Why are you exhibiting at équipbaie?

Alain Lordan: Our reason for being at the show is primarily that one cannot not be there. All our competitors are exhibiting at the show and so we also have to be there. We mainly attend for the sake of maintaining relationships rather than to look for new customers. We do not exhibit new equipment. We’re simply here to have a presence and for relationships.

So what is the point of your presence if it is not to meet new customers?

The aim is to show ourselves off, to talk to customers, to do a bit of public relations. It is a very specific, narrowly focused show where only those really involved come. Of course, one doesn’t absolutely rule out meeting new customers but the world of PVC French windows is a fairly closed one. For our part, we did in fact stop exhibiting at the show because it didn’t work any more, perhaps because of the economic situation. However, we returned three shows ago because things looked up a bit. We have deliberately opted for a small 70m2 stand.

What products will you be showing on your stand?

We are showing three machines that are not new: a double-headed cutter, a three axis machining centre, both of which have automatic controls, and a corner crimper. We will have large screens running interactive videos. Customers will be able to select videos demonstrating our products on the touch screens, and this will enable us to show them what is not on our stand.

How is the economic situation in your sector?

The situation for PVC French windows is currently very strong. Our customers are awash with orders after a rather sluggish start to the year. Customers are investing and equipping, which is good for us because these are incoming orders and the prospects for 2011 are very good.

Interview by Laurent Perrin, Batiweb