KEC International
KEC International Limited is an Indian multinational infrastructure engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company headquartered in Mumbai, specializing in power transmission and distribution (T&D), civil infrastructure, transportation, renewables, oil & gas pipelines, and cables.[1] Founded in 1945 as Kamani Engineering Corporation and acquired by the RPG Group in 1982, it has grown into a USD 2.6 billion global EPC major with operations across more than 110 countries, employing over 7,500 professionals from 40+ nationalities.[1][2] The company, a flagship of the RPG Enterprises (established in 1979), executes complex turnkey projects, including high-voltage transmission lines up to 1,200 kV, digital substations, railway electrification, solar PV plants, and pipeline networks, often in challenging terrains and ahead of schedule.[1][3] In FY25, KEC reported record revenues of ₹21,847 crore (up 10% year-over-year), EBITDA of ₹1,528 crore (up 26%), and profit after tax of ₹571 crore (up 65%), driven by strong order inflows of ₹24,689 crore (up 36%).[4] Its order book stood at ₹33,398 crore as of March 31, 2025, with a global manufacturing capacity of 468,200 MTPA across eight facilities in India, the UAE, Brazil, and Mexico.[1][2] KEC's international expansion began in 1968, and key milestones include entering the railways sector in 2009, renewables in 2014, oil & gas pipelines in 2020, and ropeways in 2025; it also acquired SAE Towers in 2010 to bolster its tower manufacturing leadership.[1] The company maintains 39 branches and 18 subsidiaries worldwide, with FY25 international revenues contributing ₹7,083 crore, primarily from regions like the Middle East, Africa, Americas, and Asia.[1] Committed to sustainability, KEC achieved an 85% reduction in Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate to 0.1 in FY25, water positivity certification for multiple sites, and targets net-zero emissions by 2040, while its employee happiness quotient reached 84%.[1] In January 2025, it transferred its cables business to a new entity, KEC Asian Cables Limited, for ₹125 crore to streamline operations.[4]Company Overview
Founding and Headquarters
KEC International traces its origins to May 7, 1945, when industrialist Ramji H. Kamani established Kamani Engineering Corporation Limited in Mumbai, India.[5][6] From its inception, the company concentrated on manufacturing transmission line towers and steel structures essential for India's burgeoning power infrastructure sector, marking it as a pioneer in electric power transmission engineering in Asia.[7][8] The headquarters, established as the central operational hub following corporate restructuring under the RPG Group, is located at RPG House, 463, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400030, India.[9][10] In 2005, the entity was restructured and incorporated as KEC Infrastructures Limited on March 18, 2005, with the name changed to KEC International Limited on January 9, 2006, signaling its shift toward global operations.[11][12]Ownership and Group Affiliation
KEC International operates as a subsidiary of RPG Enterprises Limited, having been acquired by the RPG Group in 1982.[13] This affiliation positions KEC within a broader corporate structure that provides strategic oversight and resource synergies in the infrastructure domain. The RPG Group, founded in 1979 by industrialist R.P. Goenka, is a diversified global conglomerate with turnover exceeding US$5.2 billion, encompassing interests in infrastructure, tyres, information technology, and pharmaceuticals.[13] Key entities under the group include CEAT Limited for tyres, Zensar Technologies for IT services, and RPG Life Sciences for pharmaceuticals, enabling cross-sector leverage for companies like KEC.[14] KEC International has been publicly listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) since 2005, trading under the symbol KEC.[15] Its market capitalization has shown volatility aligned with broader trends in the infrastructure sector, influenced by factors such as government spending on power and transmission projects.[16] The RPG Group maintains majority control through promoter holdings of 50.1 percent as of September 2025, with the remainder distributed among institutional investors, including domestic mutual funds and foreign portfolio investors.[16] This structure ensures aligned governance while allowing public market participation.History
Early Development (1945-1979)
Kamani Engineering Corporation, the predecessor to KEC International, was established in 1945 by industrialist Ramjibhai Kamani as Asia's pioneering electric power transmission company, initially focusing on manufacturing and engineering solutions for the burgeoning power sector in post-independence India.[17] The company quickly gained traction through strategic government contracts, marking its entry into large-scale infrastructure projects. A pivotal milestone came in 1950 when the company secured its first major order to supply transmission towers for the Bhakra Nangal Dam project, one of India's landmark hydroelectric initiatives that symbolized the nation's push toward self-sufficiency in energy.[18] To support this and future endeavors, Kamani Engineering established a steel tower fabrication plant in Bombay (now Mumbai) through a technical collaboration with R. Foures of France, enhancing its production capabilities and introducing advanced European engineering practices to domestic manufacturing.[19] This partnership laid the foundation for the company's growth as a key supplier of power sector hardware. During the 1960s, the company expanded its operations significantly, achieving dominance in the domestic market by supplying a substantial share of India's transmission tower requirements and establishing itself as a leading player in power infrastructure.