Harol celebrates 80 years of innovation

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In 2026, Harol will celebrate its 80th anniversary. A special moment to reflect on eight decades of innovation, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. What began in 1946 as a small workshop for wooden roller shutters has grown into an international benchmark in natural cooling and solar shading.

Today, we protect not only buildings, but above all the people who live in them. Families worldwide rely on Harol for comfort, peace of mind and protection. That is why our anniversary slogan is:
80 years of caring for generations.

Rolluiken_Volets Roulants_Roller shutters_Rollladen — For 80 years, Harol has been providing shade, comfort and moments of happiness that are passed down from generation to generation.

Elvire & Leon Draelants, founders of Harol

With a passion for their profession and their people, founders Elvire and Leon Draelants remained actively involved with Harol until late in life.

A story of entrepreneurship, care and forward thinking

The story of Harol begins in 1946 with Leon and Elvire Draelants, who founded “Hagelandse Rolluiken” in post-war Hageland (Kersbeek-Miskom). At a time when energy was scarce, their wooden roller shutters not only offered protection, but also insulation in winter and cooling in summer.

From the outset, the company was driven by more than just craftsmanship: care for people, attention to continuity and commitment to everyone who contributed to the story were embedded in the DNA of the young company. This approach to business, shaped in part by Elvire, is still evident at Harol today, three generations later.

Harol, Hagelands rolluikenbedrijf — From the outset, Harol stood for quality and care that goes beyond the product.

Harol_jaren 80_burgemeester Jean Van de Kerckhof_Laurent Draelants

During their visit to the Harol factory in the 1980s, Mayor Jean Van de Kerckhof, the aldermen and Diest business leaders listened with fascination as the young Laurent Draelants passionately explained Harol’s innovative approach — an approach that confirms Harol’s position as a benchmark within the Belgian manufacturing industry.

Innovation as a driver of growth

In the 1960s, Harol introduced PVC roller shutters from its own production — an important step towards sustainability, dimensional stability and ease of maintenance. The real acceleration followed in the 1970s and 1980s under the leadership of son Laurent Draelants.

Faced with the oil crisis, he was quick to recognise how crucial energy efficiency would become for the future of housing and construction. Under his vision, Harol grew not only in size but also in ambition. The company evolved from a roller shutter manufacturer to a fully-fledged provider of solar shading solutions.

All new products are developed in-house, supported by a strong R&D culture that combines technology, innovation and design. The range expands to include awnings, conservatory blinds and solutions that actively protect buildings from the sun and heat. At the same time, Harun proteol builds up a strong network of partners at home and abroad. As a result, the family business grows into an international benchmark.

Harol is becoming an international benchmark

The 80s

Awning_Zonneluifel_Zonnescherm_Store banne_Markise

In the 1980s, Harol awnings cemented their place as a stylish and functional solution to sun and heat.

Harol awnings have found their way throughout Europe, loved for their natural cooling effect, quality and appearance.

With a passion for innovation, Harol developed drop-arm awnings from its own R&D department that kept buildings and users cool and protected.

In 1980, Harol moved to a new 50,000 m² production site, also known as “the green building along the motorway to Brussels”.

A strategic leap forward in quality, design and industrial efficiency

To support its growth, Harol moved from Kersbeek-Miskom to the industrial estate in Webbekom (Diest) in 1980, strategically located next to the motorway. The new production site not only offered space for expansion, but also enabled further investment in quality control, product development and a more structured, data-driven approach to production. In the 1980s, Harol laid the foundations for sustainable design, technical precision and smart industrial processes.

A locally based employer with a big heart for people

After the move, Harol grew into a stable and important employer in Diest and the surrounding area. The expansion of its activities created additional jobs in production, engineering, logistics and support. By focusing on craftsmanship, training and internal career opportunities, Harol gradually built up strong local roots and close ties with its employees. For generations, employees have found sustainable careers here, supported by a shared pride in high-quality products and a family-like corporate culture that allows people and the company to grow together.

Minister van Economie en Tewerkstelling Gaston Geens bezoekt Harol fabriek_Le ministre de l’Économie et de l’Emploi Gaston Geens visite l’usine Harol_Minister of Economy and Employment Gaston Geens visits the Harol factory_Wirtschafts- und Arbeitsminister Gaston Geens besucht das Harol-Werk

In 1983, Harol’s local commitment and employment opportunities attracted national attention with a visit to the factory by Gaston Geens, Minister of Economy and Employment.

Personeelsfeest Harol_Fête du personnel Harol_Betriebsfest Harol_Harol Employee Party

At Harol, it wasn’t just products that were built, but also enjoyment, solidarity and friendships that stood the test of time.

Growing with vision

The ’90s and 2000s

In 1995, Laurent and Leon Draelants inaugurated the new, sustainable paint line. This investment marked the next step in high-quality, controlled production.

solutions pour terrasse_terrasoplossingen_terrace solutions_Terrassenlösungen

Since the 2000s, Harol has been expanding its range with well-designed patio solutions that combine comfort, technology and aesthetics.

Harol on fairs in the nineties_Harol aux salons dans les années 90_Harol op beurzen in de jaren 90_Harol auf Messen in den 90er Jahren

Harol participates in numerous international trade fairs to promote its innovative product range and grow internationally.

With Annick as CEO and Joris as Technical Director, a rock-solid tandem is ready to go.

We believe in natural cooling

In 2012, Annick and Joris Draelants, the third generation, took over the helm. They built on the rich family history and translated it into a clear vision for the future. With the mission statement ‘We believe in natural cooling’, they positioned Harol as a pioneer in sustainable climate solutions.

Under their leadership, Harol is strongly committed to design and digitalisation. Solar shading is becoming more minimalist, technically refined, intuitive and increasingly connected to smart control systems. Automation, sensors and connected technology ensure that our solutions anticipate sun, temperature and use — and create comfort even before residents ask for it.

The R&D team is awarded the Red Dot Design Award for designs that focus on design, technology and the end user. This marks the beginning of an impressive series of international recognitions.

Award winning design

International awards such as the Red Dot Award, Archiproducts Award and German Design Award underline Harol’s strong focus on thoughtful design and innovation. With solutions that block out sun and heat before they enter buildings, Harol offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling and thus helps to reduce energy consumption.

Windmolen_éolienne_windmill_Windmühle_green energy

With the launch of its own wind turbine in 2021, Harol will now operate entirely on green energy.

Sustainability is in our DNA

At Harol, sustainable thinking is not a trend, but a conviction that has been around for generations. We invest in energy-efficient buildings, production processes with a low ecological footprint and our own wind turbine, which was installed and commissioned in 2021. All with one goal in mind: to contribute to a liveable, cool and comfortable future.

Today, Harol exports finished products and components to more than 30 countries. Dealers and assembly companies worldwide rely on our core values: craftsmanship, quality and care. Behind this international growth is a team of 250 employees who make a difference every day.

Achter elk Harol-product staan mensen die met passie, vakmanschap en zorg het verschil maken

What we create today, we do with care for future generations.

Caring for generations

By continuing to invest in innovation, quality, and natural cooling, we are taking responsibility for tomorrow today. For families, for buildings, and for the world in which they come together, as well as for the people who build Harol every day with knowledge, passion, and care.

That is what Harol stands for.
Yesterday, today, and every day.

Because we care.