The story of Vanchinathan Thangavel is a remarkable testament to how roots in a Tamil medium village school and a family farming background can converge with global ambition to create a manufacturing powerhouse. From his early fascination with astrophysics to building a conglomerate with an annual turnover of ₹3,000 crore, his journey defies conventional paths.
From Farm Fields to Engineering Halls: The Formative Years
Hailing from Ambalapattu village in Thanjavur, Vanchinathan's world was initially defined by agriculture. Studying in Tamil medium until Class XII, he actively practiced farming with his father. However, his teachers nurtured a growing interest in physics and mathematics, and his parents encouraged him to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at Anna University. This decision, as he recalls, was the ultimate game-changer. Completing his UG in 2006, he entered the professional world with a semiconductor design and manufacturing company, later moving to a similar firm in Malaysia.
His stint in Malaysia proved pivotal. Witnessing colleagues transform into entrepreneurs within three to four years opened his eyes to new possibilities. He identified a significant opportunity in the semiconductor space and returned to Chennai in 2008 to launch his own semiconductor design venture, which was later named Jeanuvs.
Building an Industrial Empire: Diversification and Growth
While the initial dream of semiconductor manufacturing faced hurdles, the experience taught Vanchinathan the critical importance of diversification. Jeanuvs evolved into an electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) company focused on high-stakes sectors like aerospace and defence. Today, it produces a range of sophisticated products for avionics, missiles, underwater systems, space, radar, and nuclear applications, alongside artillery shells, drones, anti-drones, and robotics.
Jeanuvs operates manufacturing facilities at Vallam Vadagal in Sriperumbudur, Pune, and Sri City (Andhra Pradesh). Leveraging the experience of setting up his own R&D centres and factories, Vanchinathan spotted another gap in the market. In 2018, he founded VIDVEDA, a company specialising in developing industrial infrastructure. To date, VIDVEDA has developed over 4 million square feet of industrial, commercial, and IT park space across locations including NCR, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Kochi.
The group's expansion continued with the launch of YEEMAK in 2022. This vertical entered advanced integrated manufacturing, providing electronics ecosystem support for global OEMs and ODMs. It strengthened domestic supply chains across consumer appliances, mobility systems, medical devices, wearables, power, energy, and telecom. Components from the group's 12 facilities across India are now used by global giants like Samsung, LG, Toshiba, Daikin, Hyundai, and Kia.
Vision for the Future: A Full-Fledged Manufacturing Conglomerate
The VIDVEDA Group is now in transition to becoming a comprehensive system manufacturer. It is currently constructing six new plants at Sriperumbudur, Panapakkam in Ranipet, Gummidipoondi, Sri City, and Pune. These facilities aim to offer end-to-end manufacturing solutions for consumer durables like TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines.
In a significant move for the defence sector, the group is at an advanced stage of setting up India's largest ammunition-filling facility with an investment of about ₹4,000 crore. Vanchinathan's vision extends further. He aims to establish the group as a large manufacturing conglomerate in PCs and laptops, telecom infrastructure equipment, and ultimately, semiconductor manufacturing within the next few years.
Despite his corporate success, the 41-year-old founder-chairman remains connected to his origins. He still engages in farming in his native Ambalapattu whenever he gets a break from work in Chennai. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasises that continuous learning, adaptability to challenges, and perseverance are the non-negotiable keys to success in the demanding manufacturing sector, a mantra for aspiring entrepreneurs.
