One would recognize that the city of Chennai was branded as the “Detroit of India” because the major hubs of Asia were gradually springing up there as their manufacturing sites.
Today, we find several industries across cars and electronics, chemical manufacturing, and textile engineering among others in Chennai only with their strategic location along the coasts with robust infrastructure and available professional workforce.
Herein below are the top 20 manufacturers along with their contributions for your assessment.
Chennai Manufacturing Landscape
The city of Chennai is a significant manufacturing hub in the country and has played a crucial role in India’s industrial and economic development. The city accommodates a wide variety of industries that support national and global supply chains, thus making Chennai one of the top manufacturing destinations in India.
Key Sectors Driving Manufacturing in Chennai
1. Automobile Industry
The automobile sector is Chennai’s backbone of the manufacturing industry, accounting for 30% of automobile exports made by India. Global automobiles such as Hyundai, Ford, and Ashok Leyland have also set up their manufacturing plants in this city.
This is because those companies, with a mature supplier ecosystem, place Chennai right at the top of its league in the automotive arena. The sector produces a wide range of vehicles from passenger cars to heavy trucks, contributing heavily to both local and international markets, making it a key player among manufacturing companies in Chennai.
2. Electronics Manufacturing
Chennai is also an important manufacturing base for electronics. It has attracted the likes of Foxconn and Nokia, with specialization in mobile phone assembly, components, and consumer electronics.
Such global players have made Chennai an export-oriented electronics hub, which uses ports like Chennai Port and Ennore Port for effective international trade.
3. Chemical and Petrochemical
Chemical and petrochemical is a thriving area of Chennai with giants such as Chennai Petroleum Corporation.
It is one of the largest chemical manufacturing companies in Chennai, with the supply of PVC resins, lubricants, and even significant contributions to the overall energy supply chain of the country.
4. Textiles and Apparel
Another solid sector of its industrial strength of manufacturing is the Chennai textile sector. The state produces an entire range of items from garments to textiles across the global textile exports basket of India. The business is the beneficiary of a great skill base and a locality-friendly culture. with several leading manufacturing companies in Chennai contributing to its success in the global market.
Quick Overview of 20 Companies
| Company Name | Rating | Industry/Best For | Key Products | Founded In | Founder | |
| Ashok Leyland | 4.7/5 | Transport and Defense | Buses, Trucks, Electric Buses | 1948 | Raghunandan Saran | |
| Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) | 4.5/5 | Petroleum Refining | Petroleum Products | 1965 | Indian Oil Corporation (Parent Company) | |
| MRF Limited | 4.8/5 | Tire Manufacturing | Tires for Commercial Vehicles, Motorcycles, Aviation | 1946 | K. M. Mammen Mappillai | |
| Royal Enfield | 4.7/5 | Motorcycles | Classic, Meteor, Himalayan | 1901 | The Enfield Cycle Company | |
| The Sanmar Group | 4.6/5 | Chemicals and Engineering | Specialty Chemicals, PVC | 1960 | N. Sankar | |
| Hatsun Agro Products | 4.6/5 | Dairy Industry | Arokya Milk, Arun Ice Cream, Hatsun Curd | 1970 | R.G. Chandramogan | |
| Sundram Fasteners Limited | 4.7/5 | Automotive Components | High-Tensile Fasteners, Cold Extrusions | 1966 | Suresh Krishna | |
| Orchid Pharma | 4.5/5 | Pharmaceuticals | Anti-Infective, Anti-Inflammatory, Cardio APIs | 1992 | K. Raghavendra Rao | |
| India Potash Limited | 4.4/5 | Fertilizers | Muriate of Potash, NPK Fertilizers | 1955 | Indian Potash Limited (IPL) | |
| TTK Healthcare | 4.5/5 | Healthcare | Pharma, Baby Care Items | 1928 | T. T. Krishnamachari | |
| Saint-Gobain India | 4.7/5 | Construction Materials | Automotive and Construction Glass | 1996 | Saint-Gobain Group | |
| Hyundai Motor India | 4.9/5 | Automotive | Creta, i20, Verna | 1996 | Chung Ju-yung (Founder of Hyundai) | |
| Renault-Nissan India | 4.5/5 | Automotive | Kwid, Magnite | 2010 | Renault-Nissan Alliance | |
| TVS Motor Company | 4.8/5 | Automotive | Apache, Jupiter, XL 100 | 1978 | T. V. Sundaram Iyengar | |
| Apollo Tyres | 4.7/5 | Tire Manufacturing | Tires for Commercial Vehicles, Passenger Cars | 1972 | Onkar S. Kanwar | |
| Lucas-TVS | 4.6/5 | Automotive Components | Alternators, Starters | 1961 | Lucas India Services Limited | |
| MS Global India Pvt. Ltd. | 4.4/5 | Automotive | Pressed and Fabricated Metal Components | NA | NA | |
| Ganges Internationale Pvt. Ltd. | 4.5/5 | Solar Energy | Solar Mounting Structures, Telecom Towers | NA | NA | |
| Simpson & Co. | 4.4/5 | Engineering | Engines for Tractors, Marine Uses | 1840 | NA | |
| Rane Group | 4.6/5 | Automotive Components | Steering Systems, Brake Linings | 1929 | L. Ganapathi |
Top 20 manufacturing companies in Chennai
1. Ashok Leyland
Ashok Leyland is one of the oldest players in the Indian market when it comes to the commercial vehicle industry. It began in 1948 as a firm that selected a speciality by offering the market heavy and light commercial vehicles in the form of buses, trucks, and defence.
