India's largest tyre manufacturing company MRF is a trusted name in the automobile sector today, but very few people know that this company did not start with tyres but with making balloons for children. This company started in 1946 has today become a symbol of indian engineering at the international level.
Began with balloons in Madras
MRF was founded by K M Mamman Mappillai in madras in 1946. At that time the name of the company was madras Rubber Factory and it only made colourful toy balloons. Mappillai himself used to sell these balloons in shops and fairs, apart from this he used to sell them on the streets by filling them in bags.
Step into the rubber industry
In the 1950s, the company started manufacturing tread rubber used for training in tyre making. At that time this market was dominated by foreign companies, but MRF made its place in the market with quality and affordable price.
Entry into tyre manufacturing
In 1960, MRF started tyre manufacturing by entering into a technical partnership with American company Mansfield Tire and Rubber. In 1961, MRF's first tyre came into the market and in a few years the company had spread its network across the country.
International identity
In 1967, MRF became the first indian company to export tyres to America. After this, the company strengthened its identity through advertising in racing, cricket and other sports.
Today's MRF
Today MRF manufactures tyres for cars, bikes, trucks, buses and even fighter aircraft Sukhoi. The company's tyres are known worldwide for their strong grip and performance. MRF's production plants are spread across different states of india which manufacture millions of tyres every year and export them to many countries. Not only this, the company has developed the technology of making new and durable tyres by investing heavily in research and development. Apart from this, MRF Group is also active in toy company Funskool, paints and motor sports. The company which started by selling balloons has today become an inspiration for the indian industrial world. It has proved that even a small beginning can lead to great heights.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel