Torque Magazine issue 103 – April 2026

01 COVER - OPTIMAS - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 12:42 Page 1

issue 103 / April 2026

UNMATCHED IN ALL WE DO

Our Nord-Lock X-series washers just received CE approval, giving you the widest range of CE-marked securing washers on the market.

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© Copyright 2025 Nord-Lock Group. Nord-Lock®, Superbolt®, Boltight® and Expander® are trademarks owned by different companies within the Nord-Lock Group. All rights reserved.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

06 NEWS 12 WOMEN IN FASTENERS > WENDY MILNE BENNETT, DORMOLE 14 COVER PROFILE > Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@torque-expo.com Editor Jonathon Harker jonathon@torque-expo.com Deputy Editor Simon Yuen simon@torque-expo.com Sales Manager – UK Claire Warman claire@torque-expo.co.uk Sales Manager – International Harry Whyte harry.whyte@torque-expo.com UK Sales Manager – Tools Lloyd Ramsdale lloyd@torque-expo.com Circulation Tracy Howell tracy@torque-expo.com Head of Production Luke Wikner production@torque-expo.com Designers Dan Bennett Victoria Arellano

OPTIMAS INTERNATIONAL EXPLAINS WHAT ITS ACQUISITION MEANS FOR

BUSINESS CULTURE

THE BUSINESS GOING FORWARDS 18 FOCUS > NYLON AND PLASTIC FIXINGS AND FASTENERS 24 FOCUS > DRILL & SCREWDRIVER BITS 30 FOCUS > AEROSPACE FASTENERS 36 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION > HIGH TENSILE AND BOLT ASSEMBLIES 40 TERRITORY FOCUS > IBERIA 44 TERRITORY FOCUS > UK 60 SHOW PREVIEW >

Published by Stag Publications Ltd 18 Alban Park Hatfield Road St Albans Herts AL4 0JJ tel: +44 (0)1727 739160 fax: +44 (0)1727 739169 Email: info@torque-expo.com Web: www.torque-expo.com Disclaimer

Although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained herein is accurate and up to date, the Publisher cannot be held responsible or in any way liable for errors or omissions during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or of Stag Publications Ltd. Proud member of:

TORQUE-EXPO 2026

2O26

84 SHOW REVIEW > TAIWAN INDUSTRY WEEK 86 TOOLS & DIY > NEWS, REVIEWS & INSIGHTS 97 DIRECTORY > YOUR GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS & MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

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Copyright Entire contents copyright © 2026 Stag Publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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While we were putting this magazine together, we realised a lot of the articles touched on the same theme (and no, it’s not CBAM).

Valuing employees has been a point that has cropped up time and again within this issue. We had one company boss who was super keen for us to get staff pictures and names in the magazine, another extending our allotted interview time to enthusiastically explain how his company celebrates individuals with awards every quarter, and another interviewee repeatedly hammering home the point that getting the right people in the office has been an absolute cornerstone to their business success.

A lot of the ‘hot takes’ and headlines surrounding technology, digitalisation and AI particularly like to present staff vs technology to grab attention and clicks. But the conversations I have with business leaders always seem to circle back to the point that getting (and keeping) the right people is vital and will continue to be so. While it would be naïve to think business leaders aren’t aware of staffing costs and challenges ahead, the technology/people debate is considerably more nuanced than is often presented.

Establishing a business culture that values employees is a strategy that is as old as the hills, alive and kicking quarter of the way through the 21st century. It’s one of those old truisms, like ‘people buy from people’ and ‘getting face-toface with clients matters’. On that note, TorqueExpo 2026 is a great opportunity to do at least some of those things (page 60).

As part of our commitment to the environment, Torque Magazine is fully recyclable.

Jonathon Harker Editor jonathon@torque-expo.com

06 NEWS TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:50 Page 1

NEWS News from the distribution industry… www.torque-expo.com

Fixings highlight for fischer f

ischer’s fixings division was a bright spot in its 2025 financials, which grew 3% on a currency­ adjusted basis.

Overall, the fischer group saw a decline in sales, although the sale of its automotive division mid­way through 2024 skewed the comparison. €1.05 billion in sales were made in 2025, compared with 1.11 billion in 2024.

The group was forthright regarding geopolitical forces and conditions affecting it and other businesses: “The changed political situation has not yet led to any noticeable improvement in conditions for family busi­ nesses, as neither the German government nor the EU are sufficiently addressing the concerns of companies or translating them into effective relief measures,” the company said. www.fischer-international.com

Optimas acquired

O

ptimas International has been acquired by European private equity firm Exponent.

Following the acquisition, Exponent will partner with Optimas International’s management to accelerate organic growth through investment in commercial and operational capabilities, alongside selective M&A opportunities to broaden the offering and better serve existing and new customers across their supply chain requirements. Optimas International will operate as a standalone entity, separate from Optimas Solutions, and day­to­day operations will not be affected by the transaction.

Optimas International CEO Mike Tuffy, along with the company’s leadership team, will remain in their roles. Meanwhile, Exponent has appointed Axel Gränitz, who will join the board as Chair. See page 14 for our interview with CEO Mike Tuffy.

Stage set for Torque-Expo 2026

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12 MAY 2026

n Tuesday 12 May 2026, the fastener, fixing, tool and related industries will converge on Telford International Centre for Torque­Expo 2026.

The one­day­only B2B show – now in its third year at Telford’s TIC – boasts a roll­call of key industry names exhibiting. The traditional expo element will once again be bolstered by a programme of seminars dealing with key industry issues like CBAM, ISO, supply chains and more, as well as a focus on product innovation.

Following the expo will be the networking evening, spon­ sored by Optimas, including the Torque­Expo Awards which celebrate the achievements of the industry.

Turn to page 60 for more details on this year’s Torque­Expo.

optimas.com events.torque-expo.com

2O26

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TUESD AY

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Different strengths. One mission.

SCREWS & NEWS

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BOOTH: N1508

23.03.26 - 25.03.26

22.04.26 - 24.04.26

ACHILLES EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Partner with us to leverage our global sourcing expertise and European quality standards Dedicated office and warehouse in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) as independent entity On-site quality control with comprehensive supplier audits for products and customer-specific items Specialized consulting, sourcing, benchmarking, and supplier development services for partners Direct deliveries to international partners

Achilles Seibert GmbH | Philipp-Reis-Straße 3 | D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg Phone +49 (0) 41 93 89 55 | sales@achill-fasteners.com

MORE INFO

SHOP HERE

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NEWS

News from the distribution industry

www.torque-expo.com

PEOPLE NEWS

WÜRTH INDUSTRIE SERVICE STRENGTHENS SALES LEADERSHIP

W

ürth Industrie Service has appointed Alexandros Mikros as Managing Director Sales, effective 1 January 2026. The company said the appointment is intended to strengthen its sales organisation and support sustainable growth, customer focus and market presence.

Previously Managing Director Sales at Würth Industry USA, Mikros has held various roles within the Würth Group for many years and brings extensive expertise in both national and international sales. In 2011, he became Head of Construction Machinery and, from 2015 to 2021, was responsible for Key Account Management Cargo. In these roles, he played a key part in shaping the development of the sales division and contributed to the successful posi­ tioning of Würth Industrie Service across various market segments. www.wuerth-industrie.com

AICHELIN GROUP APPOINTS ROBERT SOKOLIŃSKI AS NITREX METAL CEO

T

he AICHELIN Group has appointed Robert Sokoliński as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Nitrex Metal, a subsidiary of the group since 2025.

Effective 1 January 2026, Sokoliński is responsible for the overall management of the company, as well as its strategic and operational development within the AICHELIN Group. Sokoliński has more than 20 years of international experience in manufacturing, quality management and operational leadership. Since joining NITREX as Plant Manager in 2023, he has played a key role in strengthening oper­ ational performance and implementing strategic initiatives. www.aichelin.com

EXPLORE MORE:

Stainless Steel Fasteners

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09/01/26

4:35 PM

10 11 Global News - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:51 Page 1

GLOBAL NEWS ROUND-UP Selected news from the fasteners, fixings and tools industries around the world…

NORTH AMERICA – 01

FASTENAL ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS CENTRE IN GEORGIA, US > Fastenal will begin construction of a regional operations and logistics centre in Carrollton, Georgia, US. Slated to open in spring 2027, the new facility will be significantly larger than Fastenal's current 252,000 square­foot regional distribution centre in Atlanta, with enough space on the site to potentially expand the building's footprint to 900,000 square feet. The new site will feature a range of warehouse technologies, including improved processing software and enhanced material handling equipment. Fastenal said these innovations will increase storage capacity, accelerate order picking and support Fastenal's distribution goals of more in­stock products and faster customer service.

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NORTH AMERICA – 02

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FTI TO HOST FULL FASTENER TRAINING WEEK AT FASTENER FAIR USA > Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host its flagship training programme at Fastener Fair USA at the Charlotte Convention Centre from 4 to 8 May. Sponsored by Birmingham Fastener, Fastener Training Week offers fastener professionals the opportunity to learn through case studies, hands­on demonstrations, learning labs, classroom instruction and behind­the­scenes exposure to manufacturing and quality lab processes.

The extensive curriculum is facilitated by industry experts and leads to the Certified Fastener Specialist™ designation upon completion of the course and passing the final exam.

UNITED KINGDOM – 04

SCREWFIX MARKS 1,000TH STORE OPENING ACROSS MARKETS > Screwfix has reached the milestone of opening 1,000 stores across the UK, Ireland and France. Founded in Yeovil in 2005, Screwfix has opened an average of one store per week over the past decade while expanding internationally. In 2019, it launched its first stores in the Republic of Ireland and has since opened more than 40 locations, creating nearly 500 jobs. In 2022, the retailer expanded into France, opening a distribution centre and its first stores. It now operates 35 stores in the country.

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UNITED KINGDOM – 03

MTA INTRODUCES INDUSTRY GUIDE TO DRIVE ARMED FORCES TALENT INTO MANUFACTURING > The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has launched a new industry guide in collaboration with Mission Community, designed for ex­Armed Forces personnel and the wider Service community. The new industry guide, Mission Manufacturing, aims to support trained individuals from the Armed Forces Community in transitioning into fulfilling second careers in the manufacturing and advanced engineering sectors, where employers can benefit from their talent amid a widely acknowledged skills shortage.

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EUROPE – 05

FABORY ACQUIRES METRIK TO STRENGTHEN BENELUX ENERGY MARKET PRESENCE > Fabory has acquired Metrik Fasteners B.V. and Stern Instruments B.V. (Metrik). The company stated that the acquisition will strengthen its support for customers across the Benelux petrochemical and energy markets, reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of high­quality, critical fastening solutions. As part of the agreement, Stern Instruments will also join Fabory.

Stern is a specialist supplier of control valve spare parts for energy and process installations, further strengthening Fabory’s support in maintenance and shutdown­related activities.

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PACIFIC – 07

SUNCO-KAI GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS SUNCO INDUSTRIES’ KEY POLICY DIRECTION > A year­end gathering of the Sunco­kai, hosted by Sunco Industries, was held on 21 November 2025 at the Hotel Nikko Osaka. The Sunco­kai is an association consisting of manufacturers that supply products to Sunco Industries, with the aim of exchanging information and fostering mutual growth. This year’s year­end gathering was held on a grand scale, welcoming 171 member companies and a total of 244 participants.

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EUROPE – 06

RIVIT RETURNS TO MECSPE WITH CONTROLRIV GEN3 AND NEW TOOL PROTOTYPES > Rivit returned to MECSPE after several years of absence, showcasing a wide range of solutions. At the show, Rivit presented hand riveting tools, battery­powered and hydro­pneumatic models, blind rivets, threaded rivet nuts and lockbolts. The company said these products are designed to meet the application needs of various industrial sectors, including the most specialised ones.

Rivit also featured a preview of two prototype models of new riveting tools for rivet nuts, which officially launched at the end of March. These new products aim to integrate into industrial processes designed to combine performance and ergonomics.

PACIFIC – 08

SOUTHCO OPENS NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN THAILAND > Southco has opened a new manufacturing facility in Chon Buri, Thailand. Spanning over 2,255 square metres, the manufacturing facility produces captive screws, electronic access latches, ejectors, injection moulding and cleanroom manufacturing for quick­ release adapters. Southco added that the new manufacturing facility enhances its ability to serve customers more effectively by reducing lead times, strengthening supply chain resilience and positioning its operations closer to markets.

torque-expo.com

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12 13 Women in Fasteners - Wendy Milne Bennett - Dormole - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:51 Page 1

INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS

WENDY MILNE BENNETT GROUP HR DIRECTOR With more than 35 years in HR, Bennett has built a senior leadership career by championing employee development and authentic progression. Passionate about widening opportunities for women, she highlights the sector’s accessibility, the value of continuous learning and the importance of confidence, visibility and ambition in achieving long-term career success…

How did you get into the fastener industry?

By a happy accident. Although I had experience in manufac­ turing and distribution, I had no experience in the tools, fixings or fasteners sector and had never heard of Dormole or any of the Dormole Group companies. Eight years ago, a recruiter I had known for some time approached me completely out of the blue, as he was working to fill an HR Director role that he was sure I would be interested in. He knew that I would relish the opportunity to work for the Dormole Group because of its long­standing family culture, established in 1972, and the importance it has always placed on the values of respect, fairness, integrity and ethics.

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What does your day-to-day job involve?

No two days are the same. I am always busy, and the variety ensures I never get bored. I lead the Group Human Resources team in delivering a comprehensive HR service to all companies within the Dormole Group.

We support more than 1,200 employees across over 20 sites in the UK and Ireland.

One day I may be involved in training, another in recruitment and another in employee relations matters. While much of my role can be carried out from a desk, I also travel frequently to visit our branches, which I enjoy.

12 13 Women in Fasteners - Wendy Milne Bennett - Dormole - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:51 Page 2

// We should invest time and effort in attending careers fairs to raise awareness of the opportunities available //

As a Group HR Director in a fastener business, how does working within a traditionally male-dominated, industrial sector differ from HR roles in other industries?

With over 35 years of HR experience across a wide variety of businesses, I can honestly say that people are people wherever you go, and they share many of the same needs and challenges, regardless of the role they perform or the industry or sector.

One difference I have found, however, is that people working in this sector tend to be more down­to­earth and straight­talk­ ing and, pardon the pun, they literally call a spade a spade.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry and company since you started?

I am really pleased to say that many of our female colleagues have become much more confident in their abilities. Several have invested significant time and effort in developing their skills, knowledge and qualifications, and have successfully secured senior roles within our company.

The industry as a whole has recognised the benefits of employing more women, and it is refreshing to see so many industry­wide initiatives aimed at encouraging women to consider a career in this sector.

Can you share some of your career highlights and milestones so far?

After completing a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies, my early career was in sales and customer service. For some time, however, I had wanted to move into human resources (then known as Personnel), so I left my sales job – and the company car – and returned to university to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel and Development.

After qualifying, I applied for a Personnel Officer role with a local manufacturing company. Over the following years, I progressed my career in human resources, moving companies every five or six years and gaining promotion to Personnel/HR Manager, then to a Group HR management role and later to an HR Director position.

During this time, while working as an HR Manager, I had the opportunity, with company support, to complete a Master’s degree in HRD, which involved a significant amount of home study. I also advanced my professional membership of the CIPD to Corporate Fellowship (FCIPD).

Throughout my career, I have been grateful to work in roles that allowed me to introduce policies and procedures to

improve the employee experience, enhance working practices and employee benefits and implement learning and develop­ ment opportunities for all.

What is your favourite thing about the fastener industry?

Our products are used by both businesses and the general public and are essential to a wide range of activities across multiple industries.

What do you think needs to be done to encourage more women to get involved in the fastener industry?

We need to promote the wide variety of roles available within our business and share as many success stories as possible of women who have built careers in our industry.

Social media is likely the most effective way to communicate this message; however, we should also invest time and effort in attending careers fairs to raise awareness of the opportunities available and to demonstrate clearly that we value diversity.

If you could, what piece of advice would you give your younger self as you started working in the fastener industry?

You do not need to be a construction or building expert to learn about and work with fasteners, fixings and tools. They are products, and like any other product, you can learn about them and develop expertise over time.

This industry is essential to the success of many different parts of the economy; its importance should not be underes­ timated, and it is a privilege to be part of it.

Any final thoughts?

I would urge all women to be confident in their abilities and to focus on realising their ambitions. In doing so, however, I would also encourage them not to imitate their male colleagues, but instead to remain authentic – staying true to themselves and taking opportunities as they arise, whether through training and development (vocational or academic) or by applying for new roles.

We also need to become better at highlighting our achieve­ ments, asking for career progression and ensuring that the management team is aware of our desire to develop and advance within the company. www.dormole.net

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14 15 COVER PROFILE - Optimas - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:56 Page 1

COVER PROFILE

“WE’RE ON A MISSION TO HELP”

Optimas CEO Mike Tuffy (left) with Simon Wright International Marketing Director

In early February, news broke that international player Optimas was being significantly reorganised, with Optimas International – covering APAC, Europe and the UK – acquired by European private enquiry firm Exponent. Torque Magazine caught up with Optimas International CEO Mike Tuffy to go through the changes and what they mean for the business and industry…

How long the acquisition has been in the works?

It was in 2022 that we separated the divisions, with very clear delineations between the two regions, which laid the ground­ work. We’d been speaking with Exponent for about 14 months [before the acquisition in February 2026] and it actually took a while longer than was expected, with the geopolitical changes happening in the world. But now we’re here and there are brilliant reasons for the change.

We explained to them about the multi­year transformation, how the philosophy of the markets are different and that’s why we ended up being regionalised, to allow flexibility and clarity.

For most of our customers and suppliers, they are regionalised and when I first took this job, I embraced the mantra of ‘in country for country’.

We used to have a matrix organisation structure and becom­ ing P&L­led was a big change. That took time to bed in. We could see those changes were really starting to have an impact and that was part of the reasoning for the changes. And we want to give them value as the owner.

Have there been any surprises along the way?

I've been part of a team that’s been bought and sold a few times, but I've never sat in this chair as CEO during an acquisition or sale before. So, it was different for me personally. I found it really interesting and the surprises were good: the team has been so positive; their energy, commitment and drive in getting this done. When you are running an organisation in a demand­ ing industry but meanwhile you've got to go through all the due diligence at the same time and keep your energy up.

The feedback we’ve had from customers in front of the new owners has been amazing. How they appreciate what the team do every day, that was a nice surprise. The confidence is high and the feedback from the market and the suppliers has been very positive and my phone is on fire!

// This industry is pretty complex.

We're on a mission to help some of that fragmentation, to simplify some of it //

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The industry has been very supportive. There’s a lot of people in this team that have been in the market a long time and we’ve got a lot of strong relationships. The messages have been lovely. Some said they saw it coming after seeing us make those changes a few years ago.

And what does it mean for customers? Business as usual?

Initially, yes. We have been through a few acquisitions, the last one in 2015, when we became independent from Anixter. No one knew who Optimas was, there were brand new legal enti­ ties and it was tough. This time it’s much more simple. We kept hold of the brand, it has value, we spent a decade building it and we are passionate about it.

For customers and suppliers there’s no change, everything that you did yesterday you’re doing tomorrow. But it’s good news for both sides because we’ve now fully focused in their region.

We don't have the delays and we can be more nimble. We are now driving our own strategy and it gives us now the abil­ ity to invest. This is of massive importance for this organisa­ tion, and for this industry. This industry is pretty complex. And there are a lot of businesses that are small, wonderful organi­ sations, but are very fragmented.

We're on a mission to help some of that fragmentation, to simplify some of it. We want to grow organically as well through acquisition.

Are you going to let the dust settle on the changes or is Optimas International now going “all guns blazing”?

There’s a certain amount of letting the dust settle before any big changes. We’re happy, the team is excited and we’ve done a lot of work in putting our foundations in place. We've been on a growth journey for some time, and we’ve got our plans and we have to execute those. We’ve got lots of capacity in the UK and Europe, so we are set for growth in those two areas, we already have the infrastructure.

We are looking at different endmarkets, different customer verticals, different product groupings. We’re strong in automo­ tive in Europe and the UK, for example, but not as strong in other areas. In APAC we are absolutely flying and really happy.

That’s not just China, but the whole APAC region including Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand… all areas and we are not standing still.

We’ve got to be focused, strategic and diligent. The teams

OPTIMAS INTERNATIONAL

// We solve problems, we solve pain points.

We simplify supply chains //

are ready. And the pressure is self­driven – we have a plan and want to exceed it.

With the disruption we’ve seen, does it pay for a business to be more nimble? Would that play into the philosophy of this move...?

We can make local decisions and we’ve employed some bril­ liant people, and we’re empowering them. We want to have entrepreneurs in those regions. P&L is factored into how we run this business now. We are data­led and you want to have that, that flexibility to execute on the opportunity that you see.

We’re here and we’re ready and open for business, ready to solve problems. We're not a fastener distributor, we're much more than that. We solve problems, we solve pain points. We simplify supply chains. We make that complexity simple for them on the bill of materials. We’ve got over 20 different cate­ gories of product that we supply. For many of our customers we only supply one or two different categories, but we’ve tens of thousands of SKUs we can supply in many different cate­ gories. That is part of our growth strategy and it’s on us to communicate that product diversity to them. It’s exciting.

So acquisitions are a potential route for Optimas?

Exponent want us to execute our organic business plan and in addition to expand through acquisition. I am looking for distri­ bution businesses to strengthen our geographic coverage in our regions. We’re looking at different markets and products and they’ve got to be the right cultural fit. Maybe it’s a company ready for the next step but have been cautious so far.

If there’s an opportunity to add value, to help them grow to achieve their ambitions…

Aside from the recent changes, what are the primary aims for Optimas over the coming 12 months?

It's all about our customers and our people, that’s in our DNA. We want to control the growth. Everything we do is data­led.

We have spent a lot of time, effort and money in business intel­ ligence and it’s got to be effective and usable.

How we talk about total cost of acquisition is a big point for me. How we explain about total acquisition to our customers, how we solve their problems for them… It's not all about the widget cost, it's all about how they apply this, what they do on their production lines, etc. This engineering­led approach is important to us. We are immersed and engrained in our customers. That is so important and needs to continue.

