Innovations in the manufacturing of architectural products in times of digitalization and greener practices: an interview with Hercules Kapetanios, Co-Owner of Kaptain Doors and Windows
By Lorenzo Bona
Kaptain Doors and Windows ( https://kaptain.gr/en ) is a Greek manufacturing company that is fully committed to the fabrication of top-quality PVC doors, windows, louvers, and shutters.
Kaptain is headquartered in Chalkida, a fascinating Greek city located on the breathtaking Euripus Strait, about 30 miles north of Athens.
This family-owned and operated company was founded in 1987 by Evangelos Kapetanios, a forward-thinking entrepreneur who kickstarted its growth through substantial investments in technology, manufacturing automation, and human resources.
Focusing on energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, durable, and excellently insulated products, Kaptain has experienced a remarkable expansion since its founding, both domestically and on the international stage.
Limestone Economics is proud to be collaborating with Kaptain and its leadership team to support its business development strategies in the North American marketplace.
What follows is a short interview with a few questions that I thought to ask Hercules Kapetanios, who is playing a strategic role in assisting his father Evangelos in the management and expansion of the company in the global markets.
Q: Can you tell us something about the origin of Kaptain and its most recent initiatives or achievements?
A. Kaptain's journey began in 1987 with a commitment to specialize and innovate in architectural products, manufacturing high-quality PVC doors and windows. Our most recent advancements include integrating our production processes with smart technologies for higher levels of automation and expanding the range of textures and finishes available for our product lines. Beyond these innovations, what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to product quality and superior service for our clients. We pay meticulous attention to every production phase related to crafting our products – this is also a fundamental aspect of our journey.
Q. Why Kaptain – since its conception – has firmly opted to travel the challenging road of international growth?
A. Our international growth is rooted in a business philosophy of realistic promises and results that exceed expectations. This commitment to never over-promise and always over-deliver has enabled us to build solid, value-based collaborations across diverse international markets. We put a lot of passion into the fabrication of our products and have a deep respect for our clients and suppliers: this gave us fundamental help in forging long-lasting relationships and expanding our reach worldwide. Perhaps subconsciously, I find myself inclined to believe that our clients develop long-term relationships with us because we all share a common growth energy that drives us forward.
Q. What design aspects do you expect to gain popularity in the door and window industry this year?
A. For 2024, we focus on flexibility and keeping our rapid response in product customization and customer service. In my opinion, lift and slide doors with big dimensions will continue to gain popularity in the market. For example, I think about large panoramic doors spanning over 6 meters wide by 3 meters high, which can help create – for those who are in a room with these doors – a wonderful feeling of connection to the outside environment. Another design element that has gained significant popularity in recent years may be associated with a growing interest in windows and doors featuring dual-color frames - which allow the creation of different styles and appearances of interior and exterior walls of buildings.
Q. The development of more prosperous and sustainable cities and urban areas is a fundamental goal of our society. How can your products help architects, designers, and builders create better homes and workspaces and, in a larger sense, more desirable cities?
A. Our products contribute to sustainable development by incorporating recycled materials that help close the circular economy loop. By offering superior thermal insulation performances and energy-saving benefits, our products aspire to offer helpful aid in the battle against excessive CO2 emissions. Moreover, our commitment to environmental sustainability finds a reflection in our manufacturing processes, which greatly revolve around the use of recyclable materials to create products that can have a lifespan of approximately 40 years and improve the quality of life in homes and workspaces.
Q. Our world is also rapidly changing as a result of digital and green transformations. How is your company responding to these changes and what future additional advantages will your clients derive from them?
A. Kaptain is at the forefront of digital and green transformations. Our state-of-the-art, automated, paperless production facility minimizes errors while managing a diversified product range. This form of digitalization, combined with our commitment to green practices, ensures that our clients receive efficient, high-quality, and environmentally responsible products.