Kerala is one of the fastest growing economies and the commercial hub of India, which consists of major manufacturing companies of India. This manufacturing line ranges from food and beverages processing to textile, chemicals, electronics, ship shipbuilding industries among others.
Some of the well-known concerns in the country are Apollo Tyres manufacturing and selling tires and other rubber products, Cochin Shipyard Ltd constructing and marketing ships of various descriptions, Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore engaged in the production of fertilizers, chemicals and other products and Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd involved in exporting and marketing of various minerals.
Kitex Garments independently operates as one of the major players in textiles and HLL Lifecare Ltd deals with the healthcare and wellness industry. In consumer electronics, V-Guard Industries has been a pioneer of innovation in this industry while in the food processing sector, the innovation is led by Synthite Industries. These top 15 manufacturing companies in Kerala owe a large part of their success to a robust and productive industrial base, a well-trained labor force and government encouragement of the manufacturing sector’s development to consolidate and foster economic development and expanded export/import business.
Role of Manufacturing in Kerala’s Economy
The manufacturing sector has a crucial position in the state’s economy of employment generation, regional development and economic diversification. Kerala is famous for its service-dominated economy but the manufacturing sector has come up steadily thanks to state encouragement and investment.
1. Economic Contribution
The manufacturing division forms a major component of the offices of Kerala’s Gross State Domestic Product or GSDP. It has focused its productive sectors on food processing, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding and other related economic activities.
2. Employment Generation
Several manufacturing units and a few public sector enterprises such as the Cochin Shipyard and the Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) directly and indirectly support the employment of thousands across the state numbering livelihoods.
3. Industrial Clusters
Kerala industrial complexes are present in Kochi (shipbuilding and petrochemicals), Kottayam (fabricate), and Chavara (minerals). These clusters improve efficiency and promote export-led growth strategy.
4. Exports and Foreign Exchange
Manufacturing forms a big part of the state’s export product base, in exports such as garments, spices, and electronics, foreign exchange is generated.
5. Technological Advancements
Employers like Keltron and Kitex established strategic incorporation of contemporary technologies to build competitiveness and innovation.
6. Sustainability
The commitment of Kerala towards safe environmentally friendly production and consumption patterns for its industrialisation from a green manufacturing perspective establishes a model for other parts of the world.
Hence, manufacturing plays the second most vibrant role in the overall progress of the industrial development in Kerala.
Top 15 Manufacturing Companies in Kerala
1. Apollo Tyres Ltd
Industry: Automotive (Tyre Manufacturing)
Establishment Year: 1972
Apollo Tyres Ltd was formed in 1972 and is one of the premier tyre companies of the world, located in Gurugram, India. Famous worldwide, the firm offers a vast variety of tyres for passenger cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. At present Apollo Tyres owns more than one manufacturing unit currently having units in Kerala and is exporting to more than 100 countries. The company is widely recognized for delivering innovations and high quality to the automotive industry’s needs.
New product development in the tyre segment, including the acquisition of travel segment companies, Vredestein firms up the premium tyre division of the brand. Beyond that, as a regularly developing company Apollo Tyres employs sustainable initiatives and possesses a strong R&D, that lets the company provide maximum performance and safety while paying attention to environment-friendly products and solutions.
Products:
- Tyres for passenger vehicles
- Tyres for commercial vehicles
- Off-highway tyres
Contact Details:
Address:
385F+C99, Ernakulam Road, North Kalamassery, Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala 683104
Website: https://corporate.apollotyres.com/
Phone: 0484 254 0261
2. Cochin Shipyard Ltd
Industry: Shipbuilding and Maintenance
Establishment Year: 1972
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) was incorporated in 1972 and is one of the leading ship building and repair companies in India with its operational base at Cochin – Kerala. It focuses on the construction of vessels for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the commercial segment covering product tankers, bulk carriers and passenger ships. CSL also offers ship repair to its vessels, general ships and others such as the big oil tankers and the offshore rigs.
