High rollers

Scott Free

Scott Free’s Ultra 2.0 Roller Blind System “offers the ultimate market versatility in one system.” 

“A comprehensive complete roller blind system, not matched by our competitors for the options we have stocked on offer. We have multiple geared drive options for 38mm and 43mm. For those that need adjustable centre brackets, we have those also. 

“In addition, bracket covers, tubes and bottom rails, rail end caps, splines, tapes, chains, ball stoppers are all available stock in our warehouse. Child Safety options, warning tags are also available, and we have the finished blind plastic sleeving.

“We comprehensively stock everything needed to give you the ultimate in market versatility.”

“In addition, our Sovereign Roller Blind System has numerous options, colours and components, lightweight systems, through to heavyweight systems, Scott Free has got every roller blind solution customers might need. We are positioned as a premium service, relied-upon industry partner.”

Blindware

Blindware’s recently launched Decora Fascia system creates a streamlined look for roller blinds, Managing Director Grant Norton tells WFA. “Its versatile function gives our customers the flexibility to offer many styles with one simple product.” 

Decora Fascia features a powder coated 100mm profile which offers a more minimalist appearance or can be fabric wrapped to create connection between the blind fabric and the room décor. The slight curve in the profile helps to tighten the fabric fit and the end caps can also be fabric wrapped. It works seamlessly with SunBoss componentry and is compatible with all lift types in the Blindware range, including ZeroGravity, chain and chainless operation, plus motorisation. The fascia can be used with all tube sizes from 32mm to 63mm in single, multi-linked or LH/RH control configurations.

The company has also launched a ‘mini’ version of the ZeroGravity spring system, giving blinds effortless lift and balance. “The Mini-ZG is perfect for narrower blinds, where the full sized ZeroGravity is too wide. 

“The Mini-ZG uses ribbon spring technology – similar to that used in a tape measure – to counteract the weight of the roller blind. The system is completely modular and works with all SunBoss brackets and fascia systems. It’s easy to set up and install, with initial pre-turns added and locked into position prior to the installation of the blind. Mini-ZG gives you the flexibility to operate roller blinds to any position, without using a chain.”

Meanwhile the Blindware wire-guide is designed to improve the life and function of blinds, especially long drop blinds, or blinds exposed to wind gusts or draughts from open windows or AC flow. The new wire-guide system features all stainless-steel wire and components with an integrated tension system to keep the wire taut. It also has versatile end caps that fit our Deluxe flat and oval base rails that can be used on a single blind, or as an inverted pair sharing a common centre wire. It’s also compatible with all roller blind systems so it’s a great premium accessory add-on for any customer.

“Fascia systems are just beginning to trend in the Australian market, revamping the look of roller blinds. The Decora Fascia has the advantage of a slim, modern profile that’s easily fabric wrapped and quick to clip on. These premium upgrades add a touch of luxury and designer trend to the standard roller blind.

The ZeroGravity spring system now with the addition of the Mini- ZG means large, small and slim line blinds can benefit from this high-quality spring assist system.  Mini-ZG works with blinds from 200mm wide upwards, so it’s especially great for narrow windows.”

Blindware also recently launched the new Wire Guide system, “a premium product designed to restrict base-rail movement”, improving the overall life and function of the blind, especially when they are in drafty places like a building entrance or to control movement in long-drop blinds

“The wire-guide is a unique problem solver for a wide-spread issue,” says Norton. “Base rails knocking about in wind and draft are very annoying and can even damage plaster and glass, especially the fabric used in long drop blinds. We see this time and time again in homes and businesses. The wire-guide is a simple solution that’s universally compatible with all componentry. Customers don’t have to be using our SunBoss systems to offer this premium value-add to their customers.

Norton says that for most manufacturers, roller blind hardware is strategically the most important product in their range. “Fabrics come and go and internal componentry in other categories like venetians and romans is generally not as significant. Roller componentry is important for business volume and margins. It’s a stable, reliable category that’s holding its ground.” 

