Premium choice

The Planitherm Network, a new range of patterned glass, and glass used in premium residential projects proved popular with visitors to the Saint-Gobain Glass stand at the FIT Show.

Mike Butterick, marketing director for Saint-Gobain Glass, said: “We were the only flat glass manufacturer to support the FIT Show and take our place in the Visit Glass area, and it was hugely beneficial for us to be there. There was a real thirst for new products and information about glass, and a desire from fabricators and installers to discuss their glazing needs. Our seminars and our exhibition stand were focused on encouraging visitors to start to have different conversations about glass, and that’s certainly something that happened.

“The conversation has long-been about energy efficiency and A-rated windows, but for fabricators and installers to differentiate themselves they need to start moving the conversation on with homeowners, and start to talk about how glass can also provide enhanced security, reduced overheating, heat retention, noise reduction and furniture fade protection. Glass can deliver these benefits and we’re seeing that homeowners are willing to pay for these added benefits, which is why we recently reinvigorated the Planitherm Network and the Planitherm range of glass, for which there was huge interest at the FIT Show.”

Saint-Gobain Glass also launched its new range of patterned glass at the FIT Show, complete with a new brochure, which can be downloaded from the website.
Also, with the growth of bifold doors and glazed extensions in the premium residential market, visitors were also interested to learn how Saint-Gobain’s range of glass could be used more effectively to create comfortable living areas featuring large expanses of glass.

Mike said the show was successful, but was unsure if an annual event would work.

“The industry needs an event like the FIT Show but making it an annual event could dilute its effectiveness,” he said.