Going back to our people, we spend a lot of time focusing on our values, which we summarise as THREAD, an acronym for trust honesty, respect, excellence, accountability and drive. We

reward people for adopting our values and this is critical for me. We treat people the way we want to be treated and we respect our individuals. This should be a given, but it's actually not in all instances.

We give awards out to people every quarter, and those are the best meetings that I have!

When there is change you need to be reassuring and manage those changes. You need empathy where it's needed or expla­ nations where it's needed. I truly believe that everyone comes to work to do a good job. We need to make it simple for people.

Every single individual has their own contribution to make and our engagement with people and ensuring that they know the role they play in our goals works for us – people enjoy it better because they know what's expected and what they can do.

I do almost metaphorically want people queuing up outside, wanting to work for us. I take note of how many LinkedIn requests I get with people asking for work. It’s not enough yet!

We want to be an employer of choice, where we give people the opportunities to grow and excel. We've got so many exam­ ples of people that have started in junior positions and have gone on and developed with us.

Employing people isn't easy, it's expensive. If someone comes in for a few days and doesn’t like it, the cost and the disruption is enormous. It is challenging. We spend time on induction and onboarding because getting people through the door is job number one. Then it’s getting them to stay. That’s why we have long service awards, we celebrate people at anniversaries. It’s very important to the culture. We celebrate big anniversaries but the ones I celebrate the most are really the first five years.

We recently had a group call with as many people in all regions as we could. There were 400 lines open on a video and people were huddled around computers… we probably touched 80% of our people, then we recorded it for everyone on night shift or couldn’t make it.

It is imperative that as we continue on our journey and scale up, we keep those values. optimasinternational.com

“It’s all about our customers and our people, that’s in our DNA” torque-expo.com

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16 SPOTLIGHT - Cetin Civata - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:57 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

STRATEGY FOR GROWTH Seeing strong demand for high-quality, technically advanced fasteners across automotive, industrial and machinery sectors in Europe, Çetin Civata is expanding its presence in key markets, investing in advanced production technologies and quality systems, and offering bespoke and special fasteners to meet complex customer requirements…

F

rom a sales perspective, what key trends are you seeing in the European automotive or other industries that are influencing demand for fasteners and engineered components?

Firstly, there is a strong focus on lightweighting and electrifi­ cation in the automotive industry, which drives demand for high­performance, corrosion­resistant and specialised fasten­ ers that meet stricter technical requirements. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid systems require precision­engineered components that differ significantly from traditional internal combustion vehicle applications.

Secondly, sustainability and environmental compliance are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. Customers are seeking suppliers who not only provide high­quality products but also demonstrate responsible manufacturing practices, energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This trend is particularly relevant in sectors such as automotive, renewable energy and industrial machinery.

Thirdly, supply­chain reliability and responsiveness remain critical. Companies need dependable suppliers who can ensure consistent product availability, timely delivery and flexibility to respond to fluctuations in production demand. This has been highlighted by recent global supply­chain disruptions and ongoing market volatility.

Finally, the growth of customised and high­value engineered components is driving demand for suppliers capable of produc­ ing special fasteners, precision parts and bespoke solutions according to customer specifications and technical drawings.

Beyond automotive, which other industrial sectors in Europe are showing strong growth or evolving requirements, and how is Çetin Civata adapting its sales strategy to capitalise on those opportunities?

Beyond automotive, key European sectors showing strong growth include machinery and industrial equipment, renew­ able energy and infrastructure, as well as construction and metal fabrication. These industries increasingly demand high­ quality, durable and, in some cases, custom­made fasteners that meet specific technical requirements. Çetin Civata is adapting its sales strategy to capitalise on these opportunities by offering customised fasteners and special parts, providing technical support and engineering guidance, ensuring reliable supply chains and on­time delivery, and investing in sustainable production and advanced technologies.

How are you aligning your sales strategy with industry trends such as sustainability, quality certifications or supply-chain reliability?

Quality remains a core focus. We strictly adhere to international standards and continually invest in improving our production processes. Securing the MAThread licence is a major milestone, strengthening our technical capabilities and enabling us to offer high­performance fastening solutions to our customers.

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Sales Manager Selma Bızakçıoğlu explains the company’s strength and future plans to Torque Magazine

Supply­chain reliability is also a top priority. By maintaining strong partnerships and optimising our logistics processes, we ensure consistent product availability, stable quality and on­ time delivery.

Can you tell us about Çetin Civata’s business plan in 2026 and beyond?

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Çetin Civata’s business plan focuses on sustainable growth, international market expansion, and continued investment in technology and production capabilities.

A key priority is to further strengthen our presence in major European markets, particularly in the UK and across the EMEA region, by developing closer partnerships with distributors, OEM manufacturers and industrial clients. We aim to grow our customer base while maintaining the long­term relationships that underpin our business approach.

We also plan to continue investing in advanced production technologies and quality systems to improve efficiency, prod­ uct performance and reliability. Recent initiatives, including the MAThread licence and generating part of our own energy, reflect our commitment to innovation and sustainability.

In addition, we will expand our capabilities in producing special fasteners and bespoke components according to customer drawings, meeting the growing demand for techni­ cally complex, high­quality parts in global markets.

Overall, our long­term strategy is to reinforce Çetin Civata’s position as a reliable and flexible partner for high­quality fastening solutions in the international market. www.cetin.com.tr

18 19 20 FOCUS - Nylon and plastic fixings and fasteners - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:58 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS

WIDE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS

One of Europe’s leading suppliers, Nyfast offers one of the most extensive ranges available from stock

Nyfast supplies a broad range of nylon and plastic fasteners, including snap rivets, spacers and high-performance PEEK components, for industrial and manufacturing applications…

N

yfast (Nylon Fasteners) supplies a comprehensive and continuously expanding range of nylon and plastic fastening solutions for industrial and manufacturing applications across the globe.

As engineers increasingly specify non­metallic fixings to address challenges such as corrosion, weight reduction, elec­ trical insulation and installation difficulties, nylon and special­ ist polymer fasteners remain key components in modern design and assembly.

The company’s core product portfolio includes precision­ moulded nylon screws, nuts, washers, panel fasteners, spacers, snap­in fixings and standoffs. Manufactured from high­quality polyamide materials such as PA6 and PA66, these fasteners provide dependable mechanical strength, dimensional stabil­ ity and resistance to chemicals, vibration and environmental exposure. As a result, they are widely used in electronics, auto­ motive systems, enclosures, renewable energy installations and general industrial equipment.

Nyfast is recognised as one of Europe’s leading supplier of nylon snap rivets, offering one of the most extensive ranges available from stock. Snap rivets provide a simple, secure and tool­free fixing solution, particularly suited to panel assembly, automotive trim, electronics housings and appliance manufac­ ture. Their fast installation and consistent performance make them especially effective in high­volume production environ­ ments where efficiency is critical.

A key part of Nyfast’s business model is its dedicated focus on nylon and plastic fixings. By specialising exclusively in non­metallic fasteners, Nyfast is able to support other fastener distributors that may have lower demand for nylon products, while also supplying end users directly. This focused approach allows distributors to rely on Nyfast’s depth of stock, technical knowledge and product breadth, ensuring reliable access to specialist plastic fasteners with­ out diluting their own core ranges.

Recent portfolio expansion includes the introduction of high­performance PEEK fasteners, designed for applications where standard nylon materials may not be suitable. PEEK offers exceptional resistance to high temperatures, aggressive chemicals and mechanical stress, making it suitable for

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demanding sectors such as aerospace, electronics and advanced engineering.

Nyfast has also extended its spacer and standoff offering with the addition of male/female and female/female hex standoff spacers. These components are commonly used in PCB mount­ ing and electronic assemblies, providing secure spacing, accu­ rate alignment and electrical insulation. The hex body design allows controlled installation using standard tools.

Nyfast’s product portfolio continues to evolve in response to customer demand and market requirements. The next planned addition is a range of imperial nylon fasteners, sched­ uled for release later this year, further expanding compatibility with international standards and legacy designs.

With strong stock availability, technical expertise and a clear focus on nylon and plastic fixings, Nyfast remains a trusted supplier to distributors and manufacturers globally. www.nyfast.com

Nyfast’s product portfolio continues to evolve in response to customer demand and requirements

FRAME PLUG WITH CYLINDER HEAD AND HEX SCREW WITH COMBINED WASHER The SMART frame anchor with a flange head and T-Drive recess ensures safe and secure tightening, providing a strong and reliable fixing of structures (e.g. metal and façade structures) in concrete, brick, hollow blocks, and aerated concrete.

AVAILABLE DIAMETERS: FROM 8 MM TO 12 MM Our product range also includes:

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More info : www.pgb-europe.com

TORQUE MAGAZIN MARCH 2026_update.indd 1

05/03/2026 11:15:38

bb HARD-DIVIDER Torque-Expo - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 12:23 Page 1

TUESDAY

12 MAY 2026

2O26

U O Y T A WH O T D E E N . . .

W O N K TIME OF THE EVENT? 09.00 – 16.00 WHERE? Telford International Centre, West Midlands WHAT? Fastener, tool, construction fixing and related industries B2B exhibition WHO? Torque-Expo is for wholesalers, independent retailers, multiple retailers, fastener and fixings distributors, hardware and builders merchants, as well as engineering suppliers, providing an opportunity to see some of the UK and Europe’s top suppliers all under one roof.

INCLUDING? A B2B exhibition, a substantial conference programme, an innovation zone showcasing new and unusual products, followed by an evening of networking and an awards presentation highlighting the industry’s latest developments and achievements.

HOW TO ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT? Scan this QR code to register for FREE today!

Visitor registration sponsored by

– events.torque-expo.com –

WHEN? Tuesday 12 May 2026

18 19 20 FOCUS - Nylon and plastic fixings and fasteners - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:58 Page 2

NYLON + PLASTIC FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

Compared with metal fasteners, Bülte’s products offer reduced weight, making them particularly suitable for weight-sensitive applications

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS Bülte’s products made from high-performance materials such as PEEK and PTFE are suitable for sectors like mechanical engineering, medical devices, electronics and the chemical industry…

B

ülte offers a wide range of fasteners, including screws, nuts and washers, manufactured from polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

These materials provide a low coefficient of friction, resistance to aggressive chemicals and superior electrical insulation.

PEEK is highly regarded for its high tensile strength, contin­ uous use temperature resistance of up to 260°C and excellent dimensional stability. In contrast, PTFE offers an extremely low coefficient of friction, outstanding resistance to aggres­ sive chemicals and superior electrical insulation, making it an ideal choice for sealing elements, electrical insulators and low­friction applications.

Compared with metal fasteners, Bülte’s products offer reduced weight, making them particularly suitable for weight­ sensitive applications.

Bülte’s standard product range includes more than 6,500 plastic fasteners in a variety of standard dimensions, including cheese head screws ISO 1207 (DIN 84), washers ISO 7089 (DIN 125, DIN 34815), washers ISO 7092 (DIN 433) and wash­

ers ISO 7093 (DIN 9021), among others. The range covers different manufacturing methods, such as injection­moulded parts, turned components and stamped parts, as well as a wide selection of materials. In addition to PEEK and PTFE, customer­specific versions reinforced with glass fibre, graphite or carbon fibre are available to meet specific require­ ments, such as enhanced sliding properties or increased tensile strength.

The portfolio also includes self­adhesive washers, captive seal­ ing washers and combination fasteners that provide locking, insulation and sealing in a single solution, making them suitable for safety­critical applications in extreme operating conditions.

Alongside its extensive standard range, Bülte also manufac­ tures custom parts based on customer drawings. Development is carried out in close collaboration with customers and is supported by decades of experience in plastics processing and advanced manufacturing technologies. www.bulte.com

torque-expo.com

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18 19 20 FOCUS - Nylon and plastic fixings and fasteners - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:58 Page 3

TORQUE FOCUS NYLON + PLASTIC FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

The new product line demonstrates at least 80% of the mechanical performance of virgin-grade plastics

ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TR’s new nylon fasteners are made from 100% recycled materials with performance similar to virgin-grade plastics…

R Fastenings has developed a new range of nylon fasteners manufactured entirely from recycled materi­ als, including waste textiles, discarded fishing nets and automotive airbags.

As environmental legislation and design standards evolve, especially in sectors such as lighting, power, data and water infrastructure, the demand for durable, eco­efficient compo­ nents is rising, according to the company. Currently, the global sustainable plastics market remains dominated by single­use applications, but TR Fastenings has identified a gap and oppor­ tunity in engineered fasteners.

Following a comprehensive R&D programme involving detailed material research, mechanical property analysis, moulding trials and accelerated heat­ageing tests on several materials, the new product line has demonstrated at least 80% of the mechanical performance of virgin­grade plastics, while delivering up to a 90% reduction in raw material CO₂ emis­ sions compared to prime­grade counterparts.

Trials were conducted on a range of products suitable for smart infrastructure applications, from securing data cabling

T

to fastening control systems and enclosures, including cable ties, fir tree mounts, push lock rivets, drive fasteners, wire saddles, snap rivets, fir tree clips and threaded pillars.

“We’ve achieved outstanding results with our sustain­ able nylon products, not only matching performance requirements but also offering a credible path to net zero.

This initiative sits at the heart of our strategy to support our customers with engineering­led, environmentally responsible solutions,” says Andrew Fletcher, Head of Plas­ tics & Rubber (Commercial & Technical) at TR Fastenings.

Looking ahead, TR Fastenings will continue to lead material innovation for the smart infrastructure sector and is actively exploring enhancements to flammability ratings and further expansion of its sustainable materials portfolio. TR Fastenings’ R&D team is also exploring plant­based renewable plastics and a unique polymer derived from unsorted household waste, in addition to recycled nylon. www.trfastenings.com

// We’ve achieved outstanding results with our sustainable nylon products, not only matching performance requirements but also offering a credible path to net zero //

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22 SPOTLIGHT - Gala - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 14:59 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

ONE YEAR OF ADVANCED FASTENER MANUFACTURING Gala Precision Engineering celebrated one year of operations at its Chennai plant, designed to enhance in-house manufacturing and testing for large-size fastening solutions…

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“Greater in-house integration helps support better control, reducing reliance on fragmented external processing”

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According to the company, the manufacturing capabilities cater to the evolving needs of buyers. “Buyers increasingly assess whether a manufacturer has the stability and technical discipline needed to support long­term requirements with consistency. Greater in­house integration helps support better control across forging, heat treatment, machining, rolling and validation, while also reducing reliance on fragmented exter­ nal processing,” the company states.

It adds that the manufacturing plant is proof of its contin­ ued investment in strengthening its manufacturing base for large­size studs, bolts and nuts, while aligning with the expec­ tations of sectors that demand reliability, process control and supplier confidence. www.galagroup.com

The Chennai plant produces large-size fastening solutions, including studs, bolts, nuts and threaded rods, manufactured to ISO, ASME and DIN standards

ala Precision Engineering has celebrated the one­year anniversary of its manufacturing plant in Chennai, India.

The manufacturing plant is part of the company’s plan to strengthen its manufacturing capability for fastening solutions serving demanding engineering applications across renewable energy, industrial equipment, infrastructure, rail­related systems, construction machinery, mining, material handling and other heavy engineering sectors.

The infrastructure of the new manufacturing plant includes a range of in­house manufacturing and testing capabilities across key stages of production. For example, it is equipped with a 300 KW induction heater with an accuracy of 10°C, a hot forging machine with capacity up to M80 x 400 mm and head taper accuracy of 300 microns, and a sealed quench furnace with a batch capacity of 1,000 kg supported by sophisticated controls, including SCADA and data acquisition systems.

It also houses a shot blasting machine with a capacity of 500 kg per batch and a handling length of up to 550 mm, four CNC turning machines with capacity for lengths up to 700 mm, and nine advanced thread rolling machines with rolling capacity up to M100.

The manufacturing plant is further supported by testing infrastructure that includes MPI testing, impact testing and a salt spray chamber.

In addition to process capability, the Chennai plant supports a defined product range in large­size fastening solutions. For studs, bolts, nuts and threaded rods, Gala offers standards including ISO, ASME and DIN. The materials used include high carbon steel and alloy steel, with grade options such as 8, 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 depending on the product category and requirements.

23 AD MIX - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 10:18 Page 1

Fast. Instant. Available Disc Springs DIN 2093

Washers DIN 988

Retaining Rings DIN 471

Retaining Rings DIN 472

!

V-Retaining Rings

Retaining Rings DIN 6799

Check out our new catalog and send us your inquiry at: info@paal.de

Securing Nuts, Snap Rings and more.

Alexander Paal GmbH Blumentalstraße 2-4 42859 Remscheid +49 21919060 www.paal.de

With over 3,000 m² of storage space, 5,000 pallet positions, and 15,000 small parts bins, we keep many products in stock – ensuring fast shipping and excellent service.

24 25 26 28 FOCUS - Drill & screwdriver bits - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:00 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS DRILL & SCREWDRIVER BITS

DURABLE DRILL BITS The Bulldog Xtreme8™ SDS-plus concrete drill bit is applicable to demanding tasks and is designed with durability…

B

osch Power Tools’ Bulldog Xtreme8™ SDS­plus concrete drill bit offers users more than four times longer life in concrete with rebar.

The drill bit is compatible with all SDS­plus rotary hammers.

Engineered for durability and precision in demanding appli­ cations, the drill bit’s eight­cutter head design provides multi­ ple cutting edges that help the bit withstand rebar strikes while reducing the risk of binding or getting stuck during oper­ ation. The robust carbide head enhances the overall strength of the tip, significantly lowering the likelihood of breakage when encountering reinforced materials.

// These new Bulldog Xtreme8 SDS-plus concrete bits demonstrate our dedication to offering solutions that empower hard workers to conquer concrete and achieve exceptional results all day, every day on the jobsite //

The drill bit is compatible with all SDS-plus rotary hammers

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Designed with accuracy in mind, the centring tip makes it suitable for drilling anchoring holes, helping to ensure precise hole placement. An integrated wear mark offers a clear visual indicator of when the bit has reached the end of its service life, supporting consistent performance and safety on site.

The variable 4­2­2 flute design aggressively channels dust away from the hole, reducing heat build­up and enabling smoother, more continuous drilling. Manufactured with Bosch­ made carbide, the bit benefits from high­quality materials that contribute to enhanced durability and long­term reliability.

“These new Bulldog Xtreme8 SDS­plus concrete bits demon­ strate our dedication to offering solutions that empower hard workers to conquer concrete and achieve exceptional results all day, every day on the jobsite,” says Steve Shepherd, Vice Presi­ dent and General Manager for Bosch Tools North America.

The new Bulldog Xtreme8™ concrete drill bit made its debut alongside Bosch Power Tools’ Blue Xtreme™ carbide­tipped drill bits. The Blue Xtreme™ range is available with either a PowerGrip shank or a ¼­inch hex shank, depending on the bit’s diameter and length, providing compatibility across a wide range of drilling applications and tool platforms. www.bosch.us

24 25 26 28 FOCUS - Drill & screwdriver bits - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:00 Page 2

AUTOMATED PRODUCTION FOR GLOBAL CLIENTS TOOLJOY boasts a vertically integrated structure and complete ownership of production facilities, offering products to buyers worldwide…

C

hinese screwdriver bits and tool accessories manufac­ turer TOOLJOY is a manufacturing partner for top­tier tool brands and industrial suppliers worldwide, with plans to continue investing in automated manufacturing in the future.

Operated by Anhui Shengshi Hardware Tool Manufactur­ ing, TOOLJOY offers a wide range of products, including impact bits, driver bits, bit holders, nut setters, hex keys, screwdrivers, drill bits and related accessories for multiple industries, including automotive repair, construction, elec­ trical engineering, DIY retail, industrial maintenance and eCommerce hardware sales.

TOOLJOY’s production infrastructure includes multiple automated lines supported by over 100 sets of advanced CNC milling machines, plastic injection systems, laser engraving equipment, and torque and fatigue testing machines. This enables TOOLJOY to maintain a daily output of over 200,000 units, allowing it to serve both high­volume industrial clients and smaller, agile brands with short lead times.

The company adds that its vertically integrated structure and complete ownership of production facilities enable it to fulfil orders faster, implement stricter quality control, lower produc­ tion costs, and enhance confidentiality and IP protection.

Additionally, the company offers original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and original design manufacturing (ODM) services. Whether clients aim to launch a private label tool brand, expand an existing product line or enter new markets, TOOLJOY can provide end­to­end support, including custom logos and branding, tailored packaging design, material and finish options, precision testing and prototyping, and global shipping support.

Currently, the company holds more than 60 patents for its

TOOLJOY offers a wide range of products, including impact bits, driver bits, bit holders, nut setters, hex keys and screwdrivers

torque-expo.com

25

inventions and has achieved ISO 9001 certification for quality management and BSCI certification for social compliance.

These certifications, combined with TOOLJOY's engineering team and strict in­house standard operating procedures, ensure that every product manufactured meets international standards.

TOOLJOY products also feature enhanced durability and perfor­ mance, utilising advanced technologies such as Taiwanese heat treatment processes and Japanese anti­rust oil technology.

In the future, TOOLJOY will continue investing in automated manufacturing, sustainable production and new product development to meet the growing demand for precision tool accessories worldwide. www.powertooljoy.com

24 25 26 28 FOCUS - Drill & screwdriver bits - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:00 Page 3

TORQUE FOCUS DRILL & SCREWDRIVER BITS

HELLER SHOWCASES INNOVATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE Heller Tools’ Allmat Pro universal drill bit is designed for precise drilling across a wide range of materials….

The new Allmat Pro universal drill bit is showcased at EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair

The Allmat Pro universal drill bit is a versatile solution designed for precise drilling in a wide range of materials

H

eller Tools showcased multiple products at EISENWAREN­ MESSE – International Hardware Fair, with one of the highlights being the new Allmat Pro universal drill bit.

The Allmat Pro universal drill bit is a versatile all­round solution designed for precise drilling across a wide range of materials commonly encountered on construction sites.

Featuring a diamond­ground carbide tip with a centring cutting edge, it enables accurate drilling even on smooth and hard surfaces, while remaining suitable for masonry and stone when used with light impact.

