GlassBuild America
Prospects Strengthen with Market Rebound
Exhibitors to focus on improving energy performance and other product enhancements in Las Vegas
The window and door market may not be the picture of health yet, but it is recovering. Those strengthen- ing conditions are boding well for GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, this fall, organizers
report. More than 325 exhibitors are expected for this
year’s show, scheduled for the Las Vegas Convention Center, September 14-16.
“Residential window and door sales are clearly on the
rise,” says Phil James, president and CEO of the National
Glass Association, organizer of the event (and publisher of
Window & Door). “With the worst behind them, manu-
facturers are now focused on the future. We expect many
will be coming to GlassBuild America looking for ways to
make their products more energy efficient and differenti-
ate themselves moving forward.”
“Energy efficiency has become a national priority over
the past year or two,” adds Denise Sheehan, NGA's VP of
industry events. “Window and door manufacturers know
that more stringent codes and government incentives
will continue to increase demand for higher performance
products. GlassBuild provides the perfect venue for them
to talk to suppliers and look for new ways to meet current
and future standards.”
Last year’s event also saw the introduction of several new technologies
for adding woodgrains and color to vinyl window and door products.
That was certainly true at last year's show. The 2009
event in Atlanta was noteworthy not only for the optimism expressed by exhibitors and attendees alike, but for
the increased focus on energy efficiency. With tax credits
bolstering the replacement market, exhibitors focused on
components and equipment for producing windows and
doors delivering higher levels of energy efficiency. Triple
glazing options were highlighted by numerous exhibitors. Mikron Industries launched its new EnergyCore
vinyl window system designed for higher performance an
Bystronic featured a new automated line for the production of high performance Sashlite windows.
BUILDING EXPECTATIONS
“Despite the struggling economy, GlassBuild America
continues to be the only show that is of the industry, by
the industry and for the industry,” Sheehan points out,
adding that interest levels for the show have increased
steadily in recent months, she adds. “In May alone, 47
companies joined the show — 11 first-time exhibitors—
averaging 12 companies a week and totaling more than
