HBSD_2022 Fastener Ebook

FASTENER

THE INCREDIBLE, INDISPENSABLE FASTENER

Companies that expect to succeed in the fastener industry had better be prepared to elevate them selves in two key areas: Innovation and service.

The ideas behind those terms appeared again and again during interviews with leading suppliers of fasteners. Innovation could mean a sharper point or a more du rable connection. Service could mean on-time, in-full delivery; or it could mean developing programs that attract customers to the product on the shelf, or help present the product in a way to avoid confusion or, worse, construction errors.

The companies on the following pages are part of the vanguard of manufacturers and suppliers who are advancing the segment to meet new building trends and business environments.

It’s a segment not without its challenges.

According to the 2022 HBSDealer Industry Scoreboard Survey, more than half the respondents described the current state of the supply chain as “getting better.”

While the supply chain issues that dented the construction industry post pandemic appear to be receding, it’s too soon to declare trans-Pacific victory. Consider that the same survey also revealed that just under half of the respondents described supply chain or as a challenge extending into 2022.

And the challenge wasn’t only a global issue. The domestic problem of trucking material from ports in Houston or Los Angeles to the rest of country also rattled the industry.

But through it all, fastener industry innovation has stood up to the interesting times, as competi tion to deliver products that make the complicated process of building or maintaining dwellings sim pler, faster or –yes—cheaper.

On the front, the last several years have been busy. Annual single-family housing starts, the

bread-and-butter metric for the lumber and building material business, in the past three years have increased significantly as the table below shows:

SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING STARTS

2019: 887,000

2020: 990,500

2021: 1,127,200

So far in 2022, year-to-date unadjusted single family starts are down 5.6 percent from the first nine months of 2021, on an unadjusted basis.

Among the examples: screws for concrete; packaging that works for retailer and customer; coatings that enhance durabil ity, truss screws for stronger connections, and innovations such as built-on washer head styles for structural wood screws.

Meanwhile, analysts at TraqLine described the consumer fas

tener business in terms that sound inflation resistant. Home Depot and Lowe’s are by far the two largest players in the category, and the two retailers’ fastener performance is driven by their ability to attract shop pers vs. other retailers. “Already in the store buying other items” is a top reason that influences purchase of a fastener at a specific retailer, TraqLine’s data shows. Also: “Convenience is a key driver.”

“Price paid is similar across retailers and is not a driver in this category.” TraqLine has found, “as price is not a top reason for retailer selection.”

That finding can be interpreted as evidence that the market demands durable, useful and functional fasteners above all other qualities. That makes sense, because other than the foundation itself, nothing is more foundational to a secure dwelling than the fasteners used to build it.

CAMO® Structural Screws

CAMO® introduces a full line of code-com pliant structural screws, bringing the reliability and innovation they’re known for to deck substructures, interior framing, ledgers, and more.

A HISTORY OF BUILDING BETTER

Making waves in the deck industry over a decade ago with the in vention of Edge fastening, CAMO has grown into an industry leader, continually bringing to market new innovative deck top solutions that help deck builders do their jobs easier, faster, and better. This new line of structural fasteners marks a next step for the brand, expanding beyond the deck top and providing their contractors and dealers more building solutions under a single brand.

“Helping contractors build better on the deck top has always been at the core of the CAMO brand. With our new best-in-category offering of structural screws, we get to help them build a better deck foundation and beyond. We strive to invent fasteners and tools that transform their work into something faster, easier, and better — and this new line of fasteners delivers on that mission,” says Scott Baker, CEO of National Nail, the parent company of CAMO.

An array of CAMO structural screws, one of three brands from Grand Rapids, Michigan-based National Nail, serving the building materials industry for more than 60 years.

COMPLETE OFFERING

CAMO’s comprehensive new structural screw offering efficiently covers all popular interior and exterior structural applications, from framing and multi-ply to ledger and truss. For dealers, efficiency is a key attri bute of this line. Many screws do double-du ty, allowing the dealer to consolidate their SKUs, saving inventory space and money. Their heavy-duty 5/16” flat head line, for example, contains code-compliant solutions for interior and exterior ledger, multi-ply, and multi-purpose structural framing needs. All CAMO structural screws are exteri or-coated for interior and exterior use. This allows their truss screw to be used for inte rior connections as well as for beam-to-joist connections on a deck.