Its TRI shank prevents twisting in the drill chuck, ensuring secure operation and improved control. Ideal for professionals handling constantly changing tasks, the Allmat Pro universal drill bit delivers time and cost savings by allowing one drill bit to be used across multiple materials and composites, including

It enables accurate drilling on smooth and hard surfaces, and can also be used on masonry and stone with light impact

masonry, roof tiles, tiles and plastic. The drill bit is also available with SDS­Plus and 1/4" HEX couplings for added compatibility.

With the Rebar Breaker SDS­max, Heller introduces an inno­ vative solution for one of the most demanding tasks on site: the safe and efficient cutting of reinforcing steel. Designed for speed and durability, the tool delivers performance up to six times faster than conventional alternatives, while offering exceptional robustness, longevity and operational efficiency.

The application process is straightforward and site­ready: drill down to the reinforcement, switch tools, cut through the rebar, then continue drilling. This streamlined workflow enhances productivity, reduces downtime and contributes to shorter construction schedules and more cost­effective project execution. www.hellertools.com

The drill bit can reduce downtime and help enhance efficiency

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27 ADVERT MIX - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 10:22 Page 1

24 25 26 28 FOCUS - Drill & screwdriver bits - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:00 Page 4

TORQUE FOCUS DRILL & SCREWDRIVER BITS The Impact Premier Bit Set is part of Makita’s wider Impact Premier range

STRESS-RELIEVING BITS Makita’s new bits can direct impact stress away from the tip and are ideal for professional users who require long-lasting reliability…

T

he advent of powerful impact drivers has placed extra stress upon bits and fasteners and Makita’s latest expan­ sion of its Impact Premier range includes new bits that are optimised for both impact drivers and drill drivers.

The bits feature a unique design that directs impact stress away from the tip. This results in exceptional hardness and strength, making them ideal for professional users who require long­lasting reliability, high torque endurance and unmatched durability under pressure, says the brand.

The 38­piece set includes 17 25 mm torsion screwdriver bits (C­form) and 16 50 mm torsion screwdriver bits (E­form), along with one 65 mm PZ2 double­ended torsion screwdriver bit. It also features three 65 mm torsion nutsetters (E­form) in 8 mm, 10 mm and 13 mm sizes, as well as one 68 mm torsion bit holder (E­form).

The set includes both C­form and E­form bits for added versatility and also features torsion nutsetters and a magnetic bit holder to provide stronger bit retention while absorbing heavy impact loads. This design reduces stress on the bit tip

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and, combined with a strong screw head grip and flexible centre section, helps extend the lifespan of the bit, especially when used with high­torque impact drivers. Makita states that the bits can last up to ten times longer than standard screw­ driver bits.

All components are supplied in a compact, portable case for organised storage. The bits are predominantly 50 mm long for improved reach and are colour­coded for quick identification, helping to boost on­site efficiency.

The Impact Premier Bit Set forms part of Makita’s wider Impact Premier range. Crafted from custom heat­treated steel, the range offers a complete line­up of premium fastening accessories for impact drivers and drill drivers. It includes a wide selection of bits in various sizes, making it suitable for a broad range of applications. The Impact Premier line­up also features nutsetters, bit holders and adapters, delivering a comprehensive solution for impact screwdriving performance. www.makitauk.com

29 ADVERT MIX - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 10:28 Page 1

AVA I LABI LITY

55 million special and custom screws according to DIN and ISO standards – that‘s over 55 million fast and precise solutions. In all standardized diameters and lengths – even in extra lengths and intermediate sizes. Direct from stock and „just in time“.

NOW IN OUR ONLINE SHOP!

info@pasvahl.de

30 AEROSPACE - Surface Coatings - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:01 Page 1

AEROSPACE

SURFACE COATING LTD LANDS

NADCAP ACCREDITATION

Surface Coating Ltd has strengthened its position as a trusted manufacturing partner to aerospace and defence clients thanks for newly secured accreditation…

D

orset­set Surface Coating Ltd has been awarded NADCAP accreditation, the globally recognised quality benchmark for special processes used across the aerospace and defence industries.

The Weymouth­based company is now one of the only providers in the South of England with this accreditation for coat­ ing and finishing processes, strengthening the region’s capability to support high­spec aerospace and defence manufacturing.

NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program) is an industry­managed accreditation system that verifies whether specialist processes such as coat­ ing, painting and finishing meet the stringent standards required by major aerospace manufacturers and defence contractors worldwide.

Achieving the accreditation confirms that Surface Coating Ltd’s processes meet internationally recognised requirements for quality, traceability and repeatability – key requirements for companies operating within complex global supply chains.

For manufacturers, this means they can access NADCAP­ accredited coating and finishing services within the South of England, rather than relying on suppliers elsewhere in the UK. Supporting aerospace and defence supply chains The accreditation follows significant investment by Surface Coating Ltd in its technical capabilities, quality systems and staff training.

The company provides specialist finishing services including: • wet spray painting • integrated finishing • powder coating • blasting These services support customers working across aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

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NADCAP accreditation is widely regarded as the gold stan­ dard for special processes within the aerospace sector and requires companies to pass rigorous audits and maintain strict ongoing compliance.

Tom Williamson, Director of Surface Coating Ltd, says: “Achieving NADCAP accreditation is a major milestone for our business and reflects the dedication of our team to operating at the highest standards required by the aerospace and defence sectors.

// Achieving NADCAP accreditation is a major milestone for our business and reflects the dedication of our team to operating at the highest standards required by the aerospace and defence sectors // “The process is extremely rigorous, so gaining accreditation demonstrates that our systems, processes and quality controls meet the expectations of some of the world’s most demanding industries.

“It also strengthens our ability to support manufacturers across the South of England who require NADCAP­accredited finishing services as part of their supply chain.”

Surface Coating Ltd will now look to build on the accredita­ tion by expanding its work with aerospace and defence manu­ facturers and supporting complex engineering programmes that require certified finishing and coating processes.

The company is based at Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth and works with manufacturers across the UK. Surfacecoating.co.uk

HEICO-LOCK®

Reaction Washers Reaction arm-free & safe tightening of large bolted joints

Find out more!

HEICO

Fastening Systems The best value to secure and tighten bolted joints

WWW.HEICO-GROUP.COM

32 AEROSPACE - Round-Up - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:02 Page 1

AEROSPACE

ROUND-UP: BILLION DOLLAR DEALS AND AEROSPACE OPPORTUNITIES Headlines from the sector...

BUFAB SIGHTS “SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE, AEROSPACE & DEFENCE”

B

ufab has expanded its global footprint in Eastern Europe with Budapest­based Tibor Prezenszki (pictured right)at the helm.

The company now has a permanent presence at the Budapest office of its mother company Bufab in Hungary. BUMAX will focus on establishing the BUMAX brand and better supporting customers across the Eastern European region – particularly in the Baltic states, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, the Balkans and Turkey. Tibor Prezenszki has been hired to lead BUMAX activities in these countries as the company’s Business Development Manager – Eastern Europe.

“With our new base in Budapest, BUMAX will be better able to bring the latest stainless steel fastener solutions to customers

throughout Eastern Europe,” says Tibor Prezenszki. “East­ ern Europe has the potential to become a booming market for BUMAX in the coming years, with untapped market opportunities and significant projected growth. In particular, we see significant opportunities in applica­ tions related to space, aerospace, defense, marine and nuclear.” www.bufab.com

TRIMAS AEROSPACE SOLD FOR 1.45 BILLION

T

riMas has sold its Aerospace segment for a cool €1.45 billion to an affiliate of Tinicum. The deal, announced back in November, completed in March 2026.

TriMas Aerospace, part of the wider TriMas group, is a provider of highly­engi­ neered fasteners and precision­machined components for mission­critical applica­ tions across the global commercial aerospace and defence industries. Its portfolio of brands includes Monogram

Aerospace Fasteners™, Allfast Fastening Systems®, Mac Fasteners™, TFI Aerospace, TriMas Aerospace Germany, Martinic Engineering™, RSA Engineered Products™ and Weldmac Manufacturing Company.

TriMas Aerospace reported approxi­ mately $374 million in revenue over the last 12 months and the business operates nine manufacturing facilities and employs around 1,250 dedicated team members. trimas.com

ELEMENT JOINS MTC TO ACCELERATE BREAKTHROUGH TECH

E

lement Materials Technology, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, has officially joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as a Tier 2 member.

By joining MTC’s collaborative network of over 90 members, Element aims to co­develop cutting­edge solutions, tackle complex engineering challenges, and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies.

Lee Brough, VP of Aerospace and Defence at Element, says: “Becoming part of this dynamic network enables us to play a more strategic role in shaping the future of industry and accel­ erating innovation across everything we do.”

Element supports industries like aerospace, life sciences and connected technologies with a network of over 270 labs and 8,500­plus experts worldwide. www.element.com

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LDA3 – 3rd Generation THE NEW

High-Torque Cordless Analogue Wrench + Powerful, Fast and Efficient + Precise Switch-off Electronics + Multicolour Status LED + Ergonomic Operation

+

Ergonomic handle for safe working Low maintenance thanks to brushless technology System power: 720 W Powerful 90 Wh (18 V/5 Ah) lithium-ion battery High tightening accuracy thanks to intelligent system integration Infinitely adjustable torque from 90 to 8,000 Nm

GEDORE Torque Ltd Email: sales-guk@gedore.com Telephone: +44 (0) 1756 706700

34 SPOTLIGHT - HECO - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:03 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

EXPANDED RANGE OF SCREWS FOR TIMBER The new HECO-TOPIX-plus fully threaded screws feature an optimised thread pitch adapted to the thread length...

The company has introduced 20 new HECO-TOPIX-plus fully threaded screws across two head variants

H

ECO­Schrauben has expanded its timber construction port­ folio, with a particular focus on its HECO­TOPIX­plus fully threaded screws, which are now available in additional lengths.

The company has introduced 20 new HECO­TOPIX­plus fully threaded screws in two head variants, with lengths ranging from 450mm to 800mm, closing what it describes as “an important gap” in its structural timber construction range.

Like all HECO­TOPIX­plus screws, the new variants feature optimised insertion behaviour, maximum straightness, reduced driving torque, faster installation, higher load­bearing capacity, improved edge distances, optimised steel properties and increased ductility.

// The company has introduced 20 new HECO-TOPIX-plus fully threaded screws in two head variants, with lengths ranging from 450mm to 800mm // The new HECO­TOPIX­plus wood construction screws also feature an optimised thread pitch adapted to the thread length, enabling components to be pulled together even in the fully threaded version. In addition, the stainless steel variants are designed for ease of use, with a screw head that fits precisely into the bit and holds mechanically without the need for a magnet.

This allows the screw to be positioned and driven in with one hand. These characteristics make the HECO­TOPIX­plus suitable for a wide range of applications, from furniture and terrace construction to structural timber engineering.

Alongside the new fully threaded variants, HECO continues to offer a comprehensive product portfolio. This includes HECO­VB wood­concrete composite screws and HECO­WS self­ drilling rod dowels, as well as installation tools available for loan. The range is further supported by design software and extensive technical documentation. www.heco-schrauben.com

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The new HECO-TOPIX-plus wood construction screws feature an optimised thread pitch adapted to the thread length, enabling components to be pulled together even in the fully threaded version

35 SPOTLIGHT - ARMA - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:03 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

ARMA: ADVANCED AUTOMATION

With advanced production technology and a commitment to quality and sustainability, ARMA is accelerating its transformation into a globally competitive manufacturing leader…

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ounded in 1980, ARMA FIXING SYSTEMS has grown into a highly agile, technology­driven manufacturer serving crit­ ical industries including automotive, home appliances, machinery, agriculture, marine, HVAC and construction.

Operating from a 7,000 metre² modern production facility, ARMA offers a comprehensive portfolio of hose and pipe clamps, metal stampings, metal fasteners and plastic fasteners to global markets. Supported by internationally recognised certifications, including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 14064 and I­REC, the company maintains a fully integrated management system focused on quality, digital security and sustainable manufacturing.

In 2025, ARMA’s strategic roadmap delivered tangible results. Exports accounted for 50% of total revenue, while overall turnover rose 5%, reflecting market expansion and operational resilience. Guided by a philosophy of continuous improvement, the company optimised production and admin­ istrative processes and implemented new ERP modules to enhance data transparency, traceability and real­time deci­ sion­making. Active participation in international trade fairs, global trade delegations and direct customer engage­ ment further expanded ARMA’s global footprint and strengthened long­term business partnerships.

// In 2025, ARMA’s strategic roadmap delivered tangible results. Exports accounted for 50% of total revenue, while overall turnover rose 5% //

Central to this growth is ARMA’s commitment to advanced automation. The company upgraded its production infras­ tructure with three new automatic assembly lines for clamps, two automatic metal forming systems for clips and two addi­ tional assembly lines in the metal clip workflow, boosting capacity, flexibility and production speed. Quality assurance was enhanced through a high­precision sorting system with five integrated camera technologies for superior inspection in the metal clip line, alongside a new automatic assembly line for plastic clips, ensuring consistent output and opera­ tional reliability.

Across all production lines, additional sensors and advanced vision systems provide 100% inspection cover­ age and maximum product safety. Fully modernised

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automation systems also position ARMA’s facility as a smart, data­driven manufacturing operation.

Alongside technological advancement, ARMA has strength­ ened sustainability and compliance. Its Supplier Assurance score rose to 84 – Level B, reflecting improved governance and supply chain reliability. Achieving ISO 14064 certification for corporate carbon footprint calculation marks a key milestone in environmental accountability, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparent emissions reporting and respon­ sible industrial growth.

Through disciplined execution, strategic investment and a clear focus on digitalisation and sustainability, ARMA contin­ ues to accelerate its transformation into a globally competitive, future­ready partner in fastening and fixing solutions. www.armafixing.com

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BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

FOR DEMANDING SITUATIONS BUMAX’s expanded portfolio provides higher-performance alternatives to coated 12.9 high-tensile carbon steel fasteners, as well as more cost-effective substitutes for expensive nickel-based alloy and titanium fasteners…

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remium stainless steel fastener specialist BUMAX, known for its range of high­strength stainless steel fasteners, continues to develop its product portfolio with additional high­performance solutions, introducing its latest stainless steel fastener grades.

BUMAX® DX 129 (Duplex Stainless), BUMAX® DX 149 and BUMAX® NITRO 109 are the latest additions to the BUMAX portfolio, offering either higher­performance alternatives to coated 12.9 high­tensile carbon steel fasteners or more cost­ effective alternatives to expensive nickel­based alloy and tita­ nium fasteners.

According to the company, BUMAX® DX 129 is a high­perfor­ mance solution for demanding environments where coated grade 12.9 carbon steel bolts fail to provide reliable mechani­ cal performance or adequate corrosion resistance, or where hydrogen embrittlement is a concern.

Moreover, BUMAX® DX 149 is an upgrade to DX 129 and the newest option for applications that demand very high strength while retaining good ductility and corrosion resistance.

BUMAX® DX 149 can replace 12.9 carbon steel bolts in appli­ cations where strength is identified as a limiting factor.

BUMAX® NITRO 109 is a nitrogen­strengthened austenitic stainless steel that offers superior corrosion resistance in marine environments. It is designed for larger offshore and subsea struc­ tural applications requiring strength Class 100 up to M42 diam­ eter (and the equivalent of 10.9 up to M36 diameter).

The latest high-performance BUMAX stainless steel fastener grades not only deliver superior performance, but also provide commercially attractive solutions, says the brand

// BUMAX says its latest products overcome barriers related to strength and mechanical performance while offering excellent levels of corrosion resistance //

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HIGH TENSILE + BOLT ASSEMBLIES

Traditionally, designers and engineers have had two options for high­strength fastening applications where corrosion is a concern: the use of coated high­tensile 12.9 carbon steel, which With industry expertise supporting high-performance, corrosion-resistant fastening, BUMAX is adept with demanding applications

has a lower product cost but often raises reliability and perfor­ mance concerns; or high­performance nickel­based alloy or titanium fasteners, which are more expensive, particularly in larger volumes. Although stainless steel bolts offer excellent corrosion resistance, they typically have lower strength than high­tensile carbon steel and costly super­alloy materials.

BUMAX says its latest products overcome barriers related to strength and mechanical performance while offering excel­ lent levels of corrosion resistance.

“The latest high­performance BUMAX stainless steel fastener grades not only offer high­performance options, they also provide commercially attractive solutions,” says the company.

“Combined with industry­leading technical expertise that supports designers and engineers in navigating high­perfor­ mance and corrosion­resistant fastening challenges, BUMAX is the partner of choice for the most demanding applications.”

BUMAX adds that as sustainability, durability and whole­life performance become increasingly important, stainless steel is set to play a more essential role across a wide variety of appli­ cations. With advances in standards, manufacturing capabili­ ties and high­strength options, stainless steel fasteners are no longer niche, but a practical, increasingly attractive and cost­ effective solution. www.bumax-fasteners.com

30 years experience Fully Equiped Acredited Laboratory Rack and Barrel Lines XRF Inspection Superior Corrosion Protection Salt Spray Tests Same Day Turn Around* ISO 9001

01902 717 164 info@skymetalfinishing.co.uk Wolverhampton, WV2

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BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

HIGH-TENSILE BOLTS IN MODERN UK CONSTRUCTION Harrison & Clough’s collection of metric hex-headed fasteners can meet the varied needs of construction, engineering and industrial users…

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n the evolving landscape of UK construction, where safety, performance and compliance are non­negotiable, the choice of fastening solutions has never been more critical. From structural steelwork and modular builds to infrastructure, bridges and commercial projects, high­tensile bolt assemblies play a pivotal role in ensuring structural integrity, durability and long­term performance.

As construction firms, contractors and specifiers navigate tightening standards, sustainability goals and rising perfor­ mance expectations, the spotlight is turning to reliable, high­ performance bolt solutions. Harrison & Clough’s (H&C) range is emerging as a trusted partner in that journey.

Current market trends driving high-tensile bolt demand The UK construction market is largely driven by major infras­ tructure programmes, urban regeneration and a growing emphasis on off­site construction techniques. These dynamics directly impact the specification of mechanical fasteners and high­tensile bolt assemblies:

• Structural safety and load demands: Modern buildings and infrastructure increasingly rely on precision­engineered steel assemblies where high­tensile bolts deliver the strength and reliability needed for heavy­load connections.

As project complexity increases, the demand for high­ performance bolting solutions has escalated accordingly.

• Regulatory and quality compliance: The UK’s shift towards rigorous material compliance means procurement teams must source products that demonstrate traceability, mate­ rial integrity and consistent performance.

• Sustainability and lifecycle considerations: Across the sector, there is an increased emphasis on sustainability, including corrosion resistance, material recyclability and lifecycle performance. High­quality bolt assemblies, which reduce maintenance cycles and extend service life, are increasingly specified to support whole­life cost efficiencies.

These market forces have elevated the role of specialist bolt distributors who can deliver consistent quality, technical

Most items in H&C’s catalogue comply with recognised DIN standards, such as DIN 931 and DIN 933, ensuring compatibility with international engineering norms

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HIGH TENSILE + BOLT ASSEMBLIES

support and product traceability – precisely where H&C’s port­ folio delivers value.

What the H&C Hexagon bolting range brings to market H&C’s Hexagon Bolting range represents a broad, technically robust collection of metric hex­headed fasteners designed to meet the varied needs of construction, engineering and indus­ trial users. The range has been developed with a clear under­ standing of current market challenges and aligns well with construction end­user expectations.

1. Comprehensive offering across sizes and specifications Whether the requirement is standard hexagon head bolts, bolt­and­nut assemblies or accessory components, the Hexagon Bolting range spans a wide spectrum of sizes and configurations. From smaller metric diameters to larger, high­ capacity fasteners, the range supports diverse applications across site and fabrication environments.

2. High-tensile performance The range includes high­tensile grade fasteners, including grade 10.9 items, essential for structural and load­bearing connec­ tions. These grades deliver superior tensile, shear and fatigue resistance compared to generic fasteners, enabling specifiers and contractors to meet modern project safety margins.

Within the structural bolting space, H&C offers an EN­assem­ bled structural bolt range, which primarily focuses on high­ strength Grade 8.8 structural bolting assemblies designed to meet EN 15048­1:2007 standards. Intended for use in struc­ tural steelwork, construction and heavy engineering – where reliable load­bearing and secure fastening are essential – these assemblies are engineered for efficiency, with nuts and washers pre­assembled on bolts to reduce installation time.

3. Material and finish versatility Construction environments vary dramatically, from indoor structural bolting to exposed external frames or coastal installations. H&C’s range includes options in self­colour steel, galvanised finishes and zinc, enabling customers to match corrosion resistance and environmental performance with project specifications. H&C also offers bolting in Geomet, available on request through its representatives, for specialist and bespoke projects.

This includes H&C’s MetalMate Socket Screws in a patented Geomet zinc flake finish. Geomet 500 passes the most severe cyclic corrosion tests and has been designed to meet customer requirements for high­grade products, with aluminium alloys, a self­lubricated basecoat and a high­ grade coating, providing a modern and versatile solution.

4. Standards-aligned quality and traceability Most items in H&C’s catalogue conform to recognised DIN standards, such as DIN 931 and DIN 933, ensuring compat­ ibility with international engineering norms. The MetalMate brand further assures customers of manufacturing trace­ ability and consistent quality, a key requirement in applica­ tions where documentation and due diligence are essential.

Choosing a supplier for high-tensile and bolt assemblies The decision to engage with a specific supplier is usually based

on factors including price, confidence in performance, range and stock size, compliance and supply chain reliability. H&C’s range aligns with the core priorities of today’s construction procurement: • Technical assurance: High­tensile grades and recognised standard conformity cater to structural and performance­ critical applications.

• Product depth: A comprehensive catalogue reduces supplier touchpoints and simplifies procurement for contractors and wholesalers.

• Environment­appropriate options: Material and finish choices mitigate corrosion and lifecycle risks without adding complexity.

• Market confidence: MetalMate quality assurance and traceability support compliance documentation and project audits.

