Trade Press Day 2025 (FTT): Personal. Close. Reliable.

System expertise meets market demand

In many markets, the role of windows and doors has fundamentally changed. Around the world, there is a demand for products with functional added value. Alongside tight sealing and excellent insulation, which continue to be in demand, there is growing interest in automated solutions and high operating convenience. Security-related aspects like burglary protection and opening restrictors are taking on greater significance again. Concealed hardware and smooth-running sliding solutions are hot topics on an international scale. Roto FTT caters to this development with comprehensive system expertise in all frame materials and opening types. The close interlinking of hardware, seal and electronic solutions, as well as a consistent modular system of products, puts the ideal prerequisites in place. This makes it possible to implement requested product solutions quickly, economically and in line with market requirements.

International partner

Alongside Roto FTT’s expertise in products, window and door manufacturers continue to think highly of the first-class delivery performance. Through the constant process optimisation of all 18 plants and 31 logistics and distribution centres, the production and supply chain are organised in order to respond to customer needs around the world quickly and reliably. Investment in the global site structure creates a modern working environment which optimises production and logistics processes while promoting collaboration and an innovative spirit. Thanks to the close international network of sites, products which are in high demand in a market are readily available worldwide.

To place extremely durable products of tested quality on the market, many customers use the testing services available from Roto FTT. Alongside other services, such as those related to digital data exchange, these testing services are being continuously developed, including through the integration of AI applications. The CEO’s summary is: “We have the quality of our services and our future-proof product range to thank for our ever-increasing market share. Roto enjoys a reputation as a reliable partner with high product quality, innovative spirit and international presence.” Using examples from Germany, Canada and Poland, Sander demonstrated the flexible and tailored approach Roto FTT takes to adapt its products and services to customers’ requests and requirements. 

Impressing customers – building a partnership

To extend its product portfolio, Fenster- und Fassadenbau Rommel GmbH from the village of Großbodungen in Thuringia came up with a new concept for floating-mullion balcony doors. The aim was to make them simpler to produce while meeting the most stringent requirements for air, wind and water-tightness. What’s more, the new system had to be easy to install and boast high-performance components. As a partner for this complex project, Roto not only supplied hardware – including the seal and threshold – but also contributed all of its expertise in testing. 

Targeted modifications to optimally coordinate the threshold, seal and hardware, and the integration of an additional sealing level, meant that the required sealing was not only achieved but was actually exceeded. Verification took place at the test rig itself in the International Technology Centre (ITC) at the main Roto site in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. The CE marking of the new system has been secured.

For its new system, Fenster- und Fassadenbau Rommel GmbH uses the “Roto NX | C” concealed hinge side, the “Eifel TB” threshold, new floating-mullion end cap seals and special guide tracks with a drip seal. Driving rain tightness of 1200 pascals, class 4 airtightness and class 4 wind load were achieved. Sander summarises the customer feedback: “With this, Roto has proved itself to be a partner that actively helps shape a product concept.” 

Linking technologies – creating added value

Canadian company Cascadia Windows and Doors was established in 2008 and is considered a pioneer in the production of windows and doors made from fibreglass profiles. Cascadia produces window, facade, door and sliding systems with an excellent environmental footprint, which minimise heat loss and offer protection against extreme weather conditions. The company uses hardware technology from Roto for this and supplies markets across all of North America. The role of maximum corrosion protection for all components was just as important in development as the proven functional safety of the hardware in continuous operation. 

The Canadian company was recently looking for the ideal hardware solution for its Universal Series™ fibreglass profiles to offer functional safety even in heavy-duty use in public buildings like schools or hospitals. The aim was a flush appearance between the sash and frame. At the same time, the hardware had to be suitable for inward and outward opening windows. Cascadia didn’t want to have to make profile modifications in production. 

The solution? A North American crank handle from the Roto “Casement&Awning” range is combined with the concealed hinge side from the European “Roto NX” Tilt&Turn portfolio. The combination of the two components achieves a flush appearance without profile modifications, can be used universally for inward and outward opening windows and offers 3D adjustability, which results in simpler installation and adjustment both at the plant and on site. At the same time, the new hardware solution makes it possible to produce windows that are up to 60% bigger.

The close technical coordination between Cascadia and Roto was the key to success. Both partners performed detailed tests, which ensured that the hardware was compatible with the specific tolerances of the fibreglass profile. The results were impressive. Sander highlights this success story: “Roto draws on its extensive knowledge from different ’window worlds’ and caters to all opening types and frame materials.” “Experience gained internationally gives rise to customer-specific, innovative product concepts like the one developed together with Cascadia.” 

Unique requirements – tailored solutions

Roto helps aluminium system suppliers around the world to make their processes efficient. Joanna Skalbaniok, Roto FTT Business Area Manager for Northeastern Europe, reported on the services available for Polish customers such as Aliplast, Aluprof and Yawal at the Trade Press Day in Warsaw. Roto FTT is continuously working on potential improvements together with the system suppliers. The extensive range of services goes far beyond simply delivering a product.

For instance, Roto FTT supplies preconfigured hardware sets for “Roto Patio Alversa” sliding doors, which simplify the customers’ plant logistics and reduce sources of error in installation. Digital tools like the automatic conversion of Roto SAP numbers into customer-specific product designations and unique QR codes on packaging help the aluminium system suppliers to manage their goods.

Skalbaniok lists other services which are proof of Roto’s willingness to assist customers: “What’s more, Roto FTT provides support with technical documentation, joint marketing and training initiatives and tailored hardware and seal solutions.” Her conclusion: “We create tailored solutions that set our customers apart on the market, optimise ordering and storage processes, reduce the rate of errors and waste, and speed up production and installation processes. From our partners’ point of view, we therefore improve the efficiency of their processes, their quality and their viability all at once.”

Outlook for “Fensterbau Frontale” 2026

At the Trade Press Day, Sander explained that the question of how to produce custom windows and doors as efficiently as possible will also be a key point of discussion at the upcoming “Fensterbau Frontale” trade show. He promises that the “Roto City” will offer an inspiring environment for this. He ended his preview by stating: “Hardware and seal technology for all frame materials and opening types, staged in rooms typical of offices, hotels, other commercial premises or homes, provides a taster of the future of building element construction. The most urgent task for Roto FTT, continuing into next year, is to be very close to customers and provide tailored support for their projects. We look forward to taking on many exciting challenges.”