RSB Group, one of India’s largest automotive component manufacturers, celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of innovation, resilience, and growth. Founded by brothers R K Behera and S K Behera with a modest Rs 200,000 in 1974 including Rs 20,000 state subsidy available for Technocrats, RSB has expanded into a Rs 30 billion plus industry major. From a team of 15 members in 1975, RSB Group has grown to have more than 6,000 people as its associates now. 

As part of its growth strategy, the company has ambitious plans to surpass the Rs 100 billion revenue mark before launching an IPO in the next 3-4 years. A recent strategic partnership with Bain Capital, which invested in RSB a few months ago, will be crucial in fuelling these growth plans. This collaboration will support both organic and inorganic growth, with a strong focus on international markets, particularly in scaling operations in Mexico. RSB currently operates 17 manufacturing facilities in India, two overseas plants, and a tech subsidiary, I-DESIGN Engineering Solutions Ltd. in Pune. The company serves major domestic and international clients, including Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra, John Deere, Volvo, Renault Nissan, JCB, Ford, Fiat, Isuzu, Cummins, and others.

Operating in the automotive vertical, RSB is a leading global manufacturer of propeller shafts and a wide range of axles, including front axle, trailer axle, tractor axle, dummy axle, and axle beams. It also manufactures gearboxes for small commercial vehicles and fully finished gears, shafts, hubs, and sleeves. Its backward integration facility for castings and forgings ensures quality control of essential components. In the CMI (Construction and Mining Infrastructure) segment, RSB is a major manufacturer of heavy fabrications and aggregates, including frames, arms, booms, and buckets for excavators, backhoe loaders, and front-end loaders.

R K Behera, Chairman, RSB Group, stated, “Looking back on 50 years of RSB, I am deeply grateful for the journey we’ve taken. The celebration is not just about marking a milestone; it’s a tribute to the humble beginning, to the dedication and shared values that have brought us here. This journey wasn’t one I took alone; it was built alongside my brother, SK Behera, whose support and determination carried us through our most challenging times. In the beginning, we faced intense struggles—limited resources, financial setbacks, and constant hurdles—but with SK by my side and the unyielding spirit of our employees, we persisted. Every success is truly a testament to the sacrifices, resilience, and dedication of our RSB 'parivar'. As we look forward, I urge our next generation to hold fast to these values of integrity, quality, and respect. They are also expected to have a strong focus on sustainability. Together, we have not only achieved growth but also built a legacy that we can proudly pass on, impacting our communities and industry for years to come.”

RSB's journey, marked by early challenges, gained significant momentum with a pivotal contract from Tata Motors, leading to an approximate 75% year-on-year growth until 1990 and a consistent 25% CAGR thereafter. As part of its sustainable growth strategy, RSB is also investing in the electric vehicle (EV) market to provide OEMs with a complete solution and become a formidable force in the e-mobility sector. In collaboration with an Israeli company, RSB is developing EV solutions, including e-axles, motors, and controllers. The company has adopted a strategic revenue mix, aiming for 75% from traditional auto components and 25% from EV components over the next five years.

S K Behera, Vice Chairman, RSB Group added, “Our journey from a small workshop to an industry leader with a Rs 30 billion plus revenue base has been one of resilience, strategic vision, and a focus on excellence. From the earliest days, we were guided by the belief that taking care of our people would allow us to achieve remarkable things. Every milestone reflects the hard work, talents, and sacrifices of our employees, whose dedication and commitment have driven RSB forward. As we now embrace new opportunities—from electric vehicle technology to expanding into international markets—our focus remains on building with integrity and quality. Looking to the future, we will continue setting new industry standards, not just for growth, but for creating lasting value and impact in every market we enter."

In the new phase of growing in a disruptive age, inorganic growth opportunities are also being explored. "We are exploring a few opportunities, and a decision will be taken in a few months," says S K Behera.

As the RSB Group looks forward, the next generation of leaders is committed to building on the company’s strong legacy. With investments of Rs 700-800 million in its in-house design, testing, and validation facility, along with ambitions to diversify into high-potential sectors such as defence, railways, and telecommunications, RSB is poised to enter an exciting new phase of growth and impact. A continued focus on sustainable and cutting-edge engineering will ensure that RSB continues to set industry benchmarks while driving meaningful change.

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