Specialist in solar and lighting management continues to grow
2023 was an important year for Warema. Indeed, since late last year, the company has set its sights on the entire Benelux region. What began in 2017 as a modest trading project has now grown into a thriving company with 29 dedicated employees. What can architects expect from the sun protection specialist?
"From Germany, Warema had traditionally been the market leader in Luxembourg," says Warema Benelux general manager Roelof Rozema. "In the Netherlands and Belgium we are not yet a big player, but that has the advantage that we can only grow! The need is there, so I think the time is right in all respects. We want to respond to a changing market and position ourselves as the specialist in solar and lighting management."
The company's focus is always on quality. "On the one hand, this of course involves our products. Our facade awnings and outdoor living solutions are all Made in Germany with some parts coming from our own plastic factory. However, we also focus strongly on the quality of people. For example, we have our own training center at the factory, where we train our own people and our partners."
A second pillar on which Warema's business operations rest is reliability. "We find it incredibly important to consult well, and then to do what we agree on," Roelof clarifies. "In this regard, it is essential that our logistics are fully automated."
Service is the third pillar. "For example, we offer tools for architects and contractors to make choices online. They can also visit our Sun-Center, in Weert. Here we simulate living situations to show the advantages of our products. We also support architects in the creation of a project, from advice to work preparation, so that everything is right the first time."
An architect advisor from Warema has recently been active in Belgium. "This professional helps with the search for the right shading solution and can also provide architectural input. For example, we can offer help with BENG1 calculations." In time, the company plans to deploy an architect advisor in the Netherlands as well. "We would like to appeal to this target group. That is why we are also always busy with product development. Every year we introduce 20 to 30 innovations and improvements to existing products."
An important theme within product development is solar, Roelof explains. "More and more of our products are getting solar cells, which drive the motor. In addition, we see a lot of demand for our product VisioNeo. This allows architects to combine fall-through protection and sun protection. The glass is already integrated into the guide rails of the blinds. Exterior blinds, shutters and frame Zipscreens move smoothly in front of the window to the floor despite the fall protection. This is an important for high-rise buildings, but residentially, floor-to-ceiling windows are also becoming more common. We regularly hear that this product greatly facilitates the work of architects."