Madras Rubber Factory, or MRF, is a major manufacturing company located in Chennai, India. MRF is mainly involved in making vehicle tyres. It is India's largest tyre manufacturing company, and among the dozen largest worldwide [1]; it exports to more than 65 countries. Established in 1946 by K. M. Mammen Mappillai, the company has grown to become a INR 30 billion enterprise. It is also involved in a range of other activities via subsidiaries. FunskoolIndia, a joint venture between Hasbro and MRF, is a major toy manufacturing company in the country. MRF Pretreads offers world class precured tyre retreading service, and MRF Muscleflex is involved in making conveyor belts. It is presently under the leadership of Vinoo Mammen, son of the late K.M. Mammen Mappillai.
MRF has been involved in the development of cricket through its sponsorship of many cricketers and MRF Pace Foundation. MRF is the bat sponsor of world-class batsmen including Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and previously sponsored Australian captain Steve Waugh during his playing days.
1946
A young entrepreneur, K. M. Mammen Mappillai, opened a small toy balloon manufacturing unit in a shed at Tiruvottiyur, Madras (now Chennai).
1949
Although the "factory" was just a small shed without any machines, a 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 office at 334, Thambu Chetty Street, Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.
1952
MRF ventured into the manufacture of tread rubber. And with that, the first machine, a 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.
1955
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 MNC's operating in India at that time.
1956
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 50% share of the tread-rubber market in India. So effective was MRF's hold on the market, that the large multinationals had no other option but to gradually withdraw from the tread rubber business in India.
1961
With the success achieved in tread rubber, MRF entered into the manufacture of tyres. MRF established a technical collaboration with the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company of USA. Around the same time, it also became a public company. It set up a pilot plant for tyre manufacture at Tiruvottiyur, Madras (now Chennai).
1963
On June 12, 1963, India's first Prime Minister, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone for the Rubber Research Centre at Tiruvottiyur to commemorate the inauguration of the Tiruvottiyur factory.
1964
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 India's very first efforts on tyre exports. This year also marked the birth of the now famous MRF Muscleman.
1967
MRF became the first Indian company to export tyres to USA - the very birthplace of tyre technology.
1973
MRF scored a major breakthrough by being among the very first in India to manufacture and market Nylon tyres passenger tyres commercially.
1978
MRF developed the MRF Superlug-78, a sturdy tyre for heavy-duty trucks. The tyre was a significant improvement over its existing products, and went on to become the country's largest selling truck tyre in later years.
1979
MRF's turnover crossed INR one billion.
1980
- MRF entered into a technical collaboration with the B.F. Goodrich Tyre Company of USA, which was involved with the development of tyres for the NASA space-shuttle. With this began a significant exercise in quality improvement and new product development.
- MRF took a major policy decision to be aggressive on the racing circuits.
1983
MRF began a rapid product development programme for new vehicles entering India.
1984
Sales crossed INR two billion. MRF tyres were the first tyres selected for fitment onto the Maruti Suzuki 800 - India's first small, modern car.
1985
MRF Nylogrip tyres for two-wheeler vehicles were launched.
1986
MRF was selected by the National Institution of Quality Assurance for their most prestigious award. Pitted against 20 tyre companies worldwide, MRF also won 6 Quality Improvement Awards instituted by the B.F. Goodrich Tyre Company from USA.
1987
MRF crossed the INR three billion mark and also became the No. 1 tyre company in India. MRF Legend, the premium nylon car tyre was introduced.
1988
The MRF Pace Foundation was set up, with international pace bowler, Dennis Lillee as its Director. Not long thereafter, pace bowlers trained at the Foundation were selected for the Indian Cricket Team.
1989
By 1989, MRF was the clear market leader in every tyre segment. Once again, in recognition of excellence, MRF was awarded the Visvesvaraya Award for the Best Business House in South India and the Economic Times Harvard Business School Award for the Best Corporate Performance. MRF collaborated with Hasbro International USA, the world's largest toy makers, and launched Funskool India. The company also entered into collaborations with Vapocure, Australia to manufacture polyurethane paint formulations and with Pirelli for MUSCLEFLEX Conveyor & Elevator Belting.