CAMO structural screws are IBC and IRC code-compliant, third-party tested, and certified by DrJ, an accredited certi fication body. They have published tech nical evaluation reports (TER) for general screw properties and specific applications, giving the contractor confidence in their

All counts of structural screws come in durable clamshells and nesting plastic pails for a cleaner, better-looking set.

connections. The applications, code compliance, and TER numbers are listed on the packaging for straight forward purchasing. The packaging also includes a QR code that takes you to a landing page to download product technical bulletins and TERs easily.

INDUSTRY-LEADING COATING

With CAMO’s new structural screws comes the intro duction of their industry-leading, proprietary PROTECH Ultra 4 coating system, featuring four layers that com bine to provide ultimate corrosion resistance. Tested in accordance with ASTM G198, the coating meets or exceeds the protection of code-approved hot-dip galva nized (ASTM A153, Class D) in ground contact general use pressure treated lumber (AWPA UC1-UC4A). ASTM G198 testing requires 2880 hours of testing — 2X more than the industry standard 1440 hours (AC257).

In addition to PROTECH Ultra 4 coated structural screws, CAMO offers a line of hot-dip galvanized multi-purpose hex head fasteners for use in coast al environments. CAMO truly offers coast-to-coast structural fastener solutions.

BUILT TO LAST

CAMO Structural Screws are engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong. From the holding power of the head to the sharp point tip,

Truss Screws

CAMO Truss Screws help contractors make connections easier, faster, and better. Codecompliant and exterior-coated, their truss screws replace hurricane ties in both interior applications and exterior decking applications. Included in every pail, their hands-free truss guide helps contractors fasten at the right angle every time.

Ledger Screws

CAMO Ledger Screws are a faster, less-expensive, codecompliant way to install ledger boards. Their flat head finishes flush with the material, so it doesn’t get in the way of joist hangers or other materials. Available in three lengths for specific applications.

Multi-Ply Screws

CAMO Multi-Ply Screws are available in specific lengths for both sawn and structural composite lumber beams. They replace through bolts and nails in these applications for faster, stronger, more secure connections.

every design feature was specifically chosen to create the highest-performing structural screw on the market. Their structural design values are the highest in the industry. Their strength equals time and money for contractors, who can use fewer fasteners per job.

CAMO Structural Screws will launch November 2022. Visit camofasteners.com to learn more.

Big Timber Fasteners: Mountain Tested, customer focused

Big Timber Fasteners, a division of $10 billion-plus Marmon Holdings, a Berk shire Hathaway company, believes it en joys the ideal corporate structure to make a difference in the fastener industry.

“We all like to say that Marmon Holdings is a large company built with a bunch of small company peo ple,” said Brent Hodgkins, national sales manager for Big Timber. The fastener brand remains nimble and proactive, with access to resources otherwise reserved for the giants. “It’s the best of both worlds.”

Big Timber, a “Mountain Tested” 77-year-old com pany, has been on a roll expanding its Montana brand across the United States, strengthening its sales team and investing in its warehousing resources. Now, seen here for the first time, the company is unveiling its new Big Timber logo, part of a brand refresh that will be rolling out to dealers over the coming months.

Tell us about the brand, and the slogan. There is a natural draw to the Big Timber brand from contractors and DIYers. The vibrance of our eye-catching

Above: Big Timber Fastener’s National Sales Manager Brent Hodgkins (above) field tests screws at a job site.

packaging and rugged, mountain heritage, draw them in. But it’s the durability and reliability of our broad spectrum of products that keeps them coming back.

When we say “Mountain Tested,” we mean “Moun tain Tested.” Big Timber Fasteners are pushed to the limits in rigorous lab and field tests and certified by an accredited product certification firm for code compliance. Then the compliance verifications are sealed by professional engineers.

What are you hearing from the job site and how are your team responding?

The top two questions we get asked by contractors most often focus on code approval and product cate gories that align with the application needs of a spe cific job. Many members of the Big Timber Fasteners staff have practical construction experience, includ ing myself. We can test the different product types on legitimate projects. To accompany all of this, we have access to a strong team of knowledgeable engineers who assist with technical questions presented by building officials or architects.

