Platform on window, door, frame technology, hardware, roof and facade technology, security
The development of prefabricated components laid the foundation for HEBO window frames in 1980. This forward-thinking vision continues to guide the family-owned business from Hengevelde in the Twente region to this day. Smart entrepreneurship, innovation, and customization are key pillars that shape the company’s direction.
It’s a remarkable origin story for a window frame manufacturer: HEBO’s history began with the production of wedding dresses. But founder Marinus Kuipers, with his entrepreneurial vision, looked beyond the world of bridal fashion and saw opportunities in the construction industry. From that inventive idea, Bouwbedrijf Hengevelde was born—the company that would later operate under the name HEBO. According to Kuipers Sr., much of the work that was traditionally carried out on construction sites in all kinds of weather could also be done indoors in a factory. That meant less dependence on rain and frost and, above all, more control over the construction process.
HEBO continued to specialize more and more in wooden window frames, particularly for single-family homes. In the late 1980s, son Norbert Kuipers took over from his father: one of the initiatives he launched was a homey showroom featuring all the products the company manufactures. After all, the product range extends beyond just window frames. Kuipers: “Such as doors, but also accessories like screens and hardware. We offer everything needed to fully furnish a home.” Over the years, HEBO developed its own prefabricated window frame method, suitable for all building systems. “The prefabricated wooden window frame is delivered fully glazed and packaged. It is then delivered to the construction site or the factory. This reduces the number of transport trips required and helps ensure a seamless integration into the construction process.”
In 2007, a new trend emerged. Demand for low-maintenance window frames was growing, and HEBO saw opportunities to capitalize on this. The company made the transition to PVC window frames. PVC door frames and sliding doors were subsequently added to the product line. To further develop this new product group, HEBO expanded with an additional production site and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The prefabrication concept was also implemented within plastic production. This was a distinctive move that not only allowed HEBO to further serve the residential market but also paved the way for larger new-construction projects. Kuipers: “We tapped into a new market with this. The great thing was that we could also apply our knowledge and experience with prefabrication to plastic. That’s what set us apart.” Today, plastic has become an integral part of the family business. “We’re proud that we took this step nearly twenty years ago.”
Today, HEBO positions itself as a partner for both wood and plastic window frames. According to Kuipers, these materials do not have to be seen as mutually exclusive. “We believe these materials can coexist. This allows us to offer our customers a versatile prefabricated window frame solution. Depending on the application and the project’s requirements.” With two production facilities (wood and PVC), its own sales department, and an extensive showroom, HEBO is equipped to provide customers with comprehensive service—from consultation to delivery.
Kuipers continues: “We manufacture our window frame products on a single production line and also assemble them on that same line. This allows us to keep lead times short and respond quickly to changes. We can produce the entire window frame in about two or three days—all in-house.”
Kuipers emphasizes: “What’s more, we want to involve our clients in our process. The best way to experience that is to see it for yourself. Our experience center features, among other things, the latest technologies in the field of plastic and wood window frames. You can see everything and even touch it yourself.”
This aligns with our ambition to be more than just a supplier. Kuipers: “To further develop our knowledge and skills in the area of adjusting and anchoring our window frames, we also have a special Technical Center. Together with our construction partners, we continue to explore ways to optimize our window frame product.”
