PROUDLY A GREAT BRITISH MANUFACTURER.
THIS IS OUR STORY.
A lot has changed over the past 50 years but
we're still proud of our roots. Let's start at the beginning...
A lot has changed over the past 50 years but we're still proud of our roots. Let's start at the beginning...
0
In 1969 Mr Reginald Allsopp opened a business making vertical blinds in a small space above a butcher’s shop in Marple, Cheshire. With commitment to progression and innovation, that business became Louvolite and has produced in house the systems, fabrics and tooling for every window blind we showcased today...
1970
Louvolite was first registered
and we moved to a small factory unit in Compstall Mill, Cheshire. We began to manufacture Vertical louvre blinds and sold through third party retailers using our now famous Slimline® Vertical blind system.
1973
we explored the global market
and began supplying customers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Middle East. During this time we also progressed into fabric finishings and purchased our first Stenter*!
*A specialist oven used in the textile industry for drying and heat treating fabric after wet processing
1978
we were fast growing
so our focus shifted and we began to design and manufacture our own component parts. By this point we had also purchased looms and equipment to produce our very own woven textiles.
1980
a decade of change...
The 1980's brought a decade of major changes for Louvolite and the industry. All operations moved to Hyde into to larger premises where the engineering division could expand to design and create components and introduce injection moulding tools, allowing for greater flexibility, creativity and development.
1986
We continued to grow overseas
and we opened our first depot in Singapore and Holland as a gateway into Continental Europe.
1994
we launched high performance fabrics
including washable fabric and our SPC® ranges, enabling the fabrics to reflect heat and light more effectively helping to conserve energy year-round. This also made them anti-glare, idea for offices and schools and commercial spaces.
2002
to help support the volume
growth for high-quality systems we embarked on a radical course of designing, developing and introducing automatic robotic assembly for components, revolutionising our production capability. This was also the year we launched our Slimline Vogue® vertical headrail which featured trendy new colours and a more organic form.
2004
we acquired a new site
and moved the engineering design and tool room and fabric manufacturing to the new site. This allowed greater space for customer service and the cut length department at Ashton Road.
2006
we launched perfect fit screwless fitting system for UPVC windows
a huge development that made a big impact on the industry! The most attractive and innovative window blind available on the market today, windows blinds can fit neatly into a stylish frame which moves together with the windows and doors. No drilling or screwing it gives reduced gaps at the edges, reducing light strike and increasing privacy.
2012
vision® blinds launched
Our Vision® blinds launched, with their contemporary two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric and combining the ideal balance of privacy and light control, Vision® revolutionised the roller blind market.
2014
we invested into digital print
technology with our first HP Latex printer!
2015
one touch™ motorised technology launched
We introduced an innovative range of battery-operated and mains-powered blinds that enables you to operate multiple blinds with remote control, voice activation with Amazon Alexa and Google Home or whilst you're away from home with our app.
Affordably priced, One Touch™ made motorisation accessible to all.
2018
allusion® stole the show
At R+T Stuttgart we showcased Allusion®, which was a hit, and a first look at the Louvolite app and hub.
Made up of a combination of sheer and opaque textured fabric, Allusion® Blinds offers gentle daylight filtering whilst retaining the view when open and gives access to outside space by walking through the blind with the doors open.
2020
despite it's turbulence, 2020 has been a huge year for developments
We expanded our much loved One Touch™ range and, in response to the pandemic, we created CoronaSafe - a treatment for Carnival fabric to help eliminate the virus from the fabric’s surface. Alongside that, we introduced Clearguard a transparent protective fabric to help businesses and health centres continue to work safely with the public whilst socially distancing.
We also released the much anticipated Urban Shutters collection which we rolled out across the North of England in 2020 with incredible responses. A new collection of striking polysilk vinyl shutters offering functional styling with a contemporary flair in three popular styles: Cafe style, full height and tier-on-tier.
1970
Louvolite was first registered
and we moved to a small factory unit in Compstall Mill, Cheshire. We began to manufacture Vertical louvre blinds and sold through third party retailers using our now famous Slimline® Vertical blind system.
1978
we were fast growing
so our focus shifted and we began to design and manufacture our own component parts. By this point we had also purchased looms and equipment to produce our very own woven textiles.
