Long before today’s buzz around boAt, Noise, and other D2C electronics brands, Qimat Rai Gupta, born in 1937 in Malerkotla, Punjab, built Havells India into India’s leading electronics powerhouse. Under his visionary leadership, the company is nearing a staggering ₹1 lakh crore valuation.
Humble Beginnings to FMEG Titan
- Starting out in 1958 as a school teacher-turned-entrepreneur, Gupta opened a small electrical goods store in Delhi’s Bhagirath Palace.
- In 1971, he acquired a floundering firm-Havells-from Haveli Ram Gandhi for ₹7 lakh, marking the turning point in his professional journey.
- He established Havells’ first factory in Delhi’s Kirti Nagar, focusing on local high‑quality manufacturing.
Building India’s Manufacturing Backbone
- Today, Havells has 15 manufacturing plants across India-including Alwar, Neemrana, Ghiloth, Baddi, Haridwar, Faridabad, Sahibabad, Sri City, and Tumkur-producing nearly 90% of its products in-house, with the remainder imported.
- Notable highlights:
- Alwar: India’s largest single-site cable plant, now expanding capacity by 25% over three years.
- Ghiloth: IGBC Gold-rated AC plant.
- Sri City & Tumkur: Greenfield plants opened in 2024, enhancing AC and cable manufacturing.
A Growing Global Footprint
- In FY25, Havells reached a ₹1 lakh crore valuation, backed by a workforce of over 6,500 and a vast distribution network of 100,000+ retail outlets and 1,000 exclusive brand stores in India.
- The company has expanded into 75+ countries, with operations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Diversified Growth & Innovation
- From electric goods and cables to fans, switchgear, lighting, and home appliances, Havells has shifted from a B2B focus to a strong B2C presence.
- It has aggressively challenged global competitors in lighting and home electronics.
- Its ₹1,000 crore US expansion introduces ‘Made‑in‑India’ ACs, cables, and lighting products via Lloyd and the Havells brand.
Legacy: From Father to Son
- After Gupta’s passing in 2014, his son Anil Rai Gupta took the reins. Under Anil’s rise, Havells achieved ₹18,550 crore in FY24 revenue, €1,273 crore in net profit, and global recognition.
What Lies Ahead
- Increased production capacity in ACs, cables, and consumer durables
- Strengthened position in exports and global markets
- A continued push toward smart, energy-efficient, and sustainable products
Final Take
From modest roots to becoming the largest electronics manufacturer in India, Havells stands as a testament to India-first manufacturing. Qimat Rai Gupta’s legacy-built on quality, innovation, and global ambition-remains unmatched. With his son now leading, Havells continues to blend technology and tradition, cementing its status as India’s FMEG OG par excellence.
