KSIE Reports Record Growth, Boosting Kerala’s Industrial Sector

Thiruvananthapuram: In a notable development for Kerala’s public sector landscape, Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited (KSIE), a state-owned enterprise under the Department of Industries, has recorded its highest-ever financial performance in the fiscal year 2024–25. The company reported a revenue of 74.80 crore rupees and a profit of 8.10 crore rupees, signaling a significant milestone in its operational history.
At a time when several public sector undertakings across the country face financial stress, KSIE’s performance highlights the impact of structured diversification and improved operational efficiency. Of the total revenue, 25 percent came from services and 22 percent from manufacturing, reflecting a balanced approach to income generation across key sectors.
Growth in Air Cargo Operations

A major contributor to KSIE’s recent success has been its air cargo division. The company reported a 20 percent increase in exports handled through the Trivandrum Air Cargo Terminal and the Calicut Air Cargo Complex at Karipur. This growth underlines Kerala’s expanding role in global trade logistics and the strategic importance of infrastructure investments at state-managed airports.
During a recent press conference, KSIE Chairman Adv. Philipose Thomas and Managing Director B. Sreekumar highlighted a potential game-changing development: the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is actively considering granting RA3 (Third Country Regulated Agent) status for exports to European countries and other international destinations. This certification would significantly enhance KSIE's capability to facilitate smoother cargo operations with European Union nations, opening new markets for Kerala's businesses and creating substantial employment opportunities across the state.
Kerala Sandal: A Fragrant Success Story

Kerala Soaps, the consumer product arm under KSIE, has also made inroads in international markets. Its flagship product, Kerala Sandal Soap, is now being exported to countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. The brand, which has been part of Kerala’s industrial heritage for decades, has gained renewed market attention through strategic product diversification and quality enhancements.

The current product line has expanded to include floor cleaners, toilet cleaners, and two body wash variants, aligning with evolving consumer needs. These developments are part of KSIE’s effort to modernize legacy brands and position them competitively in both domestic and overseas markets.Z
The export push builds on a rebranding initiative launched in 2022, which helped reposition Kerala Sandal Soap as a premium offering. The campaign involved updated packaging, marketing outreach, and retail expansion—all aimed at reinforcing Kerala Soaps' identity in a global consumer goods environment.
Institutional Legacy and Strategic Role

With over four decades of operational experience, KSIE has been a key facilitator in Kerala’s industrial development. It was established with a clear mandate to centralize and streamline the state’s export and import activities. Over the years, the enterprise has adapted to changing economic conditions by diversifying its business interests while maintaining its focus on infrastructure and trade facilitation.
Its role as the managing agency for air cargo terminals at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode has proven to be a strategically important move. These terminals are critical components of Kerala’s export supply chain, particularly for perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments.
KSIE’s operations are not limited to logistics. The enterprise also engages in the trading and marketing of consumer goods and industrial products, offering additional revenue streams and creating linkages with small and medium-scale enterprises in the state. This diversified portfolio has helped cushion the company against sector-specific volatility and supports a broader industrial ecosystem within Kerala.