In a competitive market where project specifications are tightening and performance expectations continue to rise, H&C’s broad yet specialist range provides the quality, breadth and reliability that today’s construction professionals demand, the firm says: “For specification engineers, site managers and procurement teams seeking fastening solutions that deliver real performance under pressure, H&C stands out as a trusted partner in high­tensile bolts and assemblies.” www.harclob2b.com

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TERRITORY FOCUS

TAKING THE ECONOMIC TEMPERATURE OF SPAIN’S FASTENER MARKET Spain’s general economy outperformed Europe’s in 2025 with almost 3% growth compared to a European average of approx half that amount. Torque Magazine takes the economic temperature of Spain’s fastener sector with the help of BRALO Chief Strategy Officer Eduardo González…

Generally speaking, how’s business in the Spanish fastener market right now?

Overall, the Spanish fastener market is stable and showing gradual improvement.

While the environment is still competitive and somewhat cautious, activity levels have picked up, supported by infrastruc­ ture, renewable energy and steady manu­ facturing demand. Supply chains are more predictable, and customers are planning with greater confidence.

It’s not a booming market, but it is solid and offers good opportunities for well­ positioned companies.

And how about specifically for BRALO – how did 2025 compare with 2024? And was that a surprise or more akin to meeting your expectations?

For BRALO, we entered 2025 with a solid position in Spain. Our market share remains strong and our client portfolio is well diversified. Even though the Spanish market is relatively mature and the broader economic context in Spain was not at its peak in 2025, we delivered good results and continued to grow.

We have been proactive and creative in our approach. The Spain sales team is constantly working on new projects, identifying interesting applications and pursuing opportunities in sectors showing positive momentum – for example, renew­ able energy and solar power, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years – while also serving well­established segments like construction machinery and transport.

This combination of a strong core busi­

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ness, diversification and a willingness to explore growing niches has helped us not only meet expectations but also sustain performance in a challenging environment.

And how has 2026 Q1 performed?

The Spanish market has started 2026 on a positive note, with growth in the first two months and a solid order book and customer base.

That said, we remain cautious and are moving carefully. The instability of recent years has taught us to be prudent, but as a global company with a presence in many countries, our focus extends beyond Spain. We continue to monitor geopoliti­ cal tensions and trade uncertainties worldwide, maintaining optimism and a steady pace of work to be ready for what­ ever the global market may bring.

Generally speaking, what kind of challenges are you seeing in the Spanish market at the moment? Is there anything specific to the territory or are they the same kind of challenges we’re seeing across Europe?

The main challenges in the Spanish market are very similar to those across Europe.

Margin pressure remains high due to strong competition and price­sensitive customers, and demand can vary depend­ ing on the sector. Cost control and efficient stock management are therefore essential.

From a local perspective, Spain is a mature market, so growth often comes from gaining market share, developing new applications, or entering growing sectors rather than from overall market expansion.

So overall, the challenges are not unique to Spain, but the competitive intensity in

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SPAIN + PORTUGAL A key focus has been adapting our offer­ ing more closely to the automotive sector, which has allowed us to develop new fastening products tailored to evolving technical requirements.

In addition, and as a separate milestone, we have recently launched a completely new range of riveting tools – pneumatic and battery­powered – further strength­ ening our position as a comprehensive fastening solutions provider.

a mature market makes efficiency, service quality and customer proximity especially important.

Can you update us on recent investments and developments at BRALO? Over the past two years, at BRALO we have implemented an intensive invest­ ment programme, both in machinery and in human capital. The main objective has been to increase our production capacity – not only in terms of volume, but also in flexibility regarding product types and specifications.

BRALO

Looking at 2026 and further ahead, what kind of plans has BRALO got that you can share with us?

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, our focus will be on enhancing profitability and operational efficiency, ensuring that sustained growth delivers maximum value.

In a market environment with moder­ ate growth, we see this as an opportunity to optimise productivity and processes – not only for our own performance but also to strengthen our partnerships with customers. By working more efficiently and effectively, we can offer them faster delivery, more flexible solutions, and even better overall service, so that improve­

ments in our efficiency directly benefit those we serve.

Guided by our long­term vision and translating strategy into action, our direc­ tion is clear and focused.

We are turning cost and margin pres­ sures into opportunities by driving oper­ ational excellence and smarter sourcing, while accelerating our shift toward higher­value, tailored fastening solutions.

By deepening specialisation and inno­ vation, we aim not only to grow market share, but also to expand our share of wallet with existing customers through integrated, application­specific offerings.

Our global expansion strategy will further strengthen market penetration in key regions, supported by continued tech­ nology investment and the enhancement of strong, long­term global partnerships.

Ultimately, our ambition is to firmly establish ourselves as the preferred global fastening solutions partner – recognised not only for quality and reliability, but for engineering expertise, agility, and customer­centric collaboration. bralo.com

EXPERTS IN FASTENING SOLUTIONS Manufacturing and distribution of rivets, rivet nuts, engineered parts and riveting tools

MAXIMUM QUALITY IN EVERY JOINT SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FOR YOUR PROJECT EFFICIENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT GLOBAL PRESENCE. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

ISO 9001 IATF 16949 ISO 14001

INNOVATIVE NEW RIVETING TOOLS RANGE

SERVING GLOBAL INDUSTRIES WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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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TERRITORY FOCUS

SPAIN + PORTUGAL

ROUND-UP A selection of news from the region…

CELO’S TRADE SHOW HAT-TRICK his year, screws, fixings and support systems specialist CELO has been reaching out to customers in Germany and further afield at a trio of key industry events: DACH+HOLZ, Cologne’s International Hardware Fair and Frank­ furt’s Light + Building.

At DACH+HOLZ, CELO focused on safe, efficient and thermal­bridge­free fixing solutions for ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems). Its proven systems ResiTHERM® and IPL, specifi­ cally developed for fixings in insulated façades, were key products the business showcased to roofers, timber construction professionals and industry partners.

Also in Cologne, at the International Hardware Fair, CELO switched the spot­ light to its high­performance fixing solu­ tions for applications in concrete and masonry, particularly CELO’s MFR frame fixings, ResiFIX injection mortar, as well as

T

its BTS and BTS6 concrete screws and the BAZ bolt anchor.

Finally, the busy team headed to Frank­ furt for Light + Building. Engaging with installers, planners and industry partners from the electrical sector, CELO focused on practical fixing solutions for electrical installations and building services. Many visitors took the opportunity to learn more about applications for fast, safe and efficient installation on site, CELO said.

Among the ranges under discussion included CELO’s FORCE ONE+ gas nailer and accessories, ETICS, BTS6 concrete screw and CCT & WFS systems.

Last year, CELO was awarded the EcoVadis Bronze Medal, meaning the company is now among the top 35% of organisations evaluated globally by the sustainability rating specialist. www.celofasteners.com

GRAFTON BOOSTS SPAIN FOCUS ust over a year since it installed Mario Ballarín as its new CEO for Iberia, Grafton Group (owner of Selco, Woodie’s, Isero and Polvo, and others) signalled further investment in the region.

It entered into an agreement to acquire HVAC specialist Mercaluz, headquartered

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in Alicante. Mercaluz’s 2025 revenue was €150.4 million and its existing manage­ ment team will remain in place. Grafton said HVAC is amongst the fastest growing categories in construction. www.graftonplc.com

SPAIN NAMED HANNOVER MESSE PARTNER COUNTRY FOR ‘27 anufacturing trade fair HANNOVER MESSE has named Spain as its Part­ ner Country ahead of the April 2027 edition of the show. The move comes as the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism is pushing a comprehensive process of transformation and reindustrialisation that it says is producing tangible results across the country. More broadly, Spain plans to contribute to “a broader transformation in Europe – with Germany as the region’s central

M

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engine and a strong partner”.

Spain is promoting the develop­ ment of interconnected indus­ trial hubs, the creation of a new value chain for electric vehicles – supported in part by significant foreign investment – as well as the implementation of strategic projects aligned with the goals of the energy transition and decar­ bonisation.

This year’s show runs 20­24 April 2026. www.hannovermesse.de

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UK

OPINION: SECURING CRITICAL JOINTS THROUGH ADVANCED TENSIONING

From heavy manufacturing to energy and defence, secure bolted joints underpin Europe’s industrial resilience. Advanced tensioning is playing an increasingly central role in delivering long-term safety, reliability and performance. Nord-Lock’s Head of Sales Tensioning Europe, Olivier Gaillard, explains all…

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cross Europe’s power stations, offshore platforms, manufacturing plants, rail networks and defence facilities, bolted joints quietly carry enor­ mous responsibility. When these connec­ tions fail, the consequences extend far beyond maintenance costs – disrupting operations, damaging assets and placing safety at risk.

Olivier Gaillard, Head of Sales Tensioning Europe

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In critical industries, bolting is not a commodity, but a safety decision. Every joint represents an investment in people, equipment and long­term reliability. Safe­ guarding that investment is at the heart of everything we do.

Since its founding in 1982, Nord­Lock Group has grown into a global specialist in secure bolting technologies, employing more than 700 people worldwide. Our portfolio spans wedge­locking washers, pivot pin systems and specialised fasteners.

In Europe, a key focus is tensioning – partic­ ularly through Superbolt® mechanical tensioners and Boltight® hydraulic systems.

Together, these technologies address one of engineering’s most persistent chal­ lenges: achieving accurate, consistent preload in large, safety­critical joints, explains Olivier Gaillard, Head of Sales Tensioning Europe.

Meeting evolving industrial demands Europe’s industrial landscape is evolving.

Conventional power generation now operates alongside renewables. Infras­ tructure is ageing. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing. Across sectors, asset owners

are under pressure to extend service life while improving reliability.

In industries such as power generation, mining, defence and heavy manufacturing, maintenance and durability are non­negotiable.

Many assets operate in remote or restricted environments, where access is limited, down­ time is expensive and tolerances are tight.

// In industries such as power generation, mining, defence and heavy manufacturing, maintenance and durability are non-negotiable // Superbolt mechanical tensioners enable large­diameter bolts to be tight­ ened using standard hand tools, breaking high preload requirements into smaller, controlled increments through multiple

xx ADVERT - FAR Srl - TOR103 2026.qxp 11/03/2026 11:30 Page 1

Over 30 years in the UK, providing robust tools, safety-critical quality fasteners and an unrivalled tool repair service PRODUCTION & QUALITY: FAR is one of the leading names in the manufacturing of blind rivets and rivnuts in Italy, Europe and worldwide. With its large fleet of 125 machines dedicated to various fastening applications, production and quality are two of the key words in FAR’s daily operations. FAR has been ISO 9001 and TÜV certified for many years.

100% made in Italy

Bologna, Northern Italy

Total sqm

20,000 sqm

Total sqm covered

16,500 sqm

4 product categories

Rivets, Rivnuts, Tools & Automations

Rivets outcomes

> 350,000,000 rivets/year

Rivnuts outcomes

> 100,000,000 rivets/year

Tools & Automations

> 50,000 units/year

Total employees

120

Market distribution

75+ countries

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AR is a strong brand in the United Kingdom and is well known for the reliability of its technologies. PARTON TOOLS Ltd was founded and grew alongside FAR and today operates as one of the most valuable authorised FAR distributors and tool repair and service centres. At its Birmingham headquarters, it has a FAR technology showroom where applications for rivets and inserts can be tested. FAR is now an accredited official supplier to some of the UK’s automotive manufacturers and OEMs. PARTON TOOLS provides high value technical services to end users across the UK, as well as repair support and consultancy to system integrators and other distributors.

FAR is one of the few leading international players in the fastening sector with cross­competences in manufacturing a wide range of technologies under one roof, including quality­ critical fasteners, installation tools and automated systems for both operators and robots, covering rivets and rivnuts alike.

Riveting control systems are also available for use by operators and robots for rivets and rents alike.

Technical Designers & Engineers can find 3D drawings of rivets and rivnuts in CADENAS portal, before and after the installation. www.far.bo.it

FAR s.r.l. | Via Giovanni XXIII, 240057 | Granarolo Emilia | Bologna | Italy Phone: +39 051 6009591 | Fax: +39 051 768284 | E-mail: export@far.bo.it

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jackbolts. This allows operators to achieve precise preload without relying on heavy hydraulic torque equipment.

Boltight hydraulic tensioners, by contrast, stretch the bolt directly using controlled hydraulic pressure. By reducing the friction variables associated with torque tightening, hydraulic tensioning delivers uniform and repeatable preload across critical flanges and pressure assemblies.

The result is improved load distribu­ tion, reduced fatigue risk and greater long­term joint integrity – outcomes that directly support asset longevity and oper­ ational confidence. Explains Olivier Gail­ lard, Head of Sales Tensioning Europe.

Combining local support with global reach Flexibility is central to our European strat­ egy, reinforced by a strong regional manu­ facturing footprint.

We support customers ranging from local engineering firms to multinational operators working across multiple terri­ tories. This capability is strengthened by European production facilities, including Superbolt’s manufacturing site in Switzer­ land and Boltight’s hydraulic tensioning operations in the UK. This regional presence provides shorter lead times, closer technical collaboration and greater supply­chain stability – increasingly important in today’s market environment.

Supported by a specialist EMEA tensioning team and global production resources, we operate as both a regional partner and an international supplier. In practice, this may mean providing urgent support during a planned shutdown, or working alongside customers within multi­year infrastructure programmes.

Reliability matters – in our products, our processes and our partnerships.

Engineering confidence into critical joints Across Europe, sectors as varied as indus­ trial infrastructure, structural engineer­ ing, heavy machinery and energy rely on advanced tensioning for the same reason: predictable performance.

In any application with critical joints, repeatable preload is more than a techni­ cal specification. It is essential to opera­ tional confidence.

Mechanical tensioners reduce operator strain and improve safety by lowering required torque forces. Hydraulic systems provide controlled, simultane­ ous bolt stretching that is less sensitive to lubrication or surface variation. Both

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Boltight hydraulic tensioners stretch the bolt directly using controlled hydraulic pressure

// We support customers ranging from local engineering firms to multinational operators working across multiple territories //

approaches are designed to remove uncertainty from bolted assemblies.

Our approach also emphasises close collaboration with customers, from early technical consultation to long­term service support. Each application is differ­ ent, and effective tensioning depends on understanding operational realities as well as engineering requirements.

Reliable bolting is foundational to safe, efficient industry. It requires both the right technology and the right support.

As European industry continues to prioritise resilience, advanced tensioning is becoming central to engineering practice – ensuring that critical joints remain secure not only at installation, but throughout decades of service.

https://www.nordlock.com/boltight/about-boltight/

TRUTEK CONCRETE BOLTS & SCREWS

TAB RH

TAB P

TKS

TFCS TAB F/Z TMS ETA-25/0663 TRUTEK FASTENING SYSTEMS UK LTD UNIT 6, NEW HALL HEY ROAD, RAWTENSTALL, BB4 6HL, UK WWW.TRUTEKFIXINGS.CO.UK SALES@TRUTEKFIXINGS.CO.UK

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TERRITORY FOCUS

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

BEST for Stainless Steel

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF TAMPER-RESISTANT FIXINGS IN URBAN SAFETY Jochem Oerlemans, Product Manager at Fabory, highlights how the integrity of perimeter fencing, playground equipment and street furniture is a critical yet often overlooked element of urban risk management, and explores how local authorities can mitigate safety hazards and reduce asset loss by eliminating the vulnerabilities in standard fixings…

Fabory Product Manager Jochem Oerlemans

GES N A R NEW ED S A E R C AND IN EVELS L K C O T S

S

-BEST N O T H BRIG NATIONAL INTER

68144 5 4 8 3 1 (0) T: +44 est.org b n o t h @brig uk est.co.

E: sales b n o t h w.brig W: ww

UK

ecurity fencing in public spaces such as schools, parks and playgrounds is fundamentally designed to keep communities safe, yet these spaces are under increasing pressure from theft and deliberate tampering.

While high­level security conversations often focus on digital surveillance or physical patrols, the actual integrity of a perimeter frequently relies on its smallest components.

In the context of public spaces, a security breach is rarely just an issue of asset loss; it is a significant public safety hazard.

As a leading supplier of fasteners for environ­ ments such as these, we have seen occasions where perimeter fencing has been compro­ mised because standard bolts were easily removed with basic tools, and the primary safety barrier was effectively neutralised.

Whether it is a high­security fence at a utility site or a gate at a local play area, stan­ dard fixings represent the point of least resistance. Many public assets are not removed through sophisticated or brute­

48

force attacks but through the simple removal of nuts and bolts using tools avail­ able in any hardware store.

For local authorities and facilities managers, the focus must therefore shift from simple theft prevention to comprehen­ sive risk mitigation. If a swing set or slide is tampered with, the structural risk to a child is immediate. Similarly, security fencing only remains functional if the panels stay attached to the posts; the removal of even a few bolts can create a breach point for unau­ thorised access.

Street furniture and infrastructure also fall into this category of risk. Manhole covers, signage and benches are frequently targeted for scrap or resale, and a missing gully cover or a loose signpost creates an immediate physical danger to both pedes­ trians and motorists.

Tamper­resistant fasteners are designed to address these specific vulnerabilities by using non­standard drive systems or permanent one­way mechanisms. These make unautho­

torque-expo.com

ad-tm-h

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rised removal significantly more time­consuming and difficult, acting as both a physical obstacle and a powerful deterrent.

For public sector decision­ makers, the value of this approach lies in its subtlety, as security fasten­ ers do not make a park or play­ ground feel like a restricted zone, preserving the design intent while hardening the asset against interfer­ ence.

There are also clear implications for whole­life costs and legal liability.

Specifying security fixings at the design or maintenance stage typi­ cally represents a marginal propor­ tion of the overall project cost, yet it helps avoid the repeated expenditure and disruption caused by vandalism.

Beyond the direct price of a replacement fence panel or bench, the indirect costs – such as legal liability following an accident, emer­ gency repair call­outs, and the loss of public trust – are far more significant.

For specifiers and estate managers, this means recognising

that in exposed public environ­ ments, a bolt is not simply a bolt.

Different settings demand different levels of resistance, and taking a non­standard fastener approach should be viewed as a deliberate safety decision rather than an optional upgrade.

Protecting public spaces begins with protecting the components that hold them together. At Fabory – the UK’s leading fastener supplier ­ we work with local authorities and contractors to navigate the wide range of security­rated fasteners available, including specialist brands such as Hafren, to ensure that each application is matched with the right level of performance and protection.

While these specifications may seem like a small consideration, they play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity, accessibility and safety of the spaces that communities rely on every day.

“The value of this approach lies in its subtlety, as security fasteners do not make a park or playground feel like a restricted zone”

www.fabory.com

®

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UK

“WE’RE HAPPY TO BE THE SPECIALIST FOR PLASTIC IN THE UK AND GLOBALLY” After 17 years, Nylon Fasteners founder Marcus Birkmyre is stepping back and handing over the reins to the company to Sales Director Jake Phillips. Torque Magazine speaks with the duo about the past, present and future of this growing nylon and plastic fastener specialist, about the secrets of its success and how being nimble has given it a competitive edge…

Left-to-right: Ben Le Flem, Brian Bayes, Jake Phillips, Connor Hurding and Founder Marcus Birkmyre

N

ylon Fasteners (Nyfast) has been carving out an ever­larger share of the plastic and nylon fastener market since 2009 and serving a wide range of customers ranging from smaller distributors and retailers to the big players.

High stock levels with regular deliveries from trusted factories have been among the cornerstones of the business. As time has gone on, investments in technology – like online 3D animations to help explain product specifics – have also played their part in helping win customers. But it’s something supremely simple that has been a bedrock of the business: people.

“We are a small team and we are really happy to be working with a vast range of different customers,” explains Nyfast Founder Marcus Birkmyre. “We build up these relationships and people know they can rely on us for nylon and plastic fasteners.

“We’re here to provide a reliable service and a good price. People can call up and have a friendly knowledgeable person on the other end of the phone who isn't just relying on a part number. We like to talk to people about their projects because the more we know, the better we can help.”

Nyfast is firmly fixed on its niche,

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Marcus explains: “Fasteners as a whole is obviously very metal dominated but we’re very happy to be the specialist for plastic fasteners in the UK and globally.

“Many fastener distributors across the UK focus heavily on metal fasteners, however they do have a small call for plas­ tic fasteners. This is where we step in. We can heavily support those fastener distrib­ utors with competitive pricing due to our established relationships with key manu­ facturing partners. A combination of low overheads, careful market research and well thought out material purchasing

// Our reach in global plastics is extensive compared to the size of the business, and it continues to build //

ensures that we’re always offering every customer the correct pricing band relative to their market position”.

Jake Phillips takes the reins Nyfast’s beginnings were humble, with founder Marcus Birkmyre starting the busi­ ness out of his house. 17 years later, the business is serving worldwide customers from its dedicated unit in Basingstoke.

“We're reaching a lot of people across a vast range of industries and sectors. Our reach in global plastics is extensive and moves in line with the growth of our busi­ ness, and it continues to build exponen­ tially. I started as a one­man band dealing with just people in England and now we have customers in Finland, Australia, China, America… you name it.”

With the firm flying high, its founder Marcus is retiring as of Q2 2026, with the daily running of the business officially being handed over to Sales Director Jake Phillips, who is tasked with continuing to sail the ship into a new era. The moment has been prepared for: Jake joined in 2017 and became a Director of Nyfast back in 2022 (nearly four years to the day of Torque Magazine’s visit).

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Jake Phillips explains: “We’ve been work­ ing towards this for a while now. Marcus will be here a few hours a week and will be on hand when we need him, but I’ll be leading the business and making the day­to­day financial and strategic decisions.”

The new era structure has also seen other changes, Jake adds: “Connor Hurding has been officially promoted to Head of Business and Operations, who has been working as number two to me for a while.”

While there is a change of command, Nyfast is planning to continue focusing on its strengths, including consistent and reli­ able supplies: “Fasteners are only a small part of most projects, but purchasers need to show they are buying correctly and price is important.

“We're shipping weekly out of our key factories. But then if someone needs some­ thing we don’t have in stock, we can fly them out of China to here in two days. If we can help someone out of trouble then we’re happy,” says Marcus. “We’ve spent a lot time market researching, looking at products and pricing. It keeps us really competitive.”

The firm is highly visible online with the major search engines through “skill and a bit of luck” so that the Nyfast name is seen far and wide internationally – even coming up first in online searches in far flung locations like South Africa, we’re told.

