Reflecting on Five Years with Halspan in India: An interview with Ashok Malav

In 2019, following 10 years of operations in the region, Halspan took a significant step by opening its first Indian branch, cementing the company’s presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

To spearhead this venture, Ashok Malav was appointed as Business Development Director for Halspan in India. The mission was clear: to increase awareness and establish Halspan’s high-quality range of fire and non-rated doors, seals and hardware in India. Previous to the opening of the office, Halspan had worked with Fabricators in India producing doors for use in India and other markets. We noticed that the use of door blanks and cores to fabricate fire and non fire rated doors was growing in popularity in India and, in addition to stricter regulations and demand for higher quality products, decided the time was right to expand operations

Five years on, Ashok looks back on how our presence has grown to become synonymous with quality and safety, read on to delve into our Indian adventure so far and find out what’s next.

Reflecting on your five years with Halspan, what are you most proud of having achieved in the Indian market?

When I first joined Halspan, fire safety was not a priority for many in India.

The concept of advanced fire door systems was relatively new, therefore, changing the mindset of the industry was a significant challenge. 

However, I’m proud to say that we’ve successfully led this change. We have educated the market, demonstrated the importance of our products, and positioned Halspan as a mark of quality in the door manufacturing sector. Today, our products are integral to many prominent buildings across India, reflecting a shift towards stricter regulations and higher safety standards.

How has the popularity of door blanks and cores evolved in India, and what factors have fueled this growth?

The Indian market for door blanks and cores has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, driven largely by our proactive efforts.  As we have focused on educational initiatives, awareness about the importance of fire door safety increased significantly. 

Indian architects and specifiers, known for their quick adoption of new technologies, have played a crucial role in this expansion. By collaborating closely with these industry professionals, we’ve firmly established Halspan in the Indian market.

What challenges did you face in establishing Halspan as a trusted brand, and how did you overcome them?

Building trust in a market as diverse as India was one of our biggest challenges. The varying levels of awareness about fire safety standards across the country added complexity to this task. To address these challenges, we prioritised education and transparency. We conducted numerous seminars and workshops, both online and offline, to inform industry professionals about the critical importance of fire door safety. 

Additionally, we adapted our content to resonate with the specific needs of the Indian market, ensuring relevancy and impact. This strategy, combined with our unwavering commitment to quality, has been key in establishing Halspan as a trusted brand in India.

How would you describe India’s attitude towards fire safety when you first started compared to now, and what key changes have you observed?

When we first entered the market, fire safety was often treated as an afterthought. Many developers prioritised cost over safety, and the regulatory framework was not as robust as it is today. In recent years, there has been a welcome noticeable shift. The importance of fire safety is now better understood, spurred by stricter regulations and a growing recognition of the risks associated with non-compliance.

What role has Halspan played in shaping India’s fire safety standards and awareness, particularly regarding fire door systems?

Halspan has been a leader in advancing fire safety standards in India. We’ve worked closely with regulatory bodies, industry associations, and key stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of reliable fire door systems. 

Our products have become benchmarks for quality in the industry, and our contributions have helped to establish more stringent fire safety standards. By offering dependable and rigorously tested solutions, we have influenced the conversation around fire safety in India, ensuring that our products are recognised as essential components in building projects.

What are the main barriers to improving fire safety in India, and how can companies like Halspan contribute to overcoming these obstacles?

The primary barriers to improving fire safety in India are a lack of awareness and insufficient education. Many developers and fabricators are still not fully aware of the latest fire safety technologies and standards. 

To address this, companies like Halspan must continue to invest in educational and outreach efforts. We should work in tandem with regulatory bodies to emphasise the importance of fire safety across all industry levels. Furthermore, making our products more accessible and affordable can help overcome cost-related barriers, ensuring that safety is not compromised due to budget constraints.

In your opinion, how does the current regulatory framework in India support or hinder the adoption of advanced fire safety technologies?

The regulatory framework in India has seen significant improvements in recent years, contributing to increased adoption of advanced fire safety technologies. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and there is still considerable room for improvement. Greater emphasis on compliance is needed, with stricter penalties for non-compliance. Halspan can support these efforts by advocating for stronger regulations and by continuing to offer products that not only meet but exceed current standards.

Can you share any specific success stories where Halspan’s products have significantly improved fire safety in prominent Indian buildings?

Certainly. One of our most notable successes is our involvement in the construction of a major commercial complex in Mumbai. Initially, the developers were unaware of the critical role that high-quality fire door systems play in building safety. After we introduced them to Halspan’s fire-rated doors and explained the risks associated with using substandard materials, they opted to install our products throughout the building. This decision greatly enhanced the safety of the structure, and the project has since been recognised as a model of fire safety compliance in the region.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for further expanding Halspan’s presence and influence, and how do you see the industry evolving in the next five years?

Our success in Mumbai has provided us with a solid model for expansion. Over the next five years, we plan to replicate this success in other key markets such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi. We will continue to focus on educating the market, raising awareness about the importance of fire safety, and advocating for stricter regulations. As the industry evolves, we anticipate an even greater focus on safety and compliance. 

As we mark this five-year milestone, I’m looking forward to what the future holds for Halspan in India. While we’ve made significant strides, there is still a lot to do. With our continued emphasis on quality, innovation, and education, I’m confident that Halspan will remain at the forefront of the fire safety industry in India for many years to come.