Six Decades of Manufacturing Excellence
Since 1964, FCI India has been manufacturing bespoke furniture in Mumbai. What began as Nagree & Co — a small workshop serving South Mumbai’s discerning residents — has evolved into one of India’s most respected custom furniture manufacturers. But our commitment to hands-on craftsmanship has never wavered.
This article takes you behind the scenes of our manufacturing process, explaining how we transform raw materials into heirloom-quality furniture.
Step 1: Design Consultation and Brief
Every piece begins with a conversation. Our design team meets with clients — whether homeowners, architects, or interior designers — to understand the vision, functional requirements, and spatial constraints. We produce detailed sketches and, for complex pieces, 3D renderings.
Step 2: Material Selection
We source our materials from trusted suppliers we have worked with for decades. Every batch of wood is inspected for grain quality, moisture content, and structural integrity. We stock premium hardwoods including teak, sheesham, walnut, and oak, along with exotic veneers, metals, and stone.
Step 3: Wood Seasoning and Preparation
Even kiln-dried timber needs acclimatisation. Wood entering our workshop is stored in climate-controlled conditions, allowing it to reach equilibrium with Mumbai’s ambient humidity. This critical step prevents warping, cracking, or joint failure after delivery.
Step 4: Precision Cutting and Shaping
Our workshop combines traditional hand tools with modern precision machinery. CNC routers handle complex curves and joinery cuts with sub-millimetre accuracy, while hand tools manage the fine detail work that machines cannot replicate.
Step 5: Joinery
Joinery is where furniture quality is truly determined. We use time-tested techniques — mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, finger joints, and dowel construction — reinforced with modern adhesives. Every joint is clamped under pressure and allowed to cure fully.
Step 6: Assembly and Structural Testing
Sub-assemblies are brought together and the piece takes shape. We conduct structural testing — applying loads beyond normal use to verify joint integrity and overall stability. Any piece that shows flex or weakness is disassembled and rebuilt.
Step 7: Surface Preparation
Sanding progresses through multiple grits, from coarse 80-grit to ultra-fine 400-grit, creating a surface perfectly smooth to the touch. For pieces with veneer or inlay work, this stage requires exceptional skill to ensure seamless transitions between materials.
Step 8: Finishing
Our finishing department applies stains, lacquers, oils, or paints according to specification. Most pieces receive 4-6 coats of finish, with hand-sanding between each coat. We use finishes rated for Mumbai’s humidity.
Step 9: Upholstery
For upholstered pieces, our upholstery team takes over. Foam is cut to precise dimensions, suspension systems are installed, and fabrics or leathers are applied with meticulous attention to pattern matching, seam placement, and tension.
Step 10: Hardware and Metal Work
Hinges, drawer slides, handles, and decorative hardware are installed. We use premium hardware from European manufacturers alongside custom-fabricated metal elements from our own metal shop.
Step 11: Quality Inspection
Every finished piece undergoes comprehensive inspection covering structural integrity, finish quality, hardware function, dimensional accuracy, and overall aesthetic. Our inspection checklist runs to over 50 points.
Step 12: White-Glove Delivery and Installation
Our delivery team handles final transportation and installation with the care these pieces deserve. We position furniture precisely, make final adjustments on-site, and ensure complete satisfaction before signing off.
The Human Difference
In an era of mass production, FCI India’s approach is deliberately artisanal. Our craftsmen are skilled artisans, many trained under the previous generation of masters. This continuity of knowledge and skill distinguishes truly bespoke furniture from factory-made alternatives.
Want to see our workshop in action? Get in touch to arrange a visit.
Related: Learn more about our custom furniture services or explore our bespoke manufacturing process. Book a consultation at our Fort, Mumbai showroom.