Snap rivets & specials “Snap Rivets have proved to be an impor­ tant product line to Nyfast,” Marcus explains. “It’s a fantastic product, they can be used in an array of industries and appli­ cations, they don’t require tools to apply and once fastened – sit flush, which is favourable to many different applications.

Lighting, electronics and POS just to name a few. We know from extensive market research how competitive we are, whether that’s an MOQ order or bulk discounts.

We’ve been known to get many customers out of sticky situations not only on price but large supply in a short space of time – and these customers have never looked back.”

Custom product and specials are part of the Nyfast offering too, with most of its suppliers able to tool to requirement – customers are urged to come forward and chat about their needs with the firm.

Nyfast’s recent investment into 3D prod­ uct animations online have been developed to help guide customers, Jake says: “You can be on the phone to a customer and when you’re trying to explain a particular product you can send a link to our website and they get a little video they can view and show their customers or engineers.

// It’s absolutely vital that we’re building the business on rock. Not sand.

We grow with the right people // “We’ve got the knowledge and the plat­ form to offer customers a solution to that project but also to help with their own understanding.”

Nyfast has seen customers turn up at the door with a challenge to solve, with Jake and the team coming up with solutions on the spot. That speed of response is something Nyfast emphasises, an advantage against less nimble businesses: “Sometimes larger suppliers will take a day or more for some­ one to get back to you, but we can have a solution while they’re still on the phone.”

The agile firm can make decisions fast, it says, providing an example during the Covid lockdown. A phone call came in from a customer unsure how to solve the chal­ lenge of attaching a part to a mask. Within six minutes, Jake came up with a solution and Nyfast ended the month with record sales from that single product. Marcus says: “It’s not to just help the person and make some money, but customers can have that trust in us, that we will under­ stand their challenges and then we can leverage our speed advantage.”

Nyfast products find their way into of­ the­moment tech like data centres, electric vehicle charging and 5G masts, and seeking out new areas is a continued priority.

New business & strong connections Nyfast is keen to explore new business and welcomes enquiries. Marcus says: “We have a very dynamic communication with customers and we’re honest and up­front. It means we can get quicker solutions for them. We talk a lot about new business. We have people approach us with a new project but also those with existing requirements where they are buying from elsewhere and they’re having supply chain issues or service issues or pricing issues. We're genuinely interested in relationships because it makes business a lot easier to do.”

Sometimes you do get a call from some­ one in dire straits, Marcus shares: “When you have someone who’s potentially going into a line stoppage and they’ve got 200 people sitting there being held up by a

washer… We had that not so long ago. So, I grabbed 10,000 washers, put them in my motorbike and I drove to Bristol. We didn’t charge them for doing that… they were very grateful and the line went live!”

Circling back to that point made earlier, people are at the core of the Nyfast propo­ sition: “We as directors feel it's the right thing to do, to make sure that we're build­ ing a proper team. Everybody here is looked after and we want them to feel like they're part of our project. We understand the difficulties as we get bigger and the challenges that come with that, but we certainly want to keep that ethos going.

“You’ve got people who are ready to work, they go through hoops because they're made to feel part of it. And we want to do things differently.”

Jakes adds: “When we send mail outs to customers, we try to inject some person­ ality into it. It’s all part of the engagement of a small team. We had a fun Valentine’s campaign and it got a huge response.”

It’s an example of how Nyfast can forge strong connections, even while the trend may be moving towards more orders made digitally, including on emails, rather than over the phone. Jake picks up the theme: “Even on an email you can build a relationship. We have our pictures in the signature and you get to see who you are talking to… And new customers over email get followed up with a call.”

And the Nyfast formula is paying off, with the business seeing significant sales increases yearly, in the region of 20%.

“We’re interested in creating a proper atmosphere and environment. The classic point is that you spend more time with the people in the office than you do with your own family – it would be pretty good if we all got on, wouldn't it? Culture is top of our priorities.”

Jake adds: “In the lead up to Marcus retiring I have spent the last few years trying to implement things that he has taught me about this ethos. We want everyone to feel looked after and that we’re valuing them.”

While the firm admits this will become a larger challenge as Nyfast grows, it’s one they’re relishing.

Marcus concludes: “It’s absolutely vital that we're building the business on rock.

Not sand. We grow with the right people.

That goes for suppliers, customers and employees…. We really enjoy it and we feel we are growing with the right people.

It just makes total business sense.” www.nyfast.com

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GWR FASTENERS OPENS REVAMPED TRADE COUNTER Upgraded trade counter promises to make it easier than ever for customers to source products quickly and efficiently, says GWR Fasteners

G

WR Fasteners Limited has officially launched its newly upgraded trade counter, located at Artillery Business Park in Oswestry, West Midlands. The enhanced facility reinforces the company’s commitment to providing fast, knowledge­ able and reliable service to customers across a growing range of industries.

Well­known for supplying standard fasteners and threaded bar, along with a wide range of bar materials, GWR Fasteners has built a strong reputation within the auto­ motive and engineering sectors. In response to increasing demand, the business has successfully expanded its reach to support customers in the agricultural, construction and wider professional trades markets.

The upgraded trade counter has been designed to make it easier than ever for customers to source the products they need quickly and efficiently. With improved layout, increased stock avail­ ability and access to expert advice, the counter offers a practical solution for trade professionals looking for depend­ able fastening solutions.

In addition to off­the­shelf fasteners,

GWR Fasteners also specialises in the manufacture of special fasteners and preci­ sion­engineered components. Using state­ of­the­art CNC machinery, the company can produce bespoke parts to exact specifica­ tions, supporting customers with unique or technically demanding requirements.

A key strength of the business is its tech­ nical expertise. The team at GWR Fasteners regularly assists customers in identifying fasteners that are difficult, obsolete, or proving tricky to replace, helping minimise downtime and keep projects moving.

Tom Ellis, Commercial Manager at GWR Fasteners Limited, comments: “The

// The upgraded trade counter is a big step forward for us and is backed by a knowledgeable team //

GWR Fasteners’ revamped trade counter

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upgraded trade counter is a big step forward for us. It’s well stocked, easy to use, and backed by a knowledgeable team who genuinely want to help customers find the right solution. Whether someone needs a standard fastener, a hard­to­identify replacement, or a bespoke CNC­manufac­ tured component, we’re confident the trade counter offers real value to our customers.”

GWR Fasteners Limited invites customers old and new to visit the revamped trade counter at Artillery Business Park, Oswestry, and experience the improved service first­ hand. For trade professionals seeking qual­ ity products, technical support, and fast turnaround, GWR Fasteners Limited contin­ ues to be a trusted partner across multiple industries, the business said.

GWR Fasteners Limited is a multi­ award­winning company which has been recognised by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis of TV's Dragons' Den fame.

You can visit GWR Fasteners Limited and its trade counter at Units 6­7 on the Artillery Business Park in Oswestry. www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk

The Insert Company (UK) Limited

Trading for over 20 year s

Specialists in Threaded Inserts for Wood, Plastic and Metal

Furniture Connector Bolts

Cross Dowels

Brass Multi Inserts

Confirmat Screws

Headed Hex Drive

Steel Knock-in

Barbed Expansion

Countersunk Caps

Zinc Alloy Inserts

Steel Inserts

Brass Inserts

Furniture Connectors

Tel: +44 (0)121 4397329

Fax: +44 (0)121 4397346

Unit 4, Alma Industrial Estate, Stafford Road, Wednesbury, WS10 8SX, United Kingdon

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BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

UK

EJOT BOLSTERS SOFFIT RANGE EJOT UK’s DDS-Z soffit fastener range is exclusively for customers in the UK, with the new fastener boasting a length of 400mm with only 25mm of embedment depth…

BEST for Stainless Steel GES N A R NEW ED S A E R C AND IN EVELS L K C O T S

“Thicker insulation is becoming a feature of many UK new build and refurbishment projects”

E

-BEST N O T H BRIG NATIONAL INTER

68144 5 4 8 3 1 (0) T: +44 est.org b n o t h @brig uk est.co.

E: sales b n o t h w.brig W: ww

JOT UK has expanded its EJOT DDS­Z soffit fastener range, enabling deeper soffit liners to be installed for higher thermal performance.

Exclusively for UK customers, the new fastener boasts a length of 400mm with only 25mm of embedment depth. This means an insulation thickness of 375mm can be accom­ modated by the DDS­Z soffit fastener range.

These longer fasteners are widely used by building contractors and specialist subcontrac­ tors who need to meet higher thermal perfor­ mance, acoustic insulation and fire resistance standards in projects such as car parks, under­ crofts and other spaces over which residential or commercial accommodation is built. This primarily involves using much thicker soffit insulation or soffit liners, particularly non­ combustible mineral fibre, which, in the case of the DDS­Z, already enables the installation of soffit depths of up to 325mm.

Currently, the DDS­Z range already offers fasteners in lengths including 275, 300, 325 and 350mm. Despite the extended fastener lengths, all versions still only require a 25mm embedment into the concrete. This reduces the potential impact on reinforce­ ment within the concrete, which could add time, complexity and cost to the project.

Because the screw does not expand, it is also

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more favourable for use with pre­stressed concrete beams.

The DDS­Z brings together a premium quality concrete screw with the EJOT DD­T washer. As a fastener specifically designed for the attachment of ceiling insulation and acoustic boards to concrete soffits, the DDS­ Z is a steel screw featuring a duplex coating and a self­tapping thread for use in cracked and non­cracked concrete. It has a C1–C3 corrosion resistance classification.

“The most recent updates to the building regulations and initiatives to meet Net Zero Carbon (NZC) have led to increased scrutiny of how we insulate soffits,” says Richard Bowhay, Sales Manager for Construction Fasteners. “Fire safety and thermal perfor­ mance are undoubtedly topping the priority list at the specification stage, but the acous­ tic performance of the proposed soffit insu­ lation has become critically important too.

Hence why thicker insulation is becoming a feature of many UK new build and refur­ bishment projects.”

The new range launches at the end of the first quarter of 2026. All products in the EJOT DDS­Z range can be ordered online via EJOT UK’s webshop. www.ejot.co.uk

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PTS: “WE’RE STRIVING FOR PERFECTION” PTS’ recent warehouse and HQ move was just the start of a significant reinvigoration for the stainless steel fastener supplier. The business recently opened its doors to Torque Magazine for a business update and insights into its future…

W

ith almost four decades in the business, Precision Technologies Supplies (PTS) is a well­established player in the UK and overseas fastener market.

Recently, PTS has been firming up its infrastructure as it takes its next steps for growth, including a brand­new warehouse along with a wealth of other measures.

Fittingly, the new modern warehouse and offices are just metres away from the old HQ, which ties neatly into the PTS philosophy, as General Manager Gordon Davies explains to Torque Magazine: “We’ve achieved a lot in eight months and we’re putting a lot in place, but at the same time we’re not forgetting the things that made PTS the success it is today – range, depth of stock and service.”

PTS has been in its new HQ site for 14 months

PTS had significantly grown out of its old unit, and since the business has moved into its new premises (in December 2024) it has since been wringing more efficiencies out of its fresh space to bolster the business and benefit customers. Optimum picking locations and heights are under the microscope, and in the mean­ time there’s more space for PTS to expand its product ranges.

“We've recently added nylon washers, shim washers and 3 metre studding in A2 and A4 stainless steel. And we'll be adding more to the ranges to complement our 46,000 items,” Davies reveals. “We're continually investing in stock for the future and improving efficiencies within the supply chain.”

PTS is growing sales both online and through calls: “We’re putting a lot of effort into online ordering and developing the website with features such as a quick order function. We’re also reaching out to new customers through Google Ads and social media.”

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// We’re putting alot in place, but we’re not forgetting what made PTS the success it is today – range, depth of stock and service // PTS is striving ever harder to have solutions for its customers, whatever their requirements – including offering EDI to those customers geared up for it. “It’s about the right thing to match our customer… we cater to them all.”

The move has allowed the business to extend its next day delivery offering, meanwhile custom and bespoke services continue, including non­standard sizes and special finishes.

With the arrival of CBAM the PTS team can help customers with needed data and information... Crucially, the business aims to continue its growth trajectory (PTS is up 10% in volume terms over the last 12 months) while maintaining its efficiency and consistency rates.

The team Gordon Davies joined the business in November 2024 as Commercial Director and has since moved into the General Manager role, bringing a whopping 33 years of fastener indus­ try experience to PTS. Pramesh Mothey occupies another key

The PTS warehouse team

The Trade’s choice for Stainless Steel fasteners We’re one of Europe’s leading suppliers of industrial Stainless Steel fasteners.

The UK’s widest range of 46,000+ Metric & Imperial fasteners Fast & reliable with next-day ordering until 5pm

Established in 1988, we’ve continued to grow through investment in our product range, and our reputation for providing quality products at competitive prices, as well as our excellent service. Through our extensive stock, and with eCommerce and EDI options available, we aim to provide our clients with the complete range of Metric and Unified Stainless Steel Fasteners.

1988

Steve Edwards founded PTS

2001

First exhibition stand in Excel London

2002

Expansion to 11,000 sq ft warehouse

2005

Launch of eCommerce platform

2016

Relocation to 40,000 sq ft warehouse

Dedicated sales teams and quality customer care

2018

PTS acquired

by Trifast Plc

2025

Launch of Precision Shims range

2025

Moved to new 57,000 sq ft headquarters

Visit pts-uk.com

Scan to find out more

PTS_TorqueMagazine_SinglePageAd_Updated.indd 1

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General Manager Gordon Davies and Finance Director Pramesh Mothey

// Growth remains firmly on the agenda. The Company is expanding its product portfolio, increasing stock investment, and extending its footprint across the UK, Ireland, and Europe //

West Midlands Sales Manager Sarah Gearing & Sales Coordinator Lee Woodhouse

role at the business, of Finance Director (see inset, right).

The team consists of Ray Levis (Sales Manager for East Grin­ stead), Sarah Gearing (Sales Manager for the Midlands), James Barnett (Quality Manager), Alex Constantinides (IT and Opera­ tions Manager), Andy Westwood (Purchasing Manager), and Andy Blanks (Warehouse Manager), Pauline Tomsett (Finance Manager), Adam Ellis (Customer Service Manager) PTS’ 12­strong sales team is assisted by Stephen Robinson in the Customer Relations role. Robinson is tasked with speaking to customers from a different perspective, quizzing customers on PTS’ performance in a non­selling role.

“It’s a different voice on the phone and sometimes that’s how you get a different response. It’s been quite an advantage. He’ll ask the customer what things we could improve on – he’s there to basically help the customer. We’ve had some good feedback from the customers who appreciate having someone check up on these things. It helps the relationship.”

In alignment with ongoing organisational changes, PTS has increased collaboration within the broader group, aiming to achieve higher HSE standards. This initiative has led to invest­ ments in equipment that facilitate warehouse operations, such as improved picking processes. Additionally, the company is pursuing further certifications and standards, notably the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems certification.

Circling back to the point made earlier, PTS is staying true to its roots of range, depth of stock and service, with that service element being aided by the knowledge of the team, which is steeped in fastener experience. “We’ve got a lot of technical knowledge here. It’s key because we can offer advice and alter­ natives to customers,” explains Davies.

Looking ahead, PTS will be exhibiting at Telford­set Torque­ Expo 2026 in Telford, where Gordon Davies, and the rest of the team will be on hand. www.pts-uk.com

// We’ve got a lot of technical knowledge here.

It’s key because we can offer advice and alternatives to customers //

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“BUILT FOR GROWTH. READY FOR MORE”

PTS’ Warehouse Managers and Supervisors

The PTS Purchasing Team (above) and the growing sales function (below)

Pramesh Mothey FD tells Torque Magazine: “After a year of strong progress, the Company is entering its next phase with real momentum.

“The move to a larger, modern warehouse facility marks a significant step forward. With greater capacity, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced service capability, the business now has the infrastructure to support accelerated growth. Investment in automation and digital systems will further strengthen inventory control, streamline distribution, and elevate customer engagement.

“Growth remains firmly on the agenda. The Company is expanding its product portfolio, increasing stock investment, and extending its footprint across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. With new leadership in place, the strategy is clear: introduce compelling new product ranges, unlock new markets, and build on a hard-earned reputation for quality and reliability.

“People remain central to that ambition. Continued investment in talent, leadership, and capability development will ensure the business has the expertise required to scale sustainably.

“At the same time, responsibility matters. Initiatives to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste, and work with sustainable supply partners are embedded within the long-term plan.

“Financial discipline underpins it all. Strong cash generation, tight working capital management, and prudent cost control will ensure that growth is delivered responsibly and sustainably.

“While global markets and regulatory landscapes continue to evolve, confidence in the business model is high. The foundations are strong, the strategy is clear, and the opportunity for sustained growth and profitability is significant.”

Look out for the PTS branded lorry driving up and down the country

PTS’ Heath, Safety and Environmental Lead torque-expo.com

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026

TUESDAY

12 MAY 2026

2O26 EVENT SPONSORS:

EXHIBITION • NETWORKING • SEMINARS • AWARDS

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Set in the fastener industry heartlands of the West Midlands, Torque-Expo 2026 brings together top and up-and-coming brands, insights from an engaging seminar programme, fresh products and networking opportunities, all under one roof for one day only. Time to get it in your diary…

T

orque­Expo 2026 will return to the Exhibition Centre in Telford, building on the success of its previous editions in 2022 and 2024. The one­day event has established itself as a key gathering for the UK’s fasteners, fixings and tool industries, bringing together suppliers, distributors and industry professionals for a day of business, innovation and networking.

At the heart of the event is a focused B2B exhibition show­ casing the latest products and solutions from across the sector.

The show will also feature a comprehensive conference programme, offering insights into industry trends, market developments and technical advancements. Meanwhile, the Innovation Zone will highlight new and unusual products, giving visitors the opportunity to discover emerging technolo­ gies and ideas shaping the future of the industry.

Designed as a concentrated one­day format, Torque­Expo 2026 allows exhibitors and visitors to maximise their time on site. The structure encourages meaningful conversations

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and valuable networking opportunities, enabling partici­ pants to meet peers, customers and partners from across the industry in a highly productive environment.

The event will conclude with the popular Networking Evening, sponsored by Optimas International, and Awards ceremony, which recognise notable achievements and innova­ tions within the sector. Held at the Telford International Centre, the evening will begin with welcome drinks from 4.30pm, followed by food, refreshments and the opportunity for atten­ dees to unwind and connect with colleagues and industry friends in a relaxed and informal setting.

Exhibitors at Torque­Expo 2026 represent a broad range of sectors, including fasteners, fixings and adhesives, hand and power tools, hardware and architectural ironmongery, DIY products, clothing, safety and janitorial supplies, consumables, associated products, as well as IT and support services.

Read on for a fuller idea of what the show entails or get even more info and register at the site: events.torque-expo.com

make 20 minutes at torque expo pay back all year.

From bulk to box, Epicor gives fastener distributors tighter control over inventory, pricing, and fulfilment. Visit Epicor at Torque Expo on Stand D1 and see what your ERP should be doing for your business.

SCAN. PICK A TIME. TIGHTEN UP YOUR OPERATIONS.

lock in your meeting with the epicor experts. limited slots available

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026

TORQUE-EXPO 2026: THE EXHIBITORS Torque-Expo 2026 will feature important fastener, fixing and tool suppliers in the UK and international markets. Here are some of the highlighted exhibitors that will use Torque-Expo 2026 to showcase its products and services…

ACT FASTENERS & COMPONENTS ACT Fasteners and Components will highlight its extensive product range and bespoke manufacturing capabilities at Torque­Expo 2026.

Founded in 1988, ACT brings more than 37 years of industry experience and stocks over 40,000 product lines, supplying both standard and custom threaded fasteners in a wide variety of materials and finishes.

“We are renowned for sourcing hardtofind fixings, includ­ ing imperial, UNC, UNF, BA and Whitworth threads, as well as difficult inbetween metric sizes,” says Tim Glayshier, Manag­ ing Director of ACT Fasteners and Components. “At the event, we will showcase our expanded ranges, including imperial spring washers and specialist components, alongside valueadded services such as plating, patching, kitting and

STAND: B8

vendor­managed inventory.”

ACT is certified to BS EN ISO 9001:2015, underlining its commitment to quality, reliability and continuous improvement.

YUYAO ALFIRSTE HARDWARE CO., LTD YUYAO ALFIRSTE Hardware Co. specialises in the production of carbon steel and stainless steel screws, including timber (construction) screws, chipboard screws, roofing screws, drywall screws, coach screws and self­drilling/self­tapping screws. In addition, the company has independently developed bi­metal screws, which are set to become its flagship products.

Its monthly production capacity is 1,500 tonnes.

The company’s products are currently exported to more than 20 countries and regions across Europe and the Ameri­ cas, where they are well received by customers for their high quality, competitive pricing and reliable service.

The company sincerely welcomes both new and existing customers to get in touch and explore opportunities to develop overseas markets together.

STAND: B9

Looking ahead, the company will continue to invest in new equipment, strengthen product R&D and enhance laboratory testing over the next five years, according to Michael Wu, Sales Manager of YUYAO ALFIRSTE Hardware.

APEX STAINLESS FASTENERS & AEROTIGHT MANUFACTURING Apex Stainless Fasteners is one of Europe’s leading wholesale stockists of stainless steel fasteners. The company supplies A2 and A4 stainless steel fasteners in metric, unified, imperial and non­standard forms.

At Torque­Expo 2026, Apex Stainless Fasteners will network with customers and industry professionals, discuss new prod­ uct ranges and Aerotight product plans, and provide insights into the stainless steel fastener market and its products.

Gareth Whiteford, Commercial Director at Apex Stainless Fasteners, says: “Apex has ISO 9001­certified manufacturing and distribution processes, including the world­renowned Aerotight® self­locking nut. Serving global markets from its UK facilities, Apex is recognised for outstanding customer service, rapid delivery and competitive pricing.”

