Pioneering Building Materials, Transforming Spaces – AEL

Aparna Enterprises Ltd (AEL) is a leading building materials company under the Aparna Group, founded in 1990 as a ceramic tile distributor and now excelling in various businesses within the building material sector. AEL attributes its growth to customer service, innovation, and adaptability to new technologies and market changes.

What sets AEL apart is our technical expertise, a diverse range of products, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality output. The company utilizes advanced machinery and efficient production processes to minimize waste and offer cost-effective solutions. Collaborating closely with builders, architects, contractors, and specifiers ensures value-for-money offerings.

AEL prioritizes risk management, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks, including supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity threats, and natural disasters. The company invests in technology and innovation to stay ahead in the competitive market and expand its product range.

With the building material segment projected to grow, AEL plans to expand operations across India, focusing on technology, talent, and customer satisfaction. Our vision is to exceed customer expectations at every step, from consultation to after-sales service. We contribute to the nation’s growth and development with our high-quality, sustainable building materials and by promoting responsible environmental practices in our operations.

Overall, Aparna Enterprises is committed to maintaining its position as a leading player in the building material industry through innovation, expansion, and a customer-centric approach while contributing to the growth of the nation through responsible and sustainable practices.

Aparna Enterprises eyes Rs 2,100 crore revenue by FY24

Aparna Enterprises Limited (AEL) is a flagship company of the Aparna group operating in the building material segment. The firm has evolved into one of the leading players in the country for quality building materials of the highest standards. Aparna Enterprises has set high benchmarks in the industry with its range of products.

Evolving constantly and embracing new technologies, AEL is focused on developing next-generation building materials, earning great recognition and trust from customers. The firm had shown a stellar performance in FY23 clocking a revenue of Rs.1,650 crore.

Aparna Enterprises Limited is targeting total revenue of Rs.2,100 crore by FY24 as the firm’s expansion is underway, establishing its presence across major markets driven by a strong demand for construction materials.

According to the experts, the estimates show the market size of the building material industry at around $225 billion. The projected growth rate for 2023 is around 10%, and it is estimated to clock a CAGR growth of 8% to 9% in the next five years.

While the industry shows a positive growth curve, Aparna Enterprises seizes this opportunity, setting up a new uPVC manufacturing unit in Rudraram, Hyderabad, with an investment of Rs.100 crores. With this new facility set up, the company’s production capacity of uPVC is projected to increase to 1,200 tonnes from the current capacity of 700 tonnes per month.

“The building material segment is an interesting space to be in. And COVID was a blessing in disguise as well because everyone realized the importance of having their own home, which boosted the real estate segment as well. And the demand boosted other segments, be it cement, steel, tiles or UPVC,” said Aparna Reddy, Executive Director, Aparna Enterprises.

Currently, Aparna Enterprises has a favorable presence in Vietnam, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The company’s growth is complemented by the establishment of new company-owned stores and the firm is all set to explore new international markets like the United States, added Ms. Reddy.

She expects exports to contribute 10% of the group’s business over the next two years.

Ms. Reddy also quoted, “Although domestic consumption is high, we are also interested in exploring other international markets because pushing the Indian product has become much easier now compared to earlier times. There is a willingness to buy Indian building material now.”

At present, Aparna Enterprises Limited generates close to 70% of its business from private developers and up to 30% from government-related projects.

“We have started focusing more on government projects over the past three-four years. The government is also investing a lot in the medical and health segment,” she said.

Building materials to see 10% growth in 2023, thanks to industry momentum: Aparna Enterprises

The year 2022 saw a recovery for the building materials sector. The sector had a robust rebound due to the emphasis on infrastructure development and the rush to acquire real estate assets. The building materials industry recovered and moved in the direction of pre-covid levels. In 2022, the industry had a 10% rise. The sector is not showing any indications of slowing down as 2023 approaches; rather, it is headed in the direction of rapid expansion. Growth in the building materials industry is crucial for the economy as a whole since it employs more than 51 million people and accounts for roughly 9% of the nation’s GDP.

The country had 1,559 projects in the works totaling Rs 26.7 trillion ($352.3 billion), according to the Infrastructure and Project Monitoring Division of the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI), as of May 1, 2022. Even if some of those may be almost finished, the fact that so many large projects are still in the works shows the building materials sector has a lot of room for growth.

