Glorious Past, Progressive Present, Magnificent Future: Braithwaite's Rich Engineering Heritage

With the mention of Indian railways comes the thought of Braithwaite, one of the engineering pioneers in India, that played a significant role in bridging the gaps between geographically scattered states of India. With a bevy of activities, Braithwaite has established a symbiotic relationship with the Indian railways over its glorious years of history. The Kolkata-based company that has deservingly spread its network in the manufacturing and development field, Braithwaite's existence has become synonymous with unshakable resolve, sheer grit, and strategic vision. Here is a brief account of Braithwaite & Co. Ltd.'s rich engineering heritage.

It is not a prevalent instance that a company set as a local subsidiary of a British firm in the past was nationalized and conferred with the coveted status of Public Sector Undertaking. In 1913, when Braithwaite, an auxiliary branch of Braithwaite & Co.Engineers Limited (U.K.), was set in India, its goal was entirely distinct from what it stands for today. After the first world war, the British crown's strength dwindled, and India was the quintessential alternative with flattering logistics to fulfill the insatiable demands of the Brits. Case in point, Braithwaite was established in India to implement the fabrication of structural steel works. A peek into the past is sufficient to affirm that what began as a mere tool to strengthen the British crown's position after the first world war would become one of the robust foundations of the Indian railways. The glorious history of Braithwaite & Company Limited saw the dawn of its inception when, in 1934, Clive Works commenced manufacturing wagons for the railways. While the foundation of modern India was laid, Braithwaite progressed in its endeavors to open every door of opportunities and deliver economically sensible results.

The company bore the fruits of its labor in 1960 when Braithwaite set up Angus Works for manufacturing cranes, foundry products, machinery commodities, and more. In spite of being a subsidiary of a foreign-borne company, Braithwaite was registered and incorporated as a wholly owned Government of India undertaking in 1976. In 1987, they took over Victoria Works, a facility equipped with the required equipment for manufacturing railway engineering applications, such as pressure vessels, railway wagons, heavy structurals for bridge construction, etc.

The 1930s paved the way for Braithwaite to set an example in the engineering industry. The tables turned when Braithwaite landed a complete contract to rebuild all the structures on the midland line from Bhopal to Jhansi. One of their most prominent feats is the construction of the Howrah Bridge, an unparalleled engineering marvel, which the Braithwaite, Burn, and Jessop took charge of in 1935. In addition to Rabindra Setu, the company also made an active contribution to the development of the Ganga Bridge at Munger, Bihar, and Godavari Bridge at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, which is Asia's second longest road-cum-rail bridge over water. Moreover, the business mogul's name is also associated with the Naranarayana bridge at Pancharatna, Assam, Rajendra Setu at Mokama, Bihar, and Saraighat bridge at Guwahati, Assam.

A company established with the sole purpose of contributing to the prosperity of the crown entrenched a niche in the engineering industry. The feats achieved by this industry expert are innumerable. What is best to initiate the tale of its monumental accomplishments than mentioning its conferment of the Miniratna-I category? In 2022, Braithwaite & Company Limited made the cut and rose to this occasion. At present, it has expanded its horizons to diverse verticals, such as manufacturing wagons and their components, repairing freight cars, structural steelwork, cranes, Coach Rehabilitation and Reconditioning, operation & maintenance of railway workshop, and more.

One of the exceptional feathers in its cap is the development of a utility vehicle, an eight-wheeler with superior export potential. Another breakthrough is a unique rake, which can ferry 260-meter-long rail panels developed by SAIL. Over and above, the company has recently concluded a container manufacturing project for DP world (Dubai). In addition, it is the first company in India to install Container Handling Port Cranes at Haldia Port.

Being a responsible corporate, the company aims to reduce its carbon footprint to the bare minimum. Taking the pledge for sustainable development and instilling a culture to transform into a greener society, Braithwaite has incorporated policies to adapt eco-friendly ways to contribute to environmental advancement.

Talking about exceptional financial achievements, Braithwaite has witnessed extraordinary success from the year 2018. Despite being under the purview of the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) from 1992 to 2006, the company garnered extraordinary economic feats in the illustrious years that followed. As a result of a rapid shift in its revenue generation strategy, the company gained a turnover of Rs. 488 crores till December 2021. Moreover, the manufacturing giant eyes a turnover of Rs. 2500 by the financial year 2026.

Braithwaite is an organization that always sets its sight on the future. It is satisfied with past achievements but, at the same time, always on the lookout for newer and more challenging opportunities. On the engineering and developmental front, the company has a list of facilitative innovations to offer to its clients. An awardee of the 11th PSE Excellence Award by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and conferred with Miniratna - I status, Braithwaite aims to elevate into a 'schedule A' company by the end of 2025. Having a global presence, Braithwaite aims to expand its business territories overseas to display the capability of the Indian engineering industry. On the financial front, state-run Braithwaite, whose net worth has climbed from Rs. 3 crores to Rs. 120 crores in 2022, aims for a turnover of Rs.2500 by FY 2025. In addition, it is eyeing to hit the capital market by FY-26 with an Initial Public Offering.

Moreover, the distinguished engineering pioneer plans to expand its business by venturing into the maintenance of rolling stock, car loading and unloading facilities, shipbuilding, coach refurbishment, designing and developing state-of-the-art wagons, and more. An ardent supporter of indigenous production, the wagon industry magnate aspires to lessen the dependency on foreign nations for manufacturing and developing containers and carriers. Braithwaite will always contribute to the task of nation-building with its resolve to make the country shine on the global front.