition systems for two-wheelers.

    TVS Electronics Ltd.

    The company which began in the year 1986 designs, manufactures, and distributes IT products, dot-matrix printers, point-of-sale terminals, printer supplies, keyboards, mobiles, mouse, uninterruptible power supplies, and set-top boxes.

    Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd.

    Founded in 1976, the company manufactures automotive, non-automotive, railways, and industrial friction materials.

    TVS Real Estate (Emerald)

    This is the real estate arm of the TVS Group and is into residential and commercial real estate.

    TVS Success Story| Indian Motorcycle Company

    Bajaj Group

    Group Bajaj Group
    Founder Jamnalal Bajaj
    Founded 1926
    Industry Conglomerate

    Bajaj Group
    Bajaj Group

    Founded by Jamnalal Bajaj in the year 1926, the Bajaj Group’s core business operation was in the two-wheeler industry. His son, Kamalnayan Bajaj expanded the business by branching into the manufacture of scooters, three-wheelers, cement, alloy casting, and electricals.

    The Bajaj Group’s flagship company, Bajaj Auto has been ranked as the world’s fourth largest two and three-wheeler manufacturer. Over the years, the group has evolved and expanded to comprise 40 companies and subsidiaries that operate under the Bajaj Group umbrella. The conglomerate’s various businesses span various industries including automobiles (two and three-wheelers), home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel, and finance.

    Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1945, the company is an automotive manufacturer of scooters, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws.

    Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd.

    The company began its business operations in 1930 in the consumer care sector with hair care products.

    Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    This non-banking financial company began its operations in the year 1987 and is headquartered in Pune. It is an investment and credit company and a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd.

    Bajaj Electricals Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1938, the company manufactures electrical equipment like lighting, luminaries, appliances, fans, LPG-based generators, etc.

    Bajaj Ventures Ltd.

    The company operates under the Bajaj Group umbrella manufacturing power tools, household appliances, and other related accessories.

    Bajaj Healthcare Ltd.

    The pharmaceutical arm of the Bajaj Group, the company was established in the year 1993 and is a bulk manufacturer that serves various pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food industries globally.

    Other notable companies that successfully operate under the Bajaj Group are Bajaj Finserv Ltd, Bajaj Energy, Bajaj Hindustan, Bajaj Steel Industries Ltd., Mukand, and Bajaj Holdings & Investments.

    Bajaj Group Of Companies | StartupTalky
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    Conclusion

    The corporate world of today is fast, evolving and a continual challenge to entrepreneurs. A look at these companies and the way they have traversed through time accepting varied obstacles and challenges, and negotiating through them with intelligence, understanding, and insight, provides inspiration and strength.

    FAQs

    When was the Apeejay Surrendra group formed?

    The Indian business conglomerate was founded in the year 1910 by Lala Pyare Lal in the city of Jalandhar.

    Who was the founder of the TVS group?

    The TVS Group, aptly named after its founder, T. V. Sundaram Iyengar was founded in the year 1911, with Madurai’s first bus service.

    Which is the flagship company of the Bajaj group?

    The Bajaj Group’s flagship company is Bajaj Auto which has been ranked as the world’s fourth largest two and three-wheeler manufacturer.

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part III

    Welcome to part – III of our four-part series on the oldest businesses in India and their journey over the years. All these businesses have journeyed through the murky waters of both world wars and have emerged victorious. Join us as we continue giving our readers a deep insight into how these businesses have grown and enfolded newer technologies within their business operations as well as evolving internally in every facet of their organization to embrace the changing corporate scenario.

    Kirloskar Group
    Godrej Group
    Murugappa Group

    Kirloskar Group

    Group Kirloskar Group
    Founder Laxmanrao Kirloskar
    Founded 1888
    Industry Conglomerate

    Kirloskar Group
    Kirloskar Group

    The holding company, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., was established in 1888 by Laxmanrao Kirloskar and is headquartered in Pune. It was one of the earliest industrial groups in the engineering industry in the country and the manufacturer of the country’s first modern iron plough.

