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Hunter Douglas
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Hunter Douglas products are found in millions of homes and
commercial buildings around the globe.
We manufacture and market our two principal products lines
- window coverings and architectural products - in five geographic
markets: Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia.
We operate as a highly decentralized, global federation of
small- and medium-sized companies that manufacture and market
similar products that are suitably adapted to local markets.
We foster an entrepreneurial management style that is dynamic
and performance-oriented. Our guiding principle is one of
giving local managers maximum accountability with minimum
interference. The result is quick, direct action within local
markets worldwide, enabling Hunter Douglas to stay in the
forefront of industry trends. We also believe in fostering
a work environment, which is safe, pleasant and stimulating
for all employees, thereby encouraging their creativity.
Our leadership position flows directly from continuous innovation
within our business - in our product lines, manufacturing
processes, distribution network and marketing programs. These
innovations come from about 21,000 people of Hunter Douglas
worldwide. We consider their talents and skills to be the
true strength of our organization.
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A History of Innovation
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1919
Factory
Dusseldorf, Germany
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1919-1946
In 1919 Henry Sonnenberg founded a machine tool distribution
and subsequently manufacturing company in Düsseldorf, Germany.
In 1933 he moved to The Netherlands and established a
machine tool operation.
In 1940, he moved to he United States
where he founded the Douglas Machinery Company. |
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In 1946 Henry Sonnenberg
established a joint venture with Joe Hunter which developed
new technology and equipment for the continuous casting and
fabrication of aluminium. This led to the production of lightweight
aluminium slats for Venetian blinds.
Hunter Douglas, as we know
it today, was born.
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1946
50 mm Venetian Blinds
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1950
Aluminium fixed
exterior awnings |
1946-1960
Hunter Douglas aluminium blinds quickly gained leadership in
the American market. As innovative as the product was the business
model for its distribution. Hunter Douglas developed a vast
network of more than 1,000 independent fabricators in the United
States and Canada. They sold blinds during the day and custom
assembled them in their workrooms at night.
In 1956, policy differences led to the sale of the U.S. business.
Henry Sonnenberg moved Hunter Douglas’ headquarters to
Montreal, Canada and, using his European machinery business
as a base, concentrated on building the window covering business
outside the United States.
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1960-1980
Hunter Douglas expanded its operations in Europe and into Australia
and Latin America.
In 1969 the Hunter Douglas Group went public, and its
shares were listed on the Montreal and Amsterdam Stock Exchanges.
In 1971, Hunter Douglas’ Group headquarters were
moved to Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and Hunter Douglas N.V.,
became the worldwide Group Holding Company.
In 1976, Hunter Douglas reacquired its former U.S. business.
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1969
Initial public offering
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1970s
Insulated Sandwich Walls
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1970
Roller Blinds |
1971
Vertical Blinds |
1979
25 mm Venetian Blinds |
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1980-2007
Hunter Douglas expanded globally including in Asia and its innovative
spirit led to the development of revolutionary new products
to meet the increasing demand for fashion and functionality.
1985 - Duette® Honeycomb Shades were launched, revolutionizing
the window covering industry.
1991 - Silhouette® Window Shadings were introduced
and achieved rapid success.
1994 – Vignette® Modern Roman Shades
1996 - Luminette® Privacy Sheers were introduced.
2000 - LiteRise® cordless system
was launched in the U.S. and
EOS® hardware operating system
for blinds and shades was
introduced in Europe.
2003 - Alouette® LightLouvers and
Techstyle® Acoustical Ceilings.
2004 - Facette™ Shades, XL Panel
and the Alustra® Collection.
2005 - Duette® TruRise® lifting
system.
2006 - Duette® Architella™ Shades,
Skyline™ Window Panels and
Reveal® with MagnaView Blinds.
2007 – Pirouette® Window Shadings
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1985
Duette® Shades |
1991
Silhouette® Shades |
1994
Vignette® Modern Roman Shades
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1996
Luminette® Privacy Sheers |
2000
EOS® hardware systems |
2003
Alouette ® Light Louvers
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2004
Facette™ Shades |
2006
Skyline™ Window Panels |
2006
Duette® Architella™ Shades
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2007
Pirouette® Window Shadings |
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