1989
MRF launched the MRF ZIGMA CC Radial synchronising with the MRF World Series Cricket Tournament for the Jawaharlal Nehru Trophy sposered by the company. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M. Karunanidhi, awarded MRF the Special Export Award. MRF also opened the MRF Tyredrome, India's first tyre company-owned wheel care complex at Madras (now Chennai).
1990
MRF brought the 6th World Cup Boxing Championship to Mumbai - the first of its kind - with 39 countries participating. The event was telecast live on TV networks worldwide.
1993
K. M. Mammen Mappillai was awarded the Padmashri Award of National Recognition for his contribution to industry - the only industrialist from South India to be accorded this honour until that time. MRF also became the first tyre company in India to cross the INR 10 billion mark. In addition, 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.
MRF was selected as one of India's most admired Marketing Companies by the readers of the
A & M magazine.
1995
The company's turnover crossed INR 15 billion. MRF was chosen 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.
1996
In the Golden Jubilee year, MRF's turnover crossed the INR 20 billion milestone. A special factory dedicated entirely to the manufacture of radials was started at Pondicherry. MRF Tyres were also chosen for fitment on the Ford Escort, Opel Astra and Fiat Uno. Further proof of its superior quality.
1999
MRF was declared the most ethical company by "Business World" magazine in its survey.
2000
MRF launched the Smile campaign on Indian roads.
2004
MRF's turnover crossed INR 30 billion mark.
The mere mention of the word 'MRF' is bound to bring the Muscleman to the mind of Indians.
The Muscleman evolved in 1964, soon after MRF began manufacturing tyres. Over the past 33 years, it has evolved from a mere corporate mascot to a symbol of strength, reliability and durability - embodying the very qualities of the tyres the Muscleman represents. For 16 years, he grew to become India's most trusted and well-recognised symbol for tyres.
The Muscleman evolved into a hi-tech symbol in the mid-80s, a sign of the changing times. His new appearance was silent testimony to the indomitable spirit that carried MRF across the INR 20 billion mark.
The muscleman's appearance changed once again in 1996, MRF's golden jubilee year. He started appearing in full form, and is now also known affectionately as the MRF Tyreman by motorists across India and 65 countries worldwide, who have come to rely on him for a safe and comfortable ride.
THE BIRTH OF THE MUSCLEMAN
In the 1960's, the Indian tyre market was completely controlled by the large multi-national companies. Around this time MRF opened a tyre factory at Tiruvottiyur in Tamil Nadu. With that, came the task of recognising an appropriate Corporate Brand Symbol: one that would distinctly represent the Company's culture, and convey the same to everyone in a country of varied languages and cultures.
In this process of developing suggestions for the symbol, some enterprising employees conducted an informal market survey, interviewing people from all over the country about their expectations from a good tyre.
But one day, a truck driver at a roadside dhaba (makeshift eatery) somewhere in Western India hit upon the right idea when he said, "A good tyre should have all the qualities of a pehalwan (strong man)." And from this simple statement, the muscleman was born.
MRF tyres are developed in the toughest lab known to man
MRF is the pioneer of motor racing in India. The gruelling race track has been the laboratory for testing our tyres. Every MRF tyre designed is the result of a special acid test (that’s sheer torture) on the race and rally tracks. Sharp turns, abrupt braking and straight stretches of steaming asphalt. Excruciating conditions... but then only the tough can survive, and only the toughest win.
At MRF, all this is put to good use. MRF’s tyre experts and rubber technologists are present at every stage, and epecially during those crucial moments, to study tyre behaviour.
MRF tyres are made to run at speeds exceeding 150 Kmph, at which they are exposed to extreme conditions of heat 1and traction. The molecular stability of the rubber compounds is tested against severe gravitational stress. Our experts observe, analyse and gather information at the pits and the dirt track, which they pass on to the R&D department. This is then reviewed and used to develop safer, better quality tyres, not only for formula cars and racing bikes, but also for cars that rough it out on the tough Indian roads everyday.
