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WE ARE THE PRODUCER OF HIGH QUALITY
WOOD SCREWS
STRONG FOR GENERATIONSwww.klimas.com
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Did you know that ND is an approved 3M applicator? Further proof why ND should be your one stop shop for pre-applied fasteners.
AUTHORIZED APPLICATOR
Since 1955 ND Industries has specialized in the development of innovative materials and processes which increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies.
ND serves a global market with divisions across the continental U.S., Taiwan, and licensees around the world. ND’s core business revolves around the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid in functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND also manufactures a line of bottled products under the Vibra-Tite® brand name for MRO and retail use.
From two base products in 1965 to currently over two hundred twenty, ND continues its tradition of cutting edge research and development with the regular introduction of unique materials along with competitive brand offsets.
High strength encapsulated epoxy threadlocker for use in electrical systems where low halogen materials are necessary. Contains small micrometer microcaps which reduce material extrusion on installation.
A high temperature, high pressure thread sealant which withstands up to 40MPa. Offering thread locking breakaway torques greater than 20Nm and a maximum temperature of 428 °F (220°C). Thermoseal is an extremely versatile product for challenging sealing conditions.
ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker. Initially performs like a vibration dampening compound. Once temperatures reach 750°F (400°C), a secondary activation begins, causing the fastener to be permanently locked in place. Tested to over 1500°F (850°C).
ELECTROLOC®
THERMOSEAL™
THERMOLOC® 1500
• Customer Service Driven • Vertically Integrated • Innovative Products• Global Presence
CONTACT US
THREAD ARMOR® GP
ND PATCH® HI-TEMP
Prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminum, and steel, by electrically isolating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Galvanic Patch is durable, chemical resistant, and non-conductive.
Highest temperature pre-applied nylon threadlocker in the industry. Unlike the competition, ND’s application process requires only 120°C, preventing plating damage. However, once crosslinked, it can withstand temps up to 260°C. Meets MIL-DTL-18240F / QPL-18240.
An advanced anti-galling and lubricating thread coating designed to extend the life of bolts up to 15 times while under intense torque and high friction loads. Helps to ensure consistent clamp load. Works well on stainless steel fasteners.
This pre-applied threadlocker consists of separated epoxy hardener and expoxy resin. Upon fastener installation, the two materials mix and activate. When fully cured, Epoxy-Lock provides greater breakaway torque than conventional nylon fastener locking devices.
A unique pre-applied microencapsulated expanding threadlocking & sealing compound. Increases in volume 20-50% on installation, penetrating the gaps in fastener threads typically unfilled by conventional threadlockers.
www.ndindustries.comwww.vibra-tite.com
Extruded ND Mastics are pre-applied to fasteners (threaded or non-threaded), bound for e-cote cycles. Heat from the process causes the material to expand, sealing large leak paths between fastener and assembly.
An acrylic-based sealing material which is applied to the underhead of the fastener. SealTek’s robust seal replaces the need for O-rings, gaskets, or sealing washers.
THREAD ARMOR® VC
EPOXY-LOCK® NUTS
EXPAND-A-LOCK®
EXPAND-A-SLEEVE™
SEALTEK™
PublisherJerry [email protected]
EditorJonathon [email protected]
Staff WriterLiberty [email protected]
Sales Manager – UKClaire [email protected]
Sales Manager – InternationalHarry [email protected]
Sales Manager - USA & InternationalThomas A. [email protected]
CirculationTracy [email protected]
Head of ProductionLuke [email protected]
DesignersDan [email protected]
Tina [email protected]
Victoria [email protected]
Published byStag Publications Ltd18 Alban Park Hatfield RoadSt AlbansHerts AL4 0JJtel: +44 (0)1727 739160 fax: +44 (0)1727 739169 Email: [email protected]: www.torque-expo.com
DisclaimerAlthough the utmost care is taken toensure that information contained hereinis accurate and up to date, the Publishercannot be held responsible or in any wayliable for errors or omissions duringinput or printing of any material suppliedor contained herein. The Publisher alsocannot be held liable for any claims madeby advertisers or in contributions fromindividuals or companies submitted forinclusion within this publication. The opin-ions expressed are not necessarily thoseof the Editor or of Stag Publications Ltd.
WE ARE THE PRODUCER OF HIGH QUALITY
WOOD SCREWS
STRONG FOR GENERATIONS
WE ARE THE PRODUCOF HIGH QUAL
WOOD SCRE
www.klimas.com
04 torque-expo.com
CopyrightEntire contents copyright © 2021 Stag Publications. Nopart of this publication may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by anymeans without the prior permission of the publisher.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Proud member of:
EVER GIVEN SUEZ BLOCKAGEILLUSTRATES SUPPLY CHAIN WOES
THIS MARCH, the image of super cargo shipEver Given wedged into – and blocking – theSuez Canal was a neat and simple illustrationof how supply chains can go wrong.
Generating national headlines (and memes),for a while it seemed that everyone was inter-ested in the fate of this container ship, andwhether that tiny digger would be able to shiftit. When the Ever Given was released afteralmost a week (though at time of press, theship and its contents remain impounded inEgypt) the attention of the general public dulymoved on, but this faintly bizarre event hasheaped further disruption on the supply chainin a year that was already not exactly lackingdisruption thank you very much.
This magazine has drawn on expert opinionfrom around the world to dig into these bigissues, most of which are set to impact onprice and availability. Our pundits also givetheir best guesses on how the rest of 2021will turn out (thankfully no one is predictinganother prone cargo ship blocking major inter-national shipping routes, but who would betagainst it in a year like this?).
Wholesalers and importers handle manyheadwinds that often go unnoticed (untilthings go wrong), but the silver lining of theEver Given’s Suez misadventure was that itreminded everyone of the many challengesof international supply chains and thosethat operate within them... and also thatsome things are far beyond the control of anysingle company.
Jonathon [email protected]
To subscribe toTorque Magazine visit:torque-expo.com/subscribe/or scan this QR code...
As part of our commitment to the environment, Torque Magazine is fully recyclable.
06 NEWS
12 SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGE >TORQUE’S BUSINESS BAROMETER LOOKSAT THIS BURNING ISSUE
16 WOMEN IN FASTENERS >EUROTEC > DARLEEN WAGNER
18 KLIMAS >IN JUST 30 YEARS, THIS FAMILYBUSINESS HAS GROWN INTO A MAJORFASTENER PRODUCER AND EXPORTER
22 FASTENER DISTRIBUTION SPECIAL >FEATURING EFDA, PGB-EUROPE, REYHER,FISCHER, OWLETT-JATON, ACCU, BULTE,LEDERER AND HOENDERDAAL
40 TERRITORY FOCUS > UKFEATURING BIAFD, SPECTRE, HAFREN,A PERRY, APEX STAINLESS FASTENERS,PDP, GESIPA UK, SPIROL UK, BUFAB UK,SMITH BULLOUGH & MORE
56 FOCUS >NYLON AND PLASTIC FIXINGS ANDFASTENERS
60 TERRITORY FOCUS > TAIWANVIEWS FROM 8+ TAIWAN FASTENERBUSINESSES
74 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION >HIGH TENSILE AND BOLT ASSEMBLIES
77 APPRENTICE Q&A >GESIPA
GUESTEDITORThis issue’s Guest editor is
Armin HeßManaging Director Sales & MarketingThe Fischer Group of Companies
Den Engelsman 186026 RB MaarheezeThe Netherlands
+31 (0)495 599 [email protected]
Our part in every solutionStafa is the European supplier of HV bolts. We have a large stock of
structural bolts which meet the current international
standards.
Preloaded bolt/nut/washer assemblies
(nut lubricated with MoS2)
H V B O LT S
Request a free quote Tel.: +31 (0)495 599 888
Preloaded quality-assured bolts
06 torque-expo.com
GUEST EDITOR COMMENT
GIVEN the pandemic, our company is pushing specifictopics in order to emerge stronger from the crisis andbe a pioneer in the market, looking at developmentsin fixing technology and in other industries served byour group. We also focus on megatrends overdecades. After all, these megatrends also have amedium and long-term impact on our business andcan be combined with our own products and services.
Megatopics such as digitisation with e-commerce,smart production, the Internet of Things and artificialintelligence, start-ups, internationalisation andsustainability have long been a reality in our companyand are being further advanced.
We view our innovations from the customer’sperspective and develop practical solutions.
“Focusing on products that are in high demand” –this is the roadmap for developing our product range.Proximity and responsiveness to the market alsoincrease our internationalisation, currently underwaywith a new production plant for fixing systems in Viet-nam, where we founded a new national subsidiary.
We already offer a wide range of plastic fixings,steel anchors, chemical fixing systems, embeddedfixing solutions such as cast-in elements and muchmore from a single source. Moreover, we support ourcustomers with our wide range of services for alltheir fixing projects.
By demonstrating our innovative strength and tech-nological competence, we maintain and expand ourbrand awareness and ensure our continued economicsuccess. This requires new approaches all the time.Why shouldn’t plugs be able to communicate indepen-dently about their environment and their behaviour inthe building material?
The project business offers enormous growthpotential. To ensure greater participation in this, we are
gearing our structures and processes, as well as ourproducts and services, to the relevant markets andcustomers. Integrated planning in conjunction with BIMis an important prerequisite for further increasing ourshare of sales in the project business.
With the help of the Sales & Operations PlanningProcess (S&OP), we also synchronise market andcustomer requirements with our production andsupplier capacity. We have also combined productmanagement and development in business units tocreate suitable structures for innovation – to name oneexample. This networked knowledge allows us todevelop new solutions for customers and the marketin an even more efficient and targeted manner. Start-ups that our company establishes or with which itcooperates also support us with short lead times,from the idea to the market launch of new assort-ments outside our core business.
It is our employees who implement change andrenewal and drive our company forward.
We therefore create conditions allowing individualsto develop their full potential. The fact that we hadalready put new forms of communication, such aschats and video conferences, high on our list of priori-ties proved to be a great advantage at the beginning ofthe corona crisis. This allows us to easily digitiseprocesses and move them to the home office, furtherincreasing our flexibility. Our employees log into thecompany network, chat and conduct digital meetings.In this context, we have taken precautionary measuresto ensure a high level of IT security through virusprotection and firewalls to guarantee data protection.All these measures are accompanied by appropriatetraining programmes for our employees, such asseminars on the subject of “Agile Working”, in order toprepare the company for volatility.
Armin HeßManaging Director Sales & MarketingThe Fischer Group of Companieswww.fischer.group
“OUR COMPANY WILLEMERGE STRONGERFROM THE CRISIS”
ARMIN HEß, SPOKESMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD FIXING SYSTEMSAND MANAGING DIRECTOR SALES AND MARKETING OF THE FISCHER GROUPOF COMPANIES IS GUEST EDITOR OF THIS ISSUE OF TORQUE MAGAZINE
TURN TO PAGE 26 & 67FOR MORE ON
THE FISCHER GROUP
Stanztechnik
www.puehl.de
Products With a high demand of flexibility, reliability and quality, the mid-sized and in fourth generation family-owned and managed company PÜHL, based in Plettenberg (GER), manufactures standard, ISO-, DIN- and special stamping parts for mechanical connections.
Service State-of-the-art manufacturing technology with 20 stamping machines and pressing forces up to 1,000 tons and a substantial warehouse of raw materials and finished products allow a fast production and delivery to competitive conditions.
Reliability Wholesalers and end users in the sectors of wind energy, steel construction, traffic engineering, railway engineering, agricultural machines and the automotive supplier industry, value the quality and the competitive conditions of the products.
STANDARD PARTS
SPECIAL PARTS
PARTS ACCORDING DRAWING
NEWS
www.torque-expo.com
Stainless steel fasteners. Edelstahl- Verbindungselemente. Standard and non-standard items
Norm- und Standardteile DIN, ISO, EN and others / und andere Special parts and special materials
Sonderteile / Sonderwerkstoffe
Lederer GmbH | Katzbachstraße 4 | 58256 Ennepetal | Germany | Fon +49(0)2333/8309-0 | [email protected]
ers..
Shop 2020 | lederer-shop.com
availability advice
quickorder / file upload
backlinked pdf pages
Bestands-eMail
Schnellbestellung / Datei-Upload
verlinkte Katalogseiten
NEWNEU
LLeLedLedeLederLedereLedererLederer Lederer SLederer ShLederer ShoLederer ShopLederer Shop Lederer Shop ALederer Shop AnLederer Shop AnzLederer Shop AnzeLederer Shop AnzeiLederer Shop AnzeigLederer Shop AnzeigeLederer Shop Anzeige Lederer Shop Anzeige 2Lederer Shop Anzeige 20Lederer Shop Anzeige 202Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 -Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JuLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JubLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JubiLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JubilLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JubiloLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JubilogLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - JubilogoLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 2Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 202Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 2020Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 202001Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 2020010Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRULederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCKLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.iLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.inLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.indLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.inddLederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.indd Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.indd Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.indd Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.indd 1 00606.06.006.0106.01.06.01.206.01.2006.01.20206.01.202006.01.2020 06.01.2020 06.01.2020 06.01.2020 106.01.2020 1406.01.2020 14:06.01.2020 14:306.01.2020 14:3006.01.2020 14:30:06.01.2020 14:30:106.01.2020 14:30:19
News from the distribution industry…
nology‐market orientation. It clusters 18companies within the Spanish fastenerindustry and it is attracting anincreasing number of new local andinternational partners, according to FEX.
The main objectives of FEX are to: Promote the transit from a business
model based only on manufacturing partsfor third parties to a business model basedon self‐developed products and services.
Anticipate new business opportunitiesand potential risks based on an exten‐sive market knowledge and surveillanceof the fastener industry with an interna‐tional scope.
Gain market visibility and brandrecognition of the Spanish fastenerindustry worldwide to help associatedcompanies access to new markets.
Gain access to specific technology andinnovation services by connecting asso‐
Several Basque‐based fastenerbusinesses have joined forces tocreate the Fastening Excellence
Center (FEX), mirroring similar ‘hub’initiatives in other sectors.
Designed to promote the “transforma‐tion and competitiveness of the Spanishfastener industry” over the medium to longterm, FEX is located in Bergara (BasqueCountry, Spain). Bergara has a long fastenerindustry tradition, with fastener manufac‐turers (bolts, screws, nuts, washers, etc) tosuppliers of raw materials, heat treatmentand coating services to companies thatprovide state‐of‐the‐art technology such asmachinery and tooling, as well as technicaland R&D support.
FEX provides specialised support tocompanies in the fastener industryinterested in generating added value intheir current product/service portfolio,with a comprehensive product‐tech‐
ciated companies with the BasqueNetwork of Science, Technology andInnovation and other TechnologyCentres around the world.
Generate know‐how about fasteningsystems and their applications.
Boost collaboration strategies to takeadvantage of the synergies betweenassociated companies and promote newbusiness opportunities based on asso‐ciated product and services.
Connect their partners with otherindustry clusters that represent poten‐tial customers in strategic marketsegments such as railway, automotive,aerospace, or green energy, amongothers by promoting the Spanishfastening industry internationally,detecting new fastening applicationsand bringing new business opportuni‐ties to their associated companies.www.fasteningexcellencecenter.com
FASTENING EXCELLENCE CENTER JOINS UPSPANISH FASTENING INDUSTRY BUSINESSES
Fastening Excellence Center ‘fastener valley’ brings18 Spanish fastener businesses together in a single hub
Tel: +44 (0)121 4397329 Fax: +44 (0)121 4397346Email: [email protected]
Unit 4, Alma Industrial Estate, Stafford Road, Wednesbury, WS10 8SX, United Kingdom
Headed Hex-Drive Type D
ZINC ALLOYINSERTS
Unheaded Hex-Drive Type E
Headed Hex-Drive
STEELINSERTS
Unheaded Hex-Drive Type E
Multi Unheaded
BRASS THREADEDINSERTS
Unheaded Screw-in
Zinc Plated Flathead Bolts
FURNITURECONNECTORS
Flathead Connector Caps(Closed)
More products available, visit www.theinsertcompany.com
Stainless steel fasteners.Edelstahl-Verbindungselemente.
Eléments d’assemblage en acier inox.Viteria in acciaio inossidabile.
Elementos de sujeción de acero inoxidable.Verbindingselementen roestvast staal.
Łączniki ze stali nierdzewnej.Spojovací materiál z nerezové oceli.
Rozsdamentes acél kötőelemek.Spojovací materiál z nerezovej ocele.
www.love-fasteners.comLederer GmbH | Katzbachstraße 4 | 58256 Ennepetal, Germany +49 (0)2333/8309-0 | [email protected]
NEWSNews from the distribution industry www.torque-expo.com
PEOPLE NEWS
Jörgen Rosengren, Bufab CEO and President, has given theBoard notice that he intends to leave the company after nine
years with the group. Leaving for a similar role in a different industry, Rosengren
will remain in the role until September 2021 at the latest andwork on recruiting a successor has begun.
Rosengren’s tenure has seen the Group through a significantperiod of expansion, including its IPO in 2014 and a doubling ofturnover and profit. The Board thanked Rosengren, wished himsuccess in his future endeavours and is now “focusing on con‐tinued profitable growth while recruiting a new CEO”.
Bufab CEO & PresidentJörgen Rosengren tomove on
Apparel brand Dickies Workwear is set to withdraw from theUK merchant market, closing its UK operation in Somerset,
where approximately 280 staff are employed. US parent com‐pany VF Corporation – also owner of the North Face, Timberlandand Vans – started 2020 exploring the divestiture of its occupa‐tional workwear business, including certain Dickies products.Reports emerged in October 2020 that all roles at the MidsomerNorton, Somerset location were “at risk of redundancy”. Nowthere has been confirmation – as well as further trade pressreports – that Dickies Workwear will shut imminently.
Dresselhaus grew its management teamwith Markus Schörg, effective from 1
March 2021.Schörg is responsible for the management
and further development of Joseph Dressel‐haus GmbH & Co. KG together with ThomasBesch. Schörg has 20 years of experience inB2B wholesale for fasteners, including man‐agement positions at Würth Group and Theo
Förch GmbH & Co. KG. In his last position atTheo Förch, Schörg was responsible for andsuccessfully designed the sales and digitaltransformation of the division he was respon‐sible for. A spokesperson for Dresselhausowner Nimbus said: “Both Managing Direc‐tors combine the pursuit of customer prox‐imity and the belief in a real value‐addedpartnership for industry and trade.”
Dresselhaus expands managementteam with Markus Schörg
Dickies Workwearaxes UK offices
THE NORD-LOCK STEEL WASHERSNord-Lock offers products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and materials, developed to suit even the toughest environments. With a promise of 1,000 hours corrosion resistance on all steel washers it makes the Nord-Lock washer the best on the market.
ORIGINAL WASHER X-SERIES STEEL CONSTRUCTION
www.nord-lock.com
18 torque-expo.com
BUSINESS BAROMETER
A global shortage of semiconductors – items increas‐ingly used in cars, smartphones, video consoles, TVsand other electrical items – is impacting on produc‐
tion lines globally. Nissan’s UK Sunderland car factory temporarily
furloughed 750 workers from its Juke andQashqai production lines earlier this year, withthe firm blaming the scarcity of semiconduc‐tor parts. It’s the latest in a long line of carfactories that have reduced productionspecifically due to the shortage, includingUS car giant Ford. Automotive groups arethought to be suffering the most from theshortfall, which is being exacerbated bygrowing demand from a variety of industries.
Semiconductor‐hungry 5G‐ready smart‐phones and a rise in sales of items like homecomputers and laptops during the numerousCovid‐related lockdowns have further increaseddemands on the sector. Lockdowns back in early 2020affected production, which since resuming has been strug‐gling to keep up.
The semiconductor sector was placed under further pres‐sure when significant supplier Renesas suffered a fire on 19March in one of its subsidiaries in Japan, effectively shutting
production. The firm estimates the factory will be backto 100% only by the end of May.
While mothballed production lines awaitingsemiconductors have obvious implications for
suppliers of industrial fasteners to the automo‐tive and electrical sectors, increasinglyadvanced power tools used by professionalend users and DIYers are also expected to beimpacted by the paucity of semiconductors.
For power tools that use semiconductorsas well as batteries using the increasingly
in‐demand Li‐ion, shortages look likely topersist in the market. With just a few countries responsible for the
world’s supply of semiconductors, added to thegrowth in demand and also geopolitical risks, the
likes of the European Commission have formed plans todouble the EU’s share in global production of semiconductorsas part of its ‘Digital Decade’.
SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGESQUEEZES AUTOMOTIVE AND
POWER TOOLS MARKETS
www.lederer-tracking.comActivate shipping notification and tracking now!
Shipment status at a glance
Stainless steel fasteners | Special parts and special materials Services | Online-Shop | Kanban/VMI/RFID | Solar | Railway | Maritime
One eMail. One number. One click to the goods.
standard and non-standard items
DIN, ISO, Lederer and Maritim
individual labelling and packaging
own accredited testing lab
www.lederer-online.com | www.lederer-shop.com
there is Rivit.itWhere there is metal
9001:2015
RIVIT INDIA Pvt Ltd
Chennai / IndiaT. +91 44 428 50 [email protected] / rivit.in
Temara / MarocT. +212 661 379 [email protected] / rivit.it
RIVIT MAROC Sarl Au RIVIT Srl ITALIA
Bologna / ItalyT. +39 051 41 71 [email protected] / rivit.it
HEADQUARTERS
SINCE 1973
Darleen Wagner, Head ofMarketing at Eurotec, discusses
the increase of digitalisation withinthe industry, and the importanceof removing the fear associatedwith working in a ‘man’s world’
with Torque Magazine…
INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS
How did you get into the industry?I originally completed my commercial training in thehealth sector. I started as a marketing clerk and facedthe classic side of marketing. After I took up my part‐time studies in marketing & digital media in 2018, Iapplied to Eurotec GmbH as an Online MarketingManager. Since then, I have helped to drive digitali‐sation and the need for online innovation in an inher‐ently conservative industry. I am now the Head ofMarketing and deal with complex target group andmarket analyses in the fastening industry.
