From Uniforms To Armoured Vehicles: OCF Avadi Reinvents Itself

OPINION PIECE

In a remarkable evolution, the Ordnance Clothing Factory Avadi (OCFAV), traditionally known for manufacturing uniforms and troop comfort items for the Indian Army, has entered the high-tech defence domain of vehicle armouring—starting with a high-profile assignment: a protective armoured vehicle for the convoy of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

B.S. Reddy, General Manager of OCF Avadi, draws a striking comparison: “If Toyota, a textile company, could become a global automobile giant, why can’t OCF Avadi transform beyond uniforms?” The sentiment underscores a new chapter in the post-corporatization era of India’s 41 Ordnance Factories, now operating as Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

From Uniforms to Armoured Vehicles

Established in 1961 in the aftermath of the Chinese aggression, OCF Avadi has long been entrusted with the manufacture of Army uniforms, tents, and troop comfort supplies. The factory adheres to stringent quality norms with each product rigorously tested in NABL-accredited modern laboratories. Its excellence recently received global recognition with the supply of specialized uniforms to the Republic of Suriname.

But OCF Avadi is no longer just a tailoring unit. Its latest foray into defence protection has turned heads. The armoured vehicle supplied to the Tamil Nadu CM’s convoy marks a strategic shift. “Vehicle armouring is a complex and high-precision task,” Reddy said. “Our R&D team, inspired by the Toyota story, ventured into the development of technologically advanced protective solutions.”

OCF’s protective vehicles now provide 360-degree defence against rifle threats, incorporating heavy-duty in-house designed hinges and multi-layered ballistic materials. Encouraged by this success, the factory is now in talks to supply to several other state governments.

Innovation Across the Board

While retaining its core focus on troop comfort, OCF Avadi is expanding its defence offerings:

• Flame Retardant Action Overalls (FRAO): For personnel in fire-prone environments.

• Ballistic Briefcases: A foldable three-panel shield disguised as a standard briefcase, offering NIJ Level IIIA protection.

• Canine Bullet Resistant Jackets: Designed to shield security dogs from close-range firearm threats, including 9mm and AK-47 rounds.

• Hard Armour Panels (HAP): Made from advanced ceramics and ultra-lightweight UHMWPE for high efficiency.

• Ballistic Helmets & Jackets: Capable of protecting against SLR, AK-47, INSAS, and 7.62x54R API threats.

• The factory has also introduced a new generation of advanced combat uniforms for the Indian Army, emphasizing durability, ergonomic design, and operational comfort.

Triumph Over Adversity

The transformation is even more commendable considering the challenges faced post-corporatization. After the Government of India, in 2017, declared items manufactured by Troop Comforts Limited (TCL) and Gliders India Limited (GIL) as ‘non-core’, these units were initially cut off from direct Army orders. Trade unions played a pivotal role in reversing this decision.

Despite a dwindling order book and uncertain demand for troop comfort items in future years, OCF Avadi has not only sustained operations but diversified boldly. “Our factory was struggling,” Reddy admits, “but we kept our workforce motivated. We emphasized their welfare, promoted innovation, organized sports and cultural activities, and invested in residential colony facilities.”

A Family, Not Just a Factory

Perhaps the most telling success factor is the culture within OCF Avadi. “We are not just a factory. We are a family,” says Reddy. “Transformation usually meets resistance—especially in government enterprises. But our workforce stood by us. The credit for our resurgence goes to their unwavering commitment.”

As India pushes forward with ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing, OCF Avadi stands as a compelling example of how even traditional public sector entities can reinvent themselves with the right leadership, innovation, and workforce solidarity.

Opinion expressed here is that of B.S. Reddy, General Manager of OCF Avadi