History

History

History

The rich economy of the Indian Continent had already lured Egyptians, Arabians and Chinese, when the Europeans came to establish their hold on Indian wealth. While some Englishmen seized the opportunity to exploit the natural resources of the country, especially South India to its maximum, other stayed back and multiplied the rich heritage with their intelligent and literate inputs. Since the beginning of trade ties with the world, Cochin had taken the centre stage in India’s maritime trade. This is where the story of Aspinwall started almost more than a century and half ago.

John H Aspinwall came to the hills of Kerala in search of spices and riches like a regular trader. He was inducted as a partner into Scott Brothers in 1863 that he later acquired and launched as Aspinwall and Company Limited in 1867. The illustrious J.H. Aspinwall expired in 1884, leaving the fortunes of his company in the capable hands of his partner, W.N. Black. Subsequently his brother, E.H. Black also joined the firm. The Black brothers consolidated and expanded the Aspinwall enterprise.

With the independence of the Indian Union and changes in the industrial policy of the new democracy, in 1956 the foreign interests started to liquidate their share in the business with financial participation from the erstwhile rulers of the princely state of Travancore. The Royal family who owned part of the company were offered the entire interests in the company, and in 1971 the ownership passed over to the royal family of Travancore. With this royal association, Aspinwall Group enhanced its character and personality. Dynamism, Integrity and customer focus became its distinct hallmarks.