DARLEEN WAGNEREUROTEC
// The fastening industryis all around us in the
world. And therefore, asinteresting for women asfor any other gender. //
15torque-expo.com
What does your day-to-day job involve?Regarding my job routine, I have to say: There is none. WhichI am very happy about. I never know exactly what to expect atthe beginning of the day. Of course, I always have a goal in mindfor each day. My daily tasks include controlling general trafficon websites and social channels, strategically deriving newmarketing measures and evaluating past activities retrospec‐tively. In addition, I have to work dynamically on projects fordigital innovations every day.
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industryand/or the company since you started?At the moment, but also during the upswing when I started atEurotec, I see digitalisation on the market and the leadingmotto: Move away from paper and towards monitors. Thiscovers almost every area in the market. Through my area ofexpertise, I am close to the news from all over the world in thefastening industry. Here I hear and see more digital activitiesevery day: online seminars, trade fairs that are only conductedonline, 360‐degree images that showcase products and amaz‐ing renderings on YouTube that display and visualise complexengineering in modular construction. The exchange of peoplewith each other and the way they work. BIM was a word Iheard two years ago at one of the biggest construction tradefairs in Germany, BAU in Munich, and didn't follow up on. Nowit follows me and moves the market and with it the marketingbudget and activities for the new possibilities.
Can you share some of your career highlights and mile-stones so far?In 2019, after just one year in the company, I took the big stepof presenting Eurotec's new website to the public. In additionto increased user‐friendliness and optimised product presen‐tation, I have also focused on the added value for customers.We are currently working on this on an ongoing basis.
The biggest milestone, which is less of a milestone and moreof a journey of miles, was when I slowly but surely built up aninternal marketing competence within the company. In themarketing department, which I have been fully in charge ofsince the middle of last year, I built up separate small depart‐ments specialising in specific topics in several steps. We haveour own social media department, an online area and our owngraphic designers.
What is your favourite thing about the fastener industry?What I like most about the fastening industry is the variety andchangeability of the topics. There is an incredible amount todiscover and learn. The field is constantly growing and devel‐oping with each passing day.
What do you think needs to be done to encourage morewomen to get involved in the fastener industry?You have to take away the fear of a “Man’s World”. That thesector can only fall into the hands of men, "since only men workon construction sites". We have to get rid of the false world viewthat there are jobs that are only for women and, the other wayround, jobs that only men can fill. The fastening industry is theperfect example of the opportunities that come with a work‐place that is filled with prejudice. We should break away fromthe stereotype that only men can be interested in screws andwood fasteners. For as dry as this subject area may sound tosome, it is more multi‐faceted than almost any other. Itembraces almost everything in our environment. We live in abuilding that contains fastening technology. We walk overbridges that deal with loads we have no idea about.
The fastening industry is all around us in the world. Andtherefore, as interesting for women as for any other gender.
If we convey this image, the fastening industry becomesattractive to everyone and makes it easier for women to get afoothold in the industry.
How does Eurotec bring in new talent from a variety of back-grounds? Do you think this is a challenge for the industry?Eurotec is constantly looking for new employees due to ourstrong growth. In doing so, we try to acquire internal compe‐tences to better understand the market and our customers andto be able to further optimise our products. Of course, this is alsoa big challenge for companies in the industry at the same time.
Any final thoughts?When I think about my work in the fastening industry, I feel alot of excitement and fun in the daily things I experience andparticipate in. I would love to see more women enjoying thisand realising that this is a gender‐neutral field where we canall develop and learn a lot.
www.eurotec.team
16 torque-expo.com
INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS
// We should break away fromthe stereotype that only mencan be interested in screws
and wood fasteners. For as dryas this subject area may sound
to some, it is more multi-facetedthan almost any other. //
Eurotec’s CLT system angle is ideallysuited for use in solid wood construction.
THINK BIG
IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT.Walt Disney
AMBROVIT: YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER FOR FASTENING SYSTEMS
A DEDICATED OPERATOR FOR ALL YOUR QUESTIONSAmbrovit S.p.A. Italy WWW.AMBROVIT.COMTel +39 (0) 382 810280
COVER PROFILE KLIMAS
18 torque-expo.com
Klimas, a Polish manufacturer of fastening technologies,celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020. The sizeablecompany currently has four production plants totalling
over 80,000 m² with more than 300 machines for fastenermanufacturing. Its products are sold in at least 60 countriesaround the world.
How did a small family company, established in the 1990s,have such a presence on the domestic and European fasten‐ing technologies market and is a highly recognisable brandamong Polish and international contractors?
Its strong position on the fastening market has beenconfirmed by numerous distinctions, awards and titles. Thecompany has been awarded the prestigious title of Construc‐tion Brand of the Year eight times, year‐after‐year, based onthe ranking of construction contractors' opinions. The manu‐facturer has been also awarded the following titles on numer‐ous occasions: the Construction Company of the Year,
awarded by Builder magazine, the Construction IndustryCreator, awarded by the Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers,the BCC European Medal, Superbrands, as well as the ForbesDiamond ‐ a distinction granted by Forbes business maga‐zine. These awards confirm the high brand awareness ofKlimas brand among the customers, as well as the profes‐sionalism and strong market position of the company.Wojciech Klimas, the founder and the president of thecompany, takes up the story…
How was the company established and what have beenthe key milestones of its development? By initiating the production of screws for quick assembly andfasteners for thermal insulation at the end of the 1990s, westarted manufacturing new categories of fasteners. Subse‐quent investments in the development of machinery, theemployment of high‐class specialists and cooperation with
Family business Klimas has grown into a major manufacturer and exporter offasteners, accumulating awards, firsts and a client base that spans over 60countries. Wojciech Klimas, the founder and the president of the company,shares the 30 year story with Torque Magazine…
KLIMAS >STRONG FOR GENERATIONS
The producer has over300 machines forfastener manufacturing
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manufacturers from various industries, resulted in solu‐tions that quickly gained recognition among customers.Our products stood out on the market due to their highestquality parameters and they met all required technicalstandards. In 2005, the company became the first businessin Poland from the construction sector to obtain the Euro‐pean Technical Approval for its products.
After opening a second large‐scale production plantwith a warehouse in 2010, the company dynamicallyincreased the sales of its products and expanded its prod‐uct range including: self‐tapping screws for fixing metalroofing tiles (“Farmers”), construction chemicals, framefasteners (including SFX), carpentry screws and chemicalanchors. The Klimas brand fasteners have proven them‐selves both in refurbishment and assembly works, as wellas in single‐family and residential construction.
What does the Klimas product offer look like?There is a comprehensive portfolio of fastening tech‐nologies and also power tool accessories and construc‐tion chemicals. This means the entire range of productsfor the construction industry, from joinery, throughinsulation, roof fastenings, anchoring up to fasteningsfor timber structures. Our portfolio has evolved overtime. In the 1990s we started with standard solutionsand today we supply our products to much more tech‐nically advanced markets, where not only the productbut also service support in terms of calculations (e.g.load‐bearing capacity or wind capacity) play an impor‐tant role. Applications, such as lightweight cladding, flatroofs and anchoring mentioned above require specialistsoftware, which we offer in order to provide ourcustomers with not only a first‐class product, but alsoa first‐class service.
What are the key industries Klimas reaches?We are well established in the construction industry and ourportfolio includes fastening technologies for many industries.We reach both carpenters and roofers with our range for timberstructures and the famous “Farmers” for the roofing. We alsoreach smaller and larger contractor companies operating in thearea of thermal efficiency improvement of walls and roofs. Ourportfolio of products for mechanical and chemical anchoringalso reaches general contractors as well as architects. We supplythe fasteners for the manufacture and installation of joinery,renovation of buildings and large‐scale investments, such asshopping malls, office buildings and hotels. Our product rangeis available in the largest DIY store chains, reaching not onlycontractors, but also individual customers.
What are the core foundations of your business activity?People have always been and will always be the foundation ofour company. We are lucky to have great experts and highlyqualified management staff. The involvement of the youngergeneration who participate in the life of the company from anearly age, thus ensuring the continuation of the family busi‐ness, is another highly important element. A well‐preparedteam which continuously raises its qualifications is the bestrecipe for efficient operation and implementation of preciselydefined goals. Moreover, the overriding need that every manu‐facturer must meet is the guarantee of quality. This elementhas been the flagship goal of our company from the very begin‐ning. We develop new products in co‐operation with our part‐ners, since we believe that jointly developed solutions ensurepositive long‐term effects. Yet another important element ofco‐operation with partners is broader services, such as coun‐selling and training, technical calculations, availability andtimeliness of deliveries, and tests of our products are the basictools which the company uses on a daily basis. →
COVER PROFILE KLIMAS
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How does being a family business affect the identity andvalues of the company?The family character with which we identify our company, is notjust about image. Family businesses are the major economicstrength, both because of their quantity and because they aremore capable of surviving in times of crisis than other compa‐nies. As owners, we have a sense of responsibility towards thegenerations that created the company and also towards thesuccessors. Being a family business, we are perceived as morereliable, authentic and determined to deliver the best qualitygoods and services possible. And because we are focused on amulti‐generational business activity, we develop our structureson a long‐term basis. The trust undoubtedly translates into rela‐tions with business partners, who perceive the company as a reli‐able and stable manufacturer. Therefore, the family character ofthe company is reflected in its mission statement: “Strong forgenerations”, which greatly emphasises the two key parametersthat we have set for ourselves: i.e. the family character of thecompany and the exceptional quality.
The business continues to evolve in terms of products,production capacity and also the ways of reachingcustomers. How do you cope in this area? Since the beginning, the company has focused on the widedistribution of its products, so that every customer, no matterwhere they come from, could have the opportunity to buy theproduct range. In order to keep up with technological progress,we decided to launch a new e‐commerce platform. It is a veryimportant stage in the digital transformation of our company.We are aware that widespread access to the internet haschanged the traditional shopping model for good, andalthough this change is gradual in the construction industry,as the leader in the fastenings category we want to beprepared for the needs of the changing market. Thanks to the
e‐klimas.com platform, customers receive comprehensiveinformation about the extensive Klimas portfolio in real time.On the platform they can also check prices and availability ofthe product range, and most importantly, they are able to placean order at any time, even from a mobile phone. An importantfunctionality of e‐klimas.com is a search engine with anadvanced filtering and sorting function, which allows ourcustomers to rapidly find a specific product.
What role do technology and automation playin your factories? Technology and full automation of production processes isalready a standard in our factories, which we are constantlyimproving. Large production spaces are filled with specialistmachinery, as a result of which we can increase production capac‐ity while minimising costs, which directly affects the competitive‐ness of our products. Due to the fact that hard work is performedby modern technology, our employees are directed to less stren‐uous activities, working in a peaceful and orderly manner.
I would like to emphasise once again how important staffare; we are aware that a tight team is developed on the basisof good working conditions. It is a challenge we face every day,especially in difficult times when we are subject to the courseof the pandemic.
For many years you have been operating as a majorexporter of fastening technologies. Is export your mainline of business?We have been exporting since the end of the 1990s; At first to theEastern European markets, and later to Southern and WesternEurope. The most dynamic development of export sales tookplace in 2014, which resulted in cooperation with counterpartsin 40 countries. Today, the Klimas brand reaches more than 60countries through various models of product distribution, from
→
From its Polish-base, Klimasis now serving territoriesoutside Europe
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the cooperation with trading partners up to the opening of ourown sales branches in selected countries, including the CzechRepublic, Slovakia, France and India. Over the last five to six yearswe have started to make conscious, strategic decisions about theareas in which we want to develop. We have focused on develop‐ing on the Southern and the Eastern European markets, and thenon the Western European market, while being aware of the coun‐tries and continents in which there is demand for our productrange. Today we can safely say that we are no longer just a Euro‐pean player on the fastening technology market. In 2019, weestablished commercial cooperation with partners in Senegal andAustralia. It was a bold move for us to set up a sales company inIndia, but after 15 months of operation we knew that this was theright decision. We have a sales team working for us in India tomake sure that our product range reaches major investments. Atthe same time, the company has established cooperation with anumber of trade partners who are also developing the Klimasexport brand on the Indian market. At present we are openingour retail outlets in Prague, the Czech Republic and we are alsoexpanding our business in France.
While pushing into overseas markets, you are still stronglyfocused on your own market through CSR activities... I cannot imagine being indifferent to the problems and needsthat exist in every society. We are a part of it, and we are fortu‐nate to be able to take advantage of opportunities to have adirect impact on creating a better world. We try to supportlocal aid organisations and charities, such as the Noble Parcel,
and support Poland‐wide initiatives addressed at varioussocial groups, including vocational school students, peoplewith disabilities, and the poorest families. We donate our prod‐ucts to build facilities belonging to the Ronald McDonald Foun‐dation (where families live while their children are in oncologyor haematology wards) and funds for the With My Brother’sEyes Foundation (care facilities for persons with disabilities).Apart from that, like the vast majority of Poles, we financiallysupport The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, whichprovides hospitals with medical equipment every year. Thisis a drop in the ocean of needs, but we are glad that ouremployees are equally involved in such campaigns.
Where do you see the company in five years?We are consistently pursuing our strategic goal of becomingthe market leader in fastening technologies production notonly in Europe, but also all over the world. Therefore, we keepinvesting in the further expansion of our production facilities.Through these investments, we will not only be able to meetthe demand for our products, which is increasing year‐on‐year,but we will also be able to propose new product solutions,which we will soon offer to our business partners. Of course,we have no influence on the economic condition of the globaland Polish construction industry, but based on our experienceof over 30 years, we are well prepared for various disruptionson the domestic and foreign markets.
www.klimas.com
// We are aware that widespread access to the internet has changed thetraditional shopping model for good. Although this change is gradual inthe construction industry, as the leader in the fastenings category we
want to be prepared for the needs of the changing market. //
Technology and full automation ofproduction processes is already astandard in Klimas factories and are continually being enhanced
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pgb-Europe drives ahead withDIGITISATION AND AUTOMATION
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONpgb-Europe
It is said that an efficient supply chain can become a sales argument in itself.Fastener and tool specialist pgb-Europe is arming itself for the future with arobotised pallet warehouse and new ERP and WMS system.
“We have gained in efficiency, offer an answer to thedemand for traceability and optimise our deliv‐ery times,” explains Logistics Manager Vincent
Pennoit. “These are assets that our customers appreciate.”Since 1956, pgb‐Europe (Pennoit‐Grootaert Bolt Trade) has
developed from a one‐man business to a reputable interna‐tional player. The head office in Melle, near Ghent, functionsas a logistics centre for the storage and delivery of fastenersand tools. The company’s own production units are located inPoland (anchors) and Vietnam (wood screws). The salesmarket from Melle is mainly located in Belgium and thesurrounding countries. With Frederik and Vincent Pennoit andJohannes Heye, the third generation is active in the company.
pgb‐Europe moved to Melle in 1997. Due to the rapidgrowth of the company, the storage space of 10,000 squaremetres soon reached its limits. “We then turned to externalwarehouses,” says Pennoit. “That turned out not to be the idealsolution, as we lost efficiency when grouping our orders.” Aninitial expansion of the existing facility provided the solution.With an automated miniload picking system, capable ofhandling 10,000 order lines per day, pgb‐Europe emerged –not for the last time – as a pioneer in its sector.
The next phase of expansion was preceded by a software tran‐sition. “For a long time, we relied on a self‐built AS/400 system,of which we could do very little to change the core,” explainsVincent Pennoit. “It cost us too much effort and time to linkproduct certificates to specific batch numbers. We thereforemade the switch from AS/400 to SAP for ERP. Almost simulta‐neously, we implemented a new WMS system with Dynaman.”
Meanwhile, the opportunity presented itself to buy the adja‐cent company site. This paved the way for a robot‐controlledhigh bay warehouse of 5,000 metres², with space for an addi‐tional 13,000 pallet locations. This expansion brought the totalto 28,000 pallet locations over the past three years.
Pennoit adds: “The total layout is now split into three majorparts. The high bay warehouse acts as a reserve buffer stock.The miniload section centralises single‐box picking and thereis a warehouse for manual overload picking. Three AGVs ensurethe pallet replenishment between the high bay and overflowwarehouse. The WMS system estimates the quantities to bepicked, so our warehouse employees never run out of stock.”
The high bay warehouse and the software implementationsimprove shipping speed and accuracy. “This is a must, given thehigh market expectations,” explains the Logistics Manager. “Wedeliver mainly to retailers, mainly in the professional segment.A fast execution speed is an important objective there. EDIconnections now allow our customers to reduce their stocks.On the other hand, our customers expect us to deliver within24 hours. If an order reaches us before 3pm, we will handle itbefore 6pm. Depending on the size of the order and the loca‐tion, we therefore meet the intended market demand.”
To estimate this market demand, pgb‐Europe relies on the fore‐casting module of the SAP package. “It determines on the basis ofhistory and calculated growth factors which goods – and in whichquantities – we should order. Thanks to the close cooperation withour production companies in Poland and Vietnam and, of course,our suppliers in the Far East and Europe, appropriate purchasingmanagement ensures a delivery rate of 97%,” says Pennoit.
The pgb‐Europe ScanApp ultimately makes the link betweenlogistics and customer service. “Consumers call up technicaldata sheets with it via their smartphones. The professionaluser in turn scans the barcode in his warehouse or shop shelf,after which he automatically reaches our order module. All hehas to do is click on the number of copies he wants to order.”
In recent years, pgb‐Europe has invested heavily in e‐commerce. Customers can not only track their deliveries, but alsokeep track of whether their order has been picked or dispatched.www.pgb-europe.com
// The forecasting module of theSAP package determines whichgoods – and in what quantities –
we should order. //
EXPERTS IN FASTENING SOLUTIONS
PRODUCTION PLANTS: SPAIN - CHINA - MEXICO DELEGATIONS: SPAIN - GERMANY - UNITED KINGDOM - ITALY - FRANCE - PORTUGAL - CZECH REPUBLIC - CHINA - MEXICO - TURKEY www.bralo.com
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Professional high performance riveting tool.Ideal for assembly lines.Adaptable to different thicknesses.Quality in setting and ergonomics.High durability and productivity.
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The green green grass of Hamburg
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONReyher
Improving the sustainability of a fastener distribution business can encompassvirtually every aspect of operation. Hamburg’s Reyher has recently turned to aclever corrugated cardboard brand which uses locally-grown grass in manufacture…
Every year hundreds of thousands of pallets leaveREYHER’s logistics centre heading across the wholeworld – some 70,000 of them have pallet covers to
protect the goods. To save on valuable resources, the Hamburgtrading company for fasteners and fixing technology now usesGreenCor® corrugated cardboard made with grass paper.
The corrugated cardboard from GreenCor is an innovativeresource‐conserving development by packaging producerCARTOFLEX, based in Lüneburg, Germany. The special featureof the packaging material is that it consists of around one thirdgrass. The remaining 70% of the corrugated cardboard ismade up of recycled material.
Reducing energy, water and chemicals in production The production of grass paper differs in practice only a littlefrom conventional paper production. In addition to used paper,grass fibres are pulped with water. Next, water is removedfrom the suspension and the fibres build a fleece. In contrastto fresh fibre or recycled fibre processes, grass fibre can beproduced purely mechanically. This considerably reduces theuse of water and energy during the process. The use of chem‐icals can also be radically reduced. The danger of allergies isremoved due to the special production process using both highpressure and high temperatures.
Locally sourced raw materialsThe grass used for the pallets required comes from Schleswig‐Holstein, a region of north Germany, from local farmers andtheir grass compensation areas. These areas must be createdbecause of increasing soil sealing. The managed grasslandshave to be mowed twice a year. Because of the length andstrength of the woody grass it is not suitable for animal fodderand so there is no competition with fodder production.
“Cartoflex has supplied us reliably with quality high‐valuepackaging materials for many years,” reports REYHER CEO,Klaus‐Dieter Schmidt. “We are very pleased that thanks tothis innovative development we can make an extra contri‐bution towards saving valuable resources and reducing theuse of chemicals.”www.reyher.de
// Thanks to this innovativedevelopment we can make an
extra contribution towardssaving valuable resources. //
Reyher CEO Klaus-Dieter Schmidt (left) and Matthias Hebrok, Managing Director of CARTOFLEX
In the course of the harmonisation of standards the category of Corrosion
Resistance Classes (CRC) has been regulated by the Eurocode 3/DIN EN 1993-1-4, annex A.
Many European countries are therefore encouraged to consider these newly determined
stainless steel grades for the calculation and construction of steel structures.
TOBSTEEL is the only stockholder for fasteners who covers all Corrosion Resistance Classes (CRC)
I to V according to Eurocode 3 – annex A.
Extreme surroundings require special quality characteristics of the used material. So, in the offshore sector, but also for bridges and buildings near the sea, reactor construction and chemical industry, the material D6 | 1.4462 DUPLEX is essential, which distinguishes by its strong resistance and belongs to Corrosion Resistance Class (CRC) IV.We are the specialist in high-quality fasteners made from stainless high-grade steel and special materials. We are used to extreme conditions and face the toughest challenges on a daily basis. We never lose sight of our aim to give the customer just what they want. And we always offer that little bit extra. So, why not contact us? We are looking forward to your call.
