What Durlum does

Durlum GmbH is a German manufacturer of architectural metal ceilings, integrated lighting systems, and translucent daylight ceilings, founded in 1967 in Schopfheim in the Black Forest and family-owned under the durlum Group GmbH holding company established in 2008. The company is the core operating entity of an eleven-subsidiary group organized into three pillars: CEILING LIGHTING AMBIENCE (the metal ceiling, lighting, and daylight business), BLECHBEARBEITUNG (fine sheet metal technology via ZI-Jena GmbH), and NOTLICHT (emergency lighting via HUCO NOTLICHT AG). Dur lum sells its products directly to architects, engineering firms, interior contractors, and lighting designers through quote-based project partnerships, supported by a multilingual website, a download center with GAEB-format specifications, Relux-based 3D lighting simulations, and trade-show presence at events such as ARCHITECT@WORK and AIA.

The product portfolio spans five integrated lines. Metal ceilings include classic hook-on and cassette systems, linear open-cell systems (STARLAM 9, STARMAX 15), stretched metal (RHOMBOS), grid systems (STAR, VARIO, LIVA, PYTHA, QUADRA), and panels (dur-SOLO). Lighting includes plane luminaires and the surface-mounted LUMEO-R designed for click-in integration with the LOOP Type 2 ceiling. Daylight is delivered through the OPEN SKY translucent glass ceiling system. Functional ceilings address regulated use cases: dur-F30 (30-minute fire resistance with Easy-click revisability), dur-COOLTEC (integrated heating and cooling), TAIFUN (ball-impact resistance for sports halls), dur-HYTEC (cleanroom), and dur-SONIC (acoustic optimization). Cross-cutting proprietary technologies include electrostatic polyester powder coating, varied perforation patterns for acoustic tuning, dur-GRAPHICS custom printing on panels, and Anodized ALANOD/Miro high-reflectivity surfaces.

The business model is enterprise project-based B2B with quote-based pricing, localized sales through ten-country subsidiary coverage (Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, Singapore, India, Poland, France, USA, Austria), and revenue concentrated in one-time product sales plus ancillary planning and consulting services. Manufacturing is anchored at Schopfheim HQ, Bexbach, and Jena in Germany, with additional sheet metal capacity at ZI-Jena. End markets span education, mobility, office, retail, health, culture, outdoor, and leisure verticals, with the company holding TÜV certifications for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001, TAIM e.V. membership, Environmental Product Declarations for aluminum and steel systems, and an IBMB MPA performance consistency certificate.

Name

Durlum

Legal name

durlum GmbH

Website

https://durlum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Durlum GmbH is a German manufacturer of metal ceilings, integrated lighting, and translucent daylight systems serving architects, contractors, and specifiers across Europe, Asia, and North America through project-based B2B sales and a ten-country subsidiary network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Metal Ceiling Systems

NAICS

Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing (332322), Ornamental and Architectural Metal Products Manufacturing (33232), Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing (332323), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351), Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing (3323)

SIC

Sheet Metal Work (3444), Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Metal Doors, Sash, Frames, Moldings & Trim (3442)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Roofing & Wall Panels (Architectural/Structural) (IMADACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Metal Cladding, Soffits & Trim (Non-Panel Components) (IMADACAM), Soffit, Fascia & Eaves Repair/Replacement (HSAPAKAH)

Keywords

• Metal ceiling systems
• Architectural lighting
• Daylight systems
• Functional ceilings
• Wall cladding

Headquarters

HQ city

Schopfheim

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Metal Ceiling Systems: Sale of metal ceiling systems including classic metal ceilings, stretched metal ceilings, cassette ceilings, and linear raster ceilings for architectural applications
2. Lighting Systems: Integrated lighting solutions including plane luminaires, surface-mounted luminaires (LUMEO-R), and ceiling-lighting combinations
3. Daylight Systems: Daylight lighting systems including OPEN SKY translucent glass ceilings for natural light integration
4. Functional Ceiling Systems: Specialized ceiling systems including fire-resistant (dur-F30), cooling/heating (dur-COOLTEC), ball-resistant (TAIFUN), cleanroom (dur-HYTEC), and acoustic (dur-SONIC) ceilings
5. Wall Cladding Systems: Metal wall cladding and acoustic wall solutions
6. Project Planning and Consultation Services: Planning and consulting services for ceiling, lighting, and daylight solutions including 3D lighting simulations using Relux software

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Durlum manufactures metal ceiling systems, integrated lighting, and daylight systems for modern architectural applications. The portfolio includes classic metal ceilings, stretched metal ceilings, linear open-cell ceilings, ceiling panels, cassette ceilings, and raster ceilings, combined with surface-mounted and plane luminaires. Specialized functional ceilings address fire resistance (dur-F30), cooling/heating (dur-COOLTEC), acoustic performance (dur-SONIC), cleanroom (dur-HYTEC), and ball-impact (TAIFUN) requirements, alongside metal wall cladding.

