Precision and Polish: Inside Aligarh’s Metal Hardware Ecosystem

Across India and overseas markets, people use metal hardware every day—often without noticing it. A sturdy handle, a well-fitted lock, or a durable fitting reflects hours of cutting, machining, and polishing carried out in workshops in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.

Over decades, Aligarh has built a strong metal hardware ecosystem, supplying components for homes, commercial spaces, and infrastructure projects. This network brings together machinists, polishers, traders, transporters, and manufacturers, all linked through shared skills and production workflows.

One such manufacturing unit is run by Sambhav Jain, founder of White Cell. With roots in a trading family, Jain steered the business towards manufacturing after completing his BBA and MBA. Today, the unit operates across three verticals: locally manufactured hardware such as door locks and handles; export-oriented OEM metal components in brass, aluminium, and stainless steel; and EPC-related supplies for large construction projects.

Stainless steel forms the core of the unit’s manufacturing focus. Known for its strength and complexity, it demands precision at every stage. Products such as pull handles, motif handles, and fittings are shaped to meet market expectations for durability and finish.

Process and Precision

Manufacturing begins with raw material arriving as sheets, rods, and pipes. Casting is sourced externally, while shaping and finishing are carried out in-house. CNC laser cutting enables precise profiling, followed by CNC milling and turning. Final stages include polishing, buffing, lacquering, and quality checks before dispatch.

The unit supplies both domestic and international markets, including countries across Africa and Europe such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, Belgium, France, and Germany. For export and EPC work, consistency and adherence to specifications are critical.

With support received under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the unit was able to invest in advanced machinery at an early stage of its manufacturing journey. This enabled capacity expansion and improved finishing standards.

Aligarh’s hardware cluster continues to evolve with changing market expectations. While competition is faster and quality benchmarks are higher, the essence of the craft remains the same—precision, consistency, and the final polish that completes an industrial product.