1986
We continued to grow overseas
and we opened our first depot in Singapore and Holland as a gateway into Continental Europe.
2004
we acquired a new site
and moved the engineering design and tool room and fabric manufacturing to the new site. This allowed greater space for customer service and the cut length department at Ashton Road.
2012
vision® blinds launched
Our Vision® blinds launched, with their contemporary two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric and combining the ideal balance of privacy and light control, Vision® revolutionised the roller blind market.
2015
one touch™ motorised technology launched
We introduced an innovative range of battery-operated and mains-powered blinds that enables you to operate multiple blinds with remote control, voice activation with Amazon Alexa and Google Home or whilst you're away from home with our app.
Affordably priced, One Touch™ made motorisation accessible to all.
2019
Disney, Star Wars™ & Marvel
This year we became an official licensee of one of the largest brands in the world. We introduced our limited edition collection of window blinds with Disney, Star Wars™ & Marvel
2022
new 3 year collection | AR | Grip Fit®
We introduced our first 3 year collection with lots of gorgeous plains, patterns and prints. This year also saw the release of AR, allowing customers to browse and visualise window fabrics in their home. Grip Fit® was a massive hit at the BBSA show in Coventry this year. A revolutionary new way to fit your blinds, no drilling or screws required.
2023
introduction of Perfect fit shutter lite
a cost-effective and innovative product that is easy to measure, simple to install. It also effortlessly clips in directly to your existing uPVC window frames, making it easy to remove when cleaning or decorating.
1973
we explored the global market
and began supplying customers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Middle East. During this time we also progressed into fabric finishings and purchased our first Stenter*!
*A specialist oven used in the textile industry for drying and heat treating fabric after wet processing
1980
a decade of change...
The 1980's brought a decade of major changes for Louvolite and the industry. All operations moved to Hyde into to larger premises where the engineering division could expand to design and create components and introduce injection moulding tools, allowing for greater flexibility, creativity and development.
1994
we launched high performance fabrics
including washable fabric and our SPC® ranges, enabling the fabrics to reflect heat and light more effectively helping to conserve energy year-round. This also made them anti-glare, idea for offices and schools and commercial spaces.
2002
to help support the volume
growth for high-quality systems we embarked on a radical course of designing, developing and introducing automatic robotic assembly for components, revolutionising our production capability. This was also the year we launched our Slimline Vogue® vertical headrail which featured trendy new colours and a more organic form.
2006
we launched perfect fit screwless fitting system for UPVC windows
a huge development that made a big impact on the industry! The most attractive and innovative window blind available on the market today, windows blinds can fit neatly into a stylish frame which moves together with the windows and doors. No drilling or screwing it gives reduced gaps at the edges, reducing light strike and increasing privacy.
2014
we invested into digital print
technology with our first HP Latex printer!
2018
allusion® stole the show
At R+T Stuttgart we showcased Allusion®, which was a hit, and a first look at the Louvolite app and hub.
Made up of a combination of sheer and opaque textured fabric, Allusion® Blinds offers gentle daylight filtering whilst retaining the view when open and gives access to outside space by walking through the blind with the doors open.
2020
despite it's turbulence, 2020 has been a huge year for developments
We expanded our much loved One Touch™ range and, in response to the pandemic, we created CoronaSafe - a treatment for Carnival fabric to help eliminate the virus from the fabric’s surface. Alongside that, we introduced Clearguard, a transparent protective fabric to help businesses and health centres continue to work safely with the public whilst socially distancing.
We also released the much anticipated Urban Shutters collection which we rolled out across the North of England in 2020 with incredible responses. A new collection of striking polysilk vinyl shutters offering functional styling with a contemporary flair in three popular styles: Cafe style, full height and tier-on-tier.
2024
the journey continues...
SO WHAT'S NEXT?
Now recognised as a leading global supplier, Louvolite has an export division in the United Kingdom and two international depots in Canada and Australia that allows our worldwide customer base to benefit by being offered unique selling propositions for their own individual markets. Louvolite continue to develop its product ranges to stay ahead of changing demands and provide value in the industry. Louvolite continue to assess the market for gaps where value can be added.
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