He began his career at Tata Iron and Steel Company in Jamshedpur in 1963 as part of a training program and ascended to the role of Chairman in 1993.
Under his leadership, Tata Steel's Jamshedpur plant expanded significantly, growing from a capacity of 2 million tons to over 10 million tons.
Ratan Tata was instrumental in expanding Tata Steel beyond Jamshedpur, elevating the company’s profile in India and capturing global attention with his strategic initiatives.
In 2004, Tata Steel entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Odisha for a new facility, which ultimately became the Kalinganagar unit.
Recently, Tata Steel inaugurated India's largest blast furnace at the Kalinganagar site, with a total investment of ₹27,000 crore, increasing the unit's capacity from 3 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. Additionally, Tata Steel operates facilities in Meramandali (5.6 MTPA) and Gamharia (1 MTPA).
The company's significant global presence was solidified in 2007 when it acquired Corus Group for $12 billion. At the time, Tata remarked that this acquisition marked a pivotal advancement in Tata Steel's global strategy and heralded an exciting future for both entities.
A key aspect of Tata's enduring legacy is the emphasis on human capital. Even during challenging times in the UK, the focus on preserving human resources remained paramount. This commitment has been a hallmark of the Tata family for generations, fostering hope for the continuation of this legacy.