Kolkata: Hettich, a German-based furniture fittings manufacturer that has operated in India for 25 years in partnership with the Adventz Group, is looking to expand its footprint in tier-2 and -3 markets in Bengal and other parts of eastern India through an expanded distribution network and franchise model.As part of a renewed B2C strategy, the company has revamped its experience centre in Topsia. It currently operates 11 experience centres and 12 franchise stores across the country, with plans to add around 20 more franchise outlets this year, said Andre Eckholt, MD, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East and Africa.
“We are looking for franchise partners in Bengal, which is a fast-evolving region for us. Under our Rural India strategy, we aim to open 100 exclusive centres or franchise nationwide. In Bengal, we are exploring high-potential areas for growth, as we currently sell our products through local partners. Founded 138 years ago, Hettich is among the world’s largest manufacturers of furniture fittings, with a global turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros,” Eckholt told TOI.Since 2013, the company has invested around Rs 2,000 crore in manufacturing in India and operates five production units in the country. “In Bengal, our warehouse is located at Dankuni. As of now, we don’t have any manufacturing unit in Bengal, but we may consider setting up one in the future, depending on business growth,” he said.Saroj Kumar Poddar, chairman of Adventz Group and director of Hettich India, said the company is also investing in skill development. “We plan to set up with a training centre in Kolkata to train carpenters from across eastern India,” he added.