MRF's collaboration with PIRELLI comes at a time when the Indian Conveyor Belting industry is seeking technological momentum. MRF Muscleflex offers several advantages to buyers of belting in India.
The MRF Conveyor Belt plant in Arkonam, Tamil Nadu, with an annual capacity of 3000 tonnes, is the most modern belting plant in India and is dedicated to the development/manufacture of the finest Conveyor and Elevator Belting products.
The plant integrates a high degree of polymer/textile technology with definitive standards in process control/product testing, employing the latest in conveyor belt manufacture.
MRF Muscleflex Conveyor Belting brings international expertise and MRF reliability to your industry.
Features
ComprehensiveRange
It is made from technologically superior rubber compounds with better ageing characteristics, and is available in a variety of grades. It is available in a wide range of fabrics and strengths. Unique Carcass Design and Assembly: The fabric construction is specially designed and woven. It has well designed belt module. It has superior cushion compounds of optimum thickness, calendered to precision. Its plies are assembled under controlled uniform tension, Excellent Curing & Pressing Technology It is cured on the longest Siempelkamp Press in India, which is also among the largest in the world, with continuously controlled pressure & temperature. Wider Widths Fabric reinforced belts of wider widths up to 2000 mm are available. Longer Roll Length Roll lengths of up to 400 metres or more, depending upon belt thickness and transportation limits, are available.
Cold Splice Proven
All construction is cold splice proven.
Quality Assurance
MRF MUSCLEFLEX Conveyor Belting is manufactured with a detailed Quality Assurance Plan, which involves meticulous checks of raw materials, in-process controls and stringent finished product testing to meet International and Indian standards.
MRF MUSCLEFLEX has also been awarded the ISO 9001 Quality Certificate. With an extensive/focussed span of product benefits, MRF Muscleflex is fully equipped to meet the specified design/performance requirements. MRF Muscleflex is in tune with every global advancement in the conveyor belting industry, and has ushered in international standards of performance in belting systems.
All Rights Reserved
MRF Pretreads is the most advanced Precured Retreading system in India. MRF made a foray in retreading as far back as 1970. Today, we have perfected the art of precured retreading with our extensive knowledge in tyres and rubber.
/ In the MRF Pretreads system, the tread rubber is precured from MRF's factory under carefully controlled conditions, thereby ensuring you get world class quality. Today, MRF Pretreads has emerged as the Mileage leader in Precured Retreading and also has the specialised expertise required for retreading Radial Tyres.All that you need to get started...
Other than your initial investment, what you need is a minimum of 2400 sq.ft. to 4000 sq.Ft. industrial space for a regular franchisee or 1500 sq.Ft. of industrial space for a compact franchisee.
Right from conception & preparation of project reports to plant layout, acquisition of machinery, down to training your personnel and commissioning of the plant. MRF will give you all the assistance you need in setting up your business. What's more, MRF will also guide and assist you on your marketing efforts and you will always have the backing of the MRF Franchisee Development Team.
Advantages of MRF Pretreads
With MRF Pretreads, you benefit from:
- Substantially greater tyre mileage
- Better road grip
- Greater safety
- Well-researched tread patterns through years of innovation and testing
- Proven rubber technology
- Low tyre operating costs
- MRF Pretreads offers you about 70-80% of original tyre life
- MRF Pretreads costs about 20-25% of new tyre cost in truck tyres, about 25% in Light Commercial vehicles tyres and about 40% in Passenger car tyres
Now isn't this an excellent business opportunity?
To initiate a dialogue please go to Business Opportunities and fill in the details or send in your resume with your name, address, educational qualifications, financial status and particulars of other existing business, if any to:
THE FRANCHISEE PROMOTION MANAGER,
MRF LIMITED,
124, GREAMS ROAD, CHENNAI - 600 006
PHONE: 28292777
FAX: 28294154 / 28290562
E-MAIL:
It's now your turn now to win with MRF, India's No.1 tyre company and join one of the fast growing businesses of today.
