150 Years of Winsol: Built on Craftsmanship, Driven by Innovation

From wooden roller shutters in a West Flemish workshop to an international manufacturer of home comfort solutions: Winsol is celebrating its 150th anniversary. A century and a half of history is impressive, but perhaps even more remarkable is the way the company has managed to reinvent itself time and again. One constant has remained: the commitment to quality, comfort, and craftsmanship.

At 1876 The story of Winsol begins with Carpenter Jules Windels. He started his own business specializing in wooden roller shutters. It was a small-scale, artisanal beginning, a far cry from today’s production environment and broad product portfolio. Yet it was there that the foundation was laid for a company that is still in business a century and a half later.

Years later, the the Windels and Vangheluwe families their strengths. The name Winsol is a contraction of Windels and Soleil. At the same time, the product range is expanding from roller shutters to sun protection. As a result, comfort is becoming an increasingly important part of the story.

Adapting to Changing Housing Needs

If you want to stay in business for 150 years, you can’t afford to stand still. This is clearly evident from Winsol’s evolution. In the the 1980s the company is taking the step toward PVC roller shutters and later also to PVC Windows and Doors. New materials and techniques are opening up new possibilities and gradually establishing Winsol as a major player in the world of woodworking and home comfort.

Geographically, too, the ambitions are growing. In 1985 Winsol sets the First commercial steps in France. The product line continues to grow with sectional garage doors at 1993 EN aluminum windows, doors, and railings in 1996. Each expansion is based on the same logic: responding to new expectations while continuing to build on our expertise.

Today, that evolution is reflected in a wide range of products, including roller shutters, screens, awnings, windows, doors, garage doors, and patio covers. The common thread? Creating comfort for the home, no matter how technology or living needs may change.

From Craftsmanship to Innovation

The anniversary is therefore more than just a look back. It illustrates how tradition and innovation can reinforce each other. The knowledge built up over generations forms a foundation on which Winsol can continue to build. At the same time, the company is investing in In-house R&D, manufacturing, and new technologies.

That constant focus on innovation and design also results in international recognition. Since 2019, Winsol has earned several awards, including 8 Red Dot Awards, 2 R+T Innovation Awards, and an iF Design Award. These accolades demonstrate that the ambition to develop new solutions is not only a driving force within Winsol but is also recognized far beyond its walls.

One of the products that beautifully illustrates that combination of innovation, design, and functionality is the Pergola SO!. As one of Winsol’s flagship products, this patio cover demonstrates how sun protection has evolved into an integrated solution for contemporary outdoor living. The Pergola SO! transforms the patio into a fully-fledged living space, combining comfort, aesthetics, and technology. As a result, the product seamlessly meets the changing expectations of consumers, who increasingly view their homes as a single, cohesive whole—from the inside out.

Winsol continues to innovate in the area of energy efficiency as well. This is reflected, among other things, in the development of Solar products (SolarFix, SolarFuse, LumiSolar, and LinaSolar) and other energy-efficient solutions. Whereas a roller shade, screen, or awning used to be primarily a practical solution, today it is increasingly becoming part of a smart, comfortable, and energy-efficient home. The evolution from traditional products to solar technology highlights this shift.

Belgian roots, international perspective

Production and development also remain an important part of the story. Winsol is investing in its own production capacity, storage facilities, and an environmentally friendly paint shop, with the goal of establishing high-quality production in Belgium. At the same time, the company is looking firmly beyond its national borders.

A major strategic step was taken in 2016, when new shareholders and CEO Xavier Costenoble charted the course for further growth, innovation, and international expansion.

But technology, products, and infrastructure tell only part of the story. Behind Winsol’s 150-year history are, above all, people: experts, engineers, designers, sales representatives, and installers who apply their knowledge and experience day in and day out. It is these people who ensure that craftsmanship remains not just a historical concept, but one that is still relevant today.

Ready for the next 150 years

An anniversary is a time to look back, but for Winsol, the focus seems to be primarily on the future. The homes of tomorrow call for smart, energy-efficient, and sustainable solutions. Solar technology, hybrid systems, and new materials are intended to make homes more comfortable and future-proof.

From wooden shutters to state-of-the-art patio covers: a great deal has changed over the past 150 years. What has remained is our commitment to evolving with the times.

Perhaps that is, ultimately, the most important lesson from Winsol’s 150-year history. Long-term success isn’t just about preserving what was good, but above all about having the courage to change time and again. With a solid foundation in Belgian craftsmanship, a strong focus on innovation, and a clear vision for the future, Winsol is embarking on its next chapter.

That’s 150 years of history. But above all: 150 years of continuing to build what makes living comfortable today and tomorrow.

“Winsol: A Home to Enjoy”