In the early 2000s, Albania was a nation in transition, still grappling with the remnants of its communist past. The cities were a patchwork of aging Soviet-era blocks and hastily erected buildings from the chaotic 1990s, when deregulation and necessity overtook craftsmanship. Construction was utilitarian, often rushed and devoid of the artistic vision seen in Western Europe. The business environment was equally challenging, marked by an economy struggling to stabilize, outdated regulations, and a wary public unused to modern architectural innovations. Yet amid this backdrop of uncertainty, a new generation of Albanians saw opportunity where others saw obstacles, daring to believe that Albania’s future could reflect not only progress but beauty.
In her mid-twenties, Erjola F. Xheko founded Aluflor with a bold mission: to bring architectural refinement and modern façade engineering to a country still learning the language of innovation. Partnering with German engineers and material suppliers, and supported by her grandfather Donald Larkin, Aluflor introduced a new standard of quality and precision to Albania’s construction industry.
Yet none of this would have been possible without Donald Larkin’s belief and generosity. He trusted a vision that many doubted and made it real through his unwavering support. Every success Aluflor has achieved is dedicated to him – the man who gave the opportunity, extended his hand, and made a dream possible.
Today, Aluflor stands as a reflection of that vision – a symbol of trust, perseverance, and the power of believing in what others cannot yet see.
Albania in the early 1990s was still carrying the scars of communism and the civil unrest of 1997. The wounds of people leaving the country in despair were fresh, and the concept of business was almost unheard of. In such a climate, speaking about innovation, sustainability, or environmental protection was unimaginable.
Yet, this is where our journey began—introducing ideas of natural light, energy efficiency, and modern construction in a country where these concepts sounded like science fiction. What seemed impossible became the foundation of everything we built.
It was unimaginably hard for a mid-twenties girl to stand in front of men who dominated the construction industry and speak about a new vision. The industry was skeptical and closed-minded, doubting that a woman could lead in such a technical and traditional field.
Every meeting was a battlefield, every idea questioned. Yet, with persistence and courage, what seemed like weakness became strength. Step by step, we proved that leadership, innovation, and vision have no gender.
Investing money in international partnerships at that time was more than a risk—it was a leap of faith. We introduced global leaders like WICONA, Interpane, and Alucobond to Albania, companies whose products were so expensive they were compared to the cost of one square meter of housing in Tirana. Everyone said it was too much, too early, too unrealistic. But that “risk” became the key to transforming the industry.
Even today, in America’s advanced market, these products remain premium solutions—high in cost but extraordinary in performance. Back then, in Albania, over 80% of our projects were built with these systems. That decision defined our reputation.
The façade industry did not exist in Albania. There were no specialists, no engineers, no skilled labor to rely on. We had to start from zero. The founder and her team brought German architects to train the staff, while young Albanians with no experience were given a chance to grow.
We worked endless hours, learning by doing, asking questions, and transferring knowledge in a time without Google or ChatGPT. What we lacked in resources, we replaced it with resilience. We didn’t just build façades; we built people, creating the first generation of façade specialists in Albania.
Our dream was never just about façades. It was about reshaping Albania—making it more beautiful, more European, more vibrant. We envisioned cities where glass façades allowed natural light to fill people’s lives, where energy efficiency made communities more sustainable, and where architecture uplifted people’s moods.
We dreamed of giving back not only through buildings but also by raising leaders, creating opportunities, and inspiring future generations. The dream was to change the face of Albania, but more importantly, to change the lives of the people within it.
Beyond façades and sustainability, our true goal was people. We wanted to transform the lives of those who worked with us—through opportunities, promotions, professional development, and a sense of belonging.
Our contribution wasn’t only visible in the city skyline, but also in the stories of our employees who grew, succeeded, and built their futures alongside us. This was, and remains, our greatest achievement.
Every stage of our journey was about breaking barriers. A woman leading in construction. International companies trusting Albania.
Young architects trained to meet global standards. One record after another, we made history. Not just in façades, but in rewriting what people thought was possible in Albania.
From reshaping Tirana’s skyline to iconic projects like the Air Albania Stadium, our courage opened international doors. Expanding into the U.S. market was not just growth—it was proof that our systems, knowledge, and passion could compete globally.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, we showed that the same innovations born in Tirana could face extreme climates and still perform. Each milestone became another step in taking Albania’s vision to the world.
We never built façades just for the sake of building. We created impact. Our work gave Tirana a European identity, introduced energy efficiency, promoted sustainability, and brought pride to communities.
Cities became brighter, more modern, and more hopeful. Our impact wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, cultural, and generational.
From impossible beginnings in a wounded country, to risks that no one else dared to take, to training generations of professionals, we stand today as a company that turned dreams into reality.
We broke records, crossed borders, and entered the most advanced markets in the world. Our story is living proof: when courage meets vision, nothing is truly impossible.