It’s funny how some of the best ideas come from questions contractors didn’t even realize they were asking.

What are some examples?

I remember a time while on a job site visit, we noticed a member of the framing crew installing a hurricane clip, which is typically installed using ten nails which must be driven through predrilled holes—a process which is very labor and time intensive. After witnessing that, Big Timber went to work testing and reengineering our Big Timber Black Log screw, which is now certified for use as an alternative to the hurricane clips that had been used in the past. It’s a solution that is saving contrac tors time and money.

From your vantage point, is the construction industry changing?

If so, how is Big Timber responding?

Like so many other industries, con struction is also being influenced by ecommerce and digital trends. People have been conditioned to get instant gratification with fast and easy access to products and services. This can be very difficult for an industry that is literally built with a “ground up” frame of mind. Craftsmanship is not something that is typically a click away, making it almost impossible when factoring in labor and supply shortages into the fray.

At Big Timber Fasteners, we work very hard at managing our inventory and do our part to help support this fluctuating demand. We have consistently held our fill rates at 98% or better which gives our customers the peace of mind that they need and deserve in a vendor partner.

What else do you think differentiates Big Timber in the marketplace?

Big Timber’s breadth of product which covers virtually every cat egory or segment of the construction process, is a message that continues to emanate in the marketplace. Folks have come to love and appreciate a brand that offers not just an expansive array of different professional grade fasteners, but have it all available in durable yet attractive buckets, providing our retailers with some thing markedly different. We use the term “SHOPABILITY” to help describe the ease with which a customer or retailer, who may be looking for that perfect fastener for a job, can find what they are looking for and all from a brand they’ve come to trust.

What’s next for Big Timber?

With the refreshed logo and packaging redesign projects nearly com plete, we’re also excited to be rolling out new merchandising and

display opportunities we know will make shopping for Big Timber fasteners even easier and more engaging.

Product improvement and innovation will contin ue to be a high priority as well. Our customers will be seeing an improved concrete screw in 2023, the Big Timber Concrete Screw with Drillcrete technol ogy. Drillcrete is part of our continuous improve ment program and will be a certified product by the ICC (International Code Council).

More importantly, we are expanding our fastener education and product knowledge resources, be cause we know that consumers need information in different ways and at different times. These resources are being developed not only for our customers and end users, but our own internal teams. We, too, are lifelong learners and hold firm our desire to always be that dependable and knowledgeable friend.

What does it mean to be “Mountain Tested”? Click for the video here.

The right fastener can make or break a project’s outcome. Watch the Big Timber job-site video here.

There is a natural draw to the Big Timber brand from contractors and DIYers. The vibrance of our eye-catching packaging and rugged, mountain heritage, draw them in, but it’s the durability and reliability of our broad spectrum of products that keeps them coming back.

—Brent Hodgkins, National Sales Manager, Big Timber

Huttig tightens its grip on the fastener business

WITH HUTTIG-GRIP, THE STORY BEGINS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE OFFERING.

Huttig Building Products has proudly served the LBM industry for over 135 years, built upon a national distribution network and time-hon ored relationships with customers diverse in both scale and specialty.

Huttig leveraged this industry acumen and, in late 2016, launched Huttig-Grip Fasteners, a comprehensive fastener line designed for lumberyards, prodealers, and specialty distributors. A team of industry veterans with 250-plus years of fastener and distribution experience pooled their expertise to solve the gaps and pain-points with existing competitive offerings. Huttig-Grip immediately received a welcome recep tion from existing and potential Huttig customers.

“When I think back to 2017, we had just dabbled in fasteners on the West Coast, but really, nowhere else,” said Brad Strosahl, vice president of national accounts. “In just five years we’ve grown to one of the top fastener distributors in the mar ket. It has been a ton of work from the entire team to get us to where we are today, and we are still focused on growth. Our goal is to become the #1 fastener distributor in the country.”

Linda Graziano, senior director of marketing and part of the Huttig-Grip development team, recalls the launch; “Our first message out the door was: ‘You deserve a choice and we’re the right choice for you,’” she said. “Our customers responded very positively — they knew right away that this program was devel oped for them.”

