MARIO SCHMIDT elaborates on the clear vision the company has set for itself.Knowledge, knowledge and knowledge is the only key for growth of a company. Therefore, constant research and development will help achieve the milestone to carve the steady growth. But, the process to develop just does not happen overnight! It is slow and needs direction and a clear vision. Here, there is no two ways on achieving it but just a target that is clear and not myopic. Lingel as a company has set a clear vision for itself.Building a strong teamEvery Lingel member is engraved with the thought that the company comes first over everything and that leads to a dedicated team. Building a strong team, which has scruples automatically, leads to making a company robust. A round the clock planning is needed with the area heads being level headed and focused.Re(search) customer needsHere, the R&D is pretty crucial. Lingel knows that with the Internet of Things and influx in technology, one has to be much ahead of times. We have developed windows that will soon take the fenestration industry by a storm. The fenestration industry needs a makeover, and so does every customer who is looking to add smart technology to their homes. Why not offer something unique to them? The aim is to create windows that are secure and give all the information – from weather to air pollution, on your mobile phone. This will be the world’s first Wi-Fi operated windows that we have created for our elite customers. Extensive training programmes are being run by our company to create a skilled and technical staff.Time-driven planFifteen years ago, few customers were aware about uPVC and its benefits, but over a period of time, the industry has scaled up. With government policies in place, more is expected. Organisations such as the UWDMA, which has set guidelines for the industry, has only added perks to the industry. So, as a company, we too look forward to benefit from the order that is taking place. We have carved a niche for ourselves. Timely actions are taken in terms of quality, production and planning for the next course of action.Aim: Rs.1 billion and moreScaling up not just in R&D but in all spheres is what we are aiming at. One success leads to another, and being a brand which believes in creating more, we are going to expand more in terms of creating opportunities for the unemployed and growth that is 360o. We are planning to make this a `1-billion-plus company and the aim is set in every employee; and so the sales and marketing team is being trained on skills and a mission for the same. Also, to reach our target of Rs.1 billion, we will be introducing new product range in different categories, such as uPVC, aluminium, German aluminium, German wood, roof windows, and sun shield blinds. This will help increase the number of customers. More products also mean more customers, which will help generate more revenue.Expansion plansAlthough we are placed in every strategic city of the country, that is over 25 cities, we are aggressively planning to expand to corners we are not present, creating an extensive dealer network but with partners we can trust and who have the same vision and mission like ours. Creating a better placeAim 2.0 will bring in growth but along with it more responsibilities. As a company, we do not want to shun our responsibility, but rather cultivate a habit that will incorporate the true sense of growth – giving back to nature and reducing carbon footprint with a motive to make the place better for the future generation. All plans and strategies are in place and due action for the same has already started.Success cannot come without constant perseverance and farsightedness. One has to act judiciously to build it. At the same time, it cannot be achieved alone, and so, a strong foundation is required to build it. We have created a strong foundation in the past 15 years in India and 60 years in Germany, and so, taking it to greater height can only come with strong leadership, skilled and dedicated team.About the author: Mario Schmidt, Managing Director, Lingel Windows and Doors Technologies, is also Company Director of Fensterbau Lingel Germany gmbh. With his immense knowledge in Mechanical Science, he has been able to add more value to the company’s innovation plan and has helped launch various new products. Schmidt is also President of the uPVC Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association.