Lingel Windows: Pioneering fenestration since 1959

Lingel Windows, a renowned German Fenestration brand, is widely recognised for its technologically advanced product line. The brand excels in various materials such as UPVC, Aluminium, Oak wood, Timber, offering an extensive range of fenestration solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

Lingel Windows, a renowned German Fenestration brand, is widely recognised for its technologically advanced product line. The brand excels in various materials such as UPVC, Aluminium, Oak wood, Timber, offering an extensive range of fenestration solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

Founded in 1959 in Ellwangen, Germany, Karl Lingel Fensterbau GmbH & Co.kg has become a leading name in the European market for top-notch doors and windows. With nearly 65 years of expertise in fenestration, Lingel operates two manufacturing units in Ellwangen and Lichtenstein, establishing a strong presence in the industry.

Recently, company expanded its footprint by inaugurating a new manufacturing facility in Romania. Additionally, their latest giga manufacturing unit in Rewari, Haryana, covering approximately 1,25,000 square feet, showcases an impressive production capacity of 14,000 units per month. This strategic expansion aims to cater to a larger customer base and significantly reduce product delivery times, underscoring Lingel’s dedication to serving customers more efficiently.

The leadership mantra
Drawing on more than two decades of industry experience, Dr. Schmidt has achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the youngest General Manager (factory head) in the window and door sector within his German state. Transitioning to the role of Managing Director at Lingel India in 2006 and later serving as the Plant Head Director at Lingel Germany from 2018, his professional journey has been shaped by a clear vision and steadfast goals. Throughout the challenges, he has been guided by the leadership of Mr. Karl Lingel, whom he acknowledges as a remarkable mentor.

Since its establishment in India, Lingel has strategically set up sales offices and experience centers in major cities, progressively expanding its dealer network. They actively seek like-minded channel partners who are eager to grow and join their esteemed family.

Dr. h.c. Mario Schmidt emphasises the Lingel Family’s deep commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement. To support this commitment, the Lingel Training Academy was established, dedicated to providing comprehensive skill development for the team. The academy offers extensive hands-on training on products and places a strong emphasis on nurturing soft skills essential for team development. Notably, several factory workers undergo specialised training at the company’s headquarters in Germany, enhancing their expertise. A team of dedicated trainers from both Germany and India collaboratively invest efforts to educate and empower the Lingel team and channel partners. The comprehensive training program spans three months, incorporating regular weekly assessments to ensure a profound understanding of the products.

Dr. h.c. Mario Schmidt has received numerous industry and management awards, reflecting the brand’s reputation for successfully completing challenging projects across India and Europe.

Manufacturing units Ellwangen and Lichtenstein

In Germany, the widespread use of highly automated plant machinery in manufacturing units like Ellwangen and Lichtenstein has resulted in a highly efficient production process. Automation is crucial, facilitating rapid fabrication with various steps executed by machines to significantly enhance production speed. Computerised systems enable swift creation of new production designs, eliminating the time-consuming process of model or sample creation, as product simulations are efficiently handled through different software systems.

European, particularly German, window designs differ notably from those prevalent in India. European standards prioritise energy efficiency, leading to window frames with extensive extension profiles to meet high insulation requirements. This results in significant differences in inner and outer wall sizes, with variations of up to 80mm. Additionally, in Europe, new windows typically integrate roller shutters or venetian blinds, addressing privacy, noise reduction (in the case of roller shutters), and weather protection. Although these designs have been showcased at various exhibitions, they have not yet gained traction among Indian consumers. Lingel remains optimistic about the eventual adoption of these products in India.

Another significant contrast between German and Indian windows is the absence of externally operable windows in Germany. Instead, the preference is for inside openable tilt and turn windows, along with lift and slide or tilt and slide systems for sliders, unlike the conventional sliding windows found in India.

Innovative solutions and product range expansion

Lingel excels in providing customised solutions for a wide range of projects, including residential ventures like flats, houses, villas, apartments, and duplexes, as well as high-end retail projects. Their expertise extends to commercial spaces such as offices, hotels, hospitals, and resorts. The diverse product lineup includes high-quality timber or wooden windows, Glass Conservatories, Window Sills, Venetian Blinds, Roller shutters (available in both manual and automatic operation), in-built grills, balcony cabrio, and more.

