Hunter Douglas in Australia quickly achieved a predominant position in the Venetian Blind industry, rapidly expanding its range to include Wall Cladding, Insect Screen Doors, Slimfold Screen, Aluminium Awnings, Sundrape Woven Aluminium Drapery and Drapery Track, under several well-known brands such as Mello-Lite and Permalum.
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1919
Henry Sonnenberg founds his machine tool distribution, later manufacturing, company in Düsseldorff, Germany.
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1933
Henry uses 150 railroad cars to move his entire operation to Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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1946
Joe Hunter joins forces with Henry and develops new technology and equipment for the continuous casting and fabrication of lightweight aluminium…leading to the production of Venetian Blinds.
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1947
Hunter Douglas Blinds build a 1000+ network of independent fabricators in the USA who sell the aluminium blinds by day and custom-assemble them by night.
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1953
Following the success in the US and Canada, Hunter Douglas expanded to Australia, establishing a base in the the Sydney suburb of Rydalmere, where it still stands today.
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1970
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1972
Henry Sonnenberg passed his title of President of the Hunter Douglas Group to his son Ralph Sonnenberg, after 26 years in the position.
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1980
Hunter Douglas expands into Asia.
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1985
Duette® Honeycomb Shades are launched – the only blinds to feature our unique honeycomb construction which keeps the heat out in summer and keeps homes warmer in winter.
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1986
Hunter Douglas purchased Sunweave Textiles, a NSW business. Sunweave became Hunter Douglas Textiles and was moved to the Rydalmere site. It produced Holland Fabric, Vertical Fabrics and External Awning Fabrics.
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1989
The launch of our Wide Panel Ceiling System allows architects to design closed ceilings with a smooth monolithic appearance.
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1991
Award-winning Silhouette® Shades are introduced.
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1992
Launch of versatile Open Cell Ceilings – using up to 90% recycled aluminium.
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1993
The System 2000 Awning won the prestigious Australian Design Award for its superior materials and function. The system is still ranged today.
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1996
Luminette® Privacy Sheers and PoweRise® battery-powered remote control system launched.
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1999
WHISPER® Cellular Shades Collection was introduced as an affordable quality option to other cellular programs on the market.
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2000
ECOVIEW® Plus and EXTRAVIEW® Plus Sunscreen Fabric are launched.
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2003
Techstyle® Acoustical Ceiling Panels launch. Lightweight, large-format panels with excellent acoustic performance and a range of aesthetic options.
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2004
The iconic PLAZA® Plus Fabric range is introduced. Marko and David Sonnenberg become Co-Presidents of the Hunter Douglas Group. Ralph Sonnenberg moves into the position of Chairman and CEO.
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2007
Pirouette® Shadings and Platinum™ Technology Motorisation launched.
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2009
A new foaming machine was purchased from Germany, which launched the Foam Back Program. It produces the renowned fabrics Elements, Baltic, Carnaby and Seychelles.
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2011
A new direction for Hunter Douglas Components is launched to focus on offering the best quality and service for fabricators. The objectives of the new Hunter Douglas Components Division begins through innovative product, creative and technical marketing and implementation support and training.
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2012
The Quantum Roller Blind Hardware System and the Alpha Awning Series are unveiled.
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2013
Launched the only glass fibre fabric available on the green market, Screen Nature 3% is 100% PVC, polyester and halogen-free and filters light rays by up to 96%.
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2016
PowerView™ motorisation is launched in the Luxaflex Window Fashions range. This advanced home automation system allows you to set scenes to operate your window coverings via a smartphone, tablet or the exclusive Pebble remote control.
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2018
Hunter Douglas, the company behind the Luxaflex brand, goes Green with the largest solar panel installation of its kind in the world, installed on the roof of its warehouse at its Australian manufacturing site in Sydney.
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2019
Luxaflex® Evo Awnings range expands with the launch of the patented Evo MagnaTrack Awning. Australia’s first magnetic retention system and only self-correcting straight drop awning on the Australian market. The Luxaflex brand celebrates 65 years in Australia.