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75 glorious years of Grasim,
75 years of nation building

2021 marks 75 years of Grasim. It was incorporated 10 days after India’s independence – a beginning of a new era for India and its people. Grasim was one of independent India’s first organisations and has played an integral role in India’s growth.

It was started as a textiles manufacturing unit to make India self-reliant and contribute to the nation’s growth. In the past 75 years, Grasim has grown exponentially from starting as a textiles manufacturing unit to becoming a global leader in VSF manufacturing and India’s largest chlor-alkali, Linen and insulators producer. It also the largest cement producer and diversified financial services (NBFC, Asset Management and Life Insurance) player in India through its subsidiaries UltraTech Cement and Aditya Birla Capital.

As Grasim turns 75, here are anecdotes that make its journey interesting and inspiring – few narrated by the very people who have lived to tell the tale.

Mr. G. D. Birla

"It has been the policy of the House of Birla to build a business, which along with accumulating capital, develops unexplored lines, harnesses the country's undeveloped resources, promotes know-how, creates skilled labour and managerial talent, spreads education and above all, adds to the efforts of the country's leaders who struggled to build a new, independent India — free from the curse of unemployment, ignorance and disease."

 

The 40s

Foreseeing a shortage of cotton, in 1947, G D Birla decided to establish a manufacturing centre for man-made fibres to supplement the textile fibre availability for clothing. He decided to set up a Rayon-based weaving unit at Gwalior and incorporated it as Gwalior Rayons and Silk Manufacturing or GRASIM, for short, on 25th August 1947. It was the beginning of Grasim's story.

Milestone

1947

Grasim was incorporated in Gwalior

 
Grasim, Nagda

The 50s

The 50s marked steady growth for the company. In 1950, Grasim's first weaving unit successfully commenced fabric production.

In 1951, the Maharaja of Gwalior, His Highness Jivajeerao Scindia, offered land in Nagda to set up a VSF plant. Abundant water resources and proximity to textile markets in Bombay and Ahmedabad made Nagda the right choice to set up a manufacturing unit.

By 1954, Grasim had set up its second manufacturing plant (15 TPD) at Nagda and began manufacturing viscose staple fibre (VSF). In the years to come, VSF turned to be a game-changer for India's textiles industry.

Milestone

1954

VSF production began at Nagda

1956

1 TPD pulp pilot plant was set up at Nagda

An aerial view of Grasim, Nagda

The 60s

In the early 1960s, Grasim set up its Pulp and Engineering division at Nagda to boost its commercial competitiveness. At the same time, the Birla Research Institute for Applied Sciences was established at Nagda to help in developing Grasim's research capabilities.

Within a few years of its establishment, the Institute filed the world's first patent to develop pulp (raw material for manufacturing VSF) from mixed hardwood. This research laid the foundation for the technology to be used at Grasim's new plants that were subsequently set up in Harihar and Mavoor (now discontinued).

Incidentally, this patent was also the Aditya Birla Group's first-ever patent.

Milestone

1963

  • A composite textile mill was set up in Bhiwani, Haryana
  • Pulp production started at Mavoor (first bamboo-based rayon-grade pulp plant in world)

1965

Birla Research Institute of Applied Sciences was inaugurated

1968

VSF production started at Mavoor

1969

Production of Spun-dyed fibres commenced at Nagda

 
Grasim, Harihar

The 70s

In 1972, Grasim set up the world's first mixed hardwood plant at Harihar based on the patented technology developed at Birla Research Institute for Applied Sciences. In the same year, Grasim optimised its manufacturing process by establishing a plant to manufacture 33,000 TPA of caustic soda for captive use.

Two years later, Grasim incorporated Thai Rayon, becoming the first Indian company to establish production capacities on foreign soil. Grasim soon began expanding its business outside India through JVs and acquisitions to make India a global economic power.

Milestone

1972

Pulp Production began at Harihar

1974

Thai Rayon Company was incorporated

1976

VSF production started at Thai Rayon Company

1977

Production of high-performance fibre (HPF) commenced at Harihar

1979

Joint Venture in Philippines (Indo Phil Textiles)

 
Vikram Cement, Jawad

The 80s

In the 80s, Grasim continued to expand its business outside India. Back home, it started diversifying its business. In 1985, it set foot into the cement market with its first plant, Vikram Cement. Set up at Jawad in Madhya Pradesh, the capacity of the plant was 0.5 MTPA.

