Depending upon to whom you speak, you may just get a mixed response to the question, “How was the show?” I’m speaking of the industry trade show that ended yesterday in Atlanta. Some exhibitors told me the show was incredibly slow for them, while others reported exceptional traffic and interest. Wherever you fall in your take on the show, there was at least one exhibitor segment that seemed to be pleased overall—perhaps a good, solid sign of an uptick in the market.

The vast majority of machinery suppliers to whom I spoke were all pleased with the response. And if machines are being sold, seems to me it’s a pretty good sign that glass is being fabricated and if glass is being fabricated it’s probably being specified and it if it’s being specified then my guess is that buildings are most likely being built.

I spent some time yesterday talking with Michael Spellman, president of IGE Solutions, and he told me of his company’s 12 booths they had 11 machines on the floor and all were sold.

He wasn’t alone.

Dan DeGorter of DeGorter Inc. sold five lines, while Salem Distributing was also displaying machinery lines, all of which were sold even before hitting the show floor.

And there were many others. Surely with so much machinery being sold this is a positive sign.

If you’re wondering what types of equipment were all abuzz at the show, I would have to say a couple things that stand out are painting on glass—roll form and spray painting—as well as digital printing. Both Cefla and Tecglass have recently introduced digital printing equipment lines that received much interest at the show.

If you need a closer look at some of the industry’s latest machinery offerings keep an eye out for the October issue of USGlass magazine, which will feature our annual guide to equipment and machinery. The Italian trade fair Vitrum is also just a few weeks away. If you’re planning to attend please drop me a note as I’d love to hear about what you see at the show.

Ciao!