Godrej - The success story of one of the leading Multinational Conglomerate Companies

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The conglomerate industries are those that own many smaller firms that operate in different production of goods like medicines, food, apparel, household goods, kitchen appliances, etc. We are all aware that India houses many such conglomerate companies.

It is quite fascinating to see how these companies operate so many businesses. While they are engaged in such businesses, what exactly is the reason for them to do so? The answer is they want to lower the business risks by decreasing the dependence on just a single product or market for that matter.

Godrej, the brand we all know, is an Indian multinational conglomerate that was founded in 1897, almost, 125 years ago. The persons behind Godrej's establishment are Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej.

As a conglomerate company, Godrej is engaged in many businesses like - consumer goods, real estate, furniture, industrial engineering, appliances, security, and agricultural products.

To know more about the company, Godrej, read on to uncover its startup story, founders, business and revenue model, the challenges faced, investors, competitors, and more.

Godrej - Company Highlights
Godrej - About
Godrej - Founders
Godrej - Startup Story
Godrej - Mission and Vision
Godrej - Name, Logo, and Tagline
Godrej - Business Model
Godrej - Revenue Model
Godrej - Challenges Faced
Godrej - Mergers, and Acquisition
Godrej - Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
Godrej - Awards and Achievements
Godrej - Competitors
Godrej - Future Plans

Godrej - Company Highlights

Godrej - About

Godrej was established before India got its independence. The company was founded in 1897 by Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej. Today, around 1.1 billion people worldwide support Godrej's businesses in a variety of industries. The company's geographic influence actually goes beyond Earth because a lot of India's space projects are currently powered by its engines.

Godrej has a turnover nearing Rs 70 billion at the end of the fiscal year 2022. The corporation works in a variety of industries, including agriculture, consumer goods, industrial engineering, real estate, appliances, and furniture. Its affiliates and subsidiaries include the private holding firm Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Agrovet, and Godrej Properties, as well as Godrej Industries and its subsidiaries.

For Godrej, the core of everything is its people. They take great satisfaction in cultivating a culture of high performance and agility in the workplace. Additionally, Godrej has a strong commitment to valuing and recognizing diversity among its employees.

Godrej - Founders

Godrej was founded by Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej in 1897.

Ardeshir Godrej

The first of Burjorji and Dosibai Gootherajee's six children, Ardeshir Burjorji Sorabji Godrej was born in 1868. The Gootherajees were a prosperous Parsi-Zoroastrian family from Mumbai, and Burjorji and Sorabji, Ardeshir's father and grandfather, were real estate brokers. His father changed the family name to Godrej in January 1871. Ardeshir with his brother Pirojsha co-founded the Godrej Brothers Company, which today is known as the Godrej Group. Ardeshir wed Bachu (Bachubai) in 1890, who had just turned 18 years old.

Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej

Priojsha Burjorji Godrej is the brother of Ardeshir Burjorji Godrej and a son of Burjorji Godrej. Projsha and his brother Ardeshir established the Godrej Group, an international business. At the age of 24, shortly after receiving his diploma from Mumbai's Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, Pirojsha joined the company.  Due to the flu outbreak, Pirojsha's young wife Soonabai passed away in Mussoorie. He had three sons Sohrab, Burjor, and Naval, and one daughter called Dosa. In the Mumbai suburbs, the industrial township of Pirojshanagar bears his name. The Godrej Group is currently led by Pirojsha's grandchildren Adi, Nadir, and Jamshyd.

Godrej - Startup Story

After being established in 1897, a few years later, Godrej started by introducing Chavi, the first animal-fat-free soap ever produced in the world. In 1922, renowned figures like Annie Besant and Rabindranath Tagore came in support of Godrej's products.

In a letter to a rival seeking a favor, Mahatma Gandhi wrote: "I hold my brother Godrej in such high respect that if your endeavor is going to injure him in any way, I regret very much that I cannot grant you my blessings.

Godrej then launches furniture with almirahs (steel cupboards) after locks and soap in 1923. On the day of Indian Independence in 1952, Cinthol is introduced by Godrej, which makes them by ranking as the second-largest soap manufacturer in India. In 1958, refrigerators are launched by the company.

In the 1990s, by founding Godrej Properties, the company introduced the Group's culture of innovation and excellence to the Indian real estate sector. After one year, the company steps into agribusiness by establishing Godrej Agrovet. In 1997, Godrej completes 100 years of its existence as a group.

