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The Legacy of RPM: A Journey of Tradition and Innovation

      In 1954, Mr. R. Poruran Mudaliar laid the foundation of RPM by venturing into handloom lungi production. Starting with just three weaving units in Kanchipuram, he gradually built a strong presence in the textile industry. By 1969, he transformed his small-scale business into a retail brand, launching RPM Lungies. Driven by his passion and commitment, he expanded operations to thirty weaving units and introduced cotton sarees, setting the stage for future growth.

      In 1980, Mr. E. Nagappan, his son-in-law and a former professor at Aditanar College with an MSc and MPhil, left academia to join the family business. With a vision for innovation, he shifted focus to pure silk saree production in 1985, achieving remarkable success. Starting with ten weaving units, he rapidly expanded to forty, solidifying RPM’s reputation in the silk saree market.

      In 2007, the next generation entered the business. Mr. Nagappan’s elder son, Mr. Murugavel, a graduate in Textile Technology, took charge of handloom silk saree and power loom lungi production. His expertise in textile machinery and production efficiency helped modernize operations while maintaining traditional craftsmanship. 

        Mr. Nagappan’s younger son, Mr. Sathish, spearheaded retail expansion across Tamil Nadu and diversified the product line by introducing nighties. Through his excellent marketing skills, he successfully expanded market reach, increased customer engagement, and contributed to the business’s growth.

     A major milestone came in 2018 with the launch of RPM Garments, a division dedicated to lungies. This marked a new phase of expansion:

• 2018 – Established 10 nightwear production units
• 2019 – Added 10 more units
• 2020 – Expanded with 20 additional units
• 2022 – Grew to a total of 60 production units

       Today, RPM continues its legacy of excellence and innovation by diversifying its product range to include ladies’ in-skirts, nighties, kids’ nighties, and cotton frocks. The company also fulfils third-party school uniform orders for reputed institutions and has expanded into kids’ and teens’ casual wear.

       With a strong heritage, RPM remains committed to quality, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking innovation, ensuring a legacy that continues to thrive in the textile industry.