The expansion of residential and commercial real estate is another important aspect boosting the momentum. The number of new projects across the nation is predicted to significantly expand in 2023, which will raise the need for construction supplies. Even today’s millennials are starting to see a home as a need and a source of long-term stability. Even the market for luxury homes has seen favourable investments since the outbreak. This can need the use of strong, high-quality building materials. Additionally, the industry is benefiting from a growing awareness among individuals and corporations to embrace greener lifestyles. In 2023, the industry is anticipated to increase at a double-digit rate.

Ashwin Reddy, MD, Aparna Enterprises, added, “The govt’s vision to be a $5 trillion economy and the resultant investments in infrastructure is a key factor driving the growth of the sector. Be it the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), or Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan; the impact on the building material industry looks optimistic. From a sub-sector point of view, RMC, uPVC window and door systems, tiles, and manufactured sand are expected to be the biggest gainers as more and more customers are looking for alternatives that reduce the usage of natural resources. For instance, manufactured sand or Robo sand is an excellent alternate to river sand, and the adoption of this helps in reducing the mining of sand for construction. Similarly, uPVC window and door system is a good alternative for wooden windows and doors.”

The market opportunity for the sector is enormous, but it will need a concerted effort from all the stakeholders, including the government, for it to be realised. The Indian RMC market is now valued at $25 billion and is anticipated to expand by an average of more than 15% over the following four years. Not far behind is uPVC, the market for which is anticipated to grow by 11% annually and reach $7.3 billion by 2025.

Inflation is one of the important issues that will need a prompt response. The cost of raw materials is increasing as a result of state government taxes and supply chain disruptions. Inflation results in rising labour and raw material costs. Once it is in check, the expenses may be brought down to a level that is affordable for the participants that are active in the market. The government may consider lowering interest rates if the inflation returns to normal or is brought under control because the segment is also severely impacted by the rise in interest rates. In the interim, interest subsidies may be given to the producers of critical building materials to combat the anomalous rise in manufacturing costs. Thirdly, a persistent problem is a shortage of competent labour. In 2022, the construction industry saw an 85% lack of competent workers, according to Statista. Therefore, a foolproof strategy is needed to prepare the workforce for future demands.

Last but not least, the many permissions needed for each infrastructure or real estate project increased the difficulties already faced by category players.

The Indian government has made several interventions in the building materials business during the past two to three years, but there are still many issues that need to be resolved for a brighter future.

Navigating Leadership Challenges: Insights from Ashwin Reddy

Ashwin Reddy, Managing Director of Aparna Enterprises, expresses his views with SiliconIndia about Aparna Enterprises Limited, the challenges it successfully overcame following the pandemic, how modern-day buyers are looking forward to getting innovative building materials, and AEL positively keeping up with all of the advancements, client expectations when purchasing the ideal building materials, how Vitero had a huge success in the tile manufacturing industry, and much more.

Can you describe leadership challenges you overcome as a leader?

The biggest challenge a second-generation leader faces is acceptance from existing stakeholders. Since people look up to leaders for inspiration and decisiveness, every leader requires to develop the wisdom to steer the organization in the right direction.

The other crucial challenge often faced by leaders is to constantly refine policies and processes to ensure a learning and progressive culture in the organizations. Policies and processes define the organization’s growth span. Mentioning it in the HR manual is not enough, as a leader one will need to practice and lead by example. For instance, if you want to build an organisation that has an open-door policy, you may have to keep your doors open for feedback and suggestions from across employees.

Do you ever face challenges in getting to a consensus with other leaders in the company?

Disagreements are bound to happen between people, however if clarity in objectives is aligned across stakeholders, it reduces friction and facilitates an agreement.

The ability to articulate the purpose clearly and openness to hear others’ feedback are must-have skills. If you are able to communicate your ideas while also understanding your team’s views and opinions, you will be able to come to a decision that is beneficial for the organisation.

How do you measure your progress in terms of being a business leader?

Turnover and profits are primary indicators of an organization’s growth. However, an organization’s success can also be measured by observing how it manages and grows its physical (employees & machinery) and virtual (brands, intellectual property) assets. Measurement of progress should not be unilateral, rather it should take into consideration all the different factors that are critical for the organisation. Creating a positive work culture and imbibing values such as equal opportunities with a growth path, laying down a vision, and charting down a long-term growth strategy with measurement metrics are also yardsticks that allow measuring success.

Can you tell us about the brand, “Vitero” and what are the steps you took to make it a success?

