A simple man with lofty ideals, a visionary in the truest sense of the word, Sri N. Ranga Rao, displayed exceptional entrepreneurial traits, since an early age.
He had his share of troubles and hurdles in his formative years, but used them to hone his business and life skills. Before long, he dreamed of founding an incense stick manufacturing company, and envisaged it as a leading company in the country.
the prolific businessman gave wings to his dream with the launch of Mysore Products and General Trading Company in 1948. His vision stemmed from the conviction that "Quality backed by services will pay".
Within months of its inception, the business grew satisfactorily. It was time for brand Cycle to be born. Committed to quality, Cycle had a series of firsts in the incense manufacturing history. Cycle was the first company to obtain design copyrights to make an exciting range of incense sticks, cones, and sambrani.
In order to create exquisite fragrances in the perfumery industry, the company set up its own in-house fragrance creation workshop.
Despite the heights of success that the Company went on to reach, Sri Ranga Rao remained grounded. He stayed devoted to the wellbeing of those around him, and committed to doing the right thing.
He saw the relevance of his products and realised the sacred role they played in the hopes and aspirations of people. To uphold this great responsibility, he constantly strived to instill a strong sense of ethics in the business, and even took on the greater responsibility of the well-being of society at large.
Over the decades, Sri N. Ranga Rao's dream has been taken forward by the successive generations, and today Cycle Pure Agarbathies is a world leader in puja-needs and home care, and
Sri N. Ranga Rao grew up in a small village, Vathirairuppu, near Madurai. From a young age, he had to shoulder the responsibility of providing for his family, which he did while displaying exceptional ingenuity and entrepreneurial skills.
Married Smt. Sita.
Appointed as a bookkeeper at the Cordite Factory in Aravanagad.
Inspired by Indian Independence, the young entrepreneur wanted to start something on his own.
Mysore Products and General Trading Company is established.
The NRRS journey begins in the home that doubled up as the factory.
In an unorganized sector, N. Ranga Rao has a vision of the future and conceptualizes the thought of establishing the business as a “brand”, way ahead of its times. Brand Cycle is born.
Obtains design copyrights. A first in the industry.
Wins the Mysore Dasara Exhibition Gold Medal.
Mr. R. Guru joins the business to support his father, marking the arrival of the second generation.
Sends consignments to all parts of India by train. Makes its first export to Sri Lanka.
Sets up in-house fragrance creation – a pioneering innovation in the agarbathi industry.
Every pack counts: Diligent book-keeping and integrity in accounting becomes standard practice.
Launches Cycle Ratna: a first in the Value-For-Money segment.
When the market was at 25 paisa per pack, launches Cycle Sugandha Mallika as a premium pack, at one rupee for 10 sticks. It’s a runaway success, proving that consumers would pay a premium for quality.
Begins extensive van operations across South India. A landmark in the incense industry and a testimony to the founder's marketing vision.
Mr. R. N. Murthy and Mr. R. Vasu (Directors) enter the business.
Launches Natya Kesari: an innovation that revolutionizes the tube-packaging market.
Appoints a professional advertisement agency; again an industry first. Becomes the first agarbathi brand to advertise on television.
Focuses on the width of distribution: extends its reach to the 20000-population towns in south India.
Sets up a state-of-the-art R&D lab. NR House establishes the first ever integrated manufacturing facility setup.
Exports expand to five countries.
Birth of Heritage & Cycle Three-in One: a path-breaking innovation of multiple fragrances in one pack which became instant bestsellers that continue to impress, to this day.
Establishes Rangsons Marketing Services: an independent, professionally run division for Sales & Marketing.
Starts its first production facility outside Mysuru. In Chennai.
The Corporate Social Initiatives gain momentum. Establishes Ranga Rao Memorial Residential School for the visually challenged.
Introduces ‘MRP on packs’ prior to government regulation. A bold step that still speaks volumes about the integrity and ethics of the company.
Launches WOODS – the most successful Masala Bathi in the industry.
Gets ISO certification, as a step to adopt global quality and manufacturing standards.
Launches Rhythm and Sandalum.
Wins the Best Income Tax Payer award.
Gets certified by OHSAS 18001, Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (officially BS OHSAS 18001), was a British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
Launches Cycle Three-in-One Surprise which gets a tremendous consumer response. A different surprise fragrance every time.
Cycle Pure Agarbathies expands its footprint to over 60 countries.
Forays into other fragrance domains. Birth of Ripple Fragrances for functional and lifestyle air care.
Brand Lia is born. Offers spatial fragrance solutions for home, office and mobile spaces, through room fresheners and car fresheners.
Becomes the world’s first Zero Carbon / Neutral Manufacturer of incense, air care and spiritual products. A revolutionary benchmark in sustainability for the industry.
Forays into e-commerce by launching cycle.in - the divine experience store
Launches Pure Prayer, an online puja booking app.
Launches MyIncense - custom incense with custom fragrance. Another industry first.
Launches SoulVeda.com, an online publication dedicated to wellness, happiness and spiritual growth.
Launches Spiritual Products and ventures into manufacturing and packaging of puja essentials, puja packs, puja accessories and puja services, under the brand name ‘Om Shanthi’.
The Hindu Business Line25-06-2024
MediaNews4U31-10-2023
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