Exhibition Archive @ THE GL@ZINE

Air of Optimism at R + T Blinds Show

R+T, The International Trade Fair for Roller Shutters, Doors/Gates and Sun Protection, which was held in Stuttgart from 18th to 22nd February 2003, radiated an extremely positive mood far removed from the widespread pessimism throughout the construction industry. It's therefore not surprising that R + T was rated much better than the economic situation: 92% of exhibitors were satisfied with their business success during R + T while only 72% of exhibitors regarded the market situation as at least satisfactory.

A total of 53,156 visitors attended R + T, an increase of around 4%. According to the projection on the Friday evening, the organisers had assumed an increase of 8%. However, the number of visitors on the Saturday was much lower when compared with the previous event in the year 2000. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, i.e. the first three days of the trade fair, however, attracted substantially more visitors. This proves that more and more visitors are prepared to take one or two days out of the office for R + T in order to obtain the latest information in their industry. In particular, visitors from abroad (47% this year) plan several days (2.4 on average) for their attendance. By far the largest proportion of foreign visitors, (60%), came from EU member states, 23% from other European countries - with large numbers primarily from Eastern Europe -, 8% from Asia, 3% from North America and 2% each from South America, Africa and Australia.

Visitor structure according to industries
The breakdown according to industries produced the following visitor structure (multiple nominations or overlaps possible): 49% came from the roller shutter manufacturing industry, 35% from the Venetian blind manufacturing industry, 20% from the door and gate manufacturing industry, and 15% from the window construction industry. 44% of visitors worked in industrial firms, 40% in craft enterprises, 12% in service companies and 6% in commercial firms. 4% (over 2,000) of visitors at R + T belonged to the important target group of architects.
This was probably due not least to the Architects' Seminar, which was held for the first time and proved very popular straightaway.

Visitors were primarily interested in roller shutters and accessories (58%), followed by sun protection/dazzle protection/shading systems (51%) and drive and control systems (43%). In particular, visitors expressed much greater interest in this section compared with the previous event in the year 2000. The level of interest in gates, gate accessories and grilles also increased considerably: 37% of visitors (2000: 21%) said they wanted to obtain information on this sector. Visitors were also much more interested in windows, doors and conservatories (22% compared with 14% in 2000) while the level of interest in awning materials (29%) remained the same. Generally speaking, there were signs of a trend towards high-quality products and products made to order; there was less demand for mass-produced goods.

The special shows - Innovation Prize, Master Craftsmen's Aisle and BVT Special Show - went down very well, especially with German visitors. The same was also true of the BVT Forum. Foreign visitors were primarily interested in the special show which presented the 10 products which had won the Innovation Prize.

The expertise of visitors was even higher than at R + T 2000: 88% (2000: 85%) said that they were involved in purchasing and procurement decisions. 58% of these visitors were actually responsible for taking decisions. Their opinion of R + T is even more important: a total of 44% believe that R + T will become much more significant for the industry in future. The corresponding figure for foreign visitors was 1 in 2, while 97% of visitors said they would further recommend R + T. This is primarily due to the fact that the trade fair is a genuine innovation platform. By their own account, 86% of exhibitors presented new products.

Good business
R + T is not just a pure information trade fair: 42% of visitors came with investment or purchase intentions. It is therefore not surprising that exhibitors were also satisfied with the outcome of R + T. 91% of German exhibitors and 95% of foreign exhibitors reported good business success during the event. The same proportion of German and foreign exhibitors (93%) were hoping for good business after R + T. Overall, 95% of German exhibitors and 96% of foreign exhibitors rated the trade fair as positive. Here are some examples of comments made by exhibitors:

Eckhard Müller, Sales Manager of GfA: 'We have never experienced such a fantastic R + T as this year. The first day was a great success with numerous contacts with decision-makers, and that also continued on the other days. Even if we only realise half of what started to develop during the trade fair, then we will be very satisfied. The general mood was also very positive.'

Justus Schmitz, Schmitz Werke GmbH und Co.: 'The atmosphere here at the trade fair gives grounds for hope. The mood at the last trade fairs which we attended was fairly subdued - it was the complete opposite here. We made numerous international contacts, including many with Chinese people from the People's Republic of China.'

Bernhard Sester, Head of the 'Visual Protection' Division of Kömmerling: 'The trade fair was a fantastic success. During the first few days, we had over 20% more visitors on our stand than 3 years ago; in particular, the decision-makers arrived promptly at the start of R + T. We were particularly pleased to welcome numerous new prospective customers. We were extremely satisfied.'

