Italian firm Kaff eyes Punjab, Haryana, HP markets

Italian firm Kaff, which markets kitchen appliances and built-in systems, has plans for the Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh markets. The company is going to open four orientation centres and increase the dealership network.

The orientation will have on display a large range of applications and built-in systems. They will also serve as training centres for technical staff.

According to Sajal Lamba, regional head (business development), Kaff Appliances and Accessories, the centres will come up in Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Shimla, and Panipat in the next 6-9 months.

"These will be company-owned centres spread over 1,500-2,000 square feet and the overall investment in the region will be Rs 1.5 crore," Lamba said.

The product range varies from cooler hoods/chimney's, built in ovens, dishwashers, cooking ranges, built in hobs and built in kitchen systems. "We have the widest range of chimneys with around 45 models ranging from Rs 4,500 to Rs 82,000,"said Lamba.

Currently the company has 150 distributors with multiple dealers and 8 service centers in India that it is in the process to expand.

With a thrust in small towns spread across Punjab the company is looking to touch Rs 70 crore by 2006-07.

"It is the NRI belt of Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahar, Mukerian, Banga which are giving us good business and account to 50 percent of the Punjab market,"stated Lamba. The Punjab market is presently Rs 8 crore according to company officials.