Dalupo: 'Universal screen system ideal for awning companies'

Dalupo from Teuge in Gelderland is the country's largest wholesaler of screen components and screen systems, supplying mainly specialized screen manufacturers in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The company also offers a universal screen system that allows awning companies to make screens. "In the future, too, we want to use such innovations to further enhance our distinctiveness," says Dalupo founder Hendrik Jan van Dalfsen. 

Started in 2010 as an importer of aluminum profiles, Dalupo then quickly started focusing specifically on screen profiles. "Initially we did so without the accessories that go with them," says Hendrik Jan van Dalfsen. "Gradually we expanded the range to include all kinds of parts such as mesh, corner pieces, stainless steel springs and sealing brushes. In addition to materials for fixed screen doors, we also supply parts for roller screens, pleated screen doors and angle profiles that are available from stock." Dalupo has since grown to become the largest wholesaler of screen parts and screen systems in the Netherlands. "To give you an idea: we sell around 400 kilometers of screen profiles per year alone. Among other things, we distinguish ourselves by the high quality of our products. For example, we do not buy the mesh for the screens outside Europe - where it is cheaper - but we consciously choose a European A-quality. Lower-quality mesh often has more weaving defects, with the result that our customer - the screen builder - would have to spend his scarce time on repair work. But our customers find it important that the production of the screen is done right the first time." 

Right the first time

According to Van Dalfsen, it is additionally essential for his customer base that the screen profiles are always available from stock. "This also has to do with the fact that many screen manufacturers supply window frame factories. When the window frame is installed at the private end customer, it is important that the screen is immediately included. This means that the fitter should not have to return to the customer to install the screen, which is an unnecessary waste of time. We help our customers avoid that, because again, it has to go right the first time." 

Easy to produce hor

To distinguish itself even more as an innovative company, Dalupo is constantly developing new systems that meet a specific need. "Now that the market for awning companies is quieter, they could really use a product to fill the empty hours in order to generate some extra turnover," says Van Dalfsen. "This is why we have developed a universal screen system especially for awning companies. This allows a blinds technician to make a screen for any type of window frame with one screen profile, one type of brush and one type of clamp. In addition to being easy for the blinds fitter to produce, it does not require any special tools. Moreover, assembling a screen is physically light work. Therefore, blinds companies that do not yet have screens in their product line can easily add this product." 

Cut at right angles

"Incidentally, we have also developed a special outer corner for this universal screen system," Van Dalfsen continues. "That has the great advantage that a blinds technician can cut the profile at right angles - and thus not mitred, which is more difficult. Recently, our website dalupo.nl also features an animation with all the technical explanations on how to measure and produce our universal screen system."