The company has established state of art infrastructure and lots of technical know-how which have boosted the maritime sector of India. CSL aims to be a leader in innovation and quality to support India’s ‘Make in India’ vision as it eyes growth in the green shipbuilding & offshore energy solutions arena.
Products:
- Shipbuilding
- Ship repair services
- Offshore structures
Contact Details:
Address:
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Ravipuram, Perumanoor, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682015
Website: https://cochinshipyard.in/
Phone: 0484 250 1200
3. Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT)
Industry: Fertilizers and Chemicals
Establishment Year: 1943
The oldest fertilizer manufacturing company Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd, FACT was incorporated in 1943 and is a public sector undertaking headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. It has focused on the production of fertilizers and chemicals such as ammonium sulphate, Factamfos and caprolactam which are used within the agricultural and industrial space.
Apart from being responsible for the introduction of modern fertilizers in India, today FACT stands as one of the biggest driving forces behind India’s agricultural boom. The company also runs one of the biggest factories of fertilizer in South India. As innovation in sustainability and progress, FACT remains devoted to farmers with industries to supply high-quality products while raising the efficacies of agricultural systems in India.
Products:
- Ammonium sulphate
- Factamfos
- Caprolactam
Contact Details:
Address:
Eloor Road, Udyogamandal, Eloor, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala 683501
Website: http://fact.co.in/
Phone: 0484 256 7743
4. HLL Lifecare Ltd (Formerly Hindustan Latex Ltd)
Industry: Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Establishment Year: 1966
HLL Lifecare Limited earlier known as Hindustan Latex Limited is a government-owned limited company founded in 1966 home based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Among its brands, it deals with the production of contraceptives, medical equipment, drugs, and vaccines. HLL specializes in leading products like condoms, surgical sutures, and diagnostic kits, which are consumed within and outside India.
The company also has a network of healthcare facilities, diagnostic centers and pharmacies spread across the country. Being a public limited company, HLL is involved in public health promotion and has a strategic role of advocating affordability in healthSynergy to espouse government efforts in such cardinal areas as family planning and disease control.
Products:
- Contraceptives
- Surgical instruments
- Vaccines
Contact Details:
Address:
Sasthamangalam – Peroorkada Road, Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695005
Website: http://www.lifecarehll.com/
Phone: 0471 235 4949
5. Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (Keltron)
Industry: Electronics and Information Technology
Establishment Year: 1973
Keltron, the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited was set up in 1973 and is a state-level undertaking having its origin at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It is one of the biggest Indian electronics and IT solutions companies that is engaged in the designing, developing and manufacturing of electronic products.
Keltron deals in a wide variety of products such as electronics and components, security and protection systems, industrial instrumentation and control, information technology equipment and appliances. It is also responsible for electronics development in the nation by providing emerging technologies in many areas such as defense, telecommunication and healthcare, among others. Keltron has a vision and mission statement that is innovation, quality-focused and dedicated to building electronic self-reliance in India.
Products:
- Electronic components
- Security systems
- IT solutions
Contact Details:
Address:
Keltron House, CV Raman Pillai Rd, Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033
Website: http://www.keltron.org/
Phone: 0471 272 4444
6. Kitex Garments Ltd
Industry: Textiles and Garments
Establishment Year: 1992
Kitex Garments Ltd is one of the largest manufacturers of children’s wear in India with its operation of human resource management being situated in Kizhakkambalam Kerala and was established in the year 1992. The company is a manufacturer of infant and children’s clothes and has been in the export business of its products with major retailers in the global market.
Kitex is appreciated for its policy and practice of degrading minimal wastes during production, the favourable infrastructural changes that have taken place in the company and the improved focus that is accorded to quality assurance. It aims to render an apparel solution provider focusing on innovative & environment-friendly products which has made itself a reputable identity in the textile and apparel sector. Kitex Garments has clients based in different countries making a positive impact on the export business in the textile industry of Kerala and is socially responsible as well.
