Former chairman of Carborundum Universal M V Murugappan passes away

M V Murugappan, senior most member of the Murugappa family and former Chairman of Carborundum Universal Ltd, passed away on Tuesday, after a brief illness.

He was eighty-one. MV Murugappan is survived by his wife, two daughters, and grandchildren.

Murugappan, who obtained a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in civil engineering from Birmingham University, England, spent his initial years in the construction business and was the Managing Director of Coromandel Engineering Company Ltd, according to a statement.

He was also instrumental in setting up Coromandel Prodorite Ltd to pioneer the manufacture of acid resistant cement and reinforced plastic chemical equipment.

In 1979, Murugappan took over as the Managing Director of Carborundum Universal Ltd (CUMI). Under his leadership, CUMI grew into India’s leading manufacturer of abrasives, expanded into industrial ceramics and invested in backward integration projects in hydro-electric and thermal energy. He was the Chairman of the company during 1995-2004.

Murugappan was President of the Madras Cricket Club in 1978-79 and President of the Rotary Club of Madras Mid-Town in 1976-77. In 1990, Murugappan was the Chairman of the India-Australia Joint Business Council and in March 1992, he led the Indian delegation to Australia for the sixth joint business council meeting.

Murugappan was the Trustee of AMM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Murugappa Group that manages schools, a polytechnic college and 4 hospitals. He was also the Chairman of the governing body of AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre, a non-profit research organisation.

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