Abhishek Prakash Kale graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2006 and has been associated with the window, door, and façade industry since 2007. Early in his career, he gained experience in design, estimation, and operations. He previously worked with Reynaers Aluminium, where he honed his skills and rose to the position of Regional Sales Manager. He has been heading Sobinco’s operations in India since 2016. He also completed a management certification from IIM Lucknow in 2014.
In this interview with WFM Media, Abhishek Prakash Kale, Head of Sobinco India, outlines the company’s journey and contributions to the hardware industry. With a strong focus on high-performance fittings for aluminium doors and windows, Sobinco combines innovation, sustainability, and quality control. Abhishek discusses the brand’s growth in India, product advancements, and how the company addresses evolving industry standards and customer expectations.
Tell Us Briefly About Your Company, Products, And Services.
Sobinco develops, manufactures, and markets high-quality fittings for aluminium windows and doors, with a strong emphasis on easing the workload for our customers. Our product portfolio includes innovative locking systems, handles, hinges, and burglar-resistant components that meet the highest standards of quality and security. We support our clients by ensuring the timely delivery of these premium products. Based in Zulte, Belgium, we operate a fully vertically integrated facility – the largest of its kind – spanning over 52,000 sq. metres.
Q. Your Company Has Been A Key Player In The Industry For Several Years. Can You Share Some Major Milestones And Significant Partnerships That Have Shaped Its Growth?
With a legacy spanning over 65 years, Sobinco began as a small family-run venture. From the outset, we never compromised on quality or delivery timelines – values that remain at the heart of our company today. Our consistent growth has been driven by significant investment in R&D and advanced manufacturing processes. While others cut costs during challenging times, we invested in technology and factory expansion. This long-term strategy has helped us earn customer trust and loyalty.
Q. Technology And Innovation Are Driving The Industry Forward. How Does Your Company Stay Ahead Of Advancements In The Field?
Our R&D team works on two fronts: we collaborate closely with our customers to co-develop forward-looking solutions, while also refining and customising existing products to meet evolving needs. The department is equipped with advanced tools for 3D modelling, printing, and in-depth element analysis. We continually invest in cutting-edge production techniques and robotics. For instance, we recently installed a Robodrill – marking a first for Belgium – ensuring we remain at the forefront of production technology.
Q. With Growing Emphasis On Sustainability, What Initiatives Has Your Company Taken To Develop Eco-Friendly Products And Adopt Sustainable Practices?
Sobinco’s fully vertically integrated production unit allows most processes to be carried out under one roof. This offers greater control over product sustainability and allows rapid adjustments when needed. We operate an in-house water treatment and waste management system, and our factory rooftops are equipped with solar panels. Our products carry Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification and are Cradle to Cradle certified. All Items are CE marked, and our focus on durability means they are rarely replaced, delivering long-term value and sustainability.
Q. The Industry Is Highly Competitive, With Evolving Customer Expectations And Regulatory Demands. What Challenges Do You Face, And How Do You Address Them?
Competition keeps us sharp and motivated to deliver our best. We are committed to making life easier for our customers. While many imitation products circulate in the market, Sobinco stays honest and responsive to customer queries, handling each with care. By consistently investing in R&D and product innovation, we introduce new concepts every 3 to 5 years, ensuring our relevance in a changing market.
Q. What Market Trends Do You Believe Will Significantly Impact The Industry’s Future, And How Is Your Company Preparing?
Stricter environmental and building regulations are pushing for higher performance and greater durability. Hardware must now meet enhanced AWW (air, wind, water) standards. With the rise in urbanisation, skyscrapers are reaching new heights, increasing air pressure on façades. Combined with more frequent cyclones along India’s east and west coasts due to climate change, the demand for robust hardware is critical. We are committed to continually improving our product performance in response.
Q. Sobinco Offers A Comprehensive Range Of Fittings For Windows, Doors, And Sliding Systems. What Recent Innovations Have Enhanced Their Performance And Security?
Our latest innovation is the COSMO hardware range – an intelligent, modular, and compact window system that achieves top performance using minimal components. It gained significant attention at the Bau Exhibition in January 2025, receiving excellent feedback from industry professionals.
Q. With Rising Demand For High-Performance Aluminium Doors And Windows, How Does Sobinco Ensure Its Products Meet Top Standards Of Durability, Safety, And Energy Efficiency?
Sobinco uses only sustainable and high-grade materials in production. Our extensive in-house testing facility rigorously tests both new and existing products for cycles and strength, ensuring compatibility with customer systems. Further assessments include corrosion resistance, burglary resistance, and simulations of extreme weather conditions (air, wind, and water tests). All our products comply with – or exceed – current European and regional quality standards.
Q. Sliding And Lift-Slide Doors Are Gaining Popularity In Modern Architecture. How Do Your Fittings Enhance Their Performance And Security?
Our B-Slide lock and Levanto lift-slide solutions are especially popular in the Indian market. They feature strong locking points and a wide adjustment range, aiding fabricators in achieving precise installation. With the BT-Lock, we have completed our sliding range. This stylish and innovative solution is perfect for very large, heavy sliding doors – meeting market demand without compromising aesthetics.
Q. Sobinco Promotes A Strong Brand Philosophy. How Does This Core Value Shape Your Business Approach And Relationships?
Our internal processes are fully aligned with our commitment to quality. We follow a stage-gate approach in product development and maintain a strong market presence through local sales teams and technical advisors. These experts support system companies and fabricators, nurturing long-term relationships. Above all, our team’s craftsmanship and know-how form the backbone of our success.
Q. You Serve A Diverse Customer Base. How Do You Maintain Product Quality And Consistency Across Different Market Segments?
Our single, fully integrated production facility eliminates reliance on external suppliers, allowing us full control over quality and process consistency. We also have a robust quality control team that conducts checks at the component level and again after final assembly.
Tell Us About The Growth Of The Hardware Industry In India.
Until recently, the Indian hardware sector heavily relied on imports. With an increase in demand for new solutions and quality, we are looking at double-digit growth for Sobinco. Sobinco has a warehouse presence in Pune, Maharashtra, directly controlled by Sobinco Zulte. Going forward, introducing Indian standards for hardware testing will help level the playing field and drive further industry development towards better quality.
Q. Is The Standardisation And Certification Of Hardware A Challenge In India?
There were initial hurdles, mainly due to a lack of clarity in the standardisation process and the extensive documentation required for government approvals. Most Sobinco products are already certified to EU, AAMA, and CE standards, well above many local requirements.
Q. Looking Ahead, What Is Your Long-Term Vision And What Steps Are Being Taken To Achieve It?
India represents a strategic growth market for Sobinco. As demand for advanced aluminium solutions rises, the need for high-performance hardware will follow suit. We believe that investing in both people and processes is key to long-term success. Our dedicated warehouse in Pune – operational since 2018 – demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Indian market.