Products:
- Infant wear
- Children’s clothing
Contact Details:
Address:
Shenoy Chambers, Shanmugham Road, Menaka, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682031
Website: https://www.kitexgarments.com/
Phone: 0484 414 2000
7. Kairali Ayurvedic Group
Industry: Ayurveda and Herbal Products
Establishment Year: 1989
One of the oldest companies in the Ayurvedic line in the world is Kairali Ayurvedic Group which was established in 1908 in Palakkad, Kerala. The company sells medicines and oils of Ayurveda medicines and treatments, beauty treatments and wellness therapies.
Kairali is proud to offer natural Ayurvedic treatment along with massages that are implemented with up-to-date techniques. Besides the products, the company runs wellness centers and spas that provide Ayurvedic treatment to help customers regain their strength and build health. Being a versatile organization that has embarked upon the cause of Ayurveda, Kairali is recognized internationally as the pinnacle of the natural healthcare system.
Products:
- Ayurvedic medicines
- Wellness products
- Spa services
Contact Details:
Address:
III/73, Palayamkadu P.O. – Olassery Kodumbu, Kerala 678551
Website: https://www.kairali.com/
Phone: unavailable
8. Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML)
Industry: Mining and Chemicals
Establishment Year: 1972
Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited popularly known as KMML, was established in 1972 at Chavara in Kerala and is one of the noted industrial and manufacturing entities in the spheres of mining and chemicals. The company specializes mostly in the manufacture of titanium dioxide which is an important input in the manufacture of among other things, paints, plastics and paper.
KMML is also involved in the extraction and processing of other minerals such as ilmenite, rutile and zircon. In fact, as a public sector enterprise, KMML has a strategic position and function in the economy of the country by supplying some of these chemicals and minerals. They trust in responsible mining and the manufacture and supply of high-quality products to worldwide customers.
Products:
- Titanium dioxide pigment
- Ilmenite
- Rutile
Contact Details:
Address:
NH 66, Sankaramangalam, Chavara, Panmana, Kerala 691583
Website: http://kmml.com/
Phone: 0476 268 6722
9. Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma)
Industry: Dairy Products
Establishment Year: 1980
Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) was formed in the year 1980 and is the central society of dairy producers in Kerala. Milma based in Thiruvananthapuram is an important factor in the dairy chain in Kerala and is involved in the production, processing and marketing of milk.
It guarantees good prices to the farmers and a reduction of prices to consumers, quality products being milk, butter, ghee, cheese, and ice cream. As one of the largest cooperative societies, Milma effectively helps rural farmers and inspires sensible dairy farming. It is dedicated to quality and nutritional value and has gained great goodwill as a branded milk product in Kerala and other states.
Products:
- Milk
- Butter
- Cheese
Contact Details:
Address:
28P7+3CC, Salem-Kochi Highway, Near Lulu Mall, Koonamthai, Edappally, Kerala 682024
Website: http://www.milma.com/
Phone: 0484 254 1193
10. Malabar Cements Ltd
Industry: Cement Manufacturing
Establishment Year: 1978
Malabar Cements Ltd was incorporated in 1978 as a state/central joint venture company located in Walayar, Palakkad, Kerala. The company enjoys a reputation as a significant producer of high-grade cement for the construction industry in Kerala and the following areas. The firm offers ordinary Portland cement and Portland composite cement, which have outstanding strength and excellent performance.
It has a well-equipped fully automatic plant to produce cements of high quality and with proper optimality. In the context of being a public sector organisation, it has a crucial part in providing resolution for infrastructure investment while endorsing sustainability. Customers rely on the brand to provide value-added and affordable cement solutions to them.
Products:
- Portland cement
- Blended cement
Contact Details:
Address:
Industrial Growth Centre, Pallipuram, Kerala 688541
Website: http://www.malabarcements.co.in/
Phone: 0478 255 2186
11. Synthite Industries Ltd
Industry: Food Processing
Establishment Year: 1972
Synthite Industries Ltd was established in 1972 is based at Kolenchery in Kerala, and is a major player in food processing. The production focus of the company relates to the extraction and manufacture of spice oleoresins, essential oils, natural food colors and other value-added food preparations. Among them, Synthite has its products being adopted in the food and beverage industries and the cosmetic industry as well.
