Impressions and experiences - authentic and personal
glasstec once again attracts experts from all over the world. Visitors from a wide range of industries take the opportunity to find out about the latest developments, make new business contacts and expand their knowledge. Below, our visitors share their impressions and experiences of glasstec 2024 - authentic and personal.
Heiko Reichel und Frederik Hamelmann, Höxter, Germany
The glass experts want to be inspired at glasstec and learn a lot of new things. Heiko Reichel used to work for Hegla and is familiar with machines and systems for flat glass. He has remained loyal to the trade fair for many years and follows developments in the industry. He says of the appeal of glasstec: “It's the mix that makes it special. On the one hand, there are good presentations on a wide variety of topics, and on the other, you meet up with contacts again, which I particularly look forward to.” Frederik Hamelmann is a craftsman through and through. He says: “It was always clear to me that I would work in this area of the trades. I've been motivated and working on myself since my apprenticeship and I really appreciate glass as a material. This is my first time at glasstec and I'm delighted with the great input I'm getting here.”
Jennifer Sieber, Simone Sieber, Glas Sieber, Crottendorf/Erzgebirge, Germany
The glass enthusiasts are regular visitors to glasstec, but this time it's something special. Jennifer Sieber explains: “I am exhibiting my own work on the stand of the German Glass Industry Association. In addition to future management tasks in my family's traditional company, working with glass has long been a great passion of mine and I try out a lot myself, especially in the artistic field. The results can also be seen here at glasstec.” Simone Sieber adds: “We are proud of our daughter. She will take over our company in the 4th generation. Glas Sieber stands for comprehensive service and quality in the areas of cutting, grinding, glass drilling, assembly, fusing and bending, to name but a few. We keep ourselves up to date at glasstec and receive a lot of input for the further development of our company.”
Jarno Hartikainen, Development & Quality Manager, Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish quality manager is attending glasstec for the third time, this time with a team of five. He talks about his enthusiasm: “The trade fair is a must for me. I meet both customers and suppliers. The broad spectrum of decision-makers is indispensable for me”. Sparklike is a Finnish company that specializes in non-destructive measuring devices for insulating glass units (IGUs). He explains: “These devices measure the content of gases such as argon or krypton between the glass panes, which improve thermal insulation. The aim is to ensure the quality and energy efficiency of glass products through precise measurements, which is particularly important in the construction industry.” In addition to the many meetings, it is also important for Jarno Hartikainen to have enough time for inspiration and to visit the trade fair.
Ivaylo Todorov, Nikol Todorova, Royal Glas Cabins Ltd, Bulgaria
The glass specialists from Bulgaria are visiting glasstec for the first time. They will be at the trade fair for three days and are looking forward to the exhibitors, trade conferences and the city of Düsseldorf. Ivaylo Todorov explains: ‘We manufacture shower enclosures and bathroom products that have to meet increasingly high standards. The trade fair is particularly important for us to keep up to date with new production methods and technologies.’ The company is characterised by the use of high-quality materials such as tempered glass, aluminium profiles and robust steel and chrome parts. Nikol Todorova adds: ‘glasstec is particularly important for our international expansion strategy because we meet the relevant local players here, both on the supplier and customer side. Asia is our focus and we want to expand our market share in this region.
Thorsten Beuck, Leitung Bereich Produktion, Semcoglas, Germany
Despite decades of professional experience in production, this is Thorsten Beuck's first time at glasstec. He talks about the background: “I'm new to the industry. I had a good job offer and then realised how exciting glass production is. glasstec is a must-attend event and I can learn an incredible amount here. For example, I would never have realised how many suppliers there are for special machine solutions. I will speak to some of them personally on the second day.” For the production manager, Semcoglas is the ideal employer for developing innovative strategies. He explains: “With around 1,800 employees in Europe, we have many opportunities to improve the functionality and aesthetics of our products such as functional, soundproof and safety glass. We develop for interiors, windows and façades and have a very broad base.”
Goeffrey Rasmussen, Viridianglass, Melbourne, Australia
Viridian Glass is an internationally renowned glass processor. Gueffrey Rasmussen is a regular guest at glasstec and has once again planned a full programme for three days of the trade fair. He summarises: “I am interested in the latest technologies in the areas of double glazing and tempered glass. Tempurglas is important for us because the tempered glass is particularly resistant to impact and temperature fluctuations thanks to special processes.” He planned his appointments carefully in advance. “In some cases, I have agreed the dates in advance, but I also value spontaneity and improvisation, because special events cannot always be planned,” says the manager. He has a special tip for glasstec newcomers. With a laugh, he says: “Don't forget good shoes and make plenty of notes so that none of the valuable inspiration is lost.”