From Bicycle Beginnings to Global Truck Tire Innovator
Ralson Tires, officially known as Ralson India Limited, is a prominent Indian tire manufacturer specializing in bicycle, scooter, automotive, and commercial truck tires. Founded by the Pahwa family, the company has evolved from a modest bicycle parts producer in the mid-20th century to one of the world's top bicycle tire makers and a growing player in the truck and bus radial (TBR) segment. With manufacturing facilities in India, including a state-of-the-art plant in Indore, Ralson exports to over 70 countries and employs thousands of workers. Brands like Ralson, Accelus, and Ralco underscore its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. As a family-owned business spanning four generations, Ralson exemplifies resilience and strategic expansion in the competitive tire industry.
Early Years: Roots in Bicycle Manufacturing (1950s–1990s)
The origins of Ralson Tires trace back to the 1950s, when the Pahwa family established a business focused on manufacturing bicycle parts in Ludhiana, Punjab, India—a region renowned for its industrial heritage in cycle production. By the 1960s, the company transitioned into producing bicycle tires, laying the foundation for its future dominance in this niche. However, the formal establishment of Ralson India Ltd. as a tire-centric entity occurred in 1974, marking the official start of its journey in bicycle tire and tube manufacturing.
Under the leadership of the Pahwa family, Ralson quickly grew, leveraging Ludhiana's ecosystem of small-scale industries. By the 1980s and 1990s, it had become India's largest bicycle tire manufacturer, capturing a 60% domestic market share in bicycle tires. The company expanded its product line to include scooter tires, establishing multiple factories in India to support increasing demand. This period emphasized quality and efficiency, positioning Ralson as one of the top five global producers of bicycle tires. The family's hands-on approach, with successive generations involved, ensured continuity and innovation, transforming Ralson from a local player into an export-oriented enterprise.
Expansion into Automotive and Truck Tires (2000s–2010s)
The new millennium marked Ralson's diversification beyond bicycles. In 2000, the company ventured into automotive tires, beginning production of car and light truck tires to capitalize on India's booming vehicle market. This move was part of a broader strategy to become India's fastest-growing tire company. By the early 2010s, Ralson had achieved global recognition as one of the largest bicycle tire makers worldwide.
Around 2013, Ralson began developing technology for commercial truck tires, identifying TBR as a high-growth area. This expansion included investments in research and development (R&D), hiring engineers and rubber technologists to innovate products like Cool Compound Technology (CCT), which improves tire durability and performance in demanding conditions. Key products emerged, such as the RMR51 steer position tire for regional trucking, featuring all-weather traction, sipes, and wavy shoulder grooves, backed by a 7-year, 3-retread warranty. By this time, Ralson operated four factories dedicated to bicycle and scooter tires, with plans for specialized facilities.
The company also strengthened its global footprint, exporting to over 70 countries and employing around 4,000 to 8,000 workers across operations. Brands like Ralco were introduced for expanded product lines, including truck and bus radials.
International Growth and US Market Entry (2020s)
The 2020s represented a pivotal era for Ralson's international ambitions. In early 2021, construction began on a new TBR factory in Indore, India, dedicated to producing one million truck tires annually, with scalability to four million units. This state-of-the-art plant, equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, started production in May 2022 and focused on tires tailored for North American applications.
Prioritizing the U.S. market, Ralson established Ralson Tire North America Inc. in Franklin, Tennessee, as its headquarters for American operations. The company debuted at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and began shipping TBR tires to the U.S. in March 2023, initially as "seed tires" to build awareness. Distribution strategies included the Ralson brand for full-service commercial dealers and Accelus for smaller dealers via wholesalers. Initial offerings comprised 22 stock-keeping units (SKUs) for regional, pickup/delivery, and waste haul applications, with plans for more.
Ralson emphasized rigorous testing, using computer simulations, independent labs, and real-world road conditions to ensure quality. The company built a domestic network with third-party warehousing near Nashville and expanded its sales team for long-term partnerships.
Recent Developments (2024–2025)
As of 2025, Ralson continues to thrive amid industry challenges. In March 2024, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary of tire production, highlighting its evolution under the Pahwa family's leadership. A notable change occurred in March 2025, when Jim Mayfield, who spearheaded the U.S. commercial tire entry since 2021, retired as President of Ralson Tire North America after 44 years in the industry. Manjul Pahwa, Managing Director and CEO, praised Mayfield's contributions to establishing Ralson in the U.S. market.
Ralson remains committed to expansion, including entry into truck and bus radial tires despite economic slowdowns, with ongoing investments in technology and sustainability. The company now supplies high-quality tires to the U.S. trucking industry, focusing on fleets and owner-operators.
Conclusion
Ralson Tires' history is a story of family legacy, innovation, and global ambition. From its 1950s roots in bicycle parts to becoming a leader in bicycle tires by 1974 and expanding into automotive and TBR segments, the company has navigated growth with determination. Under four generations of the Pahwa family, Ralson has achieved milestones like its Indore plant and U.S. market entry, while prioritizing quality innovations like CCT. As of August 2025, with exports to over 70 countries and a focus on sustainable expansion, Ralson Tires is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the global tire landscape.