Here’s a short list of what sets

Huttig and Huttig-Grip apart:

Comprehensive product offering

Packaging innovations

Customized merchandising solutions

Strong relationships in the supply-chain Convenient one-stop-shop supplier for fasteners, doors, millwork, and building materials

The Huttig-Grip line encompasses all types and all phases of construction:

Huttig-Grip construction fasteners

Huttig-Guard exterior screws & stainless steel fasteners

Huttig-Spin professional drywall & steel framing screws

Huttig-Grip & Huttig-Guard collated fasteners

This breadth and depth of product makes Hut tig-Grip an attractive choice. From deck screws to collated framing nails to stainless steel, a complete mix of fasteners is available from one supplier, simplifying purchasing and creating a cohesive point of sale presence.

And when it comes to packaging, Huttig-Grip is all-in; as no detail is spared with creating the most attractive, functional, hard-working system on the market. Packaging is thoughtful and consistent across all hand drive products, including pack aged, buckets, and bulk boxes.

Same height and width 1 lb. and 5 lb. master cartons

Actual-size fastener photo and bold, descriptive text

Largest and strongest window for high product visibility

Color-coding with icons system for fast and easy product identification

Easy-to-carry handles on bulk boxes

At Huttig, sales begin with a diverse assortment: Products include Decking & Fencing, Flooring, Pole Barn, Exterior Lath/Stucco, Drywall & Interior Lath, Forming/Masonry, Roofing, Specialty Finish & Trim, Landscaping, Siding & Trim.

“Huttig-Grip collated fasteners are another game-changer for our customers,” Graziano said. “From framing nails, to construction staples, to finish and trim, we have fasteners to fit practically every tool on the market today,” she said. “Our 1,000-count collated tubs and the finish and trim clam shells have been very well received by dealers looking for smaller, convenience-sized packaging.”

dictable, both domestic and overseas. To mitigate these hazards, Huttig has developed a robust, reli able global sourcing network to maintain consis tently high fill-rates across all fastener categories, even during unprecedented times.

Huttig’s national network of building product distribution creates Huttig-Grip Fasteners program opportunities with customers already buying other LBM products from Huttig. Looking forward, the home center and the hardware store markets are areas of potential growth.

In May of 2022, Huttig Building Products was ac quired by Woodgrain, a diverse, privately held LBM company best known as a manufacturer of mould ings, doors and windows. Woodgrain has strong, existing relationships with dealers both within and outside of Huttig’s traditional channels.

“Huttig-Grip Fasteners is a core product category for Woodgrain/Huttig, and will benefit from the ad ditional resources and LBM industry knowledge that Woodgrain brings to the team,” Graziano said. “This is a really exciting time for Huttig-Grip Fasteners — we are just getting started!”

At the store level, retail is detail. “Each of our dealers has a unique fasteners set, created for their store, tailored to their customer-base,” Graziano said. “This includes signage and other merchandising guides for a more engaging display, improved turns, and overall category sales growth. We are very involved at the ground level with each of our dealers.”

This first-hand engagement also inspires product line extensions and new product development. “We had an exciting new product launch in the works, and then 2020 happened, and we pushed pause,” Graziano said. “We are now deeply involved in evaluating and testing new products to stay ahead of evolving market needs.”

“The growth in the market is coming from collated fasteners, including collated screws, and exterior fasteners” Vice President Strosahl said, “and we are spending a lot of time and energy in developing new products in these categories. Our in-house quality management and engineering team have done extensive testing on competitive products to benchmark current state; and our goal is to look to improve offerings to the market.”

Supply chains have become more challenging and unpre

Huttig Building Products brings 135-years of experience to its relatively new Huttig-Grip brand.

Click here to view the Digital Catalog

Stocking Huttig-Grip collated fasteners provides the optimal mix for each market, reduces the number of vendors, and simplifies and standardizes the assortment. Stainless steel collated fasteners are also available in many styles and sizes.

SPAX® Engineered Fasteners

There’s always a lot going on at SPAX® Engineered Fasteners headquarters, better known as Alten loh, Brinck & Co. US, Inc. in Bryan, Ohio.

The SPAX team has been hard at work engineer ing and developing new products.

Ongoing focus on Deck Solutions

This year, the company launched two new additions to the SPAX Deck Solution Center category of products: SPAX deck board spacers and SPAX deck joist and beam tape.