[20] By the decade's end, it had diversified into railway electrification, becoming the first Indian firm to secure such an order in 1961, while initiating exports with its inaugural international turnkey transmission project in Sudan that same year.[18] The 1970s saw Kamani Engineering extend its reach globally, executing turnkey power transmission projects in countries including Iran, Iraq, and Nigeria, which contributed to its emergence as the world's second-largest manufacturer of transmission towers by the late decade.[21] However, this period was marred by severe challenges from the 1973 oil crisis and the 1979 energy crisis, which disrupted international trade, escalated costs, and led to liquidity constraints that forced operational cutbacks.[22] These difficulties culminated in the company's acquisition by the RPG Group in 1982, providing a pathway for restructuring and revival.Acquisition by RPG Group and Restructuring (1982-2005)
In 1982, the RPG Group, founded by industrialist R.P. Goenka in 1979, acquired Kamani Engineering Corporation (KEC) amid its financial challenges stemming from the global energy crises of the 1970s, which had strained international operations and led to significant debt accumulation.[23][24] This takeover marked a turning point, as the RPG Group provided essential capital infusion to stabilize and revive the company, which had been grappling with operational inefficiencies and market disruptions.[23] Under Goenka's leadership, KEC was renamed KEC International Limited in 1984, signaling a renewed focus on its engineering heritage in power transmission.[24] During the 1980s and 1990s, KEC underwent comprehensive restructuring under RPG Group's oversight, streamlining its operations and concentrating on core engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities in the power sector.[23] This period saw the divestment of non-core assets and investments in modernizing manufacturing facilities for transmission towers and lines, enabling recovery from earlier setbacks.[23] The company expanded its domestic footprint by securing key power transmission projects across India, contributing to the national grid's development and establishing KEC as a reliable EPC player in the growing energy infrastructure market.[23] By the mid-1990s, these efforts had positioned KEC for sustained growth, with improved financial health and a strengthened order book in power transmission and distribution.[23] As part of its strategic evolution, KEC began venturing into international markets in the late 1990s and early 2000s, securing early EPC contracts in the Middle East and Africa to diversify beyond domestic operations and build global expertise.[23] Notable among these were turnkey transmission line projects in regions like Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia, which helped hone KEC's capabilities in challenging terrains and regulatory environments.[25] This international push laid the groundwork for broader EPC proficiency, aligning with RPG Group's vision of transforming KEC into a global infrastructure leader.[23] In 2005, KEC was formally incorporated as KEC International Limited under the Companies Act, 1956, transitioning from a private entity within the RPG Group to a structure primed for public listing and enhanced corporate governance.[12] This reorganization consolidated its EPC focus and prepared the company for its initial public offering in 2006, marking the end of a transformative era of revival and repositioning.[23]Modern Expansion and Key Milestones (2005-present)
Following its initial public offering in 2006, KEC International pursued aggressive expansion through strategic mergers and acquisitions to bolster its global manufacturing capabilities and diversify its portfolio. In 2010, the company integrated RPG Cables Limited, enhancing its in-house production of power and telecom cables and strengthening its position in the cables and conductors segment.[26] Later that year, KEC acquired SAE Towers Holdings LLC, a Houston, Texas-based manufacturer of steel lattice towers, for $95 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, which significantly expanded its international manufacturing footprint across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.[27][28] By 2017, KEC underwent internal restructuring to optimize operations, merging its water business—characterized by substantial civil and structural engineering components—into the civil infrastructure segment effective April 1, 2017, to foster synergies and improve efficiency. This period also marked steady order inflows, exemplified by new contracts worth ₹1,520 crore secured in December 2019 across its transmission and distribution, civil, and cables businesses, reflecting growing demand in domestic and international markets.[29] In recent years, KEC has demonstrated robust financial growth and diversification. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (April-June 2024), net profit surged 108% year-over-year to ₹87.6 crore, supported by new orders valued at ₹1,422 crore in transmission and distribution projects across India and the Americas.[30][31] By the third quarter of FY25 (October-December 2024), revenue reached ₹5,349 crore, up 7% year-over-year, with EBITDA rising 22% to ₹374 crore, underscoring improved operational margins.[32] In October 2025, the company secured an international transmission and distribution order worth ₹1,064 crore for the design, supply, and installation of a 380 kV line in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying its Middle East presence.[33] Key expansion milestones in 2025 included forays into high-growth areas, with the civil segment entering the semiconductor infrastructure market through a significant order for a new client's plant in May, marking its initial involvement in this emerging sector.[34] Concurrently, KEC advanced its renewables portfolio by scaling solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities, which by mid-2025 constituted about 4-5% of overall revenue, aligning with global sustainability trends and government incentives.[35] On November 17, 2025, KEC secured new orders worth ₹1,016 crore in buildings and factories, oil & gas, and cables businesses.[36] These developments have positioned KEC as a diversified global infrastructure player, with year-to-date order intake exceeding ₹15,000 crore by late 2025.Business Operations
