In a market long dominated by compromises between design freedom and functional execution, Schon Doorways has emerged as a brand that challenges the norm. Founded by Mr. Ajay Balakrishna, the company is redefining India’s aluminium door, window, and façade systems by fusing German precision with Indian agility. With a sprawling 80,000 sq. ft. facility in Bengaluru, Schon Doorways is not just manufacturing high-quality systems but also pioneering a new benchmark for customization, technology integration, and design collaboration. In this exclusive conversation with Machine Edge Global, Mr. Balakrishna shares the story behind Schon Doorways, the manufacturing revolution underway in India, and why digital innovation and human craftsmanship must go hand in hand in the future of smart infrastructure.
Tell us about the genesis of Schon Doorways—what inspired you to enter the aluminium door and window space, and what gap were you trying to fill?
The idea behind the birth of Schon Doorways stemed out of an evident demand within the Indian construction and architecture sector for high-quality, precision-engineered aluminium systems with advanced technology and aestheticaly refined. Although when it comes to India, there are players within this market segment, but few have been providing the type of customization, design freedom, and German-level engineering that contemporary architects and homebuyers increasingly look for these days. We observed a significant gap between design intent of the architects and execution capabilities available in the market. Schon Doorways emerged to fill the gap creating bespoke aluminium door, window, and facade system solutions that bring design visions into reality without settling on performance and durability.
With an 80,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Bangalore and production of over 25,000 sq. ft. of aluminium systems a month, what sets your facility apart from others in the industry?
Our Bangalore plant is not only a manufacturing plant but it’s more of a hub of innovation pulling several eyeballs of aluminium manufacturing and supplying businesses these days. Bengaluru has transformed from a IT powerhouse into a specialised aluminium manufacturing hub due to its fast rise in infrastructure, accompanied by a deep talent pool and a supportive policy environment
At Schon Doorways, our USP is to merge German-engineered precision with Indian flexibility. We’ve also taken a step forward investing in CNC machines, high-speed profile cutting and machining centers, and precision assembly lines that ensure consistent quality at scale. But equally important is our skilled workforce, many of whom are trained specifically to handle bespoke requirements. Our integrated design-to-execution workflow allows us to handle everything from intricate, one-off designs to large-volume projects with tight timelines. It is this flexibility and attention to detail that really sets us apart in the marketplace.
India is pushing to scale up manufacturing’s share of GDP from 12% to 23%. What opportunities do you see for SMEs and mid-sized players in this transition?
We believe that its a complete turning point for the Indian manufacturing sector witnessing exponential growth. As we have seen, the country is making a rapid shift moving towards a more production-centric growth model. In this scenario, SMEs and mid-tier participants are best poised to innovate and scale rapidly. The government has a strong focus on infrastructure, housing, and export incentives offering new avenues to quality-focused,agile manufacturers like us. For our category of players, this translates to not just addressing domestic demands but also becoming part of the international supply chain. The key here will be to invest in quality, adopting global standards, and remain responsive to the evolving needs of architects, developers, and end-users.
What’s your take on how Indian manufacturers—especially in the aluminium segment—can leverage our skilled labour advantage while still pushing toward automation and AI-led operations?
Finding the right synergy between skilled human capital and smart automation is an integral part that needs to be taken care to achieve innovation.. Our country posess a unique advantage that is a pool of technically skilled workers who are capable of handling complex customisations and yes that’s something which is often difficult to automate entirely. At Schon Doorways, we’re adopting automation in areas including precision cutting, quality control, and logistics to achieve greater efficiency and consistency. AI and data-driven systems are a core part and they are already helping us in project planning, load optimization, and predictive maintenance. Instead of substituting for labour, we view technology as an enabler that increases productivity without compromising thereby preserving the craftsmanship that defines our products.
How important is digitisation in future-proofing manufacturing businesses like yours, especially in a world moving rapidly toward smart infrastructure and buildings?
Digitisation is no longer a choice but is essential to remaining relevant. For Schon Doorways, it starts with digital design and carries on through production, installation, and even after-sales support. We employ BIM-compatible software for smooth coordination with architects and builders, which is becoming ever more necessary as buildings become smarter. Internally, our ERP and CRM are in place to ensure operational transparency and customer responsiveness. As smart homes and intelligent buildings become the new standard, our products also begin to change to be compatible with automation systems—be it motorised windows, climate-responsive façades, or energy-efficient glazing. Digital is the common thread.
Finally, what’s next for Schon Doorways? Are there new markets, product segments, or technologies you’re particularly excited about in the near future?
We are going to enter into such an exciting space. We are building our presence in South India, specifically with focus on Chennai and Hyderabad. We are also aiming to expand at overseas markets where Indian manufacturing has witnessed robust acceptance. Talking about the products segment, we’re investing in thermal break systems, fire-rated solutions, and smart glazing—technologies addressing high-performance buildings and green architecture. We’re also looking at partnerships to co-develop products setting new standards in design and sustainability. Schon Doorways will remain driven by design excellence, innovation, and the vision to enable architects in achieving bold, lasting spaces.