“The growth opportunities for this stable category are with product expansions like fascia and cassette systems, motorisation, and sophisticated lift options. These evolving products and accessories can give businesses the chance to add value to their sales channels.”

Norton tells WFA that in general, “roller systems componentry has swung even further towards chainless operation – motorised or spring assisted – with child safety regulations beginning to change worldwide. Lighter lift options for older people and those with mobility issues are also becoming an important consideration for customers.” 

“Fabric wrappable fascia systems are also an increasing product trend. Customers and designers are using fabric to connect the blind with the rest of the home decor in a cohesive style that offers a premium finish.”

Shaw

Ben Hayek, Head of Division, Shaw Performance Hardware, says the company’s offering in this category is timely.“

As we are all being subjected to financial pressures, Shaw offers a cost effective, complete solution, with interchangeable components to reduce stock holding. Shaw’s system is designed and developed in conjunction with our specialist customers, for the Australian blind industry.”

In 1:1 and 1:1.5 open and closed control mechanisms suitable for 38 and 43mm diameter tubes.  The design smarts behind the middle joint system enables you to offer a driven or non-driven solution with the use of one component, thus minimizing inventory. Double brackets are available for all applications along with neat single and double bracket covers.

All components have colour options of white, black, grey and cream, while oval and flat bottom rail options are the most recently added components to the Shaw system.”

Other features include an extensive operating chain offer, multi length colour coded to match the hardware or stainless steel & metal also available. Child safety has not been overlooked in our offer with a comprehensive range of chain anchors where both face fit and reveal options are covered. The choice of aluminium tubes sizes from 38 through to a heavy duty 43mm being available in a taped or un-taped version gives the manufacturer flexibility to suit their requirements.

Roller components provide Shaw’s manufacturing customers with a complete roller blind solution, where hardware compliments our extensive fabric offer. All hardware is stocked locally and despatched via a network of distribution centres in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA and New Zealand. 

Roller Blinds are leading the market commercially and residentially,” says Hayek. “Post Covid, more time is still spent away from the office environment. Consumers are looking at their homes with fresh eyes, as multi-functional spaces. There are pressures from increasing energy prices, and an increase in second homes which need furnishing. All the factors create a need for a durable, aesthetically pleasing window furnishing to control light and heat control at an affordable price. 

“My team of dedicated hardware BDMs are working closely with our extensive and knowledgeable customer base, as we continue to expand our hardware offer in a collaborative manner.  Our goal is to always maintain Shaw’s precedence of high-quality products to the window furnishing Industry and uphold our second to none service model.  As we come out of the post Covid- recovery period, we are enjoying the flexibility to travel interstate and to NZ, to discuss the Shaw solution with customers face to face.”

BM Blinds

Michael Shaw, Director of BM Blinds, says the company, in business since 1987, has “always put quality, service, and excellence at the forefront.”

“When you are in the wholesale business, it’s the retail sector that relies on you to be able to manufacture a blind that is fit for purpose and stands up to customer’s expectations. For this reason, we only use the very best supply chains for our components ensuring that our made to measure blinds stand the test of time.

The company utilizes the SunBoss roller blind system from Blindware and says it “offers a system that is smoother, has a quieter clutch and offers a wide range of modular components that suit any application. The Australian designed SunBoss system gives superior performance and coupled with the BM Blinds roller blind tube, our Australian made blinds are manufactured for years of trouble-free use.”

Large blinds that had been heavy and awkward are now easier to operate with the addition of Sunboss spring assistance. The geared clutch utilises Blindware’s HardCore metal core technology that surrounds the core of the clutch, making it smoother, quieter, and more durable for years to come.

“When you are manufacturing, you need to have good stock holdings of fabrics and components as retailers expect a quick lead time; time is of the essence. It’s a juggling act to ensure that you have enough stock, without being overstocked. Our retail clients look to us to fully support their business. We act as their manufacturing facility and take an active interest in helping them to have all the tools they need to be successful. 