Vitero as a brand had grown significantly in a short span of time. Started operations in 2018 Vitero now produces 30,000 sqm of floor & wall tiles every day. These tiles are sold through a rapidly growing network of dealers across several states in India and Vietnam. The growth is a result of constant focus on durability and high quality in the tile manufacturing process. Vitero Tiles are manufactured using cutting-edge technology. The manufacturing process is followed by stringent quality-checking measures which ensure that only high-quality tiles make their way out of the manufacturing facility.

What is your overview of the building material market in the country?

Building material is an emerging market and has grown significantly since post covid lockdowns were released in India. The growth of the infrastructure industry and the revival of the real estate industry are having a positive impact on the growth prospects of the industry. Currently, the building material industry stands at around $225 Billion in terms of market size. The sector is projected to register a growth of 10% in 2022 and a CAGR growth of 8% to 9% over the next five years.

What are the major expectations any client (Individual or organization) has from a building material firm?

The expectations may vary slightly from product to product. However, the most sought-after requirement or expectation of any client, be it an individual or organization are:

Quality of the product– Customers go for products offering higher value for their money. Offering quality products is a value that clients always appreciate. Offering client-quality products improves the trust and faith in a particular brand. Word-of-mouth is the strongest publicity and there is nothing better than being known for quality.
Timely delivery: In today’s world time is money. Be it organisations or individuals they appreciate building material providers who can help them with the timely delivery of products. Timely delivery helps in streamlining the construction process and even ensuring the construction is well within the budget. Apart from labor-related delays and costs, delay/nonavailability of building material on time is a major concern during construction.
Customisation: Customers are increasingly looking for products that are best suited to their needs. Agility to provide customisation is a key factor that customers are looking for while finalising the building material products.

In the Race for High-Rise Innovation, uPVC Leads the Way

“This material has become a favourite choice for a wide range of residential and commercial projects. uPVC windows and doors also offer excellent insulation against rain, superior UV protection, sound insulation, and are also resistant to salt water, termites, fire, and strong winds,” says Mahesh Choudhary, President & CEO, Okotech, Aparna Venster & Alteza

The construction materials sector was among those with the greatest effects during the epidemic. However, the business swiftly found its footing again, and things are much better now. The market size of this particular area is estimated to be approximately USD 225 billion, and it is anticipated to rise by 10% this year. Allied sector segments including ready-mix concrete, uPVC, and tiles are prepared for an optimistic future.

Particularly in recent years, uPVC has shown admirable signs of recovery; it now has a substantial market presence and has regained the majority of its pre-pandemic pace. This enduring image is a result of customers and architects progressively realising the possibilities of uPVC’s strength, durability, simplicity of installation, and affordability of upkeep. This material has gained popularity as a preferred option for a variety of residential and commercial projects. Additionally, uPVC windows and doors provide great rain protection, exceptional UV protection, sound insulation, as well as resistance to fire, high winds, salt water, termites, and fire.

Its wide range of attributes also enables it to find use in a variety of industrial contexts; one such use is the construction of windows and doors for tall structures. Today, high-rise structures are typical sights. In fact, the number of high-rises in a well-known metro area is frequently its defining characteristic. Additionally, this opens up a world of opportunity for the related construction materials sector. Doors, windows, and other structural components for these structures must be strong yet stylish. uPVC windows and doors are useful in this situation.

uPVC windows and doors are ideal for high building structures for a number of reasons, including the following:

Wind resistance: This is one of its most notable characteristics. uPVC windows and doors can withstand winds that bring large volumes of dust, salt, and other debris, making them ideal for high-rise buildings located both in the middle of a busy metropolis and by the sea. These materials also aid in preventing creaking or whistling noises and make these windows and doors appropriate for high-velocity winds. For increased strength, certain uPVC window companies now provide windows with hurricane bars.
Safety and security: These are also important in high-rise buildings. Another explanation for why uPVC is quickly gaining favour in the high-rise sector is that it is highly secure and strong. The windows and doors include single and multi-point high-security locking mechanisms connected to the profile’s frame, providing a high level of security. These windows and doors are protected by a thick layer of galvanised steel, making them extremely difficult to break into.
Customizability: uPVC windows and doors are also extremely customisable. These windows and doors are available in a variety of colour and lamination options and require very little upkeep. This provides them an advantage over traditional materials since they can be customised to fit any theme, which is especially important in the case of high-rise buildings.
Eco friendly nature: The material’s eco-friendliness and recyclability are the material’s finest features. uPVC has emerged as one such material that fits the bill for these purposes during this time period, when global warming has worsened and companies all over the world are striving to decarbonize and follow the sustainable path. They survive for decades because of their toughness and longevity, and an added plus is that they are created from bio-degradable materials, so they do not hurt the environment in the long run.
Tactile energy-saving features: One of the material’s far less discussed advantages is its tangible energy-saving capabilities. Today’s escalating energy prices necessitate asset optimization within residential/commercial spaces. Installing uPVC windows and houses would help to tackle this problem to some extent, since they may save up to 30% on family energy expenditures. Because uPVC windows and doors are resistant to extreme temperatures, they help limit heat gain in the summer, keeping home interiors cooler. This allows homeowners who install uPVC windows and doors to automatically reduce their power use.

