When Häfele entered the Indian market in 2001, it made a significant impact with the involvement in the Hyatt Regency Mumbai and Hyatt Regency Kolkata projects. These hotels, with 450 and 242 rooms respectively, were the beginning of Häfele’s journey. Even before its formal debut in India, Häfele had contributed to high-profile projects like the JW Marriott Mumbai (Juhu) and The Park Hyatt Goa, which were serviced directly from Häfele Germany.
Over the past 20 years, the Indian hospitality sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by a dynamic mix of economic growth, social evolution and technological innovation. Häfele adeptly navigated this evolving landscape, gradually expanding its footprint despite initial competition from established market players. “Our strategic approach involved a meticulous focus on quality and innovation, which enabled us to secure influential partnerships with both domestic and international hotel chains. Today, I’m proud to share that Häfele is by far the preferred partner in the Indian hospitality sector, particularly excelling in guest room ironmongery. This success reflects our dedication to excellence and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the industry, reinforcing its position as a leader and innovator in the sector,” says Frank Schloeder, Managing Director, Häfele South Asia.
At Häfele India, as a global leader, the company is dedicated to providing a diverse and innovative range of products that address the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. The portfolio includes:
1. Ironmongery: High-quality hardware solutions catering to a variety of applications, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal.
2. Furniture Fittings: Comprehensive selection of fittings to enhance durability and design of furniture in hospitality environs
3. Sliding Fittings: Engineered for seamless operation across different applications, optimising space and functionality.
4. Glass Fittings: From entrance doors to bathroom and shower cubicles, glass fittings offer elegance and practicality, enhancing the overall guest experience.
5. Engineered Stone: Ideal for surfaces and wall cladding, the engineered stone products combine durability with a modern aesthetic, perfect for high-traffic areas.
6. Furniture & Functional Lighting: A range of lighting solutions that not only illuminate but elevate the ambiance of hotel spaces.
7. Movable Wall Partitions: Available in various heights and lengths, making them ideal for flexible banquet setups and dynamic event spaces.
8. Automatics & Revolving Doors: Advanced door systems, including automatic and revolving doors, as well as swing-operated options, for enhanced convenience and accessibility.
9. Built-in & Free-standing Appliances: Countertop appliances for hotels and serviced apartments.
10. Modular Kitchen Fittings: Tailored for service apartments and long-stay accommodations, modular kitchen solutions offer flexibility and functionality.
Häfele leverages a multifaceted approach to engage with its hospitality partners on new projects. “Our involvement begins with our membership in prominent industry organisations such as top hotels, Hotelivate (formerly Hotel Valuation Services - HVS), BW Hotelier, Hotel Association of India (HAI) and FHRAI. These affiliations provide us with valuable insights into upcoming hotel developments and project details. In addition, we maintain a robust network with both Indian and international designers who frequently specify Häfele products for new hotel projects. This collaboration ensures that our solutions are prominently featured in the design and planning stages,” he says, adding their extensive base of interior contractors plays a crucial role. These contractors, who are repeat customers, rely on Häfele for their projects, allowing them to supply a wide range of products for various hospitality developments.
Schloeder shares the company has strong relationships with Property Management Consultants (PMCs) who have been long-time clients and partners in numerous projects. “Furthermore, our connections with real estate developers enable us to stay at the forefront of both hotel and residential/commercial developments,” he says. Lastly, the company collaborates with leading Indian hotel chains such as IHCL (Taj), EIH (The Oberoi/Trident), ITC, The Leela, The Park Hotel Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, Sarovar Hotels, The Fern Hotels Group, and The Pride Hotel Group. “These partnerships cover a broad spectrum of both existing and upcoming projects, reinforcing our role as a key player in the hospitality sector,” says Schloeder.
On the role does technology and innovation play in Häfele India’s product development and customer offerings, he says, “The two are central for product development and customer offerings. We recognise that technology can significantly reduce industry bottlenecks, enabling hoteliers to focus more effectively on their core responsibilities. As such, Häfele is dedicated to creating products that leverage technological advancements to improve efficiency and elevate guest experiences. Our product development process incorporates contemporary design elements and innovative solutions. For instance, we offer touchless entry and exit systems that enhance convenience and hygiene for hotel guests. Additionally, our range includes germ-free touchpoint products and quartz surfaces that are non-porous, ensuring high standards of hygiene and easy maintenance.”
The Indian hospitality industry presents tremendous growth opportunities, opines Schloeder. As per Mordor Intelligence reports, the overall market size is projected to reach approximately US$ 250 billion by 2024 and is expected to nearly double to US$ 475 billion by 2029, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.96 per cent during this period. At present, India boasts of around 150,000 branded hotel rooms, with an additional 62,000 rooms expected to be added by 2029. This expansion represents a substantial opportunity for growth, driven by increasing demand and investment in the hospitality industry. “While there are certain challenges, such as the recent implementation of BIS standards, which has prompted many companies, including us, to establish or enhance their manufacturing processes within India to align with the Make in India initiative, the overall outlook remains positive. This shift not only supports local industry growth but also positions us to better meet the evolving needs of the Indian hospitality market,” informs he.
Sharing his views on the key trends in the Indian hospitality industry, Schloeder shares that several key technology trends are shaping the guest experience and operational efficiency. Hotels that integrate these advancements often see a significant boost in guest satisfaction, loyalty, and positive reviews. The current trends include digital guest experience, sustainability, voice technology, automation and Artificial Intelligence. “Häfele is addressing these trends with a range of products and solutions. For instance, Häfele’s LED lighting solutions are in line with sustainability and automation trends, enhancing energy efficiency and overall guest experience. By focussing on these, the company ensures its products meet the evolving demands of the hospitality industry, contributing to a modern and future-ready hotel environment,” he says.
Given the promising growth trajectory of the hospitality industry in India, Häfele is planning to expand its products and services. It is in talks with long-standing global partners to collaborate on creating a production line in India to meet the growing demands of the region. “To support this, we appeal to the Government to create a conducive environment by opening doors to suppliers from different geographies, allowing them to bring technical expertise and investments to India and establish manufacturing hubs here. This strategic expansion will enhance our local presence and enable us to better meet the evolving needs of the Indian hospitality market. By increasing our manufacturing capabilities within India, we aim to strengthen our influence and contribute more significantly to the sector’s growth and development,” he concludes.
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