Being an innovative company that emphasizes quality and sustainability, Synthite has a wide international footprint and exports to over eighty-five countries. Hence, Synthite has upgraded technology to meet its aims and goals while fulfilling customers’ requirements to maintain agricultural sustainability.
Products:
- Spice oleoresins
- Essential oils
- Natural colors
Contact Details:
Address:
Synthite Valley, Kadayiruppu, Kadayiruppu – Pattimattom Road, Kadayiruppu, Aikaranad North, Kerala 682311
Website: https://www.synthite.com/
Phone: 0484 283 4200
12. Malayala Manorama Press
Industry: Printing and Publishing
Establishment Year: 1888
The Malayala Manorama Press was started in 1888 in Kottayam, Kerala and is one of the biggest and oldest publishing companies in India. It brings out the widely read Malayala Manorama newspaper besides various magazines including current affairs, entertainment and lifestyle.
Despite the cutthroat competition and the emergence of a plethora of other Malayalam publications, Malayala Manorama has carved its niche for itself as the epitome of Journalism’s high and low, regional pertinent and resounding truth for millions of its readers in and around Kerala. It has moved into new media and communication technology, as well as broadcast journalism, casting aside its old image as the archaic journalism of India.
Products:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Digital media services
Contact Details:
Address:
7Q6Q+CGM, Ring Road, near Muthoot Hospital, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
Website: https://www.manoramaonline.com/
Phone: 0468 222 2533
13. Kerala Automobiles Ltd (KAL)
Industry: Automotive
Establishment Year: 1978
Kerala Automobiles Ltd (KAL) commenced its operations in 1978 with its corporate office at Peroorkada, Trivandrum, Kerala and at present engages in the production of three-wheelers and electric vehicles exclusively. Well recognized for its environmentally friendly and inexpensive cars, KAL’s primary markets are domestic and export markets, especially the developing regions.
It is a knowledge-based organization with an emphasis placed on innovation, the primary products being diesel and electric three-wheelers for passenger and cargo transport. By being consciously sustainable and devotedly technological, KAL has its sights set on green mobility. The company also helps in the growth of the economy of the region in which it is operating by participating in the industrial growth of Kerala and at the same time, it prides itself in the right kind of transport it offers to the society.
Products:
- Three-wheelers (diesel and electric)
- Electric vehicles
Contact Details:
Address:
Aralummoodu (PO, Neyyattinkara, Kerala 695123
Website: http://www.keralaautomobilesltd.com/
Phone: Unavailable
14. Travancore Titanium Products Ltd
Industry: Chemicals
Establishment Year: 1946
Travancore Titanium Products Ltd (TTPL), is a public sector undertaking that started its journey in the year 1946 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and has a major production field of titanium dioxide pigment. The company is also India’s first and largest producer of Anatase-grade Titanium Dioxide which is widely utilized in paints, plastics, rubber, paper, and cosmetics.
TTPL runs sophisticated plants and machinery to produce quality products of consistent quality to global requirements. It puts great value on sustainable and environmental aspects as part of the companies’ operational strategies. TTPL continues to be a major player in the chemical industry of Kerala by catering to the local and export markets in terms of quality chemical solutions.
Products:
- Titanium dioxide pigments
Contact Details:
Address:
GW32+2F8, Balanagar, Karikkakam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695021
Website: http://www.travancoretitanium.com/
Phone: 1800 233 7315
15. V-Guard Industries Ltd
Industry: Consumer Electronics and Electrical Appliances
Establishment Year: 1977
V-Guard Industries Ltd was incorporated in 1977 having its corporate office in Cochin, Kerala and is in the electrical and consumer appliances industry. Initially, the company began importing and manufacturing voltage stabilizers only and over the course of time, it broadened its product range to include water heaters, fans, pumps, wires, kitchen appliances, and solar energy solutions among others.
From its origin, V-Guard has been very innovative, quality-conscious, and value-oriented offering energy-efficient consumer durables and industrial products. This has made the firm deliver some of the superior electrical and consumer durable products in the market through its sound network of dealers spread throughout the country. The establishment of V-Guard has carried on the growth through the invention and the satisfaction of the customers.
