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.
1935
The Early Years
Married Smt. Sita.
1942
The Early Years
Appointed as a bookkeeper at the Cordite Factory in Aravanagad.
1947
The Origin
Inspired by Indian Independence, the young entrepreneur wanted to start something on his own.
The Origin
Mysore Products and General Trading Company is established.
The Origin
The NRRS journey begins in the home that doubled up as the factory.
1950-59
The Futuristic Fifties
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.
The Futuristic Fifties
Obtains design copyrights. A first in the industry.
The Futuristic Fifties
Wins the Mysore Dasara Exhibition Gold Medal.
The Futuristic Fifties
Mr. R. Guru joins the business to support his father, marking the arrival of the second generation.
The Futuristic Fifties
Sends consignments to all parts of India by train. Makes its first export to Sri Lanka.
The Futuristic Fifties
Sets up in-house fragrance creation – a pioneering innovation in the agarbathi industry.
The Futuristic Fifties
Every pack counts: Diligent book-keeping and integrity in accounting becomes standard practice.
1960-69
The Scintillating Sixties
Launches Cycle Ratna: the first in the Value-For-Money segment.
The Scintillating Sixties
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.
The Scintillating Sixties
Begins extensive van operations across South India. A landmark in the incense industry and a testimony to the founder's marketing vision.
The Scintillating Sixties
Mr. R. N. Murthy and Mr. R. Vasu (Directors) enter the business.
1970-79
The Soaring Seventies
Launches Natya Kesari: an innovation that revolutionizes the tube-packaging market.
The Soaring Seventies
Appoints a professional advertisement agency; again an industry first. Becomes the first agarbathi brand to advertise on television.
The Soaring Seventies
Focuses on the width of distribution: extends its reach to the 20000-population towns in south India.
The Soaring Seventies
Sets up a state-of-the-art R&D lab. NR House establishes the first ever integrated manufacturing facility setup.
The Soaring Seventies
Exports expand to five countries.
1980-89
The Exceptional Eighties
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.
The Exceptional Eighties
Establishes Rangsons Marketing Services: an independent, professionally run division for Sales & Marketing.
The Exceptional Eighties
Starts its first production facility outside Mysuru. In Chennai.
The Exceptional Eighties
The Corporate Social Initiatives gain momentum. Establishes Ranga Rao Memorial Residential School for the visually challenged.
1990-99
Half century, not out
Introduces ‘MRP on packs’ prior to government regulation. A bold step that still speaks volumes about the integrity and ethics of the company.
Half century, not out
Launches WOODS – the most successful Masala Bathi in the industry.
Half century, not out
Gets ISO certification, as a step to adopt global quality and manufacturing standards.
Half century, not out
Launches Rhythm and Sandalum.
Half century, not out
Wins the Best Income Tax Payer award.
2000-09
Into the new millennium
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.
Into the new millennium
Launches Cycle Three-in-One Surprise which gets a tremendous consumer response. A different surprise fragrance every time.
Into the new millennium
Cycle Pure Agarbathies expands its footprint to over 60 countries.
Into the new millennium
Forays into other fragrance domains. Birth of Ripple Fragrances for functional and lifestyle air care.
Into the new millennium
Brand Lia is born. Offers spatial fragrance solutions for home, office and mobile spaces, through room fresheners and car fresheners.
2010-2019
With the times, like always
Becomes the world’s first Zero Carbon / Neutral Manufacturer of incense, air care and spiritual products. A revolutionary benchmark in sustainability for the industry.
With the times, like always
Forays into e-commerce by launching cycle.in - the divine experience store.
With the times, like always
Launches Pure Prayer, an online puja booking app.
With the times, like always
Launches MyIncense - custom incense with custom fragrance. Another industry first.
With the times, like always
Launches SoulVeda.com, an online publication dedicated to wellness, happiness and spiritual growth.
With the times, like always
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’.
