Exhibitors at last week’s Glassman Latin America trade show in Mexico deemed it a success.
The combined trade show and conference was focused on glass manufacturing and its processes.
Subjects such as improved manufacturing efficiencies, sustainability and the use of digital technologies in the production process were among the topics discussed.
More than 100 exhibitors were from technology suppliers around the world, including the USA, China, European countries as well as Mexico.
On the whole visitors were from glass manufacturing companies with delegates from Mexico, Brazil, USA, Germany, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, India and more.
The show had a 27% increase in unique visitors from the previous event in Monterrey in 2022.
Hans Mehl, CEO of Mexican group MGFS has exhibited at the event for more than 12 years.
He said: “For me this show was the best because I have been busy for the whole two days. It was two days of serious discussions, no blow in the wind, no maybes, everything was technically to the grain.
“Mexico is undergoing a weird situation because of elections in June so everything has been at a standstill recently, but the discussions I had were about future projects which I think are not related to the outcome of the elections. Industry is preparing itself for either result, they will not stop investment, they will only change strategies.”
Mirna Leal, Commercial Director at FAMA, said: “We are a 100% Mexican company, so it's a must to be at Glassman Mexico, because it's our own country, and it's also a very big opportunity for us to get in contact with our customers and meet new customers.
“We found it very good, very interesting, a lot of customers came to the show, it was a very nice opportunity to be in the show.”
Mexican lubrication group Interglass, based in Guadalajara, said: “We are proud to share that the Interglass team was present at Expo Glassman 2024 and it was a great success.
“During this amazing event, our talented team had the opportunity to present our innovative solutions, connect with industry professionals, and share knowledge about the latest trends in glass technology.”
Luis Weller, of Heat Up Latin America, said: “We have had a good two days here, we have spoken to many people with some very good meetings.
“Customers have been asking us about our new products such as our electrodes and bubblers, as well as our delivery times. Other companies it may take up to two years but we can deliver in less than six months.
“Another topic was our CO2 reduction technology, something which our customers in Mexico are becoming increasingly aware of and asking many questions about.”
Alejando Ontiveros Lozano of Mexican glass solutions supplier Ontal, said: “For me the reason to attend the show is that it is not only an opportunity to remain in contact with the Mexican glass industry but also with glass suppliers from overseas too.”
William Meza, of Pyrotek, said: “Glassman is one of the biggest shows in America. This year we welcomed all our customers from Mexico as well as some from Central and South America. We also received several new connections so it was a very good show for us.”
Armando Enrico Brusamolino, Export Manager at Iris Inspection machines, said: “The attendance was well over my expectation. This addition went even better with the previous one that was held in Monterrey.”
A parallel conference consisted of 24 presentations over the two days and included keynote presentations from Arglass of the USA, Gerreshemier of Queretaro, Mexico, US glass association the GMIC, Tariq Glass and consultant Peter Firth.
The presentations will be made available via the Glass International website next week.