Features like these, including the electric buses, help to make the company differentiated from its competition out there. Consolidating its global presence and service structure, Ashok Leyland continues to hold its positions both in the Indian transport and defence industries.
Key Products:
Heavy commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, defense vehicles, electric buses
Clients:
Indian Defense, public transportation operators, logistics companies in India, export clients globally
Company Details:
Leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, known for innovation in electric and sustainable vehicles
- Founder: Raghunandan Saran
- Year Established: 1948
- Experience: 75+ years in the commercial vehicle industry
- Ratings: 4.7/5
- Address: Ashok Leyland Corporate Office, No. 1, Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600032, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.ashokleyland.com/
2. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, established in 1965, is one of the major refining and supplying petroleum products companies in India. CPCL has two major refineries in Tamil Nadu and plays a key role in the energy supply of India, with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Its steady output and environmental activities make it one of the prominent manufacturing companies in Chennai, although it has some drawbacks such as dependency on crude oil imports.
Key Products:
Petroleum products (motor spirit, diesel, LPG, aviation turbine fuel, naphtha)
Clients:
Oil marketing companies, industrial clients, aviation sector
Company Details:
A major refining and petroleum product supplier with a focus on sustainability
- Founder: Joint venture between the Government of India, Amoco, and National Iranian Oil Company
- Year Established: 1965
- Experience: 59 years in refining and energy supply
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Address: Manali Refinery, Chennai – 600068, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://cpcl.co.in/
3. MRF Limited
Originally MRF Limited deal in commercial vehicles however its product line has stretched to motorcycles and aviation lines. Tire durability and high research and development are some of the aspects popularizing the company.
Hence even though they offer luxury products they are still a significant player in Chennai’s manufacturing industry with international operations and better products.
Key Products:
Tires for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, passenger vehicles, and aviation
Clients:
Automotive manufacturers, tire dealerships, international markets
Company Details:
A global leader in tire manufacturing with high R&D focus and durability
- Founder: K. M. Mammen Mappillai
- Year Established: 1946
- Experience: 78 years in tire manufacturing and global operations
- Ratings: 4.8/5
- Address: 114, Greams Road, Chennai – 600006, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.mrftyres.com/
4. Royal Enfield
Eicher Motors has owned Royal Enfield since the 1990s. One of India’s largest premium motorcycle firms, it has made several iconic models, including the Classic, Meteor, and Himalayan, which were all conceived in the UK in 1901.
It currently manufactures motorcycles from Chennai, a city renowned for its robust industrial base. As one of the key manufacturing companies in Chennai, Royal Enfield continues to reign supreme over the premium bike market, further enhancing the city’s reputation for automotive innovations.
Key Products:
Premium motorcycles (Classic, Meteor, Himalayan, Bullet)
Clients:
Motorcycle enthusiasts, export markets globally
Company Details:
India’s largest premium motorcycle manufacturer with iconic models designed for international markets
- Founder: Albert Eadie and Robert Walker Smith (UK origin, 1901)
- Year Established: 1901 (manufacturing in Chennai since the 1990s under Eicher Motors)
- Experience: Over a century in premium motorcycle production
- Ratings: 4.7/5
- Address: Royal Enfield Factory, Oragadam, Chennai – 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/our-world/gallery/photos/the-new-royal-enfield-factory-at-oragadam-tamil-nadu/
5. The Sanmar Group
The Sanmar Group has been a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, PVC and engineering solutions since early 1960”.
