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Somfy eyes Mideast markets for growth

01 November 2006

Somfy, a world leader in automated opening and closing systems for residential and commercial buildings, is now positioning itself to progressively acquire a sizeable share of the Middle East markets with four new product offerings: the innovative Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) collection, wireless motorisation solutions, Sonesse, a silent motorisation solution and Glystro for motorising curtains.

The new RTS collection of high-quality remote controls and automated systems has been designed so as to simply the use of new functions incorporated within the system.
“The smooth rounded shapes of the remote control units make them easy to hold and a hook point ensures that they can be always kept at hand. Thanks to the ‘my’ button, the unit instantly returns to the user’s pre-programmed favourite position while the rubber contours make the remote control units shock-resistant. The remote control with wide digital screens also features user-friendly arrow keys,” says a spokesman for the France-based manufacturer.
The RTS collection is available in four levels of finish, including: Pure, an everyday design for varied styles: Silver, which naturally blends into contemporary interiors; Lounge, a sleek design for a sophisticated interior décor; and Patio, with shock-proof and water-resistant qualities, which makes it suitable for open air requirements such as terrace and swimming pools.
Turning to the wireless motorisation solutions, he says: “Our company’s range of wireless motorisation solutions enables Venetian blinds and roller blinds to be motor-driven without the constraints of an electric power supply. The motor integrates perfectly into the housing or the tube of the blind. Costs are also reduced as there is no requirement for electrical wiring, which can be an eyesore in interiors. Operating with long-life batteries, Somfy wireless motors allow operations at very low cost. The service life of the batteries is optimized through the use of high-performance lithium batteries.
Sonesse, Somfy’s first silent motorisation solution has been designed to put shades and interior screens in motion, with a single movement and in complete silence. Available in wired or wireless technology, it is aesthetically designed to fit discreetly within shades and screens, and thus meets the demands of even the most sophisticated interiors, he adds.
Glystro is a fully assembled made-to-measure electrical curtain track. “Its integration is simple – the motor can be placed on the right or the left, and also allows central opening. Manual operation is also possible at any time without damaging the system,” says the spokesman. “Glystro is compatible with wire-operated controls or RTS (wireless). The system can be easily installed, thanks to its lightweight and compact design and is available in varied rail shapes to fit every window design requirement in commercial and residential projects.”
These new products have boosted Somfy already extensive range of motors and controls for rolling shutters, blinds, awnings, gates and garage doors.
“The Somfy brand offers a virtually limitless number of solutions. Its motors and automatic control units can be adapted to fit any type of rolling shutter, solar protection device, garage door or gate, regardless of the environment, installation conditions or the number of protection devices required. It is popular in homes and offices in countries around the world as it provides comfort, privacy and security as well as being energy and cost saving.
“With RTS, the customer can upgrade the system at any time, by motorising new items or adding new automated systems, without affecting the interior decor. With Somfy, there is always a solution as our motors or automated systems can be installed when remodelling or building a new home, or even in retrofitting applications,” adds the spokesperson.
Estabilished in Haute-Savoie in France in 1969, Somfy has a workforce of 3,300 employees and produces more than five million motors a year, of which 70 per cent is exported worldwide. The company is present in around 40 countries through a network of 45 subsidiaries and 19 offices in all five continents.