Somfy Network Spotlight on Bandalux USA

In this unpredictable time, being able to innovate is essential. That’s what Bandalux USA did during the ongoing pandemic. The company realized that their solutions could help businesses of all sizes work more safely.

This led to their creation of the B-Shield, a clear plastic shield that protects workers from droplets and allows them to more safely socially distance. Bandalux is also developing healthy and eco-friendly fabrics that are sanitary, easy-to-clean, and help prevent the spread of germs. 

Adapting to the new normal wasn’t easy, but Bandalux realized their innovative products could help businesses get back on their feet while staying safe. The company also realized how important it is to do the right thing for employees and customers. 

Founded in 1986, Bandalux has always focused on using pioneering designs to create beautiful, functional shading solutions. Today, the company is focusing on their “touchless” motorized products to help keep clients healthy and safe. They’ve also used this time to focus on what’s important: taking less for granted, giving back, and creating a positive company culture.

We were glad to have the opportunity to chat with Bandalux USA about their innovative new safety products, the benefits of motorization, and how community is more important now than ever before.   

What are you doing right now to adapt your business?

Firstly, we made internal changes to our processes and facility, like: 

•  Installed B-Shields throughout areas with higher face-to-face interactions. 
• We added sanitizing stations/products throughout our facility. 
• Implemented social distancing protocols, especially during meetings. 
• Included a part-time work from home program for those employees with children and/or elderly family members. 
• Regulated showroom and pick up hours, as well as “Per Appointment Only” scheduled meetings. 

Second, we began making changes to our product offering, like: 

• Introducing new “SHIELD” sneeze guard products. 
• We are in the process of developing additional eco-friendly fabrics. 
• Started to push a “touchless” agenda by providing a more diverse and aggressive motorization offering. 

What made you decide to adapt your business during COVID-19?

Honestly, we did not have a choice. We have a responsibility to our team, partners, clients, and community to do what’s right. Health, safety, and sustainability have always played an enormous role in our decision making. 

From our early beginnings, the core principals of Bandalux as a brand have been to offer protection through shading in every sense of the word. It feels good knowing that products like our B-Shield make us part of a bigger picture. This allows us to help small businesses operate during these tough times, especially since not everything can be done via video chat. 

What was the process like to create masks and new motorized shields and safety products?

We used the same process we normally use before launching any product. The first thing we do is ask ourselves: 

• Where are the problems? 
• Who do they affect? 
• What are the solutions? 
• How much will it cost? 
• When do we start? 

In hindsight, the B Shield had a straightforward development. We wanted to use the same principals as any of our other shading solutions. The only difference was, instead of protection from the sun, it would provide protection from viruses and bacteria. 

We also needed to assure it was easy to install, had a modern design, and was optimal quality. With face masks, although we were gifting the masks, we wanted to be certain they were effective. We had at least 10 prototypes and designs being developed in all 4 of our production facilities. We provided them to vendors, clients, and local governmental offices like the police department. 

What lessons can you share that you have learned adapting to the new normal?

The most powerful lesson is probably how fragile the human experience is. The last five to seven months have served as a reminder of how the little things in life have greater importance than we give them credit for. No matter how far technology advances, our lives are bound by one another. If it is not bettering our interaction with each other, then it will have little to no value in the future. 

Our company as a culture takes a lot less for granted now and tries to give back a little more every day. Therefore, it is important to surround yourself with supportive partners and a team that shares those same views and principals.

Tell us a bit of background on your company, how did you get started?

Bandalux was founded in 1986 with the launch of the vertical blind. Over the past 36 years we have constantly evolved by introducing new product lines and consistently entering new markets. Through the years this has given us the ability to open four production facilities in two different continents and prevail in over 100 markets. Although our facilities are in Spain, Italy, and in the U.S. some of our largest markets include Portugal, South America, and the Netherlands. 

A goal of ours is to become pioneers in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of custom curtains and blinds. We are committed to offering products that bring together quality, service, and technological innovation, with elegance and beauty. Whether for a home, place of business, school, hotel, restaurant, or hospital; our systems offer comfort and help improve quality of life.

What do you like about motorized products and working with Somfy?

As a consumer, before 2020 we would have probably said “the effortlessness of raising and lowering your shades from the comfort of anywhere in the world, powered by the most consistent and reliable brand of motors.” Today, I would say having the comfort of not spending time worrying about the shades and spending more time being with my family. 

True automation is meant to be automated. And Somfy offers all the products you need to make sure your shades nearly operate themselves. Somfy remains continuously evolving while staying true to being user-friendly and reliable. I do not think we can ask for anything more.

What is an example of one of your favorite motorized installations?

It is exceedingly difficult to pinpoint one specific motorized job being that each one brings its own experience. I would say the most memorable jobs are the ones where we made the impossible possible and learned something along the way. 

A good example is a current hotel where the rooms are fully automated with RS485 motors and their own proprietary software. We had to be highly involved from start to finish. From running cable to setting up the final programming, we were there.

Click here to learn more about Bandalux USA.