Tatiana Incerti, Manager of Frama S.r.L, Italy: 'We made a great many contacts during the first few days of the trade fair. R + T is a permanent fixture in our company's trade fair export calendar.'

Stuart Davis, Davis Marketing and Management Services, Australia: 'My personal impression is that this was the most successful event since I came to R + T - and that was back in 1985 - both in terms of the number of visitors and level of satisfaction among exhibitors. The Australian exhibitors who attended R + T 2000 told me that they had more than twice as many expert inquiries this year.'

Juha-Pekka Niukkanen, Export Manager of Ovitor Oy, Finland: 'We had very many interested visitors on our stand and were satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair. We would like to have a larger stand at the next R + T.'

Urs Guggisberg, Managing Director of Radius International AG, Switzerland: 'R + T was a great success for our company. We made numerous new contacts although we sell a very high-quality and therefore expensive product. If only 5% of the prospective customers make a purchase, then the trade fair was worthwhile.'

Ing. Bohumìr Blachut, Isotra, Czech Republic: 'We attended R + T in Stuttgart for the first time and were very satisfied with the trade fair. There is no comparable rival event. R + T is very international, and we forged contacts with large numbers of trade visitors. We would like to have a larger stand at the next R + T.'

Annika Widèn, Managing Director of Smederöd, Sweden: 'R + T is the only trade fair which we attend. We took so many orders here that we have enough business until the next R + T in 3 years' time.'

Georges Ronzetto, PR Manager at Simu, France: 'We had more foreign trade visitors on our exhibition stand than trade visitors from Germany. That's a sign of the great international character of R + T. Nevertheless, we would have liked to have seen more German visitors. R + T is the world's only sun protection trade fair of this magnitude.'

Hans van Geel, General Manager of Hamilton, Netherlands: 'R + T is the most important trade fair for our company. It is a worldwide network with numerous sales opportunities. We want to take part again in the next R + T.'

The trade association bosses also endorsed the satisfied opinion of exhibitors. Wolfgang Cossmann, President of the Federal Association for Roller Shutters and Sun Protection: 'We must now transmit the positive mood at R + T throughout the industry, then things will improve for us all. Maybe it's true that a recession makes you stronger. Roller shutter and Venetian blind manufacturers are at any rate willing to work, we are waiting in the wings.'

Peter Spelsberg, member of the executive committee of the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers (BVT) and Managing Director of Adolf Seuster GmbH & Co. KG, also made some positive remarks: 'By comparison with other trade fairs, there was clearly an excellent atmosphere in Stuttgart. Consequently, we are expecting good business in autumn. The members of the BVT were also extremely satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair. In particular, we noticed the high proportion of visitors from abroad although this is not so important for Seuster. Our main objective is to acquire end customers such as Daimler or Bosch - and we find them at R + T. It's true to say that people come to R + T even if they have to take extra holidays for this purpose.'

Tel: +49 (0)711 2589-712
Web: http://www.messe-stuttgart.de

In the bag: The Promac Golf Tournament 2003

One of the industry's most eagerly sought-after events, the annual Promac Golf Tournament, was held on 28th May at the Moor Hall course near Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.Scoring to a form of Stableford, invited teams of four players tackled the par 72 course, which was judged to be fair test of golfing ability.

The overall winning team (pictured left with Promac chairman David Stockton-Chalk, left), included Jim Jellicoe (2nd left), Vic de Costa, Solaglas St Gobain (centre), Jason Williams of UKae (2nd from right), and Nigel Green (right) also of Solaglas St Gobain. Our winners, the so-called 'four musketeers' are also shown celebrating in the bar afterwards!

Interior Designers 'Intrigued' by Lacobel

Those designers intrigued by the possibilities of coloured glass used for interior cladding, wardrobe doors, drawer-fronts, table tops and work surfaces made a bee-line for the recent Bathrooms & Kitchens Expo 2003 held at ExCel (London, UK) in May.

Glaverbel exhibited the Lacobel range, particularly well suited to current design trends. Lacobel is a glass varnished on one side with a high-quality paint. This special process makes the glass less vulnerable to staining and scratching ensuring a resistant surface with a consistent appearance over time.

