The Chennai Silks
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Thiru. A. Kulandaivel Mudaliar |
Area served | Southern India |
Key people |
|
| Products | Textiles, ready-made, silk sarees |
Number of employees | 50000 |
| Parent | SCM Group |
| Website | www |
The Chennai Silks
[edit]The Chennai Silks (TCS) is a prominent textile retail chain based in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 1962 by Thiru A. Kulandaivel Mudaliar, the group has grown to encompass multiple industries, including textiles, jewelry, construction, renewable energy, and philanthropy. With over 50,000 employees and numerous branches across Southern India, TCS is one of the largest retailers in India.
History
[edit]The Chennai Silks was founded in 1962 by A. Kulandaivel Mudaliar, who transformed a small weaving unit into a multi-industry conglomerate. With a vision to revolutionize the textile industry, the company expanded rapidly, becoming synonymous with quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
The group achieved global recognition in 2007 by creating the world's most expensive saree, valued at ₹41 lakhs, featuring reproductions of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, a feat recorded in the Guinness World Records.
Locations
[edit]It is the largest textile chain in Tamil Nadu.
| S.No | Branch | Opening Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tiruppur | 12-Sep-1991 |
| 2 | Coimbatore 1-Oppanakara Street | 16-Sep-1996 |
| 3 | Erode | 01-Sep-2000 |
| 4 | Chennai | 21-Aug-2001 |
| 5 | Thiruchirappalli | 23-Oct-2004 |
| 6 | Coimbatore 2-Oppanakara Street | 24-Oct-2007 |
| 7 | Coimbatore 3-Cross Cut Road | 04-Sep-2008 |
| 8 | Karur | 04-Sep-2008 |
| 9 | Kochi | 06-July-2009 |
| 10 | Tirunelveli | 01-Sep-2011 |
| 11 | Vellore | 30-Sep-2013 |
| 12 | Salem | 14-Oct-2013 |
| 13 | Villupuram | 27-Aug-2014 |
| 14 | Hosur | 12-Sep-2014 |
| 15 | Velachery | 25-Sep-2014 |
| 16 | Madurai | 16-Sep-2015 |
| 17 | Chittoor | 30-Sep-2016 |
| 18 | Thoothukudi | 23-Aug-2017 |
| 19 | Kumbakonam | 24-Aug-2017 |
| 20 | Dindigul | 01-Oct-2017 |
| 21 | Thiruvallur | 04-Sep-2017 |
| 22 | Hyderabad | 15-Sep-2017 |
| 23 | Thanjavur | 21-Jan-2018 |
| 24 | Chrompet | 19-Feb-2018 |
| 25 | Mehdipatnam | 03-Jun-2018 |
| 26 | Puducherry | 23-Oct-2020 |
| 27 | Pudukkottai | 02-Aug-2021 |
Records
[edit]In 2007, a Guinness world record - "most expensive silk saree" was created by Chennai Silks.[1] It was worth about $100,021; £50,679 (worth ₹41 lakhs) and features reproductions of 11 famous paintings by the Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. The main image is a reproduction of Raja Ravi Varma's Galaxy of Musicians. It took around 4760 hours to complete the design.
Business Divisions
1. Textiles and Retail
The Chennai Silks operates one of the largest textile retail chains in India. Its stores offer a wide range of products, including:
- Traditional wear: Wedding silks, Kanchivaram sarees, and lehengas.
- Casual wear: Western wear, cotton sarees, and dress materials.
- Formal wear: Men's suiting and shirting, sherwanis, and dhotis.
- Children’s apparel: From casual outfits to festive clothing.
Certified with ISO 9001:2000, TCS ensures high-quality standards and authenticity in its products, bearing the Silk Mark and Handloom Mark for premium silk items.
2. Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai (SKTM)
Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai is a trusted name in jewelry retail, offering gold, platinum, diamond, and silver collections. With 50 branches across South India, it is one of the largest BIS-certified jewelry chains in Tamil Nadu. Customers worldwide can shop via its official website, sktm.in.
3. SCM Garments
SCM Garments is a leading manufacturer and exporter of knitted and woven garments. Catering to renowned brands like Decathlon, US Polo, and Jockey, SCM Garments exports to Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Its eco-friendly production facilities adhere to Oeko-Tex 100 standards, and the division is known for its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
4. Renewable Energy
Through its subsidiaries like KKV Agro Powers and the SCM Energy Division, the group focuses on renewable energy initiatives. These include:
- 9.6 MW of installed wind and solar energy capacity under KKV Agro Powers.
- A total of 70 MW of energy generated through windmills and solar power projects.
5. Teemage Precast
Established in 2011, Teemage Precast specializes in modern precast concrete construction. The division has completed notable projects, including government infrastructure and ISRO facilities, with over 60 lakh sq. ft. of precast construction to date.
6. Aathava Garments
Aathava Garments focuses on woven apparel for domestic and global markets. The company adheres to ISO 9001:2000, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS standards, showcasing a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Philanthropy
The Chennai Silks is deeply committed to societal welfare, with numerous philanthropic initiatives:
Education
- Sri Nachammal Vidyavani: Managed by the AKV Foundation, this school emphasizes the educational development of children, especially in rural areas.
- TKC Academy: Offers vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, computer skills, and more, empowering youth and women.
Healthcare
- AKVN Hospital: A 200-bed healthcare facility providing affordable medical care, with consultation fees as low as ₹20 and subsidized medicines.
Community Services
- Gajaananda Trust: Facilitates free matrimonial services, benefiting numerous families in the community.
- Jute Bag Manufacturing: A livelihood project in Kasipalayam, creating job opportunities for local residents.
Milestones and Recognition
World Records
In 2007, The Chennai Silks earned a Guinness World Record for creating the world's most expensive saree. The saree, worth ₹41 lakhs, was intricately designed with 11 paintings by the renowned Indian Artist Raja Ravi Varma, requiring 4,760 man-hours to complete.
Certifications
The company holds various certifications across its business sectors, including:
- ISO 9001:2000: For textiles, garments, and construction.
- Oeko-Tex 100 Standards: For eco-friendly fabric processing.
- BIS Certification: For jewelry manufacturing.
Branches and Reach
The Chennai Silks operates across Southern India, with branches in:
- Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, and more.
- Kerala: Ernakulam.
- Puducherry: Puducherry City.
- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: Hyderabad, Chittoor.
Vision and Values
The Chennai Silks prides itself on blending traditional family values with modern business practices. The group emphasizes:
- Ethics and integrity in all business dealings.
- Sustainability through green energy and eco-friendly practices.
- Building trust and reliability among customers, employees, and vendors.
References
[edit]- ^ "The most expensive silk saree". 2008. Archived from the original on 22 March 2015.