Power Transmission and Distribution
KEC International's Power Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division serves as the company's core business vertical, specializing in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for high-voltage infrastructure. The division offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions, including the design, supply, manufacturing, testing, and erection of transmission lines up to 1,200 kV on a turnkey basis, as well as the construction of substations and distribution networks. These services encompass overhead lines, underground cabling, and associated civil works, enabling reliable power delivery across diverse terrains and climates.[37] The scale of operations underscores KEC's global footprint, with executed projects spanning over 110 countries, demonstrating expertise in large-scale infrastructure development. A notable recent example is the 2025 contract worth Rs. 1,064 crore for the design, supply, and installation of a 380 kV transmission line in Saudi Arabia, which highlights the company's capability in executing high-value international projects in challenging desert environments. Additionally, in October 2025, KEC secured a Rs. 1,038 crore order for a 380 kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) in the same region, marking its largest substation project to date and reinforcing its role in enhancing regional grid connectivity. These initiatives contribute to the company's robust order book, which has shown steady growth amid rising global demand for power infrastructure.[38][39][3] Technologically, the division emphasizes advanced solutions such as High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines, with recent orders including a ±800 kV HVDC project from a private developer in India, enabling efficient long-distance power transfer with minimal losses. Integration of smart grid technologies is also a focus, supporting automated monitoring, real-time data analytics, and enhanced grid stability through digital substations and SCADA systems. Complementing these capabilities, KEC maintains integrated manufacturing facilities for transmission towers, monopoles, hardware fittings, and conductors, positioning it as the world's largest operator of lattice tower production with a consolidated capacity exceeding 400,000 metric tons annually across global plants.[38][40][41] In terms of market positioning, KEC holds a dominant presence in India's power T&D sector, leveraging its EPC expertise to secure a significant share of domestic utility contracts and contributing to the nation's grid expansion initiatives. Internationally, the company has established strong footholds in the Americas, Middle East, and Africa, where it executes projects for state utilities and private developers, often adapting to local standards like those under the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority. This diversified portfolio has enabled KEC to maintain leadership in high-voltage EPC services, with ongoing expansions in manufacturing capacities to meet escalating global infrastructure needs.[3][38]Railways, Civil, Renewables, and Oil & Gas Pipelines
KEC International provides comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services in the railways sector, specializing in electrification, signaling, and station development. The company delivers turnkey solutions that encompass civil works, track laying, signaling and telecom systems, electrification, and substation installations for various railway contracts.[42] In India, KEC has executed projects supporting major rail corridors, including electrification and safety enhancements such as train collision avoidance systems.[43] These efforts contribute to modernizing transportation infrastructure, with a focus on integrating advanced signaling technologies for improved safety and efficiency.[42] The civil infrastructure division of KEC International handles a diverse portfolio of projects, including bridges, buildings, water treatment facilities, and oil & gas pipelines. The company entered the oil & gas pipelines sector in 2020, providing EPC services for pipeline networks, and in November 2025 secured its maiden order in this segment in the Middle East as part of ₹1,016 crore in new orders.[44] In 2017, the company's water business, which involved significant civil and structural engineering for pipelines and treatment plants, was merged into the civil business to enhance synergies and broaden the portfolio. This integration has enabled KEC to undertake large-scale urban and industrial construction, such as high-rise residential buildings exceeding 50 lakh square feet and supporting infrastructure like amenities and facilities.[45] Recent projects include civil and structural works for a semiconductor plant in India, marking entry into high-tech manufacturing infrastructure, as well as sustainable developments like fully solar-powered residential complexes in Pune.[46][47][48] The division emphasizes sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs in its transportation and urban projects.[49] In the renewables segment, KEC International focuses on solar EPC services, including design, procurement, and execution for large-scale photovoltaic projects, rooftop installations, and related infrastructure like pooling substations. The company has commissioned key facilities, such as the Power Pooling Substation-2 for NTPC's 4,750 MW solar project at Khavda, Gujarat, and secured orders for 500 MW solar installations in Karnataka.