The exhibition cemented its position as India's only focused event for the facade and fenestration industry
The fifth edition of the three-day fensterbau/frontale india, the international exhibition and conference on window, door and façade, concluded on 28th February 2015 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre in Bangaluru. The event was aimed at promoting the high-tech & trendy end-product to convince decision-makers about the importance and advantages of system windows over conventional windows. The fenestration industry in India has a key role to play in real estate development and sustainability owing to the increased importance of glass, windows, and facades keeping in view the energy saving and energy efficiency quotients. The annual exhibition rotates between Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The exhibition was once again held in concurrent with ACREX India 2015 - an exhibition on Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Refrigeration, and Building Services.
The Indian facade and fenestration industry has shown strong growth in past few years, as it has been marked by the entry of international system, equipment, and hardware firms. Featuring the latest in facade and fenestration technology, the event covered all the essential aspects of windows, doors and facades. The broad spectrum of products includes structural and profile systems, semi-finished materials, material production aids, glass & glass products, hardware fixing and safety equipment, shading and ventilation equipment, uPVC & aluminium window and door solutions, machinery solutions, hardware, software, opening and closing devices, coatings, anchor channels, adhesives and other production aids. AluK, aluplast, profine (better known for their Komerling), VEKA, Dr Hahn, Euradif, Lesso, Dimex, Hindalco, and Lingel were some of the major exhibitors. Of the around 70 companies that exhibited, 50 were from India and 20 from overseas.
Over the last five years, this event has become an established meeting place for influential decision makers from the sector, including manufacturers, processors, architects, construction engineers, window-door & façade contractors, sound insulation & equipment manufacturers, developers, planners, and building specialists. Since its première in 2011, fensterbau/frontale india has been organised by NürnbergMesse Group in cooperation with ift Rosenheim and International Fenestration Forum, and has been supported by Indo German Chamber of Commerce. Other supporting bodies were Glazing Society of India (GSI), Confederation of Construction Products & Services (CCPS), uPVC Window & Door Manufacturers Association (uWDMA), Aluminium Extruder's Council (ALEX), Federation of Safety Glass (FoSG), and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
With support of the aforementioned agencies, this international event proved instrumental in facilitating convergence of various associations, institutes, and forums to highlight important industry concerns and provide platform to discuss new technologies and solutions. The latest and best of products from various exhibiting companies coupled with informative discourses made this an event to remember.
Exhibitors' feedback was encouraging. Mr. Ravi Sharma of ScreenLine India was upbeat about the participation. "fensterbau/frontale india 2015 was a success for us. Our stand was busy with inquisitive customers. We are happy to announce that new relationships were built. And we look forward to materialize these opportunities in near future."
Similar sentiments were echoed by Mr. Neeraj Singhal, COO of Kalko Alu Systems Pvt Ltd. "fensterbau/frontale has provided a good launch pad for Kalko. Our newly launched 3-track sliding system made with Hindalco extruded aluminium sections – in Alloy 6063 and Temper –T6, conforms to IS: 733 and IS: 1285. The system allows smooth and effortless movement of shutters and can have automatic or manual locks. All rubber gaskets are weather resistant (-40°C to +80°C) EPDM Gaskets. We got a very good response for our newly launched 3-track sliding system."
Mr Rajnish Bali of Mannat, the manufacturer & supplier of high-quality Insect Shield in various designs and shapes, was happy being associated with this year's fenesterbau/frontale india. "We received numerous queries for our wide range of secure, reliable, and functional made-to-measure insect screens. With over 1 million screens installed across Delhi, NCR, and other parts of the country, we have just launched our Bangalore branch. Seeing the response from this exhibition, we expect good business potential in this city. We have also launched the insect shield made of rust-free stainless steel to help enhance the aesthetics and life of the finished product."
Mr. Boris Guo, Director of Jinan Lede CNC Machinary Co. Ltd. was excited about the queries generated from this show. "We found the show apt for serious business visitors and clients. It has brought together most of the industry's leading players on one platform, to address their needs and expectations."
Mr. Rajiv Gupta, secretary at uPVC Window & Door Manufacturers Association (uWDMA), was appreciative of the efforts of the organizers. "The seminars and panel discussions were very informative. The industry needs such kind of awareness campaign on frequent basis. The overall ambience of the event was international. We wish the fensterbau/frontale india team all the very best!"
Mr. Elia Lacentra, Sales Manager at Decoral System was happy being a part of the exclusive show. "We are the supplier of coatings to bring wood, marble, and any other fancy effect on aluminum profiles, metal sheets, and accessories. We are pleased with the outcome. The show has certainly created an impact in the fenestration industry. The standard of visitors and buyers has been decent, and we look forward to materialize quite a few associations out of this exhibition."
Conference & Supporting Program
Furthering its efforts to educate the domestic fenestration industry, ift Rosenheim together with Indian experts from IFF organized a few eye-opening sessions. To start with, there was a presentation on 'Façade Odyssey – Towards Net Zero Energy Buildings,' given by Mr Ashsish Rakheja, Managing Director of Building Engineering – India. He helped audience understand the importance of properly designed facades in saving energy for the building to an extent that it can lead to create Zero Energy Building.
The presentation was followed by a couple of panel discussions on 'Lifestyle: 'Redefined by Energy Efficient Windows and Facades,' and 'Forms, Fenestration and Façade: The Way Forward'. Both the discussions were equally important owing to the high-profile panels comprising India's leading architects, who debated over the need to elevate windows and doors to the status of a lifestyle product. Other topical discourses included architects' consideration while deciding on the appropriate fenestration solution for several types of projects. The discussion revolved around the need for a country like India (where resources are limited) to focus on energy efficiency, since fenestration can play a crucial role.
Also organised were the workshops 'Seeing is Believing', a concept specially created for façade and fenestration professionals. It was aimed at informing the experts and decision makers about how to manage, produce, and install quality façade and fenestration products. The session also demonstrated knowledge about factors influencing the product quality of windows such as construction principles, frames, glass, sealing, fixing & screw, hardware, etc.
Architects' Gallery was another highlight of this year's exhibition, which showcased award-winning projects of the country's leading architects who integrated green technologies into their work.
German Pavilion
The German Pavilion at fensterbau/frontale india featured ten exhibitors: Alulux, Aluplast, Dr Hahn, Roto, Lingel, Maschinen Witte, Veka, Belu tec and Unilux. The pavilion was organised by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA), and was supported by Verband Fenster+Fassade (VFF–Window and Façade Association). With its 10 companies, the Pavilion represented a wide product range comprising tool making, machinery, metal facades, fittings for windows and doors, foils and paints.
The next edition of fensterbau/frontale india will be held in Mumbai from 25-27 February 2016.
