glasstec 2012 reflects attendees' positive outlook in the face of economic uncertainty

The mood among many of the 43,000 attendees at glasstec 2012 was positive, despite uncertainties surrounding the global economy and glass market. While the European and Chinese segments show signs of softening, many exhibitors reported increasing confidence and strength in the long-stagnant North American market.

Paul Witherby, business development manager for 

Don Friese, CEO of 

On the show floor

The 2012 glasstec exhibition, held Oct. 23-26 in Düsseldorf, Germany, drew about 43,000 visitors to view product and service offerings from 1,162 exhibitors representing all segments of the glass industry.

"glasstec 2012 sent out a clear positive signal for the sector in economic times that are difficult to predict," said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Udo Ungeheuer, president of glasstec 2012 and chairman of the management board of 

"Exhibitors reported good order activity among their customers. This shows that glasstec came exactly at the right time,"  said Hans Werner Reinhard, deputy managing director of 

Stefan Hafenscher, marketing for 

"We have the largest stand at the show, and our booth has been consistently busy," Hafenscher said. "We saw between 700 and 800 visitors on the first day alone, and expect that number was even higher on the second and third days."

In addition to introducing new products, companies announced new investments. 

The economic recession has not stalled innovation in the industry, as evidenced by the glass technology live area of the show. With the topic "Innovative Glass Functions", Prof. Stefan Behling and his team from the Stuttgart University's Institute of Construction Design showcased practical products for the near and distant future. These included a window incorporated into glazing without any visible frame construction; bent but still stable glass; organic, building-integrated photovoltaics; as well as large-format façade elements.

Of the exhibitors, 67 percent were non-German companies, including 57 U.S. companies. A special feature at glasstec 2012 was the North American Pavilion, organized by 

Full coverage of glasstec 2012 will appear in the December issue of Glass Magazine. View photos from the show floor and read about the new products introduced 

glasstec 2014 will take place in October in Düsseldorf. For more information, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America,