Directly from stock!
TOBSTEEL GmbH Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 8 | D-74613 Öhringen T: +49 7941 6073-0 | [email protected] | www.tobsteel.com
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Powerfast II leaps into action
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONfischer
Parkour power > fischer has an action-packed marketing push topromote the PowerFast II screw for its distribution partners…
F ischer is launching a new campaign for its award‐winningPowerFast II screw this month, centred on an action‐packed video of a thrilling timber parkour which a trades‐
man successfully masters with the help of the new chipboardscrew. By placing the spectacular images on its social media andonline channels, fischer is targeting carpenters, joiners, timberconstruction specialists and other users. The audience is directedto the retail partner who is actively supported by fischer throughthe point of sale – both online and in‐store.
“Our retail partners’ stores and online platforms give us theopportunity to convince customers with innovations such asour PowerFast II on a daily basis,” says Armin Heß, Speaker ofthe Board of Directors and Managing Director Sales andMarketing at the fischer Group of Companies. “We support ourretail partners with attention‐grabbing sales promotions forthe digital and physical point of sale, thereby increasing ourmutual commercial success.”
The video features lively scenes that show how users canachieve top results within a short space of time even underdifficult circumstances thanks to the PowerFast II. Thepremium screw provides high retention forces and is easy toscrew in – advantages that are demonstrated in the video, fromfastening ladder spokes without any splitting, or neatly coun‐tersinking protruding screws in narrow tunnels. Its fast biteand short screw‐in time allow the PowerFast II to be screwedin mid‐jump off a trampoline, so says fischer (though wehaven’t tried it). Thanks to its wide range of applications, the
screw can also be used to fasten metal handles to the climbingwall. The final scene shows a roof truss being set up in recordtime. The Power‐Fast II is suitable for any wood on wood, orwood on metal connections and can be used in fischer’s plasticplugs with verified loads. All of the screw’s technical featuresare compiled in a consistent overall design which won the2020 German Design Award and a Red Dot 2020.
fischer is providing participating retailers with a test stationfor their stores from April onwards to allow viewers to expe‐rience the video in person. Each customer can try out thePowerFast II themselves in different wood materials andunder various conditions. Retailers will also have a choice ofoffers available for an atmospheric store design. Whether thatbe POS screens showing the film, test stations or many addi‐tional point of sale design features – the sales promotionrounds out the “PowerFast II Experience” that began online.
The customer journey starts on fischer’s social media chan‐nels such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, where thevideo and its captions are displayed in the respective formatsand versions. The audience is directed to a dedicated websitewith its own campaign landing page through many differenttouchpoints and channels, which ultimately lead to the retailpartner’s online store via Retail Connect. The fixings specialistthereby directs customers who are willing to buy to the retail‐ers, providing support across every channel.
www.fischer.group
Don’t try this at home:fischer’s ad campaign featurestricksy parkour stunts
// Our retail partners’ stores and onlineplatforms give us the opportunity to convince
customers with innovations such as ourPowerFast II on a daily basis. //
METAL ASSEMBLING SOLUTIONS
RIVETS, BOLTS, RIVET NUTS, SETTING TOOLS & METAL SCREWS
01785 246539 +33 320 329 818 +48 12 357 15 22 +39 051 011 3437
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FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONOwlett-Jaton
Smoothing out demand spikesIN EXCEPTIONAL TIMESIt’s been quite the 12 months for the fastener supply chain. For those trading between the UKand EU there’s been Brexit to contend with, as well as the small matter of Covid and its game-changing effects on the supply chain. Torque Magazine speaks with Ian Doherty, CEO of the UK’slargest fixing and fastener wholesaler, Owlett-Jaton, to assess the state of the market…
It has been a hugely disrupted 12 months for fastenerdistribution and beyond. Do you think that it has highlightedthe value of wholesalers and importers in the fastenersupply chain? For example in terms of maintaining aconsistent supply in a highly disruptive period? I think it has. We have the ability to smooth out demand spikesin the broader supply chain, largely because of the levels ofstock that we carry. Industry would have struggled without thewholesalers and our ability to hold broad, deep stocks.
There were a whole bunch of factors in the last 12 months,many of which you can lay at the door of Covid. You couldargue port congestion was largely a Covid creation; It reducedcapacity and then we had all this PPE coming in, although weknow there were some other factors, including Felixstowe Portimplementing a new IT system.
There were massive swings in demand last year. After thePrime Minister made his announcement of lockdown on 23March last year, the UK completely shut down, but by July inour sector we found that demand had largely come back tonormal. And then there were people frantically trying to refillsupply chains. Undoubtedly, we were able to meet some of thatexceptional demand and I like to think we added value. Ifeveryone had been relying on their own stocks then I think itwould have been much worse. Any small importers reactingto the lockdown by cancelling orders found it very difficult torefill the supply chain.
Product availability seems to be the greatest challengeright now, is that fair to say?Yes, it is. That is very firmly a Covid impact. I don’t think wewere unusual in that we spent 24 March looking at strategicscenarios; We questioned how long will this downturn go on?What happens if business only recovers to 80% or 90%? Thefirst lockdown and subsequent lockdowns have been quitedifferent. That first lockdown saw everyone trying to work outhow to run a business with this new set of constraints.Construction sites virtually shut, we saw the major nationalbuilders’ merchants shut and we saw sales fall off a cliff at theend of March. They recovered.
If, on 24 March, we had said things will be back to normalby summer then we would have been advised to have a liedown in a dark room! Orders were cut and people eventuallytried to replace them and we were reasonably successful inreplacing orders as demand surged. On top of that there arethe port congestion issues and these have been running almosteight months. Then we had the shipping issues towards theend of Q4, which are still an issue. We have had many incidents
of goods waiting for six weeks to be shipped thanks tocontainer availability and shipping availability.
Things were improving, and even allowing for the hiatuscaused by Lunar New Year we were seeing stock and availabil‐ity re‐building. Then the Ever Given decided to park sidewaysin the Suez Canal! This has really thrown a spanner in theworks. There is the immediate impact of ships being delayedwhilst the Ever Given was freed and the backlog cleared, thisthen knocks on into port capacity as a surge of boats arrive –more congestion, more delays. At the same time ships return‐ing to the Far East were also held up, so we are seeing returnsailings from the Far East cancelled.
We have a great deal of product which has been produced,container availability has improved, but now there is a shippingcapacity shortage and with that price increases for freight.
Before the Ever Given fiasco I would have said I was reason‐ably confident that availability would continue to improve andby Q3 might even have returned to normal levels. However,this latest disruption will take many months to work its wayout of the system and I now believe we will see availability asa challenge for most of 2021.
A lack of HGV drivers has been an issue, but maybe notsignificant in the grand scheme of things?There is a driver shortage and you need to book transportwell in advance. This becomes complex when you get a boatthat has changed its schedule and you then have to try andget a driver for the new date… It is all part of the same mix ofdisruption in the supply chain. That is one factor I lay at thedoor of Brexit rather than Covid, due largely to reduceddrivers from Europe. There was a shortage before and thisreally hasn’t helped.
We finally ‘got Brexit done’. However, the deal was fairlylast minute, with much uncertainty until quite recently.Presumably now there is clarity for importers? Not everything is finalised! You said there was a lack of clarity,but we had assumed that we would have third country status,so we prepared for that regarding imports from Europe. A lotof the product we might have been bringing in from Europewasn’t necessarily manufactured there, so country of originhas been an important consideration.
We prepared for full customs declarations and when thedeal came out, it was as we thought. We assumed there wouldbe additional administration required and there would bedelays and that is very much what we saw. We assumed theworst case and then it came along!
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// The challenges the supply chain is seeing areglobal issues which will resolve themselves. It is
about capacity and balance and that big spikecaused by Covid, but it will return to normal. //
Owlett-Jaton set up a subsidiary in Ireland to mitigate thepossible problems around Brexit for your Irish customers.Has that decision proved worthwhile already, or will it be alonger-term success? We haven’t actually used our Irish subsidiary. We’ve alwaysbeen focused on making it as easy for our Irish customers tobuy from us as it was pre‐Brexit. We found a way where wecould offer that level of customer service, which has been a lotof work at our end, but has proven for our customers to be amuch simpler answer.
Lead times to Ireland are now longer as the extra adminis‐tration takes time. Historically we could deliver in as little as24 hours, now it is at least 48 or 72. Beforehand, you coulddrive a truck up to the border. Now you have to get a pre‐boarding notification and a whole bunch of administrationdone before the truck gets to the port. It works, but it addstime and that is slightly frustrating.
So, is this another area where wholesalers and importershave stepped in to try and keep things consistent forcustomers?I can tell you what we are doing, but I am not sure our competi‐tors have done the same and offered a similar level of service.We wanted to make it simpler for our customers. We are betterplaced as an organisation to deal with revenue and customs,clearances and declarations than some of our smallercustomers who only have half a dozen people and are notreally in a position to become full blown importers.
Have any of these import tribulations tempted Owlett-Jaton to look towards UK manufacturing for certain lines? Not really. The first place you get to is cost. We have reviewedEuropean sourcing and UK sourcing and the cost benefit anal‐ysis just isn’t there. We haven’t ruled it out indefinitely, but themarket just won’t bear the prices and the capacity doesn’t existfor a lot of the standard products. That reflects the whole argu‐ment that is going on in Europe over anti‐dumping.
The challenges the supply chain is seeing are global issueswhich will resolve themselves. It is about capacity and balanceand that big spike caused by Covid, but it will return to normal.
The supply chain actually had quite a lot of stock in itwhen the pandemic struck. You have to ask, has there reallybeen a surge in demand from the end user? Or is it peoplepredicting a shortage and trying to get some extra producton the shelf? I think there have been real shortages inthings like wood screws, but there isn’t the wood screwmanufacturing capacity in the UK to go anywhere close
Ian Doherty, CEO of the UK’s largest fixingand fastener wholesaler, Owlett-Jaton
→
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FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONOwlett-Jaton
to filling that gap. Ultimately, for us it is about making thesupply chain work.
What are some of the biggest challenges your customers,eg merchants, distributors, etc, are facing right now? A number of the challenges are mainly to do with Covid; Thefirst obvious one is running a secure workplace. We see manystaff of customers still on furlough, so will that result in a long‐term change, working longer hours with fewer people?
It has been hard for those more reliant on a trade counter ora physical environment to sell. While people are now prettygood in creating Covid‐secure spaces, are people browsing inquite the same way? Our customers have suffered in terms ofstock availability, with many running relatively low stocks.Wood screw demand went bananas – you couldn’t get a deckingscrew at one point in the summer for love nor money. Everyonehad decided to get decking. Once again, in hindsight, if you take8.5 million people and send them on furlough in the sunshine,what are they going to do? Maybe something in their gardens…?I wish I had thought of that in April 2020! You understand thatdemand in hindsight. Some of those changes in demand profilewere pretty challenging for our customers as well.
What didn’t materialise but we were concerned about wasmajor credit issues and business failures and that hasn’thappened. I don’t know to what extent people have beenreliant on loans or by using up their own resources. We areextremely fortunate as we are a well‐funded business, it hasn’tbeen a challenge for us. But payment issues were a concernbut we haven’t seen them.
What’s your view on the current anti-dumping investigation? I’m the Vice Chair of the British & Irish Association of FastenerDistributors (BIAFD) and I sit on some of the EFDA taskforceson this topic because BIAFD is still very engaged with it. Wehave Irish members and EFDA is a European association, notan EU association, and we have common interests.
Back in 2007, when anti‐dumping duty last came in, therewas no investment to create capacity, all it did was add costinto the supply chain. I think that would happen again. Ulti‐mately the capacity does not exist in manufacturing standardfasteners in Europe so we are against it. Even with massiveduties on China, I don’t think you are suddenly going to create
a European manufacturing industry which would make up forthat. Last time imports just moved out of China and into otherFar East countries. From my point of view, I can’t see that anti‐dumping duties achieved anything other than add cost toEuropean industry.
Can you give us an overview of where you get the majorityof your customer orders? For example, do they mostlycome over the phone as in the past, or is email or ERP orwebshop orders becoming more prevalent? Owlett‐Jaton offers everything from EDI to webshops andmore, but there is still an awful lot of phone interaction in theUK and phone orders are still the norm. There has been ahistory of negotiating prices so some people think they needto phone to get the best deals. In 1990, I was implementingEDI with major grocery customers for Unilever so 30 years onI thought there would be a bit less phone ordering, but wemeet our customer needs and that is the way our customersare most comfortable.
Are there any other trends in the fastener distributionbusiness that stand out? In the past I’ve talked about consolidation in the marketplace, Ithink we will still see that. The distributor market in the UK isstill pretty fragmented. I thought that Covid might accelerateacquisitions and roll‐ups, but I haven’t really seen that. Thatmight be because it has become more difficult to execute thosedeals in Covid conditions and maybe we’ll see a surge afterward.I think we will continue to see a trend towards electronic order‐ing and more system integration. People wondering if someoneat their end placing an order is really the right thing to do. I thinkthe industry has proven historically it moves slowly.
We are seeing a lot of cost price upwards trends in the FarEast. Steel prices, energy prices, shipping costs… all those arefeeding through. There is undoubtedly cost pressure comingto the industry.
In the Far East, environmental standards are tightening andthat feeds through into costs too. Less efficient factories arepushed out and they have to invest to make improvements infactories. So I think the upwards costs trends will continue.
www.owlett-jaton.com
→
THE WORLD OF INCH-
FASTENERS
www.schroederschrauben.de
Y E A R S
SCHRODER
32 torque-expo.com
Accu > THE NEED FOR SPEED
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONAccu
Supplier reinvests and launches AccuPro for pacier deliveries to help engineers bringinnovations to market more quickly… all while improving sustainability…
A ccu, among the UK’s fastest‐growing componentsuppliers, has reinvested a significant proportion of its2020 profits into a new logistics system, to help
customers bring innovations to market faster.Having increased sales by 60% to £6‐7m during the
pandemic, the company is now offering a premier next daydelivery service – named AccuPro – for orders made before7.15pm. Simultaneously, Accu has reassigned its deliveryservice from DHL to DPD, to improve reliability of delivery andas part of plans to create a more sustainable supply network.
Martin Ackroyd, Co‐Founder of Accu, says: “During thepandemic, many manufacturers around the world ‘pivoted’,which led to an exponential increase in innovation. Engineerswere able to cut through needless red tape and move muchmore quickly than they ever had before.
“Now, manufacturers appreciate that such speed is key toembracing new opportunities and bringing things to marketprofitably. Rapid prototyping is therefore crucial to the devel‐opment process of new products – which is why we’ve investedin our shipping service. We aid manufacturers in bringing newinnovations to market quickly. During prototype phases, clientslean on our inventory of 500,000 specialist parts, which can beshipped by the next day, ready to be engineer‐tested.”
The move from DHL to DPD as a delivery provider was adecision based on customer feedback during the first fewmonths of the pandemic.
“Having previously dealt with other precision componentsuppliers that had used DHL, we’d previously been impressedwith their service level, which is why we initially trusted themwith our customers’ orders,” Ackroyd explains. “But when thepandemic hit, and online orders soared, their network couldnot keep apace with the surge in demand, which meant thatdeliveries were not being distributed as fast as we wantedthem to be – nor as our customers needed them to be.
“Rather than bury our heads in the sand, we did somethingabout it. Our business is built on supporting the productivityand agility of the engineering sector, so we swiftly assessed theoptions and, following a rigorous process, we chose DPD. Ourworld‐class service has resumed, and now we are offering apremier next day delivery too for just £30 per year – similarto the model seen in consumer markets.
“Choosing DPD also aligns with our aim to be the greenestcomponent supplier in the market – they have the largest all‐electric fleet of vehicles in the UK.”
www.accu.co.uk
// Now, manufacturersappreciate that speed
is key to embracing newopportunities andbringing things to
market profitably. //
Bülte > Always on the move
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONBülte
33torque-expo.com
With fresh innovations to overcome technical challenges and a new websiteon its way, Bülte continues to push forward in its 65th year of business,while keeping the customer front and centre…
Founded in 1956, Bülte supplies a huge range of plastic& plastometal fasteners all over the world. 2021 is a significant year for the business: “We are cele‐
brating our 65th Anniversary and we are delighted that ourcustomers are loyal to us, we thank them for this. With 65years of experience, our family business continues to evolvewith its third generation as the founder’s granddaughter isworking in the Company.”
Bülte continues to build on that tradition with innovation(see below) and range expansion – there are now more than30,000 references available in the Bülte catalogue, covering awide range of plastic fasteners and fixings, and also protectionparts being manufactured in Europe and mostly in Germany.
Bülte is committed to being at the forefront of customerfocus with a wide choice of materials and colours (RAL colourchart) available, with standards similar to the French andEuropean ISO, NFE and DIN Standards. The production ofcustomised parts is also at the heart of the Bülte offer. Thereis a particular focus on this service to tailor product accordingto the customer’s specifications and whatever the manufactur‐ing process (injection moulding, extrusion, water jet cutting,etc); Bülte produces parts on demand, respecting the financialand technical constraints of its customers, even in small series.
Present in France, the United Kingdom and Germany, Bültedelivers its products all over the world for a wide range ofindustries, including food processing, furniture, medical andaerospace. With a follow‐up and personalised service, Bültestrongly favours human contact. Before placing an order,design offices and distributors can contact the sales team.Bülte's technical sales staff ensure a rigorous and personalisedfollow‐up, from the development of a product to its invoicing,with worldwide delivery. Adding quality of service to "madein Europe" reliability, Bülte has a tool that is particularly rele‐vant for export and adapted to physical distance imposed bythe current global health crisis: its online 3D database. Itallows engineers and product designers to implement the partthey are considering, as early as the design stage, whereverthey are located in the world.
Latest development > aesthetic and functional lacquer The application of a lacquer on a polyamide product is a realchallenge. This technically challenging new Bülte innovationmeets many aesthetic and functional requirements. This iswhy Bülte has recently introduced lacquered nylon knobs intoits catalogue. In practice, for a knob, it is important to retainthe qualities of the plastic (ergonomic and non‐slip grip, vibra‐tion absorption, resistance to deformation under impact,absence of magnetism and electrical conductivity) while bene‐fiting from a metallic appearance. Gold, silver or in a bright,shiny colour, a button will be more visible and therefore morepractical for the machine operator. In design too, for a piece offurniture, for example, a lacquered clamping tool adds to theelegance of a finish.
What 2021 will bring In a spirit of continued evolution, in order to improve accessto the catalogue and the understanding of its business, Bülteis renewing its website this year. The aim is to make it anadvanced digital communication tool adapted to the technical,social and economic challenges of the modern world. Asalways, Bülte strives to offer the best know‐how with a focuson quality, flexibility and adaptability, while remaining faithfulto its values.
www.bulte.com
// The prodution ofcustomised parts is at
the heart of theBülte offer. //
34 torque-expo.com
AUTOMATIC SHIPMENT TRACKING
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONLederer
Knowing exactly where your shipment is at any given point is becoming ever moreimportant for the supply chain. Lederer has recently implemented a service that willcleverly give its customers up-to-the-minute shipment information at a glance...
Stainless steel fasteners specialist Lederer GmbH hasannounced that it has taken another step towards thedigitalization of the company with a new digital ship‐
ment tracking service available to customers.The new component means that Lederer customers will
benefit from an automatic shipment notification on the day ofdispatch plus a tracking link to the logistics partner. All rele‐vant data is available at a glance.
Markus Gebehenne, Head of Marketing/eBusiness, said:“We’ve put a lot of effort into developing and implementingthis new service for our customers. We are sure that thisoffer will benefit everyone and that it will put us ahead inthe industry.”
After activation, customers receive all relevant data for theorder by e‐mail: package type and weight, number of itemscontained, order and item numbers, item quantities and theshipping agent / deliverer. The tracking link of the respective
logistic partner is also included, so the shipment status of theexpected or already completed delivery can be checked liveat any time.
Lederer customers can also choose between two options: amessage sent only to the individual who ordered the itemsabout the items being shipped. Or a message about all shippeditems of the company to a freely selectable email address.
Lederer GmbH specialises in high‐quality connectingelements made of stainless steel, individual special and draw‐ing parts as well as efficient C‐parts management. TheEnnepetal company has around 200 employees and wasfounded in 1970 by Rainer Lederer. The family business is runin the second generation by Dr Volker Lederer and annualturnover is around €66 million euros. The company deliversalmost 5.5 million parts around the world every day.
www.lederer-tracking.com
// We’ve put a lot of effort into developing and implementing thisnew service for our customers. We are sure that this offer willbenefit everyone and that it will put us ahead in the industry. //
Brush up your fastener knowledge by quizzing
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONworldwidefastenersources.com
One of the major goals of worldwidefastenersources.comis a comprehensive fastener training programme wherethe fastener specialist works at his or her own pace and
there is no fee. The Fastener Quiz presently has over 950true/false or multiple choice questions with explanation foreach answer. The second part is the most complete and compre‐hensive Fastener Glossary ever assembled, Torque Magazine istold. One of the strengths of the Glossary is not only fastenerterms, but terms from supporting industries such as heattreaters, industrial platers, and the screw machine industry,among others.
Both features or Tabs are located on all three of the geograph‐ical websites (US, Eurasia and Asian) which make up the World‐wide Fastener Sources.com family. Both tabs are expanded andupdated on a constant basis. The material for the fastener quizcomes from the website developer Mike McGuire and his nearly60 years’ experience in the fastener industry, the FastenerLibrary of Technical Articles, and numerous suppliers’ productand technical catalogues.