“The deck and outdoor living space markets continue to see un precedented growth,” said Eric Ashack, SPAX Product Manager. “In response to this trend, SPAX is investing in product development to support the demand we’re seeing from our customers for deck

fastener products that are made in the USA.

SPAX deck board spacers are used to ensure consis tent spacing during deck construction. Applications include pressure treated board spacings (1/16” and 1/8”) and composite/PVC board spacings (3/16” and 1/4”).

SPAX deck board spacers include the following features: Provides consistent spacing

Durable, high-impact body

Hole in the wing to help pull the spacer out if it becomes lodged/stuck between boards

Versatility of four spacing dimensions in one part for both wood and synthetic materials

Prevents denting and marring of material Built in spacer notch provides consistent screw alignment

SPAX deck board spacers are packaged in clam shell cartons containing 3pcs and in master cut-case cartons of 10 packs ready for retail shelves. This new SPAX product is manufactured in the USA and pack aged/stocked in Bryan, Ohio.

Deck board spacers from SPAX provide durability and consistent spacing.

The SPAX team at its headquarters in Bryan, Ohio.

SPAX deck joist and beam tape is designed to extend the life of wooden decks. Placed directly on the top of joists and beams, it acts as a moisture bar rier. Stock is available in 2 widths: 1-5/8” (4.13 cm) joist tape for joists and 3-1/4” (8.26 cm) beam Tape for all double joists and beams

Other features of SPAX deck joist and beam tape include:

Strong, durable, and flexible with UV resistant facer

Forms a tight seal around deck fasteners to prevent moisture penetration

Stable at high temperatures without dips, stains, or oozing

Ridged polyethylene surface is slip resistant

Fast and simple installation; easy to remove release liner

Apply to horizontal and vertical surfaces including all joists, double joists, beams, stair stringers, stair treads, ledger board and other surfaces

Zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

10 year limited warranty

SPAX deck joist and beam tape will be packaged in individual 75 foot rolls and in master cut-case cartons of 16 rolls for joist tape and 8 rolls for beam tape packs ready for retail shelves. This new SPAX product is manufactured in Canada and pack aged/stocked in Bryan, Ohio.

New product alert: Composite deck screws

“We’re seeing more of an emphasis overall on composite materi als. Treated lumber lasts 8-10 years while composite lumber lasts a lot longer. There’s a need for fasteners to be more durable and have great longevity,” said Robert Yates, SPAX Associate Product Manager, Altenloh, Brinck & Co. US, Inc.

This fall, the company will launch SPAX composite deck screws, the latest addition to the family of SPAX Engineered Fasteners and the SPAX Deck Solution Center category of prod ucts. They will join SPAX deck spacers and SPAX deck tape as ad ditional SPAX products dedicated to the outdoor living category.

“We know deck and outdoor living spaces continue to be a priority for our customers and end-users,” said Yates. “Whether using traditional wood or low-maintenance composite decking, builders now have more SPAX fastener options — and colors — to get the job done right.”

SPAX composite deck screws are engi neered with an undercut head to prevent mushrooming and provide a clean finish into PVC, capstock and composite deck boards. They come in seven colors to match common composite deck board shades. A color-matching tool on the SPAX website allows users to match the SPAX composite deck screw to the color of their deck.

SPAX composite deck screws also include the following features:

Reverse upper thread clears away excess material T20 T-Star drive for positive bit engagement

Ideal fastener length for use with 1” and 2” nominal thickness boards

Type 17 double slash point for a fast start and to prevent splitting

HCR® coating that is IRC/IBC code compliant for use in treated lumber and exterior exposure condition 3 (general construction)

Tri-lobe shank to prevent cracking or splitting of deck boards

SPAX composite deck screws are available in 75ct, 350ct and 1750ct quantities to meet the needs of small and large projects. This new SPAX product is manufac tured in Taiwan and packaged in Bryan, Ohio.

Coming soon at SPAX.us

Later this year, the SPAX website will debut an inter active home render feature to help customers identify the right SPAX engineered fastener for projects in every area of the home — from exterior builds to every room indoors.

SPAX High Performance Deck Tape forms a tight seal around fasteners and prevents moisture penetration.

Composite Deck Screws from SPAX.