[50][51][52] It also supports wind farm developments through foundational civil works and is building capabilities in wind and green hydrogen infrastructure as part of its green portfolio.[53] KEC's renewables efforts prioritize sustainable energy solutions, with projects incorporating energy-efficient components to align with global clean energy transitions.[50] Geographically, KEC maintains a strong presence in India across these segments, while expanding internationally, particularly in the UAE and Brazil, for hybrid infrastructure projects combining civil, transportation, renewables, and oil & gas elements. In the UAE, the company executes integrated developments supporting urban and renewable initiatives, leveraging its EPC expertise.[54] In Brazil, through its operations in the Americas, KEC contributes to diversified infrastructure, including civil and renewable components, enhancing its global footprint in sustainable projects.[18] These expansions underscore KEC's strategy to deliver hybrid solutions that integrate railways, civil works, renewables, and pipelines for resilient infrastructure.[55]Cables and Manufacturing
KEC International's cables segment originated through the merger with RPG Cables Limited, effective March 31, 2010, which integrated in-house manufacturing capabilities for critical transmission components previously sourced externally. Effective January 1, 2025, the cables business was transferred to KEC Asian Cables Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, for ₹125 crore to streamline operations while retaining group-level integration.[56][4] This segment produces transmission conductors, including aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR), all-aluminum alloy conductor (AAAC), all-aluminum conductor (AAC), and optical ground wire (OPGW), alongside specialized cables for power, control, instrumentation, railway signaling, and solar applications.[57] The company's manufacturing footprint spans multiple continents to ensure robust support for its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) operations. In India, tower fabrication facilities are located in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Jaipur (Rajasthan), while cable production is handled at plants in Vadodara (Gujarat) and Mysore (Karnataka) under the subsidiary.[41][57] Internationally, through its subsidiary SAE Towers—acquired in 2010—KEC maintains additional sites in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Betim (Brazil), and Monterrey (Mexico), facilitating localized production and reduced logistics costs for global projects.[58][59][60] KEC's consolidated annual production capacity stands at 468,200 metric tons, encompassing transmission towers, monopoles, substation structures, and hardware fittings, with ongoing expansions targeting further growth to support demand.[61] This extensive supply chain serves projects across more than 110 countries, emphasizing agile logistics and just-in-time delivery to meet international timelines efficiently.[59][62] Quality remains a cornerstone of KEC's manufacturing processes, with facilities certified under ISO 9001 for quality management systems and ISO 14001 for environmental management, complemented by ISO 17025-accredited laboratories for material testing and compliance verification.[63] These certifications ensure adherence to global standards, enabling reliable integration of manufactured components into power infrastructure projects worldwide.Leadership and Governance
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of KEC International Limited comprises a balanced mix of executive, non-executive, and independent directors, ensuring compliance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013. As of November 2025, the board consists of ten members, including one executive director, two non-executive non-independent directors, and seven independent directors, with one woman director (10% female representation). This composition supports strategic oversight in infrastructure sectors, emphasizing expertise in governance, finance, engineering, and global business.[64][65] Harsh V. Goenka serves as the Non-Executive Chairman and represents the RPG Group, the company's promoter, having assumed oversight of governance following family succession in the group. Appointed on January 12, 2006, he guides the board's strategic direction, including alignment with long-term vision and ethical practices under the RPG Code of Corporate Governance & Ethics.[1][66] Vimal Kejriwal is the executive director, holding the position of Managing Director and CEO since April 1, 2015, and reappointed for a one-year term effective April 1, 2025, to lead operational execution while reporting to the board. The non-executive non-independent directors include Vinayak Chatterjee, appointed on December 6, 2021, who contributes infrastructure policy insights from his background in public-private partnerships, and Harsh V. Goenka as noted above.[1][67] Independent directors form the majority, providing impartial strategic guidance and chairing key committees. Notable members include Vikram S. Gandhi (appointed August 7, 2019; reappointed August 7, 2024, for five years), with expertise in finance and risk management; M.S. Unnikrishnan (appointed November 8, 2019; reappointed November 8, 2024, for five years), chairing the Risk Management Committee and focusing on stakeholder relationships and infrastructure strategy; Neera Saggi (appointed March 27, 2024, for five years), contributing to nomination and remuneration processes; Vimal Bhandari (appointed May 7, 2024, for five years), chairing the Audit Committee with civil engineering background; Arvind Singh (appointed June 1, 2024, for five years), chairing the Stakeholders' Relationship Committee and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee; Shirish Sankhe (appointed May 7, 2024, for five years), serving on the Risk Management, Stakeholders' Relationship, and CSR Committees with emphasis on sustainability; and Harsh Vardhan Shringla (appointed August 9, 2025, for five years), bringing expertise in international affairs and diplomacy. Nirupama Rao, an independent director since July 29, 2015, retired effective July 28, 2025, upon completion of her tenure. These appointments highlight a push for infrastructure and sustainability expertise, with all independent directors meeting SEBI's independence criteria and none facing debarment.