60-years is a long period in the life of a brand. Hardwyn – a prominent hardware manufacturer in Delhi, India is turning 60 in 2025. In an exclusive interaction with Buildingandinteriors, the founder and Chairman of Hardwyn Industries Limited – SS Sayal talks about the company’s journey and it’s road ahead.
B&I: Hardwyn is one of the oldest hardware manufacturers in India. Where is Hardwyn positioned today and how do you see it shaping up in the future?
SS Sayal: Hadwyn commenced its business journey in 1965. Our first product was door closer. At that time, door closers were not manufactured in India, these were being imported. We were able to successfully develop a ‘Made In India’ door closer in 1966. The product was an instant success. Thereafter, we applied for an ISI mark for our door closer and got it in 1967. Our product was so successful that all the government offices in India used our door closer. After a decade, we expanded and launched our floor spring and got an ISI mark for the same. We also became one of the best suppliers of hardware in our region.
Our Managing Director, Rubaljeet Singh Sayal joined Hardwyn in 1995. Over the years, he brought-in many initiatives including furniture fittings, furniture hardware, mortise handles, architectural hardware, in addition to our vastly expanded range of new-age door closers and floor springs. Today, Hardwyn is a well-respected name in the Indian hardware industry. We recently have had a feather-in-the-cap by becoming the only hardware company to be listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
B&I: How many dealers do you have right now?
SS Sayal: We have a pan-India reach. As of today, Hardwyn products are available at over 4000 prominent hardware dealers across India. We are expanding very rapidly in our existing categories of door closers, floor springs, architectural hardware, kitchen fittings, furniture hardware, etc. We are also looking at adding to our existing manufacturing facilities in a major way.
B&I: What are your strongest markets?
SS Sayal: Mumbai continues to be one of our strongest markets. Also, being India’s business capital, Mumbai sets trends for markets across the country. Our strong presence in Mumbai adds to our strong presence across other major markets. Having said that, we also have a strong network across Delhi NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, and Haryana. As hardware manufacturers in Delhi, we are also looking at strengthening our hold in other markets as well.
B&I: Any thoughts on bringing technology solutions under Hardwyn like digital locks?
SS Sayal: Yes, we are actively considering an addition to our product portfolio. Indian customers are looking at technology-based solutions like digital locks which offer a premium security solutions experience. Hardwyn is well-positioned to address the aspirational needs of the growing market in India. As I told earlier, we are also looking at adding to our manufacturing facilities, thereby adding to the ‘Make In India’ initiatives of the Government of India.
B&I: What is your message for architects and interior designers?
SS Sayal: For us at Hardwyn, architects and interior designers are an important audience. Being a legacy brand with 60 years of experience in the Indian market, we are a brand that fosters ‘trust’ in the minds of specifiers. We offer not only high-quality products in the hardware space but also back-it-up with a strong after-sales service through our network of technicians spread across the length and breadth of India. When architects and interior designers specify Hardwyn products, they are assured of unmatched product quality and an excellent post-sales experience.
B&I: How do you see the China factor playing out in the Indian hardware market?
SS Sayal: At the moment, China dominates the manufacturing and export market globally because it is lucrative to manufacture there. China gives out land at discounted prices to companies willing to set up factories there and in general its government policies promote industrial growth.
The Indian government has also taken many steps to encourage manufacturing in India. We are also increasing our manufacturing capacities in line with this environment. We need to think and plan on volumes so that we can be competitive. Industrial zones being set up in India is a welcome step. Hardware manufacturers and well-entrenched brands like ours need the support of both the government and the customers. We understand the Indian market like no other and I strongly feel that if we are given a level playing field vis-à-vis the Chinese products, we can make India proud in the hardware market.
B&I: Do you see the Indian hardware market changing over the next few years?
SS Sayal: These days, you have brands like Asian Paints operating in kitchens and bathroom spaces. So, is the case with many others who are increasing their product portfolios in the building materials market. Hardwyn has also grown from manufacturing door closers in the initial years to now where we have the full range of hardware, kitchen, and architectural solutions. As the Indian market graduates to higher quality products, the smaller brands would face the heat and ultimately go out of business. Automation, artificial intelligence, and changing market dynamics will test all players. The companies that are agile and adapt to the changing environment will emerge as winners. Hardwyn, with its high-quality products and strong distribution channel, is well-positioned to respond to the changing India. We are constantly innovating and adding new products for our customers in India. I am pleased to say that today we are seeing strong growth across all our product categories.
B&I: The developer/builder market is a big market. How is Hardwyn doing in this segment?
SS Sayal: We have been the first hardware manufacturer to make door closers in India. As this product is quite important in buildings, Hardwyn has been a preferred brand of developers and builders. Also, due to our quality, we have been specified in both government and large commercial projects like hotels and offices across India. In premium projects like the building of Supreme Court of India and Pragati Maidan, Hardwyn had been specified. Contracting companies have purchased our products in such projects. Our legacy of 60 years as hardware manufacturers in Delhi also drives our connect with this important market. But as they say, business is an ever-expanding endeavor and Hardwyn, with its commitment to the Indian market continues to march successfully in this endeavor.
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