Group Profile
Leading with a robust legacy
The K.K Birla Group stands proudly as a key player in India’s private sector sugar industry, with a collective crushing capacity of 50,800 tonnes per day across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Since entering the sugar business in 1932, the K.K Birla Group has evolved into a leading sugar manufacturer, supported by decades of rich experience and innovation.
Renowned for its dynamism, the K.K Birla Group has expanded its crushing capacity twofold in the past decade, employing cutting-edge technology. The group’s commitment to advancing the sugar industry is exemplified by its dedicated research efforts in developing superior sugarcane varieties. The significance of sugarcane in determining industry outcomes is underscored by the group’s emphasis on cultivating more productive strains.
Beyond sugar production, the K.K Birla Group’s influence extends into diverse sectors. It stands as one of the fastest-growing industrial conglomerates, excelling in the production of industrial alcohol, including ethanol, renewable energy co-generation, processed food products, and tea.
With four distilleries contributing to a daily processing capacity of approximately 4,80,000 litres of industrial alcohol, the group demonstrates a robust commitment to meeting market demands.
Recognizing the integral role of the sugar industry in India’s rural economy, the K.K Birla Group engages with over 35 million farmers who serve as regular suppliers. With a direct impact on the livelihoods of over 35 million farmers and employment for around 4000 workers across its seven plants, the group plays a pivotal role in social development and community upliftment.
In its dedication to societal welfare, the group organizes demonstration camps, technical seminars, and provides subsidies for quality seeds, fostering better farming methodologies. Additionally, initiatives include research into high-yielding sugarcane varieties, loans to farmers, and the establishment of schools offering job-oriented education at concessional fees. The group’s commitment to holistic development is further evident in the construction of hospitals, temples, and other amenities for the benefit of the broader community surrounding its plants.
Dr. Krishna Kumar Birla
Late Dr. Krishna Kumar Birla, born on 12th October 1918 in Pilani, Rajasthan, was the son of the legendary Late Syt. Ghanshyam Das Birla. His remarkable journey in the Sugar Industry began in 1940 when he emerged as one of the founding members of the Indian Sugar Industry. As the Chairman of Upper Ganges Sugar & Industries Ltd., The Oudh Sugar Mills Ltd., and Gobind Sugar Mills Ltd., he was instrumental in shaping the industry’s landscape. In 2002, he assumed the role of Chairman – Emeritus for all these companies, maintaining this position until his demise in 2008.
A Member of the Rajya Sabha for 18 consecutive years, Dr. Birla also served as the elected Sheriff of Calcutta in 1961. Honoured with a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Pondicherry University in 1997, he chaired prominent organizations such as the Indian Sugar Mills Association and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Dr. Birla’s contributions extended to education and philanthropy. He held the Trusteeship of the Birla Education Trust, overseeing schools and institutions offering subsidized education. As the Chairman of the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) in Pilani and Dubai, he played a pivotal role. Establishing the K.K. Birla Foundation, he instituted annual awards for excellence in Indian literature, scientific research, and Indian philosophy, while the K.K. Birla Academy focused on research in scientific, cultural, and historical subjects.
An outstanding visionary, business leader, parliamentarian, and scholar, Dr. K. K Birla left an indelible mark in industry, education, politics, art, and culture. His autobiography, ‘Brushes with History,’ provides insights into the Birla family’s interactions with historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and others. His legacy lives on, serving as an inspiration for many to follow. Late Dr. Krishna Kumar Birla, a multi-faceted personality, left for his heavenly abode on 30th August 2008, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy. The Radhakrishna Temple in Kolkata and the G.D. Birla Sabhagar stand as testaments to his enduring contributions to society.
