The Kanpur-based JK Synthetics manufactures synthetic yarns, fibres and fabrics, portland and white cement, chemicals, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and synthetic fibre-making machinery, and chemicals, and develops renewable energy sources. In 1973, a plant for making synthetic fibre machinery was commissioned in collaboration with Karl Fischer, Germany. In Mar.'79, an acrylic fibre project was created and deployed in tie-up with Technimont, Italy. In 1980, it made an entry into computer software by putting up an unit to manufacture facsimile systems and allied equipment. In 1988-89, it created and deployed a complex in U.P. to manufacture aromatic and purified terephthalic acid (PTA).

In 1991-92, it broadened its footprint operations into into collaborations with UOP Inter-American, US, for the aromatic process and with Krupp Koppers, Germany, and Uhde India, for engineering services and also tied up with Progress Software Corporation, US. It has a tie-up with MOCO, US, for the manufacture of PTA. In 1995 the company was granted the status of an Export House.

During 1999-2000, the BIFR has directed the company to submit a revised rehabilitation proposal and IDBI has been appointed as the operating agency.

The Mangrol Grey Cement project which was delayed for some years,was commissioned in December 2001 with a capacity of 7.50,000 MT p.a.

The company has demerged its cement business during the year 2004 and consequent of this demerger,a new company has been formed in the name of J.K.Cement Ltd for cement business. As per the scheme of Arrangement,the shareholders of the company are entitled to receive 1(One) equity share of Rs.10/- each of J.K.Cement Ltd for every 10(Ten) equity shares held in J.K.Synthetics Ltd.