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STAND: D6

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Empowering our members with insight, connection, and a collective voice that shapes the fastener supply chain in Britain and Ireland today D F A I B n J oi m an o r f t fi e and ben range of e exclusiv enefits rb membe

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SHOW PREVIEW

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

BEST for Stainless Steel

A W TOOLS (EUROPE) A W Tools (Europe) is a well­established UK distributor of professional power tool accessories and hand tools, with a history stretching back to 1923. Supplying whole­ salers, distributors and merchants throughout the UK and Europe, A W Tools offers an extensive range of professional quality products, including one of the largest selections of saw blades in the UK. Exhibiting at Torque­Expo 2026, the

GES N A R NEW ED S A E R C AND IN EVELS L STOCK BMI ENGINEERING

STAND: C9 company will showcase own­brand and custom packaging options. A W Tools offers high stock availability and fast UK dispatch, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable supply partner to the trade.

“We will be promoting our new printing technology as part of our own branding service. In 2025, A W Tools invested in advanced UV printing technology, enabling full­colour printing directly onto saw blades,” says Sam Walker, Director of A W Tools (Europe). “This capability allows customers greater flexi­ bility in branding and design, delivering high­ impact, bespoke prod­ ucts tailored to individual require­ ments. The new technol­ ogy enhances product presentation while maintaining the durabil­ ity and performance expected from profes­ sional­grade tooling.”

STAND: B7

ENGINEERING

-BEST N O T H BRIG NATIONAL INTER

568144 4 8 3 1 ) (0 T: +44 est.org b n o t h @brig uk est.co.

E: sales b n o t h w.brig W: ww

BMI Engineering is a dynamic engineering and distribution company and a proud member of the Micron Group, with over 45 years of expertise in delivering reliable industrial solutions across global markets.

With strong manufacturing support from MPS Fasteners in India and strategic ware­ house facilities in the UK and Germany, the group ensures consistent quality, compet­ itive pricing and fast delivery.

BMI Engineering specialises in high­ tensile fasteners and precision hydraulic fittings, serving the automotive, industrial and infrastructure sectors. Backed by advanced production capabilities, interna­ tional logistics strength and technical expertise, the Micron Group combines Indian manufacturing excellence with Euro­

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pean distribution advantages to provide dependable, high­performance fastening and fluid power solutions worldwide.

As part of the globally connected Micron Group, the business benefits from strong manufacturing excellence in India, aligned with international quality standards. Its warehousing and distribution network across the UK and Germany further strengthens its ability to deliver efficiently to customers. The company’s core focus on high­tensile fasteners and hydraulic fittings is supported by robust logistics capabilities, enabling fast and reliable delivery. This integrated approach posi­ tions BMI Engineering as a trusted part­ ner for the automotive, industrial and infrastructure sectors.

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TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026 2O26 BÖLLHOFF GMBH UK DIVISION

STAND: A17

Böllhoff is a competence leader in 360° Joining Technology. Family­run since 1877, the company stands for long­term success built on innovation and strong local presence. Böllhoff seeks to understand the needs of its customers and deliver solu­ tions tailored to their requirements. The company focuses on innovative, sustain­ able and economical solutions across its customers’ entire value chain.

More than 3,300 employees are shaping the future of joining technology – both at the headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany, and at subsidiaries around the world.

One highlight of the company’s 360° Joining Technology portfolio is the HELI­ COIL® thread insert, which has been tried and tested for 72 years and has become a renowned structural component. There is a solution for almost every application involving this thread insert. It is used to create high­strength joints in low­strength metal materials and is also suited for frequent reuse. In addition to thread reinforce­ ment, HELICOIL® is an ideal solution for thread repair. All corresponding processing tools are provided from a single source.

Tony Dutfield, Head of Sales UK Industry Technology, will be onsite to discuss further joining solutions.

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL Brighton­Best International (UK) Ltd is a leading supplier of fasteners, with a long­standing specialism in steel products and significant expansion into stainless steel over the past three to four years. Supplying exclusively to distribution, the company is committed to supporting its partners with reliability, consis­ tency and depth of stock. A recent expansion into a second warehouse has increased both storage capacity and container throughput, strengthening availability across its range.

In addition to its extensive product offering, Brighton­Best provides secondary processing services, including plating and bespoke solutions, delivering flexible options tailored to distri­ bution customers. The company combines long­standing expert­ ise in steel fasteners with major investment in stainless steel, while its expanded warehousing has significantly improved stockholding capacity and product availability across both ranges. Its secondary processing capabilities further enhance its

BRIT-PAX

STAND: A1

offering, and its dedicated distribution­only supply model rein­ forces strong, long­term customer relationships.

At Torque­Expo 2026, Branch Manager Mike Churchill will be on hand to meet visitors.

STAND: A19

Brit­Pax will showcase a wide range of sorta­ case® products for organised professional stor­ age of screws, fasteners and other small tools and components.

On the stand will be steel and plastic cases in various production colours, offering customised presentation solutions for fastener assortments to suit company branding. These are customisable with British­made inter­ changeable plastic compartments. British­ made screw caps, packed in small bag quantities, will be shown alongside British­ made plastic first aid cases.

British­made grab­cases® will also be on display, ideal for assembling small fastener kits. These are produced in colours to suit customer requirements and can be branded on small production runs, with short lead times direct from the British factory.

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CARLO SALVI With nearly 90 years of proven expertise in cold and warm­ forming technology, Carlo Salvi has established itself as a global reference point in the fastener manufacturing sector.

Modern fastener production is no longer about standalone machines; it is about mastering the full process chain and ensuring that every phase, from raw material to finished and inspected component, is perfectly aligned. Carlo Salvi converts fastener designs into production reality, whether from an existing proven product or a concept drawing. The company checks feasibility, produces working drawings, designs production tooling, supplies and commissions fully integrated production lines, trains engineers and production operatives, supplies process monitoring equipment, delivers and installs machinery, and finally inspects and verifies the finished fastener product.

As the company approaches its 90th anniversary, Carlo Salvi

CETIN CIVATA Çetin Civata aims to strengthen its presence in the UK market and further develop relationships with existing customers and poten­ tial new partners through participating in Torque­Expo 2026.

The exhibition offers an opportunity to showcase its capa­ bilities, exchange views on the market and better understand the needs of distributors, OEM manufacturers and end users.

During the event, the company will also share that it has recently obtained the MAThread licence and has started producing its own energy, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and technological development.

“The UK and European fastener markets are indeed highly competitive, but what sets Çetin Civata apart is our combina­ tion of manufacturing expertise, flexible production capabili­ ties and a strong customer­oriented approach,” says Selma Bızakçıoğlu, Sales Manager at Çetin Civata. “A key advantage is our reliable supply chain and responsive sales approach. We focus on building long­term partnerships by offering compet­ itive pricing, consistent quality and dependable delivery. Ongo­ ing investments in technology and sustainability, including generating part of our own energy, further support our

DÖRKEN DÖRKEN Coatings is a specialist in high­quality surface protec­ tion, offering solutions for a wide range of application areas.

At Torque­Expo 2026, DÖRKEN will showcase multiple solu­ tions, including zinc flake systems and its PFAS­free portfolio.

DÖRKEN will showcase its modular zinc flake coating systems, which provide reliable cathodic corrosion protection for metal components. The system's modular design allows basecoats to be combined with topcoats to meet specific requirements – including defined friction coefficients and a variety of surface finishes.

DÖRKEN is actively addressing the industry's transition away from PFAS­containing products. At Torque­Expo 2026, the company will provide an update on its PFAS­free coating portfolio and share insights into the latest OEM specifications from various sectors.

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STAND: D9

continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in its engi­ neering heritage. Its reputation as a one­stop shop is not the result of a positioning strategy alone, but the natural outcome of decades spent supporting fastener manufacturers in over­ coming increasingly complex production challenges.

STAND: C3

commitment to efficiency and continuous improvement.”

At Torque­Expo 2026, the company will highlight its core fastener product lines, including high­strength bolts, stainless steel fasteners and special parts manufactured according to customer drawings. In addition, it will present sourcing and logistics solutions that enable it to offer competitive pricing, reliable quality and consistent delivery.

STAND: D3

Strategic Sales Manager Sabrina Hilbt and Key Account Manager Eduard Rybka will be on­site to answer visitors’ questions and discuss DÖRKEN’s latest coating technologies and application solutions.

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2O26 DELTALEIGH Deltaleigh is a trusted UK distributor specialising in high qual­ ity fixings and fasteners for trade and industry.

At Torque­Expo 2026, Deltaleigh will showcase products launched for 2025/2026, including its Hex Head Flanged Struc­ tural Timber Screws and High Performance Decking Screws, both featuring a green Ruspert coating rated to 1,000 hours.

The Hex Head Flanged Structural Timber Screws are designed to deliver strength and installation efficiency in structural timber applications. They feature a hex head with integrated flange and a countersunk neck for secure seating, alongside a milled notch thread to reduce driving resistance.

STAND: B12 A T­17 cutting point supports fast penetration into timber, with a magnetic hex drive bit supplied in each box to aid installation.

Also on display will be Deltaleigh’s High Performance Deck­ ing Screws, engineered for clean finishes and reliable performance in decking applications. These screws feature a double countersunk Pozi head with six countersinking ribs to minimise surface damage, combined with a partially serrated thread and helix shank knurling to improve grip and reduce splitting. A T­17 cutting point further enhances driving effi­ ciency and control.

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EVERFAST EVERFAST is a screw manufacturer located in Istanbul, Türkiye. The company is ISO 9001 certified and is able to provide PPAP, IMDS, 3.1 and ISIR documents upon request.

Its main products are thread­forming screws for thermoplas­ tics and metal. From M2 to M10, EVERFAST supplies DIN and ISO standard as well as special, customised cold­formed fasteners.

At Torque­Expo 2026, EVERFAST will adopt a flexible approach to customer requests and offer a wide range of solu­ tions, such as small MOQs, fast delivery times and special pack­ ing units to cater to different needs. Thread­forming screws for plastic and metal will be the company’s main focus at the show.

Arda Atac, General Manager of EVERFAST, comments: “EVER­ FAST’s customers are European distributors and wholesalers.

Boasting over 20 years of experience, EVERFAST prioritises customer satisfaction and takes all necessary actions to ensure it. EVERFAST offers customers the advantage of buying at manu­

FABORY

STAND: C5

facturer prices while benefiting from distributor­style creative, wide­ranging and productive service options, including small quantities, short delivery times and special packing options.”

STAND: E3

Founded in 1947, Fabory has grown from a family business into Europe’s leading expert in fastening technology. Today, the company offers an extensive portfolio of more than 400,000 products, ranging from standard fasteners to custom­engi­ neered solutions and C­parts for OEMs. Beyond fasteners, Fabory supports customers with a wide selection of MRO products, including tools, safety equipment and other essential consumables, making it a comprehensive partner in industrial supply.

MaxxFast’s innovative fastening solutions will be Fabory’s main focus at Torque­Expo 2026. The range enables professionals to carry out their work efficiently and to a high standard, with qual­ ity universal woodscrews, self­drilling screws, anchoring prod­ ucts and assortment boxes, all compliant with RoHS and REACH regulations. Fast, reliable supply from Fabory enables profession­ als to complete their work using fasteners built to perform.

GÜDE GMBH Güde, founded in 1948 and based in Plettenberg, Germany, specialises in high quality screw­locking and fastening elements. With a focus on lean logistics, Güde offers customised products, quantities and packaging to meet customer require­ ments. Operating at competitive price levels, the company ships up to 140 pallets to customers worldwide each day.

Güde also provides additional services such as personalised labelling, helping to streamline logistics processes and reduce procurement costs. To further optimise delivery performance, the company invested in a new logistics hall in Plettenberg in 2024 and built an automated mini­load system warehouse with 12,500 additional storage locations.

CEO Lutz Güde says: “With the expansion of our machine park last year, we have been able to optimise and expand our production processes for British Standard parts (BS1802 / BS4464). Our focus is on unlocking market potential and establishing ourselves as a globally recognised and reliable manufacturer, particularly within the British market. For this reason, Torque­Expo 2026 in Telford offers the perfect oppor­

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STAND: E4

tunity to showcase our latest developments and to expand and strengthen our customer base.”

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wedgewasher.co.uk

TESTED. CERTIFIED. LOCKED. Proven Bolt Locking Solutions

Visit stand C4 at Torque Expo for your free samples & brochure.

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026

GWR FASTENERS As an award­winning UK manufacturer and distributor with more than 40 years’ experience, GWR Fasteners specialises in the precision manufacture of components using both fixed and sliding head CNC lathes. Working with a wide range of mate­ rials, it produces high­quality parts to standard specifications or custom drawings, supporting both low­ and high­volume production runs.

Its in­house subcontracting services include CNC turning, component modification, cut­to­length bar supply, and kitting and assembly services. In addition to stocking standard fasten­ ers and fixings, the company also carries its own range of spac­ ers, captive fasteners and aluminium fasteners in a variety of sizes, thread types, materials and colours.

Tom Ellis, Commercial Manager at GWR Fasteners, says that the company will showcase its precision subcontract manu­ facturing capabilities alongside a selection of key products at

HAFREN FASTENERS Hafren Security Fasteners is a family­run business with over 30 years of experience supplying the world’s widest range of security and tamper­resistant fasteners. From special­headed screws, nuts and bolts that are permanently fixed or remov­ able only with the correct driver, to bespoke, made­to­measure solutions, the company delivers unrivalled expertise and prac­ tical solutions for every application.

Operating exclusively through approved distributor part­ ners, Hafren Security Fasteners provides same­day dispatch on stock items and honest, clear advice when bespoke solu­ tions are needed. The company’s mission is to stamp out the impact of theft globally. When it comes to security fasteners, Hafren is the name you can rely on.

At Torque­Expo 2026, Hafren Security Fasteners will show­ case the world’s widest range of security fasteners from stock, with same­day dispatch on all items and bespoke solutions tailored to unique requirements. The company is excited to provide practical, expert advice to help businesses tackle theft and security challenges efficiently, and to demonstrate why

HARRISON & CLOUGH Harrison & Clough is one of the UK’s lead­ ing distributors of high­quality fasteners and fixings, with a reputation for the depth of its product range, exceptional product availability, highly efficient deliv­ ery and best­in­class customer support.

In addition to the company’s industry­ renowned MetalMate, MasonMate and TimberMate brands, which provide a broad range of high­performance fasten­ ers, fixings and screws, H&C boasts rela­ tionships with leading global brands. This gives its merchant customers access to product ranges from companies including Bahco, Dormer, Lindapter and Starrett, to name just a few.

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STAND: A10

Torque­Expo 2026, including aluminium fasteners, brass socket screws, spacers, stand­offs and threaded spacers, as well as captive screws and washers. It will also highlight its expertise in specialist thread forms, including M7, BA and BSCY threads.

STAND: A3

distributors and partners rely on Hafren as their go­to brand for trusted, high­quality security fasteners.

STAND: A7 At Torque­Expo 2026, Harrison & Clough will showcase the new and extended ETA­accredited MasonMate Extra range, highlighting its latest developments and performance capabilities. The company will also demonstrate the strength and depth it benefits from as part of the wider Galleon Fixings Group, underlining its enhanced offering and market position.

In addition, Harrison & Clough will share its ongoing expertise and advice on changes surrounding CBAM, supported by the involvement of its senior leadership within the BIAFD.

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2O26 HAEMERS

STAND: E7

Haemers, a Belgian family­owned company, has been known for its innovation, quality and reliability since 1932. Over the years, it has become one of the leading manufacturers of presswork and flat washers, supported by an extensive inventory of advanced machinery, strong flexibility and a commitment to customer service, alongside consistently punctual deliveries.

The company supplies machinery for both the production and processing of small and large series sheet metal, and offers the largest range of flat washers in Europe, with over 5,800 different dimensions. Its capabilities span from inlay work to fully auto­ mated production from coils, with an in­house packaging depart­ ment further enhancing its end­to­end service offering.

According to Martin Moldaschl, International Repre­ sentative of Haemers, Haemers will show­ case its capabilities in stamping, alongside its extensive range of flat washers and insulation pressure plates at Torque­ Expo 2026.

KEE SAFETY GROUP

HEAMAR

STAND: C10

Heamar is a specialist distributor of advanced tooling solutions serving the military, aerospace and renewable energy sectors.

It works in partnership with world­class manufacturers to supply reliable, high­performance tools that meet the rigorous demands of safety­critical and precision­driven environments.

The company’s focus is on quality, technical expertise and long­term customer support, helping clients improve effi­ ciency, consistency and compliance across their operations.

Traditional fastening systems focus primarily on torque and angle control. While essential, these parameters don’t always tell the full story. A joint may meet torque specifications yet still be compromised if the tool is not held at the correct orientation, potentially affecting joint integrity, load distribution and overall product quality.

The Ingersoll Rand IQi series addresses this challenge with a breakthrough feature: tilt angle accuracy. This world­first capability continuously monitors and validates tool orienta­ tion throughout the fastening process, ensuring bolts are tight­ ened at the correct angle relative to the joint surface. The result is a new level of assurance and consistency beyond stan­ dard torque­angle systems.

Heamar will be showcasing the IQi series at Torque­Expo 2026, with live demonstrations and hands­on opportunities for visitors to experience the technology firsthand.

STAND: C4

IS NU O F TS UL L

HT

BO LT S

RE S UA LT SQ O P XB CU HE

Kee Safety Group is set to debut its new Bolt Securing Wedge Washer range at Torque­Expo 2026. The launch marks a significant addition to the company’s Safe Fixings portfolio and is supported by the return of a key figure in the product’s heritage.

The Wedge Washer complements Kee Safety’s Beam­ Clamp modular steel clamping systems and the BoxBolt range of blind fasteners, designed for hollow section steel or where access is restricted to one side only. Together, these three product lines form the current Safe Fixings range for Kee Safety Group.

“The Wedge Washer addition to the range comes with the return to the business of Matt Jordan as Global Safe Fixings Product Manager, to grow this area worldwide for us. Matt was instrumental in developing the BeamClamp and BoxBolt range, which has been established in the market since its launch 21 years ago,” says Jason Godfrey, UK Sales Director at Kee Safety Group.

torque-expo.com

HIGH QUALITY FASTENERS, ALL AVAILABLE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY. 01535 626262 GIVE US A CALL TO FIND OUT MORE, OR JUST SCAN THE QR CODE:

71

01535 626262 // sales@harclo.com // www.harclob2b.com

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KLIPBOARD

STAND: A9

Klipboard delivers cloud­based ERP software to fastener and fixings businesses. In a sector where availability, speed and accuracy drive revenue, having a clear view of stock, orders and suppliers is essential. Klipboard connects branches, inventory, purchasing and fulfilment in one system, helping teams move faster, reduce stock risk and maintain control as volumes grow.

At Torque­Expo 2026, Klipboard will showcase how faster, connected order processing can unify branches, trade counters and online orders, reducing errors while accelerating fulfilment.

The platform also enables businesses to maintain the right stock at the right time, with real­time visibility across depots and suppliers helping to avoid stock­ outs and minimise excess inventory.

LANCASTER FASTENER

Lancaster Fastener is a specialist importer and stockist of small­diameter industrial threaded fasteners.

Its inventory is carefully structured to meet demand for fast­ moving product sizes, while also offering a comprehensive range of less common, peripheral sizes often unavailable else­ where in the market. All products are sourced from quality­ assured manufacturers and supplied to a global network of fastener distributors across more than 50 countries.

“With over 45 years of experience in the fastener industry, we have built a reputation synonymous with outstanding quality and customer service,” says Lee Procter, Marketing Manager.

MARTYN PRICE Celebrating more than 50 years of excellence, Martyn Price is a fastener distributor known for supplying both standard and specialist products. Operating under the mantra “Big and Small, We Do Them All”, the company excels at sourcing and manufacturing hard­to­find components while maintaining a comprehensive range of standard fasteners in stock. Its long­standing reputation has been built on deep industry expertise and a strong commitment to customer service. Based in the West Midlands, Martyn Price combines extensive stock­ holding and technical knowledge with the personal

STAND: C6 touch and flexibility of a family­run business, delivering the relia­ bility and capability customers expect.

According to Carly Pearson, Sales Director of Martyn Price, the company will showcase products and services from its growing manufacturing division at Torque­Expo 2026, highlighting the company’s expanding capabilities in the production of specialist components. Martyn Price will also present its extensive allthread services, including supplying, cutting and chamfering to meet specific customer requirements.

MERLIN BUSINESS SOFTWARE BY APTEAN Purpose­built for wholesalers, distributors and merchants, Merlin ERP delivers end­to­end control across inventory, pric­ ing, supply chain and finance.

Visitors can explore AppCentral, Aptean’s AI­enabled plat­ form and ecosystem of pre­built, industry­focused applications that extend Merlin ERP without costly bespoke integrations.

“The team will also demonstrate Aptean Intelligence, Aptean’s vertical AI capability, alongside AI­as­a­Service options that help organisations adopt and scale AI with expert support. Together, these solutions streamline processes, enhance visibility and support profitable growth,” says Kelly Stafford, Regional Account Manager for Merlin ERP.

NEWSOME TOOLS Sheffield­based Newsome Tools will showcase a range of prod­ ucts at TorqueExpo 2026, highlighting solutions designed for professional trade use.

Among the featured products is the 18in (450mm) Heavy Duty Bolt Cropper. With a cutting capacity of up to 8mm, the tool is fitted with hardened jaws for durability and soft­grip rubber handles for improved comfort and control during use.

Also on display is the 3­piece HSS Step Drill Set. These metal

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STAND: B3

STAND: E6

Visit the team on Stand E6 to discover: • Insights into how Merlin ERP addresses real­world whole­ sale, distribution and merchant challenges • How AppCentral apps and AI capabilities add powerful new functionality without complex development • AI­driven insights from Aptean Intelligence that highlight issues, trends and opportunities • How AI­as­a­Service supports practical adoption, from strategy through to deployment and optimisation • Clear examples of smarter reporting, faster workflows and connected operations • The opportunity to speak with specialists in merchant and distribution ERP systems

STAND: A2 step drills are titanium­coated to help reduce friction and heat build­up during operation. Clearly marked in 2mm step incre­ ments, they are ideal for drilling thin sheet metal, including aluminium, copper, brass and iron, without causing deformation.

The bits can also be used on plastic and wood and are compatible with most power and pillar drills. The set is supplied in blister packaging with a euro slot and includes three titanium­coated HSS step drills: 4mm–12mm, 4mm–20mm and 4mm–32mm.

Smarter Operations Start with Merlin ERP Visit Stand E6 at Torque Expo and see how you can gain greater control, visibility and efficiency.

