WFM Media had an opportunity to interact with Umesh Ghai, Managing Director, Cotswold SEA private Limited. He spoke about his responsibilities and goals, Cotswold products, the company’s major milestones, manufacturing facilities, latest projects, plans, and much more. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
You were appointed as the Managing Director of Cotswold SEA Pvt Ltd a few months ago. Could you tell us about your experience in the fenestration business and your current role as MD of Cotswold, including your responsibilities and goals?
My journey in the fenestration industry has been both challenging and rewarding. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds in the field, gaining deep insights into creating optimal window and door systems. As the Managing Director of Cotswold SEA Pvt Ltd, my primary responsibility is to lead the company toward new heights while maintaining our commitment to quality and innovation. My goals include expanding our market reach, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and enhancing customer satisfaction. It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team to new successes.
Tell us about Cotswold Architectural Products. When was it established in India?
Cotswold Architectural Products has a rich legacy, spanning over 50 years. We are pioneers in the fenestration hardware industry, recognised for our innovation and reliability. Cotswold established its presence in India in 2019, bringing our world-class products closer to the Indian market. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has helped us become a trusted name in the industry, and we continue to uphold these values.
Recently, Cotswold celebrated 50 years of success. Can you share the company’s journey and its major milestones?
Celebrating 50 years is a testament to Cotswold’s unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence. Our journey began in 1976 when we became the first company in the UK to manufacture friction stays, a pioneering development that set the stage for future advancements. Since then, we’ve expanded our product portfolio to include casement, parallel, curtain wall, and sliding hardware, and now serve over 60 countries worldwide. Notable milestones include our alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which underscores our commitment to local manufacturing and job creation. Additionally, 80% of our workforce comprises women, reflecting our focus on diversity and inclusion. Every milestone— from entering new markets to developing cutting-edge technologies—represents the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our customers.
Cotswold has nearly half a century of experience in manufacturing and supplying window and door hardware globally. What major milestones have been achieved in India and internationally?
Globally, Cotswold solidified its leadership in fenestration hardware with the introduction of friction stay, which revolutionised the industry. In India, our key achievements include successfully adapting our global products to meet local needs, building a robust distribution network, and establishing strong partnerships with major players in the construction sector. Internationally, we have grown our market share in Europe, the US, and Asia while continuing to innovate in manufacturing processes, which has helped us maintain our competitive edge.
What products and services does Cotswold offer in India?
Cotswold provides a comprehensive range of fenestration hardware in India, including friction stays, casement, parallel, and curtain wall systems, as well as sliding hardware. Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of durability and performance, serving both commercial and residential markets. We also offer customised solutions and technical support to ensure that clients receive the best products and services available. Our commitment to innovation and quality has earned us the trust of architects, developers, and fabricators across the country.
Where are Cotswold’s manufacturing facilities located? What are the company’s capacity and expansion plans?
Our primary manufacturing facility is located in Chakan, Pune. It is a state-of-the- art plant equipped to handle large-scale production, with a focus on precision and quality, currently producing 2.5 million pairs annually. current capacity allows us to meet both domestic and international demands efficiently. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our manufacturing capabilities to support our growing market presence. This will involve enhancing our production technology and potentially exploring new facilities to ensure we continue delivering top-tier products globally.
What are some of Cotswold’s latest projects in India and around the world?
We are actively involved in several high-profile projects across India, including developments in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune. Some notable projects include Parinee (Mumbai), Navi Mumbai International Airport, New Delhi Airport, Bagmane Troy & Bagmane Apollo (Bangalore), RMIL (Mumbai), and Siemens (Bangalore). Internationally, we continue to work on projects highlighting our advanced fenestration solutions, such as ITC Colombo and Dassault (Pune).
Can you provide insights into the architectural hardware market in India? What are your predictions for 2035?
The architectural hardware market in India is currently valued at approximately $2 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-7% over the next decade. By 2035, we expect the market to surpass $5 billion, driven by rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and growing demand for high-quality construction materials. The push towards sustainable and energy-efficient building practices will further fuel demand for advanced hardware solutions, creating significant growth opportunities for companies like Cotswold.
What major challenges does Cotswold face in the Indian market compared to Europe and the US, and how do you plan to overcome them?
One major challenge in the Indian market is the variability in quality standards and a shortage of skilled labor, which can affect the installation and performance of our products. In contrast, Europe and the US have more standardised practices and a better-trained workforce. To address these challenges, we focus on extensive training programs for our partners and clients in India to ensure proper installation and maintenance. Additionally, we advocate for the adoption of global standards in the Indian market to elevate overall construction quality and benefit the industry as a whole.
Where do you envision Cotswold by 2030?
By 2030, I see Cotswold not only as a leader in fenestration hardware but also as a trailblaser in sustainable and innovative building solutions. We aim to expand our product portfolio to include more energy-efficient and eco-friendly offerings, strengthening our global presence. Our focus will remain on setting new benchmarks for quality and innovation, delivering exceptional value to our clients worldwide.
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