Glasstec, the event that shows new developments first

Signs of growth in the Germany economy and increasing numbers of overseas visitors indicate that more than 54,000 may visit Glasstec. There’s no question that many Brits will make the trip to Düsseldorf,

Signs of growth in the Germany economy and the trend of increasing numbers of overseas visitors indicate that visitor figures at Glasstec might top 54,000, the figure achieved on the last two occasions (2004 and 2002). The 19th event takes place this month, 24-28 October at Messe Düsseldorf.

The biennial trade fair is the world’s Number One glass event, covering developments in glass from primary production to the finished product. It also serves as the industry’s global gathering. Glasstec is an opportunity for industry folk to catch up, network and do business, both at the show and in the numerous bars in the Dusseldorf’s ‘Aldstadt’.

Technical Symposium

In Hall 11, ‘Glass Technology Live’ will show how technology can rise to new challenges especially when multi-functional insulating glass and photovoltaic or solar thermal systems are to integrated into building shells.

Professor Stefan Behling, Senior Architect at Foster & Partners in London and Organiser of the Special Show along with his team from Stuttgart University, will show the latest products, technologies, trends and designs under the heading ‘Future Homes’.

A whole series of current projects handled by such renowned architects as Adjai Associates, Rem Koolhaas, Ben van Berkel will complement the Innovation Show and the technical symposium themed in tune with it.

See it here first

‘Find out today what is feasible tomorrow’ is the message from the organisers this year.

Use of the Internet as an information resource doesn’t seem to have dented Glasstec’s appeal. The ‘hands on’ nature of many industry people might explain why they will travel to see working demonstrations of the latest processing machinery, which fills Halls 12 to 17.

Machinery masters

The undisputed stars of the machinery show are European: The insulated glass machinery experts from the German speaking countries (Lisec, Bystronic, Hegla, etc.) and the Italians, the acknowledged machinery masters for edge-working and decorative processing (Bottero, Schiatti, Lattuada, etc.).

Tempering and bending specialists Tamglass, Glassrobots and Uniglass all hail from Tampere in Finland. Once again, Lisec is arranging to fly existing and prospective customers to Austria to see its new developments.

This means that the largest stand will probably be that of partners Tamglass and Bavelloni in Hall 16. The day’s discussions tend to continue in the evening in the Aldstadt, Dusseldorf’s old town. Cool ‘Alt’ beer, warm ‘Floenz’ (blood sausage) and hearty ‘Aehzezupp’ (pea soup) are traditional specialities, while ‘Mostert’ is, you guessed it, Dusseldorf's famous mustard. That’s quite a mixture.