Suhel Kachwala, Managing Director of FG Glass, India’s leading integrated glass solutions company

Interview with Suhel Kachwala, Managing Director of FG Glass, India’s leading integrated glass solutions company

Suhel Kachwala is the Managing Director of FG Glass, India’s leading integrated glass solutions company. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry, Kachwala has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and success of the organization.

Under his guidance, FG Glass has achieved remarkable milestones, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the market. Kachwala’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled the company to new heights.

Kachwala’s leadership extends beyond FG Glass. He actively participates in industry forums, conferences, and events, where he shares his insights and experiences. Through these engagements, he contributes to the growth and development of the glass industry in India.

Mr Suhel Kachwala, the managing director of FG Glass has an interesting journey that has led him to his current role.

An MBA and Masters in Information Systems pass-out from Boston University, Mr. Suhel Kachwala has an impeccable experience as a working professional overseas.

Studying and working in the States, not only equipped him with exceptional academic knowledge but also instilled confidence in his business management abilities.

After dedicating 4.5 years to academic as well as professional growth and learning, he finally decided to quit and draw into the family business in India in July 2003 to continue his family’s age-old legacy.

As the managing director of FG Glass, Mr.Suhel Kachwala undoubtedly brings a combination of international exposure, academic expertise, and a deep-rooted understanding of the family business, making him well-equipped to lead the company into the future.

How did you become involved in the glass manufacturing and processing industry, and what led you to take on a leadership role in the company?

Suhel Kachwala: Growing up, I was surrounded by business discussions in the family which sparked my interest in the field.

Both my father and uncle were respectively well established in the business and played significant roles in contributing towards the industry.

Stemming from the background, my natural instinct led me to join the age-old family legacy in 2003. This marked the beginning of another revolutionary path for my career journey.

As exciting as it was, the challenges I faced, led me to counter the reality of working with business practices.

The experience of witnessing first hand operations since a young age prepared me equally for the ever-evolving challenges and responsibilities.

The following year, in 2004, we took a significant step forward by establishing FG Glass Industries, a state-of-the-art facility for glass manufacturing and processing.

This endeavor was made possible through the unwavering support of my family, particularly my father who serves as the company’s chairman, and cousin Nuruddin.

Together, we worked tirelessly to set up the factory and ensure its successful stride towards contributing to the industry as a whole.

The following year, in 2005, our family business expanded further as my brother Firoz Kachwala and cousin Tariq Kachwala joined the enterprise which led to increased commitment and a fresh flair of young vision to our company.

The combination of my exposure to the business through the years, and the support of my family led me to embrace a leadership role within the company.

It was a natural progression driven by my passion for the industry, the legacy established by my family, and the desire to contribute to the growth and success of our business and the Indian glass industry overall.

FG Glass is recognized as India’s leading glass manufacturer and processor. What are some of the key factors that have contributed to the success and reputation of the company in the industry?

Suhel Kachwala: FG Glass secured its recognition and reputation due to multiple reasons and above it all, lies our strong dedication to provide exceptional quality to our clients.

We prioritize innovation and expansion through high-quality finished products which leads to building unwavering ties with developers, architects and multinational companies.

Binding business through robust relationships, outstanding product quality and adapting with the clients needs and visions is what keeps us ahead in the race.

In a competitive market, how does FG Glass differentiate itself from other glass manufacturers and processors? What unique capabilities or offerings does the company provide to its clients?

Suhel Kachwala: Technically, our infrastructure is a key differentiator in the existing industry. It allows us to work efficiently around the clock, ensuring timely delivery to our clients.

It also helps turn the client’s vision into functional reality. The entire process and work- flow layout is meticulously designed for optimum and timely output.

Our entire factory floor is designed for continuous monitoring and measurement at each level and unit, ensuring that quality is maintained throughout the production process.

We heavily rely on our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for seamless process integration and optimization.

To cater to evolving market requirements, we have invested in advanced equipment and specialized capabilities for processing jumbo-sized glass panels. This allows us to meet the demands of large-scale projects and offer unique solutions to our clients.

Our next key core strength encompasses the belief in unwavering commitment to quality. We have continuously expanded and improved the quality of our products over the years.

Rigorous quality checks are an integral part of our manufacturing facility, ensuring that we consistently deliver products of the highest standard.

As an export-oriented company, we also prioritize the quality to meet stringent quality standards across the globe.

Conclusively, FG Glass stands out by leveraging its robust infrastructure, stringent quality control measures, technological advancements, and our unwavering commitment to sustainability.

These factors combine to provide our clients with reliable, high-quality products and solutions that meet their specific requirements in the competitive glass manufacturing and processing market.