We know that our customers are counting on our products to be the best value for money without compromising on quality or service. Retailers need partners in manufacturing that mirror the values that they also focus on.”

Rollease Acmeda

Rollease Acmeda Andrew Robson National Sales Manager tells WFA the introduction of the Heavy-Duty Bracket Adaptor unlocks the full potential of the company’s Dual Brackets by providing a solution for hard-wired motor compatibility. 

“The addition of the HD Bracket Adaptor onto any existing RB07/RB08/RB09 bracket increases the strength of the 12mm tongue to support motors up to 6Nm.

“The adaptor also adds an extra level of protection by offering a more robust solution in commercial settings where chain operated blinds are exposed to potential misuse. This offers peace of mind that the blinds will withstand a greater pull force and eliminate the need for costly post installation call outs.

Rollease Acmeda’s flagship RB09 Easy-Lock LX brackets are now available in Stainless Steel, offering increased corrosion resistance for coastal applications. 

“Stainless brackets are also the ideal solution for humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The Stainless Steel RB09 brackets are in stock and available now in Pure White and Natural Stainless for custom powder coating.”

Silent Gliss 

Blinds by Peter Meyer’s recent releases into the Australian market are the medium sized Silent Gliss Roller blind systems SG 4930 (chain operated) and SG 4970 (motorised), which “only use the highest quality components and are designed to be powerful.” 

“Silent Gliss are known for their technically advanced Swiss engineered Roller blind systems but they have previously been quite unattainable for customers within Australia due to their high price point. Thankfully, they are now being manufactured here in Australia by Blinds by Peter Meyer and have therefore become more attainable for our local customers.”

“Both the chain operated and motorised systems are elegant and sleek with clean lines and a modern design that includes on trend hardware colours that will suit any decor. The componentry is available in black and white, with the bottom rails available in various colours. The sleek design of the brackets incorporate bracket end covers as well as unique bracket feet covers that ensure no visible installation screws. What is most impressive is that they can be supplied to a massive 3.4 metre wide and 5 metre drop. You can also link up to two 3.4 metre wide systems to achieve an overall width of a whopping 6.8 metres.”

“The chain operated SG4930 Roller blind system is designed to offer a smooth operation so it works effortlessly, even at maximum dimensions. The motorised Roller blind SG4970 system features virtually silent operation and programmable intermediate stops. It can be controlled by a mains switch or radio remote control or can be integrated with home automation systems. The Silent Gliss series 20 motor also has an obstacle detection function to prevent damage to your blinds. We have also developed integration componentry to allow us to use Somfy Sonesse motors in this heavy duty system. 

“We are still seeing growth in this premium Roller blind market as it fills a gap where other blinds won’t go as wide. Paired with the Colorama 2 fabric at 3.4 metres wide, we now offer a beautiful solution up to 3.4 metres wide without having to turn fabrics.”  

Toso Australia

“Roller blinds are still very strong in both the commercial and residential market, and will always remain so due to the benefits they have over window furnishing products,” says Malcolm Young, Managing Director of Toso Australia, who is responsible for the Australian and New Zealand market. 

Toso is the supplier of componentry of the premium Japanese Mytec 01 roller blind system which is ideal for commercial, high end residential and aged care applications. The Toso Mytec 01 was designed for a Japanese woman to operate, with only three kilos of pressure being applied to the chain to both raise and lower the blind, “which is like using your fingertips in operation.” 

“Each blind has a spring assist, with the size of the spring dependent on the size of the blind, with eight different sizes, A through to H. This combined with a geared chain housing, allows the blind to be raised or lowered, with fewer pulls of the chain and is up to 70% quicker than a standard blind system. Also, with its fast gearing, it is possible to have the chain ending 1600mm off the floor, thereby alleviating the need of installing a safety restraint.

