Glatz
Swiss parasol specialist with 130 years of production in Frauenfeld, from the classic Alexo to the Fortello LED, read for the US buyer.
A four-generation family manufactory built on shade.
Glatz was founded on April 1, 1895, when Albert Glatz opened an umbrella workshop in Frauenfeld, canton Thurgau, Switzerland. His son Albert junior expanded the product range in 1926 to include garden sunshades and introduced the ALEXO gear joint in 1931, a patented tooth-ring tilt mechanism that became a company signature. In 1959 Glatz launched the Pendalex, the first cantilever garden parasol, and pivoted entirely to garden shade. The company has been family-owned across four generations, with Markus Glatz as chairman, and operates its own manufactory in Frauenfeld. In December 2024 it opened a new 8,000 m² headquarters consolidating R&D, production, and administration.
Glatz states that 60 percent of its products are Swiss-made in Frauenfeld and 40 percent are of Swiss design. Its catalogue spans residential and commercial parasols with more than 20,000 possible configurations across roughly 21 models and 70 fabric colours. For US buyers, collections reach the market through authorised dealers.
A selection of lines.
Alexo
The line that carries Glatz's 1931 patent: a Swiss ash wood pole, dome canopy, and the Alexo tooth-ring tilt joint that rotates 360° and tilts to 90°.
Fortello LED
In-house engineering, Glatz AGThe Fortello LED is Glatz's centre-mast parasol for terrace and hospitality use, engineered in Frauenfeld. Its defining feature is a set of dimmable LED strips built into the aluminium ribs, running on battery power with roughly ten hours of cordless operation per charge and stepless dimming to 2,700 K warm white. The frame is natural anodised aluminium with stainless steel fixings, offered in round, square, and rectangular roof formats across five sizes.
The canopy is available in polyacrylic fabric (300 g/m², UV protection above 98%) or polyester grades, across more than 70 colour options. The opposing opening principle allows quick deployment even with tables set. Wind resistance is tested to 90 km/h, making the Fortello LED suited to exposed waterfront and rooftop settings.
What the pieces are made of.
Glatz works primarily in anodised and powder-coated aluminium for frames, with Swiss ash wood retained on heritage lines such as the Alexo. Canopy fabrics are polyacrylic or polyester, both rated above 98% UV protection; the top polyacrylic grade runs 300 g/m². Stainless steel hardware is standard across all wind-rated models.
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Glatz, answered.
Where is Glatz made?
Glatz is based in Frauenfeld, canton Thurgau, Switzerland, where it has manufactured since 1895. The company states that 60 percent of its products are Swiss-made at the Frauenfeld facility and 40 percent are of Swiss design.
When was Glatz founded?
On April 1, 1895, by Albert Glatz, a trained umbrella maker who opened his workshop in Frauenfeld after working in Lyon, Lausanne, and Basel.
What is the Alexo?
The Alexo is Glatz's long-running centre-pole parasol, named after the patented tooth-ring gear joint introduced in 1931 by Albert Glatz junior. It features a Swiss ash wood pole, dome canopy, 360° rotation, and tilt to 90°.
What is the Fortello LED?
The Fortello LED is a centre-mast aluminium parasol with dimmable LED strips integrated into its ribs. It runs on battery power for roughly ten hours per charge and is wind-rated to 90 km/h, suited to both residential terraces and hospitality venues.
What is the Palazzo Noblesse?
The Palazzo Noblesse is Glatz's giant commercial parasol, available from 450 to 700 cm in diameter, with a reinforced aluminium mast and wind resistance to 115 km/h. It is designed for restaurants, resorts, and hotels.
What materials does Glatz use?
Anodised and powder-coated aluminium for most frames, Swiss ash wood on heritage models such as the Alexo, polyacrylic and polyester canopy fabrics rated above 98% UV protection, and stainless steel hardware throughout.
Is Glatz a family business?
Yes. Glatz has been family-owned across four generations since Albert Glatz founded the company in 1895. Markus Glatz has served as chairman since 1993.
Did Glatz collaborate with Kaffe Fassett?
Yes. For 2026 Glatz released the Alexo Kaffe Fassett Edition, applying the textile artist's Enchanted Magenta floral print to the Alexo canopy. It is the first time a Fassett design has been printed on a Glatz parasol.
Is Glatz available in the US?
Collections reach the US market through authorised dealers; lead times vary by model and finish configuration.
What is Glatz's design style?
Functional, technically precise, and Swiss in character: each model centres on a patented or proprietary mechanism, with colour and fabric options doing the expressive work. The catalogue avoids pure styling exercises in favour of engineered shade performance.
Does Glatz make parasols for commercial and hospitality use?
Yes. The Palazzo Noblesse and Fortello LED are both marketed for restaurant, resort, and hotel terraces. Glatz supplies contract projects globally.
Can I buy from this site?
No. Premium Furniture is an independent editorial directory. We document the house and point you to the maker.