Altex

What Altex does

Altex is a privately held, family-owned Canadian manufacturer of custom-made window coverings, founded in 1975 by Michel Alepins and his sons Paul and Gaetan, and now in its third generation of Alepins family leadership under President Gaetan Alepins. The company designs, manufactures, and assembles its products at its Terrebonne, Quebec headquarters, supported by regional offices in Woodbridge (Toronto) and Langley (Vancouver), and serves the residential, commercial, and architectural segments exclusively through an authorized dealer network across Canada, with operations also extending into the United States.

The product portfolio is built around made-to-measure roller shades (including Ambio dual-layer and Day & Night variants), honeycomb/cellular shades, exterior shades, fixed multiform shades for non-standard window geometries, and motorized curtain tracks. Underlying technology includes the proprietary Newton High-Speed Lite-Lift inertia-based manual control system (registered in Canada), Somfy motorization for traditional motorized shades, and Motionblinds — an intelligent, USB-C rechargeable motor with Matter and Thread support, available exclusively in Canada through Altex's partnership with Dutch family-owned Coulisse. The catalog spans more than 700 fabric options across the Altex/Coulisse, Altex/Régulière, Ambio/Coulisse, Exterior Shades, and Honeycomb Shades collections, with custom design capability via the IMAGIN X printing service and complementary accessories such as cassettes, fascias, bottom bars, and side channels.

Altex monetizes one-time sales of custom window coverings and accessories, plus professional installation services delivered by authorized dealers; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed because every order is configured to measurement, fabric, and system specification. Notable enterprise references include LEED Gold-certified installations at Vancouver Olympic Village, a nearly 10-meter curtain wall at Quebec City Airport, approximately 3,000 windows at Bosa Waterfront Centre using Newton Lite-Lift, motorized solar shades at the Olympic Stadium Tower, and custom treatments at Hôtel Mount Stephen and Lumenpulse facilities. Distribution is dealer-led and supported by content marketing on altexdesign.com, social channels, and the APDIQ interior-design association partnership.

Name

Altex

Legal name

Altex Inc.

Website

https://altexdesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Altex is a Canadian family-owned manufacturer of custom-made window coverings — roller, honeycomb, exterior, and motorized shades — serving residential, commercial, and architectural customers exclusively through an authorized dealer network across Canada and the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Window Coverings

NAICS

Blind and Shade Manufacturing (337920), Window Treatment Retailers (449122), Curtain and Linen Mills (31412)

akta.pro primary industry

Window Treatments & Shading Systems (Blinds, Shades, Awnings) (IMADAIAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Window Shades Retail (Roller, Roman, Cellular/Honeycomb, Solar) (CRAIAKAB), Window Coverings Manufacturing (Curtains/Drapes/Sheers/Valances) (IMAOAKAC)

Keywords

• Custom window coverings
• Made-to-measure shades
• Roller shades manufacturing
• Motorized window treatments
• Architectural window solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Terrebonne

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Window Coverings: Designs, manufactures, and assembles made-to-measure window coverings including roller shades, honeycomb/cellular shades, exterior shades, and motorized curtain tracks. Products are sold exclusively through authorized dealers who provide expert consultation and installation services.
2. Professional Installation Services: Authorized dealers provide professional installation services for window coverings, ensuring proper fitting and finish by trained experts.
3. IMAGIN X Custom Printing: Custom fabric printing service allowing personalization of window coverings with unique designs and imagery.
4. Accessories: Sale of accessories including bottom bars, cassettes, fascias, and side channels to complement and finish window covering installations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Altex designs, manufactures, and assembles made-to-measure custom window coverings in Canada, including roller shades (with Ambio and Day & Night variants), honeycomb cellular shades, exterior shades, fixed multiform shades, and motorized curtain tracks. Products are sold exclusively through a network of authorized dealers who provide consultation, measurement, ordering, and professional installation, complemented by custom fabric printing (IMAGIN X), architectural solutions (SunProject), and proprietary control technologies (Newton High-Speed Lite-Lift, Motionblinds smart motorization).

Product overview

Altex is a Canadian manufacturer of made-to-measure window coverings with over 50 years of experience, designing, manufacturing, and assembling products in Canada. The product portfolio centers on roller shades as the core offering, with specialized variants including Ambio dual-layer shades for multifunctional light control, Day & Night 2-in-1 shades combining opaque and translucent fabrics, honeycomb shades for energy efficiency and acoustics, fixed multiform shades for custom-shaped windows, exterior shades for outdoor spaces, and motorized curtain tracks. These products are supported by multiple control systems: manual operation (chain, wand, spring mechanisms) through the District and Absolute 2.0 sub-brands, standard Somfy motorization, and the intelligent Motionblinds system with Matter/Thread protocols. Newton High-Speed Lite-Lift technology provides advanced non-motorized operation. Altex also offers custom fabric printing through IMAGIN X, professional installation services, and specialized architectural solutions through the SunProject division for commercial and large-scale projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IMAGIN X: Custom shade printing service that allows customers to personalize their window coverings with custom designs and patterns.

