The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Häfele India Pvt Ltd have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance India’s manufacturing capabilities and innovation ecosystem. This collaboration is aimed at empowering startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and entrepreneurs, while reinforcing localized supply chains and contributing to India’s long-term goal of establishing itself as a global manufacturing leader.
As part of the agreement, Häfele will lead initiatives focused on product innovation, local sourcing, and entrepreneurial development. This includes financial investments, mentorship opportunities, technical collaboration, and enhanced access to markets and global value chains. The company has already invested over USD 2.5 million in an Indian appliance manufacturing startup and placed purchase orders with Indian MSMEs in the architectural hardware and furniture fittings sector. DPIIT, through the Startup India platform, will enable startups to connect with relevant programs and participate in co-branded initiatives.
The MoU was signed by Dr Sumeet Jarangal, Director at DPIIT, and Frank Schloeder, Managing Director – South Asia at Häfele, in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations. The agreement, valid for two years with the possibility of extension, represents a joint effort to integrate global best practices with domestic innovation. Officials from DPIIT emphasized the importance of this partnership in promoting industry-led innovation, while Häfele reiterated its commitment to strengthening India’s position in both local and international markets.
Häfele India a fully owned subsidiary of Häfele Global—an internationally recognized leader in furniture fittings and architectural hardware—has been operating in India since 2003. The company holds a prominent position in the interior solutions market and is focused on strengthening domestic supply networks. As part of its strategic goals, Häfele India aims to increase its local sourcing share from the current 10% to 30% by 2025, with a further target of reaching 50% in the years ahead. Its long-term vision includes the development of a dedicated supplier park and the facilitation of entry for European manufacturing partners into the Indian market, aligning with the broader objective of enhancing India’s position in the global manufacturing landscape.
