The success story of MRF
Do you know K.M Mammen Mappillai? He is the man who has written the MRF success story in golden words. From selling balloons to becoming the biggest name, he has seen it all. Let us read ahead to know the ‘Success Story of MRF.’ If this does not move you to march ahead towards your goals, then what else shall motivate you?
Hard Work That Wrote MRF Success Story!
Do you know Mr. Mammen is known for grilling himself to earn for his family. His father was an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle. However, his father’s voice was suppressed by putting him in jail. At that time, Mr. Mammen sold balloons on the streets to serve his family and studied side by side. While his father was in jail, he was out. But he was still captivated in the prison of responsibilities.
Unveiling Madras Rubber Factory
MRF is the name for Madras Rubber Factory, started by K.M Mammen Mappillai. After turning the tables, he finally pursued his graduation in tyre manufacturing. Still he was selling balloons. After being in the balloon business for around six good years, he decided to proceed ahead with something else.
Tread Rubber : His Cup of Tea!
Manufacturing toys and balloons in a small room at his place was not his cup of tea. His expertise was with Tread Rubber! In 1952, when he noticed an American Company supplying it to a tyre retreading plant, he got an idea.
Oh but wait! Before we throw some light on the idea, let us make you aware of these two terms.
- Tread Rubber: This is the rubber present in the tyres that comes in direct contact with the road.
- Tyre Retreading: It is the process to extract something out of the old tyres. Basically, it is re-using the old ones!
So, now let’s come back to the idea. After viewing that American Company, Mr. Mammen decided to set up a Tread Rubber unit in India itself! This set up another foundation for ‘Success Story of MRF.’
MRF Tyres Making Big In The Industry!
Beginning in 1952 to make Tread Rubber, MRF captured the market in no time. In the span of four years, it forced foreign companies to pack their bags and leave India. Since, Tread Rubber was produced by foreign companies so there was no domestic competition. This worked well for MRF!
Beginning With MRF Tyres
After showing exit gate to the foreign companies, Mr. Mammen wanted to begin with his own tyre manufacturing. However, his focus was to have the best technical help, efficient equipment, and A-one quality manufacturing. This led to a professional collaboration with Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company from the USA that broke in later years.
Challenges with MRF Tyres
Dear Readers, it is not a smooth story as it seems! The collaboration with the USA based company did not work well for India. Their tyres did not suit India. Moreover, excessive competition from foreign companies such as Firestone, Dunlop, Good Year, etc. made it difficult. But MRF had an edge! Edge of being a domestic, national, and home company.
Some Facts About MRF
Did you know in 1967, MRF exported tyres to the USA and became the first company to do so. Also, in 1973, for the first time nylon tyres were launched in India by MRF. The list of facts is endless! Also, marketing played an impactful role in making MRF huge. For this, Alyque Padamsee was asked to help. After linking the desires of truck drivers of having a strong tyre, he brought the idea of MRF Muscle Man. This figure was used in all sorts of advertising. This figure indicated strength associated with durable and strong MRF Tyres.
In 1980, MRF established MRF Pace Foundation and got into the sports arena. Hopefully you are able to recall our favorite batsman holding a bat with MRF on it! Also, MRF is associated with the Boxing Championship and manufacturing of F3 Racing Cars.
Conclusion
Heard about From Rags To Riches? This story is the same. But it isn’t merely destiny. It had smart work, hard work, wise collaborations, intelligent steps, and an undying desire to make it big for India! Did you know in 1961, the first ever MRF tyre came out in the market and in the same year, MRF launched its IPO in the Madras Stock Exchange. Imagine balloons on streets and tyres on Indian roads. Feels breathtaking, right? The credit of writing the ‘Success Story of MRF’ goes to Mr. Mammen who left his kingdom in 2003. Kudos to his kids, his team, and his believers that MRF is still a huge name!
Author: Dolly Bhardwaj
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