Products and services

• Roller Shades Made-to-measure roller shades offered as the most popular product in the Altex range, with multiple fabric options and multiple control systems to suit all window types and home styles. Sold made-to-measure through authorized dealers.
• Ambio Roller Shades Dual-layer roller shades that transition from transparent to translucent fabric, providing simultaneous brightness, visibility, and privacy control through the proprietary Ambio mounting system.
• Day & Night Roller Shades 2-in-1 roller shade system combining opaque and translucent/transparent fabric bands so users can alternate between full privacy and adjustable light/brightness levels.
• Honeycomb Shades Honeycomb (cellular) structured window coverings combining energy efficiency, privacy control, and acoustic insulation with modern aesthetics for residential, commercial, and architectural environments.
• Fixed Multiform Shades Custom-cut window coverings engineered for unusually shaped windows, made to exact dimensions with velcro attachment for a permanent made-to-measure installation.
• Exterior Shades Outdoor exterior shades that reduce direct sunlight, control solar heat gain, and enhance outdoor living space comfort, available in two system choices and fully retractable.
• Motorized Curtain Tracks Motorized curtain track systems supporting various pleat styles, designed to discretely blend into interior decor and capable of curving up to 90 degrees for special configurations.
• IMAGIN X Custom Shade Printing Custom fabric printing service that lets customers add their own designs, patterns, or imagery to Altex window coverings for personalized and unique interior decoration, delivered via the IMAGIN X sub-brand.
• Professional Installation Service Professional installation service provided by authorized Altex dealers to ensure proper mounting, fit, function, and durability of made-to-measure window coverings across residential and commercial settings.
• SunProject Architectural Solutions Specialized architectural and commercial window covering solutions including custom engineering, large-scale projects, and LEED-certified installations for major Canadian projects such as the Vancouver Olympic Village (LEED Gold), Quebec City Airport, and Bosa Waterfront Centre.

Quantifiable outcome

• LEED Gold certification achieved for Vancouver Olympic Village project
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• CoulissecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Dutch family business founded in 1992, collaborating with Altex since 2015. Coulisse designs, manufactures, and distributes control systems and first-quality fabrics. They contribute to Altex's success in residential, commercial, and architectural sectors and are the source of several popular exclusive products including the Absolute 2.0 collection and Motionblinds technology.
• SunProjectMCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Toronto-based company specializing in light and energy management acquired by Altex in 2012. SunProjectMC provides products and expertise for the commercial and architectural segments, including specialized systems like DEKO and Moduline product lines with Lite-Lift technology.
• SomfymajorTechnology or IntegrationWorld leader in specialized motors and electronic controls. Somfy provides motorization technology for Altex's motorized window covering products, known for precision and reliability.
• Motionblinds (via Coulisse)majorTechnology or IntegrationIntelligent motorization technology available exclusively in Canada through Altex. Features Matter and Thread support for smart home integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Smart Things, and Home Assistant. USB-C rechargeable battery powered with no cables required.
• PhifersupportingTechnology or IntegrationAmerican manufacturer of screen fabrics and high-performance interior and exterior solar control fabrics. Provides specialized fabric options for Altex window coverings.
• MermetsupportingTechnology or IntegrationWorld leader in solar control textiles. Provides specialized solar control fabric options for Altex products.
• APDIQ (Association professionnelle des designers d'intérieur du Québec)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional association of interior designers in Quebec that maintains and develops professional excellence standards. Altex collaborates to support interior design professionals.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Insolroll Window Shading Systems: US manufacturer of commercial and architectural roller shades and blackout systems. Direct competitor to Altex's SunProject architectural offering in large-scale commercial projects across North America.
• Hunter Douglas: The global market leader in custom window coverings (blinds, shades, shutters) sold through a dealer network. Directly competes with Altex across residential and commercial segments in North America, with significantly larger scale, broader product portfolio, and deeper marketing budget.
• Coulisse: Dutch family-owned manufacturer of window covering components, fabrics, and the Motionblinds motorization platform. Strategic partner of Altex since 2015 and exclusive source of Motionblinds; directly comparable as a custom shade manufacturer with a strong smart-shade roadmap.
• Somfy: World leader in motors and electronic controls for interior and exterior window coverings. Both a technology supplier to Altex and a competitor at the motorization layer; comparable product positioning in custom motorized shading solutions globally.
• Lutron Electronics: Specializes in motorized window shades and lighting controls with deep integration into smart home and commercial building automation systems. Competes with Altex's Motionblinds/Somfy offering in the motorized and smart-shade category, especially in architectural projects.
• Graber (Springs Window Fashions): Major North American window coverings brand (owned by Springs Window Fashions) sold through dealers and home center retail. Competes head-to-head with Altex in custom roller, cellular, and motorized shades for the residential market.
• Draper, Inc. Manufacturer of window shades, projection screens, and solar control solutions for commercial and residential applications. Comparable product portfolio in custom roller and motorized shades sold through commercial reps and dealers.
• Mechosshade (MechoShade Systems): US-based commercial solar-shade manufacturer focused on large-scale architectural projects including LEED-certified buildings. Directly competes with Altex's architectural/SunProject offer in office, healthcare, education, and high-rise construction markets.

Broad incumbents

• Levolor: Established mass-market window coverings brand offering blinds, shades, and shutters through home centers and retailers. Comparable at the residential product level but positioned at lower price points and broader distribution than Altex's custom-made dealer model.

Emerging players

• The Shade Store: US-based direct-to-consumer custom window treatment retailer offering free in-home consultations and a broad shade/blind catalog. A channel-disrupting peer that bypasses traditional dealer networks and competes for the same custom-made residential customer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/altexinc
• Instagraminstagram.com/altex.design
• Pinterestpinterest.ca/altexinspiration
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Altex