1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010-2020
2021 to Present

The Founding Decade

 

The Vision of Self-Reliance

 

In a time when India was taking its first steps toward economic independence, the seeds of our company were sown in Lahore. It was 1933, and the founding of Saraswati Sugar Syndicate Ltd. laid the groundwork for a future engineering powerhouse. Our initial vision was simple yet profound: to contribute to India’s agricultural backbone, creating a foundation of self-sufficiency. From our earliest days, we were more than a company; we were a part of a national movement towards progress.


1930

The Industrial Leap

 

Building a New Nation

 

The defining moment of our history came in the years surrounding India’s independence. As the nation was being reborn, our company made a symbolic journey to contribute to its new identity. Recognizing the critical need for a domestic capital goods industry, we established the Indian Sugar & General Engineering Corporation (Isgec) in 1946. This was a direct response to a nation’s dream to build its own industrial infrastructure for an independent India. The crucial shift of our registered office from Lahore to Abdullapur (now Yamunanagar) in 1947 cemented our place in the nation’s unfolding story.


Key Milestones

  • Indian Sugar & General Engineering Corporation (Isgec) is established in 1946.
  • Our registered office shifted from Lahore to Yamunanagar in 1947.
1940s

Forging a Path

 

Forging Global Partnerships

 

With a newly independent nation needing to industrialize rapidly, we knew we could not do it alone. The 1950s were defined by our foresight to seek out and secure strategic international partnerships. This era marked our commitment to bridging the gap between global expertise and local needs, ensuring that India had access to the most advanced engineering technologies available.


Key Milestones

  • We signed a landmark agreement with John Thompson Ltd., UK, for the manufacture of industrial boilers.
1950s

The Pioneers

 

Firsts for the Nation

 

This was the decade of groundbreaking achievements. We established ourselves as a true pioneer, manufacturing complex equipment previously imported from abroad. This period saw us not just building products but also building a reputation for excellence and innovation that would serve as a benchmark for the entire industry.


Key Milestones

  • We manufactured India’s first Ton Container in 1964.
  • We formed Isgec John Thompson Ltd. (IJT) in 1965 for the design, supply, and service of boilers.
  • Licenses received for manufacture of Hydraulic Machinery in collaboration with John Shaw and Sons (Salford) Ltd., Salford Lancashire (UK).
  • Presses Division executes first order of 25T Hydraulic Press supplied to Carbon Products, Calcutta.
1960

Era of Diversification

 

Expanding Horizons

 

With a solid foundation in place, the 1970s marked a period of deliberate expansion and diversification. We moved beyond our core competencies to tackle new challenges in crucial sectors. This expansion was a testament to our growing engineering capabilities and our commitment to serving a broader range of industrial needs.


Key Milestones

  • We received a license to manufacture Water Treatment Plants in 1974.
  • Licenses received for manufacture of Plate Bending Rolls, Galvanizing Baths, Fabrication of High-Pressure Piping and Heat Exchangers.
  • Listed on the Delhi Stock exchange.
1970

The Steel Backbone

 

The Backbone of India’s Industry

 

The 1980s were about securing our foundation and strengthening our control over the entire value chain. The acquisition of U.P. Steels from the Kobe Steel Group was a strategic masterstroke, allowing us to ensure the quality of our core materials and solidify our position as a leader in the heavy engineering sector.


Key Milestones

  • We acquired U.P. Steels from the Kobe Steel Group, Japan, in 1981.
  • Started production of Mechanical Presses, technical knowhow from Rovetta Press Spa, Italy.
  • IJT forays into Fluidized Bed Combustion technology.
1980

Modernization and Quality

 

Stepping onto the World Stage

 

This decade was a concerted effort to demonstrate our commitment to world-class quality and operational excellence. By earning the coveted ISO-9001 certification, we proved that our processes met the highest international standards. We further cemented our reputation by executing complex, state-of-the-art projects that were firsts for the Indian landscape.


Key Milestones

  • Isgec Yamunanagar receives ISO-9001 certification in 1995.
  • We manufactured Ladle Turrets for the Continuous Caster of the Rourkela Steel Plant—a first for India.
  • Signed the Licensing agreement for CFBC Boilers up to 60 MW with Amec Foster Wheeler North America Corp.
  • Licensing agreement with Belleli, Italy to manufacturer High Pressure Reactors for Oil Refineries and other Petrochemical Plants.
1990s

Global Consolidation

 

Building a Global Footprint

 

The new millennium ushered in an era of aggressive expansion. We opened new offices in Germany and the USA, and our new plant in Dahej, Gujarat, was established to handle larger, more complex projects for the global market. This decade was about transforming into a multi-location, multi-product global engineering powerhouse.


Key Milestones

  • Patents receive for Liquefied Gas Containers from Mexico, USA, India & China and PIE certification, for marketing in Europe.
  • Bawal plant commences production of Standard Presses.
  • New plant in Dahej, Gujarat commences production in 2008.
  • Overseas offices open in Germany and USA in 2004.
  • Technology License Agreement with ABB Lummus Heat Transfer, USA for Helix Heat Exchangers (Helixchanger) products.
  • Collaboration agreement with Amec Foster Wheeler North America Corp. for CFBC Boilers enhanced to cover up to 99.99 MWe.
2000

The Rebrand and the Rise

 

A New Identity and Global Reach

 

The 2010s marked a pivotal era of consolidation and strategic growth. We rebranded from Saraswati Industrial Syndicate Ltd. to Isgec Heavy Engineering Ltd., uniting our diverse businesses under one powerful brand. This period was defined by a series of aggressive joint ventures and acquisitions, including a partnership with Hitachi Zosen Corporation and the acquisition of Eagle Press & Equipment Co. Ltd. Canada. We also secured key licensing agreements with Amec Foster Wheeler North America Corp. to strengthen our boiler and vessel manufacturing capabilities. This decade culminated in 2019 when our turnover crossed ₹5000 crores, a testament to our expanding horizons and consolidated market presence.


Key Milestones

  • 2011: Company changes its name from Saraswati Industrial Syndicate Ltd. to Isgec Heavy Engineering Ltd. All businesses are now consolidated and marketed under a common brand name.
  • A new joint venture with Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Japan, for manufacturing specialized process equipment.
  • Acquired a 100% stake in Eagle Press & Equipment Co. Ltd., a press manufacturing company in Windsor, Canada.
  • A licensing agreement with Amec Foster Wheeler North America Corp. for the manufacture and sale of boilers.
  • A new joint venture with TITAN Metal Fabricators, USA, to manufacture corrosion-resistant process equipment.
  • 2019: Turnover crosses ₹5000 crores.
2000-2010

The Next Chapter

 

 Innovation and Market Leadership

 

Building on the momentum of the previous decade, the 2020s have been focused on solidifying our position as a leader in innovation. A major milestone was our listing on the National Stock Exchange, which expanded our access to the public market and reinforced our financial strength. Our commitment to technological advancement has also been recognized with the receipt of 15 Patents for various innovations, showcasing our dedication to solving the most pressing engineering challenges of our time.


Key Milestones

  • Company is listed on the National Stock Exchange.
  • Company receives 15 Patents for various innovations.
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