Iwan Simonis: leadership in the pocket
If you enjoy a nice game of pool, snooker or carom, there’s a good chance that you’ve had hands-on experience with Iwan Simonis quality. The only manufacturer exclusively focused on billiard cloth, the company has devoted itself to uncompromising standards to become the undisputed leader in its field.
By Paul KUVNIC
In
thinking about a champion attempting to launch a billiard ball on a faultless
trajectory, you soon realise that the surface it travels over can be no
ordinary fabric. The tiniest imperfection in the cloth could cause a deviation
in the path of the ball and prove catastrophic in a competitive match. It’s
this attention to high quality detail that has allowed Iwan Simonis to make a
big name for itself in this niche market.
Guillaume Henri Simon Simonis founded his factory in Verviers in 1680 because the local water was ideal for washing wool. Precisely when the company began manufacturing cloth for billiard tables is not known, although it has been in production for at least two centuries. Exclusive specialisation in this market came about more recently.
The firm’s entire production takes pace at its site in Verviers. Nearly all its output is exported to about 50 countries. The main markets are in Western Europe and increasingly Eastern Europe, as well as in North America, where it has a commercial subsidiary. The Asian market is smaller but growing.
Innovation married to know-how
What role does innovation play for Iwan Simonis? "The textile industry tends to have an ‘old’ connotation, answers Bernard Bollette, the firm’s Commercial Director. But not in our case. We use the most up-to-date technology to ensure quality and remain the market leader. At the same time, we marry innovation with know-how, because nothing replaces the experience accumulated over centuries".
The company has been innovative in other ways too. Iwan Simonis was a pioneer in sponsoring. The firm currently sponsors some of the world’s top players. It is also the official sponsor and supplier to all major pool and carom competitive events.
The company’s fortunes are inextricably linked with the popularity of billiards. Fortunately this field is growing, thanks in part to TV broadcasts of the sport. Through a devotion to high quality it looks certain that Iwan Simonis is set to retain its leadership in this niche market.
© Dynamisme Wallon, 12/2007
Localisation : Andrimont/Verviers
Founded in : 1680
Activity : production of high-quality billiard cloth
Employees : 73
Export volume : 95%