Business Opportunity
To become an MRF franchisee, all you need is 1500 sq.ft. of industrial space and Rs. 10 lakh as capital investment. We will offer you all the support, training and technology you require to start and sustain y
The MRF Tyredrome has contemporary computerised equipment to diagnose and correct wheel related problems. The MRF Tyredrome is manned by factory-trained, experienced engineers and technicians.
MRF Tyredrome Services
An Automatic Car-Wash that cleans your car inside out. The inside of your car is vacuum-cleaned, while brushes wash out the grime and dust on the outside with a special wax-based detergent.
Computerised Wheel Alignment with a state-of-the-art machine that provides zero-error readings, ensuring precise and accurate alignment of your wheels.
Compucentric Wheel Balancing: Dynamic balancing of wheel assembly results in increased tyre life and enhanced vehicle stability.
Electro-Pneumatic Tyre-Changing enables damage-free mounting and dismounting of tyres.
Brake Testing, using self-rotated rollers to test the braking efficiency of individual wheels.
Optical Headlamp Aligning with equipment that enables optimal luminance and focussing of your headlamps.
For your comfort and convenience, you can relax in our cool, luxurious lounge and watch car and tyre related video films while your car is in our expert care.
MRF - Updates
With reference to the earlier announcement dated November 30, 2007 regarding the management has declared a token lock out for one day on November 30, 2007 at the Company's Manufacturing plant at Tiruvottiyur, MRF Ltd has informed that since there is no change in the situation, lock out has been declared for the commencement of the first shift on December 03, 2007 at Company's Manufacturing plant at Tiruvottiyur situated at Tiruvottiyur High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Further the Company has informed that, the Company's other plants at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, Eripakkam Village in Puducherry, Kottayam in Kerala, Medak in Andhra Pradesh and at Usgao in Goa are producing tyres as per the Company's production schedule.
MRF Ltd has informed that the Management has declared a token lock out for one day from 7 A.M. on November 30, 2007 to 7 A.M. on December 01, 2007 at the Company's Manufacturing Plant at Tiruvottiyur situated at Tiruvottiyur High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Further the Company has informed that, the Company's other plants at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, Eripakkam Village in Puducherry, Kottayam in Kerala, Medak in Andhra Pradesh and at Usgao in Goa are producing tyres as per the Company's production schedule.
For The third Year in Succession, MRF is awarded the No.1 award for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power Asia Pacific.
For the third consecutive year. India’s top tyre manufacturer, MRF Ltd, was ranked highest in customer satisfaction with Original Tires in the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2004 India Original Tyre Satisfac-SM tion Study. Significantly this year, MRF is ranked above the multinational companies.More than 1500 owners of 28 different vehicle models who participated in the study, ranked MRF tyres as the highest in the study that looked at five factors determining overall satisfaction with the tyres including appearance, durability, traction and handling.
We believe the award was a manifestation of not only the commitment of MRF Ltd, to meet every demand and requirement of its customers while guaranteeing them total satisfaction, but also its extensive and intensive research and development programme.
A new model of customer satisfaction measurement was deployed by J.D. Power and Associates in the 2004 Study. Overall tyre performance was assessed on 20 attributes grouped into five predefined factors – handling, traction, durability and Appearance
Unlike past years, the study now deals only with radial tyres as nearly all the new passengers vehicles sold in India are now fitted with radials tyres. The study examined customer satisfaction with original tyres at 12 to 18 months of ownership.
The Chennai-based MRF Ltd, comfortably topped the industry average in “Original Tyre Customer Satisfaction Overall Ranking” (based on 1,000 –point scale) MRF Ltd, was at 779, ahead of its competitors, as against the industry average of 770
J.D. Power Asia Pacific, established in 1990 conducts customer satisfaction research and provides consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries.
MRF Pace Foundation
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