With the introduction of Godrej Nature's Basket, Godrej enter the gourmet retail market in 2005. With over 30 premium outlets, the company is currently India's top shopping destination for fine goods from around the world. In 2008, India becomes the fifth country to deploy an unmanned mission to the moon with Chandrayaan-1. The company takes pride in the engineering know-how and contributions to the construction of the mission's launch vehicle and lunar orbiter.

Around 2010, Godrej strives to create a more 'green' and 'good' environment for the country. On India's first Mars mission, Godrej is honored to work with the Indian Space Research Organization. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is powered by Godrej Aerospace engines.

The National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange both listed Godrej Agrovet Limited in 2017.

Godrej delivers the 95-meter-tall Continuous Catalytic Regeneration reactor for Nigeria's Dangote Oil Refinery in 2019, the tallest in the world. It is said to be greater in height than the Qutub Minar.

Godrej - Mission and Vision

Godrej's mission statement says, "Our passion and purpose is to make a difference through our 'Good & Green' approach to create a more inclusive and greener India."

The vision of Godrej is "Godrej in every home and workplace."

Godrej's Values are:

• Integrity
• Trust
• Care for the Environment
• To Serve
• Respect

Godrej - Name, Logo, and Tagline

Godrej's logo is taken from Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej's signature.

The tagline of Godrej is, "Brighter Living"

Initially, the company was started with the name, Godrej Brothers Company, and later on, was changed to Godrej Group.

Godrej - Business Model

Godrej is a conglomerate company, whose business model consists of different types of businesses.

Godrej's Business Vertical contains the following products and services:

Aerospace and Defence

The company has over 200+ Liquid Propulsion Engines for launch vehicles with 600+ thrusters for satellites with an experience of 50+ years of machine-building experience. They are currently working on civil aviation projects with major international companies like Honeywell, GE, Rolls Royce, Boeing, and Safran.

Appliances

Godrej has served 36+Countries. They have created energy-efficient, water-saving, and ecologically friendly air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.

Chemicals

They have broadened their product line to include specialty goods with added value, and export to more than 80 nations in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Godrej is one of India's leading oleochemicals players, manufacturing and marketing over 100 key chemicals.

Financial services

Godrej offers financial services like loans against property and home loans with Godrej Capital Limited as the holding entity for Godrej Housing Finance (an HFC) and Godrej Finance Limited (an NBFC).

Food & Agribusiness

Godrej produces Crude Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil through its Oil Palm Business, Animal Feed business, and Food & Beverage brands with products like Real Good Chicken and Yummiez. It also offers a range of beverage mixes such as tea, coffee, whitener, soups, special Indian drinks, a range of tea bags, and cold beverages.

Furniture, furnishing, and fittings

Godrej has 34 design mark awards with 85+ certified green products. The group has a brand called Godrej Interio, India’s oldest and largest brand of home and office furniture.

General Engineering

Godrej offers products like Godrej Lawkim Motors, Godrej Tooling, Godrej Electricals & Electronics, and Godrej Precision Engineering. The company has over 300+ Gold and Platinum-rated projects.

Heavy Engineering

With Godrej Process Equipment, the company has ranked as the world's top process equipment fabricator.

Home and Personal Care

The company is the market leader in India for hair color (with Godrej Expert, Godrej Professional, Nupur, and BBLUNT) and ethnic hair color in Sub-Saharan Africa (with Inecto), as well as one of the top companies in Latin America. Their portfolio includes the legendary Darling brand, among other brands (with Illicit, Issue, and Roby). Along with this, Godrej shares the number two spot in the Indian soap market with Godrej No. 1 and Cinthol and holds the top spot in the air freshener market in both India (with Aer) and Indonesia (with Stella). Along with Ezee, they are also the market leaders for liquid detergents in India and wet tissues in Indonesia (with Mitu). Its home and personal care business is operated under its subsidiary company - Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL).

Information Technology

With the www.godrejinfotech.com website, Godrej offers a wide range of IT services with digital and technological solutions, implementation and Global Rollout, Application support & maintenance, Mobile Development, and Training.

Infrastructure

Godrej delivers solutions that address a wide range of needs, including Public Health Engineering (PHE), Electrical, Fire Safety, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning) systems, thanks to its extensive project management experience across residential, commercial, and industrial establishments.

Intra-logistics

Offering in India and beyond in South East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Godrej serves Intra-logistics services. From pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agrochemicals, food, and beverages to textiles, paper, paints, automotive, railways, and defense, they provide services to a variety of industries.

Real Estate

One of the biggest publicly traded real estate companies in the nation, Godrej Properties has a diverse portfolio that includes commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments distributed across India's major cities. The Godrej Group's innovation, sustainability, and excellence-focused philosophies are brought to the real estate sector by Godrej Properties. Each of its developments combines a dedication to cutting-edge design and technology with the Group's history of excellence and trust.

