By Seema Gupta
The recently concluded 13th edition of Zak Doors & Windows Expo 2016, which was held alongside the Glass Technology and Aluminium Extrusions Expos, from 9-11 Dec 2016 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, saw participating companies from 25 countries including USA, Germany, Canada, Italy, Italy, China, Thailand, Austria, Belgium, etc., and a steady stream of over 17,300 visitors.
Zak Doors & Windows, a platform dedicated to Doors, Windows, Facades, Technologies, Components & Products, saw over 176 participating companies. This bears witness to the burgeoning activities in the Fenestration Industry. On display was machinery and tools, window making software, accessories, hardware, fittings, hinges, fasteners and other auxiliary products, accessories components and hardware, finished products of uPVC, steel, wood, aluminium, and other materials, automatic and electric doors, fire safety solutions, ventilated façades, facade cleaning tools & access systems, glass facade solutions (design & fabrication), aluminium composite panels, curtain wall systems, insulation materials, window cleaning tools, raw materials such as rigid uPVC adhesives, powder coatings and paints, plastic granules, polyamide strips, super strong mesh, grills and fly screens, adhesives and sealants, specialty tapes, laminates and films, sunshades and venetian blinds,
Participating companies included both established names and upcoming/new entrants, notably, Profine India Window Technology/Kommerling brand, Alulux, DNV Global, Elumatec India, Lingel India, Fundermax India, KinLong Hardware India, LGF Sysmac India, Schueco India, Nexion, Skybrite Industries, Window Tech India, Mannat, Simta Clear Coats, Wintech/PlastOne, PS Ployplast (PSP), Vibrant Technik, Dimex India, MetalKraft Forming industries, to name a few.
Gurgaon-based Chinese company Lesso Buildtech Pvt. Ltd., which has gained a strong footing in India with its high quality uPVC profiles, was present with a new range of American-style casement windows and doors, including hardware, under the EITI Skyreach brand. "We are testing the Indian market for American style of doors and windows even though the European style is more popular here," said Stanley Zhu, Marketing Manager. Also on display was a new lead-free uPVC profile, which according to Stanley is functionally better and more economical, and more importantly, it is eco-friendly.
Lesso uPVC sliding doors and windows' accessories are high performing and environmentally sustainable. They are multi chambered and reinforced, while their multi-point locking system provides added security. They can be fully recycled and offer high levels of thermal insulation, sound insulation and burglary-resistant. Stanley informed that the company's India business has grown by 50% over the last fiscal, and they are associated with about 200 fabricators. On the anvil is a 18,000 sq.m factory coming up in Pune, which will cater to domestic demand.
Diamond Metal Screens Pvt. Ltd. from Belgaum, Karnataka, was showcasing perforated metal screens for external use. These are available in thickness of 0.50 to 20 mm, in sheet size of 4'x8' and 5'x8', and coils of width 1500 mm in various metals such as Stainless Steel, Pre-Galvanised Steel, Copper, Brass, Zinc, Aluminium, and CRCA / HR Steel. Using state-of-the-art automated machinery, intricate patterns of apertures can be produced even in small batches, and in shapes such as round, square, conical, rectangular, herringbone, triangular, hexagonal, Tricur Yes, embossed, diamond, etc. Also on display were perforated decorative interior panels, cladding, roofing, railing, and metal flooring.
According to Kunal K. Badani, Manager – Production, facades made of metal can last from 10 to upto 25 years, depending on the type of powder coating (PVDF) used. "Pure aluminum (cold rolled) is an asset as it can be credited back, unlike ACP which has no re-buying value. Plus, it is four times lighter than stainless steel, has a better coating, and its lifespan is almost that of stainless steel. Perforated facades provide advantages such as ventilation, reusability, and give the building a modern touch. Sheet metal facades are durable, easy to assemble and replaceable. These advantages make the facade system a favourite among architects. Our engineers work closely to generate the best solution for your building, keeping in mind the ease of assembly on site and hassle-free maintenance."
Badani informed that Diamond Metal Screens facade systems can withstand wind loads and environmental forces. The facade frames are easy to transport and assemble on site. The screens can be customized to create company logos, personalized images, etc, which can be backlit by LEDs for greater effect. This image perforation technology called Pixelperf creates a vibrant effect in interiors as well as on exteriors.
