Dalupo: 'Showing innovativeness with customer-specific solutions'

Dalupo is known as the largest wholesaler of screen parts and systems in the Netherlands. But the company from Teuge in Gelderland is much more than that, says founder Hendrik Jan van Dalfsen. "Because also when it comes to customer-specific solutions - including for the sun blind industry - we lead the way." 

Started in 2010 as an importer of aluminum profiles, Dalupo then quickly focused specifically on screen profiles. Gradually, the range was expanded to include all kinds of components such as mesh, corner pieces, stainless steel springs and sealing brushes. And especially for the blinds industry also with color-matched angle profiles. However, because the ambition went beyond just being a wholesaler, at some point - partly at the request of customers - the company also started doing its own development. "Here you have to think, for example, of custom work for parts that require setting, punching, turning or milling work," says Hendrik Jan, whose company always likes to think along with the customer. "In a market known to be rather conservative, customer-specific innovation is a nice challenge for us. Moreover, it clearly distinguishes us from other wholesale companies." 

Sales manager Aad Houtman clarifies the approach Dalupo usually takes to this: "Suppose a company wants to develop a new product line. Based on their idea and our knowledge of aluminum profiles, we then develop, in close cooperation with our suppliers, a prototype of a client-specific profile that meets all quality requirements. We accompany such a project from A to Z, not only in the design phase, but also in terms of logistics, quality control and service handling. Besides for the sun protection industry, we incidentally also make customer-specific parts and aluminum profiles for numerous other applications, including for the healthcare sector, bodywork construction and home interiors."

3D printer

Dalupo always tries to be innovative, not only at product level, but also at client level. According to Hendrik Jan, clients who have a good idea for a product improvement - such as a screen, for example - but do not have the necessary know-how and skills themselves regularly knock on our door. "In such cases, we can assist in product engineering. A product idea can then be made tangible using our own 3D printer. This makes it possible to develop a physical prototype in a very short time, with which you can check whether the product the customer has in mind meets all the requirements, such as in terms of quality, design and regulations. And all that without the need to make an expensive mold. This service offers clear added value for the customer." 

The Best Idea of the Netherlands

Dalupo's drive for continuous improvement and innovation also attracted the attention of René van Bommel and Gerard Kortekaas who took part in the TV program Het Beste Idee van Nederland. "These two inventors had come up with a special screen for a skylight," says Aad. "We were approached to turn their idea into a real physical product. The great thing was that our standard screen profile, which is simply available from stock, turned out to be practically already suitable for the application they had in mind. The only thing missing was a fastener that we now have made especially for this customer. As a result, their new idea does not require sky-high development and start-up costs."

This much is clear: thanks to its innovation drive, Dalupo clearly distinguishes itself from wholesalers who only supply parts from stock. "As a supplier of all kinds of customer-specific profiles, we offer pre-eminent customization, service, expertise and flexibility," is how Hendrik Jan van Dalfsen sums it up.