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R+T Stuttgart 2009
Date: 10th – 14th February 2009
Time: daily 9.00am – 6.00pm last day: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Venue: Messe Stuttgart In difficult market conditions, the ‘leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors, gates, and sun protection systems’ looks set to blow away 2006’s figures at its new trade fair site. Blinds & Shutters flew to Stuttgart airport and made the short, convenient walk to the newly opened Messe Stuttgart – home to R+T 2009
 To say the new venue is striking would be an understatement. Situated a short walk from Stuttgart airport the modern, imposing glass structure is upon you within minutes.
And this is one of the key plus points for both visitors and exhibitors making the trip to the new venue, logistically, Messe Stuttgart could not be better placed. A spokesperson explained: ‘Thanks to its location between the airport and motorway, our new Trade Fair centre has incomparable traffic infrastructure. Direct connections to the motorway, the B27 trunk road, the airport, the SBahn railway and the railway station for local and long distance trains ensure that visitors and exhibitors will be able to travel quickly and easily to the Trade Fair Centre.’ Journey times to many hotels are also surprisingly short as Stuttgart city centre can be reached in around 20 minutes by S-Bahn railway.
According to Ulrich Kromer, managing director Messe Stuttgart, the venue itself offers both the organisers and exhibitors what they have been crying out for at previous events, more space. Ulrich explained: “The new Messe Stuttgart was opened exactly one year ago. Boasting an exhibition area of 105, 200m2 it offers around twice as much space as the old site. The seventeen previous events at the Stuttgart Killesberg trade fair site enjoyed consistent growth, but ultimately a suffocating lack of space.”  It’s all very good having all that extra space, but not much use if it remains unfilled, that however does not remain an issue. Ulrich explained: “One of the objectives we set ourselves for the medium term has already been met: that the R+T will fill the entire hall space next year, thus almost doubling its exhibition area.” This boast is backed up by statistics. At the last R+T in February 2006, the trade fair set a new record with 545 exhibitors from 38 countries and 54, 117 trade visitors from 91 countries. According to Ulrich, 2009 is going to be even healthier: “This record will be broken at the R+T 2009. 719 exhibitors (at time of going to print) have registered to participate in the trade fair, of which 463 are travelling from abroad. Foreign participation therefore accounts for 64 per cent of exhibitors.” The breakdown of this information makes interesting reading, highlighting The R+T’s justified reputation as a global trade fair with an unchallenged international status. Ulrich explained: “Exhibitors currently originate from 40 countries. We have seen significant growth in Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Australia, USA – as well as China and Taiwan. New additions to the list of participating countries are Slovakia, Croatia and Saudi Arabia.” With this range of exhibitors will come variety in terms of products on show which will benefit visitors. But the size of the venue is what excites Ulrich most. “The R+T will grow not only in terms of exhibitor numbers and therefore the diversity of products and services on display, but also in terms of stand size. Anyone familiar with the trade fair from previous years will be astonished by this year’s event. Stand areas of more than 1000m2 are not uncommon and presentations are getting taller to attract more attention. The industry is prepared to mobilise all its resources to make the R+T 2009 an unparalleled success. After all, the first R+T at the new trade fair site is of considerable significance. It will set the tone for the coming years.”
 One of the major factors that arises when Blinds & Shutters speaks to companies who have visited previous R+T shows is the difficulty they have had when trying navigate the show. A big show in terms of floorplan and exhibitor numbers clearly offers the benefits of variety and range of products on show, but getting to see who you want to and trying to organise some sort of order can often lead to trecking in all directions from hall to hall. This is a criticism which the organisers feel they have addressed at the new venue as they make full use of all nine halls. “Presentations (stands) will be clearly categorised according to products and services, this was not possible at the Killesberg site, and there will be a comprehensive programme of supporting events, consisting of forums, workshops and special shows.” explained Ulrich Kromer.