The PrimeSource Advantage

The demand for innovation at the job site has never been higher. And, according to Scott Smith, a 36-year PrimeSource Building Products veteran, the ability to deliver innovative solutions is just part of what the company describes as its “PrimeSource Advantage.”

The other factors that play heavily into the Irving, Texas-based company’s mantra include the brand strength of Grip-Rite, the geographic footprint of the company’s distribution network, and the experience and track record of delivering value to custom ers—in fasteners and beyond.

As the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Offi cer for PrimeSource Building Products, Smith has a front-row seat on trends affecting the fasteners business. Among them are the increasing popularity of screws over nails, time-saving pneumatic products and the development of building materials to efficiently meet stringent building codes.

Smith elaborated on the PrimeSource Advantage in a discussion with HBSDealer. Here are the highlights, edited for length and clarity:

PrimeSource Snapshot

Categories: Construction fasteners, building materials, fence & gate hardware, railing and perimeter security.

Distribution network: 35 strategically located DCs across the U.S.A.

Web site: PrimeSourceBP.com

On PrimeSource Building Products: “We’re a specialty branded building products company, with a core deeply rooted in fasteners. We are laser focused on the professional contractor who naturally gravitates to our brand because we’ve earned their trust job after job, year after year. Generations of framers, roofers, installers and remodelers have grown up with the Grip-Rite brand.”

On the Grip-Rite brand: “DData shows that we’re the number one commer cial fastener brand in the United States. But DIYers, hobbyists and those just getting started want the brand trusted by the pros. Just ask somebody to check the fasteners on their workbench or in their garage…and follow that with “What color is the box?” The answer is usually: “Oh yeah, that’s Grip-Rite.”…known for the smart black packaging and signature red parallelo gram. When you go to the local lumberyard or hard ware store, you’ll likely find Grip-Rite packaged screws and nails. “Our tagline is ‘We Build America’, which is what we help contractors and homeowners do…espe cially in the face of natural disasters, tornadoes, and hurricanes — most recently Ian.” [See sidebar].

On the “PrimeSource Advantage

“With 35 distribution centers across the U.S, we can service any customer, no matter how many locations they have. It could be Home Depot, Lowe’s or Builders FirstSource. It could be your local lumberyard or hardware store …a single store or a chain with multiple locations across states. At the end of the day, PrimeSource Building Products is a simple, single-source solution for customers to purchase any of the products in our warehouse, take delivery on one truck with one purchase order. Whether an order is 10 pallets, two pallets or even half a pallet…we give customers the ultimate flexibility to mix all products in one delivery. It’s not uncommon for a shipment to include Grip-Rite along with Owens Corning, Master Builder Solutions, Mitek, GAF, Rockwool or GACO, among other lead ing building products brands. The PrimeSource Advantage is the simplicity we bring to our customers one call gets it all.”

With a nationwide distribution network, the company is committed to growing their customers’ business, and is helping to accomplish this by adding complementary businesses under the PrimeSource Brands umbrella. Acquired by Clearlake Capital in late 2020, the company has made several acquisitions that have expanded its portfolio of high-quality brands and created an even broader product offering.

In the last year-and-a-half, PrimeSource Brands acquired Dimora Brands, a supplier of high-end hardware and home accessories, Nationwide Industries Enterprises, maker of spe cialty fence and gate hardware and railing for outdoor living; Wolf Home Products, a leading supplier of kitchen cabinets and building products; and most recently, Axxis, provider of specialty collated products.

Smith describes the company’s global talent as another strength. Offices in Taiwan, in China and an engineering hub in Tampa, Fla., are continually at work delivering innovations and solutions. “Each of those teams are extremely talented in taking a concept and bring ing it to fruition in a short window,” Smith said.

Ultimately, the growth of PrimeSource and Grip-Rite hap pens one-sale at a time, and one store at a time. Backed by a regionally based business-development team, independent sales representatives and regional managers, PrimeSource product

managers are working hand-in-hand with the field team to bring its Advantage to the industry.

“We’re always looking for new customers,” Smith said. “ Regardless if it’s a big box, a local lumberyard, a STAFDA dealer—we touch a lot of them already.”

Asked to sum up the message the team brings to new prospects, Smith responded this way:

“Basically, it’s if you turn your business over to us, then we’re going to manage your business for you. We’re going to take care of all of our products, we’re going to give it to you at a competitive price. We’re going to retail your product for you to make you more money. We’re going to manage this part of your busi ness, so you can take care of other things.”

