Blinds & Shutters visited Coulisse’s HQ in the Netherlands and found a company with big plans and grand designs

The idea that they place the emphasis on looking good and charging excessive prices, rather than providing a quality, value for money service. Finding the balance between both is the key.

At first glance on entering Coulisse’s headquarters in Enter, The Netherlands, the stunning stone floors and staircases, floor to ceiling windows, leather sofas and communal seating areas, bar and loungers overlooking the surrounding green fields and water features are all certainly stylish, but on further inspection it is clear the company can back this up and provide the substance. They have certainly found the balance.

Coulisse was started 16 years ago by owner Christiaan Roetgering and since then has established a strong reputation for designing, producing and selling ‘window decorations’ for a growing number of international clients. The company has grown massively and has been active world wide for more than a decade. Coulisse now boasts a presence with offices in Dubai, Moscow, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Taipei. These are clearly strategic locations for sales as well as sourcing. “We develop and manufacture world wide. Being at the heart of things means we can anticipate the specific wishes of the client better, offer customers better service and increase our quality of sourcing. Manufacturers have to meet our requirements regarding price and quality, the level of service and flexibility as well as the working conditions for their employees.” explained Michel ljzerman, UK sales. He also touched on some of the plans that Coulisse have for the future. ‘The idea is for a one-stop-shop and volume is a priority. We are getting what can be described as the low end of the market but also targeting the high end. Creativity is the key, we want designs that are challenging and new. We want to concentrate on our customers and help them grow with us. We are looking for customers who are willing to challenge the norm, who can create and grow.’

Coulisse’s plans to become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for customers are a big goal for the company. Its product and collection offering suggest they are well on the way to achieving this. Customers can choose from roman shades, venetians, verticals, roller blinds, skylight roller blinds, panel tracks, its Nature Concept, Paterno, XL pleats and chains and cords. The company has also launched its Ultimate Collection, vertical vanes, panel blind fabrics and roller blind fabrics to name just a few.

Innovation is a word that is overused and often used too lightly. But at Coulisse it is clear that it is at the heart of what the company does. Not only is it reflected in the company’s designs and collections but Coulisse has a dedicated area onsite where customers, suppliers and employees can come together and discuss ideas on designs, materials, fabrics and products. It is called the Inspiration Centre and the company describes it as ‘a perfect place for exchanging ideas.’ After visiting the Inspiration Centre it is clear that it is not just a ‘token gesture’ from Coulisse. The company has invested heavily in the centre and all range of colours, books, fabrics, products and basically anything that can provide ideas have been compiled. Here customers can come and work with Coulisse and see if their ideas and concepts are a viable option to be brought to life. It fits in very well with what Michel meant when he said: ‘We want partners who can create and grow’.

Onsite, Coulisse also has its own designated testing area. It is quality technician Arjan Dijksta’s job to ensure that products meet the correct standards and the quality of delivery remains high. The tests carried out in the testing centre include endurance and resistance tests and the centre claims to have ‘every modern facility’ ensuring top quality products. In addition to testing, space was also included for training. The engineers now provide product training for clients and colleagues to ensure Coulisse’s high standards are always maintained.

Coulisse is a company which clearly has goals and those goals will be achieved by its staff all working in the same direction, and all having strong input. The company is not content to sit and be carried along by the market, Coulisse is ready set trends and that is reflected in its focus on design and the variety of ranges and collections it produces. Its collaboration with Phifer and the new screen range it has produced is testament to Coulisse’s expertise in all areas of the market. Blinds & Shutters would advise you to look out for the company’s announcement on automation at R & T 2009.

• Coulisse