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Unbeaten since 1888
Kirloskar…Probably, you may have heard the name for the first time. However, you must have seen a green colour generator in your office, apartment or any other building on the ground floor. When electricity is down in your office or home, it starts with a clunky sound. Most of the time, you would see ‘Kirloskar’ or ‘KOEL Green’ written on it.
Laxmanrao Kirloskar, the founder of the company, was born on 30th June 1869. He was very fond of mechanical machinery and painting. In 1885, with the financial help of his elder brother, he got admission in J.J. Arts College, Mumbai against his father's wish. But, after two years, he became partially blind and had to give up painting, but he did not lose attachment towards machinery. Because of this skill, he accepted a job as a teacher at the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute with a salary of forty-five rupees a month. He wanted to start his own business rather than a job at the time. He didn’t make up his mind for a job. So, he quit the job and started 'Shrikrishna Cycle Store' in his hometown, Belgaum where he used to repair bicycles, make punctures, and install various parts. Gradually, he got expertise (engaged) in this work. Along, he also paid attention to making tools for the farmers, but the municipality issued an order to vacate the place in a few days.
A problem was created for workshop space. But, the then ruler of Aundh got him space and a loan of ten thousand too. The space was as large as thirty-two acres. He resumed business on an uncultivable land near the railway station called Kundal Road. The place was full of many poisonous creatures and snakes. Using this fallow land, he built the industrial town of his dreams.
However, there was still time to become a town. After making a number of experiments on cycles, he concentrated on making tools for farmers. No mighty work can be done without discomfort! The farmers opposed the plow saying it harmed their land. Thus, it took Kirloskar two years to sell a plow. They started making fodder cutting machines and many other products along with the existing ones.
Gradually, his elder brother Ramunna developed a plan for an industrial town on the 32-acre site. Shambhuram Jambhekare, their associate, was an engineer as well as multi-talented person to solve all the problems. A failed student named Kulkarni was appointed as manager and treasurer. Two prisoner criminals were appointed as night watchmen. In this way, he gave equal place to every person in the society. Respect for him grew among the people.
The company is still standing in the market with the same strength which was started in the year 1888. In 1910, ‘KirloskarWadi’ became the first industrial township in India. Today, 200 women work at the Coimbatore plant and, working together they reduced the assembly time of a pump to just 17 seconds which was also recorded in Limca Book of World Record.
Kirloskar also made charkhas during the freedom struggle. Invention of India's first iron plow, centrifugal pump, diesel engine, electric motor, concrete volume pump – all credit goes to Kirloskar.
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