New building all-round built on growth

The next expansion is already on its way!

It all started in Oosterwolde, about fifteen years ago. A successful sun protection company that grew from dealer to manufacturer of sun blinds and roller shutters. We are talking about Allround Zonwering BV. Due to continued growth, director and owner Cor van Huigenbos soon found himself forced to build new premises, and in 2010 he and his team moved into a new building in Biddinghuizen. Built for growth, the company quickly achieved a threefold increase in turnover. Growth continued unabated in Biddinghuizen, which is why construction of yet another new building began a year and a half ago.

It is February 1, 2019, when the red carpet is rolled out at Moerasstraat 5 in Elburg to warmly welcome the guests in honor of the official opening. A magnificent building, an impressive showroom, and a production process that has been thought through down to the last detail await the attendees. 

Because both the hose and spray gun are self-cleaning, changing colors takes only ten seconds. 

Acquisition of PBS was catalyst
“Thanks to the fact that we gained more space, we were able to proceed with the acquisition of PBS,” Van Huigenbos begins. “However, this meant that we had to shift into high gear in terms of construction. It was actually quite a challenge: a new building, an acquisition, and setting up a powder coating department. But we did it, and the results are impressive.” Huigenbos emphasizes the importance of in-house powder coating. “We no longer have standard colors; everything is now custom-made. With our product lines, we are now in the higher segment. Our R&D department runs at full speed forty hours a week, and we can safely say that almost every product that leaves the factory is our own development.” 

Driven by experience, Huigenbos has a forward-looking vision. “With the acquisition of PBS, we calculated what was coming our way and anticipated it by also purchasing the lot across the street. That is where logistics will take place in the future and where a warehouse for storage will be built. Goods will arrive there and parts will be distributed from there to the production department. Supplies will be delivered outside regular working hours. This way, we won't get in each other's way and everyone can do their work in a structured manner. The software we use at both locations will be linked. We already have experience with this in Biddinghuizen. Once the current plans have been realized, our business processes will be optimized.” 

Automation is a key focus within Allround Zonwering's optimization process. 

Just-in-time working thanks to a sophisticated production process
A tour of Allround Zonwering's new premises is provided by manager Erwin Bluemink. “Thanks to the acquisition of PBS, this new building has been filled within a year. Due to our state-of-the-art powder coating installation, we now only work with bare aluminum. The storage racks contain the stock on hand at the bottom, with a copy of that stock above it. This allows us to replenish in time when profiles are in danger of running out. Production is set up for just-in-time working. When fabrics are registered for arrival, we cut the profiles three days in advance. Coating is also included in this process. We are continuously working on optimizing our production processes, for example by working even smarter and by adapting the software.” 

The material is cut to size before undergoing powder coating. This is a major advantage, explains Bluemink. “Less waste and no bare saw cuts ensure a sustainable product.” In preparation for powder coating, Allround Zonwering uses a new pre-treatment system. It is very environmentally friendly compared to conventional processes. “By using nanotechnology in combination with water, we don't need chrome. The entire powder coating installation is computer-controlled and all values are constantly monitored. The computer is directly connected to the laboratory in Alphen aan den Rijn, where the process is monitored. We also take samples ourselves to monitor the process.” The spraying process works optimally, thanks to a quick-change system, Bluemink continues. “No fewer than 28 of the 227 colors we have in stock are in the quick-change system. Thanks to the self-cleaning of both the pipe and the spray gun, a color change takes only ten seconds!”  

CEO and owner Cor van Huigenbos (right) and General Manager Erwin Bluemink look to the future of Allround Zonwering with confidence. 

Step-by-step production is characteristic for the working method
Bluemink explains that Allround Zonwering uses a step-by-step production process. “All semi-finished products pass through different stations. Each station performs part of the processing and/or operations required to create an assembled product. The advantage is that new employees hired during the season do not need to be familiar with the entire production process. Once someone knows the ins and outs of their own station, they can already play an optimal role in the entire process. So we really build our products together here!” 

Multi-purpose packaging always provides the best protection during transport. 

Smart packaging ensures a perfect delivery
“Screen production has also undergone a revamp,” says Bluemink as he guides his guests past the roller shutter and screen assembly lines. “Sales are skyrocketing thanks to our unique spring system, which allows the top cover to be clicked onto the guides from the front. We are proud to announce that production of our roller shutters will be fully automated by March. Thanks to our new, self-developed and highly stable bottom rail, our roller shutters really stand out. What's more, we supply guides and boxes in our 227 colors, including textured paints, so it's clear that our dealers can score big!” 

Finally, the tour leads to the packaging department. “Just as important as the product itself,” says Bluemink. “By using cardboard in a smart and multifunctional way, protected transport from the factory to the assembly location is guaranteed. Of course, the cardboard comes from recycled material. Sustainability is a high priority at Allround Zonwering.”  

Text: Jan Mol    Image: Jan Mol/Allround Sun Protection
Featured image: The impressive and beautifully designed Allround building in Elburg.