German quality and comprehensive services

In 2010, brothers Wilco and Johan Zomer started manufacturing and assembling high-quality sun protection systems under the name Solmaat. For the motors of their products, the company relies on Becker Benelux. "The complete and approachable service they offer is something you don't often come across anymore!", Johan Zomer knows. 

"One can come to us for all sun protection systems, such as awnings, shutters and screens," Johan continues. "Here we specialize entirely in customization." From a two-man operation, Solmaat quickly grew into a company with fifteen employees. "We have continued to expand our dealer network, including in Germany. In the coming years, we want to continue to grow. For example, we have built a hall and have increased roller shutter production tenfold thanks to a new machine!"

Over the years, of course, the awning market has changed, but much also remains the same. "For example, classic awnings, possibly with lettering, remain unchanged in popularity. The nostalgic look enhances the atmosphere in certain shopping streets. Modern awnings, on the other hand, fit better with contemporary architecture. Zipper screens are often used in apartment buildings. They are resistant to wind and are therefore also often used for canopies. Nowadays everything has to be bigger, but that is not a problem. In fact, we can produce up to six meters wide."

Becker: a reliable choice

For the engines, Solmaat relies on Becker's expertise. "Over the last six years, we started working together more and more intensively," says Johan. "We were looking for a reliable supplier and started delivering more and more to German customers. They like German stuff, so a German engine was obvious. Becker's engines completely meet our requirements and are easy to assemble. Even replacing a part is easy. In addition, they are child's play to operate." 

The partnership of Solmaat and Becker works out very well. "It's nice that Becker's inside sales department is always easily accessible. If we need an engine, it is usually delivered within 48 hours. Another advantage of Becker is that if you don't know what you need for a larger project, they will come on site and take a look. In addition, the company is also willing to contact the dealer or end user - even if it's in Switzerland - and you don't see that much anymore! Because we now work more abroad, the reliability of the engines is even more important, and that too is in good shape with Becker."

Becker continues to innovate and Solmaat also benefits from this. Johan: "In addition to an ultra-quiet motor - the Evolution Smart - they have developed the CentronicPlus transmitters. They network outside the facade, preventing signal loss in structures with a lot of steel. For a year now, CentronicPlus has recognized all motors on 230 V and that saves a lot of time. You no longer have to go past them all." 

In Hamburg, Solmaat worked with Solid.Modulbau to provide screens for an apartment complex. "This is a five-story passive building that was built almost entirely prefabricated. The blinds were also prefabricated, after which only the wiring was needed. Setting and adjusting the blinds could all be done with an adjustment set, which saved a lot of time. No scaffolding was needed! The profiles are mounted on the façade, so that the insulation is completely maintained. We therefore adapted the coating to the facade."