How big is the Aditya-Birla Group?

Posted by Keshav Jain on


           In 1857, Shiv Narayan Birla, started cotton trading in Pilani, Rajasthan. The enterprise grew, expanded and came to be known as Aditya-Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate with a presence in over 36 countries, managed by the fourth-generation Birlas.



          GD Birla, who took over the company, diversified the business. Birla’s business concerns include non-ferrous metals, cement, textiles, chemicals, agri-business, carbon black, mining, wind power, insulators, telecommunications, financial services, retail and trading solutions. The management of the company by Aditya Vikram Birla changed the face of the Birla Group.



          In 1969, he started Birla’s first overseas venture- Indo-Thai Synthetics Co. Ltd. It was followed by the setting up of 19 overseas companies in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Egypt. Today, almost 50 per cent of the company’s revenue comes from its overseas operations. Their major subsidiaries include Grasim, the world’s leading producer of viscose staple fibre, Hindalco, that produces aluminum and copper; Ultra Tech Cement, Pantaloons and Planet Fashion.



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When did Bajaj start making scooters?

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           Bajaj started taking India on its wheels in the 1940s. This brand is more than 60 years old and the scooters and bikes that it gave Indians are remembered with nostalgia. When Jamnalal Bajaj started the company, it was known as Bachraj Trading Corporation Pvt. Ltd.



           Initially, Bajaj sold imported two- and three- wheelers. The company began making scooters of its own in the 1960s. Chetak, Bajaj’s first indigenous brand came out in the 70s. Designed much like Vespa, this scooter was low-priced and people loved it. Soon, the name Bajaj became synonymous with scooters. Bajaj started making motorcycles in the mid-80s. It now produces a range of motorcycles in almost all segments with distinct body designs like Platina, Discover, Pulsar, Avenger and Ninja. Bajaj is one of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers now. The company also produces three-wheelers.



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Who took Tata forward after Jamsetji Tata?

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           Dorab Tata, Jamsetji’s son took over from him after his demise. He experimented with new sectors and diversified the company and by the 1930s, Tata had its presence in several industries including steel, electricity, education, consumer goods and aviation.



          J R D Tata took over the Tata Group in the late 1930s. When he joined, Tata had 14 companies. When he stepped down, there were 95. His efforts gained global recognition for the Tata Group. He explored new sectors like chemicals, technology, cosmetics, and tea, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, and software services. He also started Tata Airlines that later became Air India. One of the company’s major subsidiaries, Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) that later became Tata Motors was formed in 1945.



          The 1990s were a period of rapid growth for the Tata Group. With Ratan Tata at the helm, the company focused on going international: it also acquired several foreign brands at the same time. The launch of Tata Nano was yet another milestone. Nano became the new ‘people’s car’ as it was an affordable, all-weather form of transport for millions of middle- and lower-income consumers.



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