    However, it was under his son Shantanurao Laxmanrao Kirloskar’s leadership that the company achieved one of the highest growth rates in the country’s history recording 32401% asset growth between 1950 and 1991. It was in the year 1974 that the Kirloskar Group began manufacturing tractors in cooperation with the German firm Deutz-Fahr, which has now ceased. The group is engaged in manufacturing centrifugal pumps, engines, compressors, screw and centrifugal chillers, lathes, and electrical equipment like electric motors, transformers, and generators. The Kirloskar Group exports its products to more than 70 countries in most of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

    Through the years, the company’s core business has gotten stronger and it has expanded its business operations foraying into various other sectors in a bid to stay relevant and successful in highly competitive and emerging markets.

    Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd.

    The company was founded in 1991 to transform the high-quality pig iron and grey iron casting industry.

    Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd.

    The company is engaged in manufacturing diesel engines and generator sets for all commercial and residential usage.

    Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd.

    One of the core group companies, it was founded by Shantanurao in 1958 as the manufacturer of air compressors and pneumatic tools. It has since diversified into air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, marine HVACR, Process Gas Systems, and Hydraulic Power Transmission Machinery.

    Kirloskar Electric Company

    Established in 1946, the company first brought in the indigenous electrical manufacturing industry in India. Currently, the company makes more than 70 products under 8 different product groups that cater to core sectors like power generation, transmission and distribution, transportation, renewable energy, sugar, steel, cement, and allied industries.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.

    A joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and Kirloskar Group, the company manufactures and sells Toyota Cars in India.

    Kirloskar Investments and Finance Ltd.

    Incorporated in the year 1983, the company has been engaged in undertaking lease, hire purchase, bill discounting and portfolio investments, and other fund-based activities.

    Kirloskar Chillers Pvt. Ltd.

    A leading player in the HVAC&R space for the past 25 years, the company designs innovative solutions for comfort and process cooling and heating applications.

    Corporate film: Kirloskar Brothers Limited

    Godrej Group

    Group Godrej Group
    Founder Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej
    Founded 1897
    Industry Conglomerate

    Godrej Group
    Godrej Group

    Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej founded the Godrej Group in the year 1897. The company’s core business was manufacturing locks with lever technology. In the year 1902, the company made India’s first safe backing it up with incorporating Godrej Soaps Limited in the year 1918. A little over 30 years later, the company produced India’s first indigenous typewriter.

    Over the years, the company has diversified and entered into various businesses relevant to the market and the consumer. Headquartered in Mumbai, the conglomerate successfully entered and operated businesses in sectors including real estate, consumer products, industrial engineering, home appliances, furniture, security, aerospace, infotech, and agricultural products. The Godrej group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies include Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Properties, and the private holding company Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

    Founded in the year 2001, the company’s product repertoire includes soap, hair color, toiletries, and liquid detergents.

    Godrej Infotech Ltd.

    As the name suggests, the company is a software services and consulting company. It was, formerly, an IT division of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    Godrej Properties Ltd.

    The company was established in 1990 and has been instrumental in the construction of residential, commercial, and township projects.

    Godrej Agrovet

    The company is a food and agricultural conglomerate that is dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields.

    Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    This is the flagship company of the Godrej Group which is privately held. The company is engaged in engineering and construction projects.

    Godrej Aerospace

    The company is the sole manufacturer of liquid engines for space launch vehicles for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

    Godrej Success Story: Journey to become a global conglomerate
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    Murugappa Group

    Group Murugappa Group
    Founder A. M. Murugappa Chettiar
    Founded 1900
    Industry Conglomerate

    The Murugappa Group foundation was laid by Dewan Bahadur A. M. Murugappa Chettiar when he established a money-lending and banking business in the year 1900. It was first set up in Moulmein, Burma (now Myanmar). It then spread to British Malaya, Ceylon, Dutch East Indies, and French Indo-China. The business was then moved to India in the 1930s. Over the years, the Murugappa group established many companies across various industry sectors that include abrasives, auto components, bicycles, sugar, farm inputs, fertilizers, plantations, bioproducts, and nutraceuticals.

