Indorama Ventures achieved annual revenues reaching approximately $7.5 billion by the close of 2014, a figure marking the industrial scale of the business established by Aloke Lohia. The Indian entrepreneur, who maintains citizenship in his home country, has expanded his commercial footprint across international markets, moving beyond initial manufacturing constraints to command a substantial petrochemical enterprise.
Foundations in Education and Finance
Born in 1958 in Kolkata, Lohia completed his formal education at the University of Delhi. He earned a bachelor of commerce degree, a foundation that supported his early professional trajectory. His career path began in Indonesia, where he served as the finance director for P.T. Indorama Synthetics between 1979 and 1987.
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Lohia relocated to Thailand in 1988, marking a shift in his business operations. His first venture there, Indorama Chemicals—later renamed Aurus Specialty Company Limited—focused on the conversion of corncobs into furfural alcohol. This initial project received financial backing from the German Investment Corporation, providing the necessary capital to scale production within the chemical sector.
PET Manufacturing and Corporate Growth
The company diversified its scope significantly in the 1990s. In 1994, Lohia launched Indorama Holdings, establishing Thailand's inaugural wool business. This was followed in 1995 by the creation of Indorama Polymers, which introduced the country's first polyethylene terephthalate production facility. The company structure underwent a significant reorganization in February 2010 when Lohia delisted the polymers business and oversaw the listing of the parent entity, Indorama Ventures, on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Market Recognition and Wealth
Independent Chemical Information Service (ICIS) identified Lohia as one of the Top 40 Power Players for four consecutive years, spanning from 2011 to 2014. By May 2021, financial estimates placed his net worth at approximately $2.6 billion. He remains active in the industry, continuing the work established over several decades of chemical and synthetic manufacturing.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Kolkata
- Citizenship: India
- Education: University of Delhi
- Primary Enterprise: Indorama Ventures
- Net Worth: $2.6 billion (May 2021 estimate)
- Career Start: Finance Director, P.T. Indorama Synthetics
Questions readers ask
What was the first business Aloke Lohia founded in Thailand?
He founded Indorama Chemicals, now known as Aurus Specialty Company Limited, to produce furfural alcohol from corncobs.
When did Indorama Ventures list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand?
The company was listed in February 2010, at the same time the polymers division was delisted.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Delhi
