Chelpark
From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
 Two ink bottles | |
| Company type | Subsidiary (1943–69) Private limited[1] |
|---|---|
| Industry | Stationery |
| Founded | 1943 [2] |
| Founder | Chellaram family in association with Parker Pen[3] |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | Fountain pens, inks |
Chelpark Company Private Ltd. is an Indian manufacturing company of stationery products. Based in Bangalore, Chelpark is one of the oldest manufacturers of fountain pen ink in the country.[4] The company is located in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Originally a subsidiary of the Parker Pen Company in India, the company was renamed 'Chelpark', when the Bangalore-based Chellaram family took over operations.[5]
History[edit]
Around the year 1943 the Parker Pen Company wanted to discontinue its partnership with the TTK group. The Chellaram family, who traded in Parker products in west Africa, we’re asked to associate with Parker for operations in India. After Parker agreed to the terms, both companies commercialised the Quink Parker ink, giving it a local identity for the Indian market. Therefore, the brandname "Chelpark" (a portmanteau of "Chellaram" and "Parker") launched. This was supported by an advertising campaign that showed how the Parker label was removed from the bottle, being replaced by a Chelpark one.
The partnership came to an end around 1969 due to changes in policies by the Indian Ministry of Finance. Parker sold its share in the operation as it became unprofitable. From then on, Chelpark (known only for its fountain pen ink) started expanding to other office stationery products.[3] When the Chellaram family acquired the majority shares, it changed to "Chelpark Company Private Ltd." in 1985, setting its headquarters in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Chelpark faced competition from Camlin and Bril.[6]
Reception[edit]
According to Harish Bijoor, a brand expert, Chelpark's success is often attributed to the quality of its ink and pen nibs. Their ink was known for being anti-clogging and non-corrosive, appealing to a wide range of users, from professionals to students.[6][7]
Advertising[edit]
Chelpark promoted its brand primarily through on-ground advertising, including school essay contests, teacher demonstrations and campus activities. The company allocated limited resources to TV or print advertising. It had launched its first advertisement in which it depicted the Parker sticker peeling off from the bottle to reveal the Chelpark logo, and the ad campaign was quite successful.[6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Chelpark Co. Private Ltd. on ZaubaCorp
- ^ Legal information: Chelpark Company Private Ltd.
- ^ a b Company history on Fountain Pen Network
- ^ "Chelpark Fountain Pens". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
- ^ Fountain Pen Network: Chelpark MOTI
- ^ a b c Majumdar, Neera (9 December 2018). "So long Chellaram Parker, and thanks for the stained pockets". The Print.
- ^ "Chelpark Ink: Using Chelpark ink, people became businessmen from IAS-IPS, now the journey is over!" (in Hindi). Zee News. 14 February 2023.
