Roto’s presence at Fensterbau 2026 was built around the “Roto City” concept, with the stand drawing consistent attention from visitors across Europe and beyond. Members of the Roto Western Europe team highlighted both the scale of the event and the positive reception to new product developments.
Chris Cauwenberghs, General Manager Roto Western Europe, said: “I must say it was the best Roto stand I’ve experienced: a great concept, with elements always accessible and inviting seating areas. Several customers even complimented us on it”.
Vittorio D’Amires, Technical Sales Belgium, echoed this: “The stand was a real eye-catcher and made a big impact on visitors. The customers we welcomed were clearly impressed”.
Hans Scholing, Technical Sales Netherlands, agreed: “It was spacious, clear, and well organised. As stand staff, we were able to work closely with colleagues to showcase and explain the products without getting in each other’s way”.
In terms of product interest, Hans noted: “Roto Patio Inowa, in particular, was very popular with customers. It helped that this product group was clearly visible in multiple locations on the stand”.
Other exhibits of strong interest included variants based on Roto NX | C, the concealed tilt and turn hardware. The new Roto Safe C | L 300 door lock also made a strong impression, with Vittorio listing it as his most surprising new product.
Reflecting on the broader concept, Chris added: “We focused heavily on comfort: everything that makes life easier for the end user. This includes thresholds, door locks and windows with comfort operation or motorised control, as well as sensor technology”.
He also observed a notable shift in visitor behaviour: “In many conversations, it was clear that larger window and door manufacturers are looking at changing their way of working. With many markets struggling, fabricators are focusing on optimisation. We also saw larger delegations from some companies, often including CTOs and CEOs, which shows they are taking this seriously”.
“My main takeaway is that we have fantastic customers and partners,” he concluded. “Roto is a great company to work for, one that truly centres on the customer. Last but not least, what a good and highly motivated team we have”.
To get a deeper insight into the week, we caught up with Western Europe Marketing Manager Patrice Lurmonte, who also worked on the stand and was experiencing Fensterbau with Roto for the first time.
Hi Patrice, did you enjoy your first Fensterbau?
“Very much. It is an extremely busy week. I should thank Chris, Gerry, Vittorio and Hans from our Western Europe team who were a great help to me. They all worked incredibly hard along with the rest of the Roto international teams”.
What stood out to you most about the Roto stand?
“The stand theme, ‘Roto City’, really stood out. It reflected a real city environment, which made it very innovative. It’s probably the most beautiful stand I’ve seen. It was well spread over the entire area, so it never felt too crowded.
What worked especially well was presenting products within a real-life scenario such as a hotel, residential house and so on. It helps visitors immediately understand how the solutions are used in the real world. People really responded positively to that”.
How important is Fensterbau for the industry today?
“Fensterbau is still the number one place to meet in the industry in Europe. You see a very strong international audience, particularly on Wednesday, which is always the busiest day.
Customers typically come to see window profile systems and machinery first, then hardware is probably third on that list. That’s something for us to think about. We should continue strengthening our association with the system houses”.
What kind of response did you see from visitors?
“The new products were very well received overall. We generated a very good number of leads. Of course the real quality of those will become clear over time.
There was also a strong sense that customers value collaboration. They are looking for insights into the market and expect Roto to help them understand future developments. That’s an important role for us, to be learning from requirements and trends in the market and adapting to what’s coming next”.
Which of the new solutions attracted the most interest?
“The Roto NX | C tilt and turn Comfort versions attracted a lot of attention. There is clearly a demand for solutions that are accessible, allow convenient and safe window cleaning, and keep the visible hardware to a minimum.
This is very relevant for applications like retirement homes, schools and hospitals, where controlled ventilation and safety are both important”.
What other product highlights stood out?
“There was strong interest across all the main hardware groups we concentrate on in Western Europe: Sliding,Tilt & Turn, Doors, Outward-opening systems and Thresholds.
In sliding systems, Patio Inowa continues to be a key solution, including the Max version. We introduced a new Comfort threshold for timber-aluminium systems with inward-running sashes. This is barrier free. We also previewed the forthcoming Flex threshold for outward-running sashes.
For doors, the new Roto Safe C | L300 lock stood out. This is a three-latch door lock, designed to counteract warping of the door leaf and provide security and weather sealing to a very high standard.
The lever-operated espagnolette for timber applications also attracted interest. This can be used on double-sash windows or balcony doors, and we showed a three-sash window with concealed NX | C hinge that has this espagnolette on the central sash.
Another highlight was the Cross Tec | Zero, completely barrier-free door threshold system, which was very well received.
Overall, it’s about what we call the ‘Perfect Match’ of hardware and seals working together on every type of window door and on all frame materials”.
Was there anything that surprised you?
“For me, the Roto social evening tent was a surprise. I wasn’t prepared for how much fun the customers would have! It is a really positive and relaxed environment. It showed another side of the relationships we have with our customers”.
What was your biggest personal takeaway from the event?
“I had the opportunity to meet many interesting people and important partners, some for the first time. What stood out is that customers are very satisfied with our cooperation and are keen to extend these partnerships.
They look to Roto not just as a supplier, but as a reference point, with an international presence that can provide guidance and insight. They want us to help interpret market developments, legislation and future trends.
For me, the key takeaway is that we need to continue adapting to the needs of each market and work closely with our partners to tackle future challenges together. Roto is in a strong position, but we have to keep learning and evolving”.
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