The company, which is currently active in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, having completed façade projects for Balaji Agora Mall in Ahmedabad, Vaishnavi Splendour Residence in Bangalore, and in many other places, was looking for potential tie-ups with builders, architects, and façade consultants at the expo.
Noida-based VRTS Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. was offering Italian make of high performing paints for uPVC and aluminium profiles. VRTS is the authorised channel partner for IMPA SpA, Italy, a leading Italian producer of paints, putties, primers and sealants. "Consumer interest is shifting from white and brown profiles to coloured as is the current trend abroad. Coloured profiles create a more aesthetic and dramatic effect. Painting the profiles is a very simple primer-less spray painting application. All the standard RAL shades and some special textured shades are available with us," said Rajeev Verma, Director.
He informed that the company offered a 10-year warranty on the painted surfaces as they could withstand any temperature and any kind of climate. Simple dusting and/or wiping with colin is sufficient to keep them clean. The company which had entered this service only two years ago in India had already garnered a good response from the fenestration industry, with application partners present each in Gurgaon, Pune, Jaipur, and Bangalore. It was looking to develop a chain of application partners/fabricators for its products, who would be given training on basic painting and would also function as its sales team.
UK-based Siderise was showcasing its technical expertise in providing fire protection solutions for building facades, along with practical know-how on installation. The company, which has been present in India since one year only, was present at ZAK primarily to educate architects, specifiers, and contractors, and create awareness on fire safety issues, hazards, and solutions. On display were perimeter barriers (slab edge firestop), acoustic materials (curtain walling), fire safe insulation (spandrel panels), and firesafe cores (curtain walling).
"We offer processed mineral wool for façade fabricators for application in slab edge protection. It prevents fire from spreading to other floors by 30 minutes to 3 hours. Of course, the cost of a building would go up by 6-7 percent by using this, but that is a small price to pay if you want to protect your building and the lives of the people inside. We have done projects in Dubai where fire safety regulations are very stringent, and builders have to follow the codes as published by the Ministry of Interiors," said Sreenivas Narayanan, Business & Sales Officer (Middle East & India).
The company's façades team works closely with architects, façade contractors, and installers, to develop effective, engineered solutions to fire, thermal and acoustic problems. "Our range of high-performance fire-stopping products suit the rigorous performance expectations of the specifier, as well as the stringent cost demands and practical installation needs of the contractor."
UK company Windowmaker Software has been present in India since 1993, offering complete solutions to the supply chain of the Fenestration Industry. It caters to manufacturers, resellers, dealers, and suppliers working in different business verticals, material types and products, bringing new technology and functionality on a continual basis.
Discussing the advantages of using Windowmaker Software, Dhaval Bhagora, Marketing Manager, said, "We have over 400 customers in India. Majority of the leading door and window fabricators rely on our software to run their business as it provides complete solutions from cradle to grave. We provide ready-to-use profile catalogues and round-the-clock support to our customers. Windowmaker Training Program is an initiative to share our knowledge and market insight with the fabricators to make them aware of and implement best practices."
Expressing satisfaction with the response at ZAK, he added, "We were successful in closing a good number of deals on the ground itself. The footfall was good, but less as compared to the previous edition. We have been exhibiting at ZAK since its inception in 1994, and we look forward to be a part of this world-class trade show again."
International trends are finding increasing acceptance in the Indian market, and the trend is being offset by the influx of international companies bringing innovative approaches, global best practices, and a varied choice of materials and colors to Indian shores. Many global providers (especially from Italy, China, and Germany) offering superior material and technology have set up shop in India either through joint ventures with Indian partners, or through importers and distribution channel partners.
The high level of activity seen in the allied industries offering hardware, fittings and components, bears testimony to the growing demand for quality products. The concept of factory-fitted doors and windows is catching on in the smaller towns and cities across the country as well. This holds true of both residential and commercial buildings. As the Fenestration Industry in India evolves, both domestic and international companies are confident that demand will only escalate as demand for modern systems penetrates deeper and across regions.
The expo has emerged as the most effective marketing platform for manufacturers, fabricators, importers, suppliers of hardware to the industry, architects, consultants, interior designers, builders, and contractors from across all the regions in India. According to the organizer, Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd, the expo has been attracting top worldwide manufacturers of the Fenestration industry who showcase their latest industrial technologies, trendy materials, and launch new products. The next edition will be held in MMRDA grounds, BKC, Mumbai from 7 – 10 Dec 2017.
