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A bright spot in the fenestration industry

Operating under the cloud of a looming economic recession Win-door
North America showed that there is a bright spot in the fenestration
and door industry. Although slightly down in overall attendance
exhibitor support was strong, with 145 exhibiting companies occupying
120,000 square feet, taking a proactive lead in keeping themselves at
the forefront of the industry.

Taking a proactive lead in keeping themselves at the forefront of the industry, 145 exhibiting companies occupied 120,000 square feet, during Win-door North America 2008 in Toronto, Ont.

Operating under the cloud of a looming economic recession Win-door North America showed that there is a bright spot in the fenestration and door industry. Although slightly down in overall attendance exhibitor support was strong, with 145 exhibiting companies occupying 120,000 square feet, taking a proactive lead in keeping themselves at the forefront of the industry.

“Win-door proves to be strong even in very challenging worldwide economic times,” says CWDMA President Eva Ryterband, president for the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA).  “Trade participation was over 2600, down from the previous year, obviously due to the economic climate the entire industry is faced with,” she says.

Held in Toronto, Ont., every November, Win-door is a highly focused manufacturers show featuring the latest computer hardware, software, doors, doorlites, hardware, machinery, sealants, weatherseals, testing services, wood products and systems for the fenestration and door industries.

It is the only such show in Canada and it has been operating for more than 10 years. Jacques Oullette, from Bronco Industries in Delta, B.C., has been there for all of them. “I have been coming here since the show’s inception and every time I come I learn something new. There is an opportunity around every corner,” he says, adding that glass companies are still busy in B.C.

Opening Ceremonies for Win-door North America 2008, from Left, Bruce Farr, Chief of Toronto EMS and president of the EMS Chiefs of Canada; Michel Flageole (Resiver), Master of Ceremonies; Eva Ryterband, CWDMA president and Richard Lipman, executive director, CWDMA.

Traffic seemed busy during the first day but dropped off noticeably on the second day. “I don’t see a lot of U.S., visitors. I think this show is attracting people who didn’t go to the GlassBuild show,” says David Devenish from Fenzi North America. “We had a few visitors ask about getting into IG fabrication so we have to be here because customers expect to see you.”

Christopher Cooper from Joseph Machinery Company says the Canadian market was fairing much better than the U.S., pointing out some of the more buoyant regions. “I see smaller companies that are very busy…it doesn’t feel like Canada is in a recession.”

Michael Durham from Sika Canada noted that this particular show is not about the numbers. “It’s definitely slower this year but I have always maintained that it’s not about the volume of people but the quality and I think it’s still there,” he says. “The key for exhibitors is not to come to this show with the same things every year,” he adds, pointing out his company’s new SikaGlaze GS-9179, a hot applied ductile backbedding glazing compound that was attracting attention. “Bring in something different every year and let customers know about it so it’s worth their time to come and see you.”

First time exhibitor, John Tasaro from North American Glass Equipment, says Win-door is a good venue for new companies like his to make their debut. “We have only been in the market for two years so the only way to go is up. I don’t need to see 1000 people. We only need one customer to buy and I see a lot of decision makers here.”

Matt Kottke, Win-door chairperson for 2009, from Truth Hardware says it was encouraging to see that the Canadian window and door market has been able to sustain itself adding that next year’s show is well positioned to surpass the worst of whatever is yet to come.  “As we prepare for 2009 I am encouraged by the timing of this show in relation to the economy,” he says. “By this time next year we will be able to see the light.”

Win-door North America 2009 will take place in Toronto, Ont., November 10 – 12.

Safety program expands nationally
Children continue to benefit from the partnership that has been formed between the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association and EMS Chiefs of Canada to promote window and balcony safety for children across Canada. In a collaborative effort to prevent further tragedies, 14 cities across Canada are developing and promoting educational injury prevention campaigns aimed specifically at preventing window and balcony falls.

The ‘Partners Promoting Window and Door Safety’ booth at the show was staffed by Paramedics from Toronto EMS. The famous “putting challenge” was prominent feature at the booth, with proceeds going toward the Window and Balcony Safety Program. The prizes were donated by Truth Hardware, Sika Canada, and Veka, featuring Taylormade golf clubs and putters.

The proceeds of the putting challenge donations combined with a generous contribution from the Win-door North America 2008 show committee raised $3,500 dollars for this injury prevention campaign. “The challenge to the CWDMA membership is to be able to increase awareness, participation and support of this very important safety program in future,” says Matt Kottke. “As chair of the show committee, we will continue our efforts to strengthen involvement in this important public awareness program across Canada.”