Milestone

1980

Indo Bharat Rayon Company was incorporated

1984

Grasim Forest Research Institute was established

1985

Vikram Cement is set up at Jawad

1987-88

Started production of speciality fibres such as high-tenacity, crimped fibre and flat fibre

 

The 90s

The 90s brought a rapid transformation in the organisation. Backed by R&D capabilities to develop strings and filaments, Grasim started developing in-house capabilities for Lyocell technology, eventually leading to the launch of a 0.5 TPD Lyocell pilot plant in 1993. The plant was established at 20 per cent of the cost of setting up a similar plant in Europe. In 1998, Grasim expanded its business abroad by acquiring AV Cell Pulp Mill in Canada.

It was also a time of cultural shift in the organisation. An HR department was put in place to change the perspective of people within the organisation. It testified to Grasim's belief that its people were its biggest assets.

Milestone

1993

Research started for developing Lyocell technology, in-house

1995

Vikram Woollens was established at Malanpur in Madhya Pradesh

1996

A VSF plant was commissioned at Kharach in Gujarat

1998

Acquired AV Cell Pulp Mill, Canada

1999

A 0.5 TPD Lyocell pilot plant was commissioned at Nagda

 

The 2000s

The turn of the millennium brought a new dawn for Grasim's cement business. In 2001, it acquired a 10 per cent stake in L&T and subsequently, in 2004, acquired a controlling stake in UltraTech Cement from L&T. Currently, Grasim is India's largest cement player.

Grasim also started focusing on developing capabilities to produce fibres for the non-woven sector. Accordingly, it endeavoured to develop Lyocell-based non-woven fabrics through a one-step process. Grasim also developed exotic varieties such as perfumed fibres, mosquito-repellent fibres, anti-bacterial fibres and thermo-regulating fibres.

In 2005, Grasim also strengthened its global footprint by acquiring AV Nackawic Pulp Mill, Canada, in a joint venture with other Group Companies and Tembec Inc. In 2006, it acquired a VSF plant in China, leading to the formation of Birla Jingwei Fibres Company.

Milestone

2001

  • Acquired 10 per cent stake in L&T
  • Consultancy and software services spun off into Birla Technologies Ltd

2002

Textile operations consolidated at Bhiwani to manufacture 'Grasim' and 'Graviera' brands

2004

  • Acquired controlling stake in UltraTech Cement from L&T
  • Textile Research And Development Centre (TRADC) is inaugurated

2005

Acquired AV Nackawic Pulp Mill, Canada

2006

  • Formed Birla Jingwei Fibres Company after acquiring a VSF plant in China
  • First bale produced in Lyocell Plant at Nagda

2007

Wipes production, under the brand name Kara, established at Kharach, Gujarat

2008

Acquired a 100 per cent stake in Birla Jingwei

The 2010s

Global acquisitions of strategic importance, commissioning of state-of-the-art plants, the launch of sustainable products and global recognition in the form of awards and accolades make the decade of 2010-20 one of Grasim's most significant periods.

In 2011, Grasim acquired a key stake in Domsjö Fabriker (Domsjö) AB, Sweden, and in 2012 acquired AV Terrace Bay, Canada. In 2013 and 2014, it set up plants of global standards at Vilayat, Gujarat, to manufacture caustic soda and epoxy.

In 2018, Grasim won the Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Award for stellar performance in the textile sector and also ranked #205 in the 'Global 2000 - Growth Champions 2018' list, compiled by Forbes Magazine, USA.

Furthermore, in 2019, it took a quantum leap in sustainable fashion by launching Livaeco, a high-quality fluid fabric made with nature-based fibres.

Milestone

2011

Acquired key stake in Domsjö Fabriker AB, Sweden

2012

Acquired AV Terrace Bay, Canada

2013

Caustic soda and Epoxy plant commissioned at Vilayat, Gujarat

2014

State-of-the-art VSF plant commissioned at Vilayat, Gujarat

2015

Aditya Birla Chemicals India Limited merged with Grasim

2017

  • Aditya Birla Nuvo merged with Grasim. Subsequently the Financial Service business was demerged and was listed on bourses as Aditya Birla Capital Limited
  • UltraTech acquired cement plants with a total capacity of 21.2 MTPA from Jaiprakash Associates Ltd and Jaypee Cement Corporations Ltd.