Streamline workflows with AI-powered automations Clear stock visibility across multiple sites Fewer picking errors and improved order fulfilment Scalable ERP built for wholesalers, distributors and merchants

Visit aptean.com

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NON STANDARD SOCKET SCREW (NSSS) Founded in 1971, NSSS has made sustained invest­ ment in advanced manufacturing capabilities, including hot forging, CNC milling, thread rolling, grinding and in­house heat treatment, ensuring full process control and complete traceability from raw material to finished product. The company prides itself on three core principles; quality of product, quality of service and quality of staff.

Steve Johnson, Commercial Director, explains: “Our manufac­ turing plant, with an operational tenure of 50 years, has been meticulously engineered to deliver superior­grade special fasteners and custom­turned components, precisely matching

OGL SOFTWARE OGL Software is a leading provider of ERP software for small to medium­sized UK stockists, merchants, distributors and wholesalers. Built on 50 years of experience, its solutions, including its newest prod­ uct Profit4, manage a wide range of business processes, including stock control, order manage­ ment, finance and accounting, CRM, SRM, AI reporting and analyt­ ics, assemblies and kitting, and warehouse management.

Matthew Meredith, Head of Customer Success at OGL Software, comments: “We’re delighted to be exhibiting our Profit4 software

OWLETT-JATON With a comprehensive product range, strong global sourcing capabilities and a commit­ ment to reliability, Owlett­Jaton delivers consistent quality and competitive pricing.

Backed by expert knowledge and responsive customer service, Owlett­Jaton supports busi­ nesses with tailored solutions to meet demand­ ing project requirements. Trusted for its

PRECISION TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES For more than three decades, Precision Technology Supplies (PTS) has built a reputation for reliability, product knowledge and strong customer support across the stainless steel fastener market.

The company’s high levels of service to the fastener industry and its focus on consistent product quality are built around what customers need day to day.

PTS now operates from a significantly larger warehouse, having spent the past year settling into the expanded space. This move has enabled the business to increase stock capacity, extend product variety and respond more efficiently to customer demand. Recent additions include A2 and A4 stainless steel three­metre studding, introduced to give customers a wider choice of sizes and formats for longer­length applications.

Operational improvements have been an important part of the company’s progress. Later same­day shipping cut­off times now give customers more room to manoeuvre when schedules

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STAND: A14 our clientele's stringent specifications. The facil­ ity boasts an array of advanced machinery, including double blow hot forging presses and multi axis CNC turning and milling apparatus.

Complementing this, we have centreless grinding and thread rolling machines for a comprehensive manufacturing process.

Additionally, NSSS' on­site atmosphere controlled heat treatment, ensuring complete command over the entire process, from raw material to the production of the final product enables it to uphold the highest standards of quality and maintain exhaustive batch traceability.

STAND: E8 and services at Torque­Expo 2026, particularly as we celebrate 50 years of supporting businesses across the industry. For five decades, we’ve worked in close partner ship with businesses to under­ stand their evolving challenges and help them adapt, grow and succeed in a changing market."

We’re excited to engage with both existing and potential customers, stay up to date with the latest industry trends and discuss how our solutions can help drive digital transformation and longterm business growth.”

STAND: C1 experience and integrity, the company contin­ ues to build long­term partnerships through­ out the supply chain.

At Torque­Expo 2026, the company will showcase products from brands such as JRP, Unifix and Thunderbolt. The company’s Area Sales Managers will be on hand to answer ques­ tions and establish new relationships.

STAND: B3 change unexpectedly. The layout and workflow in the new warehouse have also helped PTS achieve more consistent fulfilment and faster turnaround times.

With increased capacity, a broader range and continued investment in availability and service, PTS is looking ahead with confidence as it strengthens the support it provides to customers across the industry.

Associate member of

Stock control management

Sales order management

Trade counter

Finance & accounting

Customer relationship management

Watch a demo

Supplier relationship management

Reporting & analytics

OGL_Torque_fullpageAdvertMarch_210x297_0226HDFINAL_outlined.indd 1

Assemblies

Warehouse management

24/02/2026 13:45

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026 Full Torque-Expo 2026 exhibitor list on p78 (correct at time of going to press)

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS Rapid Industrial Fasteners has established itself as both a manufacturer and distribu­ tor, built on an unwavering commitment to innovation, agility and a culture of honesty and hard work.

The company’s teams manage opera­ tions across distribution and manufactur­ ing sites, holding over 1,000 pallet locations and £2 million in stock. With more than 52 machines, ISO 9001 certifi­ cation for over 30 years and BIAFD membership, quality is guaranteed. Its

SiDAX

STAND: A18 WMS and B2B portals deliver a faster, more reliable service. Rapid Industrial Fasteners supplies standard and custom­engineered components across carbon, alloy, stainless, superal­ loys, duplex and non­ferrous metals, with expert coating guidance and national same­day and next­day, as well as global, delivery.

Richard White, Managing Director of Rapid Industrial Fasteners, will represent the company at Torque­Expo 2026.

STAND: E2

SiDAX focuses on a range of high­quality screws, fixings and fasten­ ers. With more than 100 years of combined industry expertise, the company has been built around a clear goal: delivering practical value through product quality, supply reliability, efficient systems and sustainable design. SiDAX has introduced a streamlined port­ folio centred on core, high­demand products, including ETA struc­ tural timber screws, drywall screws, roofing and cladding fixings, concrete screws, collated nails and associated fastening solutions.

Strong stock investment supports consistent availability, while shelf­ready display cartons and integrated digital ordering systems are designed to simplify merchandising, improve operational effi­ ciency and maximise retail space performance.

SMITH BULLOUGH

STAND: D7

Founded in 1995 through the merger of two of the UK’s oldest and most established fastener manufacturers – Bullough Fasteners and Thomas Smith & Sons (Atherton) – Smith Bullough combines more than 150 years of experience in the manufacture and distribution of industrial fasteners. The company has built a strong reputation for producing specialised, non­standard fasteners through continued invest­ ment in forging and CNC machining capabilities. Smith Bullough works with a broad range of materials, including carbon and alloy steels, stainless steel, duplex and super duplex, nickel alloys, Monel and titanium, supporting customers across sectors such as construction, rail, energy, defence and marine.

TANDL TANDL, with over 20 years of export experience, is a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of fasteners and fixings in China, holding CE and ISO 9001 certification. The company supplies a wide range of products, including threaded rods and screws for construction, decking, timber, chipboard, drywall and concrete applications, as well as bespoke items manufactured to customer drawings. It also offers flexible packaging options, including bulk supply, small box packaging and DIY­ready formats. Jones Tao, Managing Director of TANDL, will repre­ sent the company at Torque­Expo 2026.

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STAND: D4

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2O26 TOM CARRINGTON & CO. LTD STAND: A8 Founded in 1915, Tom Carrington & Co. Ltd has over 110 years of experience supplying thread­cutting solutions to engineering distributors and merchants across the UK. The business stocks more than 7,000 products, covering the full spectrum of thread­ cutting tools. Its range includes taps, dies, die nuts, tap and die sets, tap wrenches, die stocks, drills and drill sets, counter­ sinks, deburring cutters, hex shank products, V­Coil thread repair systems, screwdriver bits, nut setters, sockets and bit sets. At Torque­Expo 2026, the company will run promo­ tions on Völkel tap and drill sets, as well as Cobit screw­ driver bit sets.

VICTORY FASTENERS LTD

STAND: E1

Victory Fasteners supplies industrial fasteners and engineered solu­ tions with full material traceability and compliance with international standards. Standard and high­strength fasteners are available in hexagon and socket head forms from M6 to M48 in grades 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 and B7/L7, manufactured to DIN, ISO and ASTM specifications. Its full­service capabilities include precision machining, threading, coating, plating, heat treatment and inspection within ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accredited systems.

Victory Fasteners provides full material traceability, supported by Mill Test Certificates and 3.1 inspection documentation to ensure compliance and reliability. The company offers bespoke fastener solutions, supplying components from blanks through to fully finished products tailored to specific project requirements. Its capa­ bilities also include advanced coating and patching services designed to enhance durability and corrosion resistance.

THE RIVET COMPANY STAND: A16 The Rivet Company Ltd (formerly Scell­it UK) is a trusted supplier of high­quality rivets, rivet nuts and setting tools at highly competitive prices. Its comprehensive Element range is designed to cater to the building trade and distrib­ utor markets across the UK.The company’s centrally located warehouse in Stafford is supported by additional storage at its Element Group company, Rivco, in Kidder­ minster, enabling it to hold over £3.5 million worth of stock." This ensures that we can provide quick and reliable next­day delivery (subject to location), supported by a team of highly experienced staff ready to assist," says Dean Stonehouse, Marketing Manager of The Rivet Company.

Smith

Your Non-Standard is our Standard!

Bullough

Tel: 01942 52025 Tel: 01942 Tel: 01942 520250

METRIC & IMPERIAL SPECIAL FASTENERS NEW Huge Range of Metric & Imperial Blanks

Wedgelock / Self-Locking Nylon Pellet

Grades 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9; R, S, T, V, SAE8 Most Materials including Exotics UK’s largest stocks of BSF & BSW Special Head Shapes

Over 150 years’ experience in UK MANUFACTURING Specials in most materials & grades

torque-expo.com

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sales@smithbullough.com

NEW - Drilling > 0.8mm

www.smithbullough.com

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026 TUESDAY

EXHIBITORS AT THE EVENT:

12 MAY 2026

THE ALL METAL SELF-LOCKING NUT

ENGINEERING

Smith Bullough

AND MORE…

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79 ADVERT - Rapid Industrial Fastenerss - TOR103 2026+FLASH.qxp 02/04/2026 11:46 Page 1

THINKING FASTENERS THINK RAPID MANUFACTURER & DISTRIBUTOR Continuously evolving through our commitment to growth and innovation.

Manufacturing

EST. 1980

• In-house bespoke manufacturing.

• 4 active sites with over 52 machines.

• Carbon & Alloy Steels, Stainless Steel, Super Alloys, Duplex, & non-ferrous metals.

• New WMS & B2B Portals.

Distributing

• All standard & non standard products.

• Assembly teams providing ready to use components.

• Vendor managed systems.

• Next day nationwide delivery & global distribution.

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS UNIT 2 , STOUR VALE ROAD, STOURBRIDGE, WEST MIDLANDS DY9 8PP

0121 501 3903

RAPIDFAST.CO.UK

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 20 Seminars sponsored by

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

BEST for Stainless Steel GES N A R NEW ED S A E R C AND IN EVELS L STOCK

SEMINARS: MARKET TRENDS, CBAM, STRATEGIC SOURCING AND MORE Industry experts have been drafted in to deliver a tight insight-heavy range of short, sharp seminars, FOC to the trade. Bring your notepads…

Torque­Expo 2026 presents a comprehensive and highly relevant seminar programme, sponsored by Optimas International, tackling the key challenges and opportunities across the fastener, tool and related markets.

Free to attend, these sessions provide the perfect opportunity to connect with industry peers and hear from thought leaders and experts on the issues shaping your business.

THE TORQUE-EXPO 2026 SEMINAR LINE-UP INCLUDES: Justin Parker, VP Strategic Sourcing at Optimas International, on building global supply partnerships for the next decade Mark Dorrington, Product Director at Galleon Fixings/Harrison & Clough on fastener industry market trends Ethan Godden, Senior Manager at Crowe UK on CBAM update Sabrina Hilbt, Strategic Sales Manager at Dörken Coatings GmbH & Co. KG on the potential PFAS ban All seminars are free for visitors and exhibitors to attend during the show.

-BEST N O T H BRIG NATIONAL INTER

568144 4 8 3 1 ) (0 T: +44 est.org b n o t h @brig uk est.co.

E: sales b n o t h w.brig W: ww

SABRINA HILBT

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JUSTIN PARKER

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D 2026 2O26

SEMINAR SNAPSHOTS JUSTIN PARKER, VP STRATEGIC SOURCING, OPTIMAS INTERNATIONAL Beyond the Fastener: Building Global Supply Partnerships for the Next Decade Explore how resilient international partnerships and longterm strategic alignment can unlock growth, reduce risk, and move beyond transactional supply models.

MARK DORRINGTON, PRODUCT DIRECTOR, GALLEON FIXINGS/ HARRISON & CLOUGH Fastener Industry Market Trends Gain expert analysis on trends in steel, volume vs value, CBAM developments and emerging market opportunities across the fastener sector.

SABRINA HILBT, STRATEGIC SALES MANAGER,DÖRKEN COATINGS GMBH & CO. Potential PFAS Ban: How ECHA Regulations Impact Corrosion Protection Systems Understand the legal, technical, and practical challenges of PFAS restrictions, and explore new alternatives to maintain established quality while navigating regulatory uncertainty.

ETHAN GODDEN, SENIOR MANAGER, CROWE UK CBAM Update: Practical Steps for Compliance Stay ahead of EU and UK CBAM legislation with practical guidance for manufacturers and distributors on crossborder compliance and regulatory updates.

THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR EVERY NEED More than 130,000 items in stock to ensure highest availability Flexible kanban supply Customised packing solutions High-level e-business solutions REYHER test laboratory for reliable product quality

MARK DORRINGTON

ETHAN GODDEN

www.reyher.de torque-expo.com

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SHOW PREVIEW TORQUE-EXPO UK TELFORD 2026

NETWORKING EVENING

Networking evening, sponsored by

4.30pm Tuesday 12th May 2026

HELD AT THE TELFORD INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, WELCOME DRINKS FROM 4.30PM This year’s Networking Evening, sponsored by Optimas International will be combined with the Awards, offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed and informal evening with friends, colleagues and customers.

£45 per head

Dress code: Smart casual

O

pen to all, not just show exhibitors, the Torque­Expo Awards recognise achieve­ ments, innovative products and 6 sustainability initiatives, celebrat­ ing developments created with environmental impact in mind.

The Awards also highlight altruistic efforts across the fastener, tool and related sectors. In recent years, companies have placed greater emphasis on supporting their employees, while many have strengthened their engagement with local communities. The Torque­Expo Awards provide a platform for these stories to be shared.

In addition, the Awards shine a spotlight on individuals, from apprentices who have impressed to those who have made a significant impact on the sector, through the ‘Outstanding Industry Achievement Award’.

Product Innovation Award – Fasteners and fixings Product Innovation Award – Tools Product Innovation Award – Workwear Webshop of the Year Employee Engagement Initiative of the Year Sustainability Initiative of the Year Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Accu Community Initiative of the Year Outstanding Industry Achievement Award

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Awards Sponsored by

MAGIC!

from the brilliant Paul Lytton

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2O26

TORQUE-EXPO 2026: GETTING THERE Only a 30-minute drive from central Birmingham and on the doorstep of the West Midlands, the venue is easy to get to with ample free parking and puts the show in the heart of Britain, close to the core of the UK industry and within a two hour drive of 75% of the UK population. Direct train line frequently from Birmingham airport to Telford in under an hour.

FREE DRINK L + BACON ROL

York

COURTESY OF

Leeds

Hull

M61 M6

STAND: D6

Early bird: First arrivals to receive a free drink & bacon roll thanks to Apex Stainless Fasteners

M1

M18

Manchester Warrington Sheffield

Liverpool

Chester

SAT-NAV POSTCODE:

M6

TF3 4JH

Telford International Centre International Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4JH

Telford

Nottingham

Derby

M54

Leicester M69

Birmingham

FREE VISITOR PARKING

Coventry

M1

M1

M5

Courtesy of Rapid Industrial Fasteners

M40

Luton Oxford M25

Swindon

REMEMBER TO VISIT THE RAPID STAND A18 TO CLAIM YOUR VOUCHER

Reading

Bristol

M4

Bath

M25

London

torque-expo.com

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84 85 SHOW REVIEW - Taiwan Industry Week - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:15 Page 1

SHOW REVIEW

The 2025 edition welcomed 311 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions and attracted 29,025 professional visits from 71 countries and regions

GLOBAL INTEREST IN MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS The 2025 edition of TIW attracted exhibitors and visitors from around the world, setting the stage for this year’s event, which is expected to host more than 850 exhibitors from 35 countries…

T

he clock is ticking down to this year’s Taiwan Industry Week (TIW), following a strong edition of the show in ’25 that saw participation from leading industry players, alongside hundreds of exhibitors and buyer delegations seek­ ing new business opportunities.

Last year’s event comprised four exhibitions: Taiwan Hard­ ware Show, International Metal Technology Taiwan, Occupa­ tional Safety Taiwan and Refrigeration & HVAC Taiwan. In total, it welcomed 311 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions, and attracted 29,025 professional visits from 71 countries and regions. More than 400 international buyer delegations attended, reflecting strong purchasing intent and sustained global interest in Asian manufacturing solutions.

Among the exhibitions, the Taiwan Hardware Show attracted

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numerous leading industry players, including Alstrong Tools, Panrico, Giantlok, Deamark, Gong Maw and Matatakitoyo, which collectively showcased next­generation hardware tech­ nologies of interest to international buyers. Highlights included nylon cable ties, laser distance meters, hex keys and micro­ adjustable torque wrenches.

“These products not only demonstrated advanced precision engineering and superior functionality but also offered indus­ try professionals new solutions to enhance operational effi­ ciency and accuracy,” stated Kaigo Co, the event organiser.

A dedicated Innovation Area was also introduced, serving as a key platform for industry innovation and technological advancement. This featured leading global companies such as Kheiron, Organizer Precision, Yih Cheng, E­Make and Re­Dai

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TAIWAN INDUSTRY WEEK

Precision, showcasing cutting­edge R&D achievements. From smart technologies to sustainable design, the exhibits under­ scored Taiwan’s competitive edge in producing high­quality hardware products, with innovations that play a vital role in upgrading global industrial value chains.

Looking ahead, Taiwan Industry Week 2026 will take place from 20­22 October 2026. More than 850 exhibitors from 35 countries have already confirmed participation, marking a 15%

increase on the previous year. The expanded event will feature an eight­show industrial platform, including Datacenter Taiwan and Cleanroom Taiwan.

The conference programme will focus on AI­driven manufac­ turing, sustainable production and Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain. www.taiwanindustryweek.com.tw

Taiwan Industry Week 2026 will take place from 20 to 22 October 2026, with more than 850 exhibitors from 35 countries already confirmed to participate

torque-expo.com

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86 Tools&DIY COVER - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:20 Page 1

Spring-Summer 2026

SPOTLIGHT p.90

Tool Rebels homage past with brand new facility

92 & 96 REVIEWS: Sealey and Metabo put through paces

94 SPOTLIGHT: Milwaukee’s big training investment

FASTEN YOUR WORK

Italian Excellence

For fastening solutions

A leader for over 50 years in the quality of its fastening systems: Blind rivets, rivet nuts, lockbolts, manual, hydropneumatic and battery tools.

Made in Rivit!

RIVIT.IT

88 TOOLS&DIY - NEWS - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:26 Page 1

NEWS FROM THE TOOLS & DIY INDUSTRIES

NMBS sets stage for 2026 exhibition The NMBS Exhibition is returning to the Coventry Building Society Arena over 15­16 April 2026, looking to grow on its momentum.

Last year, the show welcomed over 280 exhibitors and 1,125 visitors, with 15,000 interac­ tions recorded between NMBS members and exhibitors over the two days.

The buying group picked out highlights at the show, including new workwear ranges from Makita, developed in tandem with TuffStuff, as well as new launches from Kyocera Fastening Solution UK Ltd, including the TJEP Compact Rebar Tier 40. www.nmbs-exhibition.co.uk

Trade focus paying off for Kingfisher A steady full year report from Kingfisher saw trade sales grow as it hit overall like­for­like growth of 1.3% (UK growth 3.3%), for the year ended 31 Jan 2026.

Key Kingfisher brand Screwfix saw c.75% of sales from trade customers and c.60% from e­commerce. Elsewhere, trade sales increased +23% as Kingfisher expanded ranges, enhanced services and deepened relationships with trade professionals, while ecommerce grew +20%, powered by the successful scaleup of its marketplaces. E­commerce now represents one fifth of total Kingfisher Group sales. www.kingfisher.com

KNIPEX FINDS TRADES PUT QUALITY OVER COST When it comes to tools, plumbers aren’t chasing the cheapest option, according to a new report from Knipex, with tradespeople looking for something that lasts. 61% of plumbers say quality is their main priority.

Just 9% put price first.

The survey also found that trade counters remain central to how plumbers buy, with around 70% still purchasing in branch. However, more than 80% are also buying online at least occasionally, meaning that tradespeople are moving between channels; researching online, then heading in­store when they want to get a feel for a tool before buying.

Other findings included a skills challenge: With the growth of heat pumps, smart controls and more complex systems, electrical work is becoming part of the plumbing role. According to the report, almost half of plumbers have already trained in electrical skills, with many more planning to do so in the near future. That crossover is opening up new opportunities, as tools like VDE pliers, cutters and crimp­ ing equipment becomes increasingly relevant to plumbers as well as electricians. www.knipex.de

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NH_TORQUE_TOOLING_ILAN_BEYOND_BASKI_A4.pdf

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27.02.2026

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90 TOOLS&DIY - TOOLS SPOTLIGHT - Wera - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:26 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

Tool Rebels’ new HQ building uses Kraftform for inspiration Wera has used one of its best-known tool designs for an eye-catching new build at its Wuppertal-set headquarters… n the hilly surrounds of Wuppertal­Cronenberg, Wera’s headquarters complex now features a freshly­constructed building that leans into its R&D prowess.

The building itself is pitched as a bridge that combines old and new parts of the building into a modern administrative location.

It’s no humdrum extension, with the architectural design featuring a glass façade inspired by Wera’s signature Kraftform screwdriver. The curved ‘wave’ shape is based on Wera’s Kraft­ form handle, featured in hundreds of Wera products. The self­ styled ‘Tool Rebels’ developed the Kraftform handle to be ergonomically shaped like the human hand, for maximum power transfer, high speed and a secure grip. The business worked with the Fraunhofer Institute on the design, which dates back to 1968. Fans of the brand will no doubt be hugely familiar with the shape, which is also replicated in its logo.

Wera clearly likes a challenge – the unusual façade is not only visually striking, but also presented a particular construc­ tion challenge for the team. Each pane element is individually curved and therefore unique.