The group is also an established company in Chennai and other places, and has the advantage of professionals with experiences in global joint ventures.
Although it has its own challenges, like high costs for R&D investment, it has been a tuple: consistent quality and innovative role model of industry, particularly among manufacturing companies in Chennai.
Key Products:
Specialty chemicals, PVC, engineering solutions
Clients:
Industrial companies, global joint ventures
Company Details:
A global player in chemical and engineering solutions with a strong emphasis on quality and innovation
- Founder: N. Sankar
- Year Established: 1960s
- Experience: 60+ years in manufacturing and joint ventures
- Ratings: 4.6/5
- Address: 9, Cathedral Road, Chennai – 600086, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/g3NvVi5
6. Hatsun Agro Products
It is India’s largest private dairy company, manufacturing in Chennai a variety of dairy products. Hatsun Agro is the largest private dairy company in India, with a huge rural network that guarantees the supply of quality milk.
Key Products:
Milk, curd, ghee, paneer, ice cream, dairy whitener
Clients:
Retail customers, rural networks, export markets
Company Details:
India’s largest private dairy company with a vast rural supply chain network
- Founder: R. G. Chandramogan
- Year Established: 1970
- Experience: 54 years in the dairy industry
- Ratings: 4.6/5
- Address: Old Mahabalipuram Road, Karapakkam, Chennai – 600097, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.hap.in/#
7. Sundram Fasteners Limited
Sundram was founded in the year 1966, and it is a world leader in automotive fasteners. It caters to various industries. Sundram Fasteners is a global leader in automotive fasteners, with innovative manufacturing processes and superior product quality. making it one of the leading manufacturing companies in Chennai in its field.
It has an extensive export base that helps it maintain its strong competitive edge in several industries worldwide.
Key Products:
Automotive fasteners, radiator caps, gears, cold extrusions
Clients:
Automotive and industrial sectors, export markets globally
Company Details:
- Founder: T. S. Santhanam
- Year Established: 1966
- Experience: 58 years in fasteners and industrial components
- Ratings: 4.7/5
- Address: 98-A, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.sundram.com/
8. Orchid Pharma
Orchid Pharma is a generic and API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) manufacturing company that was founded in 1992. Orchid Pharma is known for its WHO GMP-certified facilities and strong global supply chain, especially in the manufacture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Despite experiencing financial instability, the company’s knowledge of high-demand pharmaceutical products keeps it relevant in the global market. making it one of the prominent manufacturing companies in Chennai in the pharmaceutical sector.
Key Products:
Generic drugs, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Clients:
Global pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers
Company Details:
A WHO GMP-certified pharmaceutical manufacturer with a strong global supply chain
- Founder: K. Raghavendra Rao
- Year Established: 1992
- Experience: 32 years in pharmaceuticals and API manufacturing
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Address: Orchid Towers, 313, Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.orchidpharma.com/
9. India Potash Limited
This company was founded in 1955 and has become one of the leading producers and distributors of fertilizers and agrochemicals. It is a major supplier of key fertilizers such as muriate of potash and NPK fertilizers, playing a very important role in sustaining the productivity of Indian agriculture. Such a long history and its critical contributions to the farm sector make it an industry leader.
Key Products:
Fertilizers (Muriate of Potash, NPK fertilizers), agro-chemicals
Clients:
Farmers, agricultural cooperatives, government bodies
Company Details:
A leading producer and distributor of fertilizers essential for Indian agriculture
- Founder: Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)
- Year Established: 1955
- Experience: 69 years in the fertilizer and agro-chemical industry
- Ratings: 4.4/5
- Address: IFFCO Tower, C-1, District Centre, Saket Place, New Delhi – 110017, India
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/ANheieq
10. TTK Healthcare
TTK Healthcare is a part of the TTK Group, incorporated in 1928, this company deals in healthcare and consumer products. TTK Healthcare’s main products are healthcare and baby care products. The diverse product range and established brand identity assist the company effectively in retaining its dominance in the healthcare industry.
Key Products:
Healthcare products, baby care products, consumer goods
Clients:
Retail consumers, hospitals, healthcare providers
Company Details:
A part of the TTK Group, known for its diverse product range and strong brand identity
- Founder: T.T. Krishnamachari
- Year Established: 1928
- Experience: 96 years in healthcare and consumer products
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Address: 6, Cathedral Road, Chennai – 600086, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://ttkhealthcare.com/
11. Saint-Gobain India
Saint-Gobain India is a global leader for energy-efficient glass and construction materials focusing on innovation, sustainability, and R&D. The advanced solutions the company offers in the automobile and construction sectors make it one of the most prominent manufacturing companies in Chennai.
