Leading companies in Kolkata

Kolkata is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and economic vitality. Known as the “City of Joy,” Kolkata boasts remarkable architecture, vibrant festivals, and a captivating art scene. Yet, beneath its cultural surface, Kolkata serves as a thriving business hub, significantly contributing to India’s economic landscape.

With a diverse array of companies and industries, Kolkata plays a vital role in the region’s economic growth. What’s particularly fascinating about Kolkata is how its corporate environment is closely intertwined with the city’s real estate market. The presence of thriving companies has spurred a growing demand for commercial spaces, plots of land, warehouses, and office facilities.

In this article, we will explore how the top-10 industries in Kolkata have not only shaped the city’s business landscape but also influenced the dynamics of the real estate market.

 

Business landscape in Kolkata

Kolkata stands as a prominent economic hub in India, offering a diverse range of industries and sectors. The city’s economic strength lies in its vibrant manufacturing sector, robust financial and trade activities, and its pivotal role as a bustling port facilitating commerce. Kolkata is also renowned for its thriving media, encompassing printing, publishing, and newspapers, and it serves as a lively centre for entertainment and recreation. The city’s surrounding regions contribute significantly to its economic prosperity by providing valuable resources like coal, iron, manganese, mica, petroleum, tea, and jute.

 

Top 10 industries in Kolkata

 

Jai Balaji Industries Limited

Industry: Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing ,  Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel ,  Primary Metal Manufacturing ,  Manufacturing

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: 1st Floor, 5 Bentinck Street, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700001

Founding date: 1999

Jai Balaji Industries Limited is a prominent player in the steel industry, known for its high-quality steel production. The company specializes in manufacturing a wide range of steel products, including bars, rods, and structural steel. With a commitment to innovation and quality, it has undertaken several major projects in infrastructure development, contributing significantly to the construction sector. It is recognized for its reliability and efficiency in delivering steel products for various applications, including construction, automation, and engineering.

 

Exide Industries Limited

Industry: Manufacturing ,  Household Appliances and Electrical and Electronic

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Exide House, 59E, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700020

Founding date: 1947

Exide Industries Limited is a leading manufacturer of energy storage solutions, primarily focusing on batteries for diverse applications. The company produces a wide array of batteries, including automotive batteries, industrial batteries, and home inverter batteries. With a strong commitment to sustainable energy solutions, it has played a crucial role in the renewable energy sector, providing reliable and durable batteries for solar power storage and backup systems. Its products are known for their longevity, high performance, and eco-friendly features, making it a trusted choice for consumers and businesses alike.

 

ITC Limited

Industry: Tobacco Manufacturing , Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills , Converted Paper Product Manufacturing , Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Virginia House, No. 37, Jawahar Lal Nehru Road Kolkata, West Bengal, 700071

Founding date: 1910

ITC Limited is a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence in multiple sectors, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Hotels, Agribusiness, and Information Technology. The company is renowned for its high-quality consumer products, ranging from packaged foods and personal care items to cigarettes. Additionally, it is a key player in the hospitality industry, operating luxury hotels and resorts across India. In the agribusiness sector, the company is involved in agricultural production and export of commodities. With a rich history spanning over a century, it is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, actively engaging in various community development initiatives and environmental conservation projects.

 

B.D. Fans and Enviro Engineering

Industry: Fans, Impellers, Scrubbers

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Shiborampur, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700061

Founding date: 2008

B.D. Fans and Enviro Engineering, formerly known as B.D. Engineering Co. was founded in 2008. It specialises in manufacturing centrifugal blower fans, fan impellers, axial flow fans, bag filters, cyclone separators, industrial scrubbers, air dampers, man cooler fans, FD coolers, and more. The company uses high-quality materials like SS and MS to meet international quality standards. Its products are used in foundries, chemical plants, and the paper, plywood, coal, and cement industries.

 

Usha Martin

Industry: Steel wire ropes

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: 2A S. P. Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700071

Founding date: 1960

Usha Martin is a global leader in manufacturing steel wire ropes and related products. With manufacturing facilities in India, the UK, Thailand, and the UAE, the company serves various industries, including infrastructure, ports, mining, oil & offshore, telecommunications, and automobiles. Usha Martin is committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, spanning over six decades.

 

Crescent Foundry

Industry: Ductile iron and cast iron

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Sinha Roadlords, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700071

Founding date: 1982

Crescent Foundry is India’s largest manufacturer and exporter of ductile iron and cast iron products. It specialises in ductile manhole covers, counterweights, and customised moulding and fabricated products. Since 1982, the company has maintained international standards and quality. It exports to over 50 countries, serving sectors like railways, automotive, agriculture, hydraulics, construction, and infrastructure.

 

Shahi Engineering Works

Industry: Elevators and elevator spare parts

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Bediapara, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700077

Founding date: 2020

Shahi Engineering Works is a trusted supplier of elevators and elevator spare parts, known for its professionalism and product quality. With a range of spare parts available, the company ensures competitive pricing while maintaining OEM standards. Clients appreciate the easy installation and durability of the products. The company prioritises passenger safety and offers 24/7 customer service support.

 

Gem Machinery & Allied Industries

Industry: Tea Processing Machinery

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Park St, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700071

Founding date: 1996

GEM Group, established over 30 years ago, is a well-known manufacturer and exporter of Tea Processing Machinery. It specialises in custom processing equipment for CTC, Orthodox, and Green Tea production. The company also offers customised drying solutions for the food and value-added industries. With manufacturing facilities in Kolkata and overseas offices in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Kericho, Kenya, GEM Group focuses on prompt deliveries and continuous product development and innovation through its R&D unit and Pilot Laboratory. 