Continuing to innovate, Lingel recently introduced snow white-colored windows with a white foil on the uPVC surface, ensuring an exceptionally pristine appearance and easy maintenance. Another noteworthy addition is the Aluminum System 6.0, launched in 2017, known for its aesthetic appeal in the Indian market. This system, resembling wooden or uPVC windows, offers flexibility in utilising the complete uPVC hardware range, including entrance doors, sliding and folding solutions, casement opening windows, lift and slide options. 

Lingel also provides the Hueck system, a thermally broken high-end Aluminum solution designed for superior heat insulation, imported as the final product from Germany. Their Oakwood (timber) windows, also crafted in Germany, are celebrated for their texture and timeless appearance.

Innovations in their portfolio include Lingel Panzer Glazing (LPG) and Lingel Safety Box (LSB), combining glazing and hardware seamlessly. The recent introduction of five new products showcases Lingel’s commitment to innovation: Motorised skylight, Roof window, Roof balcony cabrio, New handle selection, and New powder coating finish.

Providing ‘unique value’ to the clients

Lingel is renowned for delivering unique value propositions across various key pillars. Their centralised quotation system, a distinctive feature, ensures specialised teams provide accurate quotes, considering factors like wind load, design aesthetics, and commercial viability. Dr. Schmidt provides direct support to customers through his personal email address, prominently displayed in catalogs and on the website. Lingel’s commitment to expertise is evident through the Lingel Academy, where every team member undergoes rigorous training before engaging in product marketing or sales. The company also invests significantly in continual learning, sending technicians for extended training sessions in Germany annually.

Understanding customers’ demands and design challenges is crucial for Lingel. They take pride in stepping in when others might shy away from specific design challenges in projects. Lingel emphasises unique warranty terms, having fulfilled them in thousands of projects over the past 18 years in India. The company maintains detailed tracking records of all windows produced, enabling precise tracing and tracking, even for windows installed 15 years ago. Dr.h.c. Mario Schmidt highlighted their proactive approach to keeping spare components, ensuring maintenance or repair can be done beyond the warranty period.

Catering to the demands of high-end clients

Lingel offers substantial value to high-end clients, particularly in the intricate hotel projects where challenges and opportunities emerge right from the planning stage. These projects involve multiple consultants addressing various aspects, ranging from structural and energy/fire safety to acoustic parameters and interior design aesthetics. With an adept team, Lingel meets diverse demands, assuring consultants of reliable hands when collaborating with the company. When it comes to execution, maintaining timelines is crucial, especially for high-value fenestration products, ensuring they’re neither installed too early to risk damage nor too late to impede other internal work. Leveraging their extensive expertise in acoustics, Lingel has demonstrated prowess in addressing noise concerns in various hotels, achieving predefined inner noise levels of less than 40 decibels, even with open window curtains, surpassing customer expectations within specified budgets.

Trendsetters in the industry

Renowned as industry trendsetters, Lingel has a history of pioneering innovations that set new benchmarks. In 2008/2009, they became the first company in India to integrate traditional wooden design into uPVC double shutter windows, featuring glass shutters that open outward and mesh shutters that open inward. Lingel further distinguished itself by introducing integrated grills for both casement and sliding windows in 2010, offering options for security grills and diverse designs.

In 2010, Lingel expanded their innovation by crafting glass houses and conservatories in uPVC and later in Aluminium. The company takes pride in highlighting the unique selling propositions (USPs) of their diverse product range, emphasizing the distinctive advantages of each material. They recognise the exceptionally low u-value of uPVC profiles, the recyclability of Aluminum, and the environmental benefits of wood in storing carbon dioxide. Lingel acknowledges that each material has specific advantages and limitations, but their commitment to pioneering sustainable and innovative solutions remains a cornerstone of their ethos.

The futuristic outlook

For Lingel, in India, their journey has been marked by remarkable growth and expansion. Their commitment lies not only in increasing their customer base but also in continually innovating, solidifying their position as a market leader in fenestration solutions. Prioritising customer choice, they offer a wide array of options to meet diverse fenestration needs. With an impressive 60 to 70% of their clientele coming from referrals, Lingel takes pride in earning the trust of their customers, contributing to a highly successful journey in the country. Over the past 18 years, they have played a pivotal role in landmark projects, earning industry accolades for their exceptional execution.

As a responsible brand, Lingel consistently prioritises environmental stewardship, engaging in campaigns to reduce carbon footprint and actively participating in skill-building initiatives for the youth.

Customers have direct access to reach out via email, alongside a robust customer care system, Lingel remains dedicated to prioritising customer satisfaction. The longevity of their senior team members, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade, ensures seamless operations, placing customers at the forefront of their approach.

For more info visit: https://www.lingelwindows.com/

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