Both the Fastener Quiz and the Fastener Glossary usedtogether for the newcomer to the fastener industry, or theveteran are excellent tools for developing further knowledgeabout fasteners and engineered fastening applications. Mr.McGuire states for the “Student” if you will, work at a comfort‐able pace, be it 10‐25 questions a day or a week or even ahundred. Use the Glossary for further expanding one’s technical
knowledge and support to understanding some of the answers. McGuire also comments that if one completes the Fastener
Quiz and has used the Glossary to better understand thefastener terms, they will have more knowledge about fastenersand engineered fastening applications than a current graduateof a Mechanical Engineering School because they (sadly) do notteach fasteners and fastening in engineering schools.
McGuire believes in being a lifelong learner and it is valuableto attend either the courses offered by Bolt Science in Europeor the Fastener Training Institute in the United States for furtherfastener technology training. Read the fastener trade magazinesfor technical articles and suppliers catalogues whenever madeavailable for the latest in new innovative fasteners, he advises.
In the future, Worldwide Fastener Sources.com will be intro‐ducing a fastener slide training programme which will detailapproximately 250 different types of fasteners and their mostcommon uses in application.
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Challenging supply chain obstaclesfor fastener businesses in Europe
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONHoenderdaal Fasteners
Increased demand for short lead times and Brexit are a few of the more recent challengestackled by fastener distributors in Europe. Hoenderdaal’s experience, coupled with savvyinvestments in the likes of inventory management software, have helped the fasteningtechnology importer neutralise obstacles to efficient logistics…
As one of the leading importers of fastening technology inHolland, Hoenderdaal Fasteners BV faces both difficultiesand opportunities in the distribution of fasteners every
day. Hoenderdaal buys 95% of its products from Asia anddistributes a wide range of fasteners throughout the whole ofEurope. The expert fastener distributor is also an expert inpremium quality wood screw brand Dynaplus®.
SMART INVENTORY MANAGEMENTThe demand for short delivery times has been increasing overrecent years. The stock in shops is minimalised in an attempt toorganise the supply chain as optimally as possible. So, the relia‐bility of the stock level Hoenderdaal in Veenendaal has becomemore important. To forecast its stock levels, the business imple‐mented an inventory management software from Slimstock lastyear, to attain operational excellence. With several containersarriving every week from the nearby port of Rotterdam, it is ofutmost importance that the logistic flow runs smoothly andcustomers can rely on the stock of fasteners in Veenendaal.
NO OBSTACLESBrexit is not an obstacle for Hoenderdaal Fasteners whatsoever,the firm tells Torque Magazine. For several years, Hoenderdaalhas been exporting to Switzerland, Norway and Iceland and isaware of the rules and obligations of shipping fasteners to
customers in countries outside the European Union. There isflexibility and custom service possible; Hoenderdaal worksintensively together with 15 different workshops to pack andrepack products in their own brands and in private label brandsfrom customers.
HEAVY WEIGHTED AND LOW-COST The warehouse is over 9,500 metre² and contains space for over15,000 pallets. Thousands of order lines per day are being pickedby order pickers with voice‐picking headsets and a new smartWarehouse Management System. Hoenderdaal ships daily DDPby carriers to other wholesales, hardware shops and DIY‐customers throughout whole Europe.
Fasteners are relatively heavy weighted and low‐cost; so alot of the product costs are made in the logistics; so it is Hoen‐derdaal’s biggest goal to pass on products as efficiently aspossible in the total supply chain. Hoenderdaal is able tosupply Dynaplus screws and a wide range of other fastenerswith short delivery times, in the most cost‐efficient way tocustomers around Europe.
“The logistic and the export sales team of HoenderdaalFasteners is ready for Europe! Are you ready for Hoenderdaal?”
Contact [email protected] orvisit www.hoenderdaal-fasteners.com
Optimas Service ProvidesTotal Workplace Safetyand Efficiency
FASTENER DISTRIBUTION
37torque-expo.com
Optimas OE Solutions has introduced a new contact‐less managed inventory system to its growing lineof value‐added services.
The manufacturer and distributor of precision‐madefasteners and supply chain solutions said that the ongoingglobal pandemic has given rise to an increased focus on safetywithin the workplace and renewed efforts, industry‐wide, toseek out new and improved methods of productivity.
The contactless replenishment system, available now fromOptimas, and part of the company’s range of manufacturingsolutions, aims to meet this demand by offering customers anew way to keep valued team members safe from challengesposed by Covid‐19, whilst dramatically reducing the time andcost required to reorder components.
Using a turnkey, fully delivered and installed rack andbin system, coupled with an advanced hand‐held scanner,staff can scan a barcode to consolidate and reorder theparts required. This smart technology also ensures thereis no requirement for dedicated on‐site staffing and elimi‐nates the need for direct contact with the shelved items.Additionally, Optimas can provide all the necessary stafftraining virtually, covering all aspects of the replenishmentprocess and best practices.
“At Optimas we are continually looking to offer the rightservices at the right time to our customers in an ever‐changing environment. We are really excited about thislatest value‐added service in our programme that facilitatesa secure way of providing a managed inventory servicewhilst keeping the workplace safe,” says Justin Parker,Senior Director, Business Development & Commercial.
With many of the company’s fasteners manufactured inthe UK, bolstered by an increased onshore stockholding,Optimas have taken the necessary steps to mitigate impor‐tation delays and offset tariff uncertainty as a result of Brexit,the firm said, adding that continuity of supply safeguardscustomers from unexpected lead times and additional costs.
www.optimas.com
38 torque-expo.com
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONEFDA
The reliable supply of steel fasteners to the European econ‐omy is indispensable for it to continue to play its role as asuccessful manufacturer in Europe and on international
markets. Whether manufacturers of machines, components,solar systems or furniture: European industry is used to reliablyobtain fasteners of the most diverse types at any time and in anyplace. The same applies to consumers who demand fastenersfor do‐it‐yourself purposes. That this all runs smoothly is thanksto the professional support by fastener importers. But they seethemselves less and less in a position to satisfy the customers'needs. The reasons are the Corona pandemic, the shipping crisis,raw material issues, exceptional demand, capacity constraints,etc. All this leads to enormous delays in the supply chain andconsiderable supply bottlenecks.
The initiation of the anti‐dumping investigation concerning theimport of steel fasteners from the People's Republic of China intothe European Union has led to massive uncertainty in themarkets. This is because sources on alternative markets arelimited. On the one hand, capacities in other countries have beenexhausted as US importers switched to them when the Trumpadministration imposed anti‐dumping duties on imports fromChina to the US. European Fastener distributors report deliverytimes of up to ten months or more for goods that are usually avail‐able within a few months. But on the European domestic market,too, it is impossible to source relevant quantities of standardfasteners as European manufacturers are focused on producingspecial parts for the automotive industry and other sectors. Theyhave no intention whatsoever of meeting the demand for stan‐dard parts, simply because it is not worth it. Even between 2009and 2016, when AD duties were applicable, they showed no ambi‐
tion to seriously start producing standard parts. Accordingly, theyreject delivery requests for standard fasteners.
With their request for anti‐dumping measures, the manufac‐turers are not even concerned with protecting themselves fromimports of standard parts from China. Rather, many are buyingstandard parts from China themselves. The background is ratherthe weakness of the automotive industry, which has led to declin‐ing orders in recent years. In order to ensure that the Commis‐sion does not have to compare apples and oranges in the
investigation, EFDA therefore advocates a clear distinctionbetween standard and special parts and has submitted proposalsto the Commission for an appropriate definition.
Should the European Commission decide to impose anti‐dumping duties on steel fasteners from PR China, this wouldhave disastrous consequences for the supply of the Europeaneconomy and consumers. This is because in addition to thealready limited capacities, the development of new sources of
AD INVESTIGATION HITSFASTENER INDUSTRY IN TIMESOF EXCEPTIONALLY TURBULENTMARKET CONDITIONS
VIEWPOINT
// The development of new sourcesof supply [due to AD] poses a
problem. Pandemic restrictionsmake it impossible to visit
new producers and conductquality audits. //
In an already highly disrupted market, the European fastener industry is undergoing an anti-dumping investigation into fastener imports from China. Writing for Torque Magazine, theEuropean Fastener Distributors Association (EFDA) provides its view on the current inquiry…
39torque-expo.com
supply also poses a problem. For example, the pandemic‐related travel restrictions make it impossible to visit newproducers and conduct audits. However, this is indispensableto verify that quality requirements are being met or to ensurethat the provider in question is a manufacturer at all. Other‐wise, there is a risk of becoming a victim of circumventiontraps, which neither the importers nor the European Commis‐sion can want. In view of the difficult procurement situation,however, many importers will be dependent on sourcing fromnew suppliers in order to be able to serve their customers.
The situation is particularly serious against the backgroundthat the Commission could already impose provisional dutiesduring the investigation period, which could be the case withina few months. In view of the exceptional circumstances, it isvirtually impossible for buyers of standard fasteners fromChina to prepare for this situation. EFDA is therefore urgingthe European Commission to refrain from imposing provi‐sional duties and to communicate this as early as possible toavoid disruption to the supply chain. In a hearing speciallyconvened on this topic, EFDA and more than 70 representa‐tives of European fastener distribution companies were ableto demonstrate to the Commission, with practical examples,the problems that provisional duties alone would cause forsecuring the supply chain and the security of supply of theEuropean economy.
Of course, this specific request for the non‐imposition ofprovisional measures in no way relativises EFDA's oppositionto the imposition of definitive antidumping duties. It merelyindicates the Commission's acute need for action. We sincerelyhope that the Commission takes seriously the dangers associ‐ated with antidumping measures and reacts accordingly. Inany case, EFDA and its members are determined to do every‐thing possible to convince them of this.
www.efda-fastenerdistributors.org
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Freight and steelcosts escalateyet again
FASTENER DISTRIBUTIONBIAFD
At the beginning of March, BIAFD members were saying “it’s every bit as bad as it was” but,at least, had tentative hopes of gradual improvement in freight costs and availability. Thatwas before the Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal. The horizon for improvement hascategorically receded as a result. Meanwhile, inflationary pressure on fastenermanufacturing material remains relentless.
While March PMIs provided welcome confirmation ofwidespread market recovery, they also confirmed theglobal impact on manufacturing and construction of
rising costs driven by supply chain disruption and raw materialshortages. As a vital supply chain to UK and Irish manufacturingand construction industries, members of the British & IrishAssociation of Fastener Distributors are seeing these pressuresall too graphically. The blocking of the Suez Canal, despite beingresolved remarkably quickly, nevertheless unleashed a newcycle of container freight disruption and cost escalation.
As the second quarter opened, BIAFD conducted an exten‐sive survey of its members, including asking them to identifytheir highest concerns for the next quarter. Market demand,Covid‐19 issues and the aftermath of Brexit understandablyranked strongly. However, top of the concerns were productavailability, product costs and inbound freight issues. In allthree cases, 90% of respondents said they were eitherextremely or very concerned, even before the full implicationsof the Suez incident were understood.
Now, those consequences are abundantly clear. The mainNorthern European container hubs, including Felixstowe andSouthampton, are experiencing a surge of inbound containerfreight and consequent disruption, as ships released from theSuez arrive. There are anecdotal reports that, to avoid thecongestion and get vessels back on schedule sooner, someshipping lines will off‐load UK‐bound containers in Spanishports, adding up to a month before they are received in the UK.
Container schedules are already severely impacted, withvirtually no Asia‐Northern Europe capacity available duringApril and, at least, early May – as sailings are ‘blanked’ becausevessels are out of position. The world’s largest shipping line,Maersk, warned there should be no expectation of a quickreturn to normal services after the Suez blockage, saying itsramifications will disrupt global supply chains for weeks.Maersk expects ‘ripple effects’ at least into the second half ofMay. Freight experts reckon ‘ripples’ is euphemistic and thetimescale optimistic.
The escalation of freight rates has resumed – with avengeance. Rates, which had shown signs of slowly easing, are
already resurging to mid‐February peak levels. Asia‐Europespot rates are at least 400% higher than a year ago, and freightcontracts are being signed to secure capacity, that guaranteesinflated levels for the coming year.
With replacement inventory urgently needed to meet buoy‐ant demand across many sectors, importers are ‘biting thebullet’ and accepting exorbitant rates. However, there is littleprospect of improving on arrival dates that extend daily. Thatwould be bad enough, were it not also for long lead times andcontinuing cost‐ratcheting the metals used to produce fasten‐ers. Steel wire and bar availability is critical worldwide. Leadtimes were already stretching beyond 20 weeks and now somefastener factories are declining orders as they are unable tosecure wire at any price. Costs for nickel, a major valueelement in stainless steel fastener, remain 35‐40% higher thana year ago, and other metals’ inflation means there is no signof stainless steel wire costs abating.
BIAFD members have always invested heavily in inventoryto smooth out the impact of the inevitable headwinds thatbeset long‐range importing. However, these are not head‐winds: if ‘perfect storm’ was not an appropriate expressionbefore, it certainly is now.
There are unavoidable realities for fastener consumers in allsectors. Shortages have already materialised, in some cases forhigh volume sizes of nuts, bolts or screws. The freight costinflation cannot be absorbed by importers and wholesalers,and is being passed on as substantial price increases, withmore inevitably to follow.
These really are unprecedented times, says BIAFD, requiringfastener consumers to adapt to the realities. BIAFD members’priority, as always, is to ensure continuity of supply for compo‐nents that rarely account for more than one percent of the totalcost of a manufactured product or structure, but when absentwill stop lines and projects. No buyer exposed to the steel orimported material supply chains can conceivably be unawareof the extraordinary pressures on availability and costs. Nowis the time for buyers to work closely with fastener supply part‐ners, and jointly focus on protecting critical supply continuity.www.biafd.org
NEW RANGES APPEAR WITH SPECTREAdvanced features come as standard on screwdriverbits and holesaws, promises brand…
The Spectre range – currently includingSpectre Advanced Multi‐Purpose Woodand Timber Fixing Screws – is expanding
with a comprehensive range of holesaws andscrewdriver bits.
The Spectre range of screwdriver bitsincludes nut drivers, bit holders and bit setscovering Pozi, Torx and Philips in 25mm and50mm lengths. The screwdriver bits are manu‐factured from two stage hardened steel forhigh strength and durability. The bits are alsoshock and wear‐proof with precision machinedtips – ideal for the rigours of use and accuracyneeded on‐site.
Holesaws are also now a key part of the rangetoo, ideal for drilling in pipework and cablinginstallations as well as for cutting wood, plastics,plasterboard, stainless and mild steel. The Bi‐metal holesaws are easily recognisable thanksto the yellow and black Spectre branding andhave a hardened steel teeth for a killer bite andfast, smooth, clean cuts. As with all of thebrand’s products, advanced features areincluded as standard, it says, and these holesawsare no different – they are heat and wear resis‐tance for a prolonged life. Spectre also offers aselection of quality arbors too.
To make life even easier for the trade, Spec‐tre has also launched a nine‐piece Plumbers’,Electricians’ and a 16‐piece Universal set ofholesaws all packaged in a smart aluminiumcarrying case.
More products are being launched by thecompany and the range is available frombuilders’ merchants across the UK.
www.spectreadvanced.com
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Online Product Guide:
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SECURE BITS FROM HAFREN
Trying to use a security fastener withoutthe right driver bit is about as effectiveas trying to use a slotted screwdriver on
a Phillips screw, but luckily Hafren Fastenersstocks a complete range of specialist securityfastener screwdriver bits, ‘L’‐ keys & screw‐drivers. Hafren also stocks a range of extra‐longbits (stocked in 50mm length), for those hard‐to‐reach places, as well as a complete range ofsecurity driver sockets tools for Kinmar®
Permanent, Kinmar® Removable & Scroll™.Screwdrivers transfer force (or torque) to
the screw via the screw drive. The shape andsize of the screwdriver tip must correspondperfectly to the security screw you are workingon or you will find it near impossible to get anyengagement. Hafren’s security tooling is preci‐sion CNC‐machined which ensures a smooth fitand perfect engagement, increasing installationspeed and reducing cam out… (and thereforereducing damage to the face/drive of the screwand surrounding area of the installation).
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SPECIALIST SECURITY TOOLINGHafren helps customers select the correct security drive for the application throughits own security ratings guide, with level‐1 for entry level security and level‐5 beingthe maximum security available.
Hafren bits are manufactured to be durable; stocked in industrial grade S2 steel, hard‐ened to reduce wear‐outs. Precision CNC‐machined ensures a smooth fit and protec‐tion for both your bit ends as well as your fasteners.
Hafren Security Fasteners are only available through approved distributors. To findout more call +44 (0)1686 621 300 or visit...www.hafrenfasteners.com
A 2-HolePopular aesthetically pleasingdrive for anytwo‐way application(level-1 security)
B Pin HexHexagon socket screws manu‐factured with an internal pin(level-1 security)
C 6-Lobe PinPopular security drive for hightorque applications(level-1 security)
D 5-Lobe pin‘Give me 5’ (lobes) forimproved tamper‐resistance(level-2 security)
E Tri HeadWidely used vandal deterrent fixing(level-2 security)
F Power6™Versatile tamper resistant security drive(level-3 security)
G Solok™ This security drive ensuresthat each and every customer has theirown unique ‘one‐of‐a‐kind’ drive socket(level-5 security)
A B C D E F G
UKTERRITORY
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TENZ FROM A. PERRY >“TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT COMPROMISE”
TENZ from Perry has become one of the go‐to woodscrews of choice for industry professionals, the companysays, with the screws offering “innovative technology
without compromise”.Since it launched in the UK last year, A Perry has seen sales
soar for the range that has shaken up the wood screwmarket, it says.
The innovative new wood construction screw with thepatented Stairs Thread Technology is also now a multipleaward‐winning product that users say has been well thought‐out from bit to tip.
With a host of benefits unique to TENZ, the wood screwrange actually reduces energy input by 50% which means inturn, it can drive up to twice as many screws with one batterycharge. Unlike conventional wood screws, TENZ reduces thefriction along the thread making work more efficient. Thewood fibres are gently displaced and not drilled or milledwhich uses less energy force thanks to the oscillating screw.
The end result is also a contributing factor to the success ofthe range as its effortless screwing also means the screw opti‐mally bonds with the wood and this tighter bond becomesmore secure over time giving life longevity to the constructionproject or build. With 27 variants in the range with either a Pozior Torx head, there is a length and diameter of screw for allwoodworking jobs that also comes in plastic‐free packaging.
The new technology also brings health benefits to the usertoo as it requires minimal physical effort when screwing thewood. The hardened steel thread ensures maximum outputwith minimum effort giving welcome relief to the DIYers as wellas professionals as fatigue is reduced and the strain on jointsis minimised. With arthritis a common ailment for those inconstruction, TENZ could have a positive impact on those indi‐viduals who suffer; which in turn reduces time off they wouldotherwise be forced to take from their job or self‐employment.
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44 torque-expo.com
UK
KEEPING CUSTOMERS SUPPLIEDTHROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES
TERRITORYFOCUS
David Vahter, Managing Director of Apex Stainless Fasteners, sits down withTorque Magazine to discuss the challenges and triumphs experienced whilstleading the company through the Covid-19 pandemic…
Apex Stainless Fasteners is one of the UK’s leadingspecialist sources of stainless‐steel fasteners, havingestablished a worldwide reputation for an extensive
and comprehensive product range.The fastener industry has seen challenges present themselves
in the form of supply chain issues and increases to raw materialprices as a result of the Covid‐19 pandemic and Brexit implica‐tions. However, Apex has continued to ensure minimal disrup‐tion to its first‐rate service levels and works to keep itscustomers happy.
David Vahter, Managing Director of Apex Stainless Fasteners,tells Torque Magazine: “2020 was a difficult year for everyonebut Apex has faired well. We continued to give our customerssupplies in very difficult times. I think the entire trade experi‐enced a weak period from March to May, but demand picked upsignificantly after the summer.”
Despite challenges brought about by the pandemic and Brexit,Apex had a record breaking fourth quarter of 2020, with the bestrecorded December ever in the history of the company.
Vahter puts the success of the autumn down to a surge indemand on the back of the coronavirus lockdown. “When you’vehad a lockdown like that, and the demand starts picking up again,everyone needs their goods, and that’s exactly what happened.In addition, our quick service and good stock levels come inhandy when demand picks up quickly.”
The business has also been subject to the many challenges andexternal factors that are specific to stainless steel, particularlygreat volatility in raw material prices.
“There is no doubt that there have been significant changes toraw material prices, especially from the summer and onwards.
When there is a surge in demand, material prices tend to go up.Especially when you go from a level where nickel was very lowduring March‐May,” says Vahter.
With popularity of e‐vehicles growing, Torque Magazine askedApex whether it thought that the increase in nickel being usedfor the electric car industry, will impact on stainless steel fastenerprices also.
“Yes definitely,” Vahter replies. “If you compare nickel prices tofive years ago, they are at high levels. However, if you look back10 years, it was at a low level. Nickel is a very volatile metal andit’s difficult to forecast it and to predict what the future priceswould be. When nickel prices go up, all stainless‐steel prices willgo up. Tesla recently announced the use of alternative batteriesusing less or little nickel. Also, the Chinese Steel company Tsing‐tan will start producing a new type of nickel matte for use in carbattery productions. These announcements took the edge offthe bullish nickel development from the summer with a sudden$3,000 drop in nickel prices at the start of March this year. Myguess is that prices will either continue to go up or they willstabilise. I don’t think the cost of goods will decrease.”
