"We're confident we're going to have a solid show," says Phil James, CEO of the National Glass Association, which organizes GlassBuild America. "We may not have the same numbers as last year, but we are hearing from exhibitors that they have customers coming. Exhibitors are also expecting that the companies that are here are the ones in a position to start growing their business again. They are here because they are ready to innovate. They are here because they want to differentiate their product lines. They are here to do business."
Almost 400 exhibitors have gathered for the annual event. Among those targeting the residential window and door market are equipment suppliers, vinyl extruders, producers of IG components, hardware suppliers and software producers. Among the notable introductions to be made at the show are Bystronic's new automated line for producing Sashlite integrated sash windows, Mikron's EnergyCore vinyl window system and a new system for producing color window products being featured by GED Integrated Solutions.
The amount of equipment on display at this year's event is down somewhat from past events, but a sizeable number of companies are featuring machines. In the vinyl arena, Stürtz Machinery is highlighting its new LinealPro fabrication saw, and Urban Machinery is featuring a number of machines also. CNC machining centers targeted at manufacturers of aluminum fenestration products, as well as vinyl, are being shown by Elumatec, Emmegi, Fom, Joseph and Tekna, among others.
IG equipment and components are prominent throughout the show floor as well. Glasslam is showcasing its warm-edge spacer system, as well as its products for manufacturing laminated glass. Other companies showing warm-edge products include Truseal Technologies, Technoform, and Edgetech, which returns this year with its Edgetech University booth, focusing on education on such topics as testing, IG certification, and green. "It was very popular last year in Vegas," reports the company's Larry Johnson. "With all the changes taking place in the industry, we know the demand for information is still there."
He notes that manufacturers have been adjusting to new developments, such as the 30/30 tax credit minimums and the revised Energy Star qualification requirements, making "intermediate" changes in their product lines to meet the new market demands. "They know new requirements are coming, and that they may have to make a bigger change in the next couple of years," he adds. "We think a lot of customers are coming to learn more about their options."
Sashlite's Bob Hornung sees window and door manufacturers looking at big changes also. "We're really excited about the show," he states. The economy may prevent companies from making a move right away, but, he adds, "We have companies flying in just to see this line," pointing to the new Bystronic line designed to produce integrated sash units.
Vinyl extruders are highlighting a variety of products at this year's show, but most appear to be featuring expanded color and woodgrain options. American Renolit plans to demonstrate application procedures for its decorative laminates. In addition to standard residential lines, a number of companies are featuring European tilt-and-turn systems targeted largely at commercial applications.
Most hardware producers are showing new style and finish options. Also of note, Truth Hardware is featuring some of its electronic hardware options, while Vision Industries is showing new hardware developed to meet the new ASTM standard for window opening control devices. Making its GlassBuild debut is Paddock Fabrications, an English producer of multipoint hardware systems, which is showing its new North American product line.
In addition to a busy trade show, GlassBuild America will feature a number of other events, including an Energy Efficiency Town Hall Forum, sponsored by Edgetech Inc., and a panel presentation on the outlook for the solar industry. More information on the event is available at www.glassbuildamerica.com. An online preview on WindowandDoor.com also offers a detailed look at new products to be featured by exhibitors in Atlanta. (article posted from windowanddoor.com)
