Coimbatore gets to see the latest trends in construction sector

Tiles displayed at a stall at BuildMat 2013 at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in the city on Thursday. Photo: S. Siva Saravanan

For those aspiring to buy a new house, taking up a construction project, altering or expanding an existing building, BuildMat 2013 offers an opportunity to know the new trends and products in the construction sector.

The four-day event, which was inaugurated at CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex on Thursday, has 440 stalls, including those in the outdoor exhibit area. While one hall is mainly for solar products, and glass, stone and pottery artisans to exhibit their skills, another is for tiles, doors, windows, acoustic products, etc. One hall is mainly for construction materials. Several companies have displayed pre-engineered structures. Ritman Infra has introduced its new construction panels to the Coimbatore market at the exhibition.

The variety of products on display is vast - fencing solutions, construction chemicals, doors, windows, lighting solution, home automations, elevators, overhead water tanks, glass products, designer interior products, swimming pools, tiles, accessories, sanitary ware, acoustic and roofing solutions, designs on films for glass, eco-friendly bricks, wood panels, and construction equipment.

The fair is open for business visitors on Friday and for the public on Saturday and Sunday. The organisers will arrange a two-day conference on Friday and Saturday.

The Hindu Habitat is the media partner for the exhibition.

Speaking at the inaugural, chairman of the event O. Lakshmanan said the Coimbatore centres of Indian Institute of Architects, Builders’ Association of India and the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India) are organising the fair jointly. It is the launch pad for several new products. S. Pichaiya, Director-Administration of the event, said the focus is on sustainable development.

R. R. Balasundharam, president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, said better regulation, adoption of best international practices, and a professional approach will pave the way forward for the construction sector. The industry faces several challenges and technology will hold the key to overcome these.

Sai Sri Balaji Lenka, vice-president of Schneider Electric India, said the company is training school drop-outs as electricians.

Parag Majmudar, chairman and managing director of Ritman Group of Companies, said new technologies are proving that green buildings can be developed at lower cost.