The 'Green' marquis is a model of innovation

Nostalgic and up-to-date

With a product as nostalgic and traditional as the awning, one does not immediately think of innovation. At the Awning Specialist in Leeuwarden, however, they know better. For example, the company is currently working in-house to put together the greenest awning possible. "We always lead the way with new ideas," says director Anton Bruinsma. 

Coming from the awning industry, Bruinsma decided in 2016 to specialize in awnings. In a few years, his business grew into a full-fledged awning factory. "We make everything from A to Z, both awning frames and canopies," says Bruinsma, who sees it as a challenge to continually modernize these classic awnings. "That's how we came up with the idea of developing illuminated awnings in-house, which allow catering entrepreneurs in particular to create a customized atmosphere on their terrace with a remote control. This is done by means of patented dimmable energy-efficient LED lighting."

The Marquee Specialist was also one of the first companies to market a solar-powered awning. "Even in limited daylight, our power-saving, cable-free solar awning functions optimally," assures Bruinsma, who is currently working to make the awnings even 'greener' with a special air-purifying cloth. "These cloths purify the air through photocatalysis and thus remove pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons," he clarifies. "As a result, this cloth has a self-cleaning and antifungal effect. Good for people and the environment!" 

Through its Web shop, the Marquise specialist delivers primarily directly to consumers, hospitality companies and real estate developers nationwide. "But we also plan to significantly expand our dealer network," says Bruinsma. "In certain regions - including the south of the country - we sell so much directly to customers that it is very interesting for awning companies in such a region to become a dealer of ours. That way they can ride on our success formula." 

For example, for start-up awning companies, Bruinsma sees a great opportunity to distinguish themselves with top-quality awnings. "And although it is an expensive awning product, we are able to keep our awnings affordable partly thanks to our smart purchasing policy. In short, we have a lot to offer dealers: a beautiful quality product at competitive prices, fast deliveries and short lines of communication with one fixed point of contact. So if you have any questions, you are always helped quickly," he concludes.