Discover AKENA
AKENA: the strength of a group, the flexibility of an SME
AKENA owes this uniqueness above all to the dynamism and motivation of its teams, who have chosen to work in the same direction throughout France, cultivating specific know-how for more than 40 years.
All our conservatories, house extensions, pergolas, bioclimatic pergolas, carports, pool houses and swimming pool enclosures are designed and manufactured in Dompierre-sur-Yon in the Vendée. AKENA combines the strength of a group with the flexibility of an SME.
Discover our expertise!
Christophe CHABOT, our President, the group's first employee in 1981, has been able to share his love of the profession. From one man's passion in 1981 for the unique product that is the conservatory, we are now more than 500 enthusiasts working together, united around the common values of listening, team spirit and dynamism.
AKENA: innovation as a driving force
With 70 agencies under its own name and in a network of concessions, and more than 7000 projects manufactured in its factories in the Vendée, AKENA is today the expert in conservatories and pergolas... but not only that, because AKENA is constantly innovating and developing new solutions for the home. In 2022 and 2023, AKENA will be launching the production of carports and pool houses.
The history of AKENA
2023 Launch of Pool House, certification & buyout of Fillonneau
- Launch of the Pool House and a new flat-roofed extension concept.
- Certification of our range of pergolas with adjustable slats by the CSTB*.
- *Scientific and Technical Centre for Building
- AKENA acquires Fillonneau, a manufacturer of house extensions based in western France.
2022 Takeover of Coublanc
Coublanc is a manufacturer of blinds and pergolas based in the commune of Coublanc in Saône et Loire, in France.
2021 Launch of Carport & enlargement
- Launch of the Carport.
- Construction of a new factory in Dompierre-sur-Yon (85), France.
- Our production space increases from 16,000 m² to 23,000 m²
AKENA: a growing range of products
The beginning of the 2020s has been marked at AKENA by the launch of two carport models, with a flat roof and a curved roof, and a brand new pool house model. Numerous protection and screening options have also been introduced to enhance our products: sliding privacy screens with adjustable slats, sliding glass screens, fixed privacy screens, mosquito nets, etc.
2020 Takeover of Abrisud & enlargement
- AKENA acquires Abrisud, European leader in pool enclosures.
- Enlargement of the production plant.
- 11,000 m² > 16,000 m²
2019 Takeover of Azenco
AKENA buys out Azenco, the French number two in swimming pool enclosures.
2018 Certification
Conservatory range certified by the CSTB*.
*Scientific and Technical Centre for Building
2017 Launch of the Pergolas
Launch of the bioclimatic pergola with adjustable slats.
2016 Innovation
Launch of the SageGlass® variable tinting option, developed by Saint-Gobain for AKENA.
SageGlass®, a Saint-Gobain innovation developed for AKENA
SageGlass® is the blackout solution that allows you to darken a skylight in a conservatory with a simple click. Developed by Saint-Gobain for AKENA, SageGlass® has been adopted by a large number of our customers for almost 10 years.
2015 Launch of new Conservatory range
Launch of our new ELITE 70 range of conservatories (70 mm profiles for enhanced thermal and acoustic performance).
2007 Takeover of Clover
AKENA acquires Clover, France's No. 3 conservatory manufacturer, based in the north of France.
2006 Moving
AKENA moves to a more modern plant.
7,500 m² ‘ 11,000 m²
Quality of life at work
In February 2006, AKENA moved 500 metres away from its historic headquarters to gain more space, offer its employees new offices and ensure the arrival of the stacker crane. In view of AKENA's growth, it was necessary to expand the premises. That year, AKENA went from producing 50 to 80 projects a week.
2003 Evolution Conservatory
The range is evolving. The thickness of Conservatory profiles has been increased from 45 to 50 mm.
2002 Our openness to professionals
Conservatory SOKO specialises in sales to professionals.
2000 Product innovation
Launch of the integrated roller shutter option for the Conservatory.
1998 Takeover of AKENA
Takeover of AKENA by Vérandas SOKO
Both companies, present in the same market, target private customers.
1997 Innovation Conservatory
The range is evolving with the arrival of profiles with a thermal break. A polyamide strip ensures the separation between two layers of aluminium.
Expertise
Since 1981, AKENA has been a master in the art of working with aluminium. Innovating over the decades so that the conservatory, a historic product of the Group, is modernised and becomes a bright and comfortable living space, in all seasons: evolution of profiles, lacquering of aluminium, new solutions for blackout blinds on fronts and roofs, home automation... the conservatory is constantly evolving.
1989 Creation of SOKO Conservatories
Our chairman Christophe Chabot, then a sales rep at AKENA, sets up his own business: SOKO Conservatories.
1988 Launch of the first Conservatories range
AKENA becomes a range manufacturer, launching its own range of conservatories (45 mm profiles).
1987 Takeover of AKENA
Pechiney acquires AKENA. Vérandas de l'Ouest becomes AKENA.
1981 Creation of "Vérandas de l'Ouest"
Creation of the Vérandas de l'Ouest by Mr Gilles Martin.
Christophe Chabot, our President, is the company's top salesperson.
The AKENA story continues...
It is written and enriched around major events that consolidate our team spirit. If you too would like to join the great AKENA adventure, contact us! You will be joining a great company that is proud to fly its colours in France and abroad.
The expert AKENA joins forces with exceptional voices
In 2016 and 2017, in an offbeat tone and in a world close to his radio and television programmes, Stéphane BERN invites you to discover AKENA, elegant, modern or traditional, a great Queen who makes us dream. He perfectly embodies the values of excellence and performance of our products, and the support of a company at the service of its customers.
In 2018, Stéphane BERN handed over to Chantal LADESOU who, in her own unique style, took to the radio the values of AKENA. In 2019, a new series of commercials were unveiled on the radio, with Chantal LADESOU still giving it the style that suits her so well!
See also
