Customers are no longer willing to settle for mainstream products; they want uncommon designs that are sleek and minimalistic, and quality products that offer value for money
Vivek Kapoor, Jupiter Aqua Lines
What innovations by JAL have raised the bar for quality and performance in the Indian market for sanitaryware fittings?
JAL has designed and developed many patented products such as the foot-operated valve, ant-theft tap, timer assisted urinal system, and the latest 'green' shower, which automatically stops after delivering the required amount of water. Our wide range of indigenously designed products come with the latest technology. Designed on the principles of Aqua-dynamics (a fusion of engineering with customer-oriented designs), these products give excellent performance for many years. Innovations include faucets with water-saving features; eco-friendly sanitaryware with Tornado and Siphonic flushing systems; and rimless water closets that address the hygiene concerns of users. We also offer ISI marked bath fittings under the brand name JALANGI to instill greater confidence in our products.
Along with our faucet range, we have introduced a wide range of wash basins, water closets and suites in ivory and white, and have recently launched water storage heaters. With our entry into new product segments, we are heading towards becoming a complete bathroom solutions provider. We will soon be coming up with high-end designer products.
How does JAL maintain its quality standards and parameters?
In the fast-developing world of global trade and business, our products meet international standards of quality and conform to BSP standards for plumbing being used internationally. The sequential quality control checks, performed by our technically trained professionals, ensure excellent quality of the end products. Stringent quality control inspections involving material tests, dimensional checks, hydraulic test, flow rate test, nickel & chrome adhesion tests, and lifespan tests are regularly performed to ensure the trustworthiness of our products.
JAL has 4 integrated production units with the capacity to produce approx 5000 pieces per day. Products are manufactured using state of the art machinery including CNC Turning Centre and other high-performance machines like Induction Melting Furnace, Automatic Low Pressure Die Casting Machine, (imported from Italy), SPMs and Automatic Core Shooting Machines. 5-Axis Vertical Milling Centre, EDM Wire Cut and other high-end machines are being used for moulds and die making.
What warranties does JAL offer on its products?
All JAL products have a long lifespan with minimal maintenance requirements. Our faucets and sanitaryware carry a warranty of 10 years, while a lifetime warranty is provided against cracks in our stainless-steel kitchen sinks. JAL storage water heaters carry a 7-year warranty for glass-lined inner tanks; a 5-year warranty for S.S. inner tanks; and a 2-year warranty for the overall product and electrical components. For maintaining long time surface finish of JAL products, we suggest cleaning with normal water and a clean cloth. No acids or alkaline solutions should be used as they are harmful for the coatings. Products are categorized into different ranges so that they can meet each and every customer's likings, utility and budgetary considerations.
Our clientele in many parts of the world bear testimony to the consistency in quality and aesthetics of our products. The list encompasses the hospitality, industrial, institutional commercial and residential segments, ably assisted by a dedicated marketing team for proving support and service.
My advice to consumers is that, along with design and aesthetics, they should look for quality, value for money, water saving features and the after-sales service provided by the company. I believe that while the price factor may vary from buyer to buyer, every customer seeks quality in the products he buys.
How is the Indian sanitaryware market evolving in the face of competition from international brands?
The Indian market is seeing a drastic increase in production of faucets etc due to rising demand in domestic consumption as well as exports. The preference for Chinese products is on the decline as Indian manufacturers are giving good quality products with attractive warranties. The requirements of Indian consumers are different from that of the Europeans. Indian consumers do not get all the products of their choice from the European brands, and moreover, European brands are costlier too. After-sales service is another issue as most of the foreign brands, especially Chinese, are not able to provide after-sales service.
