How a 50-Year-Old Battery Giant is Reinventing Itself for the Future

For decades, the name Nippo has been synonymous with reliability. The brand’s batteries have quietly powered millions of Indian households, ensuring that clocks keep ticking, torches keep shining, and remote controls never run out of juice. But today, Indo National Limited (INL)—the company behind Nippo—is no longer just a battery maker. It’s a company in transformation, evolving from a trusted energy brand into a diversified, innovation-driven powerhouse.

"We have a legacy of trust, but we are proactively diversifying beyond just our battery offering and transforming our business," says Pavan Kumar BVS, the company’s CEO. "Nippo is ready for its next chapter—one driven by new technologies, sustainability, and bold expansion into new markets."

This next chapter isn’t just about selling more batteries. It’s about redefining what Nippo stands for.

From Humble Beginnings to Market Dominance

Founded in 1972, Indo National Limited was born out of a strategic partnership between Indian industrialists Shri P. Obul Reddy and S.R. Jiwarajka, and Japan’s Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (now Panasonic Corporation). The goal? To introduce world-class battery technology to India.

Over the years, Nippo became a household name, building an extensive distribution network that now spans 2.6 million retail outlets across India. Today, Nippo products can be found in virtually every Indian home, powering everyday essentials with a 25% volume market share in the battery sector.

A Bold Diversification Strategy

But even as its batteries remained indispensable, Nippo recognized the need to evolve. With changing consumer demands and new market opportunities, the company has expanded into flashlights, mosquito swatters, LED lighting, and electrical accessories.

Now, it is taking an even bolder leap: the home care market. The launch of Swooper, a mosquito repellent developed with advanced Japanese technology, marks a new era for Nippo.

"The home care segment is a natural extension for us," says Pavan Kumar. "We understand household needs, and we are leveraging our expertise to create effective, innovative and high-quality solutions. "

With India’s mosquito repellent market valued at INR 3,700 crores and growing at 6.87% CAGR, Nippo sees a major opportunity. The newly launched Swooper Aerosol, a smokeless mosquito repellent, is just the first step in its ambitious plan to make Nippo a household name beyond batteries.

The Sustainability Imperative

As Nippo expands, sustainability remains central to its growth strategy. The company was India’s first dry battery manufacturer to achieve ISO 9001 certification, and all its batteries carry the ISI mark, ensuring the highest quality standards.

Now, Nippo is strengthening its commitment to environmental responsibility by implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for its products, set to roll out in the next financial year.

"Sustainability is not a choice anymore—it’s a responsibility," Pavan Kumar emphasizes. "We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while continuing to provide innovative and sustainable energy solutions. We are actively venturing into new product categories and sustainable technologies to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly, energy-efficient solutions"

Big Plans, Bigger Goals

The numbers tell a compelling story. In FY 2023-24, Nippo recorded revenues of INR 450 crores, and it is on track to cross INR 500 crores this year. But the company is thinking even bigger.

"Our goal is to double our revenue in the next 4-5 years," says Pavan Kumar. "We are focusing on high-growth sectors like clean technology, modern energy storage, sustainability solutions, and even defense and aerospace."

One of its biggest innovations in the battery space is Nippo Thor, an alkaline battery designed for high-powered devices like medical equipment and gaming consoles. In less than a year since launch, Nippo Thor has captured a 2.15% market share, and the company aims to generate 10% of its total revenue from alkaline batteries within 18 months.

The Leadership Transformation

Driving this ambitious transformation is a new leadership team that has joined Nippo in the past year.

Pavan Kumar, who took over as CEO after serving as Chief Operating Officer, has been instrumental in reshaping the company’s vision. Under his leadership, Nippo has adopted a sharper focus on capability development, business transformation, and shareholder value creation.

"The market is evolving rapidly, and so are we," he says. "We are bringing in the right talent, investing in the right sectors, and ensuring that Nippo stays ahead of the curve."

The Road Ahead: More Than Just Batteries

As Nippo looks to the future, it is clear that the company is no longer just about keeping the lights on—it’s about lighting the way forward. With bold diversification, a commitment to sustainability, and a relentless focus on innovation, Nippo is positioning itself as a future-ready brand.

"We are not just a battery company anymore," Pavan Kumar concludes. "We are an energy solutions company. A home care brand. A tech-driven innovator. The future of Nippo is about transformation, and we’re just getting started."

With deep roots in trust and a vision for the future, Nippo is not just evolving—it’s leading the charge.