Kolben International

Kolben International is based at 5, Surya Mahal on Medows St. in the Fort area. This part of Mumbai is full of old buildings and narrow streets that have been around for a long time. Surya Mahal has that classic feel to it, with thick walls and high ceilings. Working in Fort means you are always surrounded by history and a lot of people rushing around. Our office is a bit cramped because we have so many files and samples tucked into every corner. Medows St. is always buzzing with activity, from street food vendors to people heading to the courts or other offices. It’s not the easiest place to get to if you’re driving, so most of us rely on the trains. The office itself is pretty simple. We have old wooden desks and fans that have been humming for years. We deal with international trade and various technical parts, so there’s always paperwork from different countries on the desk. It’s the kind of place where you know your neighbors by name and you stop to talk in the hallway. We don’t have a modern glass-and-steel look. It’s more of a traditional, hardworking atmosphere. The windows look out onto the street, and you can hear the city life all day long. It feels like we are part of the old heart of the city here. It’s a bit dusty and old-fashioned, but it fits the way we work.