    The Murugappa group is headquartered in Chennai and boasts 28 businesses under the group’s umbrella, 9 of which are listed on the BSE and NSE. Some of the well-known brands of the Murugappa group include BSA, Hercules, Montra, Mach City, Ballmaster, Ajax, Parry’s, Chola, Gromor, Shanthi Gears, and Paramfos.

    Carborundum Universal Ltd.

    The company was founded in 1954 and is engaged in manufacturing and developing abrasives, ceramics, refractories, aluminum oxide grains, machine tools, polymers, adhesives, and electro minerals.

    Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Ltd.

    Founded in 1949, the company’s business operations include products and services in financial services, insurance, and other allied services.

    Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Ltd.

    It was in the year 1978 that the company was established and as the name suggests, offers products and services in the investment and finance sectors including vehicle finance, home loans, mortgage loans, and wealth management.

    Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company

    Founded in the year 2001, the company is a joint venture between the Murugappa Group and a Japanese insurance company Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, the company’s business operations include offering general insurance to individuals.

    Coromandel International Ltd.

    The company was established in the year 1961 and is an Indian crop protection corporation. The company’s original name was Coromandel Fertilizers and it makes fertilizers, pesticides, and specialty nutrients.

    Coromandel Engineering Company Ltd.

    Established in the year 1947 as a part of the Murugappa Group, the company is engaged in the field of construction and property development.

    Eid Parry India Ltd.

    The company’s business is in the manufacturing sector making sugar and nutraceuticals. It is present in the farm inputs business that includes bio-pesticides.

    Parry Agro Industries Ltd.

    The company is one of the leading producers of CTC, Orthodox, Organic, and Green teas in the country.

    Tube Investments of India Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1959, the company is an engineering and manufacturing business that specializes in bicycles, metal-formed products, and chains.

    With many other businesses operating successfully under its parent umbrella, Murugappa Holdings, the group is currently led by MM Murugappan, Executive Chairman.

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    Murugappa Group is one of the leading business conglomerates in India. Lets check out all the Subsidiaries of Murugappa Group that made it successful.
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    The Journey Continues…

    As we are inching towards the last part of this series, we look at three more home-grown companies that are a continued source of inspiration to all upcoming entrepreneurs…..

    FAQs

    Who is the founder of Kirloskar Group?

    Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. was established in 1888 by Laxmanrao Kirloskar and is headquartered in Pune.

    Name the subsidiaries of the Godrej group.

    The Godrej group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies include Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Properties, and the private holding company Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    Who founded Murugappa Group?

    The Murugappa Group foundation was laid by Dewan Bahadur A. M. Murugappa Chettiar when he established a money-lending and banking business in the year 1900.

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part II

    We continue this foray to gain insight into the Indian businesses that have not only sustained through the years but have successfully stayed relevant in a continuously changing market scenario. This is a brief look at those Indian companies and the feeling of pride they instill in the citizens of this country.

    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited
    Tata Group
    Dabur Ltd.

    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited

    Group Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited
    Founder Pallonji Mistry
    Founded 1865
    Industry Conglomerate

    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Ltd
    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Ltd

    Touted as one of India’s most valuable private enterprises, it was founded as a partnership firm by the name of Littlewood Pallonji in 1865. The firm’s first-ever project was to construct a pavement on Girgaum Chowpatty in the city of Mumbai. This was swiftly followed by being a part of reservoir construction on Malabar Hill. This reservoir has supplied water to the city of Mumbai for over a century. Over the years the company went on to build the famous Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi as well as the Mumbai Central Railway Station. Shapoorji Pallonji has also built the Barakhamba Underground Station in Delhi and Providence Stadium in Guyana.

    A company that began its business operations as a construction firm has now grown to include real estate, textiles, engineered goods, home appliances, shipping, publications, power, and biotechnology. It has expanded its footprint to more than 50 countries across Europe, America, and Australia. It also has a significant presence in the Middle East and Africa. It now delivers end-to-end solutions in Engineering and Construction, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Water, Energy, and Financial Services.

