The Expo is awaited equally by both the exhibitors and the visitors as it's one-of-its-kinds and unparalleled till date
The Indian Glass Industry along with its associates is becoming bigger with each passing day. The testimony of this fact is put forward, every year, by the industry's very own and the only annual show, 3-in-1 ZAK Exhibition held alternatively between Delhi and Mumbai. Renewing and reviewing the advent of new technology, based on the innovation, has been the key to this amalgamation as this is what the exhibitors and visitors gather on one single platform for four days. The Zak Glass Technology Expo saw a remarkable International presence symbolic of building the trust amongst the global glass industry for India as a promising and emerging market.
This year, the 3-in-1 ZAK Exhibition, comprising 13th Zak Glass Technology Expo, 12th Zak Doors & Windows Expo, and 7th Zak Aluminium Extrusions Expo, was organised on the expanded MMRDA Ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai during 10th to 13th December 2015. As expected, the annual event looked more aggressive this year with a notable increase in the number of both the exhibitors as well as visitors. With these many successful editions, the expo has already emerged as the single largest venue in South-East Asia for industry participants and visitors alike to showcase and observe the cutting-edge in glass technology and the associated industries' exhibitions.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Chairman & Managing Director of Zak Group, Mr. Syed Zakir Ahmed said, "Glass has continuously been redefining the way, we look at construction. Aesthetically, superior and functionally outstanding, there are multiple reasons why glass is driving the new wave in construction practices. As focus is fast shifting towards faster and sustainable construction and new design principles demand the flexibility in glass, its future is truly shining." He added that along with the Zak Glass Technology Expo, the space of doors, windows and facades is also rapidly evolving at a fantastic pace in India with new technologies, designs and innovations. "This is clearly evident from the concurrent exhibitions here. The ZAK platform, in all, has emerged as the definitive destination, especially for those, looking for opportunities and willing to invest to reap rewards out of the country's resplendent building products industry."
This edition of the expo has also marked the second year of Zak's collaboration with China Architectural and Industrial Glass Association (CAIGA). Flooded with the exhibitors' response, Mr. Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the guests and dignitaries, when he said, "I am overwhelmed with our collaboration with China Architectural and Industrial Glass Association (CAIGA). We, at Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions, always aim to make the exhibition a rewarding experience for our participants, and hope our relationships grow further beyond the diversities of land, culture, and ethnicity."
Responding to the inundated welcome, Mr. Yang Yuhai, General Manager, Beijing China Glass Modern Technology, who were the chief sponsors of the event, complemented, "We are glad to be part of the exhibition once again as the experience last year was an exhilarating one. We hope that this association will go further and we would encourage more companies to come and showcase their latest technology here." He added that this is an excellent platform, and India is having better opportunities in the near future. "Despite all odds, the country has recorded a remarkable 7.5% growth rate to which no other economy is even around," he reinstated.
According to organisers, over all the ZAK Expo witnessed the participation of more than 400 national and international exhibitors from over 22 countries showcasing their expertise in glass production technology, glass processing & finishing, façade elements, glass products & applications, auxiliary products, fittings, and tools segment. As many as 450 brands comprising products, technologies, and solutions were put on the anvil for a chunk of trade visitors that included architects, interior designers, builders, developers, dealers, distributors, contractors, fabricators, and consultants.
The Doors & Windows side of the exhibition was actually the influx of innovative approaches and desire for the best practices/materials globally, leading to increased demand for superior material and technology providers. With such a huge portfolio of products including doors, windows, facades, associated technologies, components, etc, on the display for its potential buyers and inquisitive visitors, the Expo was truly a reflection of the burgeoning space of the country's realty sector. The response observed has proven that the industry would continue to witness high level of activities, both in the established urban centres as well as the smaller cities and towns across the country. Players including Komerling (profine), Euradif, PlastOne (NCL Wintech), PS Polyplast, ADO, Simta, Fundermax, Dow Corning, Kalinga Stone, etc, made their presence felt.
Needless to say that opening up of avenues such as 'Housing for All by 2022' scheme and the ambitious '100 Smart Cities' project have put on the country's real estate and infrastructure industries on to a rolling wheel, which will further boost the prospect of glass & glazing, aluminium extrusion, and fenestration industries alike. Adding to it is the rising popularity of architectural glass in view of the emerging trends in architectural design and applications. Besides, advantages of embracing this as a construction material brings added momentum each single time the expo comes in. The expo has emerged as a one single platform where hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors gather to display and generate awareness about the radical changes in building products technology, apart from facilitating interaction, to find opportunities, to invest, and to boost their presence in the respective categories.
Amidst the extremely engaging four days, the uninterrupted trade activities were the testimony of the fact that the Expo was exceptional, since it offered an organised avenue to all the industry stakeholders alike to come together for networking, business expansion, innovations, and idea exchanges. There were concealed sentiments of a persistent quest to achieve further new highs among the attendees. While the voracity among the exhibitors to capture unearthed potentials was ostensibly perceptible; for visitors, the Show was successful in bringing in the latest - be it in terms of product, technology or application.