 

Shyam Metalics

Industry: Long Steel Products and Ferro Alloys

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700013

Founding date: 1991

Shyam Metalics is a prominent manufacturer of Long Steel Products and Ferro Alloys in India. It operates two integrated steel manufacturing plants, one in Sambalpur, Odisha, and one in Kolkata. These facilities encompass various steel production units, including iron pellet, sponge iron, billet, TMT, wire rod, structural mills, and ferroalloy plants. The company is expanding its product range by entering the cement and ductile iron pipes segments.

 

Airovient

Industry: Car park ventilation solutions

Company Type: Manufacturing 

Location: Tollygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700053

Founding date: 2004

Founded in 2004, Airovient is a Kolkata-based ventilation company renowned for its ductless car park ventilation solutions. Equipped with a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit and advanced systems, Airovient focuses on energy efficiency, cost savings, and reducing carbon footprints to promote environmental sustainability. Leveraging its expertise, the company offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet customer needs.

 

Soniscaffolding

Industry: Scaffolding systems

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Rabindra Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700073

Founding date: 1999

Soniscaffolding is a well-known manufacturer and supplier of scaffolding systems and components. Its products are in accordance with the highest quality standards, undergoing rigorous quality checks across various parameters. Widely recognised for their performance and durability, Soniscaffolding’s products are manufactured using advanced machinery and skilled manpower. With transparent business practices, the company has established a strong presence, serving clients across the nation.

 

Neo Tele-tronix

Industry: Transformers and equipment

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700032

Founding date: 1975

Neo Tele-tronix, founded in 1975, specialises in manufacturing specialised transformers and equipment, primarily for research and academic institutions. Over the years, the company has introduced various test equipment and cast resin high-voltage transformers, including oil test sets. Neo Tele-tronix serves a range of industries, educational institutes, laboratories, and power sectors, contributing to their electrical equipment needs.

 

Suan Scientific Instruments & Equipment

Industry: R&D equipments

Company Type: Manufacturing

Location: Lake town, Kolkata, West Bengal – 70005

Founding date: 1979

Established in 1979 and based in Kolkata, India, Suan Scientific Instruments & Equipment boasts extensive experience in equipment manufacturing. The company has earned a strong reputation for providing high-quality equipment used in research and development centres, laboratories, and various allied industries. Suan Scientific Instruments & Equipment specialises in a wide range of food processing machines and equipment, meeting diverse requirements in the food processing industry.

 

Commercial real estate demand in Kolkata

 

Office space

In Kolkata, the need for office space has been steadily rising. This is because the city’s IT sector is growing rapidly, leading to more companies needing office space. Multinational companies setting up offices in Kolkata have also increased this demand, and the construction of new commercial buildings has added to the available office space.

 

Rental property

The demand for rental properties in Kolkata has been on the rise, too. More young professionals are moving to Kolkata for work, which means they need places to rent. Additionally, the popularity of Airbnb in the city has contributed to the demand for rental properties. Moreover, there’s a shortage of affordable housing in Kolkata, so many people are opting for rentals.

 

Impact

The increasing commercial real estate demand in Kolkata is benefiting the city’s economy. It’s creating jobs through the construction and renovations of commercial spaces. Plus, landlords and property investors are benefiting from the growing demand for rental properties, making it a win-win situation for both sides and boosting the city’s real estate sector.

 

Impact of companies on Kolkata

Industries are playing a pivotal role in shaping Kolkata, leaving a lasting imprint on the city’s landscape and economy. One of the most visible impacts has been on Kolkata’s real estate. The city’s burgeoning industries have spurred job opportunities, resulting in an increased demand for both commercial and residential properties.

For instance, the thriving IT sector has driven the development of areas like New Town, catering to the escalating need for office and residential spaces. Similarly, the manufacturing sector’s presence has fueled demand for industrial and residential properties, with examples like the growth of the Howrah Maidan Industrial Estate.

Beyond real estate, industries have harnessed local resources and talent, contributing significantly to Kolkata’s economic growth. Additionally, the growth of these sectors has prompted investments in vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and airports, making Kolkata an even more appealing destination for businesses and residents alike.

 

FAQs

What are the primary industries in Kolkata?

Kolkata is known for its jute-processing industry, dating back to the 1870s, and its significant engineering sector, which forms the city's major industries.

Which area in Kolkata is the most industrialised?

The Hooghly Industrial Belt, extending along the Hooghly River, serves as India's oldest and second-largest industrial region, driving industrial development in Kolkata and neighbouring districts.

Which part of Kolkata is considered the wealthiest?

Alipore is widely recognised as one of Kolkata's most affluent areas, along with select neighbourhoods in South Kolkata and Ballygunge.

What constitutes a good salary in Kolkata?

Kolkata's average annual salary is approximately Rs 19 lakhs, with most salaries falling within the Rs 15-50 lakhs range. The top 10% of earners make over Rs 31 lakhs annually.

Is Rs 30,000 considered a decent salary in Kolkata?

Rs 30,000 is generally sufficient for a small family in Kolkata. Single individuals can comfortably manage their expenses with around Rs 15,000.

Is living in Kolkata expensive?

Kolkata is relatively affordable compared to major Indian cities.

Where are the most budget-friendly places to live in Kolkata?

Affordable residential areas in Kolkata include Salt Lake City, Dum Dum, Rajarhat, Tollygunge, and Ballygunge.

What are the recommended areas for flat/apartment living in Kolkata?

Bhawanipur, encompassing localities like Ballygunge, Alipore, Maidan, Elgin, and Park Street, offers a variety of high-rise apartments, independent houses, and bungalows.

How safe is Kolkata during the night?

Kolkata is generally safe at night, but it's advisable to take precautions. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, stay vigilant, and avoid carrying valuables and large amounts of cash.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com