As the building material industry/real estate sector decarbonizes, builders and homeowners are increasingly turning to uPVC for window and door needs. With uPVC quickly gaining popularity in high-rise development, more builders are trying to include this material in their designs. The demand for uPVC will only grow as areas of application for it become available. If you want a sustainable, yet robust material for your windows and doors, uPVC is your best choice.

AEL Takes Pride in Manufacturing the Finest uPVC Materials for Balcony Windows & Doors

A balcony lets you experience the outside world while sitting in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, it allows for the entry of natural light and radiates a positive vibe throughout our homes. So, here’s a guide to enhancing the beauty, style, and inspiration of your balcony.

uPVC serves its best!

Choosing the appropriate material is the first step in designing a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. uPVC is one of the best materials for balcony doors and windows. The performance of uPVC windows and doors is excellent, and maintenance is minimal. They are resilient, do not rust, corrode, or distort, and maintain their brand-new appearance for years. Noise levels are reduced by up to 30 to 40 dB due to the multi-chambered design and double seal mechanism. The steel reinforcing is used with uPVC windows and doors to strengthen their durability over time. They allow for more design and colour freedom because of their agility.

Most Delectable Designs

Another critical factor that needs to be considered before choosing your balcony windows and doors is – Design.

The following are a few popular uPVC balcony doors:

Casement doors: They are easily accessible as they do not have any obstructive railings. They can bring more ventilation and sunlight into the home and provide a clear view of the skyline outside. These doors open both inside and outside.

Sliding doors: These doors generally help you save a lot of space and make the balcony look spacious. They also provide amazing views of the stunning exteriors. These large sliding doors provide an aesthetic appeal to your home.

Slide and Fold Doors: An ideal one for balcony doors up to 4 to 5 meters as it allows one to choose how much of the door should be left open. It helps give a classic look and feel to the balcony.

Some of the popular window styles widely available include:

Casement windows: These are also known as side-hung windows and are better suited to any given space. Owing to its design, it lets in more sunlight and ventilation.

Sliding Windows: They are the ideal choice in rooms where the space, especially space to accommodate the window frames is restricted. They are easy to operate, allow ample light inside and help maintain safety and security.

Villa Windows: An ideal choice for a classy home, Villa windows are for superior comfort and aesthetics. The villa windows come with an iron grill, a double sash for panels with glazing, and an option to add a bug/mesh screen.

Arch Windows: These are also known as arch-top or radius windows. They are unique in design and have square bottoms and a half-circle on top. They have a robust frame and chambers to reduce heat loss and improve thermal performance. The reinforced frames ensure safety, security, and insulation from heat and sound.

The balcony is your private spot, perfect for reading a book or enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Therefore, be wise when choosing the material and style for the balcony windows and doors.

Mr. Ashwin Reddy, Aparna Enterprises’ Managing Director, discusses sustainability, business growth, future plans, and more!

Aparna Enterprises Limited (AEL) is a part of the highly successful Aparna Group. Since 1990, Aparna Enterprises Limited is a leader in the distribution of building materials and is one of the largest Tile Distribution companies in India. Aparna Enterprises offers high-quality building material products and adheres to industry standards by adopting eco-friendly practices. AEL takes pride in holding the greatest market share in South India in a variety of building-material goods such as RMC (ready-mix concrete), uPVC Window and Door Systems, uPVC Profiles, Tiles, sanitary Ware & Kitchens, Aluminium Window & Door Systems, and Facades & Exteriors. AEL has been associated with various landmark projects for over three decades and is internationally acclaimed for setting standards in technology, research, design, and quality.