With sustainability taking centre stage in many conversationsglobally, the fastener and fixing industry has placed a newfoundimportance on finding more environmentally friendly optionswhilst still ensuring quality of products worldwide. TorqueMagazine asked Apex how they might be implementing moreenvironmentally friendly practices into everyday use.
“I think it is a very important topic. Climate change effectseveryone and we have to do our part at Apex. We updated oursustainability policy in January of this year and we revised ourtargets and brought in new ones. I think we are doing many thingswell in terms of sustainability and we take them seriously. I thinkit will be a big challenge, but we like a big challenge and long‐termit means that our targets are aligned with the Paris agreement.That is what we are aiming for over the next five to ten years.”
When it comes to the future of Apex, growth is not off the cardsfor the company. However, as the world still works to navigate itselfout of the coronavirus pandemic and manage global supply chainissues, Apex’s priority is to continue to focus on keeping its staffand customers safe.
Vahter says: “I would say, your focus should be as a leader tomanage through Covid. That is your number one focus. You willhave difficulties in the supply chain and difficulties in the humanimpact of Covid, on your staff and on your customers. So, mymain priority is still the same, to lead the company through theCovid pandemic. Hopefully, we are coming to the end of it.”www.apexstainless.com
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46 torque-expo.com
UK
PREMIER DIAMOND PRODUCTSHEADS TO BRIGHT NEW LOCATION
TERRITORYFOCUS
With turnover doubling in five years, order fulfilment became increasingly challengingfor Premier Diamond Products operating over three different locations. Now, in its30th year of operations, the supplier has moved into new premises…
Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic,Premier Diamond Products is finally able to celebrateits 30th anniversary with a move to larger, custom‐
designed premises.Founded in 1990, the company rapidly outgrew its original
home, and in recent years was operating from three separatelocations, limiting stock holdings as new product ranges wereintroduced. With the company doubling its turnover in fiveyears, but continuing to guarantee same‐day dispatch fororders up to 4pm, the 500‐yard dash between locations alsoput considerable pressure on order fulfilment.
The move to house everything under one roof was firstdiscussed in 2017, but lack of locally available commercialspace meant that the first ideal opportunity didn’t appearuntil 2019. Just as work was progressing, Covid‐19 closed thesite, delaying the planned fit‐out and move‐in date of June2020, with the company eventually getting the keys to anempty shell in July. A Herculean effort by PDP’s own contrac‐tors saw the fit‐out completed in November, and the companyfinally moved in during December.
Now, the move to a custom‐fit site quadruples PDP’s palletlocations, picking store and dispatch areas, allowing them tohold bigger stocks of existing products and introduce severalnew product ranges, as well as streamlining the same‐daydispatch service.
June 2021 will see PDP launch a range of bonded abrasiveproducts such as metal cutting and grinding discs and zirco‐nium and ceramic flap discs. These will complement its
already successful range of super‐thin inox cutting discs andcoated abrasive products.
The popular Site Tuff trade range will grow from Septem‐ber 2021 onwards, with many new products added, includingadditional diamond blade specifications, dry diamond coresand accessories, SDS plus and max products and reciprocat‐ing saw blades.
Steve Webb, Operations Director, says: “In many ways, itseems remarkable that we are able to begin 2021 like this, butI think it is testament to 30 years of hard work by all our team.We also recognise how fortunate we are to be operating in anindustry which has been able to keep working when compa‐nies in so many other sectors have struggled or even beenforced to close. We’re delighted to be able to expand our prod‐uct range in order to offer more to our loyal customers.”
Based in Herne Bay, Kent, Premier Diamond Productssupplies tool shops, online retailers, tool hire companies,industry buying groups, fixings suppliers, building and plumb‐ing merchants and electrical wholesalers nationwide. Itremains a family‐run business. Founded by Terry Webb, sonsSteve (Operations Director) and Stuart Webb (Products Direc‐tor) have since joined the management team. The companyhas grown to become an approved supplier to national toolhire companies and major industry buying groups NMBS, THSand Troy, as well independent customers.
www.premierdiamondproducts.co.uk
Based in Herne Bay, Kent, PDP is expandingits product line-up for tool shops, fixingsuppliers and buying groups
Covid was a hitch in PDP’s plan to open itsexpanded warehouse, which eventuallytook place at the end of 2020.
Tel: 01384 424767 Fax: 01384 424833Email: [email protected]
www.martynprice.co.uk
CAVITY FIXINGS• A blind fixing for connection to hollow section, or where access is limited to one side
• Eliminates the need for welding or bolting through
• CE Marked
• Available in zinc, hot dip galvanised and stainless steel
• Various different head types available
A K E E S A F E T Y P R O D U C T
In 1955, a small company named “GESellschaft für Interna‐tionale PAtentverwertung” (International Patent UtilizationCompany) was founded in Germany. The company’s produc‐
tion then went global in 1971, with the Gesipa UK productionsite being founded alongside a production site in Brazil.
Originally starting with just five employees, Gesipa UK hassince seen huge growth and moved on from making tools torivets and threaded fasteners and has this year celebrated its50th anniversary in the fixing and fastener industry.
As a group, Gesipa the division typically has an annual meet‐ing where all market organisations come together and meet inFebruary. The group had planned to celebrate the anniversaryaltogether in Keighley. Unfortunately, due to current restrictionssurrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a pizza partywas off the cards and Gesipa had to find a new way to celebrate.
Diana Scholefield, Managing Director at Gesipa UK, says: “Wehad big plans for this year and that was obviously put to bed.We had the international meeting virtually where we had a‘Gesipa UK through the years’ presentation showing how andwhere it all started. It was nothing like what we had planned orwanted it to be, but it was a way of celebrating.
“Things like this are an achievement and we want to celebratethat milestone with our employees who are part of that, andwho drive this business.”
To celebrate the 50‐year anniversary, the company alsoreceived a sculpture made by a British sculptor which waspresented to Scholefield during the meeting with employees. Shesays: “It is absolutely beautiful, and it is going to go in our recep‐tion next to our dragon made of fasteners. We absolutely love it.”
As many companies have had to navigate through thestorm that has been Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic,employee safety and customer satisfaction has been at theforefront of Gesipa’s mind.
“Our biggest concern was keeping our employees safe. It was avery uncertain time and like nothing I had ever experiencedbefore. We stopped certain production sections for a short period,and you don’t realise that the machines aren’t running until youhear the silence. It was also a constantly moving landscape butbeing members of Make UK was very useful as they kept us veryup to date with the government schemes and advised. We workedclosely with our Supply Chain to ensure that we could supply ourcustomers that were still running. It was a very stressful anduncertain time, but we are all here and healthy.”
The company plans to spend the next 12 months managingBrexit and the challenges that it will bring. “We need to ensurethat we make it as simple as possible for our customers outsideof the UK to continue to work with us. We are also continuallyimproving our process and it is great to see the outcomes ofthese improvements,” says Scholefield.
“It has been a huge administrative job that we were notprepared for – not through our own fault but I don’t thinkanybody knew the impact it was going to have,” she adds.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we hope thatmaybe October time we can bring our employees together andcelebrate, but we won’t be bringing people together until weknow it’s safe. We hope to continue to grow and who knowswhere we are going to end up. It’s quite exciting and here’s tothe next 50 years!”
www.gesipa.co.uk
48 torque-expo.com
UK
GESIPA UK CELEBRATESITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
TERRITORYFOCUS
As Gesipa UK celebrates 50 years in the fastener and fixing industry, Diana Scholefield,Managing Director, gives Torque Magazine a sneak peek into the company’s celebrations…
Gesipa UK recieved a sculpture tocelebrate the milestone anniversary
// Things like this are anachievement and we want to
celebrate that milestone with ouremployees who are part of that,and who drive this business. //
Rapid Industrial Fasteners Manufacturing Hub27 Lye Valley Industrial Estate, Stourbridge DY9 8HXTelephone : 0121 501 3903Email: [email protected]
• Proudly 40 years old, established 28th November 1980• Can work from your free issue material•• T CARD system for complete visability• Shift work for emergency jobs and break down
Materials we manufacture from include:
Duplex & Super Duplex • Exotic Materials & Alloys
Heat Resistant Materials • Stainless Steel • Carbon & Steel
Non-Ferrous • Standard Bolting Grades 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9
Petrochemical grades B7/L7, B7M/L7M,
B8M-1, B8M-2, B8-1,B8-2, B8T-1, B8T-2
Honest lead-times you can rely on...Say goodbye to ‘should be’
ISO9001-2015 Manufacturer of special Fasteners M1.6 - M100, Componets and Turned parts
Rapid Industrial Fasteners Ltd
SPIROL Industries Ltd was firstly introduced to the UK in1961 as SPIROL Pins Ltd. The company laid its founda‐tions at Sunbury‐on‐Thames, Middlesex, and it was the
first subsidiary of its US parent company to be establishedoutside the States and was involved in the importation of theSPIROL Pin into the European market.
So successful was the introduction of the SPIROL Pin, thecompany moved to Feltham, Middlesex and later a manufactur‐ing facility was established at Crediton, Devon. In 1976, bothsales and manufacturing combined within a single unit at Corby,Northamptonshire, where the company is sited today. Since themove to Corby the company has continued to grow, adding newproducts to the range of SPIROL Pins and also a European salesand distribution office in Reims, France, servicing the Europeanmainland. SPIROL’s goal is to continue expanding and growingthroughout the world by entering new markets and continu‐ously improving and innovating, high quality products.
INNOVATE WITH AUTOMOTIVE-FOCUSED PRESS-N-LOK PINSPIROL has expanded its Solid Pin Product Line to include thenew Series BP100 Press‐N‐Lok™ Pin. The new Press‐N‐Lok™Pin was designed to permanently retain two plastic componentsto each other. The pin has opposing raised barbs on each endthat are angled backwards opposite the direction of insertion.As the pin is being inserted, the plastic backfills into the areaaround the barbs resulting in maximum resistance to axialforce providing a secure, tamper resistant assembly. ThePress‐N‐Lok Pin is manufactured from lightweight, lead‐free, corrosion‐resistant aluminium. One major advantageof the Press‐N‐Lok Pin is that assembly time is quicker andit requires lower assembly equipment costs as comparedto screws and adhesives.
This Pin was designed with the automotive industry inmind, with one exemplary application being in electricvehicle charging handles. One of SPIROL’s customersapproached the fastener manufacturer with a problemregarding the charging handle which was previously heldtogether by eight screws. The automotive manufacturerdecided they no longer wanted the device to be serviceabledue to warranty issues related to consumer inflicteddamages to internal components. Furthermore, thecustomer had been experiencing relatively high scrap ratesduring assembly due to the screws stripping the plastichost. SPIROL’s solution to this problem was to introducethe customer to the Press‐N‐Lok Pin. These Solid Pins havebarbs that provide high retention in plastics, and they are
designed to be concealed within the final product after theassembly process is complete. The plastic housing could nolonger be separated without visible damage to the charginghandle. Therefore, the manufacturer eliminated warrantyexpenses and activities related to damaged internal elec‐trical components. Additionally, the new electric vehiclecharging handle had a sleek, luxurious appearance nowthat the fasteners were no longer visible.
This new Pin could prove to be very valuable to theUK automotive industry as it provides a simple, highquality solution for many plastic applications, with themain objective of lowering assembly costs and increas‐ing the lifecycle of your product. SPIROL Engineers willreview application requirements and work with designteams to recommend the best solution at the lowesttotal assembly cost.
Shop.SPIROL.com
50 torque-expo.com
UK
SPIROL > EXPANDING AND GROWING WITHNEW MARKETS AND INNOVATIONS
TERRITORYFOCUS
SPIROL has had a base in the UK for six decades. Since then, the business has expanded withbranches in new territories and new range developments, including the new Series BP100Press-N-Lok Pin, designed to permanently retain two plastic components to each other…
Press-N-Lok: SPIROL’s latest launch ismanufactured from lightweight, lead-freeand corrosion-resistant aluminium
T H E S E L F L O C K I N G N U T S P E C I A L I S T S
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Call us on +44 01842 763000 or fax on +44 01842 764055torque-expo.com/torque-magazines
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UK
“NORMALITY?THAT SHIP HAS SAILED…”
TERRITORYFOCUS
B ufab UK boss Liam Wheeler has been one of a six skele‐ton crew that has been working in the High Wycombeoffice since the lockdowns first struck over a year ago
in March 2020.Most of the team has been working remotely, confirms
Wheeler, speaking to Torque Magazine by video from the Buck‐inghamshire HQ: “It has worked well, but there is a nice dynamicyou get in person, and a level of interaction when everyone ison‐site. Salespeople are social animals by nature.
“We want everyone back safely. The place for me is too quiet– I don’t like it. But as for ‘normal’ that ship has sailed and Iwouldn’t want to go back to it. We have learned a lot in the lastyear. You don’t have to fly as much or drive to every brancheach week. People will still do business essential journeys, butif you are talking about bringing 200 people together just fora conference… maybe that is a bit frivolous?
“It’s made everyone think more about sustainability, aboutpeople and the environment. There is an opportunity here.Let’s not go back to normal.”
CONSOLIDATION AND EFFICIENCYLiam Wheeler is a long termer at the business, having joinedback in 2005 at Montrose Group, 11 years before it wasacquired by Bufab. A legacy of Bufab’s acquisitions in the UK,also including Thunderbolt and Altiplas, has meant there hasbeen scope for consolidation, to bring systems in line witheach other and to boost efficiency.
Making good on that promise, Bufab UK is now one legalentity. The opportunity was also taken to bring ERP systemsin line with each other and adopt Bufab’s own system. Workon that project was completed in Q1 2020, Wheeler explains:“We got Montrose on the Bufab system on 1 March and thenafter three weeks on the new system we had to send everyonehome due to the lockdown!”
It was an operational challenge to complete the consolidationwhile training personnel on the new ERP system, forcing thefirm to bring more staff on site while the system became live.“Using a different system is always going to be a learning curve.Some bits are faster, some aren’t, but it gave us new function‐ality and the full set of Bufab tools. Now we have the full reper‐toire; VMI tools, RFID scanners, vending machines… the fulltoolbox. And we managed to send out goods from day one.”
Despite the difficulties of the lockdown and the major oper‐ational changes, Bufab globally put in a strong pandemicperformance: “Fundamentally we had a good year in terms ofperformance. The share price tells you everything. Earningsup to Q3 were great – we adjusted quite quickly.”
Some parts of the market suffered more than others – andthe UK suffered more than many other parts of the EU – butDIY retailers and merchants had “an unbelievable year” notesWheeler. “The challenge 12 months later is price inflation. Weneed to work on education. We need to show that price risesare down to market conditions, material prices are up, ChinaSteel is increasing prices, containers are more expensive…”
So why did Bufab UK pick the pandemic year to drasticallyupdate the business? “We all sat down as a board anddiscussed what should the business look like in five years.Things were already planned but they probably were not allscheduled to happen in 2020. We simply took the opportunity.
“We accelerated elements to get the pain out of the way. Also,we were in suppressed market conditions so we were left withsome capacity to do these things. We weren’t exactly scrapingthe bottom of the barrel for business, but it certainly wasn’t‘100 miles an hour’. We felt we had the capacity, however byOctober I don’t think anyone felt like that. By that point it wasbrutally busy… it was all hands to the pump.
“Businesses are more resilient than you think. We are adaptable– there was an opportunity to get ourselves ready so we could be
While Bufab UK is looking forward to getting its sales staff back to the office and on the road,the business acknowledges that Covid-19 has irreversibly changed some practices and hasshifted its plans… Bufab UK Managing Director Liam Wheeler speaks with Torque Magazineabout the future as well as Bufab’s new warehouse, moving ERP systems, acquiring highprofile customers and how it plans to make its mark in the UK fastener market…
// The new ERP systemgives us new functionalityand the full set of Bufab
tools; RFID scanners, VMItools, vending machines...
the full toolbox. //
53torque-expo.com
in a better position in 2021 than we were at start of 2020. We nowhave the form, the structure and the platform to grow.”
Bufab UK also squeezed a warehouse move into its busy2020, Wheeler explains: “We had a combined warehouse, withspace for raw material of stainless‐steel bar as well as a palletwarehouse. So, we took on an additional 25,000 ft² warehouseand separated these functions. We got the floor skimmed andcreated a new pallet installation, adding 3,000 pallet spaces toour capacity, all optimally configurated.”
Bufab UK also managed to pick up some big‐name clients in2020: “I can’t name drop, but we acquired some nice customersthat are already growing with us. It has been a combined effortand we’ve been proactive in the marketplace. We are trying totake some market share.”
Bufab UK also picked up an internal award for its efforts,honouring its transformation and leadership in the recent period.
STAFF, SUSTAINABILITY... AND GROWING SHARE Recent events have thrown the spotlight on its employees. “Weare looking forward to welcoming staff back. Remote workingwill not be a long‐term strategy for us. You miss that hive mindmentality. We want to get everyone back safely.”
Sustainability is firmly on the agenda too, including a greencar policy and environmentally focused measures (such asinstalling LED lighting throughout Bufab UK buildings): “We’retrying to be a bit more pragmatic.”
Naturally, health and safety is high on the agenda, andBufab UK is seeking ISO accreditations. “It’s not about justhaving the piece of paper,” says the Bufab UK boss. “It’s whatelse you do on top of that. We are thinking about corporateresponsibility, working within the community – even thingslike supporting local charities.”
That aside, the business is also focused on making good itsrecent consolidation and investments – as well as the Bufab name.
“We want to establish ourselves more thoroughly in the UK.Bufab has an excellent global reputation but our representa‐tion in the UK is not proportionate to that.”
It sounds like the firm has set itself a number of big chal‐lenges, argues Torque. “I enjoy this kind of thing. We have donethe hard part. The UK is a massive fastener market, and we wantto be there when the buyer is looking for a category C supplychain partner. We need to be in the front of people’s minds.”
www.bufab.com
// We have done the hardpart. The UK is a massivefastener market, and we
want to be there when thebuyer is looking for a
category C supply chainpartner. We need to be in the
front of people’s minds. //
Founded as a division of Garton Ltd, Smith Bullough hascarved out a niche in the fastener market – providingnon‐standard and unique products to customers with
specific design requirements. Given the age of the company, itis not surprising that one of the key challenges faced by thecompany has been a reliance on traditional but occasionallyoutdated manufacturing methods and systems.
The adoption of more modernised manufacturing and engi‐neering techniques has allowed Smith Bullough to consistentlyexpand its roster of available component offerings and fullyembrace advances in the field.
Expansion into higher grades of material (Inconel, NES833,etc) and expanded confidence in its precision CNC capabilitiesopen the door to a wider range of product offerings, and byextension a wider range of clients looking for unique orspecialist turned products.
Seeing an opportunity in the market, Smith Bullough startedinvesting in the next generation of engineers through sponsor‐ships granted to university Formula Student teams, who competein the annual Institute of Mechanical Engineers competition ofthe same name. These teams design, build, and race their formulavehicles in search of glory and priceless hands‐on experience.
One of the essential (but often neglected) areas of a FormulaStudent vehicle is the fasteners used throughout the car.By partnering with teams that show progress towards fullyelectric vehicles, Smith Bullough can offer them lightweight,strong fasteners to very tight tolerances.
Recently, Smith Bullough provided a set of Grade 12.9shoulder bolts to one of its sponsored teams for use in testingthe new suspension system on their 2021 competition entry,free of charge.
These parts needed to be manufactured to tolerances of0.015mm in order to ensure a snug fit within the test rig – andthe challenge was met with flying colours by Smith Bullough’sCNC operators.
The growth of the CNC capabilities within the company alsoaided in securing a contract to deliver NES833 AluminiumBronze fasteners manufactured to Defence Standards for useon British Navy Destroyer‐class vessels. Tight chemical,mechanical, and geometrical controls allowed Smith Bulloughto fully deliver the components on time and in full, with noissues whatsoever.
Looking further ahead, Smith Bullough is looking to bring inmore engineering and manufacturing talent and use the yearsof combined industry experience to push forwards to reacheven more niche markets; higher material grades, morecomplex components, and more stringent process monitoringrequirements all being within their crosshairs.
By freeing itself from outdated practices and mindsets,Smith Bullough is embarking on a journey of consistent self‐evaluation and self‐improvement in order to provide the bestpossible service to its clients.
www.smithbullough.com
54 torque-expo.com
SMITH BULLOUGH >NEW HORIZONS, NEW PRODUCTSIncorporating modern manufacturing and engineering techniques into Smith Bullough’slong-standing methods and systems has opened the door to a wider range of productofferings for its customers…
Smith Bullough is looking tobring more engineering andmanufacturing talent in toreach even more niche markets
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Torque Magazine rounds up the latest innovations in the nylon andplastic fixings sector with help from SD products, JCP and Mechfast…
POSITIONED IN PLASTIC
TORQUE FOCUSNYLON & PLASTIC FIXINGS AND FASTENERS
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SD PRODUCTS
SD Products Ltd is a third‐generation family‐owned businesswith over 40 years of experience as a stockist distributor ofspecialist fasteners. The company currently offer over 13,000unique fasteners and components on its website andfrequently update its catalogue with new ranges.
SD Products is proud to hold the largest stocked assort‐ment of fir tree buttons, button rivets, scrivets, expansionrivets, removable push type rivets, panel type rivets and trimclips in the UK, according to the group. Low profile and a neatappearance make these fasteners perfect for applicationswhere the fastening cannot be concealed. In some cases, eventhe fastener itself can be a part of the design. The companyoffer hundreds of sizes and styles in a variety colours withnext day delivery on stocked ranges.
