About the Founder Chairman

Dr C H Krishnamurthi Rao, Founder Chairman of the Group, born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Engineering, Coimbatore, University of Madras. After Engineering, he joined Everest Engineering, Coimbatore, as a Site Engineer. He worked for five years in various places like Coimbatore, Mettur, Tiruchi, Chennai and Mandya. He moved on to do his Ph.D in Doctorate of Technology Management at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, (BITS) Pilani, at the age of 54. He was also qualified as a P.E from Institution of Engineers India and awarded a fellowship (FNAE) at the Indian National Academy of Engineering.

An entrepreneur par excellence

Dr Rao, had over four decades of research experience in the areas of energy conservation, environmental protection, water management, which are the Group's Core Philosophies. He had steadfastly led the Company for more than four decades. Through his intensive and penchant for world-class performance, the Group has excelled in the global arena, creating reputable inventions that made their mark on the international arena.

The technologies he introduced, though innovative and challenging, were equally risky in terms of investment and corporate image. He had to face stiff resistance along the way from conservative parties who were opposed to newer and untested technologies which they feared would not integrate well into local conditions. The technologies he introduced successfully have turned to be a trend-setter.

It is through Dr Rao's far-sightedness, perseverance and quest for innovations that have helped the Group to achieve its current success. He had always maintained a "clean and green" stance - that all his business undertakings are aimed at, for the betterment of environment, energy conservation and the well being of the earth's citizens. Now the Group Companies are member Dr Rao Holdings, Singapore which is the Corporate headquarters.



Many Firsts in India:

The Group, established by Dr Rao, has many "firsts" to its credit and received numerous patents and worldwide recognition for the viability of his innovative technologies.

  • First to introduce Titanium welding technology
  • First to fabricate of equipment out of exotic metals - import substitute - saving substantial foreign exchange.
  • First to introduce Titanium Anodes for Chlor-alkali industry, to protect environment and save energy.
  • First to put up Sea Water Desalination Plant - to convert sea/brackish water into drinking water - Demo plant on pilot scale on Marina Beach in 1988 - became a trend-setter for the Governments to establish many such Desalination Plants.
  • First to introduce and successfully implement Ion Exchange Membrane Cells for chlor-alkali industry - Green energy and energy efficient - the success paved the way for the Central Government to take a policy decision that future/ expansion chlor-alkali plant shall only adopt this technology.
  • First to manufacture capillary type Ultrafiltration membranes - single and multi-bore, and Systems for water treatment - to recycle and reuse waste water and other applications.