The name Godrej stands tall in Indian industry, immediately bringing to mind robust vaults and almirahs—a legacy of trust spanning over a century. Starting with simple locks for safeguarding valuables to creating safes desired even by the British, Godrej's reach now extends beyond the Earth to the moon, notably contributing to India's Chandrayaan mission. As we delve into the 127-year-old history, we uncover pioneering firsts the nation owes to this remarkable group. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating journey...
Global presence, staggering market value
The locks and keys were just the beginning. From soaps to luxury apartments, Godrej's ventures are spread far and wide. Currently under the spotlight for a division, the Godrej Family, one of the nation's oldest business families, has split its legacy. Adi Godrej and Nadir Godrej now oversee half of the global empire spread across 90 countries, while Jamshyed Godrej and his sister Smitha manage the non-listed firms and significant land bank. Following the split, Adi-Nadir now control all five listed companies, leaving Jamshyed-Smitha with the non-listed ones and land assets. The group's market valuation is an impressive 2.36 trillion rupees.
Groundbreaking beginnings in 1897
Initially attempting to manufacture surgical blades without much success, Ardeshir Godrej, alongside his brother Pirojsha, laid the foundation for what would become a storied empire in 1897. Motivated by increasing home burglaries, Ardeshir conceived the idea of producing more secure locks. Though locks were already in existence, Godrej introduced an enhanced, more resilient version. Teaming up with his brother, they scaled their manufacturing operations and have not looked back since.
Source: aajtak
The British too placed their trust in Godrej
Evolving from locks to solid safes branded with the Godrej name, they managed to impress the British rulers of India. According to reports, the British held Godrej safes in high regard. In 1911, during King George V and Queen Mary's Delhi visit, they chose to secure their valuables in Godrej vaults. Meanwhile, Ardeshir Godrej was actively involved in the Swadeshi movement, resonating with the momentum for an independent India.
The firsts India saw with Godrej
Like the Tata Group, Godrej too introduced a number of firsts to the nation. In 1951, when India conducted its first Lok Sabha Elections post-independence, the first ballot boxes were made by Godrej. Not just that, the first fully indigenous typewriter was also Godrej's brainchild in collaboration with Boyce in 1955, followed by India's first refrigerator in 1958.
Source: aajtak
Adi Godrej's Vision Takes Flight
Under Adi Godrej, who joined the company in 1963 after his venture into business management at MIT, changed outmoded practices, and modernized the firm to match contemporary trends. Through a redefined brand image infused with emotional rapport, Godrej rapidly ascended to greater heights.
Presently, five companies under the Godrej Group are listed on the stock market, namely Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Properties, Godrej Agrovet, and Astec Life Sciences. The company's growth in the aerospace sector is equally noteworthy.
Source: aajtak
Vital Role in Chandrayaan-3's Success
Godrej Aerospace has played a significant role in India's lunar missions. From providing essential components for the Chandrayaan-1 launcher and orbiter in 2008 to contributing equipment for Chandrayaan-2. Though the latter did not succeed, Chandrayaan-3 marked a triumph in 2023, achieving a successful landing at the moon's South Pole. Godrej manufactured pivotal parts for this victorious mission, including rocket engines and thrusters at their Vikhroli facility in Mumbai, and also contributed to the core stage L110 engine manufacturing.
