This year’s FIT Show is creeping ever closer. And in hall size at least, it is set to be the biggest one. If you’re thinking of going for the first tie, or if you’ve been to every show so far (like me, the nerd that I am), then this guide should hopefully be of use to you.
There are three main halls to be used at the NEC for the FIT Show, but each one has a mix of companies from all areas of the industry. So, this is my guide of what to see, product by product, in each hall. If you’re only going for one day, you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to fit anything in.
Note: there’s way too many companies to mention on here, so if you’re not mentioned, don’t take it personally!
Aluminium
Much has been made of the aluminium representation at this year’s FIT Show. To that end, there is the CAB Pavilion in Hall 8, just in front of the bathroom and food facilities in that hall. Alutech Systems nestles in on the right of the Pavilion.
In fact Hall 8 probably has the most robust aluminium representation. Giants AluK and Reynaers take front positions in Hall 8, separated by Ultraframe. More centrally in Hall 8 is Dutemann and the newly bought Customade Group on the right hand side centrally.
On the left of Hall 8 you have Warmcore, Sysnseal’s aluminium/PVC successful hybrid. Whether you all choose to call it aluminium will make for an interesting debate on stand. Just behind them is Prefix Systems, who not exclusively aluminium, are certainly beefing up their aluminium business this year.
If you’re going for aluminium, you’re going to want to stay in Hall 8. It’s sparse to zilch elsewhere in the other halls. I’m not sure why aluminium has been grouped together in just one hall. I don’t think it would have been harmful to spread the aluminium exhibitors around the halls a bit, to give it more presence across the whole of the exhibition.
Systems houses
The biggest companies of all, the systems houses, are bit a more spread out. The aluminium systems companies can be found in Hall 8. But we do have Liniar and REHAU in Hall 7, with the likes of Eurocell, VEKA and Selecta in Hall 6, near the front.
It’s worth pointing out I think that there are as nearly many aluminium systems companies as there are PVCu ones. Is this growing strength in aluminium? Weakening of PVCu?
Machinery
If you’re in fabrication, the machinery sector of our industry will be high on the list of things to see.
So, in Hall 7 you can see the likes of Elumatec, Emmegi and Haffner Murat all at the front. With Liniar and Avantek sharing the largest stand in Hall 7 front left. In Hall 6 you can find Promac occupying one of the largest stands in that particular hall, again at the front.
Nestled centrally in Hall 7 is Kombimatec and Addison Saws can be found at the rear of Hall 8, as can Atlantic Machinery Ltd. It’s a decent showing by the machinery sector this year, with a good mix of well known brands and some of the smaller guys too.
Fabricators
Hard to whittle this one down really as there are so many and most likely make up the largest sub-sector of companies exhibiting this year. So I’ll keep it brief.
In Hall 8 you’ll find Prefix Systems and Atlas/REAL Aluminium, as well as air by Everglade, Renson Fabrications, Roseview and Aluminate Ltd.
In Hall7 you can visit Masterframe and Dekko Window Systems, Apeer and Polyframe. Some high quality fabricators in this hall this year so I’m sure footfall in Hall 7 will be strong, particularly on the middle day.
Hall 6 and you’ll find the guys from Lancashire Trade Frames, CWG Choices, MASCO, Camden, Glazerite, Aluplast, Universal Arches and more. It’s a really packed hall this one.
As I said, too many to mention.
Glass
I think glass and IGU might the be least represented major sector this year.
Starting in Hall 6 there are decorative specialists RegaLead who are central in this hall, along with Oakland Glass who are front and centre.
Not much pure glass representation in Hall 7, although Swisspacer can be found here.
Over to Hall 8 in you have Integral Blinds Direct.
Other than perhaps RegaLead there are no major industry names in the IGU business. I did think there might be a few more, but there you go.
Hardware
One area that is certainly not under-represented is hardware. If working parts of windows and doors floats your boat, it might be time to dim the lights…
Hall 6 there is Ingenious Locks & Hardware, not the biggest stand but definitely worth a visit. There’s Jackloc, Trojan, MACO, Yale, VBH and Brisant in this hall too. Plenty to have a nosey at here.
In the next hall, number 7, is C R Laurence, ERA, Iso-Chemie and Bohle. Not too shabby either.
Admittedly Hall 8 is looking a bit thin on the hardware front, as most are packed into halls 7 and 6. However, there is Traditional Window Fittings in the upper left of this hall and they are definitely worth a visit.
If industry bodies are your thing you can find the GGF and FENSA in Hall 8 next to each other fairly centrally in that hall. The BBA is tucked away at the front of this hall too. Secure by Design have a little space at the front of Hall 7, and GQA and FENSA have some neighbourly space in Hall 6.
This was just a brief guide as to who and want seems to be there in terms of companies. As we get closer I’ll be doing a series of posts hand picking some of my companies to watch at this year’s FIT Show, as well as tips on how to get through the three days if you’re staying that long, really getting your glazing nerd on! If I didn’t mention your company in this post, as I excused myself right at the top, there’s just far too many to mention, but I’m sure I’ll see you all there at some point over the three days.
TOP TIP: wear comfy shoes. Might sound a bit obvious, but you’re going to travel more ground than you think!
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Hi DGB, Thank you for the mention above, I shall look forward to seeing you on our stand, we shall have more new “old” window and door fittings on show on the Traditional Window Fittings stand.
I look forward to seeing them!