R+T 2018: Trends and topics in the door and gate industry

According to the results of the survey conducted by the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers (BVT) in autumn 2016, the door and gate industry is developing positively: 59 per cent of the member companies which participated in the survey reported an increase in incoming orders. By comparison, the corresponding figure in spring 2016 was only 46 per cent. The reported sales were also better than six months previously: 62 per cent of companies registered a rise in sales.The forecast for growth in the coming months was equally optimistic: only 3 per cent of manufacturers were anticipating a decrease in incoming orders and sales. The other companies were expecting the same number of incoming orders (62 percent) or an increase in the orders received (36 per cent). 64 per cent of the companies participating in the survey estimated that sales would remain unchanged while 33 per cent were expecting higher sales. Kai-Uwe Grögor, Managing Director of the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers: Sales in the industry as a whole rose substantially by 7.1 per cent in the first six months of 2016. This was primarily due to domestic business whereas international business lagged well behind.» Trends and topicsWhat are the trends and topics with which manufacturers and trade partners can together successfully satisfy demand on the door and gate market? The topic of energy efficiency is still the focal point of interest in regard to solutions. It will therefore also be examined during R+T 2018 in Stuttgart. Firstly, suitable insulation and the avoidance of heat bridges inside the structure ensure that energy does not readily escape. Secondly, the use of transparent areas tailored to each individual building situation facilitates maximum exploitation of natural daylight, thus reducing the costs for artificial lighting. Intelligent control units also enable opening and closing times to be optimised - which substantially improves the energy balance of large warehouses and production halls. Novoferm, for example, follows these parameters: heat-insulating doors and gates, high-speed doors and gates or intelligent high-tech industrial doors from the manufacturer only open as wide as is necessary for loading or passing through. Novoferm is supporting the trend towards improved energy efficiency with its products for commercial and privately used buildings.A great of attention will also be paid to the area of doors and gates in the exhibition halls during R+T 2018. Meissner traditionally makes no compromises regarding this topic, said Frank Di Patre, Head of Marketing and Sales. All photelectrical systems, contact strips and infiltration protection, which is required in the product standard for doors/gates, are included as standard in our Eco Series. A TÜV type examination for every door/gate, including a certificate, is available as confirmation in this respect. In addition to safety, Meissner has also purposefully tackled the topic of noise development: a sound-separated, self-supporting structure actively prevents the transmission of noise to the building while specially noise-reducing drive systems also help to satisfy users. In addition to energy efficiency and the safety aspect, the topic of design will certainly not be neglected at the world's leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems. For example, doors and gates have long been more than just a design element in both the private sector and in commercial applications. They occupy a large part of a façade and can be integrated in the overall concept in a creatively appealing way using a wide range of available colours and surfaces.