Further, in the endeavor to enhance audience experience and to impart knowledge, Zak Expo planned two fun-and-learn events - 'Kaanch ki Paathshala' and 'Window ki Paathshala' where the industry experts tried their best to inculcate the technological advancements, and demonstrated that how and why right selection and application of glass and hardware is the key to success in this industry. The next edition of the show is scheduled during 9-11 December 2016 to be held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Though a few old associates missed 2015 edition of the Expo, quite a few new exhibitors made inroad including Siderise, Archintex, UIP, and the like. MGS Architecture, in its quest to find out what's there in the exhibitors' kitty for this edition of the Expo, met many of them. Following are the excerpts of what they shared:
Speaking about the fire protection systems, Mr. Narayanan said, "Our passive fire protection systems are industry leading and third party certified. The SIDERISE curtain walling firestop was the first to market internationally and our reactive solution for ventilated facades was the first within Europe. Adding to it is our extensive experience in architectural acoustics, which further compliments our range thereby enabling us to offer complete solutions that encompass insulation, integrity in terms of fire, and noise control. We deliver exceptional room-to-room sound reduction performance coupled with proven passive fire protection through the use of robust sustainable materials. Our Technical team can provide acoustic advice to ensure that the overall performance criteria for the project are met, at the same time making sure that the solutions are always compliant for fire safety."
Mr. Narayanan shared that demand for these solutions are picking up across the globe as mishaps like fire can't be predicted. "India is on a trajectory of growth where in the wake of development, huge infrastructure and buildings are to be planned and constructed in near future. These solutions are apt to avoid any unpredictable anomalies and to help develop a sound-proof environment. Also, these can be incorporated in the very beginning of the project, when it is in planning stage," he informed claiming that Siderise solutions save lives, and provide acoustic comfort and privacy, thereby delivering a safer and more productive sound environment for all. "Our technical team not only has the technical expertise to provide acoustic and fire safety advice, but also the practical 'hands on' knowledge with respect to installation," he reinstated adding that all the products are tested to the European standards, besides having tested 'Open State Cavity Barriers' to ASFP Standards for ventilated facades.
"Our products are the result of continuous innovation, research and development, and therefore, we keep on creating new and efficient solutions for our customers," he mentioned adding that in a short span UIP has earned great acceptance and is now looking at adding value to projects with the technical competence and special range. "The market is on the revamping track, and I am sure that there is enough room for all brands to prosper" stated Mr. Iyer.
Adding information about the products' range, he said, "We have vast range of fasteners categorically divided under varied heads including chemical, mechanical, universal screws, nylon plugs, U-Clad (special undercut for stone applications), and other interesting products for myriad applications. Our chemical fasteners enable innovative chemical injection technology for heavy loads in concrete, masonry, and natural stone whereas mechanical ones are outstanding for heavy loads in concrete. The universal fasteners are first-class technology for light, medium, and heavy fastening in aerated concrete, concrete, masonry and wood."
According to him, the U-clad range attracted huge attention from various consultants and contractors for typical stone cladding applications using an undercut anchor. With this belief that for customer-specific solutions, expertise is required, Mr. Iyer added, "The basis of solutions for today and tomorrow is formed by the exchange of experience between science and research, and between users and customers. We have every possible means to respond to our customers' as well as markets' needs as quickly as possible."
According to Mr. Shetty, "The company specializes in the supply of a complete range of hardware fixtures made up of Aluminum and Stainless Steel, which enhance the performance and utility of various systems when applied in doors, windows, curtainwalls, facades, etc. These products are crucial to the quality of the final product and contribute to a safe, comfortable, no maintenance, and stylish living as well as working environment. The standard of the final products that we deliver, reflect our commitment to quality of design, performance attributes, and installation improvements that exceed regulatory requirements and meet crucial fire norms in the case of facade components," he reinstated.
Reinforcing the association and involvement of specifiers, Mr. Shetty said, "We are committed to working closely with architects, fabricators, and contractors meeting their specific requirements in time. We support our name not only with great technical knowledge when dealing with our esteemed clientele but also with quality and the after sales service, which every client much deserves. The testimony of this fact is that over the last three years since its inception in August 2012, our company has continuously been awarded projects & made partners by the leading contractors in the rapidly evolving country's facade industry."
In the last edition of ZAK, the company was promoting its innovative GIESSE OS Operator 2.0, which has further improved the appearance and performance of out-swing casement windows. "The OS Operator 2.0 system is a set of accessories allowing the users to push a casement sash open and pull it close, at the same time, allows operating multiple locking points on three sides of the fixture," informed Mr. Anwar elaborating that the initial movement of the cremone handle (0°-60°) releases the locking points, thereafter, as the handle is turned further (60°-180°), the internal mechanism turns an arm that helps swing the sash open to a given angle, determined by the length of the arm. "And from the open position, turning the handle in the opposite direction will close the sash and re-engage the locking points."
The company offers complete solution for façade works such as unitized, semi-unitized & custom design curtain wall; and architectural metal & stone cladding. Besides, it also supplies aluminum doors and windows; stainless steel architectural work & skylights; aluminium screen & partitions; stainless steel point fix glazing; stainless steel & steel tension rod structure, glazed balustrades & hand railing, and so on.
According to him, Glass Wall Systems has an unmatched expertise in facade work and is one of the leaders in the field of design, supply, manufacturing and installation of architectural facade systems in India. "We have in-house design team comprising more than 50 creative minds with capability to convert any imagination in to reality, when it comes to developing façade. The team is trained to deliver the specifics as per the clients' requirements as every design has a different story to tell," claimed Mr. Bhuri adding that with over a decade of experience in the field of exterior facade system, the company has completed a number of prestigious projects including corporate office buildings, multiplexes, malls, residential buildings etc. "We are also associated with the India's tallest residential building World One."
Sharing his experience, he suggested that the architects can look at optimising the facades by using the correct sizes so that there is minimum wastage of glass. "The design can be simplified even with n-number of elements to be incorporated, but should be easy to erect, sustainable, easy to maintain, and at the same time long-lasting. For instance, a very difficult façade in question can lead to an increase in the project cost and time overrun. Though, we do have the capability as well as the expertise to deliver varied specifics of a challenging façade, not many fabricators have the same know-how and the needed strength. One should consider these important parameters, while designing," elaborated Mr. Bhuri.
