Belgian sun protection specialist seeks distributors abroad

Manufacturer combines tradition with innovation: in-house scissor-arm awnings

‘Wat je zelf doet, doe je beter’ is het motto van Alfa Zonwering, gespecialiseerd in zonwering en rolluiken. Het familiebedrijf uit Mechelen levert al decennialang oplossingen volledig op maat, geproduceerd in eigen huis en op de bouwplaats geïnstalleerd door eigen plaatsers. Eén van de blikvangers is de schaararmtent of ‘harmonica’. Onder de naam ‘Retrosun’ exporteren ze hun producten ook naar Nederland en Frankrijk, en zoeken nu verdelers in verschillende Europese landen.

A third-generation family business

What is now known as Alfa Zonwering was founded by the grandfather of current owner Stijn Verrezen. He manufactured tarps for trucks. He, and later his son, expanded the company’s product line to include sunshades. “My grandfather collaborated with a blacksmith friend to produce the first folding-arm awnings. While he made the tarps, the blacksmith supplied all the metal components. Since then, we have grown into an established name in the production and installation of sun protection and roller shutters,” says Stijn Verrezen. 

“We combine tradition with innovation to offer a unique product range. While other manufacturers decided to stop producing awnings and folding-arm awnings, we continued to develop these classics, for example to make larger sizes possible. Installing sun protection has also been in our DNA for decades. We design our products with a focus on both sustainable and simple installation. For instance, our folding-arm awnings feature a modular design, and their weight is carefully controlled for the installer’s convenience. For lower facades, it is even possible to position the arm above the fabric. This clever technique dates back to the early years of the first folding-arm awnings.”

Folding awning or ‘accordion’ awning, available with an LED valance

The folding-arm awning—or “harmonica,” as Stijn calls it—is a standout in the product lineup. They’ve completely redesigned it. The classic design and look are combined with modern materials and manufacturing technologies. 

“This creates a canopy with a projection of up to 6.50 meters without support posts. This structure remains functional even in heavy rain thanks to permanent fabric support, which enhances comfort and extends its lifespan,” explains Verrezen. “We manufacture the fabrics in a single piece up to a size of 15 by 6.5 meters. This ensures a well-sealed and wind-resistant structure. Optionally, these systems are available with heating, LED lighting, roll-up windbreaks on the front and sides, removable wind poles, motorization, and/or automatic sensors. New is our front flap with an integrated ultra-thin LED panel. A logo or name is laser-cut into the fabric, so you get both a sunshade and an illuminated sign in one.”

Everything in-house, looking for suitable partners

Everything is done in-house. They design the systems and manufacture them entirely in their workshop in Mechelen, which was recently expanded to 5,000 m². The canopies and valances are also assembled and printed there. “Everything is custom-made here. By handling everything in-house, we maintain maximum control over quality, scheduling, and pricing. We also handle installation with our own team or specialists at our distributors,” concludes Stijn Verrezen.

“Our main activity in Belgium is replacing folding-arm awnings with folding-arm awnings, particularly in the hospitality sector. After all, the higher initial investment in such a folding-arm awning is quickly recouped thanks to the extra depth and improved weather resistance. The ability to create a heated and lit covered patio also sounds like music to the ears of hospitality business owners. With the compact systems from our Retro mini series, we’re also winning over private customers. We also export our products under the name ‘Retrosun’ to the Netherlands and France, and there is interest from other European countries. We are looking for distributors in various countries to further strengthen our market presence.”