Coulisse expands with acquisition of Lienesch and Sensuna

Coulisse, which presents itself as a global market leader in window coverings, will acquire Lienesch International BV in Haaksbergen and Sensuna GmbH in Plauen, Germany, as of January 1, 2024. These acquisitions will further strengthen Coulisse's global position in the field of honeycomb and pleated fabrics and systems in the market for interior sunprotection. Coulisse's sales are expected to increase to 200 million euros by 2024. Following the acquisitions, the company employs about 350 people.

Complete honeycomb and pleated solution

The acquisitions combine the long-standing knowledge and expertise of Coulisse, Lienesch and Sensuna in developing and manufacturing honeycomb and pleated fabrics, systems and motorization. The three companies' extensive global network of distributors, assembly partners and retailers can now easily source a complete product line from a single supplier. 

"In line with our shared vision, our goal is to offer customers the ultimate total solution for honeycomb and pleated window coverings," said Coulisse CEO Christiaan Roetgering. "This partnership is an important step in positioning Coulisse as a leading player in the blinds industry, with special focus on energy-efficient and future-proof solutions for smart homes and buildings around the world." 

Lienesch specialist in pleated fabrics

Thanks to excellent textile knowledge, continuous innovation and close relationships with the market, Lienesch has grown into a leading specialist in high-quality and inspiring honeycomb and pleated fabrics for interior blinds in the more than 20 years since the company was founded in 2001. The strategic cooperation between Coulisse and Lienesch, which started back in 2011, led to the launch of the energy-saving Honeycell® fabric collection. 

"We are extremely pleased to join forces with Coulisse," said Bennie Lienesch, founder and namesake of Lienesch International. "This opens up new opportunities for us worldwide. The combination of our expertise in honeycomb and pleated fabrics with Coulisse's experience in systems and smart automation creates a winning formula. We look forward to taking our business to new heights in close cooperation." Lienesch's textile production facilities will incidentally remain located in Haaksbergen after the acquisition.

Sensuna system experts

To complete its honeycomb and pleated solutions, Coulisse is also acquiring German-based Sensuna, based in Plauen, Germany, from owners Hartmut Knauth and Kathrin Kaiser. This company specializes in the production of custom-made honeycomb and pleated systems supplied to online sales channels. With this acquisition, Coulisse enters into a partnership with Window Fashion AG. All previous activities of Sensuna and the production facility of Window Fashion AG will be incorporated into the new joint venture Smart Shades GmbH. 

"This new venture marks a strategic investment in the expansion of our production capabilities for honeycomb and pleated systems," believes CEO Andreas Schreiber of Window Fashion AG. "Together with Coulisse, we want to push the boundaries of production robotization." 

Two booths at R+T 2024

Following the recent developments, Coulisse will present its latest innovations on two stands at the R+T 2024 in Stuttgart in February. The Motionblinds smart home stand (east entrance, booth EO300) will include an 'immersive room' where visitors will be immersed in a virtual world through 360° projections, combined with custom audio. There will also be a 'smart device room' full of smart devices and technologies and exclusive product launches. 

The joint stand of Lienesch and Coulisse (hall 1, stand 1D21) will showcase the latest pleated and honeycomb fabrics, with a focus on a new range of recycled materials. In doing so, the companies highlight their commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, matching current market needs.