Chowgule’s journey began in 1916 with the production of roofing tiles. As the founder’s sons joined the company, it expanded into commodity trading, consumer products, and vehicles. Notably, in 1947, we shipped manganese ore from Goa to Czechoslovakia, marking our first venture into resource mining and trading.
Recognizing the opportunity to expand mining operations, especially to support Japan’s postwar economic strategy, one of the brothers, Vishvasrao Chowgule, traveled to Japan. He secured a deal that allowed the Japanese to fund a mechanized mining operation in exchange for a supply of iron ore, a critical raw material for their steel mills.
This pioneering mechanized mining operation in India led to the emergence of various ancillary support industries. The Chowgule family expanded to meet this demand, from constructing and repairing barges to manufacturing industrial explosives.
In the ensuing years, each of our enterprises charted its own growth path, continually developing products to meet evolving client needs and exploring new horizons.”