    The Shapoorji Pallonji Group has two listed companies – Forbes & Company Ltd and Gokak Textiles. Apart from these, the Group also operates various other subsidiaries and companies under its umbrella.

    Forbes & Company Ltd

    Erstwhile Forbes Gokak Limited was established in 1767, and the management of the company eventually moved into the hands of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. It is an engineering company and listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange since the year 1919.

    Gokak Textiles  

    Established in the year 1887, the company is a specialist manufacturer of grey yarn and one of India’s largest exporters. It also supplies bamboo textile towels including other products.

    SP Engineering & Construction

    The company’s business operations include end-to-end solutions in engineering and construction within India.

    Shapoorji Pallonji Business Empire (150+ Years) | How big is Shapoorji Pallonji Group?

    Eureka Forbes Limited

    A well-known household name, the company is engaged in making water purification devices, vacuum cleaners, air purification systems, and home security products.

    SP Investment Advisors

    This company is a synergistic expansion to the group’s existing real estate development and contracting businesses. This business allows the group to offer services as a fully integrated real estate development and investment advisory platform.

    SP Oil & Gas Pvt. Ltd.

    The company is a designer, fabricator, owner, and operator of cutting-edge floating technologies within the country.

    SP Real Estate

    The company is a well-known and well-regarded business operator within the real estate sector of India. Its business operations include creating opulent skyscrapers, affordable housing, and functional workspaces.

    Apart from these, the other subsidiary companies include Shapoorji Pallonji Ports Ltd, Afcons Infrastructure, Forvol International Services, Sterling & Wilson, SD Corporation, Oman Shapoorji Co., and NextGen Publishing.

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    Tata Group

    Group Tata Group
    Founder Jamsetji Tata
    Founded 1868
    Industry Conglomerate

    Tata Group
    Tata Group

    Jamsetji Tata, sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of Indian Industry’ founded the Tata Group in 1868, headquartered in Mumbai. Its beginning was as a humble trading house. A few years later, in 1874, he established a textile mill in Nagpur, which was the turning point for him and the business. This was followed by Jamsetji building the famous Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba in 1903, which became the first hotel with electricity in British India. Tata Steel, erstwhile TISCO, was established by Dorabji Tata in 1907.  The year 1932 also saw the founding of Tata Air Services which was later renamed as Tata Airlines.

    Over the years, the company recognized the changing market and consumer scenario as well as advancing technology and re-invented its business operations to include and expand into newer ventures. It has slowly and steadily grown to become India’s largest conglomerate with products and services in more than 150 countries. The group’s business operations span 100 countries across 6 continents. With the group’s annual revenue recorded as USD 128 billion in FY 2021-22, each of the Tata Group companies functions individually under its board of directors and shareholders. The philanthropic trust, Tata Trust controls 66% of the holding company Tata Sons.

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    Of the Tata Group’s many and varied companies, 29 companies are publicly listed with a combined market capitalization of USD 311 billion as of March 2022. The affiliated companies of the Tata Group include –

    Tata Advanced Systems

    The company is engaged in the Aerospace and Defense sector

    Tata International Group

    This company’s business operations include leather products and global trading through various subsidiaries

    Tata Consultancy Services

    This is the information technology arm of the group

    Tata Elxsi

    Similar to TCS, this is also the information technology arm of the group

    Tata Steel

    The name of the company is self-explanatory as to the nature of the business

    Tata Electronics

    The business operations include Electrical and Electronics

    Tata Power

    This company too operates in the Electrical and Electronics sector

    Tata Projects & Tata Consulting Engineers

    Both these companies individually operate in the engineering space

    Tata Housing, Tata Realty & Infrastructure, and Hemisphere Props  

    The Real Estate arm of the Tata Group is handled by these three companies.

    Tata Motors

    The company is engaged and operates in the automotive sector

    Tata Chemicals, Tata Consumer Products, Voltas, Trent & Titan Company Ltd.

    These companies are big players in the consumer and retail markets.

    Tata Capital, Tata Asset Management, Tata AIG, Tata AIA Life, and Tata Investment Corp

    These companies work in the financial services sector.