Aparna Enterprises Limited will advance in shaping the building materials sector more sustainably

The growing awareness among consumers about the need to adopt sustainable practices is having a positive impact on the building materials industry. Customers today prefer to live in a space that is environmentally sensitive and uses recyclable material. Even builders and contractors are very vigilant about the material they use while raising a structure. Instead of wood customers are opting for uPVC and aluminium as materials for window and door needs. Our uPVC profiles under the brand name Okotech and uPVC window and door systems Aparna Venster, along with Alteza Aluminium windows and door systems, have been registering significant growth year on year. Similarly, the trend of replacing wooden or stone flooring with wooden and stone finish tiles is also an outcome of this growing consciousness. The demand for manufactured sand, another offering from our end is also fast gaining traction. Apart from being a good alternative to natural sand, it helps the construction industry to reduce the impact it leaves on natural resources like river sand. The demand for M sand has been growing steadily for the past 4-5 years.

Aparna Enterprises offers several key products and solutions

Founded in 1990, Aparna Enterprises is one of the leading building material product manufacturers & suppliers in the country. Operating through a range of businesses namely – Aparna RMC (ready-mix concrete), Aparna Venster (UPVC Window and Door Systems), Okotech (UPVC Profiles), Vitero (floor & wall Tiles), Unispace – (trading & retailing of luxury Sanitary Ware & Kitchens), Alteza (Aluminium Window & Door Systems) and Aparna-Craft (Exterior Facades).

The role that RMC (Ready Mix Concrete) will play in future carbon-neutral cities

As the sensitivity towards adopting sustainable practices will increase, usage of RMC will increase significantly. Aparna Ready mix concrete encourages replacing natural sand with manufactured sand and thereby allow construction players to adopt environment-friendly construction practices.

Aparna Enterprises’ products and solutions are distinctively unique from those of other brands.

Aparna RMC uses Manufactured Sand (also known as M Sand or Crushed Sand), instead of river sand, for preparing the concrete mix. M Sand is better suited for the concrete mix as it is processed in quarries and is relatively free from silt & clay and offers better compatibility with cement, helping in making a better quality concrete mix. Apart from that, residual materials like Fly Ash and GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast furnace slag) are also used in the products. These products are waste materials generated from different processes (e.g. thermal power generation and steel production) and help in improving the quality of the concrete mix. All of the other products are made under the toughest quality standards & the majority of them are certified under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018. The uPVC profiles used are ROHS compliant. The vitrified tiles are manufactured following BIS standards and are ISI-certified. The Aluminium profiles used for premium window and door systems are 3kPA compliant

The evolution of Ready Mix Concrete in the construction field

More and more customers are opting for RMC and manufactured sand over the traditional way of preparing concrete mix and usage of river sand in the concrete mix. This trend is expected to continue and increase in upcoming years. The majority of commercial buildings, hi-rise structures, and infrastructure projects are raised using RMC only. As a push towards Infrastructure and construction is expected in upcoming years, it will give a required boost to RMC Industry, along with other building material products.

Aparna Enterprises is committed to environmental sustainability

Aparna Enterprises not only manufacture environmentally friendly products but also use green and recyclable Input material in manufacturing processes. Apart from using manufacturing sand in Ready Mix Concrete, the uPVC profiles which are used for making uPVC windows and doors, are lead-free and recyclable products. The aluminium window and door systems are made with an aluminium alloy which is an architect-grade alloy and is also completely recyclable. These window and door systems are not only recyclable but also save money for the inhabitants during usage and upkeep as they reduce energy bills and don’t require much maintenance/repainting for a long time. To avoid creating pollution in the tile manufacturing process, natural gas is used to fire the kilns which produce high-quality floor and wall tiles. All these products along with the curtain wall system and exterior facades that we manufacture, help in reducing carbon footprint and energy conservation in any commercial/residential structure.

The building materials market evolution in India, and the major growth drivers

The building material industry is currently a $225 Billion in market size. The focus on infrastructure development by the government and the rapid growth of urbanisation will help the industry to grow.

