Q&A: Steve Iommi, Somfy North America

Home control and automation are growing increasingly popular among consumers seeking new levels of convenience and eco-friendliness, leading to a burgeoning "green" market for integrators.

One somewhat unexplored green area is interior and exterior shade control, which can greatly reduce energy bills.

Somfy Systems, a company with more than three decades of experience in the category of controllable motor products, could be considered the Intel or Texas Instruments of its field.

This brand-within-a-brand company designs, manufactures and distributes motors that are used to power a variety of controllable products, from shades to projection screens to outdoor awnings.

Indeed, several prominent shade control manufacturers (and automatic projector screen companies too) use Somfy-made motors.

In addition to its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreements, Somfy also offers custom installers its own brand-named line of motor and interface products designed to facilitate the automation and energy conservation aspirations of today's public.

Somfy's 52 susidiaries are in 51 countries. Its motors and electronic controls are purchased by more than 25,000 independent window treatment fabricators and dealers with more than 210 million end users using its products. The company manufactures 42,500 motors a day.

Steve Iommi, business development manager, took some time with CE Pro to explain and define the company's role within the custom installation market and address ways to take advantage of this category when presenting green solutions.

Can you explain the role of Somfy and its products within the industry?

Somfy manufactures the motorization components of automated window coverings, which include the motor and electronic controls.

To better understand this, let's consider the fabrication of a solar/roller shade and how Somfy fits into the picture.

In simplified terms, a window treatment fabricator assembles or fabricates a roller/solar shade by first cutting the desired fabric to the correct dimensions.

The top portion of the fabric is then carefully affixed to the roller tube in order to allow the shade to roll up in an even fashion. Next, a tubular motor, such as the Somfy Sonesse 50, is inserted into the roller tube to create a motorized window covering.

A Somfy control or interface [for third-party system control] may now be programmed to the motor in order to operate the window covering at the touch of a button or automatically if integrated with a timed function.

What should installers look for when evaluating shade motors and interface devices?

There are four points: reliability, experience, flexibility and support.

One -- reliability. Our product reliability provides peace of mind not only to the homeowner, but to the installer as well.

Installers will be glad to learn all Somfy finished products are 100-percent inspected against sector norms and internal performance specifications. Our products are designed for a life expectancy of more than 10 years and they come with five-year guarantees.

Two -- experience. A company with more experience means better results. With more than 30 years in the industry, Somfy has expanded its focus from single application solutions to whole-home and building solutions.

Today, Somfy has the most complete range of motors and controls designed for interior window coverings, projection screens and exterior products, such as awnings and rolling shutters.

Three -- flexibility. The type of window coverings compatible with motorization should not be limited because of a limited product offer.

Somfy has developed a broad range of motors that are compatible with virtually any type of covering, which includes wood blinds, roller/solar shades, Roman/woven shades, pleated/cellular shades, sheer horizontals or even draperies.

Four -- support. The level of support installers receive from the motor company powering the window covering is also important to consider. The Somfy Expert program is available to installers interested in becoming certified as a Somfy motorization expert.

This comprehensive sales and marketing program offers an abundance of support material that includes product training, literature, point-of-sale displays, showroom materials, in-home sample program, field support, installation assistance, a dedicated phone number, e-mail and Web site and more.