With three decades of experience in the fenestration industry, Dr. H.C. Mario Schmidt leads as the Managing Director at Lingel India. Since 2006, Lingel has been a pioneer in uPVC and Aluminum windows and doors, catering to India’s elite clientele who seek luxury and cutting-edge technology for their homes. In addition to his role in India, he has been serving as the Plant Head Director at Lingel Germany since 2018. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a passion for excellence and innovation. As one of the founding members of the window association UWDMA India, he has had the privilege of influencing industry standards and fostering collaboration among fellow industry professionals. Dr. H.C. Mario Schmidt’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, from general management and corporate development to product innovation and strategic planning, with his leadership ensuring that customers directly benefit from outstanding designs and product innovations.

In an enlightening conversation with WFM Media, Dr. H.C. Mario Schmidt, Managing Director of Lingel Windows, sheds light on his transformation journey in the fenestration industry. From overcoming initial challenges to leading revolutionary innovation, Dr. H.C. Mario Schmidt offers insight into Lingel’s growth story and his commitment to shaping the future of the window industry.

You’ve Been A Key Figure In The Fenestration Industry For Over Three Decades. Can You Share The Major Milestones And Challenges You’ve Encountered Along The Way That Have Shaped Your Journey?

After completing my education in mechanical sciences, I was in search of new opportunities. In 1994, a factory manufacturing windows opened in my hometown of Saxony, Germany. Intrigued by the industry and eager to learn more about the manufacturing process and its various aspects, I began working there. This marked the beginning of my journey and long-standing association with the window industry.

In 2005, Lingel was seeking experts to launch their uPVC window operations in India, and I joined the company. In 2006, I came to India and established a business here. Looking back, I can confidently say that the company and I are truly ‘made for each other’.

Three decades is a significant period, and I have cherished the journey from being the youngest plant head to serving as Managing Director for both Germany and India. The journey, however, was not without challenges. uPVC was a nascent product in India, and we had to work tirelessly to create awareness about its benefits. Thanks to the efforts of UWDMA and a collective push from the industry, uPVC is now widely understood and appreciated.

In 2017, we launched our Lingel Aluminium 6.0, marking a pivotal milestone. This segment has experienced tremendous growth, with projects completed not only across India but also in Nepal and Dubai. We’ve expanded into numerous regions of India, opened several experience centres, and strengthened our presence through a growing network of channel partners.

Additionally, the shift from our old manufacturing facility to the new, eco-friendly unit in Rewari symbolises our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and scalability as we continue to grow and cater to a broader market.

Lingel Windows Has Made A Significant Mark In India. Can You Share With Us When And How Lingel’s Journey In The Indian Market Began?

Lingel Windows commenced its Indian operations in 2006, establishing its head office in 2008 in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. At the time, uPVC was an emerging material in the Indian fenestration industry, with limited awareness and adoption. Recognising the potential for high-quality, durable, and energy-efficient window solutions, we introduced our extensive German expertise to the Indian market.

Our network now spans nationwide. To ensure the best service and customer experience, we prioritise training our employees, who possess the technical expertise required to explain the product features and ensure proper installation. In many cities, we also collaborate with a well-connected network of channel partners.

While we emphasise direct selling, we remain closely associated with our channel partners, providing them with the necessary training and support to uphold our quality standards. For us, thorough technical knowledge is key to selling our products effectively and ensuring maximum satisfaction for our customers.

Lingel The Leela Ambience Sound proof
Lingel The Leela Ambience Soundproof

As The Managing Director Of Lingel India And Plant Head At Lingel Germany, How Do You Balance Your Responsibilities Across Two Countries With Such Distinct Markets?

Balancing responsibilities as the Managing Director of Lingel India and Plant Head at Lingel Germany is undoubtedly a challenge, given the distinct markets and customer preferences in each region. However, it’s a balance I’ve honed over the years through strategic planning, effective communication, and fostering strong teams.

In India, the focus is largely on retail projects, catering to customers seeking high-quality, luxury window and door solutions tailored to their homes. In contrast, Germany operates on a larger scale with high-value projects often involving advanced technologies and strict adherence to energy efficiency and insulation standards. To bridge these differences, I bring German innovation to India, implementing solutions that align with the Indian market’s needs while maintaining global standards of quality and excellence.

Lingel wood project
Lingel wood Project

My schedule is split between the three regions I oversee—India, Germany, and Romania. I spend three weeks in India, ensuring smooth operations and addressing the market’s dynamic demands. The remaining time is divided between Germany and Romania. In Germany, my itinerary is tightly planned to maximise productivity during short visits. In Romania, we are in the process of building a strong team, with Lingel India team members contributing their expertise to support and train the local workforce.