Products:
- Voltage stabilizers
- Water heaters
- Fans and pumps
- Electrical wires
Contact Details:
Address:
42/962, Vennala High School Rd, Vennala, Kochi, Kerala 682028
Website: https://www.vguard.in/
Phone: 0484 433 5000
Emerging Technologies in Operations of Manufacturing Industries of Kerala
Thus, technology is emerging as the key factor in implementing remarkable alterations in Kerala’s manufacturing sector in terms of efficiency, productivity and sustainability. Some key trends include:
1. Automation and Robotics
The use of robotic systems is inevitable mainly in the area of textiles and food industries since it eliminates not only time but also human interference. The use of robotics is gradually increasing in industries like shipbuilding at Cochin Shipyard Limited and electronics.
2. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Businesspeople are considering 3D printing for developing concepts and prototypes and small runs across industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare goods.
3. AI and Machine Learning
It has already found its applications in predictive maintenance of machines, quality checks of the products and supply chain management in the manufacturing sector, and chemical and electronics industries.
4. IoT (Internet of Things)
Real-time tracking of assets, energy consumption and condition monitoring especially in production facilities and Chemical & process industries are enabled through IoT technology.
5. Renewable Energy Integration
Technologies such as solar energy and efficient manufacturing are offering firms in Kerala new ways to decrease expenses and minimize negative externalities.
6. Green Manufacturing
New ideas such as zero waste manufacturing and water-efficient production technology are being introduced in some sectors like chemical (TTPL) and textiles products manufacturing sectors.
These technologies place the Kerala region in a progressive light for manufacturing and create an atmosphere for development in addition to addressing sustainability issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by Analyzing and understanding the importance of the manufacturing companies and their spreading in Kerala we can realize that it has a very significant importance to the continuous development of the state according to the creation of employment, innovation and export revenues. Manufacturing is quite diverse with sectors ranging from traditional sectors in textiles, chemicals, and food processing to modern sectors in electronics and renewable energy amongst other novel manufactured sectors in Kerala.
The opportunity analysis highlights that Kerala provides all the required support to experienced players as well as fresh entrants from other countries and states, such as a skilled workforce, the latest infrastructure, and friendly government policies. Also, the support of the state and its focus on sustainable development and environmentally friendly production formulates the company’s long-term strategy and its compliance with modern global standards.
New technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy sources enhance Kerala’s posture for manufacturers even more. There shall be more scope for advancement and development in the manufacturing sector as Kerala remains culturally rich and modernized at the same time for higher industrial development.
FAQs
1. Which industries are dominant in manufacturing in Kerala?
Kerala’s manufacturing industries include food products, textiles, chemicals, electronics, shipbuilding and minerals. Major players that have been targeted are Apollo Tyres Ltd, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kitex Garments Ltd and Kerala Mineral & Metals Ltd (KMML).
2. How does the government promote manufacturing firms in the region of Kerala?
Various schemes included under the Kerala Industrial and Commercial Policy as well as the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) serve as reimbursement of taxes and subsidies, infrastructure provision to the companies to encourage easier business and more investment.
3. What are the export prospects of manufacturing firms in Kerala?
The largest number of manufacturing industries in Kerala export textiles, chemicals, electronics and processed foods to Asian, European and Middle Eastern countries. Principal points are Kochi Port and the proposed development of the Vizhinjam Port.
4. At what level is sustainability engaged in the manufacture of output in Kerala?
The corporate demand for sustainability is gradually growing in the manufacturing sector of Kerala. Some giants like Synthite Industries and HLL Lifecare Ltd are also managing wastes, using renewable energy sourcing sustainably etc.
5. What are the problems faced by the Manufacturing Companies in Kerala?
Some of the major issues affecting manufacturing industries in Kerala are; Unreasonable wages for labor, infrastructure hitches and technology pressure. Nevertheless, with the support of state and central governments, the sector is in the process of changes and adaptation to these challenges to remain world competitive.