The business growth and expansion plans of Aparna Enterprises

The sector is projected to register a growth of 10% in 2022 and a CAGR growth of 8% to 9% over the next five years and Aparna Enterprises is well-prepared to leverage the market opportunities that may open up. Aparna Enterprises is in process of vertical and horizontal expansion of the offerings and capacities to cater to this increase in demand having invested Rs. 100 crores to double the tile manufacturing capacity from 15,000 sq. mt tiles per day to 30,000 sq. mt per day. Also launched 80 x 160 cm tiles, with this increased capacity. Having won an investment of Rs. 80 crores, uPVC profile production capacity has increased from 450 tons a month to 700 tons a month. With an additional investment, this capacity is set to be increased to 1100 tons a month by end of this year. Also expanding the market reach. Aparna Enterprises is in process of launching several new products to expand its market presence.

Aparna Enterprises Limited unveiled the growth plan for its uPVC division

Aparna Enterprises Limited, the leading building materials player, unveiled the growth plan for its uPVC division. The announcement was marked by the launching of a new production line at Bachupally. The production line will address the uPVC profile and window & door system requirement of Aparna Enterprises’ uPVC brands- Aparna Venster and Okotech. The new line of production will expand the total uPVC profile production capability of Aparna Enterprises by more than 50% and take the total capacity from 450 tons to 700 tons per month. The brand aims to further augment the vertical’s capabilities and reach 1100 tons per month in the year 2023.

Speaking about the uPVC division’s plans, Mr. T Chandrasekhar, Director-Technical, said, “Construction industry had posted a 17% growth rate in 2021. The building material sector also witnessed similar growth. With the momentum in public infrastructure investment and real-estate buying still staying upbeat both industries will continue its bull run. The expansion is aimed at leveraging the growth opportunities that will open up in this space, especially for a uPVC window and door systems.”

“Owing to its strength and durability, uPVC is fast becoming the preferred choice for windows and doors. Last fiscal, despite disturbances in business activities caused by the lockdown due to Covid 19 spread, the uPVC division registered a 50% growth in sales, with the capacity addition we are looking at scaling up further and keeping the growth steady,” added Mr. Chandrasekhar.

The capacity expansion will be complemented by market reach expansion as well. Aparna Enterprises is also looking at increasing their dealership network for both brands Okotech & Aparna Venster, in India by 50%.

Aparna Enterprises hosts an extensive product portfolio and two world-class sub-brands in their uPVC vertical. Launched in 2008, Aparna Venster has manufactured and installed around 1.8 million uPVC windows and doors providing end-to-end solutions including survey, design, fabrication, delivery, installation, and service. The production facilities in Hyderabad & Bangalore are equipped with state-of-the-art German fabrication machinery. The uPVC profile brand, Ökotech, was established in 2016 and is committed to manufacturing technology-driven uPVC profiles. The focus has always been on producing the best-in-line uPVC profiles for hassle-free fabrication.

The Modern Era of uPVC Materials

Venster & Okotech, under the umbrella of Aparna Enterprises, manufactures the highest quality uPVC windows & doors and uPVC profiles. Every buyer is necessitating and willing to upgrade their residential and business spaces to meet modern requirements these days, and this positive changeover is driven by the energy-efficient and impact-resistant nature of the uPVC materials. This transition would spur the market to build innovative uPVC materials.

Aparna Venster strongly believes in serving the highest quality materials and delivering them with efficient customer service. Venster has been producing innovative and modern uPVC window and door designs that are ideal for every home and inspirational project by providing end-to-end solutions right from design to installation., also offers an extensive range of uPVC windows & doors collection

Okotech is committed to bringing the most eco-friendly window and door systems to life by producing lead-free and non-toxic uPVC profiles. The customisable feature offered by Okotech gives the advantage to choose from a whole range of world-class uPVC window and door systems that offers various benefits.

Addressing this positive transition, Our Managing Director, Mr. Ashwin Reddy stated “gone are the days when windows were used only for ventilation, today they are considered an integral part of creating a distant look to the space, and customers are not hesitating from experimenting and making bold choices. In fact, there is an increasing demand for coloured uPVC window and door systems to match the existing colour scheme of the given space.”

Retailer Talk (Bathroom fittings, tiles & sanitaryware dealers in Hyderabad) – Aparna Enterprises

Over the past few years, the premium bathroom segment has seen tremendous growth and demand for solutions is rising. The pandemic has further boosted this demand-led expansion. One of Hyderabad’s leading dealers of green bathroom & plumbing fittings, tiles, and sanitaryware, Aparna Enterprises (Unispace), has ridden the wave of expansion. In this edition of Retailer Talk with BuildingandInteriors, we invitedMr. Satish Bhargav, an upscale businessman, to share his valuable insights on various business strategies for bathroom fittings and sanitaryware segment.