As A Key Figure In The Founding Of UWDMA India, What Was The Driving Force Behind Creating This Association, And How Has It Transformed The Window And Door Industry’s Landscape In Terms Of Standards, Innovation, And Industry Unity Over The Years?

As one of the founding members of UWDMA India and now serving as its President, I can affirm that the driving force behind creating this association was to bring structure, standards, and quality to the uPVC window and door industry in India. From the outset, our aim has been to ensure Indian consumers receive products that meet the highest standards of quality and durability.

In the absence of formal standards, UWDMA introduced its own fabrication guidelines in 2016, incorporating quality parameters and European reference standards. These guidelines have been instrumental in establishing a benchmark for the industry. Today, after 12 years of relentless effort, the first official uPVC profile standard is on the verge of being introduced—a significant milestone for the industry.

Lingel glass conservatory
Lingel Glass Conservatory

Beyond setting standards, UWDMA has focused on uniting various stakeholders in the value chain, from raw material suppliers to fabricators, and ensuring the uPVC industry’s growth remains organic and sustainable. By emphasising quality at every stage – raw materials, processing, and final products—we are gradually shifting the market from an unorganised sector to a more recognised, factory-based industry.

UWDMA’s efforts have not only elevated industry practices but also fostered a sense of unity and collaboration, creating a platform for innovation and ensuring long-term growth.

How Do You See The Fenestration Industry Evolving In India In The Next 5-10 Years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, fenestration will be a blend of technology and design. It will push boundaries, with customers not only considering materials like uPVC or aluminium but also premium oak or timber, which is termite-resistant and provides excellent insulation. Customers will favour large floor-to-ceiling windows where space allows, unique shapes, slim or robust frames, and fabric glass, offering endless possibilities for customising spaces. Automation and bold colours will further expand creative potential.

Over The Past Two Years, Lingel Has Introduced Several New Fenestration Products. Could You Highlight Some Of Your Most Recent Launches And How They Are Helping Customers Improve Their Living Spaces?

Lingel Windows has expertise in customising unique products for its customers, offering a wide range of materials including uPVC, aluminium, oak, timber, and a variety of add-ons to cater to customer needs. Lingel primarily focuses on residential projects – flats, houses, villas, apartments, duplexes—and small, medium, and large housing developments, as well as commercial offices, hotels, hospitals, and resorts.

The company’s wide range of products includes: High-end timber or wooden windows, Glass conservatories, Window sills, Venetian blinds, and Roller shutters, which are operable manually or automatically.

Lingel has also launched several innovative products, including snow-white windows featuring a white foil on the uPVC surface, ensuring ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Additionally, the Aluminium System 6.0 (launched in 2017) is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing aluminium systems in India. It allows the use of the complete uPVC hardware range and includes options such as entrance doors, sliding and folding solutions, casement windows, and lift-and-slide systems.

Other notable launches include Lingel Panzer Glazing (LPG) and Lingel Safety Box (LSB), which combine superior glazing and hardware. Timber windows crafted in Germany offer texture and a classic look, while the Hueck thermal-broken aluminium system ensures optimal heat insulation.

Lingel has recently introduced motorised skylights, roof windows, top-hung roof windows, a new handle selection, and a new powder-coating finish.

Lingel has also ventured into modular kitchens, vanities, internal partitions, and wardrobes for the Delhi/NCR regions.

Goa Project1
Goa Project

Sustainability Is A Big Focus In Your Work. How Do Lingel’s Products Contribute To Minimising Environmental Impact, And How Important Is This Focus In Today’s Market?

Lingel actively minimises environmental impact by measuring its products’ carbon footprints and partnering with NGOs to offset emissions through tree-planting projects. The company aims to incorporate more recycled content into its uPVC products, following the European model, and gradually educate the market on the environmental benefits of these materials.

However, widespread sustainable development in India’s uPVC industry faces challenges. Unlike Europe, where regulations mandate energy principles and minimum recyclable content standards, India lacks similar legislation. Implementing certifications for uPVC goods, akin to energy-efficiency star ratings for windows, could incentivise manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and create a transparent, consumer-friendly market for energy-efficient, recycled-content windows.

You’ve worked closely with governmental bodies in India and Germany. Can you tell us about any key initiatives or collaborations that have helped advance industry practices and regulatory compliance?

In India, we collaborate closely with BIS, BEE, the Skill Council, and MSDE on behalf of UWDMA to establish standards and compliance initiatives. Many of these efforts are the first of their kind, making it an exciting journey to be part of this future legacy.

