'Continued investment in screen production has results'

In recent years, Soprofen has expanded its site in Lokeren into a modern and innovative base for its screen technology. "With the launch of the Screenamax in 2022, the widest screen on the market, recent efforts have come to a first peak," says David Meul, Unit Business Manager in Lokeren. "An intervention team of five experienced technicians now ensures that Soprofen's service for the professional is further enhanced."

When taking over the former Van Laere in Lokeren, Soprofen - now part of the Bouyer-Leroux group - decided to focus on the production of screens at this location. That specialization makes it the place where products for Benelux and France are produced, packaged and distributed. "With that strategic decision came a lot of investments," David Meul knows. "There were new machines, assembly tables for wider screens and with better ergonomics and much more. That new method of production was necessary to make screens up to seven meters wide, namely our Screenamax, which has been a great success since its launch last year."

The transition of production has also resulted in a great growth of the team and turnover. Meanwhile, during the peak season, some 35 employees work at the site. Turnover has grown by more than half, Meul notes. "By the end of the year, turnover will have doubled. We plan to duplicate that doubling in the coming years. Consequently, the demand for screens has increased sharply. Partly a result of the corona crisis, which made people invest in their home comfort, and high energy prices." 

Production at Soprofen in Lokeren makes very diverse screen sizes possible. From the smallest screen box - 85 millimeters - to the widest screen of up to 7 meters in one piece. With the latter product, Soprofen is pioneering in Europe. "We are proud of this innovation and of Bouyer-Leroux's philosophy, which helps make this possible," says the Unit Business Manager. "Our business rests on three main pillars. By optimizing our production, we guarantee quality and short delivery times. In terms of ecology, we make efforts every day, on our own site and with our products. The third pillar is the well-being of our people. Caring for each other is really woven into our DNA." 

This urge to support people in the best possible way is not limited to staff. Service to customers is also paramount. For Pro customers, an in-house intervention team has recently been on the road. With two brand new vans and five dedicated employees, this team is ready to provide on-site support in case of placement or problems. "We give a seven-year warranty on all our products. That is exceptionally long, but we fully believe in the quality of our solutions. If difficulties do arise, our intervention team rushes to the rescue," Meul explains. "We have also added three new trucks to our fleet, which are more ecological and can deliver larger formats of screens. And we remain committed to renewal and optimization. New offices and a conference room are coming soon. Within Screenamax, we will then again regularly release novelties and range expansions onto the market over the next two years. To be continued, then."