Key Products:
Energy-efficient glass, construction materials
Clients:
Construction companies, automobile manufacturers
Company Details:
A global leader in energy-efficient materials focusing on innovation and sustainability
- Founder: Pierre-André de Chalendar (parent company in France)
- Year Established: 1996 (India operations)
- Experience: 28 years in India, over 350 years globally
- Ratings: 4.7/5
- Address: 5th Level, Sigapi Achi Building, No. 18/3, Rukmini Lakshmipathy Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600008, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/saint-gobain-research-india-chennai-inde
12. Hyundai Motor India
Hyundai’s Chennai manufacturing plant is one of its largest global hubs, producing models like Creta, i20, and Verna. The company’s strong export network and extensive dealer presence have made it a dominant player in the Indian automotive market.
Key Products:
Automobiles (Creta, i20, Verna, Venue)
Clients:
Indian and global automotive markets, export clients
Company Details:
A major global manufacturing hub for Hyundai with a robust export network
- Founder: Chung Ju-Yung (Hyundai Motor Company)
- Year Established: 1996
- Experience: 28 years in the Indian automotive industry
- Ratings: 4.9/5
- Address: Plot No. H1, SIPCOT Industrial Park, Irrungattukottai, Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram District – 602117, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/bwcRPH7
13. Renault-Nissan India
The Renault-Nissan alliance at Chennai has set a significant manufacturing base for such affordable models as Kwid and Magnite. The economies of scale in production along with robust export potential make its market more viable, positioning it among the leading manufacturing companies in Chennai in the automotive sector.
Key Products:
Automobiles (Kwid, Magnite, Kiger, Duster)
Clients:
Indian and global automotive markets, export clients
Company Details:
A joint alliance with significant manufacturing and export potential
- Founder: Carlos Ghosn (Alliance between Renault and Nissan)
- Year Established: 2010
- Experience: 14 years in India
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Address: Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd, Oragadam Industrial Corridor, Chennai – 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://rntbci.in/
14. TVS Motor Company
The Indian-based company, TVS Motor Co., is the major producer of motorcycles and scooters of the country like the two-wheeler markets leading Apache and Jupiter with global exports and a lot more under their focus on innovation, loyalty to customers.
Key Products:
Two-wheelers (Apache, Jupiter, Ntorq, Radeon), three-wheelers
Clients:
Indian and global consumers, export markets
- Company Details:
- India’s largest two and three-wheeler manufacturer with a focus on innovation
- Founder: T. V. Sundaram Iyengar
- Year Established: 1978
- Experience: 46 years in the two and three-wheeler industry
- Ratings: 4.8/5
- Address: No. 29, Haddows Road, Chennai – 600006, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.tvsmotor.com/
15. Apollo Tyres
Apollo Tyres is quite unique in the tire manufacturing segment with its quality products and strong export capabilities. Despite strong competition, it has been able to retain a strong market position both in domestic and international markets. making it one of the leading manufacturing companies in Chennai in the automotive industry.
Key Products:
Tires for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles
Clients:
Automotive manufacturers, global export markets
Company Details:
A leading global tire manufacturer with strong domestic and international market presence
- Founder: Onkar Kanwar
- Year Established: 1972
- Experience: 52 years in the tire manufacturing industry
- Ratings: 4.7/5
- Address: Apollo Tyres Ltd., Radial House, Off. Anna Salai, Chennai – 600018, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://store.apollotyres.com/location/tamil-nadu/chennai
16. Lucas-TVS
The company is renowned for offering some of the best quality automotive electrical products including alternators and starters. So it is a strong player in the automotive electrical systems business.
Key Products:
Automotive electrical systems (alternators, starters, wiper motors, ignition systems)
Clients:
Automotive manufacturers and OEMs
Company Details:
Renowned for its high-quality automotive electrical components, Lucas-TVS is a strong player in the automotive electrical systems industry.
- Founder: TVS Group (in collaboration with Lucas Industries)
- Year Established: 1961
- Experience: 63 years in automotive electrical systems
- Ratings: 4.6/5
- Address: Lucas-TVS Ltd., Padi, Chennai – 600050, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://www.lucas-tvs.com/
17. MS Global India Pvt. Ltd.
A significant sheet metal component, this company is an automobile segment provider. MS Global India is one of the leading manufacturing companies in Chennai specializing in precision sheet metal components for the automotive segment with a reputation for reliability, although it is controlled by the cyclical pattern of the automotive industry.
