A first on the market: the hybrid roller shutter

New collaborations and products

Sander Koreman was looking for a new challenge. Together with Sven and Louis Michielsen, he founded SLS Zonwering in 2024. Meanwhile, a team of eleven employees is working to meet the great demand for smart-operated roller shutters from BREL HOME. With their knowledge and experience, SLS Zonwering launched a first in October 2024: a hybrid roller shutter exclusively for the Benelux.

"In 2014, I started Klusbedrijf Koreman," Sander explains. "I specialized in exclusive bathrooms, but also installed the occasional roller shutter. Two years ago, I was ready for something new and got in touch with Sven Michielsen, who was looking for a business partner." Unfortunately, Sven fell ill and plans were put on the back burner. Still, Sander didn't let go of the plan. He kept talking with Sven and his father Louis, who had 35 years of experience in the awning business. Together they visited trade shows to find their opportunity in the market. In 2024, Louis resigned from his employer and SLS Zonwering was founded, with a name that stands for Sander, Louis and Sven. Their great motivation: ensuring Sven a future.

Innovation with the hybrid shutter

Sander and Louis decided to introduce two products, including a standard roller shutter they produce themselves. The real breakthrough came with the launch of their hybrid roller shutter, a first for the Benelux. This roller shutter comes in two variants: the Absent light and the Radiant light. The Absent light is ideal for offices or bedrooms because it lets in a lot of light without reflection. The Radiant light is perfect for home use because of its elegant design that lets in more light and air while offering privacy and insulation from heat and cold.

"Our hybrid roller shutter has three smaller slats of 16 mm, where a standard roller shutter has a slat of 45 mm," explains Sander. "This allows five times as much light in, while still making the roller shutter sturdy and burglar-proof thanks to the thicker aluminum armor." In addition, the hybrid roller shutter acts as a shutter and screen in one, with a design befitting indoor blinds. "It keeps heat out in the summer and inside in the winter. And, it withstands all weather conditions. Customers especially appreciate the combination of the elegant design and the ability to look outside without being able to see in from outside." The hybrid shutters are easily controlled via smartphone, remote control, switch and SmartHome integration.

Cooperation with BREL HOME and future plans

During Polyclose, Sander met BREL HOME sales manager Daan Paulissen. "I immediately felt a click with Daan and the company," says Sander. "He had answers to all my questions and is tremendously solution-oriented." BREL HOME turned out to be the perfect partner for the automatic control of the shutters. "They offer innovative solutions and the service is fast and reliable." SLS Zonwering now exclusively sells BREL HOME products for roller shutter control, such as the popular BREL SOLAR motors and the wifi motor. The cooperation is running smoothly and many SLS dealers share this enthusiasm. Sales of the hybrid roller shutter began in September 2024 and have been an immediate success. "We notice that demand is high and sales are increasing daily," Sander says with satisfaction. "It's great to see that blinds dealers are enthusiastic about this new development and want to surprise their customers."

For the future, Sander has big plans. "We work with a great team of eleven people and share the same vision to grow. We promote our own products through our website and social media. We want customers to be able to easily order their shutters and controls through our webshop. Every day I enjoy working and hope that SLS Sun Protection may become great."