Lacobel is available in 15 colours. Glistening hues like 'Marine', 'Cherry' and 'Sunshine' are part of the range, as are metallic versions and modern pastels, such as 'Steel Grey', 'Soft Blue', 'Sky', 'Orchard' and 'Spring'. The glass produces a sensation of depth and clarity, gleams in every colour of the rainbow and changes colour in the play of the light.

This varnished glass can be cut, shaped, bevelled and sandblasted. It is UV and heat resistant and will not degrade or fade.

Glaverbel also offers a safety version of its Lacobel ranges. In the safety version, a special film is applied to the varnished side (back) of the glass so that if the glass is broken, the shards stick to the film, preventing injury.

A brochure is available from the company and applications can be viewed on Glaverbel's website: http://www.myglaverbel.com

Venetian Blind Cleaning Specialist Sweeps Up at German Trade Event

Hilsonic, a Merseyside manufacturer of high-tech cleaning equipment is enjoying international business success after receiving export support from Trade Partners UK - the government body dedicated to providing UK companies with global expertise on international trade and investment.

Hilsonic has won orders worth £20,000 from companies in Bulgaria, Northern Ireland and England after showcasing its products at a trade exhibition in Germany after signing up to the Trade Partners UK 'Your passport to export success' programme.

Through the international trade guidance scheme, commercial officers based at the British Consulate in Munich provided Hilsonic with a detailed report on potential markets and customers in Germany & the rest of Europe. The company also received matched-funding from Trade Partners UK to exhibit at the prestigious Rolladen & Türen (Shutters and Doors) event in Stuttgart, which brings together leading manufacturers of doors, blinds and shutters from around the world.

John Eyres, sales and marketing consultant for Hilsonic said, 'Thanks to the help from Trade Partners UK we are developing new markets all over the world for our products. The trade event in Germany has opened the doors to a world of export opportunities. I would fully recommend exporting to local companies - it is exciting, highly rewarding and can really drive your business forward.'

The Wirral-based company is a manufacturer of ultrasonic cleaning equipment for industrial, medical and commercial cleaning applications. It is also a leading European manufacturer of machines for cleaning Venetian and vertical blinds.


