SGC Glass heads to the FIT Show

We ventured to the Birmingham NEC in May, to take in this year’s FIT show. The show, which runs every year, showcases the very best technology and innovation in the world of windows, doors, flat glass and associated components – and it’s a lot more interesting than it first sounds!

We find it’s always beneficial to acclimatise ourselves with the latest trends and gain new supply chain partners, to help us bring our customers the very best products as and when they become available.

There were some fantastic and innovative products on display at this year’s show, and right off the bat we were taken by a beautifully designed new frameless balustrade system and a stunning new uPVC flush sash window system, both of which we think will be exceptionally well received by customers when they goes on sale in the not-too-distant future.

We were especially interested to meet up with representatives from Horman, and to get a closer look at the company’s in-demand high security steel residential entrance doors, and we were blown away by the quality of the products. We’re hopeful that we will be able to bring them to our customers in the very near future!

Another product which immediately caught our eye at this year’s FIT show was the Smart ReadyⓇ system, which looks set to transform glazing. The system, which will be released in the near future, allows manufacturers to imbue their products with a host of smart features, making them safer, more efficient and much more user friendly.

Smart ReadyⓇ will offer users alerts directly to their smartphone if someone strikes their windows or tries to force one open, they will keep users up to speed on pollen count, weather conditions and more and with the help of a cutting-edge app will allow users to control such things as airflow from the comfort of their own device – be that a smartphone or voice-control system, such as Alexa, Siri or Google’s excellent Assistant.

The key issues which have set developers of such technology back in the past, fabrication time and difficulty and cost effectiveness, have been addressed from the get-go with Smart ReadyⓇ. The designers are confident that the product won’t negatively impact fabrication time or cost – giving manufacturers the ability to upgrade their entire line with this smart technology without issue.

While we were looking around another stand caught our eye, it was showcasing ISOchemie’s ISOз Window Sealing system. The system, which consists of a range of specialised tapes and sealants, offers solutions to a number of different requirements, including weather protection, acoustic applications and even air tight sealing, where necessary.

ISOз can be installed quickly and easily and complies with the EU’s most stringent safety requirements, making it a potentially great tool for the expert glazier to have in his or her toolbox.

We were also excited to see respected manufacturer Origin’s latest innovations too, and we’re certain that the company’s new patio door, which is due to be released this summer, will be a huge hit.