After speaking to many UK-based companies it is clear that R+T is a show that gives companies a place to ‘see what is out there’, a show where you can experience what is occurring in the European and International markets, under one roof and if budgets don’t stretch to stand space, well worth a visit. Contacts can be made and ideas, areas of diversification can be opened up. As Georg Musculus, President of BKTex, the Association of German Textile Manufacturers pointed out: “In spite of the small market regression this year, we expect the R+T to stimulate an upward trend in the industry.” This sentiment was backed up by Wolfgang Cossmann, president of the Federal Association of Manufacturers of Roller Shutters and Sun Protection Systems. He stated: “We are fully aware that R+T is being staged during a global economic crisis the likes of which we have never experienced. This is what gives R+T its unique edge. It is a trade Fair that combines unprecedented challenge with opportunity. The R+T must have – and can have – an encouraging effect. It can – and must set – set the tone within the industry.”
Navigating The Show The precise structure of the R+T is as follows:
♦ Awnings in Halls 1 and 3,
♦ roller shutters in Halls 5 and 9 (north wing),
♦ doors/gates in Halls 4 and 6,
♦ window shutters and insect repellent systems in Hall 8 (south wing).
♦ Interior sun protection systems will be presented in equal measure in the south and north in the opposing Halls 7 and 8.
♦ Hall 2, the Congress Hall in the south wing of the trade fair, features the Asian Pavilion, with exhibitors from the booming industrial nations China and Taiwan.
In general terms,
♦ the north Halls — including Hall 1 — are the location for roller shutters and sun protection systems, with the associated control systems;
♦ the south halls (even numbers) are the home of doors and gates, grilles, fences, special doors and the relevant drive systems.
♦ The American Door/Gate Association, with which a partnership alliance has been agreed, is located in Hall 6. Another American door/gate association, DASMA (Door and Access Manufacturers Association) has also expressed an interest in participating in the trade fair. What’s occuring at the Show... Hall one, situated at the East entrance (Eingang Ost) is the largest exhibition hall (25,000m2) and will operate as the ‘central information hall’ showcasing a number of associations and research institutes. The ‘Associations Marketplace’ will include the show’s technical sponsors the Federal Association of Manufacturers of Roller Shutters and Sun Protection Systems, the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers (BVT), and the Association of German Textile Manufacturers, all of which will be on hand to deal visitors’ questions and comments.
The R+T Innovation Prize will be awarded once again in 2009. It is a respected and coveted award amongst exhibitors. It is confirmation that a company’s innovative design and technology stands out from the crowd. The Innovation Prize is awarded in six different categories: roller shutters and accessories, doors/gates and accessories, drive and control systems, interior sun protection systems, exterior sun protection systems, other closure systems. The final category covers folding shutters and insect repellent systems, for example. There are also four special prizes in the categories: design, energy-saving, youth prize, and specialist trade. After receiving very positive feedback in the past, the traditional R+T “Architects’ Day” will be held across two days next year. This will be during the mornings of 11 and 13 February (Wednesday and Friday) 2009. An English translation of the Architects’ Day lectures will once again be available. The architect Professor Tobias Wallisser will be one of the key speakers. The European Solar-Shading Association (ES-SO) will be staging a workshop on the afternoon of 12 February to address issues surrounding energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is also a key topic at the “TOR-FORUM” (Door/Gate Forum), which will be staged by the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers (BVT) on 11, 12 and 13 February 2009 from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. On Wednesday and Thursday morning (11-12 February 2009), the Association of Drive and Control System Manufacturers for Door and Gates (BAS.T), which is making its debut at the R+T, will be offering valuable information to visitors on new installations, and the upgrading and conversion of power-driven door/gate systems — as well as control and protection systems for industrial doors/gates. Another eye-catching presentation will be on display at the Trade Fair Plaza in front of the East Entrance (“Eingang Ost”) and the ICS (International Congress Centre Stuttgart): It is planned to display the world’s largest articulated-arm awning, which was constructed with the support of exhibitors and has warranted a possible entry in the Guinness Book of Records. The proceeds from sponsorship money will be donated to a number of charitable organisations.
 Cosiflor
Stand: B51
Hall 7 Famous worldwide for its innovative shading solutions for the home, conservatories and commercial installations, COSIFLOR PLEATED BLINDS (part of the German blinds manufacturer Blöcker) will exhibit at R+T in Stuttgart.
On show will be many of its newest and most stunning collections, including:
Cosiflor Pleated Blinds’ Coffee Lounge Collection – a stylish range of fabrics in solid block colours from creamy cappuccino caramel, to deep café noir chestnut.