Power and Energy

Godrej has commissioned more than 25 substations and 300 km of 400kV transmission lines have been put into service. Over 16 lakh households in 20,000 villages and 56 major areas in India have been electrified as a result of these programs, which have also installed millions of solar panels to produce renewable energy.

Locks and Security Solutions

From the classic Navtal lock, Godrej offers have developed into high-end, all-encompassing security systems that today protect millions of homes, workplaces, and the locations of illustrious organizations like the Reserve Bank of India, the Taj Mahal, and other significant national organizations. It has benefited more than 1.5 million customers in 65 countries. The company owns an 80% retail market share in home security.

Godrej - Revenue Model

It was reported that Godrej generated nearly Rs 70 billion in revenue in 2022.

The company's half of its revenue is in the FMCG business, which comes from its international businesses in three emerging markets - Asia, Africa, and Latin America, across three categories - home care, personal wash, and hair care.

Godrej Consumer Products generated around Rs 12,366 crores in revenue in 2022.

Godrej - Challenges Faced

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), faced some challenges after five of its eight operations were acquired in 2021. GCPL has a 51% stake in the African hair care firm Darling Group Holdings.

The company struggled to keep up with the emerging demands of the consumer market as the company aims to be a global market in consumer goods. The company believes that local manufacturers of consumer goods are searching for fresher markets abroad as domestic rivalry heats up to fill voids or categories currently occupied by international corporations.

Godrej - Mergers, and Acquisition

Godrej Consumers Product Limited (GCPL) has purchased overseas firms like Keyline Brands Limited (United Kingdom) in 2005, Rapidol (Pty) Limited (South Africa) in 2006, Godrej Global Mid East FZE (Argencos, Argentina) in 2007, and Cosmética Nacional (Chile), among others.

Godrej stated in 2015 that it has acquired a 100 percent equity investment in the South African company Frika Hair.

Godrej Nature's Basket has acquired EkStop on Feb 17, 2015. They acquired EkStop for $4.8M.

Godrej Agrovet has invested in and made two acquisitions in total. For the purchases, the corporation has invested about $ 83 million. Godrej Agrovet has invested in several industries, including genomics, livestock technology, and others.

Godrej - Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

With a huge number of followers on its social media pages, Godrej plays like a mastermind when it comes to advertisements and social media campaigns.

One of India's top real estate developers, Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL), announced the beginning of its digital brand campaign, #EverydayJoys- Jahaan Khushiyan Badi Hoti Hai. The advertising highlights GPL's mission to build communities, families, and homes that enable everyday joys one at a time. The campaign was launched in November 2021.

Three digital video advertisements were produced by the company to showcase the beauty of typical family moments that we all enjoy at home. They serve to emphasize how a central home is to most of our favorite recollections. These three movies strive to portray the ideal family moments, daily routines, and favorite spots that everyone has at home.

Godrej - Awards and Achievements

The list of awards and achievements won by Godrej are:

• Cinthol ranked 47th overall in the Economic Times – Brand Equity Most Trusted Brands Survey 2016.
• Infor awarded Godrej Infotech for "Golden Deal of the Year for 2013"
• Ÿ GCPL was ranked number 12 on the ‘Great Place to Work – Best Workplaces in Asia 2017’ list and among the top 19 Best Employers in India in the ‘Aon Hewitt Best Employers 2017’ survey.
• Godrej Appliances was awarded the title of Asia’s most promising brand at the Asian Brand and Leadership Summit 2013.
• Godrej Appliances won Gold in the category - ‘Most Trusted Brand’ at the Reader’s Digest Awards in 2008 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Godrej - Competitors

The top competitors of Godrej are:

• Samsung
• ITC
• Dabur
• P&G
• HUL
• LG
• Colgate
• Whirlpool India
• Bajaj Electrical

Godrej - Future Plans

Recently, Godrej Properties' net profit tripled to Rs 45.55 crores in the April-June quarter this month. The company plans to deliver over 10 million sq ft in the coming FY23. According to Godrej, the company anticipates a robust launch pipeline this year, which will include both new projects and new phases of ongoing projects in several cities. In the June quarter, three projects were launched.

FAQs

Is Godrej a private company?

Yes, Godrej is a privately held company.

Who owns Godrej?

The company is largely owned by the Godrej family.

Who is the current CEO of Godrej?

Sudhir Sitapati is the current CEO and MD of Godrej.

Is Godrej an MNC?

Yes. Godrej is a multinational company based out of India.