New Product & Marketing manager: Patrice Lurmonte

Patrice Lurmonte has recently joined us as the new Product & Marketing Manager for Roto Western Europe. Patrice is currently in the training phase of his introduction. Roto More caught up with him to find out about his background, his impressions so far and his outlook for the future.

In 2021, I started at AGC Glass Europe, where I worked as Market Manager for the Belux region. AGC produces float glass, coated and decorative glass. In this role I learned the magnificent things you can do with glass in all its applications and facets.
In 2023 I started at Benelmat, a member of CFE Group (owned by Ackermans & van Haaren). This is a major player in the construction and renovation of civil buildings. As a business unit manager for tower cranes and modular container units, I was responsible for the engineering, sales and operational setup of the yard facilities that construct and renovate multiple civil projects.

Now, I have joined Roto Western Europe as part of the team headed by Chris Cauwenberghs. I am currently initiating myself into the world of Roto Window & Door Technology.

What made you interested in Roto as a company?
I really like working with technical products and services. I was looking for an entrepreneurial, sustainable company with the right vision where I could use my skills and develop new ones. Having worked in glass, it seems like a small step to door and window hardware manufacturing. I saw Roto at the Polyclose trade fair in Belgium. I was very impressed with the communication of Roto NX Tilt & Turn. As the job vacancy was published, I didn’t hesitate to apply.

How do you view the window and door sector in which Roto operates?
The world is changing very fast in terms of socio-economic factors that affect the construction industry. Population growth, shortages of raw materials, exploding prices, import taxes all have an effect. There will be more new legislation and initiatives to take the industry towards climate neutral solutions, such as ConcreteZero by 2050.

European manufacturers are under increasing pressure to remain competitive. There is a strong emphasis on making buildings more energy efficient. Residential construction activity is in decline but there is more renovation of existing buildings. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, building renovations must increase. According to forecasts, in five years from now, new construction will be one third of the window market and renovation will be two-thirds.

By monitoring market developments and proactively responding to renovation and new construction needs, Roto can strengthen its position in the Western European market and contribute to the transition to sustainable buildings.

Additionally, there is a growing focus on improving the well-being of residents. Larger windows provide more natural light, which can contribute to a better indoor environment and less dependence on artificial light, reducing the difference between being indoors and outdoors. This is in line with the trend towards healthier and more sustainable homes.

It is not black and white however, as there are manifest differences in architecture from country to country. Demographic changes also affect the types of windows and doors in demand. With an ageing population, there is a need for serviced flats and better accessibility to homes. Larger windows and doors with accessible thresholds can help with this.

In what ways do you think your previous industry experience will help you in this new role?
The diversity in my career path gives me a broad perspective. My direct experience in the glass, construction and civil engineering sectors allows me to anticipate market shifts and trends.

Having held various positions, I understand the challenges employees face. My sales background helps me empathise with customers’ needs, which I hope will translate into improved customer satisfaction and results for the company.

Patrice with his team: Subana, Letizia, Fred, Philippe.

Are there any Roto products that have stood out to you so far?
I am currently going through a training programme so I am yet to be familiar with all of the product range. However, one product that impressed my immediately is the Patio Inowa tilt-and-slide system. It showcases Roto’s engineering know-how and it is definitely one of the standouts in the market.

Several Roto products are perfect for the requirements of the market and will become even more relevant as the population ages. For example, with Roto NX you can make a Comfort Window, where the handle is placed low and it is possible to operate the window with one hand. The Eifel range of door thresholds also enhances accessibility for wheelchairs and people using walking aids.

Have you visited any of the Roto production sites yet?
I have been to Kalsdorf in Austria and I am very impressed. The site demonstrates how Roto is leading the way in technology and sustainability. The automated production and logistics processes have become a case study for companies from other industries to follow.

The sustainability initiatives prove that Roto does not just talk about being “green” but is actually making the investments to be carbon neutral and showing the way to the future with independent energy production. Roto Austria is using hydro-electric power, photovoltaic installations and biomass heating. These technologies are now being implemented at other group factories.

How do you plan to work with Roto partners and the Roto sales teams in Benelux, Scandinavia and UK-Ireland?
It all starts with an open mindset, listening and showing a sincere interest and understanding of the person and their needs. I look forward to working with colleagues and customers. For my part, I hope to have a good understanding of the cultural differences and for that I count on the help of colleagues around me as they often have more background and experience.

Can you tell us a couple of things you enjoy doing outside of work? Is there something about you that people find surprising?
My interests are quite varied. I like enjoying the everyday things life has to offer us. I especially love travelling and making new culinary discoveries. I like to roll up my sleeves to cook a meal which then also benefits the people around me – my family, wife and children. I seem to have a talent for whipping up a tasty dish from whatever ingredients I find in the fridge.

What message would you like to share with Roto’s customers and partners as you start this new role?
Roto’s values align perfectly with what your customers seek: safety and security, accessibility, energy efficiency and innovative features to enhance their homes. We aim to focus on these benefits in our marketing so that building specifiers and homeowners actively desire Roto brand products and ask you for them.
I am looking forward to meeting you and to collaborating with you. For now I am still in the training phase, so thank you for your patience. Feel free to share and contact me if you think this could contribute to my development. I guarantee I’ll return you the favour.