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1.3.7. HISTORY OF MRF PVT LTD K.M.Mammen Mappilli founded Madras rubber factory. First production shed in Tiruvattiyur which produced toy balloons.

Although the factory was just a small shed without any machines, variety of products, ranging from balloons and latex-cast squeaking toys to industrial gloves and contraceptives, were produced. During this time, MRF established its first at 334, thambuchetty street, Madras (Chennai), Tamil nadu, India. MRF soon became the only Indian-owned unit to manufacture the superior extruded. Non-blooming and cushion-backed tread-rubber, enabling it to compete with the MNCs operating in India at that time. With the success achieved in tread rubber MRF entered into the manufacture of tyres. MRF established a technical collaboration with the Masfield tire & rubber company of USA. Around the same time, it also became a public company. It setup a pilot plant for tyre manufacture at Tiruvattiyur, madras (Chennai).

1946

1949

1952

MRF ventures into the manufacturing of Tread-rubber and with that, the first machine, rubber mill, was installed at the factory. This step into tread rubber manufacture was later to catapult MRF into a league that few had imagined possible. The quality of the product manufactured was of such a high standard that by the close of 1956, MRF had become the market leader with a 5% share of the tread-rubber market in India.

1955 1956

1961

1963

On June 12 1963, Indias first prime minister late pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone for the rubber research center at Tiruvattiyur to commemorate the inaugurations of the factory.

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With the commissioning of the main plant in 1964, MRF also made progress in the export of tyres. An overseas office at Beirut (Lebanon) was established to develop the export market, and it was amongst. Indias very first exports on tyre exports, this year also marked the birth of the new famous MRF muscleman. Establishes factory in kottayam for manufactures of treadrubber tubes etc. Establishes arakkonam factory cycle tyres, two wheeler tyres produce hundred different type of tyres. MRF developed the MRF super lug-78, a sturdy tyre for heavy duty trucks. The tyre was a significant improvement over its existing products, and went on to become the countrys largest selling truck tyre in latest years. Establishes technical collaboration with GOODRICH, USA. Company name changed from factory to the acronym MRF. MRF took a major decision to be aggressive on the racing circuits. Company touches Rs. 200cr sales first fitment for MARUTHI 800.

1964
MRF became the first India Company to export tyres to USA the very birthplace of tyre technology.

1967

1970 1971 1972 1973

Establishes factory in goa manufactures of truck tyre. Builds India first nylon car tyre. Mrf scored a major breakthrough by being among the very first in India to manufacture and market nylon tyres passenger tyres commercially.

1978

Company reaches Rs. 100cr turn over.

1979

1980 1983

MRF began a rapid product development program for new vehicles entering India.

1984

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1985
Pitted against 20 tyre companies worldwide. MRF wins the national institute of quality assurance award.

MRF nylon grip tyres for twowheeler vehicle were launched.

1986 1987

Establisher MRF pace foundation institution to develop pace bowlers, Dennis little as its director. Not long thereafter, pace bowlers trained at the foundation were selected for the Indian cricket team, MRF brought the 6th world boxing championship to Mumbai. The first of its kind with 39 countries participation. The event was telecast lie on TV network worldwide. Touches 1000cr mark. Chairman and MD Mr.K.M. Mammen mappillai were awarded with PADMASHREE. The company was voted by the far eastern economic review, as one of the ten leading corporate groups in India and a leader in Asia. The companys turnover crossed INR 15 billions. MRF was chose for fitment on the Daewoo cielo. This year too MRF was voted by the far eastern economic review as one of the 10 leading Indian companies.

Company touches 300cr turnover. Established itself as no 1 tyre company in India. MRF legend, the premium nylon car was introduced. Visvesvaraya award for best business house in south India. Harvard business school award. Established FUNSKOOL. Established tie up with VAPOCURE, AUSTRALIA. Manufacture MRF zigma radial. Established exports over 55 countries. Builds the balancing tyre DROME

1988

1989

1990

Establishes conveyer belt pant. Starts new corporal office.

1991

1992

1993

MRF also became the first tyres company in India to cross the INR 10 billion mark. In addition, MRF was selective as one of the Indias most. Admired marketing companies by the readers of the A&M magazine.

1995

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1996
Established Pondicherry factory established export house (MRF international Ltd.) MRF launches its first ever F3 car.

In the golden jubilee year, MRFs turnover crossed the INR 20 billion milestones. MRF tyres were also chosen for fitment on the Ford Escort, Opel Astra and Fiat Ono

1997
MRF was declared the most ethical company by business world magazine in its survey.

MRF launched the smile campaign on Indian roads. MRF launched the Smile campaign on Indian roads. MRF Launched ZVTS tyres for passenger cars

1999

2000
Turnover crossed 2300cr. The MRF Nylongrip Zapper for two-wheelers is launched. MRF wins the JD Power award

2002
MRFs turnover crossed INR 30 billion mark.

2004
Australian PM visits the MRF Pace Foundation. MRF launches the Super Lug 505 - A premium mileage, rear fitment truck tyre for national highway operations on rated roads MRF's turnover crosses the 5000 crore mark

2006

2007
MRF launches ZSLK tyres. MRF wins the JD Power award again for the 6th time.

2008