Difficult awnings as a business card

Where others stop we continue for a while

Anyone talking about awnings cannot ignore Schlappi Awnings. The company has specialized in this form of awning since 1986. Owner Dennis Schoormans: "Everyone knows us, but what not everyone knows is that we love special and complicated projects. Where others stop, things just get interesting for us and we keep going."

According to Schoormans, Schlappi Marquees is rightfully an A-brand. "I sometimes compare it to Miele household appliances; everyone knows that these are high-quality products. This is no different with Schlappi; everyone knows that we supply high-quality awnings in the mid-high segment. In addition, we are known as a leader in the market because we always continue to innovate and surprise." One of these innovations has to do with the way lighting is integrated into awnings. This can be done both in the frame and in the awning. "It is possible to also add innovative LED lighting to the logo in the awning. In this way, a company name stands out even more. This is often chosen lately." In this way, then, modern technology is combined with a classic form of sun protection.

"We love specials," continues Schoormans. "Complex projects are exactly what we find interesting. It is a challenge for us to bring these to a successful conclusion; in addition, such awnings are also a real calling card for our company, from which our dealer network benefits." The complexity often has to do with the desired print on the fabric, as companies in the hospitality industry are increasingly asking for the combination of many different colors on an awning. "We can just do that because we have a lot of knowledge and experience in-house. We therefore also consider it very important to cherish our older employees. They in particular make it possible to make special products; they train our younger staff and pass on knowledge, so true masters of learning! Even after retirement, some employees are still on standby for complicated situations. There is no training for a specialty like this, so you have to secure the knowledge internally!"

Unique prints and fabric combinations pose no problem

For the technical side of painting and advertising, Schlappi works with a graphic designer who is present several times a week. "Together we think about the designs, and communicate to the customer within which space they can design. For example, we can apply a full-color print to an awning, even with a very busy corporate identity, such as that of Oedipus Brewing in Amsterdam. Here we combined the print with lighting." Chantal Janssen's brand store in Amsterdam was another special project, where a full color print was desired on a 14-meter awning. In other cases, a kind of patchwork is created from different colored fabrics. "For eatery Nannes in Hilversum, we made awnings that incorporate eight different colors. This creates a special effect and enhances the appearance of the café."

Sometimes the complexity has to do not only with the appearance of the awning, but also with the logistics surrounding it. "For the Grasshopper Company in Amsterdam, we made an awning no less than 14 meters long. This was a complicated project because of the transportation of this large awning. Fortunately, we have also specialized in delivering the most impossible awnings on time so that the fitters can get to work quickly. So our service level is very high."

The social face of Schlappi Marquees

Schlappi not only cherishes its own employees, even when they are older, but also opens its doors to new 50+ employees and people distanced from the labor market. Schoormans: "We participate in a project of the municipality of Tilburg, '50+ participate until retirement.' In addition, offering jobs to people at a distance from the labor market has done many great things. Everyone is allowed to develop their talents here. We are a company where people like to work. That's how you get the right chemistry on the shop floor, with inspired and committed professionals."