The origins of Raiders date back to the 1870s in Kanpur, India, where the foundation of the enterprise was laid by Mehar Chugatha, a highly skilled leather craftsman. At the age of approximately 25–26 years, Mehar Chugatha was employed at a leather factory owned by a Scottish British industrialist, widely known during that era as a distinguished polo player.
Mehar Chugatha’s family roots were originally from Sialkot, from where his father had migrated to Kanpur with his wife and children in pursuit of stable employment and a better life. Within the factory, Mehar Chugatha gained exceptional mastery in producing rifle leather covers, military bags, footwear, saddlery, and protective leather goods. His craftsmanship and precision were so trusted that final quality inspections were routinely conducted under his supervision to ensure accuracy and excellence.
Encouraged by peers and patrons to establish independent work, Mehar Chugatha began producing leather goods from his home, supplying select and well-known clients only, thereby earning a reputation for integrity and superior workmanship.
As demand increased, Mehar Chugatha’s only son, Natho, joined him. Natho was a hardworking individual who not only assisted in leather craftsmanship but also operated a horse-drawn carriage (wagon) to transport goods and support the household.
In 1903, Natho opened a small leather shop in Kanpur, initially without a formal name. Due to the family’s ability to produce a wide range of leather products—including horse saddles and specialized equipment—customers began visiting this shop as an all-in-one leather service provider.
Unable to compete, nearby shopkeepers began referring to the business as “raiders.” Instead of rejecting the label, Natho adopted it with foresight and officially named the shop Raiders Enterprises. At that time, the meaning of the name was understood primarily by the British and educated circles, but it soon became widely recognized.
By the late 1900s, Raiders Enterprises became a trusted supplier of leather boots, covers, bags, and equipment for British soldiers and local institutions.
In 1908, Natho established a leather tannery on leased land, introducing advanced leather balancing and processing techniques for that era. By 1910, the tannery expanded into large-scale production, and the leased land was fully paid. The original shop gradually transformed into a full production unit, marking Raiders’ transition from retail craftsmanship to industrial manufacturing.
In 1919, Mehar Chugatha passed away, leaving the responsibility of the enterprise entirely to Natho.
By 1922, Raiders Enterprises had gained widespread recognition in Kanpur for its production quality and capacity. Natho further expanded operations by establishing a wood-crafting unit, primarily supporting saddlery and related leather products.
In 1930, due to declining health, Natho legally transferred Raiders Enterprises to his eldest son, Haji Rehmat Ali, who was only nine years old at the time. Anticipating his limited lifespan, Natho personally trained Rehmat Ali in leather craftsmanship, discipline, and trade ethics.
In 1946, Natho passed away, and the legacy fell upon Haji Rehmat Ali, then aged sixteen. This period coincided with extreme communal violence. During the chaos, several production assets were destroyed, forcing the shutdown of the tannery and severely damaging operations.
In 1947, the family fled to Pakistan through the Bajwat sector, leaving behind factories, property, and possessions, narrowly escaping with their lives.
For four to five years, Haji Rehmat Ali worked as a farmer in Bajwat to sustain his family. Known locally as Rehmat Ali (Al-Marhoom Tara Priya), he was respected for his wisdom and intuition.
His eldest son, Haji Muhammad Sadeeq (Sadiq), was sent to Karachi for education, where he studied chemicals and medicine (Hakeem) while simultaneously entering the leather trade as a retailer. Trading leather between Kasur, Sialkot, and Karachi, he accumulated experience and capital.
In 1964, Sadeeq opened a leather selling shop in Sialkot, and the entire family relocated there.
Within two years, the family established five tanneries.
In 1969, Raiders opened a major leather facility producing jackets, shoes, saddles, footballs, and soccer balls.
By 1974, Raiders entered sporting goods manufacturing, focusing on cricket bats, hockey sticks, baseballs, and tennis equipment, moving production into specialized facilities. During this period, Raiders worked with leading manufacturers such as SAGA Sports, Green Hill Sports, Rajax, OK Sports, Classico Pvt Ltd and others under the leadership of Mian Muhammad Majeed, son of Haji Muhammad Sadeeq.
In 1979, Raiders introduced motorcycle suits and protective riding gear, expanding into technical leather manufacturing.
During the 1980s, Raiders partnered with SAGA Sports, pioneering world-class manufacturing standards in Pakistan, led by Mian Muhammad Majeed.
In 1990, following the conclusion of major contracts, Raiders was officially re-registered in Pakistan, marking its rebirth as a modern industrial group. The company expanded across leather, sportswear, sporting goods, motorcycle gear, and surgical products, operating hundreds of small units across Sialkot and Karachi.
Raiders launched its own exports and global brand between 1990–1995, including international branding initiatives such as Raiders Las Vegas.
2006 – Haji Rehmat Ali passed away
2011 – Haji Muhammad Sadeeq passed away; leadership transferred to Mian Muhammad Majeed
2012 – Office established in UAE
2013 – Two offices in USA and one in Germany
2019–2021 – Mian Muhammad Majeed stepped back due to health; passed away in 2021
The group leadership transitioned smoothly to Mian Muhammad Awais, under whom Raiders Group of Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. now operates globally.
Today, Raiders Group works with hundreds of international brands and global sourcing companies, supplying international-standard sportswear, leather goods, sporting equipment, motorcycle gear, and accessories.
We rose from nothing, lost everything, rose again—and stand stronger than before. Raiders is not merely a company; it is a century-long testament to survival, skill, and standards.
