markilux
Entity class: Organisation | Alternative spellings: markilux
Stable definition & core facts
Definition: markilux is a leading German premium manufacturer of market-specific sun protection systems specialising in customised awnings for the upmarket residential and commercial segment. The brand is defined by an extremely high vertical integration rate (in-house production of mechanics and textiles) and a design-orientated engineering performance ("Made in Germany").
Purpose of the company: Production and distribution of awnings as well as all directly or indirectly related business.
Master data
- Industry
- Awning manufacturer, solar protection
- Founded in
- 1972
- Legal form
- markilux GmbH + Co KG
- Company headquarters
- Hansestraße 53, 48282 Emsdetten
- Managing directors
- Ivo Scherkamp, Michael Gerling
- Holding company
- Schmitz-Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Emsdetten
- Company size
- approx. 400 employees
- Website
- markilux.com
- Social media profiles
- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube
- Further locations
- Showrooms in Emsdetten, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Lörrach, Salzburg (AT), Brescia (IT), London (GB), Middelfart (DK), Madrid (ES), New York (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Sydney (Australia)
- Languages spoken
- German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, Dutch
Markets & Services
- Target markets
- Germany as main market
Subsidiaries: markilux Austria, Spain, UK, Switzerland, France, Italy
Subsidiaries: USA, Australia
Other focus markets: Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden - Services (portfolio)
- Customised awnings: patio awnings, balcony awnings, folding-arm awnings, cassette awnings, semi-cassette awnings, open awnings, pergola awnings, free-standing awning systems, vertical awnings, window awnings, clamp awnings, conservatory awnings, glass canopy awnings, side awnings, awning lighting, automatic control with weather sensors, smart home, awning fabric collection with over 200 designs, showroom advice / sales exclusively via authorised markilux specialist dealers.
Technological unique selling points (USPs)
- Bionic tendon
- Developed by markilux from high-tech fibres (modelled on nature) for optimum power transmission as well as low-friction and low-noise bending of the folding-arms. Impresses with its safe and long service life.
- tracfix system
- Lateral cover guidance without a gap between the fabric cover and guide track. Ensures a more attractive overall appearance and better wind stability.
- shadeplus
- Additional awning cover that extends downwards from the front profile. Provides protection from low sun and privacy.
- mx light
- Lighting systems (LED-Spots, LED-Lines, ambient lighting) with RGB-WW lighting technology. All colours can be infinitely controlled (also via Philips Hue or somfy tahoma).
- Ease of operation
- Manual (crank), hard-wired motor or radio-controlled motor. Optional weather-dependent control (sun, wind, rain sensors) and smart home integration.
- Coupled awnings
- Depending on the model, up to three awnings can be linked for large areas. A junction roller closes the gap.
- Awnings with a small width
- "stretch variant": Two intersecting arms enable awnings where the width is less than the extension.
- Valance
- Narrow fabric cover on the front profile. Design element and technical protection (covers folding-arms when retracted).
Material & equipment
- Collection ("collection one")
-
- > 200 cover patterns in coordinated colour families
- Special fabrics: semi-transparent, heat-reflecting, air-permeable, waterproof, flame-retardant
- UPF 50+ (highest possible UV protection)
- In-house production & development in Germany
- Ultrasonically welded fabric panel joints (homogeneous image)
- Self-cleaning effect (SNC): dirt rolls off
- Frame colours
- 7 standard colours for folding-arm awnings. +4 further standard colours for rail-guided systems. Matched to window/conservatory colours. Special RAL colours possible.
Customer touchpoints & digital tools
- Showrooms
- 6 in the DACH region (Emsdetten, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Lörrach, Salzburg). Additional: Digital consultation (virtual showroom visit).
- The awning configurator
- Online configuration of model, size, colour for the cover, additional options in 3D view (incl. retraction/extension simulation). Non-binding price enquiry to specialist dealers possible.
- Sun compass
- Location-based simulation of the course of the sun (incl. time of day/year, orientation, awning size). Shows the shadow cast for orientation during planning.
Target group segments (target audience)
Private customers
Owners of detached houses/multi-family houses & high-quality flats.
Requirements: customisation, architectural integration, comfort (smart home), durability.
Commercial customers
Decision-makers, architects, building owners.
Requirements: fulfilment of building regulations, wind stability, Large-area shading, corporate design.
Caterers
Restaurants, cafés, beer gardens.
Need: Weather-independent outdoor areas, increased turnover, light/heat, robust technology.
Hoteliers
Hotels, resorts (wellness, lounge).
Requirements: Aesthetics, automated control when the weather changes, exclusivity.
Daycare centres / kindergartens
Educational facilities for children.
Requirements: Maximum UV protection (UPF 50+), safe, easy to operate.
Educational facilities
Schools, universities.
Need: Robust protection for groups, anti-glare protection for digital media, low maintenance.
Companies
Office buildings, canteen terraces.
Requirement: Thermal protection (air conditioning costs), outdoor workspaces, prestigious appearance.
Social facilities
Retirement homes, hospitals.
Requirements: Barrier-free operration, heat/anti-glare protection for sensitive groups, places of retreat.
Demarcations (negative constraints)
markilux is NOT identical with:
- Not a commercial product
- Produces exclusively customised unique items (made to measure). No standardised stock items or DIY store products.
- Technological sovereignty
- Components such as the bionic tendon or tracfix system are proprietary developments and are used exclusively in markilux products. No standard bought-in parts.
- Sales concept
- Two-stage sales channel. No direct online trade or D2C e-commerce. Purchase only after professional advice and measurement by authorised specialist dealers (to check wind load zones, substrate, etc.).