    Indian Hotel Company, Taj Air, Air Asia India, Air India Limited, and Vistara

    These companies operate in the Travel and Tourism sector.

    Tata Communications, Tata Teleservices, Tata Play –

    The telecom and media sector is successfully traversed by these companies.

    Tata International, Tata Industries Ltd., And Panatone Finvest

    These are the companies that are engaged in the trading and investments business.

    Tata Digital

    It operates in the digital space.

    Over the years, the Tata Group has also acquired many businesses within the group’s fold and has helped establish and finance several research, educational, and cultural institutes within the country. Some of these institutes are the Indian Institute of Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, National Center for Performing Arts, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Cancer Hospital, etc.

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    Dabur Ltd.

    Group Dabur Ltd.
    Founder S.K. Burman
    Founded 1884
    Industry Consumer Goods

    Dr. S. K. Burman founded Dabur Ltd., in the year 1884. He was a qualified physician and an Ayurvedic practitioner who formulated Ayurvedic medicines for illnesses like cholera, constipation, and malaria. He went on to mass-produce his ayurvedic formulations and sell them under the brand name Dabur, a name he earned from his patients.

    It was C. L. Burman who first set up the company’s Research and Development unit and his grandson G. C. Burman moved the company’s headquarters from erstwhile Calcutta to Delhi due to an unpleasant workers’ unrest. The company was among one of the first businesses in India that separated family ownership from management as they successfully handed over the management of the company to professionals in the year 1998. In the year 1997, the company set up a wholly-owned consumer goods subsidiary called Dabur Foods. Under Dabur Foods, the group launched the popular fruit juice brand Real. Dabur Ltd. also acquired a 51% stake in the Indian spices company Badshah Masala. In the year 2003, it also demerged its pharmaceutical business and established it as a separate company called Dabur Pharma Ltd.

    The current chairman Dr. Anand Burman and the vice-chairman Amit Burman are the fifth generation of the family at the helm of the company. Dabur Ltd., is one of the largest FMCG companies in the country that records 60% of its revenues from the consumer care business, 11% from the food business, and the remaining from its international business unit. The Dabur Group operates three subsidiaries called Dabur Research Foundation, Aviva India, and H&B Stores Ltd and also drives its corporate social responsibility initiatives through Dabur’s Sustainable Development Society (Sundesh).

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    Dabur is a multinational consumer goods manufacturing company that is well recognized for its Ayurvedic medicine and natural consumer products.
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    The Journey Continues….

    Indian industrial history is as rich and deep as its culture and tradition. The country’s homegrown brands have traveled a long and winding road through the years and emerged successfully into a world that is driven by technology, information, and data. Part III of this article covers more indigenous brands and their journeys….

    FAQs

    Who is the founder of Tata Group?

    Jamsetji Tata, sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of Indian Industry’ founded the Tata Group in 1868.

    Who are the current chairman and vice-chairman of Dabur Ltd.?

    The current chairman Dr. Anand Burman and the vice-chairman Amit Burman are the fifth generation of the family at the helm of the company.

    What is Gokak Textiles about?

    Established in the year 1887, the company is a specialist manufacturer of grey yarn and one of India’s largest exporters. It also supplies bamboo textile towels including other products.

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part I

    The concept of entrepreneurship in India can be traced to the early age of ancient Indian civilization. The Harappan civilization had established a commercial connection with the Mesopotamian society due to their trading culture of exchanging hand-crafted products like toys, pots, utensils, etc. This was known as the barter system, which was highly prevalent before money was invented.

    With the passage of time, business and commerce evolved and just prior to interaction with the Western world, Indians were organized in a specific form of economic and social organization that was known as a village or a community. It was the British who introduced the industry culture in India, mainly through establishing private sector industries. Many Indian entrepreneurs set up businesses during that time which remain successful even today, having traversed through the years and staying relevant through them.

    We, at StartupTalky, are bringing you a list of such business houses that have traveled through time and have consistently reinvented themselves over the years and are not only relevant today, but are providing tough competition to newer businesses.