2018

  • Ranked #205 in the 'Global 2000 - Growth Champions 2018' list, compiled by Forbes Magazine, USA
  • Bagged Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Award, 2018, for stellar performance in the textile sector

2019

  • Livaeco was launched
  • Acquired Soktas India
 
Nagda plant

The 2020s

The decade began with the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the world to its knees. True to its legacy of helping the community and uplifting it, Grasim rose to the occasion and quickly mobilised its resources to help the communities near its manufacturing locations.

Grasim's efforts included providing ration kits to the underprivileged, sanitisation of villagers' homes and empowering the local women by engaging them in activities such as mask-making. Along with taking care of the community, the company also ensured the safety and health of its people, who were working in the manufacturing units.

Despite the lockdown and the pandemic causing uncertainty, Grasim has continued its slew of acquisitions and new product launches to shepherd an economic revival.

In the past 75 years, Grasim has been a trailblazer. It filed the world's first patent for developing pulp (raw material for manufacturing VSF) from mixed hardwood. Later, it established the world's first bamboo-based rayon-grade pulp plant and also became the first Indian company to set up manufacturing units outside India.

Milestone

2020

Commissioned the third generation of 16 KTPA speciality fibre plant at Kharach, Gujarat. The plant boasts of green technology developed entirely in-house

2021

  • A joint patent with Nanollose was filed for high-tenacity Lyocell
  • Announced foray into paints

Grasim has also actively taken interest in its employees personal and professional growth and wellbeing right from its inception. Here's what some employees who worked with Grasim from the 1960s to the 2000s have to say about the company and the difference it has made to their lives.

"The management took care of us thoroughly. The company provided cooking oil to the workmen every month and gave us 750ml of milk every day. Later on, after the advice of workmen, the company also started providing vitamin tablets to be taken along with milk. The establishment of Janseva was a great leap taken by the management towards workmen health and wellbeing.

The company also installed exhaust fans in areas where exposure to gas was high. During rainy season, company provided raincoat and umbrella at workplace. Grasim left no stone unturned in ensuring our wellbeing."

Pooran Singh Rawat

Age: 78 Years

Grasim Experience: 1962-2000
(38 Years)

Department: Spinning Process

"I have many fond memories of working at Grasim. All the seniors were very good and cooperative and spoke to us with respect. My best experiences include my visit to Harihar and Kosamba along with HODs, Mr. Mishra and Mr. Garg respectively. They both were great people and took great care of me, always supported me and appreciated me for my work. Because of their support and appreciation, I was able to work and provide my best to the organisation."

Gani Mohammad

Age: 74 Years

Grasim Experience: 1962-1997
(35 Years)

Department: Spinning Process

"I had a very good bonding with other workmen. We all worked together as a family and we always motivated each other to do better. The work culture was very positive and we always aimed to give our best to the organisation."

Bheru Lal Panchal

Age: 72 Years

ABG Experience: 1967-2000
(33 Years)

Department: Viscose Process

"One of my favourite memories of Grasim are the Kabaddi competitions that were held in the evenings. I was the captain of the team and the current Cabinet Minister, Mr. Thawar Chand Gehlot also played under my captaincy.

A 30-40 member cultural committee was also formed at the Unit and we did many cultural programmes at the local level. Many of my photos were published in the Grasim Sandesh Magazine and I felt very proud about it. Back then, Mr. DP Mandeliya rewarded us for our performances which we then donated to Mrs. Indira Gandhi during the emergency."

Shyam Kapoor

Age: 75 Years

Grasim Experience: 1967-2004
(37 Years)

Department: Viscose Process

Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla

Chairman, Aditya Birla Group

"Grasim traces its very origin to the spirit of nation-building. It's success over 8 decades is an emphatic endorsement of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). Grasim today, is home to world-beating fibre, chemicals, and cement companies. The unmatched global scale built across diverse sectors is on the back of decades of dogged determination, relentless innovation, soaring and fearless ambition, incessant cost consciousness, and agility. These are the qualities of an Atmanirbhar Grasim which has been nourished from India and flourished globally."

Mr. Dilip Gaur

Managing Director, Grasim Industries Limited

Grasim's growth story began with a pioneering thought built on the spirit of nation building underpinned by our core values - integrity, commitment, passion, seamlessness, and speed. In its 75 years of journey, we have always believed in symbiotic partnership with all our stakeholders -growing & prospering together. We will continue to focus on sustainable growth and development through holistic nurturing of people, process & planet. Our successful journey would not have been possible without the support of over 24,000 employees, 230,000 shareholders, society and customers.