Partner to Rebuild

The destruction from Hurricane Ian will take more than a year to rebuild to any semblance of normal, according to the data models that PrimeSource uses to help manage extreme events.

PrimeSource Building Products has seen hurricanes and other weather-related disasters over the decades, and it’s learned to predict, plan and execute to bring product to storm damaged areas with expediency.

“We have two DCs, one in Miami and one in Orlando, to help rebuild Florida,” he said. “Products are flowing in and deliver ing out every day…it’s a constant replenish ment — not from Asia, but from “safe zones” unimpacted by seasonal storms in states like Oklahoma, Georgia and even Maryland.”

The company has created data models for weather events, to anticipate the impact and positions materials outside the hur ricane zone, but close enough to relieve the pressure just after the storm. “Having that storm-reserved product already sitting there, staged and ready to go is just another example of the PrimeSource Advantage.”

“And then as a hurricane or a disaster hits, we’re able to release that product to the affected areas,” Smith said.

Midwest Fastener survives — and thrives — post pandmic

Midwest Fastener Corp. made it through the pan demic, had to adjust how it did business with customers, and along the way managed to keep the shelves full across product categories. Com pany leaders sat down in a one-on-one interview to answer questions about the challenges and successes — and what moving forward will look like in the coming year.

First, tell us about your company and the markets you serve?

Founded in 1962, Midwest Fastener Corp. is a family-owned hardware supplier based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We take pride in putting our customers as our top priority. Our 175 sales reps and 18 regional sales managers service hardware stores, home centers, lumberyards, farm & ag stores, and many other industries from Alaska to Puerto Rico.

How has the jobsite changed in the past couple of years,  and how has Midwest Fastener changed with it?

The pandemic has changed how we do business. For over a year, much of our corporate contact was done virtually. Midwest Fastener adapted like most other companies. However, while adjustments were made to the logistics of doing business, the relationships we hold at the stores and corporate offices remains as important as ever.

What surprises or challenges have you encountered in the business these days?

The largest challenge for us has been related to the supply chain. Longer wait times and ever changing delivery dates for our inbound products have been a real challenge. Planning promos and new item launches has been

difficult. We’ve handled these challenges by being transparent with our sales reps and customers.

What new products or programs are having an impact?

Late last year, we revamped our threaded rod program and in 2022, the program took off. Our new rack has generated a lot of interest and excitement from new and existing customers because of the simple, yet customizable, design.

We are also having success with our con struction fastener categories. ICC certifications, high-end coatings, and a new opening price point deck screw are all having a positive impact on our construction fastener business.

Diving into some details, what are customers telling you?

Keeping shelves stocked and keeping retail pricing up to date are two important things to prioritize. Since the beginning of Covid, it was “keep our shelves stocked.” Now that the pandemic rush has subsided, retailers are now more concerned with having a variety of inventory on the shelf. Our representatives are working with retailers to balance inventories in certain categories.

Glen Gevaart, VP of hardward sales, Midwest Fastener

Do you have a forecast for what to look out for next?

We look for our categories to remain strong in our retail outlets. Consumer spending will be changing in the coming months as everyone adjusts to inflation. Our categories are strong during low inflationary times as new projects are being done around the house. During higher inflation, projects around the house pivot to repair vs. replace. Our products are also used heavily in repair projects.

From the Midwest product lineup

SaberDrive Platinum Deck Screw

Brought to you from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Midwest Fastener’s SaberDrive Platinum is a top tier, premium fastener brand. Engineered to handle any job with top performance. Certified tough with a coating lasting over 2,500 hours in a corrosion resistance salt spray test. Designed to be one of the best construction fasteners on the market.

SaberDrive Platinum features include:

XL2500 Coating

Easy Drive Spiral-Razor™ Tip

Star Drive

Countersinking Arc Nibs

Spiral Shank Threading

Cutting Blade Threads

U-Shaped Clean-Out Threads

ICC Structurally Certified

ICC Coating Certified*

Anything else you’d like to add about your fastener business?

Midwest Fastener is proud that we were able to support our retailer partners during the pandemic. Through all the early uncertainty, we maintained high shipping percentages and kept stores positioned to sell fasteners to their customers.

