Zoho Establishes First factory To Assemble Karuvi Power Tools in India

Sridhar Vembu, CEO and Co-founder of cloud software giant Zoho, delclared that the business has launched its first dedicated facility to manufacture the Karuvi brand of power tools.The company, based in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi district, announced this month an undisclosed investment in manufacturing startup Karuvi, which will create jobs in smaller towns and villages.

"The factory is in a small village called Mathapuram in Tenkasi district, close to the Zoho office in Mathalamparai village," informed Vembu on X social media platform.

"We have trained a group of about 15 talented young people drawn from surrounding villages to work in the factory," he said, adding that this is a small beginning for a big dream in rural manufacturing.

Zoho has also invested in the aerospace firm Yali Aerospace. The investments are part of its continuous efforts to develop deep-tech expertise and manufacturing capabilities in India. Vembu describes Karuvi and Yali as entrepreneurs that are not only innovating in their sectors, but also creating jobs and introducing technical skill sets to smaller towns and villages.

Karuvi is a mechatronics startup that has developed ten tools, including drills, power saws, and angle grinders. Karuvi products are made with around 95 percent locally sourced components. According to Karuvi CEO MSD Prasad, the company will expand its tool line and aim to have at least 30 products by the end of 2025.