Plastic cable, hose and pipe managementsolutions is one of its largest and most popularcategories. These fasteners are very common inthe motor vehicle manufacture and numerousindustrial applications.
SD Products’ stocked selection of plastic captivenuts includes a number of different types ‐ standard,inverted, sealed, bathtub, snap‐in and stand‐off.These fasteners can be installed by hand without theneed for additional tools. Captive nuts work best onthin materials, especially in blind locations and whenthe finish of the surface must be preserved. Theapplications may include electrical equipment andappliances, automotive industry and machinery.
SD Products recently introduced several new linesof moulded fasteners for printed circuit board hard‐ware. This includes PCB supports, male and femalespacers, posts and card guides. Products in this cate‐gory are designed to provide a secure hold and spac‐
ing between circuit boards and chassis. They can often befound in IT, automotive and telecom applications.
Plastic fasteners from SD Products Ltd are produced fromhigh quality RoHS compliant engineering polymers likenylon, polycarbonate and acetal for optimal durability andresilience. Nylon’s non‐corrosive and non‐conductive prop‐erties make them ideal for use in a wide variety of applica‐tions, even in extreme conditions.
SD Products offers tooling for new products within four tosix weeks. Special materials like heat stabilised and flameretardant nylon are available on request on select ranges.Visit the website for pricing and availability or contact oursales team on...www.sdproducts.co.uk
// SD Products recentlyintroduced several new
lines of moulded fastenersfor printed circuit boardhardware. This includesPCB supports, male and
female spacers, posts andcard guides //
JCP CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
JCP Construction Products supplies a variety of nylon andplastic fixings including its nylon frame anchor. This fixingprovides a matched screw and extended plug for anchoringtimber to a wide variety of materials. A strong grip in weakermaterials is achieved by the use of a high expansion ratio,and heavy ribbing on the expander which digs into materialssuch as aerated concrete or lightweight aggregate blocks.
To support users of the product, the specialist fixingsbrand has invested in a detailed animation video showingclearly how these fixings should be installed correctly.
Its nylon range also includes the recently launchedpremium nylon wall plug. Since its introduction to the line‐up, it has grown significantly in popularity across multiplemarket sectors.
Offering superior pull‐out performance, its improvedbespoke design offers additional features to its standardnylon wall plugs. A high‐quality PA6 nylon plug, it providesexcellent results in many solid base materials includingdense concrete blocks, brick, and stone. Its innovative designfeatures a castellated split which guides the screw and keepsit within the plug, whilst anti‐rotation lugs prevent the plugfrom spinning in the drilled hole. The rimless designprovides a clean and tidy flush fit.
Available in longer lengths than the standard range, theplug enables deeper embedment. Suitable for use with wood
and chipboard screws they provide improved pull‐outperformance over the standard range.
For more information, please visit or contact your localOwlett‐Jaton sales office.www.jcpfixings.co.uk
MECHFAST
Trees, Scrivets, W Buttons and Drive Rivets. These plasticfasteners offer advantages to using fastenings and fixingsmanufactured from tougher materials, like steel alloys. Plas‐tic fasteners are produced from high quality engineeringpolymers: nylon, polycarbonate and polyoxymethylene,more commonly known as acetal.
Scrivets or “Screw Rivets” are a fastening system that isquick and simple to use and has the added benefit of beingremovable. They are perfect for applications where servic‐ing or maintenance is required. Fitting is quick and easysimply by driving the integral screw into the body of therivet. Removal is performed by unscrewing the centre pinwith a screwdriver. Typical applications include automo‐tive, white goods, furniture, audio equipment and marine.Mechfast is able to offer a range of colours includingspecific RAL numbers where required, however standardcolours are Natural and Black. Please check the website forthe full range of sizing.
Fir Tree Buttons, also known as Pine Tree Buttons, aredesigned to secure board or sheet materials to a secondarypanel or for holding components to panels. The Barbs flexwhen pushed into the panel hole then spring back to locksecurely into place, available in a large range of sizes andstyles for different hole diameters and panel thicknesses.Check the website for the full range. Standard colours arenatural and black but Mechfast is able to offer differentcolours on request.www.mechfast.co.uk
Nottinghamshire‐based Mechfast has over 40 years’ experi‐ence in supplying quality fasteners at highly competitiveprices and specialise in sourcing and distributing industrialfasteners and fixings to a wide range of industries.
Mechfast’s supplier partnerships enable the company toreact quickly to its customer requirements ensuring qualityand continuity is achieved on all new projects and re‐source.Additionally, the group is constantly identifying opportuni‐ties for its customers to maximise value, by developing andmaintaining operational efficiency.
Mechfast produce a variety of plastic fasteners such as Fir
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TAIWANTERRITORY
FOCUS
KARAT is a professional manufacturer of rivet tools andrivet nut tools based in New Taipei, Taiwan. The manufac‐turer offers a wide range of air‐hydraulic rivet tools and
rivet nut tools with a one year warranty, while the air‐hydraulicrivet tools and rivet nut tools all have CE Certification, tested andcertified by the renowned Germany’s TÜV Rheinland.
KARAT has a strong R&D Team developing new ranges, whileadvanced lab equipment, a strict QA system and efficient logisticssatisfy the strictest requirements from worldwide customers,most of which are renowned brands in the US and Europeanindustrial and professional markets, says KARAT, adding that itenjoys a reputation of “German quality, yet Taiwan price”.
There are more than 50 models within the wide‐rangingproduct line‐up, including KARAT’s new Air‐Grip Series ofHeavy‐Duty Air‐hydraulic Rivet Tools for setting maximum 6.4mm or 1/4” High Strength Structural (HSS) Rivets. The new Air‐Grip 4H Lock Bolt Air Installation Tool is installed with variousNose Assemblies for setting maximum 1/4” or 6.4 mm LockBolts and maximum 1/4” or 6.4 mm High Strength Structural(HSS) Rivets. The robust designs utilise a forged aluminumalloy hydraulic cylinder for strength and durability, while theergonomic handle design with soft plastic hand grip minimiseshand fatigue. The powerful traction force can reach a maximum23.5 kN or 5,280 Lbf and the extra‐long stroke can reach maxi‐mum 26 mm or 1.024”, depending on different models.
Crucially, the KARAT 4H Air Tool can be installed with theoriginal manufacturer’s various nose assemblies and KARATKUNA‐64 Nose Assembly for wide fastening applications oflock bolts and structural blind rivets as well. The KARATKUNA‐64 Nose Assembly can benefit users by using a singlenose assembly to fasten a wide range of structural blind rivets
and standard/commercial blind rivets. The unique design wasdeveloped by KARAT’s experienced R&D team, which alreadyhas further iterations of the range already in development. Thefirm concludes: “Honest, trusted and long‐term cooperationare the policies of KARAT. Quality, innovation, performance,warranty and service are the features of KARAT Tools. TryKARAT Tools once, you will trust KARAT forever!”
www.KaratTool.com
// KARAT offers a wide rangeof air-hydraulic rivet toolsand rivet nut tools, testedand certified by Germany’s
TÜV Rheinland. //
INTRODUCING KARATAND KARAT TOOLSKARAT may be an unfamiliar name to some, but the firmworks with renowned brands in the US and Europe and isearning a reputation of “German quality, yet Taiwan price”...
Air-Grip 4H IndustrialSuper Heavy-DutyPneumatic-HydraulicInstallation tool
KARAT's experienced R&D team are alreadyworking on new iterations of its new range
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THE VIEW FROM TAIWANWe asked eight Taiwan fastener companies for their views on the fastener market andgleaned insights on trends, challenges and opportunities that impact on the global market…
Bi-Mirth
Are you seeing growing demand from any particularexport markets?Since the outbreak of Covid‐19 in 2020, most people havebeen forced to stay or work from home. This circumstancehas given people more time to renovate, build, or DIY in theirown houses. As a result, the demand for wood constructionscrews is rapidly growing in the US market.
What kind of developments and investments have yourecently made at Bi-Mirth?In the middle of 2020, we began to research and develop anew thread type of chipboard screw. In addition to the highquality of this new design, we have also achieved a lowdrilling torque, so that the screws can be drilled into woodfaster. We also keep refining our manufacturing equipment.We have purchased a multi die bolt former and threadingmachine to increase our production capacity. In recent years,Bi‐Mirth has committed to being a worldwide significantsupplier, especially for full thread and long sized screws.
Bi‐Mirth welcomes anyone interested in its screws by [email protected]
www.bi-mirth.com
Chun Chan Co
What kind of trends are you seeing?Hybrid and electric cars are slowly replacing traditional cars.We are also seeing people increasingly emphasise the conceptof equipment automation. Chun Chan Co., Ltd has developednew automatic equipment, combined with optical and visiontechniques to make different kinds of sorting machines thatcan inspect customer’s parts automatically.
Are you seeing raw material shortages?Yes, we have noticed this, the price of raw materials has beengetting higher and higher. In addition, a few months ago acontainer shortage has also reinforced rising prices.
Are you seeing growing demand from any particularexport markets?We have noticed increased demand from the electronicsupply chain, so the price of electronic products could see adramatic rise.
What about developments at Chun Chan Co? At Chun Chan Co., Ltd we have devoted ourselves to research‐ing automatic equipment and visual inspection, so wecombine robot mechanisms with CCD techniques to doinspection for a range of product types. In addition, we havealso developed AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) and auto‐matic warehouse. If readers are interested in these, they arefree to contact via…
Ms. Fiona [email protected]: +886 7 6235228www.cctech.com.tw
TAIWANTERRITORY
FOCUS
www.mecavit.it
Our 40-year experience meets 4.0 modernproduction capability, to satisfy requirements ofany highly industrialised field.
Whether standard or upon customer drawing,high quality screws are our business.
Italian Art
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Easylink
What kind of trends are you seeing in the marketat the moment?In recent months, after the COVID‐19 impact, we’ve seenincreased demand for metal‐made automotive componentsfrom the car tier‐1 industrial field, also importers, distribu‐tors in North America and European markets. Demand fromcar makers was very strong from end‐Q3 through Q4 2020,so the peak could be Q1 and Q2 2021, which could seedemand outstrip supply. Easylink’s production was at fullcapacity since Q4, 2020 till Q1, 2021.
We’ve also seen a rapid spike in shipping costs, notablyfor container shipments, play their part. This is due todisrupted trade flows globally, and greater port disruption,relating to Covid‐19. Easylink received many back flowpurchases of furniture screws from the EU market since Q3& Q4 2020 after many DIY retailing shops reopened.
At the same time, we see the EU’s anti‐dumping investi‐gation on Chinese fasteners, which is a window of oppor‐tunity for Taiwan. Easylink has taken a measured approachto reintroducing capacity.
Are you seeing raw material shortages?Yes. The answer is positive. Currently, the supplier‐side hassuffered shortage of materials and longer lead times thanever. Fortunately, Easylink has not suffered from this prob‐lem as we have built a long‐term‐relationship with CSC(China Steel Corp), the largest steel maker here in Taiwan.
Are you seeing growing demand from any particularexport markets?Most Taiwanese suppliers are growing their fastenerproduction after the lockdowns in the EU and NorthAmerican markets.
Have you had any recent business developments?Due to the surge in the automotive and DIY markets,Easylink has got more production facilities, bolt formers,thread tapping machines and advanced optical sortingmachines in order to increase capacity and make qualityapproaching “zero” defect standards. Particularly, automa‐tion investment like AS/RS system and IOT systems allmake our work more efficient than ever.
Easylink has also full‐scale replaced the thread rollingdie process by using “Cryogenics”, made to extend tool‐lifein order to make cost savings in our plant.
Easylink continues to upgrade the precision of measur‐ing equipment to give customers 100% satisfaction. InQ1 2020, Easylink purchased a bend test machine for theTing Ray factory, our chipboard screw manufacturingplant in Vietnam, which will be able to escalate the qual‐ity to DIY markets.
Sunny Lai, sales [email protected]: +886 7 725 1034, ext. 301
Funda Fastener
What kind of trends are you seeing in the marketat the moment? 2020 was a year to remember. There was COVID‐19, a global pandemicthat transformed consumer spending habits, an ongoing US‐China tradewar in the background, heightened political tensions between Australiaand China, and a stock market crash followed by a spectacular 68% risein the S&P500 by year‐end, amongst other things. The market seem‐ingly replicated the stock market in its volatility. During May and June2020, we went through our toughest months, numbers we had not seensince the 2008 financial crisis. However, with the news of vaccinations,etc, the market started to show signs of rebound from September 2020and orders started to exponentially grow until January 2021, where weset a new record for our highest monthly revenue in 55 years.
Although the business is doing well, we are facing another set ofchallenges such as material and labour shortages, logistical difficulties,exchange rate losses with the Taiwan dollar soaring 5.6% against theUS dollar in 2020, steep increase in the raw material prices and urgentorders due the huge spikes in demand from the market. This is thecurrent trend that many industries across Taiwan are facing right now.We have been in the industry for more than 55 years and we haven’tseen anything like this before: 2020 is a year to remember.
Are you seeing raw material shortages? Yes, since September last year as the domestic and internationalmarkets began to show signs of recovery. We believe the shortageswere due to a number of factors, such as slower production in China,the trade war between China and Australia, and booming demand inthe shipping industries. As we experienced increased order volumesfrom pent up demand and foresaw continuing raw material shortages(and rising costs), we strategically increased our raw material inven‐tory and adjusted our safety stock levels to ensure we could continueto produce and deliver our products to our customers on time.
Are you seeing growing demand from any markets? We are seeing growth from all our export markets globally, with anoticeable increase from our US customer base. We believe thedemand is coming from retaliatory consumption as the worst ofCOVID‐19 is behind those in many regions in the world. Fatigued bylockdowns and social distancing requirements, consumers aresplurging on a wide range of products within the automotive, marine,recreational vehicle and power generator sectors to make up fortheir reduced spending during the pandemic.
How about recent developments at Funda? We have acquired machines to maximise production and to eliminateCNC processes which is a saving for our customers. We made invest‐ments to increase capacity for cold forming, threading, lathing,straightening, optical sorting and automatic packaging. Two multi‐station drilling centres were acquired to meet the demand for unionbolt (benjo bolt) production.
After the restructuring of our new technical team, we are readyfor our next phase of growth. Our team has expertise and capabilitiesin progression design, FEMA (finite element method analysis),production technology, process optimisation and standardisation.
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TAIWANTERRITORY
FOCUS
With thanks to Worldwide Services Co.www.acw.com.tw
San Shing
Are you seeing raw material shortages?Demand has recovered since the second half of 2020 after abig drop in production caused by Covid‐19, but the supply ofraw material has not grown accordingly. Also we’ve seen thesevere shortage of containers globally. As a result we couldsee the cost of raw material keep going up.
What developments are ongoing at San Shing?50 years ago, San Shing tooling department started as a smallshop with a traditional lathe and turning machine, staffed bya few technicians and operators who made up the wholeproduction team. Over the years, San Shing’s tooling factoryhas grown both in production scale and technical level.
There are always challenges, but they don’t affect ourpersistence in seeking innovation. After a phase of overallmachine renewal and additions, there was a call for pushingfull automation in the production line. The implementationis expected to upgrade the production techniques and effi‐ciency to a new level. In an effort to bring automation to theproduction line, new robotised manufacturing systems arebeing introduced to several workstations including sinkerEDM and grinding process.
Starting with the electrodes production, the millingmachines are paired with an electrode rack and robotic arms,enabling automatic work piece change. It successfully facili‐tates the machine utilisation rate up to 90%. Sinker EDMmachines incorporating CMM inspection systems allowoffline calibration of the electrodes and thus offset compen‐sation can be detected ahead. These could all contribute toprevent human errors and increase accuracy.
Partnered with a magazine that stores up to 100 pieces ofelectrodes and work piece and an automatic tool changer, thesinker EDM machine basically runs 24/7. It fills up almost allthe downtime for calibration and positioning work, andlargely increases production efficiency with improved accu‐racy. An integration of inner and outer profile grindingprocesses is also accomplished by adding a heavy load roboticsystem that feed and transfer the work piece between theprocessing cells. With this integration, part accuracy isimproved by eliminating multiple setups, and the idling timecan be shortened. The integration conduces to higher qualityand shorter lead‐time.
We have experienced success in our first round of deploy‐ing robotic systems and will comprehensively introduceautomation system in the production line. Our next task willbe focusing on building modular in several processing cell,set out for full automation in the next decade.
PATTA
What kind of trends are you seeing in the marketat the moment?The economy and demand are gradually recovering, whichproduces instant demand. The market relies on shorter leadtimes and could accept only around 10‐15% of price increase.However, the market is still looking at the reaction of thevaccine during Q2. Some countries are not yet covered, so thestatus remains unstable.
Are you seeing raw material shortages?We have not personally got much information from our Euro‐pean customers about shortages in raw materials, except afew customers who reported such shortage issues along withsharp rise in raw material prices. As a fastener supplier, weare perfectly aware of the raw material shortage and we havekept our customers informed. Many of the orders areimpacted by extending lead times. The global material (steel)production was immensely reduced during the epidemicperiod Q2‐Q4 2020 and now the recovery period has causedthe large demand and lack of material from suppliers.
Are you seeing growing demand from any particularexport markets?As mentioned above, there is an overall increase in fastenersdemand from Europe compared to last year, but the demandlevel is still below 2019 or earlier 2020 before Covid‐19. Onepoint we can highlight is the sudden rise in automotivefastener demand, starting in Q4 of last year until now.
What kind of developments have you been makingat PATTA?We have developed fasteners which are applied in variousindustries such as solar, telecom, transportation, military,agriculture and even aerospace, mainly heavy‐duty equip‐ment and high strength products. This is what we arecurrently engaging in and where we are extending our prod‐uct line. Since PATTA has been cultivated within the industryfor more than 40 years, this is what we want to introduce toour customers and the public, that we have the capability tosupply specific fasteners in certain industries.
Patta can be reached via the PATTA website, Facebook,Linkedin, Youtube and PATTA Group via search engines.
Güde GmbH Dieselstraße 8 58840 PlettenbergGermany
+49 2391 - 91 [email protected]
Spezialfabrik für Schrauben- und Wellensicherungen
www.guede.net
Sperrkant spring washerA / Z
DIN 127 ASME B18.21.1A / B DIN 137
A / Bcurved / crinkled
DIN 128 A / B
convexed / corrugated
DIN 74361limes type conical
lockwasher C
Centring ring
DIN 7993A / B
for shafts / for drillholes
Sperrkant washerS / M / B / K / Z
slim / medium / wide / toothed
Contact washer NF E 25-511S / M / B / K
slim / medium / wide / toothed
DIN 6796conical washer
DIN 6798A / I / V
outside / inside / countersunk
DIN 6797A / I / V
outside / inside / countersunk
DIN 7967row 1 / row 2
Doubled toothed lock washer
DIN 6905captive
Sperrkant spring washercaptive
Railway washers
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Tycoons Group Enterprise
What kind of trends are you seeing in the market?For standard small screw series, purchasing behaviour seemsto have turned to the drive‐thru style. Suppliers have toprovide ready samples and immediate feedback to attractattention. The manufacturing capacity setups are also follow‐ing in this same direction. Production history records andinspection processes will be the main points that influencethe buyer’s future demand.
Are you seeing raw material shortages?Under the imbalance of the global supply and demand envi‐ronment, trade barriers will cause higher operation coststhan in previous stable periods. Internal management andsafety stock are more necessary than before. Raw materialsfor manufacturing will require more attention in the future.
Are you seeing growing demand from any particularexport markets?Acute demand is more frequent than usual due to the newtrade barriers. When the intensity of demand in the exportmarket slows down, it will gradually return to equilibriumand once again go in the direction of maximising profits.
Based on the convenience of the internet, social mediachannels often provide more functions for users than officialwebsites. Buyers can contact their supply chain members viaeasy connection in the modern business environment. Usersseem to habitually rely more on this kind of immediate inter‐net connectivity. The Covid‐19 issue has especially pushedthis working style to become more mainstream.
Contact > Roy [email protected]: +886 7 6212191
Ray Fu Enterprise
What kind of trends are you seeing in the market?Raw material shortages, increasing steel price and sea freightfee remains high. We are seeing raw material shortages anddemand is growing from both Europe and the US.
Have you any recent developments at Ray Fu?Ray Fu’s product lines maintain a significant reputationamong its respective fields, including construction, automo‐tive vehicles, machinery and unique aluminium fasteners. Tobolster its competitiveness and added‐value, we are alsoactively implementing smart machinery and AI capabilitiesinto our production.
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WHAT ARE FASTENER TAIWANVISITORS LOOKING FOR?
Nuts, bolts and screws – 49.15%Fastener manufacturing equipment – 21.04%Fastener tools, meters and instruments – 17.28%Wire and raw materials – 12.53%
EXHIBITOR PROFILE >Fasteners > Nuts, bolts, screws, wire andraw materials – 63.6%Machine > Fastener manufacturing equipment,fastener tools, meter and instruments – 20.7%International Pavillions – 15.7%
TAIWAN INTERNATIONALFASTENER SHOW > STATS
Founded in 1970, TAITRA is a non-profit trade promotionorganisation. Headquartered in Taipei, TAITRA has a teamof 1,300 specialists and operates five local offices inTaiwan and 63 branches worldwide.
