Meet man, who spent nights on floor, has no business, then built Rs 600000000000 company, special connection to Virat Kohli

K. M. Mammen Mappillai faced many challenges in life. His family was doing a business but it couldn’t sustain for a longer time. When the family incurred losses in business they didn’t have a place to stay. He spent nights on the floor of his college in Madras (now Chennai). After several difficulties, he continued his education.

After completing his studies, Mammen started his business on a small scale. He sold toy balloons on the streets of Madras. This simple start helped him to learn business tactics. During this time he was also working on smaller jobs.

In 1946, Mammen established the Madras Rubber Factory (MRF). It was initially a small unit of manufacturing toy balloons. The money he earned from selling balloons he invested it in his new business.

By 1952, Mammen found a new business idea of retreading old tires. He worked on this business which later became profitable. After this MRF entered into the tire industry. By 1961, MRF was operating in over 50% of the country’s tire retreading market. The company launched its first tire factory, which was inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

MRF’s became a household name in India as business expanded. In 1992, KM Mammen Mappillai received the Padma Shri award for his contribution to Indian industry.

MRF also has its association with cricket. They collaborated with cricketer Virat Kohli which helped MRF Tires which gave them popularity.

KM Mammen Mappillai passed away in 2003, but his company still contributes to the industry. Now MRF is the largest tire manufacturer in India. Their market capitalization of Rs 59,478 crore.

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