In 2024, German sun protection manufacturer erfal will celebrate its 40th anniversary, a great milestone for this family-run company that has grown into an internationally operating player in the sun shading industry. Founder Jörg Erler looks back on the development of the company, which once began as a small turning and sawing workshop.
From humble beginnings to international success
erfal was founded in 1984 by Jörg Erler in Falkenstein, Saxony. What began as a small craft workshop, making curtain rods and decorative wooden products, grew into a medium-sized company in the following years. This success was not immediately foreseeable, as Erler himself notes: "If I had been asked 40 years ago if I believed I would run a medium-sized company, I would not have dared to believe it at the time."
However, it was not only Erler's craftsmanship that ensured the company's growth, but also his ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany forced erfal to rethink its business model. This flexibility and the guts to enter new markets laid the foundation for erfal's success in the 1990s.
Growth and innovation in the blinds market
In the 1990s, erfal expanded its product portfolio to include solar shading products, a decision that proved crucial for the company's further development. In addition to manufacturing vertical blinds, blinds, roller shutters, pleated blinds and blackout systems were added to the range. This expansion, together with the move to larger premises in the Falkenstein industrial area, provided a solid foundation for the company's further growth.
One of the key factors behind erfal's success during this period was its focus on short delivery times, a feature that quickly became a Unique Selling Point. "We may not have had the prettiest catalogues, but we had motivated employees and could guarantee our customers short delivery times," recalls Erler. This was a significant competitive advantage in the market and enabled erfal to set new standards within the industry.
Digitalisation and customer focus
One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the successful implementation of an innovative B2B online system at erfal. This system allows customers to configure 90% of erfal's products online, an important step in the digitalisation of the company. This online configurator not only allows customers to place their orders at any time of the day, but also to view order confirmations and invoices, create projects and manage orders.
The results of this digital transformation are impressive. In 2017, only 7% of orders were placed online, but already half of customers use the online ordering system. This success is due to the user-friendly interface, 24/7 accessibility and flexibility offered by the system. For customers, this means significant time savings and convenience, while it allows erfal to reduce lead times and increase customer satisfaction.
In addition, erfal's online shop is also accessible via an app, allowing customers to manage their orders even on the go via tablets or smartphones. This mobile accessibility addresses the need for flexibility in the modern business world and contributes to the success of the system.
Future vision
With 40 years of experience behind it and a solid foundation for the future, erfal continues to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. The combination of craft expertise, smart digitalisation and a strongly customer-oriented approach has enabled the company to grow into a major player in the European awning market.
Founder Jörg Erler is proud of what has been achieved over the past four decades, but also looks ahead to the future. With stable growth, continued investment in technology and a keen eye for changing market needs, erfal is well positioned to continue thriving in the years ahead. The company remains committed to delivering innovative, high-quality products, with the aim of exceeding their customers' expectations and further strengthening their market position.
In 2024, erfal celebrates not only its past, but also the vision and determination that will lead the company into a successful future.
More information:
erfal
[email protected]
www.erfal.de
Germany