“Our solutions are not only efficient and sustainable but also tailored to the unique needs of the Indian market.”
Established in 1990, KAN-Therm is a global leader in innovative water heating and cooling solutions. The company offers comprehensive installation systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. With branches worldwide, KAN-Therm is at the forefront of sustainable and cutting-edge solutions.
In an exclusive interview with Washrooms and Beyond, Shailesh Khamar, Managing Director, India, shares insights into the company’s development in India, its focus on sustainability and its plans to stay ahead of changing trends.
Could you share KAN-Therm’s key milestones in India and the challenges faced in its growth?
We entered the Indian market in 2016, and by March 2023, KAN-Therm India Pvt. Ltd. was formally incorporated as a company. This was followed by establishing key operational hubs in Mumbai and Delhi and the KAN warehouse to streamline the efficiency of our supply chain.
Establishing a strong brand presence in a competitive market like India was challenging. We invested in marketing efforts to increase brand awareness and actively engaged with key industry influencers. We also worked at expanding our dealer network across India, which now consists of over 40 active dealers.
How does KAN-Therm India integrate sustainability and efficiency into its product development?
Sustainability is at the core of our product development, with all KAN-Therm products being recyclable. We’re also actively exploring new materials and designs that focus on energy efficiency and eco-friendliness; one of our recent initiatives was the transition of ultraPRESS PPSU fittings from black to white.
Moreover, KAN-Therm India is an active participant in initiatives like the GEM Sustainability Certification Program, which promotes environmentally friendly green building design and construction.
How does KAN-Therm India position itself as an innovator rather than just a solution provider?
At KAN-Therm India, we believe that together we can “install the future,” reflecting our vision for cutting-edge solutions that meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability. For instance, our ultraPRESS system reduces non-recyclable waste by 50%. We’re also an active member of the Indian Plumbing Skills Council (IPSC), allowing us to stay abreast of industry trends and innovations.
Moreover, we actively support industry professionals, passionate individuals and social initiatives, ensuring that our impact goes beyond just providing solutions.
How is KAN-Therm India addressing the need for sustainable water management in modern washroom designs?
KAN-Therm India’s Fit & Forget system—which includes Cut, Push and Press technologies—ensures the entire system is leak proof. Moreover, we have indicators in all our fittings, like our leak-before-pressure (LBP) detection system, which prevents water wastage and enhances system reliability.
What are the groundbreaking technologies and materials introduced by KAN-Therm India to enhance washroom efficiency and safety?
One of our groundbreaking technologies includes the ultraPRESS System, an eco-friendly technology that is designed for internal water supply systems, including hot and cold domestic water. We also introduced the PP System, which comprises pipes and fittings made of polypropylene PP-R (type 3), a thermoplastic material that is known for its durability and safety.
Additionally, our state-of-the-art Inox Steel System, consisting of pipes and fittings made of high-grade zinc-plated carbon steel, is designed for internal, closed-circuit pressure installations, such as central heating, chilled water and solar systems. What makes this system unique is its quick and reliable assembly without the need for threading or welding.
“Our energy-efficient solutions help customers save on energy bills. We also utilise advanced and cost-effective materials and technologies that meet high performance standards; for instance, our use of polypropylene and high-grade zinc-plated carbon steel balances cost with quality.”
How do you see the integration of heating and cooling systems impacting the design and functionality of washroom spaces?
Modern heating and cooling systems, like those utilising Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, are optimised for energy consumption, thus reducing costs. These systems store heat and cool air, thus reducing the need for electricity during non-peak seasons. Moreover, water-based heating and cooling solutions, such as those utilising large radiant surfaces, can operate at optimal temperatures and integrate renewable energy sources.
These systems can also be incorporated into washroom design aesthetically. For instance, underfloor heating and cooling systems can be hidden from view for a clean and uncluttered look.
It is also important to include advanced ventilation systems to enhance air quality, reduce humidity and prevent the growth of mould, particularly important in washrooms where moisture levels are high.
How does KAN-Therm India tailor its solutions to meet the specific needs of the Indian landscape?
Our solutions are designed to adapt to India’s diverse climate—our ultraPRESS system is built to handle different temperature variations. We also offer surface heating and cooling systems that can be adapted to any infrastructure: our PP and Steel systems offer flexibility and ease of installation, making them suitable for both new constructions and retrofitting existing buildings. Moreover, all our systems are physiologically and microbiologically neutral, making them safe for drinking water installations.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about water and heating solutions, and how does KAN-Therm work to educate architects and designers?
Many people confuse hygiene with cleaning, assuming that janitorial services alone can ensure a hygienic washroom. On the contrary, it is imperative to incorporate specialised washroom hygiene products and services to protect from contamination. It is also assumed that water heating and cooling systems are expensive and difficult to maintain and that efficient plumbing solutions are not necessary for residential spaces.
To address these issues, KAN-Therm India runs training programmes, workshops and technical seminars for architects and designers, educating them about cost-effective, sustainable, and energy-efficient solutions. Our KAN SET program, for instance, combines calculations for cold and hot water systems with circulations as well as central heating and cooling systems.
As the washroom industry moves towards more sustainable solutions, where do you see KAN-Therm India in the next five years?
We, at KAN-Therm India will continue to further our efforts towards promoting eco-friendly practices and green building design by participating in initiatives like the GEM Sustainability Certification Program. We will also expand our presence in the Indian market to reach more customers and provide tailored solutions while also continuing to educate architects and designers through programs like KAN SET and online training courses. Our ultimate goal: to become an almost 100% green company.
How do you balance innovation with affordability to ensure that high-performance heating and cooling solutions are accessible to a larger market?
We want our high-performance solutions to be widely accessible in the Indian market. Our products cater to different budgets while maintaining high quality and efficiency standards. We’ve also taken up local warehouses that support the local economy and ensure faster delivery times.
Moreover, our energy-efficient solutions help customers save on energy bills. We also utilise advanced and cost-effective materials and technologies that meet high performance standards; for instance, our use of polypropylene and high-grade zinc-plated carbon steel balances cost with quality.
Any upcoming launches that industry professionals should be excited about? Looking ahead, what role will KAN-Therm India play in shaping India’s washroom solutions?
Yes, we are currently working on an exciting multisystem product range, which will integrate different plumbing solutions into one unified system. As for the future, KAN-Therm India is committed to shaping the future of washroom solutions by introducing innovative, energy-efficient, and sustainable technologies that set new industry benchmarks.