    Oldest Indian Businesses

    The Wadia Group
    The RPG Group
    Aditya Birla Group

    The Wadia Group

    Group The Wadia Group
    Founder Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia
    Founded 1736
    Industry Conglomerate

    The Wadia Group
    The Wadia Group

    Founded by Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia in 1736, The Wadia Group is the oldest conglomerate operating successfully in the country. It operated by securing contracts to build ships and docks in Mumbai from the British East India Company, eventually resulting in Bombay’s erstwhile city becoming a strategic port for the British Colonial undertakings in Asia. The first dry dock in Asia was built by Lovji and his brother Sorabji in 1750 in Mumbai. HMS Minden, HMS Cornwallis, and HMS Trincomalee were some of the historical ships built by The Wadia Group. The company is headquartered in Mumbai. The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of The Wadia Group, was established in 1863, making it the oldest publicly traded Indian company.

    With the passage of years, The Wadia Group continued its growth and expansion trajectory keeping up with time and technology. Bombay Dyeing was established in the year 1879, followed by Britannia Industries, established in 1918, and National Peroxide Limited which was established in the year 1999. All these four companies are listed on the Indian stock exchanges and continue to witness success year after year.

    Apart from the above-mentioned companies, some other firms that are operating under The Wadia Group Umbrella are:

    Gladrags

    A fashion magazine, established in the year 1959, that was of particular interest to Maureen Wadia who was a former air hostess herself.

    Wadia Techno-Engineering Services Ltd.

    A civil engineering firm that was established in 1960, it offers services like pre-feasibility services, procurement, project management, and technical advisory.   The company serves various Indian sectors like textile, industrial plants, commercial complexes, and transportation.

    Go First

    Founded as GoAir in the year 2005, it was an ultra-low-cost airline that reached its success pinnacle as the fifth largest airline in India in 2017 with an 8.4% passenger market share.

    Punjab Kings

    This cricket team is one of the ten franchisee teams playing in the India Premier League (IPL). It was established in the year 2008.

    Bombay Realty

    The company was established in the year 2011 as a real estate developer with a wide range of commercial and residential properties.

    As of the current year, 2023, The Wadia Group’s CEO, Nusli Wadia’s estimated net worth is approximately USD 3.9 billion.

    Case Study of Wadia Group and the list of companies under the group
    Wadia Group ships have been in business since 1736 and are one of the oldest Conglomerate in Indian Business. Currently, it is varied in several Wadia group subsidiaries.
    StartupTalkyVibhavari Madki

    The RPG Group

    Group The RPG Group
    Founder Ramdutt Goenka
    Founded 1820
    Industry Conglomerate

    The RPG Group
    The RPG Group

    The roots of the RPG Group can be traced through history to the enterprising Ramdutt Goenka, who founded it in the year 1820. It was his nephew Keshav Prasad Goenka, however, under whose leadership the group expanded by acquiring Duncan Brothers, Octavius Steel, and many other businesses making the company a conglomerate. The commonly known name, RPG Enterprises was founded in the year 1979 by Ram Prasad Goenka, Keshav Prasad Goenka’s son. The group initially comprised the Phillips Carbon Black, Asian Cables, Agarpara Jute, The Indian Express, and Murphy India. Mumbai is the city where the conglomerate has its headquarters.

    Staying true to innovation and relevance, the conglomerate has ventured into various businesses over the years, presently boasting over fifteen companies operating in various areas of infrastructure, tires, technology, and specialty.

    CEAT Tyres

    With a wide presence in the global markets, CEAT Limited was established in 1924 in Turin, Italy. It is the flagship company of RPG Enterprises and the largest exporter of tires in India.

    KEC International

    One of the largest power transmission engineering-procurement-construction companies in the world, it has developed power infrastructure in more than 70 countries. KEC International is also increasing its footprint in sectors like railways, civil, urban infrastructure, solar infrastructure, and oil and gas cross-country pipelines.