TorqueMaster

TorqueMaster concrete fasteners are designed to provide the fastest installation, simplify the process, and provides long-term holding power with corrosion resistance for impressive longevity. Serrated threads cut into the walls of the pre-drilled hole for easy installation and a strong hold every time. The Blue Ruspert® coating is suitable for exterior projects and treated lumber applications and provides superior corrosion resistance. All TorqueMaster products come with a drill bit and a drive bit — everything needed in one box.

TorqueMaster features include:

Star Drive Reduces the risk of cam-out.

Quick This two-step system installs quickly and simply and provides a neat, finished appearance.

Strong Made from hardened alloy steel that eliminates breaking.

Safe No dangerous powder-actuated tools are needed.

Removable Screws can be easily removed.

Coating Features Blue Ruspert® finish for superior corrosion resistance.

Low Cost Time saved using TorqueMaster masonry screws helps lower the overall job cost.

All-In-One Includes drill and drive bit — everything needed in one box.

ICC Structurally Certified.

Click here to see a video on the SaberDrive Platinum Deck Screw.

Click here to see a video on the features of the TorqueMaster Masonry Screws.

U2 Fasteners

U2 Fasteners is a premium wood-to-wood resi dential construction screw.

Our screws are code compliant for Heavy Duty Ground Contact ACQ pressure treated lumber and structural strength based on the values on our IAPMO 454 report.

The company was founded in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada in 2016 when Uli Walther decided to jump back into the fastener industry after a brief retirement.

U2 Fasteners are designed to stick on the bits for 1 hand

driving and features to drive smoothly.

We have tech bulletins for specific applications such as ledger boards, multi-ply beams, allowable loads for 316-grade stainless steel, and we even tested our wood screws in con crete to get ultimate loads.

U2 Fasteners Construction Screw is the next generation of construction screws that are replacing lag screws and is Structural & ACQ treated lumber compliant in IAPMO report ER-454. Also, The Dome Head enhances the structural capability.

The Tapper Point consists of the Cork Screw Start and Blade Cutting Thread for easy piercing and alleviating strain on the material.

The Tight Star Recess system is designed to grasp the U-Bit tightly and can be installed with one hand.

Underneath, the screw head of the Construction Screw the Talon Grip holds the screw tight to prevent loosening and uses its nibs to dig into the material when countersunk.

Below the smooth shank is the Reamer Thread, which enlarges the hole in the material to create a larger passage when drawing materials together and reduces tension on the screw head.

U2 Fasteners portfo lio also includes Uni versal Screws, which are described as “deck screws on steroids.”

Additional offerings in the U2 portfolio include Trim screws, Cabinet screws, and the TopStar fastening system that replaces shimming when hanging doors. U2 Fasteners offers 75 skus of 316 grade stainless steel screws.

We offer screws up to 20” in length and 316 Grade Stainless Steel up to 8”.

During the pandemic, U2 spent time and effort on social media to send contractors screws. Projects that featured U2 fasteners were used to create con tent for the brand.

“It helped strengthen our brand as a premium fastener and make some great connections,” says Kurt Hogard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at U2 fasteners. “We found some companies that needed special screws that didn’t exist on the market and we were able to manufac ture what they needed based on drawings we created.”

Hogard adds that, “Its exciting to solve a problem and sell screws that aren’t offered in our catalog. We are excited that trade shows are starting up again and we can get in front of contractors and dealers.”

All U2 Fasteners use the company’s proprietary U-BITS that are specifically designed to fit snug and firm on the Tight Star Recess of the U2 fasteners screw assortment.

U2 Fasteners also fit the traditional star drive.

U-Bits are impact driver ready and are made of hardened steel to prevent wear and tear.

For more information on all U2 products, visit u2fasteners.com or call 855-895-7096, or email sales@u2fasteners.com. Follow U2 Fastener on Instagram: @u2fasteners

Click here to view U2 Fasteners, Code Compliance.

Click hre to view an introduction to U2 Fasteners

The Construction Screw has several essential features:

“We found some companies that needed special screws that didn’t exist on the market and we were able to manufacture what they needed based on drawings we created.”

—Kurt Hogard, VP of Sales and Marketing, U2 Fasteners