When Dr. h.c. Mario Schmidt first stepped into the Indian fenestration landscape in 2006, he encountered a fragmented industry that relied on makeshift on-site solutions with little regard for consistency or quality. Factory-made windows and doors were seen as impractical - if not impossible - in a country where construction standards varied dramatically. Nearly two decades later, as Managing Director of Lingel Windows and Doors, Dr. h.c. Mario Schmidt has not only challenged those assumptions but redefined what the industry stands for.
In this candid conversation with Verticaa Dvivedi, Editor-in-Chief, SURFACES REPORTER®, he reflects on what drives him, the future of uPVC, aluminium, and timber systems, and why India needs to rethink how it builds, shades, and secures its living spaces.
Dr. h.c. Mario Schmidt with Ms Verticaa Dvivedi
How do you ensure your products maintain a competitive edge, and what sets them apart?
We’ve had many companies approach us, asking if we’d be interested in just selling profiles. But our commitment, both now and in the future, is clear-we manufacture, install, and service the entire window system ourselves. We take the measurements, handle fabrication, manage transportation, oversee installation, and provide after-sales service. This end-to-end control of the value chain allows us to ensure quality at every step. Yes, it comes with challenges-but the gains are significant. Even our quotation system is channelized to only offer what we can actually deliver. Nothing over-promised.
Secondly, innovation plays a key role. Whenever there’s a problem, we look for a solution. I’m personally involved with our R&D team in Liechtenstein, Germany. I stay updated with the latest global trends and explore how we can adapt them for the Indian market. But even more important than global trends is understanding the specific needs of our architects and customers here. We make sure the right product is ready-before someone else tries to imitate or catch up.
I’m happy when others copy us. It means we’re setting the benchmark. But we’re always striving to stay one step ahead-not out of competition, but to lead the industry and encourage continuous improvement.
Tell us more about your Wi-Fi enabled windows and the window security solutions what do they offer and how do they work?
The products are ready, but after a soft launch, we held back full-scale deployment because we couldn’t guarantee Wi-Fi signal coverage in every part of a house-especially for washrooms, dressing areas, or remote bedrooms. The product is fully developed, and once we can rely on stronger network connectivity, especially with the rollout of 5G, we’ll expand it across the market. Each window has its own IP address, making it much more secure than simple radio signal-based systems. This means it’s not something you can easily hack. Once Wi-Fi coverage is robust, these windows can be linked to the cloud, providing a closed, secure, and smart system. Our main concern is customer security, and this product was developed with that commitment in mind.
Maintaining the German standards-overall, how easy or how tough is it, especially in India?
It’s definitely a challenge, but one we’ve embraced. Since 2017, we’ve been sending our technicians-not just senior staff, but ground-level technicians-to Germany for a three-month training. They train with our German team on the shop floor, understand the discipline, timing, and expectations there, and bring that culture back here. I also keep a close eye-my office is inside our production unit, so I constantly walk the floor, spot issues, correct them, and push for better. Additionally, through our association UWDMA (uPVC Window and Door Manufacturers Association) we have initiated the TÜV Rheinland Certification Program under the title UWDMA Certified Fabricator. This ensures our fabrication process meets global standards, from raw material selection to installation and after-sales service. It builds accountability and quality into every step of our production.
A project based in the North East
What is the secret of your energy?
I love what I do. People ask why I don’t take vacations, but I feel like I have 365 days of vacation a year-because I enjoy my work so much. This passion keeps me going. I also get a lot of motivation from interacting with my team. We have a weekly session called ‘Breakfast with Mario’-every Saturday morning-where we discuss new developments, challenges, learnings, and plans. It helps us stay aligned and energizes the whole team.
Lingel Glass Conservatory
What is your advice for the young aspiring entrepreneurs in this field, especially fenestration?
Understand your product deeply. When you’re selling especially to architects-you need to answer confidently and honestly. It’s not about price, it’s about value. Offer multiple options, explain them thoroughly, and let the customer decide. Transparency is key. Also, invest in training-again and again. At Lingel, we do weekly training and we’ve created the Lingel Academy to ensure structured learning. If someone joins us today, they don’t start from scratch-they start with knowledge. Of course, working with me is demanding, but if you’re passionate and ready to grow, the door is always open.
" I’m personally involved with our R&D team in Liechtenstein, Germany. I stay updated with the latest global trends and explore how we can adapt them for the Indian market."
What is the current growth rate of the industry, particularly in uPVC and aluminium windows? How is the market differentiating between these materials, and how are consumers responding to these products?
We’re seeing steady growth in uPVC, especially for large-scale residential projects. But in the premium segment, aluminium is gaining ground because consumers want new aesthetics and finishes. It’s a shift that may evolve again, but right now, aluminium is seen as the fresh, upscale choice.
Interestingly, there’s renewed interest in timber too-especially for boutique and high-end homes. So, we’re preparing to manufacture timber windows in India. From wood to uPVC to aluminium and now back to wood, it feels like the industry is coming full circle.
Project in Chandigarh featuring Lingel White uPVC
Lingel Windows Sill/Trim
In five years down the line, how do you see the trends and innovations changing in the windows and door segments?
Shading systems are going to be big. India gets more sunlight than Europe, yet shading solutions like roller shutters or Venetian blinds are still not common. That’s a missed opportunity-not just for comfort but for energy efficiency. A good shading system can block 70% of heat before it even hits the glass, significantly reducing air conditioning loads. Combine that with performance glass, airtight systems, and strong U-values, and you have a high-performance envelope. Educating the market about these benefits is our next big focus.