    Zensar Technologies

    Belonging to the Information Technology sector, the company is a services and business process outsourcer. Having a global marketing presence in the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South Africa, its service areas include application support and development, testing, enterprise collaboration and content management, enterprise application integration, business intelligence, and data warehousing.

    Raychem RPG Limited

    The company is engaged in engineering products and services that cater to the infrastructure segments such as power, telecommunications, hydrocarbon, oil and gas, and water.

    RPG Life Sciences

    A pharmaceutical company of the conglomerate, its three main business operations include manufacturing and marketing of bulk drugs, pharmaceutical formulation & fermentation, and biotechnology.

    Harrisons Malayalam Ltd.

    This is an agricultural business arm of the RPG Group with a history spanning 150 years. It is the largest producer of pineapples in India apart from rubber and tea. It also produces bananas, cardamom, cocoa, coffee, coconut, pepper, and vanilla.

    RPG Ventures

    The venture capital business operation of the RPG Group invests in innovative startups in sectors like health and wellness, technology, automotive, infrastructure, and project management.

    Aditya Birla Group

    Group Aditya Birla Group
    Founder Shiv Narayan Birla
    Founded 1857
    Industry Conglomerate

    Aditya Birla Group
    Aditya Birla Group

    Shiv Narayan Birla founded the Aditya Birla Group in 1857. However, it was Ghanshyamdas Birla’s leadership that catapulted the Aditya Birla Group to its success pinnacle today. During World War I, he set up a jute trading business in response to the increased demand for gurney bags.

    With time, the group expanded its operations and footprints and currently has a presence across 36 countries, deriving almost 50% of its annual revenue from its global operations. Its business has expanded across various industry sectors that include, metals, cement, fashion and retail, financial services, telecom services, IT services, renewables, fiber, textiles, chemicals, real estate, trading, mining, and entertainment.

    The Aditya Birla Group has seven publicly listed companies with a total market capitalization of USD 70 billion as of March 2022.

    Hindalco Industries Limited

    Founded in the year 1958 by GD Birla, Hindalco is the group’s metals flagship company. It is an industry leader in aluminum and copper.

    UltraTech Cement

    Founded by Kumar Mangalam Birla in the year 1983, the company is the largest manufacturer of grey cement, ready-mix concrete, and white cement.

    Novelis Inc.

    An independent subsidiary of Hindalco and operating in America, Novelis is a producer of rolled aluminum and an aluminum recycler.

    Aditya Birla Group | The Journey

    Grasim Industries

    A well-known name, the company is a textile producer and has diversified into textile raw materials like viscose staple fiber and viscose filament yarn, chemicals, and insulators.

    Aditya Birla Capital

    Founded in the year 2007 operating under the parent company, Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Capital enjoys a strong presence offering services like protecting, investing, and financial solutions.

    Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail

    The Indian fashion retail company was founded in the year 1997. It has a strong store network of more than 3400 stores, 25000 multi-brand outlets with over 6500 points of sales department stores across the country.

    Aditya Birla Group Case Study | Revenue & Growth Strategy
    Aditya Birla Group is a remarkable business in India. Read about Aditya Birla group Case study, Kumar Mangalam Birla, history, revenue, & growth.
    StartupTalkyVibhavari Madki

    The Journey Continues….

    The Indian private sector boasts some of the oldest businesses in the country which have, over time, evolved and reinvented themselves to answer the constantly changing market needs. Not only that, these businesses have marched forth confidently into the new world of information technology and embraced new and emerging technologies proving that these businesses are confident in their approach and ready and willing to adapt themselves to stay relevant in the current competitive scenario. Read Part – II of this continuing article to know more about such old business houses….

    FAQs

    Which is the oldest conglomerate operating successfully in India?

    Founded by Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia in 1736, The Wadia Group is the oldest conglomerate operating successfully in the country.

    Name a few companies owned by the RPG Group.

    CEAT Tyres, KEC International, Zensar Technologies, Raychem RPG Limited, RPG Life Sciences, Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., and RPG Ventures are the companies owned by the RPG Group.

    When was the Aditya Birla Group founded?

    Shiv Narayan Birla founded the Aditya Birla Group in 1857.