Product overview

durlum develops and manufactures metal ceilings, lighting, and daylight systems for modern architecture. The product portfolio centers on five core product lines: (1) Metal Ceilings including classic metal ceilings, stretched metal (RHOMBOS), linear open-cell ceilings (STARLAM 9, STARMAX 15), ceiling panels (dur-SOLO), grid ceilings (STAR, VARIO, LIVA, PYTHA, QUADRA), and metal cassettes; (2) Lighting Systems with plane luminaires, surface-mounted luminaires (LUMEO-R), and integrated ceiling-light combinations; (3) Ceiling & Lighting Integration products like LOOP Type 2 with PUNTEO-J and S-OMEGA RHOMBOS; (4) Daylight Systems featuring OPEN SKY translucent light glass ceilings; and (5) Functional Ceilings including fire-resistant (dur-F30 Easy-click), clean room (dur-HYTEC), ball-impact-resistant (TAIFUN), and acoustic (dur-SONIC) solutions. Key technologies include dur-COOLTEC for integrated heating/cooling, dur-GRAPHICS for custom printing, and dur-SOLO ACTIVE for acoustic panels. The company operates as part of the durlum Group established in 1967, with headquarters in Schopfheim, Germany, and serves global markets from European and Asian locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• durlum Group: The corporate group name representing the umbrella organization of eleven subsidiaries
• CEILING LIGHTING AMBIENCE

Products and services

• Metal Ceilings Complete portfolio of metal ceiling systems including classic metal ceilings, stretched metal ceilings (RHOMBOS), linear open-cell ceilings (STARLAM 9, STARMAX 15), ceiling panels (dur-SOLO), grid ceilings (STAR, VARIO, LIVA, PYTHA, QUADRA), and metal cassettes for architectural projects.
• Lighting Systems Range of ceiling-integrated and surface-mounted luminaires including the LUMEO-R surface-mounted luminaire and plane luminaires for homogeneous illumination in architectural applications.
• Daylight Systems Natural daylight illumination systems including OPEN SKY translucent light glass ceilings that bring natural daylight into building interiors while providing thermal insulation and weather resistance.
• Ceiling & Lighting Integration Combined ceiling and lighting systems where luminaires are integrated directly into ceiling panels, including LOOP+PUNTEO-J and S-OMEGA RHOMBOS ceiling-light combinations, plus the LOOP Type 2 character design ceiling.
• Wall Cladding Metal wall cladding and acoustic wall solutions for interior architectural applications, complementing Durlum ceiling systems for cohesive building interiors.
• Functional Ceiling Systems Specialized ceiling systems including fire-resistant dur-F30 (30-minute fire rating, easy-click mechanism), dur-COOLTEC heating/cooling, TAIFUN ball-impact-resistant ceilings for sports halls, dur-HYTEC cleanroom ceilings, and dur-SONIC acoustic ceilings (ART and QUAD variants).
• TAIFUN Ball-Resistant Ceiling Ball-impact-resistant ceiling system specifically designed for sports halls and gymnasiums, available with the RHOMBOS stretched metal variant for impact durability.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fire resistance rating of 30 minutes for dur-F30 corridor ceiling systems
• +2 more outcomes

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) LörrachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership for dual study programs in engineering disciplines including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Business Engineering. Students alternate between theoretical study at DHBW and practical training at durlum.
• Kaufmännische Schule SchopfheimcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational training partnership for industrial business management apprenticeships, with optional European Economic Management qualification and potential international internship at global durlum locations.
• Internationaler Bund (IB) Bad SäckingensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining partnership for machine and plant operator apprenticeships, providing supplementary training in machine handling.
• avenit AGsupportingTechnology or IntegrationTechnical support partner for website operations.avenit AG provides technical maintenance for durlum's digital presence.
• durlum Group GmbH (Holding)coreOthersParent holding company established in 2008 as the umbrella organization for the durlum Group's three pillars: DECKE LICHT RAUM (ceiling/lighting/space), BLECHBEARBEITUNG (sheet metal processing via ZI Jena), and NOTLICHT (emergency lighting via HUCO).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SAS International: SAS International is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of metal ceilings, acoustic ceilings, and architectural lighting systems, closely mirroring durlum's integrated ceiling + lighting + acoustics portfolio for commercial and transit buildings.
• Armstrong Ceilings: Armstrong Ceilings (now part of Armstrong World Industries) is a global leader in commercial ceiling systems including metal, acoustic, and specialty ceilings, competing head-to-head with durlum in office, education, and healthcare specification projects.
• Knauf Ceiling Solutions: Knauf Ceiling Solutions (formerly Knauf AMF + USG Ceilings) supplies metal, mineral, and wood ceiling systems globally, directly competing with durlum in commercial and institutional ceilings with a broader product breadth.
• Chicago Metallic: Chicago Metallic manufactures metal ceiling suspension systems and panels, supplying grid and panel components to commercial ceiling projects where durlum's classic metal ceilings also specify.
• Rockfon (ROCKWOOL Group): Rockfon supplies stone-wool acoustic ceiling panels and metal ceiling systems for offices, education, and healthcare, overlapping with durlum's dur-SONIC acoustic ceiling range and broader ceiling portfolio.
• Lindner Group: Lindner Group is a German interior fit-out specialist producing metal ceilings, heated/chilled ceilings, and cleanroom systems, directly competing with durlum's dur-COOLTEC, dur-HYTEC, and transit-oriented ceiling projects.
• Hunter Douglas Architectural: Hunter Douglas Architectural produces architectural metal ceilings, sun louvers, and facade systems, overlapping with durlum's metal ceiling, wall cladding, and daylight offerings for commercial and public buildings.
• OWA Ceiling Systems: OWA is a German manufacturer of mineral fiber and metal ceiling systems focused on commercial and healthcare interiors, competing with durlum in the DACH region with comparable specialty ceiling offerings.

Emerging players

• ERCO: ERCO is a German architectural lighting specialist focused on specification-grade luminaires for museums, offices, and urban spaces, partially overlapping with durlum's integrated ceiling-lighting solutions in culture and premium commercial segments.

Broad incumbents

• Zumtobel Group: Zumtobel Group is an Austrian-headquartered lighting incumbent with a broad architectural luminaire portfolio, competing with durlum's integrated LUMEO-R and ceiling-light combination offerings for offices, retail, and cultural venues.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCBL99u8vELpTiMFZjwI_-wA
• Facebookfacebook.com/durlum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/durlum
• Instagraminstagram.com/durlum.gmbh

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Durlum