LUDHIANA, India (BRAIN)— Industrialist OP Munjal, chairman emeritus of Hero Cycles and one of the founders of the Hero Group, died Thursday after a heart attack, India news media is reporting. Munjal, 86, was at the DMC Hero Heart Center when he died. Last rites will be performed Friday. According to a variety of news reports, Munjal had retired from an active role in the business last month and his son, Pankaj Munfal, had succeeded him.
Munjal and his three brothers launched the company in 1944 selling spare bicycle parts. They set up India's first bicycle manufacturing site in 1956 and name the company Hero. During the 1980s it became the largest maker of bicycles by volume in the world. Munjal also helped lead the company as it diversified into the automotive parts industry, news reports said.
He also served as the president of All India Cycle Manufacturers' Association and was the recipient of many national honors. He was also known as a philanthropist and supported several educational institutions and hospitals across India. A son, four daughters and 10 grandchildren survive him.