Key Products:
Precision sheet metal components for the automotive industry
Clients:
Automotive manufacturers, tier-1 suppliers
Company Details:
A leading provider of reliable sheet metal components, although influenced by the cyclical nature of the automotive industry.
- Founder: MS Group (parent company in South Korea)
- Year Established: 2007 (India operations)
- Experience: 17 years in the Indian automotive segment
- Ratings: 4.4/5
- Address: MS Global India Pvt. Ltd., SIPCOT Industrial Park, Irungattukottai, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/GQHhL97
18. Ganges Internationale Pvt. Ltd.
Ganges Internationale is known for its solar energy infrastructure and provides critical products like solar mounting structures and telecom towers. It has a strong focus on sustainable solutions, which makes it a significant player in the growing solar energy sector.
Key Products:
Solar mounting structures, telecom towers, energy solutions
Clients:
Solar energy companies, telecom providers
Company Details:
Focused on sustainable solutions, Ganges Internationale is a significant player in solar energy infrastructure and telecom.
- Founder: Ranjan Chopra
- Year Established: 1991
- Experience: 33 years in solar energy infrastructure
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Address: Ganges Internationale Pvt. Ltd., SIPCOT Industrial Park, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/Hu7hnqB
19. Simpson & Co.
Simpson & Co. specifically manufactures diesel engines with high quality that are used in tractors, and marine engines among others. It has a long history of its operation and has been offering reliable quality products and is a crucial product market in the engine manufacturing Companies in Chennai.
Key Products:
Diesel engines for tractors, marine applications, and industrial use
Clients:
Agriculture equipment manufacturers, marine equipment producers
Company Details:
The oldest diesel engine manufacturer in India, with a reputation for reliability and high-quality products.
- Founder: John Simpson
- Year Established: 1840
- Experience: 184 years in engine manufacturing
- Ratings: 4.4/5
- Address: Simpson & Co., Mount Road, Chennai – 600002, Tamil Nadu, India
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/KZJMhgX
20. Rane Group
The business relies on the auto industries’ demand cycle. Rane Group has established itself as an industry leader in the production of excellent automotive parts such as steering systems, brake linings and suspension parts. This group is mainly involved with research and development and other substantial original equipment manufacturer affiliations which make the business very successful within the sector, positioning it as one of the top manufacturing companies in Chennai in the automotive industry.
Key Products:
Automotive spare parts (steering systems, brake linings, suspension parts)
Clients:
Automobile manufacturers, OEMs, aftermarket suppliers
Company Details:
A leader in automotive spare parts manufacturing, known for its focus on R&D and OEM collaborations.
- Founder: L. Ganapathi
- Year Established: 1929
- Experience: 95 years in the automotive parts industry
- Ratings: 4.6/5
- Address: Rane Group, “Maithri,” No. 132, Cathedral Road, Chennai – 600086, Tamil Nadu, India
Website: https://ranegroup.com/
Conclusion
The top manufacturing industry has remained strong in Chennai due to good survival factors such as strategic location, skilled labor and good infrastructural base.
As this blog covers top 20 manufacturing companies in Chennai like Automobiles, consumer electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals; the ingredients of industrial profile of this city are propelling India’s economy.
Global companies such as Hyundai, Saint-Gobain, Apollo Tyres etc are present in Chennai and yet many homegrown industrialists are responsible for reinforcing the city’s competitiveness in the industries.
Encouraged by the government policies and industrial parks the manufacturing sector in the city is set to sustainably grow to be able to supply both the domestic and the international market.
In context with the growing influence of Chennai as a manufacturing hub of automobile industry and other industries, it continues to be an important factor to India’s industrial and economic growth.
FAQS
Q1: Why is manufacturing companies in Chennai are so Popular??
Chennai offers excellent connectivity through ports, skilled labor, and a strong industrial base, making it a preferred location for manufacturers.
Q2: Which sector dominates Chennai’s manufacturing industry?
The automotive sector is the dominant industry in Chennai, with major global and local players having plants here.
Q3: What is Chennai’s contribution to India’s exports?
Chennai is one of the largest contributors to India’s automotive and electronics exports, supplying products to over 100 countries.
Q4: Are these companies eco-friendly?
Many companies in Chennai, like Saint-Gobain and Grundfos, are investing in green manufacturing to ensure sustainability.