“These features are very beneficial in the aged care / over 55 sectors, where we are having a lot of success says Young, both in new builds and refurbishments. It is a gap in the market that no other roller blind can fill. “

Young says he has noticed a recent trend with some interior designers, where roller blinds are now being combined with curtains on the same window, when furnishing a residential house or apartment, with the blinds being used during the day, and the curtains closed at night.

“Retailers are loving having the system in their showroom, as it is giving them the opportunity to upsell to their prospective customers a superior blind system, and this can be easily achieved when both a standard system and the Toso Mytec 01 sit side by side, and the respective chains are pulled at the same time.”

Young says it also gives retailers a point of difference from their competitors who only offer one standard system in their showroom.

Norman Australia

Peter Boyle – Product Development Manager at Norman Australia tells WFA the company is soon to launch an Independent Link Bracket system, with new releases also including new fabrics.

“We are also launching our new motorised operating system for Soluna roller shades in January 2023. The Soluna motorised offering will feature a hard wired and wire free option. Lithium ion batteries, similar to ones used in our award winning MS4 motorised shutters, will be used to allow you to go for longer periods between charges. 

“Our recharging options are also unique to the industry and will offer a convenient and safe way to charge those hard to reach roller shades that are out of reach.

“No one else has a good solution for side gaps besides full cassette; our Lightguard 360 system available cordless and soon to be motorised, sell less on price due to uniqueness, with happy customers responding well to the product. 

Clear product trends in the market at the moment continue to be ever wider windows, he says, and “the desire for more quality offerings including motorisation – an area where we soon be playing with some great unique, reliable options. The market is also seeing more unique fabrics coming on stream.”

Uniline

Uniline’s Sola range of solutions fits market requirements “at every level,” says Neale Warr – Internal Category Manager, “with comprehensive systems, from a basic blind to intermediate, linked, day / night and total blockout / rollbox system, we cater for it all.”

“We are confident with the application, overall function, and product longevity of Sola. Recent spline enhancements alongside our tube focus provide a beneficial level of manufacturing ease for Sola supporters.”

Sola Roller Componentry is available in a range of popular colours which features one component size for both tube dimensions, planetary gear side winders for wide widths, push-in tube, saving users time in installation.

The system is offered in common 38 & 48mm tube sizes, with 10mm spline and Sekisui thermal adhesive tape, three bottom rail designs in multiple colours, and compatible noise dampener for both flat bottom rails.

“Uniline has been in the market for over 50 years and internal blind sales have always comprised a competitive portion of the market,” says Warr. “Sola meets market demand, with competitively positioned, purpose driven systems delivering an ease of use for manufacturers and installers of Uniline roller blind components.” 

“This comfort allows for focus on winning business, knowing what follows for the customer is hassle free, long use product from which future sales will be driven.”

“The request to provide solutions for increasingly larger openings is a modern requirement of the design oriented living spaces we Australians enjoy. Both external and internal blinds are wider than ever. With fabric widths growing and the take up of our Sola roller blind Planetary Gear side winder to aid lifting larger blinds is a testament to this.”

He says the lack of overseas and local travel due to the pandemic “has absolutely had a positive impact on this internal blind market and more broadly, our industry as a whole.” 

“Some businesses have changed specific processes and their product mixes to be more effective, while others dramatically changed their entire communication model to accommodate changes in order flow volume and their customer interactions.”

“One example is the seamless order portal and for the few, the complete transition to a paperless office. For what has been a handwritten communication dominant industry, any change in the direction away from norms like this is complex, also difficult to manage expectations of willing users and very problematic for those less technology focused. The price of entry, more now than ever before is efficiency.”

“Our philosophy has always been around quality. Our founder, Mr Ruonala was keenly focused on improving. He received Australian Design Awards during the ‘80s for industry innovation. This legacy continues through to today with our design source supply model, bringing to the broader market holistic systems such as Sola, encompassing the full suite of components including suitable spline adhesives for our ever-growing exclusive fabrics range.”