The Braithwaite legacy: Pioneers of engineering marvels in India since 1913

The history of engineering in India has witnessed multiple significant contributions, and the construction of Rabindra Setu, prominently known as Howrah Bridge, is no exception. Even the slightest instance of brief acquaintance with Kolkata, West Bengal, is sufficient to make people overawed by this engineering marvel. The construction of this marvelous cantilever bridge balancing over the mighty Hooghly River owes its dues to many,including Braithwaite and company limited, previously known as Braithwaite Burn & Jessop Construction Company (BBJ).

When the company set foot in India in 1913, its prime focus was the steel industry, and its initial line of work included the fabrication of structural steel works. Soon in 1930, the company based its headquarters in Kolkata (previously Calcutta) and rechristened itself as Braithwaite and Company Limited. Driving at a consistent pace, this dynamic business enterprise witnessed a meteoric rise when Clive Works, a unit of Braithwaite and company limited, undertook the role of wagon manufacturer for Indian railways in 1934. Little did the past realize that what started as an Indian subsidiary of Braithwaite & Co. Engineers Limited (U.K.) more than a hundred years ago has become a kingpin of the 21st century in the wagon industry in India. The enormity of Braithwaite's works ensured an expansion of their role and escalation in their vogue in the engineering sector of India.

While playing a significant role in manufacturing vital construction derivatives, the wagon tycoon's legacy has come far from being just an Indian subsidiary of a British enterprise. Angus works, another unit of Braithwaite & Company Limited, commenced its expedition as manufacturers of cranes, foundry products, and machinery products in the 1960s, a year that heralded the democratic destiny of India. The company continued its valiant efforts to make India infrastructurally empowered when in 1976, it added a momentous feather to its cap. The government of India recognized the company's extraordinary endeavors and grandiose chronology in the field of engineering and construction. Hence, despite its foreign origins, Braithwaite & Company Limited was nationalized and declared a Government of India undertaking. Recognized as one of the significant contributors to shaping the wagon industry of India, this wagon manufacturing venture finds itself in the limelight for manufacturing heavy structurals, building bridges, and related engineering applications. As a result of exponential growth and progress, the company established a project division in Kolkata to handle and execute turnkey projects effectively and efficiently. Being on the crest of a success wave, the engineering magnate found itself donning the hat of a part of a syndicate. In 1986, Braithwaite & Company Limited became a part of Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam, a union government company in India. In the following year, it took over Victoria Works, a facility well-equipped with apparatus and machinery for the efficient manufacture of structural commodities for bridge building and construction, pressure vessels, railway wagons and bogies, and others. Adamant on establishing brilliance and contemporizing the construction and manufacturing scenario, Braithwaite's quintessential work deliveries reflect its sense of compassion. From manufacturing railway commodities to steel fabrication works, the company being true to its prestigious heritage commits to engineering excellence - a dynamic attribute of the Braithwaite brand.

At present, Braithwaite & Company Limited comprises three units - Clive Works (Kolkata), Victoria Works (Kolkata), and Angus Works (in Hooghly District), West Bengal. After being transferred from the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises to the Ministry of Railways (Government of India), the business conglomerate has expanded its Playing field. In addition to establishing a firm foot in the railway wagon manufacturing industry, it is involved in the manufacturing of cranes and Jute mill machinery, Forging & casting, Health ATM, IT, IoT & ITES projects, structural steel fabrication, crane manufacturing, renewable energy projects, civil construction projects, operations of the railway workshops and their management, and bridge construction work.

An explosive account of their efficient operations and management is their turnover of Rs.500 crores and three years of consistent profits. This momentous feat paved the way for them to bag the status of Mini Ratna-I public sector undertaking in 2022. The success of this manufacturing giant can be attributed to its venture into new sectors, aggressive manufacturing of locomotive and other engineering works, and impeccable servicing. In the words of Mr. Yatish Kumar, chairman and Managing Director of the company, Braithwaite's first step to success was its transformation from a manufacturing to a service company. Given the milieu of the manufacturing market, setting exemplary milestones can be challenging. However, with sheer will to progress, Braithwaite & Company Limited is unshakable from its resolve to contribute to scripting the story of India's engineering marvels. In terms of numbers, more than a century old, the company has etched a name for itself in time and continues to be the pioneer of engineering and manufacturing marvels that India truly deserves.