Centre inks pact with Hafele India to help startups in manufacturing sector

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with furniture sector firm Hafele India to support startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Thursday.

The agreement, signed on May 7 in New Delhi, will strengthen India’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem by empowering product startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs through targeted investments, mentorship, and integration into global value chains, the ministry said in a statement.

Under the partnership, Hafele will extend support to product startups and MSMEs by offering access to infrastructure, supplier development opportunities, technical collaboration, and market access.

The company has already committed over USD 2.5 million to an Indian appliance manufacturing startup and issued purchase orders to Indian MSME manufacturers of architectural hardware and furniture fittings.

The DPIIT, through the Startup India initiative, will facilitate access to the startup ecosystem, enable program participation, and promote co-branded initiatives with Hafele.

“The partnership with Häfele India exemplifies our approach of fostering collaborative industrial ecosystems. It brings together global best practices and local entrepreneurial energy to drive sustainable manufacturing growth aligned with the Make in India vision,” said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT.

Frank Schloeder, Managing Director – South Asia, Häfele, said, “At Häfele, we believe that India’s innovation and manufacturing potential is unmatched. Through this MoU, we are excited to deepen our engagement with Indian entrepreneurs and startups and work together toward the vision of ‘India for India’ today and ‘India for the World’ tomorrow.”

The MoU was signed by Dr Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, and Schloeder, in the presence of senior officials.

The agreement will remain in force for two years, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.