From a humble beginning to a leading position in Europe

A milestone

In 1967 Søren Odgaard devised the so-called A-measurement (ground-to-ground measurement) for awnings, which is still used to this day.

The A-measurement was a real milestone, for manu-facturers as well as caravanners. In simple terms, the system sought to standardise awning measurements. Rather than manufacturing special awnings for the many different types of caravans on the market, manufacturers could produce a range of standard awnings which were suitable for all different caravans.

As interest in camping grew, the need arose for further product development. Initially, attention turned to the materials used in the manufacturing process. The old cotton tents had their limitations during temperamental Danish summers, and Søren Odgaard therefore entered into close collaboration with what was then Vejle Dampvæveri. The result was a new roof with synthetic polyester interwoven into the canvas. Crucially, the new roof was far more watertight and it was also far more durable.

1975 saw a dramatic development in the quality of tent canvas brought about by the need for more durable awnings. The Danes, who had previously gone on holiday for a two-week summer break and a few weekends a year, suddenly began to view their caravan and awning as a kind of summer cottage, a holi-day home to be used from early to late summer. The cotton awnings were unable to withstand the weather for such a prolonged period – especially during consecutive seasons.

In 1973 Jydsk Camping Industri decided to concentrate exclusively on awnings, thus abandoning the production of cottage tents and the sale of caravans. This proved to be a winning decision, not least in light of the drastic increase in imports of cottage tents from countries with far lower production costs.

The revolutionary new development saw the introduction of acrylic canvas and polyestercoated roofs, and caravanners quickly took to the new and more durable awnings.