GlassBuild America is underway in Dallas this week, where machinery makers are debuting their newest lines. Many flaunt “Sold” signs.
Others have returned to the show with the same products displayed last year, that have since become available.
Forel held a pre-show event where it debuted a new high-speed production line for insulating glass (IG) that utilizes flexible spacer technology. The machine can be used to produce IG units (IGUs) with thin glass, amid what officials see as a period of “pent up demand” for high-efficiency glass in the U.S. market, said Joe Hague, the company’s international business development manager.
“The critical benefit of this innovative technique allows for the automatic production of units delivering incredible output productivity, along with outstanding performance,” Hague said. “It’s about manufacturing the highest performing products in the most efficient and effective way possible.”
Others are embracing simplicity, says Jacob Reed, sales engineer for Haeco. The company’s new Pro-Assist 1000 machine is labeled “hand assist,” meaning it’s partially automated, but involves human labor.
“You just push a button and it glazes the window frame,” Reed says. “It’s a simpler solution and can do shapes.”
Haeco demonstrates how its machine augments labor. By relying on a set of hands, it allows manufacturers to produce multiple shapes and frame types on a single machine.
After soft launching its new FHV-88 ahead of the show, Pro-Line Automation USA rolled its five-head, high-speed vertical welder onto the show floor. The compact machine is similar to the company’s horizontal line, says Todd Tolson, Pro-Line’s director of sales, relying on ball screws to allow for its vertical axis.
“This one is already sold to Solar Industries,” Tolson said.
Other products that debuted ahead of the show include ODL’s blinds between glass for large sliding doors.
“We launched it this year,” said Donald McNier, ODL’s director of sales. “It was at last year’s show, but not yet available. Now it’s officially out there.”
The product is primarily targeted at remodelers, McNier said. “There just wan’t a good solution for light privacy in sliding patio doors,” he added, “other than vertical blinds or curtains.”
So far as what goes front and center—new or old, exhibitors say they’re going with what they feel will be most appealing. In Westlake Royal Building Products’ booth, the company’s Atlantic Premium Shutters give passersby an idea for how the product provides shading, while also preserving interior views. When in the open position, louvers are angled to block sunlight. When asked how the product made its way to the front of the booth, “It’s about whatever we feel is going to draw the most attention,” says Buddy Eldridge, account executive. “And it has.”
For some new exhibitors, the event is turning up unexpected customers. In the past, Kevin Weidinger, president and CEO of Great Lakes Fasteners, says his company has “walked the show floor as a consultant.” This year the company has a small table set up, where it’s displaying screws for door and window assembly and installation.
“We’re finding different types of prospects this way that I think opens doors for us,” Weidinger says. “They’re new types of customers.”
In this way, the show serves as a sort of “teaser” he says, which beats cold calling.
“Instead of general outreach, now we know their specific needs.”
GlassBuild runs through Wednesday, October 2. Watch for additional coverage in [DWM]’s newsletter.