A most innovative and useful flexible system for side ventilation in polythene tunnels, plastic greenhouses and glasshouses was on display at the IPM by Lock Antriebstecknik GmbH. By means of a central roller, side panels can be opened upwards or downwards (to a maximum of 4m) or raised completely to allow for access from the side and for summer operations. Due to a central position of the roller tube, the patented system can withstand high wind pressure, the rolling speed is faster and due to the method of attachment to the roller, a different plastic, shading or netting material can be quickly installed above or below the roller. The attachment also protects the material against dirt and system occupies very little space for the motor and attachments. In greenhouses and glasshouses with rigid plastic or glass cladding, the system can be installed as windows at the moment of construction or as later modifications. The flexibility of the system allows optimum ventilation according to the type and height of the crop and allows a shading screen to be installed just for the top or bottom half of the ventilation area according to requirements. This so-called 'VariVent' system was invented by Uli Neubrand as a result of direct field experience. It is a very neat. and won one of the three awards for technological innovation from INDEGA (German Association for Horticultural Products) at IPM 2004. The Company is known for its drive technology for ventilation and screening. For further information: Fax: 0049 7371 9508-0, E-mail: info@lock.de www.lock.de