[1][64][67] The board's committee structure includes the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration, Stakeholders' Relationship, Risk Management, Finance, and Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility Committees, with independent directors holding key chairperson roles to enhance oversight of financial reporting, talent management, and ESG initiatives. Regular evaluations ensure alignment with RPG Group ties while maintaining arm's-length governance.[1][64]Executive Management
The executive management of KEC International is led by Vimal Kejriwal, who has served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer since April 1, 2015, following his prior role as the company's Chief Financial Officer. A Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Company Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Kejriwal holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and an executive program certification from NMIMS University; with over 40 years of experience in infrastructure, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and investment banking, he has driven the company's global expansion in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across power transmission, railways, and renewables.[1][68] Rajeev Aggarwal has been Chief Financial Officer since September 2014, overseeing financial strategy, investor relations, and compliance with reporting standards. A Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years in finance, including previous roles as CFO at Essar Power and Director & CFO at Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital Company, Aggarwal emphasizes robust financial planning and risk management in the infrastructure sector.[1][68] Anand Kulkarni serves as Executive Director for Business Operations, effectively managing day-to-day operational execution across key verticals. A meritorious mechanical engineer with over 29 years in manufacturing and infrastructure, including prior leadership in EPC projects, Kulkarni focuses on operational efficiency, sustainability integration, and project delivery in transmission and distribution.[1][69] The team's collective backgrounds in engineering and finance, drawn from the infrastructure sector, support KEC International's emphasis on innovative EPC solutions and sustainable growth. Following the resignation of the previous Chief Human Resources Officer in June 2025, HR functions are managed by senior personnel including regional heads.[1][70]Financial Performance
Historical Revenue and Profit Trends
Since its listing and subsequent growth phase post-2005, KEC International has demonstrated significant revenue expansion, rising from approximately ₹1,727 crore in FY2006 to over ₹19,914 crore by FY2024, primarily fueled by a surge in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) orders across domestic and international markets.[71][72] This trajectory reflects the company's strategic pivot toward global infrastructure projects, with EPC contracts in power transmission forming the core driver of this scaling.[1] Net profit has exhibited notable fluctuations attributable to the cyclical nature of large-scale infrastructure projects, where execution timelines, cost overruns, and order completions influence earnings variability. For instance, profits peaked at ₹566 crore in FY2020 before declining to ₹176 crore in FY2023 due to elongated project cycles and external pressures, before rebounding to ₹347 crore in FY2024. EBITDA margins averaged around 10% in the late 2010s but dipped to 5.3% in FY2023 amid operational challenges, with post-acquisition integrations—such as the 2017 purchase of SAE Towers—contributing to gradual margin improvements through enhanced manufacturing efficiencies in subsequent years.[72] A pivotal expansion occurred between FY2010 and FY2015, during which turnover nearly tripled from roughly ₹3,000 crore to ₹8,468 crore, propelled by aggressive order wins in transmission lines and international diversification. The period from FY2020 to FY2023 was marked by COVID-19 disruptions, including supply chain delays and project postponements, which constrained revenue growth to single digits annually and compressed profits; however, recovery accelerated through FY2023-FY2024 via a robust influx of international EPC orders, particularly in Africa and the Americas, boosting overall execution momentum.[72][73] In the infrastructure sector, KEC has faced elongated working capital cycles typical of EPC operations, often spanning 120-150 days due to advance billing mismatches and supplier dependencies, which have periodically strained liquidity. Efforts to reduce net debt have intensified since FY2022, with borrowings declining from peaks above ₹6,000 crore through optimized cash flows from operations and selective project financing, culminating in a net debt position of around ₹5,348 crore by mid-FY2025.[24][74]| Fiscal Year (Ending March) | Revenue (₹ Crore) | Net Profit (₹ Crore) | EBITDA Margin (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 7,902 | 67 | 7.1 |
| 2015 | 8,468 | 161 | 6.8 |
| 2019 | 11,001 | 496 | 11.2 |
| 2020 | 11,965 | 566 | 11.1 |
| 2022 | 13,742 | 332 | 7.3 |
| 2023 | 17,282 | 176 | 5.3 |
| 2024 | 19,914 | 347 | 6.8 |