Sunny innovations set the market in motion 

Summer is traditionally a busy time in the awning industry. Yet that doesn't stop companies from continuing to invest in innovation. This summer, for example, Verano® is presenting a series of innovations developed by its own R&D team. Managing director Harrie van Zutphen explains how the company responds to trends and wishes from the market.

"Usually we introduce two or three novelties a year," Van Zutphen says. "That depends a bit on how developments are going. Sometimes they are completely new products, sometimes improvements to our existing range. The important thing is that it always adds something for our partners and the end user."

Solar screens and aesthetic upgrades

A notable innovation is the new solar screen with integrated solar panels in the side guides. This product, currently in the testing phase, should be on the market in mid-August or early September. "We received the tip from one of our partners: wouldn't it be more convenient to place the solar panels in the side guides instead of on top? That avoids shadowing and makes the system more widely applicable," Van Zutphen explains. In addition to more efficient charging, there is hardly any more manual topping up. Installation is also easier thanks to pre-assembled parts. With the introduction of its own solar panel with charging point, Verano® has also taken a practical step: if they do need to, customers can now charge their systems themselves, without the need for a service visit.

A second novelty is the V552 - ritzscreen®, which has been available to order since July. This screen is a further development of the existing V550 and stands out in particular because of the hidden bottom bar, which disappears completely into the upper body. "There was a lot of demand for this from the market," says Van Zutphen. The screen is suitable for both compact and large sizes and comes in an additional standard color: black gray RAL7021. "We saw that that color was chosen remarkably often in our powder coating line," he says.

Wide range of pergolas and canopies

Verano® is also expanding its pergola awning offering this year with the V620 - Salo, an entry-level model of the Tumba. The pergola is already available and is being positively received. "With this product we can serve the entire segment, from entry level to higher. This is a direct response to questions from our customers," Van Zutphen says. The Salo stands out with a sleeker design, more fabric options and easy assembly.

Later this year, in September or October, will follow the introduction of the V872 - Salerno: a glass canopy with a cubic design, based on the profiles of the existing Arezzo. The Salerno is modular, waterproof and suitable for large spans up to 6 by 4 meters. "There is increasing demand for clean, straight shapes. This is our answer to that," says Van Zutphen. The canopy combines well with the Salo, for example with cloth mounted underneath. "That prevents pollution and is in line with the German market trend, where this is already common."

In addition to product innovation, the company is working to strengthen organizationally. "We are hiring new people, improving logistics processes and looking at where we can automate. Our strategy for the coming years is also taking further shape," Van Zutphen concludes.