The Taiwan Trade Centre London, TAITRA’s NorthernEuropean office, offers free sourcing services for localcompanies. Based on a buyer's requirements, the teamcan prepare a list of suitable Taiwanese suppliers andarrange online meetings with those they are interested inconnecting with. You can visit the Taiwan Trade CentreLondon website now to submit a sourcing enquiry andcheck them out on social media for the latest updatesabout Fastener Taiwan and other related sourcing events.
FREE SOURCING SERVICES
FASTENER TAIWAN IS BACKThe TAITRA-organised trading platform returns this September
TAIWANTERRITORY
FOCUS
The Taiwan International Fastener Show is back in 2021,scheduled to run 1‐3 September in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.Pitched as the only international B2B fastener show in
Taiwan, the show serves as a trading platform for sourcingand procurement.
It will be a Taiwan Fastener show like no other, as one ofthe globe’s first fastener shows to get underway after the(literally) show‐stopping coronavirus pandemic. The showhad been tabled to run in 2020, before the organisers decidedto roll the show – its sixth edition so far – into 2021. WhileCovid‐19 is still very much with us, the hope is that vaccina‐tion programmes and precautionary measures will be enoughto allow shows to get back to normal soon. And Taiwan hasbeen an exemplar in dealing with the pandemic, with deathsnumbering in double figures, rather than in the thousands.
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)organises the Taiwan International Fastener Show, as well asregular fastener industry procurement meetings and theTaiwan Excellence showcase.
Taiwan tools saw up market shareTaiwan Excellence, an initiative including webinars, awardsand conferences, highlights different sectors of Taiwan goods,including the hardware and hand tool industry.
According to Taiwan Excellence, the nation’s tool industryearns US $4 billion from exports of OEM wrenches and pliers.Largely (70%) centred in the Taichung and Changhua areas,Taiwanese tools firms are growing in terms of the number ofplants and workers, according to Taiwan’s Department ofStatistics. As of 2017, there were 2,166 factories and circa48,000 workers in the sector. The stats reveal that one in threenail guns are from Taiwan.
At the foot of Mount Dadu in Taichung City is Taiwan’s“Golden Valley” of precision machinery, with over 300,000employees and an annual output value of NT$900 billion. It isreported as the world’s number one precision machinerycluster in terms of density and per unit area output value,hosting six industries: machine tools and machinery parts,photovoltaic panels, bicycles and parts, woodworkingmachinery, hand tools and aerospace
www.taitra.org.tw
// Over one fifth of TaiwanFastener Show visitorscome seeking fastener
manufacturingequipment. //
TAIWANTERRITORY
FOCUS
‘F arglory – THE ONE’ is a new 68‐storey skyscraper in Kaohsiung,Taiwan. At 268 metres high, it is the
tallest residential building in the Taiwanesemetropolis and the sixth tallest in Asia. Theyalso squeezed in a private club and an Inter‐Continental Hotel with 253 rooms, threerestaurants and two banquet halls over aspace of around 166,200m².
The upper structure includes a rear‐venti‐lated curtain wall façade, clad with naturalstone panels made of the Silver Star granitefrom India and G603 granite from China, eachmeasuring 1700 x 803 x 30 millimetres.Approximately 130,000 fischer FZP II Zykonpanel anchors securely anchor the granitepanels to the substructure and the supportstructure, a steel construction with rein‐forced concrete.
“Our undercut anchors achieve higher loadvalues than alternative solutions such as edge
fastenings,” explains Ralf Weber, MarketManager façade systems for the fischer groupof companies. The FZP II Zykon panelanchors enable this through form‐fit installa‐tion without expansion pressure in the coni‐cal undercut drill holes. “There are furtherstructural benefits that result from the posi‐tioning of the undercut anchors in the so‐called 1/5 point of the facade panels. The FZPII thereby achieve lower slab bendingmoments and higher load‐bearing capacities.This allowed thinner and larger façade panelsto be installed during construction of theskyscraper and other projects.”
Farglory was designed by Taiwanese archi‐tecture firm C.Y. Lee & Partners and the façadecompleted by curtain wall consultancy firmORIGIN Design & Engineering Co and facadeconstruction specialist Wan Shin Co.
www.fischer.group
FIXING THE KAOHSIUNG SKYLINE
Constructing a new bridge in record time to replace the one collapsing inGenoa in 2018 was a high-profile project. All companies and suppliers werescrutinised as nothing was allowed to go wrong, explains Nord-Lock...
COOPERATION AND CREDENTIALS KEY WHENCONSTRUCTING THE NEW BRIDGE IN GENOA
BOLTED
In association with BOLTED Magazine, about bolting technologies.Read and subscribe at www.bolted.com
SAFETY
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Tragedy struck Genoa, north‐western Italy, on the morningof 14 August 2018. During a torrential rainstorm, the city’sPonte Morandi (Morandi Bridge) collapsed so suddenly
that some thought it had been struck by lightning. The disasterkilled 43 people, destroyed homes and businesses, and exposedinfrastructure problems that had existed for decades.
Videos taken at the time of collapse reveal a flexing of thebridge deck followed by the detachment of cables, breaking of acrossbeam, twisted girders, falling towers, and finally, the buck‐ling of the 210‐metre central bridge section. All punctuated bythe resulting tragedy.
“WARNING SIGNS WERE UNHEEDED”Technically, Ponte Morandi was a viaduct, not a bridge – a cable‐stayed structure 1,182 metres in length, spanning Genoa’sPolcevera Valley. It connected two areas of the city and formedpart of the road network linking Italy to France. When it wascompleted in 1967, its innovative design by engineer RiccardoMorandi – making use of pre‐stressed concrete encasings for itssteel cables – was a source of national pride.
But traffic in 1967 was about six million transits annually. Bythe early 2000s, that amount had quadrupled, and the bridgebegan to show the strain. Warning signs were apparentlyunheeded due to technical ignorance and political neglect.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the government vowed todismantle what remained of Ponte Morandi and replace it witha new, safe, reliable viaduct. Renowned Genovese architect RenzoPiano offered his services for free, and the construction contractfor what was to become Viadotto Genova‐San Giorgio (the GenoaSaint George Bridge) was awarded to PERGENOVA, a consortiumcreated ad hoc for the project.
CONSTRUCTION FACED MANY CHALLENGESTo save time, there was no bidding process, but PERGENOVA’scredentials were impeccable. Its three participants wereFincantieri Infrastructure, a subsidy of Fincantieri SpA, Italy’slargest shipbuilding company, WeBuild SpA, Italy’s largest engi‐neering and general contractor group (then called SaliniImpregilo), and Italferr, a state‐owned engineering firm focusingon transportation‐related infrastructure.
Fincantieri Infrastructure specialises in complex engineering,procurement, and construction projects using steel, such asbridges, port facilities, or stadiums. Its expertise draws from thelong‐established shipbuilding heritage of its parent.
Safety is always the major consideration in bridge construc‐
tion, but the circumstances of the Genoa project underscored itsabsolute priority for PERGENOVA. Suppliers and sub‐contractorswere chosen based on stellar credentials, but also competitivecost and speed of implementation.
They faced challenges both foreseen and unexpected. Theformer included the tight timetable and a restricted constructionsite. Demolition of the remains of the old bridge continued throughlate June 2019, and residents live nearby. Unforeseen complica‐tions included more than 100 days of rain – the most in a century– beginning in late 2019. Then in early 2020, COVID‐19 struck.
MANY INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONSThe bridge was designed to be “conceptually simple andsafe, fast and easy in production and assembly,” notesLorenzo Sartori, head of the technical office for FincantieriInfrastructure. It is 1,067 metres long and consists of 19steel‐concrete spans supported by 18 reinforced concretepiers. The design deliberately suggests the hull of a ship, anod to Genoa’s role as a port city and the symbolic impor‐tance of this project. Sartori adds that his company’s collab‐oration with Renzo Piano represented “the chance of alifetime to work with an architectural genius.”
AMONG THE INNOVATIONS OF THIS PROJECT >The elimination of many bureaucratic obstacles, thus accel-
erating completion.Photovoltaic panels to produce the energy used by lighting,
sensors, and other systems day and night, lowering environ-mental impact.
A special dehumidification system to avoid the formation ofsaline condensation that could weaken the structure over time
Four robots that run continuously along both sides of thelower surface of the deck. They inspect, identify, and signalany anomalies to a control centre operated 24 hours a day.
COOPERATION KEY TO SUCCESSThe Saint George Bridge was inaugurated on 3 August 2020, amere 15 months after construction began. It is too soon to judgethe structure’s performance over time, but its beauty, function‐ality, and symbolic importance are unassailable.
Sartori observes that the project was “a personal and profes‐sional experience for a very large group of people from manybackgrounds who gave their all and showed what can be donewhen everyone is working together toward a shared goal.”www.nord-lock.com
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FACTS > FINCANTIERI INFRASTRUCTURECOMPANY > Fincantieri Infrastructure is a subsidiary of FincantieriS.p.A., the fourth-largest shipbuilding company in the world.
OPERATING HEADQUARTERS > Verona, Italy
PRODUCT LINES > Suspension bridges, viaducts, arch bridges, cable-stayed bridges, railway bridges, towers, building structures, airports,maritime works, floating modular systems.
TECHNICAL INSIGHTS >
A WINNING WEDGE FORA SYMBOLIC BRIDGEThe challenge was daunting for Luca Gheddo, GeneralManager of Nord-Lock S.r.l., and Lorenzo Sartori, headof the technical office for Fincantieri Infrastructure,when they met in August 2019.
The new bridge that was planned for Genoa needed bolts thatwould not loosen under stresses, including dynamic loads
and traffic vibrations. Moreover, these bolts, once installed,could not be inspected – much less tightened – continually. So,the washers had to be reliable in an elevated setting with diffi‐cult access in a saline environment. The solution, they decided,lay in Nord‐Lock’s wedge‐lock washers utilising tension insteadof friction to secure each bolted joint.
Besides, these washers provide high corrosion resistance,confirming their durability in the harsh environmental condi‐tions of Genoa, Italy’s busiest port. These results are proven bymore than 1,000 hours of ISO 9227 salt spray testing.
According to Frank Götz, EMEA Industry Manager for Building
and Steel Construction at Nord‐Lock Group, some engineershesitate to use them for fear they do not meet the exacting stan‐dards of European construction regulation (EN 1090‐2). But infact, Nord‐Lock washers do meet these standards, whileconcomitantly increasing safety and decreasing lifecycle cost.
Sartori was convinced, and Nord‐Lock washers were chosenbased on specific functionalities. One series helps secure theframes of the deck edges as well as the bridge ramp, with awedge design ensuring that the bolts they reinforce cannotloosen on their own, despite exposure to the strong vibrationsand dynamic loads characteristic of the bridge and ramp. Thesewashers are highly resistant to corrosion in saline conditions.
Separately, a series of steel construction washers are speciallydesigned for use on steel constructions and HV/HR sets (highstrength structural bolting assemblies for preloading). They canbe found on the bridge platforms where the VDC (vehicledynamic control) robots patrol the lower surface of the deck tospot and report on anomalies. They too are highly resistant tosaline corrosion.
Fincantieri Infrastructure was pleased not only with the tech‐nical specifications of the washers but with Nord‐Lock’s speedin providing necessary certification, technical assistance, andproduct delivery in a timely fashion. The first orders were deliv‐ered in January 2020, recalls Gheddo.
FACTS > GENOA SAINT GEORGE BRIDGE (VIADOTTO GENOVA-SAN GIORGIO)INAUGURATED > 3 August 2020 ARCHITECT > Renzo Piano TOTAL LENGTH > 1,067 metresWIDTH > 30.80 metres NUMBER OF LANES > 4 (plus 2 emergency lanes)
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OPINIONS > PREDICTIONS > EXPERIENCES > INSIGHTS > UNDERSTANDING
PGB-POLSKA
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P gb‐Polska is a division of pgb‐Europe,a leading distributor of fasteners andfixings, founded in 1956 and located
in Belgium. pgb‐Europe (Pennoit‐GrootaertBoutenhandel) has evolved from being asole proprietorship into a renowned inter‐national player on the market. The headoffice, which is the logistics centre for thestorage and delivery of fasteners and handtools, is located in Melle near Ghent.
pgb‐Polska functions together with aVietnamese division as the production unitfor the group of companies. pgb‐Polskaspecialises in the production of anchors andthe Vietnamese division specialises on theproduction of wood screws.
The sales market from pgb‐Europe ismainly situated in Belgium and neighbour‐ing countries. pgb‐Europe is a family‐controlled company and at the moment thethird generation is active within thecompany with Frederik and VincentPennoit and Johannes Heye. The polish divi‐sion is headed by Krzystof Biskup, a 25‐yearveteran within the fasteners industry.
Biskup notes that he has seen manychanges during his years within the indus‐try, especially within the local Polish market.For example, the Polish market has shiftedfrom a sole focus on producing cheaperbasic products towards a market that grad‐ually started to ask for higher quality prod‐ucts and a more innovative product range,where pricing is no longer the only determi‐
native factor. Because of this evolutiontowards quality, a stronger connection hasbeen noticeable between the domesticPolish sector of the fasteners industry andthe European markets. This has strength‐ened all trade and partnership relations.
A focus on European markets combinedwith membership of the European Unionhas given pgb‐Polska plenty of commercialopportunities and has also resulted in theunification of product certification systemslike ETAs. By focusing more on the Europeanmarkets, pgb‐Polska has introduced higherstandards and improved relations betweenproduction, distribution and final customer.pgb‐Polska says its high quality products areup to the standard and expectations of theEuropean markets and are even beginningto set the tone and direction in the innova‐tion and development of new products.
Within pgb‐Polska and pgb‐Europe a vastmajority of products have a unified certifi‐cation and a unified packaging system,
which greatly benefits the customer base. Itdoes not matter if the products are shippedfrom the warehouse in Poland or fromheadquarters in Belgium. All productsadhere to the same level of quality. In addi‐tion to the quality and price of the products,pgb‐Polska also guarantees a high availabil‐ity of its products to its customer base.Through smart warehouse management,pgb‐Polska offers a high availability of itsproducts, full traceability, technical supportand quick responses to customer requests.All of this is supported by a modern and IT‐driven sales system that gives pgb‐Polskathe ability to hand out what it says aresharp commercial offers and discover thebest prospects for the nearby future.
Together with the Belgian mothercompany, pgb‐Polska focuses primarily onthe development and production of newproducts within the existing pgb‐Europefamily of brands. Prime examples of thesebrands are SMART, PFS+ and HAPAX amongothers. Besides these brands, pgb‐Polska alsoservices private labels and is able to deliverthe products in any kind of packaging asspecified by the customer. By working withthese private labels and offering them fullcustomisation of a quality product at a sharprate, pgb‐Polska takes maximum advantageof the growing emergence of these labelswithing the European fasteners industry.
www.pgb-polska.com
SPOTLIGHT
The Polish market has been driving towards higher quality goods in recent years,making the territory all the more interesting to the wider fixing and fastener industry.
Pgb-Polska has been well placed to capitalise on the shift towards quality…
A CONTINUING SHIFT TOWARDSQUALITY PRODUCTS
// pgb-Polska alsoguarantees a highavailability of itsproducts to its
customer base. //
ZINC FLAKE AGAINST RUSTHIGH-PERFORMANCE SURFACE PROTECTIONFOR CONCRETE SCREWS
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High stresses on concrete screws:Whether it is fixing crash barrier holdersto asphalt on the autobahn, securingfaçade substructures to the frame of abuilding or as anchoring for fences,balcony or stair balustrades: Concretescrews – also known as screw anchors –are used in a wide range of areas and arerequired to withstand numerous stresses.In addition to sometimes extreme envi‐ronmental conditions such as tempera‐ture fluctuations, rain, sun rays or saltysea air, there are also often mechanicaland chemical impacts – for example fromde‐icing salt. A further problem of fasten‐ing: concrete is a highly alkaline material,making it “toxic” for many surfacecoatings. If screws are coated with anunsuitable “protective film”, this oftenleads to premature failure or safetydefects with expensive repairs. In view ofthis, depending on the area of use, theeffective protection of the screws againstcorrosive attack is urgently required.
Solutions commonly used forconcrete screwsIn practice, concrete screws made fromcarbon steel or stainless steel are typicallyused today. To create corrosion protection,the screws made from carbon steel areeither electroplated and passivated oralternatively coated via hot‐dip galvanisa‐tion. However, these coatings often comeup against their limitations, particularlywhere the corrosion protection require‐ments are very high and further functional
requirements also need to be fulfilled. Theprotective performance achievable with agalvanic coating is comparatively low andunsuitable for use with concrete screwsunder tough environmental conditions. Inmany cases, the problem with hot‐dipgalvanisation is that the high processtemperatures during application placegreat stress on the parts. In recent years,stainless steel concrete screws have estab‐lished themselves as a common solutionfor projects with high corrosion protectionrequirements. These do not require addi‐tional surface protection, but are compar‐atively very expensive.
Zinc flake system as an advantageousalternativeZinc flake coatings are a good choice when‐ever a reliable and capable surface protec‐tion is required for carbon steel concretescrews. The micro‐layer corrosion protec‐tion system delivers very high protectiveperformance at low coat thicknesses of just8–20 μm. The basecoat consists of flake‐likeparticles embedded in a binder matrix.These cross‐link on the component to gener‐ate corrosion protection. An additionaltopcoat provides the coating with multifunc‐tional characteristics such as defined coeffi‐cients of friction or chemical resistance, forexample against cleaning media or – veryimportantly – the highly alkaline concrete.The individual coats are dried at low processtemperatures of max. 240°C. Zinc flakesystems can therefore also fulfil the require‐ments of ISO 12944 C5 – very high.
Application of the coating is typicallyusing the classic dip‐spin process. Partic‐ularly important here is also that nohydrogen is generated in the coatingprocess. This means that there is nodanger of hydrogen‐induced stresscorrosion cracking. For this reason, zincflake coatings are especially suited forhigh‐tensile steel (> 1000 MPa). Finally,the wafer‐thin protective film is alsoadvantageous from an ecological andeconomic viewpoint thanks to the low useof resources.
Zinc flake coatings proven in practiceFollowing comprehensive corrosion testsconducted together with DÖRKEN, compa‐nies such as the fastener specialistRawlplug have been using the zinc flakesystems from Herdecke to coat concretescrews for some time now – whenever veryhigh corrosion protection requirementsneed to be met. The Rawlplug concretescrews also satisfy the ETA (EuropeanTechnical Assessment) approval requiredfor use in safety‐relevant areas.
The zinc flake coating is advisable foruse with carbon steel concrete screwswherever very high requirements ofcorrosion protection need to be met aswell as functional characteristics such asmedia resistance fulfilled. From aneconomic viewpoint also, these representan advantageous alternative to stainlesssteel concrete screws.
www.doerken.com
DÖRKENTECHNICAL SPOTLIGHT
Concrete screws areused for tasks suchas fixing crashbarrier holdersto asphalt on theautobahn and needto withstandnumerous stresses
Zinc flake systemsoffer active cathodicprotection of morethan 2688 hoursagainst base metalcorrosion accordingto ISO 12944-6 in testprogramme 2(cyclical ageing testing)
Concrete screws are employed wherever specific components need to be secured in a concretebase. Outdoors in particular, they are exposed to a wide range of stresses and environmentalinfluences. In the case of especially high corrosion protection requirements, the coating ofconcrete screws with a tailored zinc flake system is a wise choice, explains DÖRKEN…
Tip top:our corrosion protection is thinner than a single hair.
And easier to maintain! Despite the wafer-thin coat thickness, our coatings achieve excellent results and offer a high level of protection. And even better: we address your wishes and requirements individually, instead of brushing you off with stan-dard service.
www.doerken.com
CORROSION EXPERTS
AnzeigenIdeen v04.indd 1 24.03.21 13:04
When considering the subject of high tensile fasteners,the immediate product group that springs to mindis ‘bolting’. That is hardly surprising, as there is
more ‘choice’ within this range than any other. There are two types of products within bolting ‐ bolts, and
setscrews. They are both designed to secure two or morecomponents together, and there are many areas of applicationin manufacturing and maintenance. Many people would notknow the (often distinct) difference between the two, but thedifference determines their application. A set screw is fullythreaded, right up to underneath the hexagon head. A bolt ispartially threaded from the opposite end of the hexagon head,running so far up the shank leaving part of the shank blank. Aset screw is commonly applied to a pre‐tapped (threaded) hole.Generally, setscrews are shorter than the piece of the materialthat they are being applied to; as a result, they rarely protrudeon the other side, meaning that they do not need a nut, as theytighten with the thread in the hole. A bolt is designed to beinstalled with a nut. The thread will protrude on the other side,where the nut is then applied and tightens everything together;therefore, the hole does not require a thread.
The application will inevitably determine how muchstrength the fastener requires. This is referred to by the grade
of steel, which reflects how tensile (strong) the fastener is.‘Standard’ entry of high tensile bolting (bolts and setscrews)is grade 8.8; other grades include grade 10.9, and grade 12.9.
But bolting is just one category of high tensile fasteners; othercategories include assembled bolting, hexagon socket screws,and studding (allthread, or threaded bar), for example. Assem‐bled bolting usually consists of a high tensile set screw accom‐panied with a corresponding flat washer and hexagon full nut.These are often used for repeat work, such as construction.Hexagon socket screws have a hexagon indent in the head,driven by a hexagon wrench (key), and are available in manydesigns. Hexagon socket screws are used in a multitude of appli‐cations, ranging from furniture found in the home and work‐place, the automotive industry, and wind turbines, as examples.Studding is a metal bar (the most common length is one metre),
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
74 torque-expo.com
OWLETT-JATON >
YOUR HIGHTENSILEPARTNERThe huge wholesaler of fasteners andfixings discusses some of the high tensileoptions available to the market from itscomprehensive ranges
threaded throughout the length. It is commonly used withinthe construction industry, manufacturing, and maintenance,and is used to help secure two or more components together.