Exhibition and Event Archive July 2003
GO TO EXHIBITION & EVENTS NEWS PAGE GO TO EXHIBITION LISTINGS PAGE Air of Optimism at R + T Blinds Show R+T, The International Trade Fair for Roller Shutters, Doors/Gates and Sun Protection, which was held in Stuttgart from 18th to 22nd February 2003, radiated an extremely positive mood far removed from the widespread pessimism throughout the construction industry. It's therefore not surprising that R + T was rated much better than the economic situation: 92% of exhibitors were satisfied with their business success during R + T while only 72% of exhibitors regarded the market situation as at least satisfactory. A total of 53,156 visitors attended R + T, an increase of around 4%. According to the projection on the Friday evening, the organisers had assumed an increase of 8%. However, the number of visitors on the Saturday was much lower when compared with the previous event in the year 2000. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, i.e. the first three days of the trade fair, however, attracted substantially more visitors. This proves that more and more visitors are prepared to take one or two days out of the office for R + T in order to obtain the latest information in their industry. In particular, visitors from abroad (47% this year) plan several days (2.4 on average) for their attendance. By far the largest proportion of foreign visitors, (60%), came from EU member states, 23% from other European countries - with large numbers primarily from Eastern Europe -, 8% from Asia, 3% from North America and 2% each from South America, Africa and Australia. Visitor structure according to industries The breakdown according to industries produced the following visitor structure (multiple nominations or overlaps possible): 49% came from the roller shutter manufacturing industry, 35% from the Venetian blind manufacturing industry, 20% from the door and gate manufacturing industry, and 15% from the window construction industry. 44% of visitors worked in industrial firms, 40% in craft enterprises, 12% in service companies and 6% in commercial firms. 4% (over 2,000) of visitors at R + T belonged to the important target group of architects. This was probably due not least to the Architects' Seminar, which was held for the first time and proved very popular straightaway. Visitors were primarily interested in roller shutters and accessories (58%), followed by sun protection/dazzle protection/shading systems (51%) and drive and control systems (43%). In particular, visitors expressed much greater interest in this section compared with the previous event in the year 2000. The level of interest in gates, gate accessories and grilles also increased considerably: 37% of visitors (2000: 21%) said they wanted to obtain information on this sector. Visitors were also much more interested in windows, doors and conservatories (22% compared with 14% in 2000) while the level of interest in awning materials (29%) remained the same. Generally speaking, there were signs of a trend towards high-quality products and products made to order; there was less demand for mass-produced goods. The special shows - Innovation Prize, Master Craftsmen's Aisle and BVT Special Show - went down very well, especially with German visitors. The same was also true of the BVT Forum. Foreign visitors were primarily interested in the special show which presented the 10 products which had won the Innovation Prize. The expertise of visitors was even higher than at R + T 2000: 88% (2000: 85%) said that they were involved in purchasing and procurement decisions. 58% of these visitors were actually responsible for taking decisions. Their opinion of R + T is even more important: a total of 44% believe that R + T will become much more significant for the industry in future. The corresponding figure for foreign visitors was 1 in 2, while 97% of visitors said they would further recommend R + T. This is primarily due to the fact that the trade fair is a genuine innovation platform. By their own account, 86% of exhibitors presented new products. Good business R + T is not just a pure information trade fair: 42% of visitors came with investment or purchase intentions. It is therefore not surprising that exhibitors were also satisfied with the outcome of R + T. 91% of German exhibitors and 95% of foreign exhibitors reported good business success during the event. The same proportion of German and foreign exhibitors (93%) were hoping for good business after R + T. Overall, 95% of German exhibitors and 96% of foreign exhibitors rated the trade fair as positive. Here are some examples of comments made by exhibitors: Eckhard Müller, Sales Manager of GfA: 'We have never experienced such a fantastic R + T as this year. The first day was a great success with numerous contacts with decision-makers, and that also continued on the other days. Even if we only realise half of what started to develop during the trade fair, then we will be very satisfied. The general mood was also very positive.' Justus Schmitz, Schmitz Werke GmbH und Co.: 'The atmosphere here at the trade fair gives grounds for hope. The mood at the last trade fairs which we attended was fairly subdued - it was the complete opposite here. We made numerous international contacts, including many with Chinese people from the People's Republic of China.' Bernhard Sester, Head of the 'Visual Protection' Division of Kömmerling: 'The trade fair was a fantastic success. During the first few days, we had over 20% more visitors on our stand than 3 years ago; in particular, the decision-makers arrived promptly at the start of R + T. We were particularly pleased to welcome numerous new prospective customers. We were extremely satisfied.' Tatiana Incerti, Manager of Frama S.r.L, Italy: 'We made a great many contacts during the first few days of the trade fair. R + T is a permanent fixture in our company's trade fair export calendar.' Stuart Davis, Davis Marketing and Management Services, Australia: 'My personal impression is that this was the most successful event since I came to R + T - and that was back in 1985 - both in terms of the number of visitors and level of satisfaction among exhibitors. The Australian exhibitors who attended R + T 2000 told me that they had more than twice as many expert inquiries this year.' Juha-Pekka Niukkanen, Export Manager of Ovitor Oy, Finland: 'We had very many interested visitors on our stand and were satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair. We would like to have a larger stand at the next R + T.' Urs Guggisberg, Managing