Story of Relaxo Footwear: Founder Ramesh Kumar Dua and Mukand Lal Dua
Biography of Relaxo Footwear:
In the heart of Delhi, two brothers Ramesh Kumar Dua and
Mukand Lal Dua embarked on a journey in 1976 that would eventually shape
India’s footwear industry. After parting ways with other family business
ventures in 1971 and suffering financial setbacks, the duo took a bold leap
into footwear manufacturing. With just ₹10,000 from a property deposit, a
rented space costing ₹350 per month, and a single product—the trusty hawai
chappal Relaxo was born.
Navigating Early Challenges
The beginning was anything but easy. Government restrictions
made it difficult to grow under a single brand, forcing the brothers to operate
multiple units under different names. Still, their commitment to quality and
quantity never wavered. They soon realized the need for a unified brand and
launched ‘Relaxo’ to stand out in a crowded market and ensure retailers kept
their products during uncertain times like the Emergency.
A Turning Point in 1995
The real transformation came in 1995. With policy reforms
lifting business restrictions, Relaxo seized the opportunity by investing ₹7.5
crore in a state-of-the-art facility. This plant had the capacity to
manufacture 50,000 pairs of footwear per day. As the Indian economy opened up,
so did Relaxo’s growth prospects, and demand for affordable yet reliable
footwear surged across the country.
Building a Household Name
Over the years, Relaxo evolved from a modest family business
into India’s largest footwear manufacturer by volume. With a relentless focus
on affordability and comfort, the company introduced popular brands like Sparx
for sports shoes, Bahamas for flip-flops, Schoolmate for school shoes, and
Flite for casual wear. These sub-brands became household names across India.
Strategic Branding and Star Power
Relaxo’s marketing strategy included enlisting top Bollywood
celebrities such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, and Sonakshi Sinha
as brand ambassadors. These endorsements gave the brand a strong identity among
younger and fashion-conscious audiences, helping it grow further in urban and
semi-urban markets alike.
Story of Relaxo Footwear: Founder Ramesh Kumar Dua and Mukand Lal Dua -Entrepreneur#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#Relaxo Footwear#hawai chappal
Taking Footsteps Abroad
Relaxo didn’t limit itself to Indian borders. Around 5% of
its revenue comes from international markets, including countries like Saudi
Arabia, UAE, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, and Panama. With 30 overseas
distributors, the brand is slowly but surely expanding its global footprint,
while still keeping affordability and functionality at its core.
Leadership That Drives Growth
Ramesh Kumar Dua serves as the Managing Director and remains
at the helm of the company’s operations. His brother, Mukand Lal Dua, who has
over five decades of experience in footwear manufacturing, serves as a
Whole-Time Director. CEO Sanjay Kulshrestha supports their vision with sharp
business acumen and operational excellence. Together, they’ve created a team
that steers the company forward.
Expanding Infrastructure
Today, Relaxo operates eight advanced factories with the
capacity to produce over a million pairs of footwear daily. The company also
retails through popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and
DMart, making their products accessible to millions of consumers across India.
Financial Growth and Recognition
Relaxo reported consolidated revenue of ₹2,783 crore in
FY2023, with a healthy 4.9% year-on-year growth. The company continues to
remain financially strong. As of August 2023, Forbes India estimated Ramesh
Kumar Dua’s net worth at $1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest
individuals in the country’s consumer goods segment.
Vision for the Future
Relaxo continues to dream big. In December 2023, it acquired
a 30-acre land parcel in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, for ₹135 crore, a clear signal of
future expansion. The company now aims to strengthen its presence in Africa and
the Middle East, focusing on quality distribution supported by excellent
after-sales service. Relaxo's journey stands as an inspiring tale of
resilience, innovation, and enduring family values.
Timeline of Key Events
|
Year |
Milestone |
|
1971 |
Family business split; faced ₹1 lakh loss |
|
1976 |
Relaxo Footwears founded by Ramesh and Mukand Dua |
|
1995 |
Invested ₹7.5 crore in new plant (50,000 pairs/day) |
|
2000s |
Introduction of brands like Sparx, Bahamas, Flite,
Schoolmate |
|
2010–2020s |
Endorsements by Bollywood celebrities |
|
2022 |
Ramesh Kumar Dua's net worth reaches $2.32B (Forbes) |
|
2023 (Aug) |
Net worth reported as $1B by Forbes India |
|
2023 (Dec) |
Acquired 30-acre land in Bhiwadi for ₹135 crore |
|
FY2023 |
Recorded ₹2,783 crore revenue with 4.9% YoY growth |
|
Future |
Focus on Africa, Middle East; expanding global
distribution |
