History

Company Profile and Historical Overview

About the Company
Travancore-Cochin Chemicals Ltd. (TCCL) is a State Public Sector Undertaking, with the Government of Kerala as the major shareholder. Based at Udyogamandal, Kochi, TCCL is the principal producer of Caustic Soda and Chlorine in Kerala, supplying industries and water-treatment utilities across the region.

Founded in the early 1950s, TCCL has been a cornerstone of Kerala’s chemical industry, evolving through successive phases of technological modernization, capacity expansion, and diversification.

Chronological History and Milestones

1950 — Conception and Partnership Formation
The idea originated with the Seshasayee Brothers, then managing agents of Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT). A partnership was established among FACT, Mettur Chemical & Industrial Corporation (MCIC), and the promoters, under the name Travancore Mettur Chemicals (TMC).

1951 — Incorporation as a Public Limited Company
The venture was reconstituted as a public limited company, Travancore-Cochin Chemicals Ltd., incorporated on November 8, 1951. The Travancore-Cochin State (later Government of Kerala) became the majority shareholder.

1954 — Commencement of Commercial Production
TCCL commenced commercial production of Caustic Soda in January 1954 with a 20 TPD mercury-cell plant — the first Indian plant to produce rayon-grade caustic soda.

1956–1967 — Early Expansions
The company expanded capacity, added caustic flake and chlorine liquefaction plants, and developed allied chemical units such as sodium hydrosulphate and sodium sulphate.

1970s–2000s — Technology Upgrades and Capacity Growth
TCCL steadily increased capacity, including a 60 TPD caustic fusion plant, and introduced membrane-cell electrolysis technology, phasing out older mercury and diaphragm cells. Major capacity additions followed through.

2000s–2010s — Modernisation and Diversification
During this period, TCCL undertook process modernization, obtained quality certifications, and diversified its product portfolio. In 2013, a 5 TPD Sodium Chlorate plant was commissioned through a joint venture with ISRO.

2020s — Green and Efficiency Initiatives
The company commissioned 60TPD Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) synthesis with steam cogeneration unit in 2021, and a new 75 TPD bipolar membrane cell Caustic Soda unit in 2022 — marking a new phase of modernization and sustainability focus.

Today, TCCL operates with a total installed capacity of 250 TPD Caustic Soda, continuing its legacy as Kerala’s pioneering chloro-alkali manufacturer and a key contributor to the State’s industrial ecosystem.