Owlett‐Jaton is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading whole‐sale suppliers of fasteners and fixings to the merchant anddistributor trade. When considering the options availableon material grades, sizes (diameters and lengths), specifi‐cations, finishes, branding, and packaging, we offer possiblythe most comprehensive range of high tensile and boltassembly products available to the market sector; all of ourassembled bolting is CE approved. It is easy to see whyOwlett‐Jaton is recognised within the trade as offering acomplete wholesale solution.
www.owlett-jaton.com
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www.fixi.it - [email protected]
MAIN OFFICE
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market
B ack in the first Covid lockdown when sales of all thingsDIY and garden related started to take off exponentially,the biggest issue for the suppliers who had not foreseen
such levels of end user demand was shortage of stock. We alsobegan to see speculation in some quarters about how long this‘boom’ would last. Surely, there would come a time when allthe home and garden improvement tasks were done and / orthat everyone would be sick of doing them!
With that as a backdrop, we are now re‐emerging from thethird Covid lockdown, dealing with the trading complications ofBrexit and wrestling with the costs of freight. It is an opportunetime to review what short and long‐term plans the industryneeds to be making.
Despite the current challenges – especially in terms of supplychain and logistics – there are many extremely positiveeconomic indicators. Moreover, taken together those indicatorssupport the view that far from being a boom which will end,what we are witnessing is a fundamental shift in mindset whichruns through consumer behaviour to property prices toconstruction output. The tools and fixings industry needs toplan accordingly. It would after all be tragic – not to mentionironic – if, after all we have been through, we were unable tokeep turning that shift in mindset to economic advantagebecause we failed to gear up to do so.
Let us look at where we are now. At risk of stating the obvi‐ous we have the happy coincidence of retail re‐opening just asthe traditional spring weather‐fuelled ‘season’ for home andgarden improvement kicks in again, along with the season forhouse moves. More than 40 million Covid vaccination jabs havebeen administered to date, boosting business and consumerconfidence; and with the Bank of England estimating around£125bn of extra savings in bank accounts, there is a goodchance that at least some of that will drive a continuation inconsumer‐led demand.
The economic indicators reflect this positivity. Job creationrose at the fastest pace since December 2018. The IHSMarkit/CIPS UK Construction PMI jumped to 61.7 in March2021, from 53.3 in the previous month and well above marketexpectations of 54.6. Any reading above 50 indicates growth.
This signalled the strongest rate of construction output
THIS IS THE FUTUREWE NEED TO ACT ACCORDINGLY
Despite significant supply chain issues, the market is full of highly positiveindicators which demand some long-term thinking from the tools and fixingssector, argues Will Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the British HomeEnhancement Trade Association (BHETA)…
growth since September 2014, with housebuilding rising themost since July 2020 and both commercial construction andcivil engineering expanding the most since the second half of2014. According to Duncan Brock, a director at the CharteredInstitute of Procurement and Supply, which jointly compiles thesurvey, these figures are “spectacular”.
New order growth accelerated to its fastest since September2014 and the rate of job creation was the strongest for overtwo years. In addition, the latest upturn in input buying wasthe steepest since November 2020. On the price front,purchasing price inflation was the highest since August 2008.Meanwhile, after a record fall in exports in January, Februarysaw a rebound with export growing 46.6%. Business expecta‐tions are at their highest level since June 2015, reflecting confi‐dence in the UK economic outlook, the improving pandemicsituation and pent‐up demand.
From the tools and fixings perspective, the strength of thehousing market must be good news with a boom in movesdriven by the stamp duty holiday which has been extendeduntil September, and demand outstripping supply. As we allknow, the housing market drives home improvement whateverother factors apply, as householders start work on new abodesor improve old ones for selling or attracting new tenants.Besides which, with housebuilding the best performing part ofthe construction sector, combined with signs of recovery in civilengineering and commercial – as outlets prepare for reopeningand new projects suddenly look more viable and emerge from‘on hold’ – demand for tools and fixings can only remain high.
This combination of factors leads me to believe in long‐termopportunities for the sector. The only negative – and I appreci‐ate its gravity – is the impact of such huge demand combinedwith current logistical problems and supply issues, driving upraw materials prices, with the inevitable knock on throughoutthe supply chain.
While I am not saying that any individual supplier, retailer,professional end user or DIY consumer can individually solvethe current logistical problems, it is essential that the industrycollectively appreciates the opportunity and does its utmostnow to plan accordingly – despite the supply chain issues. Thisdemand is not a freak moment. It is an indication of the futureif we all respond to it and raise the game accordingly.
To find out more about BHETA lobbying, retailernetworking and business support, contact NicolaAdams in BHETA Member Services on [email protected] on 07946 078566.
77torque-expo.com
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Lederer GmbH� Stainless steel fasteners� Special parts by drawing� C-parts managementT +49/2333/8309-0E [email protected] www.lederer-online.com
HJZ (ZANDVOORTDRAADINDUSTRIE BV)� Hardened (masonry) steel nails
– blue/black and zinc plated� Stainless steel nails (304 & 316)� Aluminium nails� Red copper nails� Brass nails
T +31 314 333441E [email protected] W www.hjz.nl
Gesipa Blindniettechnik GmbH � Blind rivets� Blind rivet nuts� Automatic riveting� Blind rivet tools� Setting process control
T +49 (0) 6105 962 0E [email protected] www.gesipa.com
Güde GmbH� Spring lock washers� Sperrkant washers� Sperrkant spring washers� Contact washers� Conical washers
T 0049 2391 9190-0E [email protected] www.guede.net
K-Engineering� Allthread 1Mtr/3Mtr/3Ft� Washers� Nuts� Cup square� Roofing bolts
T +44 (0) 1922 749 350E [email protected] www.k-engineering.co.uk
FIXI Srl� Threaded Inserts� Blind Rivets � Self-Clinching Fasteners � Welding Studs � Brass Inserts
T +39 011.7072398E [email protected] www.fixi.it
MATATAKITOYO TOOL CO., LTD.� Torque Tester� Digital Torque Wrench � Torque Wrench � Torque Screwdriver � Torque Multiplier
T +886-4-2533-5893E [email protected] www.matatakitoyo.com
Klimas Sp. z o.o.� Screws and fastening for woodenconstruction� Mechanical & Chemical Anchor � Fasteners for externalinsulations systems � Framework fasteners � System of fastenings forthermal and hydro insulation offlat roofs
T +48 (34) 377 71 00E [email protected] www.klimas.com
Eurotec GmbH�Deck construction and landscaping� Timber engineering � Wood construction screws � Wood connectors � System connections for crosslaminated timber structures
T +49 2331 6245-0E [email protected] www.eurotec.team
JET FAST COMPANY LIMITED� Rubber Nut-Insert� Metal Rivet Nut � Nylon Nut-Insert
T +886-7-3740160E [email protected] www.jetfast.com.tw
� Extensive standard socket screwrange ex-stock
� Master distributor for Unbrakoproducts
� Manufacturer of specials todrawing
� All thread locking + finishes incZinc, Geomet, Delta etc...
T +44 (0) 121 515 0121E [email protected] www.nssocketscrews.com
OGL Computer� Fully Integrated ERP Software� Warehouse Management System� eCommerce Integration� Cyber Security� IT Solutions
T +44 (0) 1299 873873E [email protected] www.ogl.co.uk
Peter Schröder GmbH� Inch Sized Fasteners� USA Fastener� MS – AN – Na� ASTM Standards� Special Screws and Parts
T +49 713299600E [email protected] www.schroederschrauben.de
SCHRODER
Precision Technology Supplies� Stainless steel fasteners
and fixings
T +44 (0)1342 410758E [email protected] www.pts-uk.com
pgb-Europe nv� Bolts & Nuts� Wood, chipboard and decking
screws� Light duty anchors� Heavy duty anchors� Chemical anchors
T +32 9 272 70 70E [email protected] W www.pgb-europe.com
Stafa� Bolts/Structural bolts/HV bolts� Nuts� Washers� Screws� Threaded rods
T +31 495 599 888E [email protected] www.stafa.nl
S&P� Design software for anchoring� Structural timbers� Installation systems� Reinforced concrete
T +49 341 4424610E [email protected] www.sup-scs.de
The Insert Company (UK) Limited� Zinc alloy inserts� Steel inserts� Brass threaded inserts� Furniture connectors� Special turned parts
T +44 (0) 121 4397329E [email protected] www.theinsertcompany.com
Tite-Fix Ltd � Wood Screws� Decking Screws� Construction & Engineering
Screws� Specialist & Bespoke Screws� Screw-Tite®
T +44 (0) 844 571 0003E [email protected] www.tite-fix.co.uk
Star Fasteners� Huck® Lockbolts & Blind
Structural Fasteners� Associated Tool Hire, Service &
Repair� VVG / Rivdom Tool Distributor� Fasteners & Fixings� Sealants & Adhesives
T +44 (0) 115 932 4939E [email protected] www.starfasteners.co.uk
Our part in every solution
TOBSTEEL GmbH� High corrosion resistant
fasteners & fixings� Stainless steel A2, A4, 1.4571,
1.4462, 1.4529� 1.4462 (DUPLEX), 1.4529 (HCR)� DIN 125, 127, 439, 912, 931,
933, 934, 976, 980, 985, 1587,6334, 7991
T +49 (0) 7941 6073-0E [email protected] www.tobsteel.com
Taiwan Precision Fastener Co., Ltd.� Patented Wood Screw� Wood Screw� Mill Point Self-Drilling Screw� Self-Drilling Screw� Self-Tapping Screw
T +886-7-616-2089E [email protected] taiwan-precision-fastener.com
TR Fastenings� Sheet Metal Fasteners� Enclosure Hardware� Plastic Hardware� Fasteners for Plastic� General Fasteners
T +44 (0) 8454 811 800E [email protected] www.trfastenings.com
WASI GmbHStainless steelfasteners/components� Standard parts (DIN / ISO etc.)� Maritime accessories� Solar mounting systems� Special and drawing parts� Levelling adjustment elements
T +49(0)202 / 26 32-0E [email protected] www.wasi.de/en
Smith Bullough� Blanks and finished stock� Metric and inch in all grades� Non standard bolting� Special forgings� Stainless and special alloys
T +44 (0)1942 520250E [email protected] www.smithbullough.com
Smith
Bullough
Schäfer + Peters GmbH� Screws� Nuts� Washers� Bolts� Stainless steel
T +49(0)7941 6094-0E [email protected] www.schaefer-peters.com
Sheh Kai Precision Co., Ltd.� Hammer Drill Bits� Bimetal Concrete Anchors� Carbon Steel Concrete Anchors� Bimetal Screws� Stainless Steel Screws
T 886-7-622 5669E [email protected] www.shehkai.com
Socketfast� Socket caps� Socket countersunks� Socket buttons� Socket shoulder screws� Socket flange buttons
T +44 (0) 1922 749 363E [email protected] www.socketfast.co.uk
Victory Fasteners Limited�Un threaded blanks� 10.9/12.9 Hex Bolt/Set � Din 6921 / ISO 4162 Hex Flge � Hardened Washers
Din 6916/F436 � B7/L7 European Bolting
T +44 (0)1902 544 480E [email protected] www.victoryfasteners.com
Rapid Industrial Fasteners� Special fasteners and turned
parts manufacturer� Duplex fasteners � Rapid manufacturing lead-times � Galvanised Threaded Bar � Galvanised Nuts, Bolts and
Washers
T +44 (0) 121 501 3903E [email protected] www.rapidfast.co.uk
Scell-it Ltd� Heavy Duty Anchors� Chemical Anchors� Concrete Anchors� Rivets� Rivet Installation Tools
T +44 (0) 1785 246539E [email protected] www.scellit.com
SPIROL Industries Ltd� Coiled Spring Pins� Inserts for Plastic � Compression Limiters � Disc Springs � Shims
T +44 (0) 1536 444 800F +44 (0) 1536 203 415E [email protected] www.spirol.com
F. REYHER Nchfg. GmbH & Co. KG�Automotive Fasteners� DIN/EN/ISO Standard Articles � Galvanised Fasteners & Fixings � Stainless Steel Fasteners &
Fixing � Wood & Construction screws
T +49 40 853 630E [email protected] www.reyher.de
Volt Industrial Plastics� Nylon products� Plastic fasteners� Plastic nuts� Plastic washers� Plastic spacers
T +1 (870) 449-8027W www.voltplastics.com
Alloy & Stainless Fasteners� Bolts / Nuts / Studs� Sockets� Washers� Bent Bolts� Specials
T +1 713 929 0480 E [email protected] www.GoASF.com
YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS,SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY
DIRECTORY
ZAGO Manufacturing Co.� Sealing Screws� Sealing Nuts � Sealing Washers � Security/Tamper-Proof SealScrews � Switch Boots
T +1 (973) 643-6700E [email protected] www.zago.com
ND Industries, Inc.� Self-Locking & Sealing Fasteners� Adhesives & Sealants � Thread-Locking & Patch Products� NAS Fasteners
T +1 248 288 0000E [email protected] www.ndindustries.com
Advance Components� Palnut Push-On Fasteners� Cage Nuts � Threaded Inserts � Duplex Screws � Fulfillment Services
T +1 (972) 446-5500E [email protected] www.advancecomponents.com
Torque Directory offers a cost-effective platform to promote your business all yearround in both print and digital issues of Torque Magazine (published 10 times a year,reaching an audience of over 12,000 international decision makers),as well as online at torque-expo.com. COST: OnlySPECIAL PRINT EDITORIAL EXPOSURE (PROFILE) £500 / $650 / €650INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE. for the year
TORQUE MAGAZINE’S JUNE BUILDING& CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL
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DON’T MISS OUT – CONTACT US TODAY
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BUILDING &CONSTRUCTION
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Highly performing fixings, anchors, fasteners and more...
TORQUE COMMUNITY
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY?I wasn’t looking specifically into the fastener industry at first. Iwanted to go in the direction of advertising and marketing.During my search, I then came across GESIPA and found out moreabout the company and what it specialises in. Since I wasn’t toofamiliar with blind rivets and these particular type of fasteningsystems, I was very eager to learn about this new field. First ofall, I found out about it through the GESIPA website. My interestwas very high because I have always found working in marketingfor just one company more exciting than working in a traditionalmedia agency.
I am fascinated about the variety of fastening systems GESIPAhas to offer, which ranges from large‐scale industry to DIYprojects at home. Since I’ve been working here in the marketingdepartment, I’ve gained a detailed insight into the differentapplications and also target groups of fastening technology anddeveloped an increasing amount of interest in this area.
HOW MUCH OF THE JOB INVOLVES TRAINING?At GESIPA, training is of great importance and is highly diversified.We trainees get to know the various departments and the peoplefrom the very beginning and thus immediately gain a comprehen‐sive insight into the company. We also receive extensive technicaltraining with courses such as Microsoft Office training, providedespecially for the trainees in which we learn how to use Word,Excel and PowerPoint in detail right from the very start.
With new tasks that we are given and the challenges that wemaster we gain new knowledge and self‐confidence every day.With exciting trainee projects and our monthly trainee meetingwe grow together more and more and can prove our skills in thecompany even more.
WHAT DOES A REGULAR DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AS ANAPPRENTICE AT GESIPA?Structure and planning is a very important factor which is why Ihave my daily routine every morning. I start my work by checkingnew mails and then I update our internal employee information
system. As I continue, I then plan my workday with what needs tobe done and what I need to think about.
Since the training and work at GESIPA can be very varied, the dailyplanning is also different from time to time. We trainees support theemployees in the departments with various tasks and are involvedin many exciting projects and important meetings. In the marketingdepartment we have our weekly team meeting in which we organ‐ise, discuss and plan further action. After all, good and structuredplanning is an important factor in being able to work well togetheras a team and across departments.
WAS THERE A LOT OF COMPETITION WHEN APPLYINGTO THE COMPANY’S APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME?GESIPA offers many different apprenticeships and thus manyopportunities for a successful future. To get one of the covetedplaces you have to be convincing and give your all during theinterviews. A lot of fun and interest in the apprenticeship are alsopart of the equation. With a good degree and perhaps some expe‐rience from internships you already have good prerequisites.With self‐confidence and a clear goal in mind you can achievewhat you want to.
WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS AFTER COMPLETINGYOUR APPRENTICESHIP?After completing your training at GESIPA you have many oppor‐tunities for further development. Of course, if you are taken on youhave the option of continuing to work in your preferred depart‐ment with a permanent position or even deciding to add a degreeto your training and get to know the technical area even better. Inaddition, GESIPA offers a so‐called “scholarship programme” afterthe apprenticeship. This means that in the next two years, afteryou have successfully completed your apprenticeship you candecide to go on a six‐month trip to one of our GESIPA locations orto one of the locations of our parent SFS companies abroad.
I think it's great that you're given this opportunity because itgives you the chance to see how things work at our other sitesand the chance to learn even more about the company and whatit has to offer.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING ANAPPRENTICE AT GESIPA?At GESIPA, you are supported from all sides right from the start. Inevery department you join you have a training officer who standsby your side and helps you with any problem. What I particularlylike is the good cooperation even across departments. The changeof department brings variety to the training process and you canmaster a wide range of challenges. In the marketing department, Ialso have to deal with many other departments and can count onany support from them.
I also think it’s great that we trainees can plan and carry out someprojects together independently and thus prove what skills we haveacquired over time. This also makes us grow together even moreand have a lot of fun together which is definitely the main focus inmy opinion.
www.gesipa.de
Yasmin Sattler, an apprentice in Gesipa GmbH’smarketing department, takes part in TorqueMagazine’s latest Apprentice feature…
Yasmin SattlerGesipa
Apprentice Q&A
85torque-expo.com
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
WE ARE THE PRODUCER OF HIGH QUALITY
WOOD SCREWS
STRONG FOR GENERATIONS
WE ARE THE PRODUCOF HIGH QUAL
WOOD SCRE
www.klimas.com
ISSUE 053April 2021
A Perry Ltd 41
Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co 35
Alloy & Stainless Fasteners 77
Ambrovit SpA 17
Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd 45
Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd 41
Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari Ltd 37
Bond It 55
Bralo SA 23
Bülte GmbH 77
D S Fasteners Ltd 51
Dörken M K S – Systeme GmbH & Co KG 73
EuroTec GmbH 87
F. Reyher Nchfg GmbH & Co KG 55
Fixi Srl 75
Garton Ltd t/a Smith Bullough 55
GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH 25
Güde GmbH 65
Hafren Security Fasteners 42
HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH 39
Hexstone Ltd 88
Karat Industrial Corporation 59
Klimas Sp Zoo 01
Lederer GmbH 08, 10, 12
Martyn Price Fasteners 47
Mecavit Srl 61
Merlin Business Software Ltd 23
ND Industries 02, 03
Nord-Lock Group 11
Peter Schröder GmbH 31
Pühl GmbH & Co KG 07
Rapid Industrial Fasteners Ltd 49
Rivit Srl 14
Royd Toolgroup UK Ltd / Optimaxx 47
Scell-It (UK) Ltd 27
Schäfer + Peters GmbH 63
Sheh Kai Precision Co Ltd 67
Spirol UK 51
Stafa Group 05
The Insert Company (UK) Ltd 09
Tobsteel GmbH 25
Volt Industrial Plastics Inc. 13
Jewson joins the Band of BuildersUK‐based national builders’ merchant,
Jewson, has announced Band ofBuilders as its official charity partner,helping tradespeople impacted by illnessor injury get the help they need.
The collaboration means Jewson willbe supporting the construction charity asit continues its vital work through hands‐on projects and by offering advice andsupport to the trade.
Construction charity Band of Builders’story began in 2016 with Keith Ellick, abuilder who was diagnosed with terminalcancer. The trade community cametogether to help renovate his home andlandscape his garden, with tradespeoplecoming from across the country to lend ahand. Ever since, the charity has gone
from strength‐to‐strength. In total ithas completed 17 projects across thecountry, involving over 300 volunteersand donated building materials worthalmost £400,000, with number 18 onthe horizon.
The support of Jewson will help Bandof Builders reach even more members ofthe construction community, withJewson also helping provide volunteersfor projects and organising their ownfundraising activities.
Band of Builders also offers a hardshipfund which provides financial support totradespeople affected by the COVIDpandemic.
www.bandofbuilders.org
ALWAYS A STRONG CONNECTION
For over 20 years, we have helped our customers using our expertise as a fastening technology specialist. When it comes to environmental protection, wood continues to enjoy high popularity as a building material – and continues to grow in importance. We would like to contribute to this by using our innovative products from the timber engineering sector for modular and system building.
We are happy to help you complete your building project with our custom and complex solutions.
www.eurotec.team/en/modular
120 mm
120 mm 12
0 mm
45 o
CONVENIENT AND EASY ORDERING
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DELIVERY*
UNRIVALLED CUSTOMER
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SOLUTION
OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE!
We are proud to announce the launch of the comprehensive
new Owlett-Jaton ordering website.
www.owlett-jaton.com• Full product range • Clear yet familiar navigation
• Improved product information
THE NO.1 CHOICE FOR QUALITY, SERVICE AND VALUE
* To the majority of the UK mainland
F and F May 2021 - New Website.indd 3 24/03/2021 16:03:08
