Walchand group

Walchand group came into existence in the 20th century founded by industrialist Walchand Hirachand Doshi.^[1][2]

Walchand Hirachand founded several companies, some of which were among the firsts in India in their fields :-

• Premier Construction Limited - founded as Walchand-Phatak Co in year 1903.^[2] for some time known as Tata Construction - after exit of Tatas name changed to Premier - doing contract and construction business.
• The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd.- founded 1919. After Walchand's death run by Narottam Morarjee - now almost defunct.
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited - founded in 1940 nationalized by Government of India in 1961.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited- founded in 1940 nationalized by British India in 1942.
• Hindustan Construction Company - founded in 1926, civil & engineering construction giant now headed by Ajit Gulabchand faction.
• Walchandnagar Industries Limited, - founded in 1935 as sugar factory diversified into defence and strategic equipments, now headed by Chakor L. Doshi, son of Lalchand Hirachand
• Premier Automobiles Limited who manufactures car like Premier Padmini and others - founded in 1944.
• Ravalgaon Sugar Farms Limited - sugar & confectionery giant founded in 1933.
• Oriental Insurance Co. - founded in 1947 later nationalized.
• Mysore Petrochemicals Limited
• Indian Hume Pipe Co Limited - founded in 1931.
• Cooper Engineering Limited - an engineering products company founded in 1940.
• Acrow India Limted
• Studio Walchand- a film studio at Bombay founded by Walchand Hirachand.

Walchand Hirachand was assisted by his brothers, when they grew up. As Walchand died without any male issues, the group was divided amongst sons of his brothers Gulabchand Hirachand, Lalchand Hirachand & Ratanchand Hirachand, who operated together till they were alive. The group, however, in general is referred to as Walchand group in media.

Walchand group is now largely bifurcated between two factions - one headed by Ajit Gulabchand son of Gulabchand Hirachand and other faction by sons of Lalchand and Ratanchand.

References