For added sophistication you can choose contrasting light and dark stripes, or two elegant, subtle floral prints. Fabric finishes include two luxurious crushed satin effects. These new fabrics are suitable for all sectors of the market place.
Since its release two years ago Blöcker has further improved the fitting and mechanism of the Cosiflor system and you will be able to see these improvements first hand on the stand. The head rail has been modified in order to enhance its performance and appearance, with the outside groove on the head rail now gently curved, making it easier to clean and visually more appealing. The design of the handle has also been altered and is now slightly thinner to increase its ease of use, giving greater control.
There will also be a short film running continuously on the stand demonstrating the benefits of Cosiflor’s updated and upgraded Punch and Drill Unit (PDU). Duoflor
First launched in 2005, the Duoflor system is a continuous loop of alternating transparent and solid fabric panels that can be adjusted to give exactly the amount of shading you require. This combination between the traditional Venetian blind and a modern roller system is incredibly versatile. Duoflor is introducing a new Duoflor Design Line at R+T (a new style head rail made of stainless steel and very aerodynamic) including new fabrics in a variety of colours.
 Markilux
Booth: 3C72
Hall 3 markilux has used the three years since the last trade fair to consistently refine its awning systems further and enhance them with innovative technology.
In an area of 750m2, Schmitz-Werke will be presenting for the first time its complete range of products. The exhibition stand has been given a completely new look: generous, inviting and full of exciting variety. Completely in the spirit of its fresh, recently unveiled corporate identity and new showroom concept, the well known signal red colour will stand out from the arcade sections, radiating a summer, garden and patio atmosphere. An unmistakeable invitation to window shop, allow the attractive, new developments to seduce you and gain an insight into the complete range of products.
With the "Offensive 2009" markilux intends once again to demonstrate its innovative drive and make a valuable contribution towards actively shaping the market in the future. To this end the company plans to develop the market segment for open awnings offering more style and atmosphere on the balcony to imbue it with a new, modern image. With two new open style models, in a fresh design with a slim, elegant, unique and wickedly rounded shape, new customers in the form of mainly single and two-person households are to be attracted.
Several cassette awnings have been given a complete facelift with their own stylish elements and dazzling details. New colours in the Lounge version of the markilux 6000 round off the picture. Developed exclusively for this awning model originally, the new colours will be available in the future for virtually all cassette and semi-cassette awnings. Modernisation and harmonious design concepts as well as technical refinements are the cornerstones of these current developments. These embody the basic idea: There is nothing that cannot be improved upon. The skill lies in perfecting the detail and successfully "rounding off" a strategy that concentrates on the best possible customer benefits. And that is what the awning constructors in Emsdetten are firmly focusing on with their new Point-of-Sale (POS) concept. Put in place for the first time at the beginning of 2008, the marketing and sales department have continued to develop this concept further. It provides our specialist partners with a practical and attractive system for presenting all products in a summery atmosphere. Light, form and colour speak a language quite their own. The round, aesthetically pleasing yet practical elements in themselves reflect the markilux awning style and therefore form an integral part of the offensive marketing strategy. What the POS concept does on a small scale, the exhibition stand at the R + T 2009 will do on a grand scale.
 Ballauff
Booth: 058
Hall 7A Ballauff Pinoleum Blinds will be launching two new ranges, new colours, a new catalogue for 2009, as well as showing its privacy lining and the recently introduced Ballauff Solarwood.
Ballauff Pinoleum 7640 – a standard Roman blind using Okume flat reeds and alternate Koto round reeds with cinnamon side binding. It offers 11 colour options in the standard range of side bindings to contrast or co-ordinate with the woven wooden fabric. This blind operates with a cord lock fitted at the back of the pinoleum fabric with the pull cord passing through a co-ordinated coloured eyelet. Available up to 2m widths.
The second range on show is Ballauff Pinoleum 419 – a traditional roll up French woven pinoleum blind with a cord lock operation under the pelmet. The blind is Okume woven wood with contrasting white binding and matching cord. It is available in standard colours, painted or stained finish. There is also the offer of a bespoke colour option of 120 colours through the Little Green Paint Company. Available up to 2m widths.