In Germany, innovation drives new standards, ensuring products and components are environmentally friendly. I have a longstanding relationship with IFT Rosenheim, the authorised testing institute for window performance, and SKZ Wuerzburg, the uPVC Profile Institute.

Notably, India’s newly launched uPVC profile standard, which accounts for harsh weather conditions, is stricter than Germany’s standards. However, the challenge lies in encouraging testing agencies to participate in profile testing and pushing uPVC profile extruders to embrace mandatory BIS compliance.

Furthermore, India is developing its first standard for colour and discolouration of uPVC foil-wrapped profiles, which does not yet exist in Germany.

Regarding window testing, Lingel has utilised EN Norms as a significant input in creating our LPG (Lingel Panzer Glazing) and LSB (Lingel Safety Box) hardware, which we manufacture in accordance with these European standards.

Another notable difference in Germany is the entirely distinct installation process compared to India. The IFT Rosenheim (Window Testing Institute) oversees the testing of installation materials in Germany. However, given the unique circumstances in India and the way homes and buildings are constructed here, I currently do not see any relevance in directly applying these installation norms to the Indian context.

Lingel has been a forerunner in bringing innovative solutions for healthier living. Could you tell us more about your sustainable products, such as the New Roof Windows, and how they contribute to a better environment?

Lingel Windows_saraf House _1
Lingel Windows Saraf House

Our tagline emphasises shading on the exterior rather than via the glass. We can reduce 70% of solar heat gain by blocking sunlight before it reaches the glazing, rather than relying solely on performance glass. Keeping this in mind, we provide shading devices fixed on top or in front of the glazing to prevent heat from reaching the glass.

We also offer inbuilt blinds installed within insulated glass. Where these options are not feasible, we provide blinds fitted directly beneath the glazing, ensuring minimal heating of the room below.

Additionally, we recommend using solid panels, such as insulated powder-coated aluminium sheets, for roofs in areas like New Delhi, where summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C. This approach minimises heat penetration, allowing only the vertical parts of windows or conservatories to admit sunlight. In colder regions, such as Coonoor, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand, we use glazing to maximise heat gain, which is desirable in such climates.

Your Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Unit in Rewari, Haryana, has been a key part of your operations. What is its production capacity, and how does it support Lingel’s commitment to sustainability?

Located in Kapriwas, Rewari, Haryana, Lingel’s state-of-the-art 125,000 sq. ft. facility, with a production capacity of 14,000 units per month, is a benchmark for industrial innovation. Designed by Rao and Associate Architects and completed in September 2022, the factory’s unique geographical positioning and architectural design maximise energy efficiency and comfort.

Large east and northwest-facing glazing allows ample daylight into the production area, minimising the need for artificial lighting, while cantilevers and insulation prevent overheating. A 12-metre-high metal roof with insulation and a central ventilation system ensures a comfortable climate year-round. The entire setup, elevated 4 feet above ground, facilitates easy loading of heavy windows.

Lingel White UPVC_Chandigarh
Lingel White uPVC Chandigarh

The fabrication unit is divided into aluminium and uPVC production wings, functioning seamlessly on a straight production line from material loading to finished goods dispatch. Future-ready features include provisions for solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

The facility houses Lingel’s control tower, complete with the MD’s cabin and a viewpoint overlooking production. A planned glass bridge and auditorium will further enhance the visitor experience.

Safety is paramount, with extensive fire-fighting systems, including a 200,000-litre water tank and backup pumps. Our goal was to ensure a safe, comfortable work environment and showcase our fabrication process to customers in the best possible way.

Looking Ahead, What Are Your Goals For Lingel In The Next Few Years?

Lingel north east project
Lingel Northeast Project

In the coming years, as part of our large expansion of the channel partner network across the country, we will focus on technical training and upskilling all members of the Lingel family.

I believe that providing quick, accurate, and affordable individual product or project-specific fenestration solutions will be a key factor in becoming the preferred vendor for high-end individual retail villa projects. Architects usually do not delve deeply into detailed planning in this segment, and construction contractors often lack awareness regarding detailed or non-standard designs.

Similar to how we operate at Lingel Germany, where window detailing and wall connections are highly precise and offer a wide variety of different members and sections, we foresee similar demand or development emerging in India.

Given this wide variety, it is almost impossible for architects and decision-makers to select the correct sections or details for their projects based solely on customer requirements.

This is why we, at Lingel, aim to provide solutions specific to each project design, tailored to the needs and demands of architects and customers alike.

This approach already sets us apart from many of our industry peers, as we offer bespoke solutions for unique, non-standard demands. These solutions are backed by guarantees or warranties, including a structural safety certificate issued by a third-party structural consultant, ensuring the product remains almost maintenance-free throughout its lifetime.

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