Hillson Footwear Pvt. Ltd. stands as one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of industrial safety footwear, including shoes and gumboots. Their product lineup spans from safety boots and PVC safety shoes to PU safety boots. The company also provides work safety shoes, leather safety shoes, and more, with several options designed specifically for women. These shoes and gumboots feature reinforced toes and durable materials, ensuring robust protection for workers’ feet against workplace hazards.
Hillson’s safety footwear is considered essential personal protective equipment (PPE) across various industrial and construction sites. Designed to shield workers from airborne matter, chemicals, electrical risks, heavy objects, mud, hot surfaces, and biohazards, Hillson products are engineered for maximum safety and reliability.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Sachin Agarwal, Managing Director of Hillson Footwear Pvt. Ltd., discusses the broad range of products his company offers. He sheds light on the variety of gumboots they manufacture and offers valuable insights into the competitive landscape of the industry. Here are the key takeaways from his conversation.
Q: Could you share an overview of your company and the key products you provide?
A: We are a family-owned and managed business with over 45 years of expertise in the footwear industry, specializing in high-quality safety footwear. Our products cater primarily to industries such as construction, automotive, engineering, and mining. We take pride in serving a broad range of clients, ensuring top-notch safety standards for their workforce. While we serve a variety of markets, we predominantly operate in the domestic sector, with a strong 95% of our business driven by the plastic industry, forming the backbone of our operations.
Q: Could you describe the range of shoes your brand offers?
A: Our extensive range of footwear is designed to meet the specific needs of various industries, each requiring tailored solutions. For the construction industry, we provide footwear with features that ensure durability and safety on rough terrains, while the automotive sector demands a different set of specifications focused on mobility and protection. Similarly, engineering professionals require footwear suited to their unique work environments. We offer both general-purpose shoes for broader use and highly specialized products designed for precise, utility-driven applications. Our goal is to deliver footwear that fulfills the exact needs of each industry.
Q: Could you give us an idea of the market presence and reach of Hillson shoes across the country?
A: Our production capacity is truly remarkable, with nearly 20,000 pairs of shoes being produced daily. Over the next year, we anticipate this number will rise to 30,000 pairs per day, reflecting our ongoing growth and commitment to scaling operations. Despite this impressive output, our market share remains relatively small, which underscores the immense size and potential of the market we are part of. This presents significant growth opportunities, as the demand within our industry continues to expand at a rapid pace.
Q: How would you describe the competitive landscape for your brand in India?
A: In India, we face no competition. However, as we expand into international markets, China emerges as our sole competitor.
Q: What is your perspective on the growth potential of this industry in the country?
A: We project consistent, year-on-year growth of no less than 40%, driven by strong demand and market potential. Given these compelling prospects, it’s surprising that more shoemakers have not ventured into this space. Despite the presence of several well-established brands, the opportunity for growth remains vast and largely untapped.
Q: Why do you think established brands have been hesitant to enter this market, and what range of gumboots does your brand offer?
A: The footwear market is highly competitive, with numerous brands and hundreds of manufacturers producing similar products. We are not alone in this industry, as many well-established national brands, such as Liberty and Bata, have a strong presence. Liberty, for instance, is a key player actively contributing to this market.
While our primary focus includes safety footwear like gumboots, widely used in sectors like construction and mining, we also cater to specialized needs such as rainwear for plantations, agriculture, and coffee farms. These products are essential during the monsoon season and serve highly seasonal demands. Our expertise in these diverse segments sets us apart, and we are proud to be the largest manufacturer in this category in India. This positions us as a leader in providing both industrial and agricultural footwear solutions across the country.