Director of Radius International AG, Switzerland: 'R + T was a great success for our company. We made numerous new contacts although we sell a very high-quality and therefore expensive product. If only 5% of the prospective customers make a purchase, then the trade fair was worthwhile.' Ing. Bohumìr Blachut, Isotra, Czech Republic: 'We attended R + T in Stuttgart for the first time and were very satisfied with the trade fair. There is no comparable rival event. R + T is very international, and we forged contacts with large numbers of trade visitors. We would like to have a larger stand at the next R + T.' Annika Widèn, Managing Director of Smederöd, Sweden: 'R + T is the only trade fair which we attend. We took so many orders here that we have enough business until the next R + T in 3 years' time.' Georges Ronzetto, PR Manager at Simu, France: 'We had more foreign trade visitors on our exhibition stand than trade visitors from Germany. That's a sign of the great international character of R + T. Nevertheless, we would have liked to have seen more German visitors. R + T is the world's only sun protection trade fair of this magnitude.' Hans van Geel, General Manager of Hamilton, Netherlands: 'R + T is the most important trade fair for our company. It is a worldwide network with numerous sales opportunities. We want to take part again in the next R + T.' The trade association bosses also endorsed the satisfied opinion of exhibitors. Wolfgang Cossmann, President of the Federal Association for Roller Shutters and Sun Protection: 'We must now transmit the positive mood at R + T throughout the industry, then things will improve for us all. Maybe it's true that a recession makes you stronger. Roller shutter and Venetian blind manufacturers are at any rate willing to work, we are waiting in the wings.' Peter Spelsberg, member of the executive committee of the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers (BVT) and Managing Director of Adolf Seuster GmbH & Co. KG, also made some positive remarks: 'By comparison with other trade fairs, there was clearly an excellent atmosphere in Stuttgart. Consequently, we are expecting good business in autumn. The members of the BVT were also extremely satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair. In particular, we noticed the high proportion of visitors from abroad although this is not so important for Seuster. Our main objective is to acquire end customers such as Daimler or Bosch - and we find them at R + T. It's true to say that people come to R + T even if they have to take extra holidays for this purpose.' Tel: +49 (0)711 2589-712 Web: http://www.messe-stuttgart.de In the bag: The Promac Golf Tournament 2003 One of the industry's most eagerly sought-after events, the annual Promac Golf Tournament, was held on 28th May at the Moor Hall course near Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.Scoring to a form of Stableford, invited teams of four players tackled the par 72 course, which was judged to be fair test of golfing ability. The overall winning team (pictured left with Promac chairman David Stockton-Chalk, left), included Jim Jellicoe (2nd left), Vic de Costa, Solaglas St Gobain (centre), Jason Williams of UKae (2nd from right), and Nigel Green (right) also of Solaglas St Gobain. Our winners, the so-called 'four musketeers' are also shown celebrating in the bar afterwards! Interior Designers 'Intrigued' by Lacobel Those designers intrigued by the possibilities of coloured glass used for interior cladding, wardrobe doors, drawer-fronts, table tops and work surfaces made a bee-line for the recent Bathrooms & Kitchens Expo 2003 held at ExCel (London, UK) in May. Glaverbel exhibited the Lacobel range, particularly well suited to current design trends. Lacobel is a glass varnished on one side with a high-quality paint. This special process makes the glass less vulnerable to staining and scratching ensuring a resistant surface with a consistent appearance over time. Lacobel is available in 15 colours. Glistening hues like 'Marine', 'Cherry' and 'Sunshine' are part of the range, as are metallic versions and modern pastels, such as 'Steel Grey', 'Soft Blue', 'Sky', 'Orchard' and 'Spring'. The glass produces a sensation of depth and clarity, gleams in every colour of the rainbow and changes colour in the play of the light. This varnished glass can be cut, shaped, bevelled and sandblasted. It is UV and heat resistant and will not degrade or fade. Glaverbel also offers a safety version of its Lacobel ranges. In the safety version, a special film is applied to the varnished side (back) of the glass so that if the glass is broken, the shards stick to the film, preventing injury. A brochure is available from the company and applications can be viewed on Glaverbel's website: http://www.myglaverbel.com Venetian Blind Cleaning Specialist Sweeps Up at German Trade Event Hilsonic, a Merseyside manufacturer of high-tech cleaning equipment is enjoying international business success after receiving export support from Trade Partners UK - the government body dedicated to providing UK companies with global expertise on international trade and investment. Hilsonic has won orders worth £20,000 from companies in Bulgaria, Northern Ireland and England after showcasing its products at a trade exhibition in Germany after signing up to the Trade Partners UK 'Your passport to export success' programme. Through the international trade guidance scheme, commercial officers based at the British Consulate in Munich provided Hilsonic with a detailed report on potential markets and customers in Germany & the rest of Europe. The company also received matched-funding from Trade Partners UK to exhibit at the prestigious Rolladen & Türen (Shutters and Doors) event in Stuttgart, which brings together leading manufacturers of doors, blinds and shutters from around the world. John Eyres, sales and marketing consultant for Hilsonic said, 'Thanks to the help from Trade Partners UK we are developing new markets all over the world for our products. The trade event in Germany has opened the doors to a world of export opportunities. I would fully recommend exporting to local companies - it is exciting, highly rewarding and can really drive your business forward.' The Wirral-based company is a manufacturer of ultrasonic cleaning equipment for industrial, medical and commercial cleaning applications. It is also a leading European manufacturer of machines for cleaning Venetian and vertical blinds. GO TO EXHIBITION & EVENTS NEWS PAGE GO TO EXHIBITION LISTINGS PAGE RETURN TO HOME PAGE