Sustainability and environment are important considerations in today’s business landscape. How does FG Glass incorporate sustainable practices into its processing and manufacturing processes? Are there any specific initiatives or certifications the company has undertaken in this regard?

Suhel Kachwala: At FG Glass, we are committed to incorporating sustainable practices into our processing and manufacturing processes.

To achieve this, we continuously strive to stay ahead of the curve by utilizing advanced equipments and techniques.

This allows us to meet changing market requirements and provide innovative solutions to our clients, such as processing jumbo-sized glass panels.

In 2017, we took a significantly revolutionary step towards sustainability by installing a solar rooftop system.

This initiative made FG Glass one of the first companies in our industrial area to have net metering. By harnessing solar energy, we decrease our carbon footprint altogether.

As the demand for sustainability continues to grow, we remain proactive in adapting to emerging trends and technologies.

We are committed to making our factory net-zero in the future. This ongoing commitment aligns with our goal of responsible business practices and contributes to a greener and sustainable future.

FG Glass caters to a wide range of sectors, including architecture, interiors, and automotive. How does the company adapt its products and services to meet the specific needs of different industries? Can you share some notable projects or collaborations in these sectors?

Suhel Kachwala: We understand the importance of adapting our products and services to meet the specific needs of different industries.

To cater to diverse sectors such as architecture, interiors, the company employs various foolproof strategies.

One notable approach is engagement and collaboration. FG Glass actively engages with professionals in the industry and acts as mentors, helping to upgrade the perception of glass for building facades.

This includes conducting informative sessions such as lunch and learn sessions, roadshows, and factory tours.

These activities provide a platform to connect with architects, interior designers, consultants, developers, IT companies, and aluminum contractors who are our valued customers.

By understanding their unique requirements and challenges, we tailor our products and services to meet their specific needs.

We also actively collaborate with other manufacturing companies to develop new ideas, exchange expertise, and meet the demands of the international market, together.

These collaborations promote innovation and enable us to stay ahead of industry trends and technologies.

While specific notable projects or collaborations may vary over time, FG Glass continues to build strong relationships and stay connected with professionals in architecture, interiors, and automotive industries, ensuring that our products and services are relevant, efficient, and aligned with their specific requirements.

Quality control is crucial in the glass manufacturing process. How does FG Glass ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability in its products? Are there any quality assurance procedures or certifications in place?

Suhel Kachwala: Our success story is driven by stringent quality requirements and state-of-the-art quality labs. We continuously research and invest in equipment to ensure the highest quality products before dispatch.

Our real-time information system enables us to closely monitor each process and rectify any errors immediately.

Our well-trained and equipped team ensures zero compromise in quality. We conduct quality drives, production drives, and cleanliness drives to constantly improve our operations.

We also prioritize 6 Sigma, TQM and environmental certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IGCC, GFSU, SGCC & Bureau of Indian Standards. We welcome industry bodies to visit our facility and encourage us to improve regularly.

The glass industry has seen advancements in technology and innovation over the years. How does FG Glass leverage these advancements to offer cutting-edge products and services to its customers?

Suhel Kachwala: Change is essential, and we adapt to better our infrastructure. Some significant changes we have introduced include partnering with overseas companies to invest into equipment to measure distortion levels, focusing on IoT to capture data points on building facades and working on intelligent glass.

One key area of focus is partnering with overseas companies to invest in modern technology and equipment that allows us to measure distortion levels accurately.

This ensures that our glass products meet the highest standards of quality and visual clarity, providing an optimal experience for our customers.

We also work extensively with the Internet of Things (IoT)  which enables us to gain insights into performance, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements.

This allows us to provide our customers with data-driven solutions that optimize building performance and enhance efficiency.

A constant involvement in exploring and developing intelligent glass solutions which incorporates advanced technologies which provide enhanced functionality and contribute heavily to energy efficiency.

By working on intelligent glass, we aim to introduce cutting-edge solutions to industry and our customers and cater to their evolving needs.

Through technological advancements and collaboration with overseas partners, we strive to remain at the forefront of the industry.

These efforts enable us to provide our customers with the most up-to-date, innovative glass products and services that meet their specific needs while also providing value in a volatile market.

What is your advice for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Suhel Kachwala: I would like to encourage young entrepreneurs not to give up on their innovative ideas. Creativity combined with perseverance is the first step towards progress.

Embrace change, innovation, and technology to create something unique. Don’t give up and have faith in your ideas.

The younger generations, especially Gen X and Gen Z, will play a crucial role in the formation of a better future!

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