Havells

Overview

Havells India Limited is an Indian multinational electrical equipment company headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The company manufactures and markets a wide range of electrical and consumer products, including switchgear, cables, lighting, fans, modular switches, water heaters, air conditioners, and small domestic appliances. Havells is among the largest fast moving electrical goods (FMEG) companies in India and operates through a network of branded retail outlets known as Havells Galaxy.

Key facts

Background

The Havells brand traces its origins to a trading business established by Qimat Rai Gupta in Delhi. The brand name was acquired from Haveli Ram Gandhi, after whom the trademark was originally named. From its early base in the Delhi electrical goods market of Bhagirath Palace, the business expanded into manufacturing and grew into a diversified electrical products company.

History and timeline

• 1958: Qimat Rai Gupta begins trading in electrical goods in Delhi.
• 1971: The Havells trademark is acquired, and the company expands into manufacturing.
• 1983: Manufacturing of rewireable switches and changeover switches begins.
• 1990s: The company widens its product range to include miniature circuit breakers, energy meters, and cables, often through technical collaborations and acquisitions of Indian electrical brands.
• 2007: Havells acquires Sylvania, a global lighting brand, giving it a presence in Europe, Latin America, and other international markets.
• 2014: Following the death of founder Qimat Rai Gupta, his son Anil Rai Gupta takes over as Chairman and Managing Director.
• 2015: Havells divests a majority stake in Sylvania to Shanghai Feilo Acoustics.
• 2017: The company acquires the consumer durables business of Lloyd Electric and Engineering, entering the air conditioner and television segments under the Lloyd brand.

Operations and products

Havells operates manufacturing plants across several Indian states, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu. Its product portfolio is organised into segments such as switchgear, cables and wires, lighting and fixtures, electrical consumer durables, and the Lloyd consumer products line. The company sells through distributors, dealers, modern retail, and exclusive Havells Galaxy stores in cities and towns across India, with exports to multiple countries.

Brands

• Havells – flagship brand for switchgear, cables, fans, lighting, and appliances.
• Lloyd – air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions.
• Crabtree – premium modular switches and wiring accessories.
• Standard – mid-segment electrical products.
• Reo – value segment products.

Significance

Havells is regarded as one of the prominent examples of an Indian electrical brand transitioning from a trading enterprise into a vertically integrated manufacturer with multinational operations. Its acquisitions, particularly of Sylvania and Lloyd, marked notable moves in the Indian electrical and consumer durables industry. The company is also recognised for its advertising campaigns and for promoting energy efficient products in the Indian market.

Related topics

• Indian companies
• Electrical equipment industry in India
• Lloyd Electric and Engineering
• Bombay Stock Exchange
• National Stock Exchange of India
• Noida

References

• Wikidata entry: Q5683558
• Havells India Limited – official corporate disclosures and annual reports.