Compared with the U.S., window and door markets in Canada remain relatively healthy, boding well for another strong Win-Door North America next month. The annual trade show sponsored by the Canadian Window & Door Manufacturers Association returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre November 11-13.

While traffic at some U.S. shows decreased last year, the 2007 edition of Win-door saw another increase, with over 3,600 attendees coming from across Canada, the U.S. and other countries. "Everything that I have heard from all the exhibitors are strong numbers and excellent quality in traffic in all booths at the show," noted Henry Banman, CWDMA president, following last year's event. "Win-Door North America has become truly synonymous with being the most focused show in the North American window and door market, and truly international in content and just keeps gaining strength."

Although door slab and component suppliers have always been a strong presence at Win-Door, last year's event saw an uptick in activity among door suppliers. Among the new exhibitors at the show was Weber Manufacturing Technologies Inc., an Ontario-based producer of molds and tooling for a variety of industries, which was introducing technology to produce more realistic woodgrain surfaces. Its first new partner, Tru Tech Door Products, based in Concord, Ont., was also introducing a new door line made using Weber technology in its booth at the show. Also new was a line of raised panel fiberglass doors shown by G&J International. Unlike other doors, which use decorative moldings attached to a flat surface to create the raised panel look, Legend doors feature raised panel design formed right into the doorskin.

Not all activity centered on doors, however. Canadian vinyl extruders generally are among the most prominent exhibitors each year at Win-Door and last year P.H. Tech used the event to launch a new assembly system allowing real wood components to be attached to the interior of its vinyl windows design.

A major topic of discussion at this year's Win-Door was the weak U.S. dollar. While the exchange rate has benefited Canadian industry suppliers selling to the U.S. for years, the U.S. dollar's weakness was seen turning the table, and a number of U.S. suppliers noted that Canadian window and door manufacturers were taking a new look at their products.

This year's event will feature the latest in hardware, glass, computer software, machinery, sealants, weatherseals, testing services and wood products for the window and door industries, organizers note. Canadian suppliers typically account for many of the largest spaces on the floor, but the list of exhibitors, which appears below, indicates the United States will be well represented also.

New on the floor this year will be an Energy Efficiency Showcase. Located at the entrance to the show, this display will focus on products that utilize environmental and energy efficiency principles in their design to help raise awareness and educate show attendees. Noting that many visitors welcomed the opportunity to learn in a casual atmosphere, show organizers report they plan to bring back last year's Presentation Theatre, to allow exhibitors to demonstrate products and services for show attendees. Last year's presentations included a company demonstration on "how to stain & paint fiberglass doors."

CWDMA also plans to continue its efforts to support window and balcony safety at Win-Door. Emergency management service crews will again be on hand for the show's popular putting contest. Such fundraising efforts have helped CWDMA develop window and balcony safety educational booths now in use in 12 regions of Canada.

Educational Program
For 2008, CWDMA has been working hard to bring new ideas to the show, reports Richard Lipman, the organization's executive director. Rather than having separate educational sessions, a new "education pavilion" is being created on the show floor this year, with seminars to be held during show hours. Sessions will be held throughout the day to allow attendees to plan their schedules accordingly.

Seminars to be offered include a session updating attendees on the Energy Star program-which is used in both Canada and the U.S. Speakers will include Jeff Baker, CWDMA technical consultant and Steve Hopwood of Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency.

Lynda Sturgeoff, research and technology manager with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, will also offer a seminar designed to help window and door companies boost their research and development efforts. Her presentation will examine the grants available for research and explain how interested parties can apply for such grants. CWDMA is also planning to add marketing and leadership seminars to the educational agenda.

CWDMA also welcomes show attendees to its general meeting, which will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 13. The meeting will include updates from all the association's committees, and will be followed by a presentation on the economic climate from John Johnston, chief economist with the Royal Bank of Canada.

Show hours this year run from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 12 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. More information on the event is available at www.windoorshow.com.