The Ballauff Privacy lining is a natural fabric lining sewn to the back of the woven wood material which still allows very diffused light to pass through the wooden reeds whilst guaranteeing total privacy. This is part of the made to measure offer to customers. It is also available for roman blinds and panels.
Solarwood recently launched successfully throughout Europe and the UK involves a reflective pearlised coating applied to one side of the pinoleum blind which can substantially reduce the heat absorption into the room.
The coating can be applied to a selection of the colours in the Ballauff Collection. The result is an enhanced reflective surface that will cut the amount of heat transmitted through the blind and give an increased shading effect, cutting out further unwanted glare.
Heat build up in conservatories is a constant problem for homeowners so anything that can be done to further reduce the effects will be very welcome and becomes an important selling point.
  Guthrie Douglas
Stand: 7B47
Hall 7 Guthrie Douglas will once again be exhibiting its Tension Shading Systems at R&T in the new Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. The move to this much enlarged state-of-the-art facility has enabled the company to double the size of its own stand.
For the first time Guthrie Douglas can show working models of its Tension Shading Products in their full size. The largest amongst these will be the folding shade TESS 512 which is capable of covering an area 6m wide x 18m draw and up to 100m2.
The company will also showcase its very popular TESS 140 model for internal, horizontal and sloping applications up to 18m2 and its external equivalent the TESS 440. These two products have spearheaded the growth of its business in the last few years and helped establish the company as the leading manufacturer supplying the project market.
To complement these wire guided products it will be launching new rigid side guided versions of the TESS 120 and TESS 140 for use where it is necessary to maintain the tension within the system rather than putting tension loading onto the building, and to complete the picture Guthrie Douglas will be showing its much sought-after triangular systems Tess 101 and Tess 421. So whatever your requirements, you will find a solution at the Guthrie Douglas stand where experienced staff look forward to welcoming you.
Coulisse
Stand: 1C32
Hal1: l Coulisse will present itself for the third time at R+T 2009 in Stuttgart, Germany.
After the company’s debut at R+T in 2003 Coulisse made a big impression with a series of innovative products which were presented on a completely white stand. With this presentation Coulisse emphasized its identity as an innovative and trendsetting company in window decoration. Now, 3 years later Coulisse is ready for the next step which will set the tone for the next three years. On stand 1C32 with a surface of close to 900m2 in hall 1 Coulisse will present innovations for blind systems as well as fabrics in which fashion and design go hand in hand. New design for panel blind systems, a wide range of innovative parts for roller blinds as well as a revolutionary system for the motorisation of almost all kind of blinds along with a range of new fabrics and screens, are the main new items that will be presented to the world-wide public in Stuttgart.
Turnils
Stand: 1F12
Hal1:1 On display will be Turnils’ new Roller and Vertical Collections, featuring an exciting range of plain and textured fabrics.
The collections include the latest developments in fabric structures and finishes, all available in a wide range of styles from textured plains to bold, striking designs. Its new INTU Roller is the newest addition to the INTU range and will also be on show. With a stylish headrail encompassing the fabric, its sleek, modern appearance enhances the finish of the roller blind. Easily clipped in place and operated using the streamlined bottom rail, the INTU Roller is an exciting development not to be missed. Also available will be the latest developments to the Roulett Venetian System including remote control and mono control for 25mm, Eclipse’s innovative Vitesse Vertical System, the Powershade Automated Vertical Blind System, the latest screen Roller Blind Fabric Range with fibre glass and polyester options, the newly launched Pleated and Roman Fabric Collections, and a wide range of unique Contract Roller and Vertical Fabrics.
Louvolite
Stand 8 E52
Louvolite’s new and exiting 2009 fabric collection will be heavily featured on its stand and customers will have access to the fabulous new pattern books available. The new fabrics will be seen on a wide variety of appropriate blind types and the Louvolite team will be able to advise on the energy saving aspects of the fabric collection and how this can benefit the consumer.
Motorisation will be seen across roller blind systems in conjunction with Louvolite’s new coupling units that allow easier operation of multiple blind installations. Louvolite’s unique Perfect Fit programme will be on show including the new roller blind product alongside pleated systems and aluminium and wooden Venetian systems. Visitors will also be able to view Perfect Fit roof installations featuring a motorised shaped pleated blind.
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