About Us

About Us

Hunter Douglas Limited Australia, part of the Hunter Douglas Group, has a reputation for delivering technically superior and aesthetically pleasing window components. The company has been manufacturing in Australia for over 60 years and has a long history of innovation, now offering the widest range of components anywhere in the world.

  1. 1919

    Henry Sonnenberg founded a machine tool distribution business and subsequent manufacturing company in Dusseldorf, Germany.

  2. 1933

    Henry then moved his entire stock of machines in a hundred and fifty railroad cars to an abandoned shop yar in Rotterdam, The Netherlands; and establised a machine tool operation.

  3. 1940

    Henry Sonnenberg moved to the United States where he founded the Douglas Machinery Company.

  4. 1946

    Henry Sonnenberg establishes a joint venture with Joe Hunter, a gifted inventor, which developed new technology and equiptment for the continuous casting and fabrication of lightweight aluminium. 

    This lead to the production of Venetian Blinds. Hunter Douglas as we know it today, was born.

  5. 1947

    Hunter Douglas Aluminium Blinds Quickly gained leadership in the American and Canadian market. Fabricators sold the blinds during the day and assembled them in their workrooms throughout the night. 

  6. 1953

    With the success in the US and Canada, global expansion was inevitable. In 1963, Hunter Douglas expanded to Australia, establishing in the Sydney suburb of Rydalmere, where it still stands today.

  7. 1960-1970

    Hunter Douglas in Australia quickly achieved a predominant position in the venetian blind industry; it rapidly expanded its range to include Wall Cladding, Insect Screen Doors, Slimfold Screen, Aluminium Awnings, Sundrape Woven Aluminium Drapery and Drapery Track under several well-known brands such as Mello-Lite and Permalum.

  8. 1972

    Henry Sonnenberg passed his title of President of the Hunter Douglas Group after 26 years to his son Ralph Sonnenberg.

  9. 1986

    Hunter Douglas purchased Sunweave Textiles, a business that operated in NSW. Undergoing a name change at the time, Sunweave became Hunter Douglas Textiles and was moved to the Rydalmere site shortly after. 

    It produced holland fabric, vertical fabrics and external awning fabrics.

  10. 1993

    The System 2000 Awning won the prestigious Australian Design Award for it's superior materils and function. The awning strength and robust nature made from technically superior materials, ensures it is engineered to last in tough conditions. The system is still ranged today.

  11. 1999

    Whisper Cellular Shades Collection was introduced as an affordale quality option to other cellular programs on the market.

  12. 2000

    ECOVIEW Plus and EXTRAVIEW Plus Sunscreen Fabric were launched. The instant success of the PVC fiberglass ranges resulted in Hunter Douglas investing in more looms to keep up with volume. 

  13. 2004

    Introduction of the iconic PLAZA Plus Fabric Range. 

    Marko and David Sonnenberg became Co-Presidents of the Hunter Douglas Group. Ralph Sonnenberg moved into the position of Chairman and CEO.

  14. 2009

    A new foaming machine from Germany was purchased which launched The Foam Back program. It produces the well renouned fabrics such as Elements, Baltic, Carnaby and Seychelles. The foam was unique to the market; soft to feel like a flock. but easy to clean.

  15. 2011

    A new direction for Hunter Douglas Components was launched to focus on offering the best quality service for fabricators. 

    The objectives of the new Hunter Douglas Components Division began through innovative product, creative and technical marketing and implementation support and training.

  16. 2012

    The Quantum Roller Blind Hardware System and the Alpha Awning Series were unveiled bringing a new generation of design engineering and excellence.

  17. 2023

    70 years on and Hunter Douglas has continuously grown and expanded throughout Australia. The innovative spirit of the company lead to the development of revolutionary new products to meet the increasing demand for Australian window fashion, quality and functionality.

  18. 2019

    The Alpha M Awning System was introduced to the Turnils Awnings range as the next evolution in external awnings. Australia’s first & only magnetic retention system, delivering 200kg^ of pull force keeping fabric taut and neat inside channels. Developed for diverse weather conditions and adapted locally for Australia’s harsh climate, Alpha M awning system offers unparalleled strength and performance.

Privacy policy Sitemap Warranty