MRF was founded by K. M. Mammen Mappillai in **1946** as a toy balloon manufacturing unit in Tiruvottiyur, Madras (now Chennai). What began as a humble enterprise has evolved into **India's largest tire manufacturer** and is ranked among the **Top 20 Global Manufacturers**. MRF is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and has established itself as a symbol of quality and innovation in the rubber industry.
The company's transformation from a small-scale operation to a global tire major represents one of India's most remarkable corporate success stories. Madras Rubber Factory Limited was incorporated as a private company in **November 1960** and ventured into tire manufacturing in partnership with Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company from Ohio, United States. The company went public on **April 1, 1961**, and an office was established in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1964 to develop the export market, which also saw the birth of its current iconic muscleman logo.
MRF operates across multiple business verticals, with tire manufacturing being its primary focus. MRF Ltd is a prominent manufacturer of rubber tires. The company's comprehensive product range caters to diverse market segments, positioning it as a complete mobility solutions provider. Its products include:
- **Tires:** For passenger cars, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, Off-the-Road (OTR) vehicles, trucks, farm tractors, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs), pickup cars, Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCVs), and Intermediate Commercial Vehicles (ICVs). Specific tire lines include MRF ZVTS and MRF Wanderers for cars and SUVs, MRF Meteor all-terrain tires, and MRF Steel Muscle for trucks and buses. The company also manufactures airplane tires.
- **Other Rubber Products:** Flaps, conveyor belts, tread rubber, and tubes.
- **Diversified Products:** Toys, paints, and coats, pre-treads, and sports goods.
Beyond tires, MRF has diversified into other business areas. In **1989**, the company collaborated with Hasbro International, the world's largest toy maker, and launched **Funskool India**. Established in 1987 in collaboration with Hasbro toys, US, Funskool India manufactures and markets toys, board games, and supplies puzzles, games, and toys for children.
MRF has established a commanding presence in both domestic and international markets. It is also **India's largest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tire supplier**, offering an expansive tire range from two-wheelers to fighter aircrafts. The company's global footprint extends across multiple continents, with MRF exporting tires to **more than 65 countries** across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and the Pacific region.
The company's manufacturing capabilities are strategically distributed across India, with additional operations in Sri Lanka and Singapore. MRF also maintains overseas offices in Dubai, Vietnam, and Australia. This extensive global network enables MRF to serve diverse markets while maintaining operational efficiency.
MRF's financial performance reflects its market leadership and operational excellence. As of recent market data, the **market capitalization stands at ₹61,058 Crore**, making it one of India's most valuable companies. Sales rose **11.86% to ₹28,153.18 Crore** in the year ended March 2025, as against ₹25,169.21 Crore during the previous year ended March 2024.
The company's quarterly performance shows strong momentum. Sales rose **11.43% to ₹7,074.82 Crore** in the quarter ended March 2025, as against ₹6,349.36 Crore during the previous quarter ended March 2024. Net profit of MRF rose **29.29% to ₹512.11 Crore** in the quarter ended March 2025, compared to ₹396.10 Crore during the previous quarter ended March 2024.
Key financial highlights for FY25 include:
- **Revenue:** ₹28,153 Crore (11.86% growth YoY)
- **Net Profit:** ₹1,869 Crore for FY25
- **Q4 FY25 Net Profit:** ₹512.11 Crore (29.29% growth YoY)
MRF's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has been acknowledged through numerous awards and accolades. MRF won the prestigious **JD Power Award for a record 11th time in 2014**. The company has also received several other awards, including the All India Rubber Industries Association's (AIRIA) award for 'Highest Export Awards (Auto Tyre Sector)' and the 'Top Export Award' from the Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) for 2009–10.
MRF has made significant contributions to sports development in India. The **MRF Pace Foundation** is a coaching clinic for training fast bowlers, established by MRF with the help of former Australian Pace spearhead Dennis Lillee in Chennai, India. Notable fast bowlers who trained with the foundation and went on to represent the Indian Cricket Team include Javagal Srinath, Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, Venkatesh Prasad, R. P. Singh, Zaheer Khan, and S. Sreesanth.
In motorsports, the **MRF Challenge** is a Formula 2000 open-wheel motorsport series organized by the Madras Motor Sports Club in association with MRF. MRF holds the distinction of being the first Indian tire company to develop **FIA approved karting tires**.
MRF continues to strengthen its market position through strategic initiatives. In May 2025, MRF's subsidiary incorporated a **100% owned UAE entity, MRF DB-FZCO**, for tires and accessories trading. MRF announced that its Board of Directors, at a meeting held on May 7, 2025, recommended a **Final Dividend of ₹229 per share (i.e., 2290%)**, subject to shareholder approval.
The company's stock has demonstrated remarkable resilience. On June 13, 2023, MRF made history as its shares, once valued at ₹10 apiece, **surpassed the ₹1 lakh mark per piece**, becoming the first Indian company to achieve this milestone. As of July 3, 2025, at 03:49 PM, the market cap of MRF stood at ₹61,460.57 Crore.
MRF's journey from a small balloon manufacturing unit to India's largest tire manufacturer exemplifies entrepreneurial vision and operational excellence. With its diversified product portfolio, global presence, and unwavering commitment to innovation, MRF remains well-positioned to capitalize on India's growing automotive market and maintain its leadership in the tire industry.
