K. M. Mammen Mappillai
Kandathil Mammen Mammen Mappillai was an Indian businessman, industrialist and founder of MRF.
He graduated from Madras Christian College. He started his industrial life with a toy balloon manufacturing unit from a small shed near Madras in 1946. By 1952, MRF Limited ventured into the manufacture of tread rubber. Since then, the company has grown to become a enterprise.
In 1992, Mappillai was awarded the Padma Shri award for his contribution to industry. His brothers, K. M. Cherian, K. M. Philip and K. M. Mathew and nephew Mammen Mathew are also Padma Shri awardees. The eldest brother K.M. Cherian is also a Padma Bhushan recipient. His cousin M. K. Mathulla also was awarded Padma Shri.