So, read our conversation with Mr. Satish Bhargav, CEO of Aparana Enterprises (Unispace) to learn about the latest trends and new ways of networking in the industry.

About the business

Aparna Enterprises Limited (AEL) was founded in 1990. We are proud to be a part of the highly accomplished Aparna Group. Aparna Enterprises originally began as a distribution company for ceramic tiles and now stands tall as a pioneer in other commercial enterprises. We have developed ourselves as one of India’s most recognised and creative building material manufacturers over the past 30 years. Aparna Enterprises Limited, Aparna Constructions, and Aparna-Craft Exteriors Pvt. Ltd. make up the Aparna Group. Under AEL, we manufacture double-charged and GVT tiles under the brand name Vitero Tiles and UPVC doors and windows under the brand name Aparna Venster. We also extrude UPVC profiles under the brand name Okotech, with which we cater to pan-India UPVC fabricators. Aparna Constructions is into high-end villas and apartments (gated communities) serving 14,000+ happy families and has executed 28 million sq. ft. so far.

Aparna-Craft Exteriors Pvt. Ltd. manufactures facades/aluminium doors and windows in collaboration with Craft Holding-Hong Kong, for technical know-how. We manufacture aluminium doors and windows under the brand name Alteza.

Business & brand portfolio

Through a variety of enterprises in building-material products, we take pride in having the greatest market share in South India. We deal in RMC (ready-mix concrete), UPVC Window and Door Systems, UPVC Profiles, Tiles, Sanitary Ware & Kitchens, Paint, Aluminium Window & Door Systems, and Facades & Exteriors. Under the umbrella of Aparna Unispace, we feature numerous luxury brands like Armani, Roca, Fantini, Paffoni, Nobili, Catalano, Duravit, Sternhagen, SCHELL, Tece, Geberit, Inda, Numa Mirrors, Stiebel Eltron, Giacomini, Oyster, Effegibi, Nolte Kitchens, and Jotun Paints.

Partnership & experience with SCHELL

We associated with SCHELL in the year 2013. The goal was to onboard a brand linked with positive attributes and build value and equity for the company. SCHELL undoubtedly proves itself right in all of the aforementioned points. Another likeable characteristic of the brand is its support and after-sale service. For plumbing, bathroom fittings, and sanitaryware dealers, dependable service from the brand is a must. This further makes the bond between us and the brand stronger.

SCHELL is an extremely reliable brand. The three things that set SCHELL apart from other bathroom fitting brands are:

1. They manufacture green bathroom fittings for residential and public use (where there is heavy usage) and in private toilets.
2. The brand emphasises user hygiene and water-saving techniques.
3. Their products have precision derived from German engineering.

Post pandemic trends in the bathroom fittings & sanitaryware retailing

At present, customers are open to experimenting with hygiene and aesthetically crafted bathrooms. They are moving from regular Chrome finishes to coloured finishes for bathroom fittings and accessories. Contemporary and regular designs are widely accepted over classical and traditional designs. The gold finish bathroom fittings are now in popular demand, and so are matt finish faucets in black.

Due to the widespread effect of the pandemic, another trend that is dominating the bathroom segment is touchless, green, and intelligent fittings. Sensor faucets for wash basins and sensor urinals from SCHELL are life savers in times like these. They provide hygienic touchless operations that are crucial for public facilities like malls, hospitals, and other institutions.

New platform for networking with bathroom fittings & sanitaryware dealers and brands

In today’s world, social media plays a pivotal role in every business. It is one of the main reasons why particular brands are popular across the globe. Having said that, the Indian market in sanitaryware is still emotionally biased. Clients still like to have a touch and feel of the product in real life. The new-age retailing methods are a real change maker for the world, and especially for retail. Thus, the internet has allowed retailers to connect with potential customers and promote their brands in entirely new ways for every segment be it green bathroom fitting or sanitaryware.

Networking with both our competitors and the brands that we associate with is one of our invaluable resources for keeping us up-to-date and learning what’s coming down the pike. For this, we actively participate in industry-related exhibitions, launches, and seminars. We are also active on social media like LinkedIn where people share ideas and news and learn from one another. Other sources of networking are engineering and architecture web journals, blogs, and e-newsletters that publish the latest news, opinion, and trends to keep on track with the emerging trends and launches in our industry.