The international tool manufacturer said that its new head­ quarters have created the right conditions for further growth and the extraordinary architectural design will inspire crafts­ men, retailers and industry. It added: “[We] want to continue to live up to their name in the future by constantly questioning the tried and tested and searching for new solutions.”

I

www.wera.de New wave: The ‘wave’ facade of Wera’s new HQ build pays homage to its Kraftform design heritage (below)

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The new building bridges the old and new parts of the Wuppertal HQ (above)

EXPERTS BY CHOICE

STAY COOL. WORK HARD. BE ADVANCED.

www.norbar.com

92 TOOLS&DIY - Cordless angle grinder sealey - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:27 Page 1

TESTED

CONVENIENT CUTTING AND GRINDING

For the trades’, cordless angle grinders are an almost essential. Tradesman and pro tool reviewer Peter Brett puts Sealey’s 18v CP401LI through its paces…

Upper cut: The up-to-date design features a tapering body shape to enable a good grip for average size hands

M

y guess is that you could look into most trades’ toolk­ its and find an angle grinder – and increasingly a cordless angle grinder. With new types of cutters and grinders now available, angle grinders can make neat cuts into a variety of materials, grind down surfaces and do hundreds of other jobs safely and accurately (depending on the opera­ tive!). And angle grinders come in a range of wheel diameters, sizes and power outputs, so it is easy to find a model to suit your needs in a range of prices, depending on intended usage.

Sealey has been developing a range of cordless tools so it was a bit of a no­brainer to select an angle grinder to try out – to represent its cordless platform of the range. I chose the basic 120mm diameter disc model as being the one probably most commonly used by smaller trades.

Design and handling First impressions of the Sealey 18v CP401LI were favourable.

The design looks up­to­date and follows current trends like a tapering body shape to enable a good grip for average size hands like mine.

The shape and finish of the cast alloy gearhead is of a high standard and all controls are readily visible and in what I would say are “in the right places”. For example, the spindle stop is readily accessible on the front of the gear head and will be easily applied by pressure from a thumb or finger.

The body looks and feels robust and is covered with a grippy rubber that feels right and does its job. On/off switches on angle grinders can become clogged with dust very quickly if placed on the front of the body. Sealey prevents this by having a combined safety switch that is under the main handle and away from the main source of dust – the grinding wheel. It takes a bit of getting used to, but in the end, I rather liked the fact that in order to start the tool I had to flick the safety lever forward with my second finger and hold it down for continuous operation. As soon as I let the lever go the tool would quickly stop.

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Some users might notice that the air vents for the motor are at the battery end of the tool. A good idea, since, again, the most dust will be produced at the cutting disc end. There are three positions for the auxiliary handle (supplied) to be screwed in – on top and on the right and left of the gearhead.

Again, in what I would call the­right­places.

But there is one minor complaint I have – the cutter guard is not tool­free adjustable. A small Phillips screwdriver is needed to loosen the collar so that is can swivel around the disc diameter for safely guarded operation. This is something that occasional users won’t feel too put out about, but regular users will definitely find a hassle.

The 3Ah battery Li Ion battery pack fits well and slides off easily – and to keep it that way regular cleaning of the contacts and rails is recommended. The battery does a good job of balancing the gear head so the tools does feel easy to control, especially if an auxiliary handle is used. The charger is a simple affair with a red light when charging and a green light indicat­ ing charged. Three lights on the front of the battery pack indi­ cate green/amber/red for charge levels.

The kit I reviewed came in a handy moulded case that kept all the bits neatly in one place – making tidying up and check­ ing that you have all the pieces easy to do.

I tried a range of small cutting and grinding tasks suitable for the specs of the machine and the things that stuck out for me were the handling and balance of it. It can sometimes feel that the cutting discs, in particular, are just trying hard to find a ‘catch’. With a careful approach and an auxiliary handle fitted, the machine feels safe and capable. And the safety switch quickly switches off the motor when you let it go. I still think the disc guard adjustment should be toolless, but maybe a Mark 2 will sort that out.

As ever with Sealey, users have a competitive price and spec from a company that knows tools and has a long history in the tool business. www.sealey.co.uk

93 ADVERT MIX - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 10:29 Page 1

Partner for distributors Full range supplier New DIN 705

New DIN 609 DIN 610

New DIN 6325 DIN 7979

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New DIN 6885

Halfmann Schrauben GmbH Welkerhude 37, D-45356 Essen +49(0)201 36484 0 info@halfmann-schrauben.de www.halfmann-schrauben.de

Check out our catalogue online!

94 TOOLS&DIY - Milwaukee - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:28 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

MILWAUKEE INVESTS IN UK TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE

M

ILWAUKEE® Tools has opened its new UK Experi­ ence Centre at Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury. The 13,250 ft² carbon­neutral facility is backed by a decade­long lease agreement and represents the company’s largest investment in UK training infrastructure.

The facility addresses a growing need in the trades sector for comprehensive, practical training environments where professionals can test equipment in realistic conditions before making significant investment decisions, according to the brand. Unlike traditional showrooms or brief product demon­

strations, the centre provides extended access to MILWAUKEE Tools’ full product ecosystem in both indoor training spaces and dedicated outdoor testing areas.

Built using MILWAUKEE tools to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to efficiency and reduced emissions, the state­of­ the­art hub will be used to upskill approximately 300 employ­ ees annually through expert training programmes. The centre will enable MILWAUKEE Tools to enhance customer relation­ ships and support direct end­user interaction, with hands­on training and product testing opportunities available.

Trade professionals, dealers and media representatives interested in experiencing the centre first­hand are encouraged to get in touch with MILWAUKEE to arrange a visit or request a product demonstration. For more information about the MILWAUKEE Tools Experience Centre, contact uk.milwaukee.marketing@TTI­EMEA.com www.milwaukeetool.eu

Visit us at Torque-Expo 2026

Stand: C5

96 TOOLS&DIY - Metabo - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:28 Page 1

TESTED

STEADY AS SHE GOES Small enough to transport yet heavy enough to be stable for medium-duty work, Metabo’s Multifunctional Work Table has got itself a fan in tradesman and tool review expert Peter Brett…

I

Could this be ‘the one’? This work table might just sweep our reviewer off his feet...

have a feeling that this work table might be, in the words of I also like the fact that the table can be joined to another by Bridget Jones, ‘The One’. I have tried many of the variations lining up two corners on two tables and then slotting in two of portable workbenches – some definitely better than corner joiner pieces that lock into two corresponding corner others. My usual complaint is that the working height on them pieces on the table. The advantage of having a much bigger is not enough to stop my back creaking. Some of the smaller work surface is obvious, and theoretically it would be possible ones are so unstable that a bit of light planing, sanding or rout­ to join another and another – but only on a smooth and rela­ ing makes them move across the floor. And there are a few plas­ tively level floor surface. But there are several options available tic ones on the market that are better than some, because they to help secure workpieces to the top. Two speed clamps are quite versatile, stable and have a decent work area, but (stored under the top) are useful for clamping as they can be don’t seem quite robust enough for medium duty work. used standalone on edges or with the clamping end pad This Metabo version has clearly had some input from a removed and pushed through the top dog holes and the clamp­ thoughtful design team, and possibly even a few end­users. ing pad is put back onto the clamp bar.

The result is that the table is heavy enough to be stable (with­ Another option is to invest in a pair or so of the type of out being too heavy to carry – two built­in carry handles give clamps used to hold down rails used on railsaws. They slide some options), high enough to cure my back twinges, into the alloy groove extrusion that goes right around the edge (adjustable height legs) and stable enough to be used on of the table top and they can hold workpieces vertically. uneven floor surfaces (adjustable foot).

However you do it, I am sure that most tradespeople will find The legs are very easy to adjust and most settings, apart a favourite way to secure the work – this table just makes the from the highest can be left in place so they don’t have to be choice a lot easier. set every day.

I must admit that I found the Metabo table a real asset. I often In the case of this table I think that it is the quality of the work outside when I can. I think it helps dissipate extraneous frame that makes it work well. The metal legs and frames are dust that escapes the vacuum extraction and allows more space truly robust and easily adjustable. It is easier to pack up at the around me. Even on a patch of grass I was able to find a stable end of a working day than many other patch using the adjustable leg set­up. benches.

And the relief for my back being able Another advantage is that the work to work at a comfortable height was surface is a handy 96x71cm. Made of considerable. It also fits nicely into 15mm thick MDF it is easily replace­ the boot of my hatchback and after able, and is marked off with handy you have got used to the clamps and angles and an X­graphic pattern to pins used for holding the legs, it will help you attach bench mounted tools be very quick to set up and take down. like a mitre saw. The top is dotted I am looking forward to many with 20mm diameter dog holes – you happy hours using this portable work may have to buy some or steal from table – well done Metabo. another work bench because dogs are not supplied. www.metabo.com 20mm dog holes dot the bench. Accessories are in the works from Metabo, we’re told 96

torque-expo.com

97 98 99 100 101 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:29 Page 1

DIRECTORY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

SPIROL n Coiled Spring Pins n Inserts for Plastic n Compression Limiters n Disc Springs n Shims T +44 (0) 1536 444800 E info-uk@spirol.com W www.spirol.com

Çetin Cıvata Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. n Hex and socket head bolts n Nuts and female parts n Screws n Weld studs n Pins and rivets T 00 90 212 778 11 00 E info@cetin.com.tr W www.cetin.com.tr

SPIROL is a foremost technical resource providing high-quality engineered fasteners, installation machines, and parts feeding equipment. Our components enhance assembly quality, extend product life, and reduce manufacturing costs. Beyond manufacturing, SPIROL offers global Application Engineering support to assist with your designs.

Supported by state-of-the-art production centers and worldwide stocking facilities, we simplify logistics and ensure reliable delivery.

ÇETİN CİVATA, a leading Turkish cold forged fastener producer, offers male fasteners sized M3-M27, female parts sized M3-M20, up to 300mm standard and drawing items, all in-house from wire drawing to cold forging, thread rolling, heat treatment, surface coating and sorting. Employs 1,250 staff and has 120,000 sqm total plant area with a total production capacity of 90,000 metric TPY. Applies all types of zinc alloyed surface coatings and is a licenced coater for Geomet, Magni and Delta Protekt.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS TO OVER 10,000 INDUSTRY DECISION MAKERS

DIRECTORY SPOTLIGHTS Welcome to this month’s NEW ADDITIONS >

Abbott Fasteners Ltd n Stocked Imperial & Metric n All metal locking nuts including Vargal Philidas Stover n Largest stock of Genuine Helicoils in the UK T +44 (0) 1268 532 434 E sales@abbottfasteners.co.uk W www.abbottfasteners.co.uk

Achilles Seibert n Torx screws/bolts n Hexagon socket screws/bolts n Hexagon head screws/bolts n Special/drawing parts T +49 4193 8955 E sales@achill-fasteners.com W www.achill-fasteners.com

Albert Pasvahl ADI Supply Ltd n Resin anchors n Shield anchors n Through bolts n Window frame screws n CFA approved tester E sales@adisupply.co.uk W www.adisupply.co.uk

n Fit Bolts n Plugs n Brass n Knurled thumb screws n Special scews T +49 [0] 40-532852-0 E info@pasvahl.de W www.pasvahl.de

Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd

n Carpentry wood screws n Carpentry wood spacer screws n Carpentry wood terrace screws

n Stainless steel fasteners & fixings n Aerotight nut n Stainless steel screws/nuts n Stainless steel washers

T + 39 (0)382 810280 E sales@ambrovit.it W www.ambrovit.com

T +44 (0) 1788 537979 E sales@apexstainless.com W www.apexstainless.com

Ambrovit Bolts + Screws

CALL +44 (0) 1727 739 160 FOR MORE DETAILS

97 98 99 100 101 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:29 Page 2

DIRECTORY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

Boltight Ltd

n Marine products n Stainless fasteners n Stainless steel semi-standard

n Standard elements n Control elements n Connecting elements n fixing elements n Screws & nuts made of plastic

n Hydraulic bolt tensioning systems n Multi-stud and multi-bolt tensioning systems n Subsea and offshore tensioners n Power generation tensioning solutions n Hydraulic pumps, hoses, and accessories

T +44 (0) 117 972 8560 E sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk W www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

T +49 2753 5950-0 E info@baecker.eu W www.baecker.eu

T +44 1922 669222 E enquiries.boltight.uk@nord-lock.com W www.nord-lock.com/en-gb

Brighton Best International

Chin Tai Sing Precision Manufactory

Deligo

n Threaded rods n Threaded studs n Studding n Allthread studs

n Hex Head Bolts/Sets 931/933 n Socket Screws n Dowel Pins n Stainless Fasteners n Washers/Nuts

n Brass Insert n Clinching Metal Fasteners n CNC Components n Automotive Components n Electronic Components

n Wedge nuts n Channel nuts n Wire suspension systems n Heavy and light duty fixings n Electrical accessories

T +32 (0) 11 55 91 14 E Sales.UK@bomet.com W www.Bomet.com

T +44 (0) 1384 568 144 E sales@brightonbest.org W www.brightonbest.co.uk

T 886-4-26367001 E inquiry@ctsp-insert.com.tw W www.ctsp-insert.com.tw

T +44 (0) 1384 824100 E sales@deligo.co.uk W www.deligo.co.uk

FIXI Srl

Fürniss GmbH

Gesipa SFS Group Germany GmbH

n Threaded Inserts n Blind Rivets n Self-Clinching Fasteners n Welding Studs n Brass Inserts

n Imperial Screws n Bolts n Screws n Aerospace Standard n latches

n Blind rivets n Blind rivet nuts n Automatic riveting n Blind rivet tools n Setting process control

T +49 2331 6245-0 E info@eurotec.team W www.eurotec.team

T +39 011.7072398 E info@fixi.it W www.fixi.it

T +49 7247954400 E info@fuerniss.de W https://fuerniss.de/en

T +49 (0) 6105 962 0 E info@gesipa.com W www.gesipa.com

Global Fasteners Limited

Goebel Group

Grand Metal Manufacturing GMM

Güde GmbH

n Bolts & nuts n Security screws n Woodscrews n Machine screws n PPE

n Blind Rivets n Blind Rivet Nuts n Rivet Setting Tools n 18V Cordless Riveting Tools n Lockbolts

n Clinch & sheet metal fasteners n Self-clinching nuts, standoff, studs n Welding studs & standoff n Cage nut, rivet bushes, rivet nuts n Brass inserts for plastic

n Spring lock washers n Sperrkant washers n Sperrkant spring washers n Contact washers n Conical washers

T +44 (0) 1384 480793 E sales@global-fasteners.co.uk W www.globalfasteners.co.uk

T +49211-245000-0 E info@goebel-group.com W www.goebel-group.com

T +86-139-2920-4841 E enquiry@grandametal.com W www.grandametal.com

T 0049 2391 9190-0 E info@guede.net W www.guede.net

Arma Fixing Systems n Hose and pipe clamps n Locking type P clamps n Ear clamps n Metal clips and brackets n Plastic and metal fasteners T +90 212 549 57 31-32 E expo@armafixing.com W www.armafixing.com

BOMET UK LTD.

Eurotec GmbH n Deck construction and landscaping n Timber engineering n Wood construction screws n Wood connectors n System connections for cross laminated timber structures

BÄCKER GmbH & Co. KG Avon Stainless Fasteners

97 98 99 100 101 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:29 Page 3

Torque Directory offers a cost-effective platform to promote your business all year round in both print and digital issues of Torque Magazine (published 10 times a year, reaching an audience of over 10,000 international decision makers), as well as online at torque-expo.com.

COST: Only SPECIAL PRINT EDITORIAL EXPOSURE (PROFILE) INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE.

GWR Fasteners

Hafren Fasteners

n Stainless & High Tensile Fasteners & Fixings n Captive Screws & Washers n Aluminium Fasteners n Spacers / Stand-off Collars n Bar Materials

n Security fasteners & fixings n Bespoke special security fasteners n Security fastener tooling & accessories n Security fencing bolts

T +44 (0)1691 654979 E sales@gwr-fasteners.co.uk W www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk

T +44 (0)1686 621 300 E info@hafrenfasteners.com W www.hafrenfasteners.com

Halfmann Schrauben GmbH n DIN/EN/ISO Standard Articles n Stainless steel fasteners n Plugs and anchors n Construction bolting assemblies n Fasteners with various coatings T +49 (0)201 36484-0 E info@halfmann-schrauben.de W www.halfmann-schrauben.de

£750 / €850 for the year

Intact Software

T +44 (0)1442 878879 E info@intactsoftware.com W www.intactsoftware.com

IVT Verbindungselemente GmbH

Jiaxing Goodway Hardware

JIMMORE International Corp.

n Weld screws n Weld studs n Special parts

n Rubber Nut-Insert n Metal Rivet Nut n Nylon Nut-Insert

n Cold forming parts n Hot forging parts n CNC machining parts n Stamping parts & Casting parts n Metal injection moulding parts

n Torque Screwdriver n Torque Adapter n Interchangeable System n 30% Higher Reversible Torque n Low MOQ & Custom Design

T +886-7-3740160 E jetfast@ms34.hinet.net W www.jetfast.com.tw

T +86-573-82765508 E jackchang@goodway-fastener.com W www.goodway-fastener.com

T +886-4-2260-5352 E sloky@jimmore.com.tw W sloky.jic-tools.com.tw

T +49 2394 911 007 E info@i-vt.de W www.i-vt.de

JET FAST COMPANY LIMITED

Joker Industrial Co., Ltd.

K-Engineering

Keller & Kalmbach GmbH & Co. KG

Kebrell

n Concrete screw (ETA approval) n Cavity & plasterboard fixing n Blind Jack nut n Hammer-in & frame fixing n Hollow wall anchor setting tools

n Allthread 1Mtr/3Mtr/3Ft n Washers n Nuts n Cup square n Roofing bolts

n Fasteners & Fixings n C-Parts & Kanban Systems n Drawing Parts n 3D Printing n Tools & Safety Equipment

n Commercial fasteners & fixings n Automotive fasteners n Flange joint sets n Specials to drawing n 20,000 tonnes of stock

T +886-4-7580187 E info@joker.com.tw W www.joker-fastener.com

T +44 (0) 1922 749 350 E info@k-engineering.co.uk W www.k-engineering.co.uk

T +49 89 8395-0 E info@keller-kalmbach.com W www.keller-kalmbach.com

T +44 (0) 121 526 6049 E kebrell@kebrell.co.uk W www.kebrell.co.uk

KINGWIN PRECISION CO.,LTD.

MATATAKITOYO TOOL CO., LTD.

Metabo (UK) Ltd

n Punches n Molds n Forming Tools n Machining Parts n Accessories

n Torque Tester n Digital Torque Wrench n Torque Wrench n Torque Screwdriver n Torque Multiplier

n 12 Volt cordless tools n 18 Volt cordless tools n 18V Garden tools n Building trade and renovation n Metal craft and industry

T +886-4-2533-5893 E matatakitoyo@gmail.com W www.matatakitoyo.com

T +44 (0) 2380 732000 E info@metabo.co.uk W www.metabo.co.uk

T +886-7-6967721 E service@kingwin.tw W www.kingwin.tw

Lederer GmbH n Stainless steel fasteners n Special parts by drawing n C-parts management T +49/2333/8309-0 E info@lederer-online.com W www.lederer-online.com

97 98 99 100 101 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:29 Page 4

DIRECTORY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

OGL Software

Optimas n OptiSpec: Bill of Materials Management Solution n Engineered Fastening Solutions n OptiTech Inventory Managed Solutions n C-Class Components n Fastener Manufacturing n Standard Fasteners n Tunnelling Solutions

NE Fasteners Ltd

Nylon Fasteners Ltd (Nyfast)

n Furniture Fasteners n Woodscrews n Kitting n Decking Screws n Drywall Screws

n Threaded Fasteners n Washers & Spacers n PCB & LED Fasteners n Snap Rivets & Panel Fasteners n Cable Clips & Clamps

n Profit4: Innovative ERP software for UK merchants, distributors & wholesalers n Software that connects all areas of your business n Cloud & browser-based solution n In-house UK support & development teams

T +44 (0)121 559 8866 E nefasteners@aol.com W www.nefasteners.co.uk

T +44 (0) 1256 533 088 E sales@nyfast.co.uk W www.nyfast.com

T 01299 873873 E software@ogl.co.uk W www.ogl.co.uk

Peter Schröder GmbH

Alexander Paal GmbH

PEARSON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

n Inch Sized Fasteners n USA Fastener n MS – AN – Na n ASTM Standards n Special Screws and Parts

n Disc Springs n Shim Washer n Retaining Ring n Snap Ring n Serrated Lock washers

n Auto Rivets for the locking parts n Anchor Rivet bush nuts n Self-clinching fasteners n Fasteners for automotive parts n Sheet metal fasteners

n Bolts & Nuts n Wood, chipboard and decking screws n Light duty anchors n Heavy duty anchors n Chemical anchors

T +49 713299600 E info@schroederschrauben.de W www.schroederschrauben.de

T +49 (0)2191 906-0 E info@paal.de W www.paal.de

T +886-3-212-1160 E pearson8@ms29.hinet.net W www.pearson-clinch.com.tw

T +32 9 272 70 70 E info@pgb-europe.com W www.pgb-europe.com

Rapid Industrial Fasteners

F. REYHER Nchfg. GmbH & Co. KG n Special fasteners for automotive & agriculture industry n DIN/ISO/EN standard articles n Stainless steel fasteners n Plugs and anchors n Construction bolting assemblies n Fasteners with various coatings T +49 40 853 630 E mail@reyher.de W www.reyher.de

E engage@optimas.com W www.optimas.com

SCHRODER

pgb-Europe nv

pgb-Polska

Pühl GmbH & Co. KG

n Light duty plastic fixings n Insulation fixings n Mechanical anchors n Chemical anchors n Wood and self-drilling screws

n Washers n Conical spring washers n Special parts n Parts acc. drawing n Split pins DIN 94

n Special fasteners and turned parts manufacturer n Duplex fasteners n Rapid manufacturing lead-times n Galvanised Threaded Bar n Galvanised Nuts, Bolts and Washers

T +48 (32) 330 26 10 E biuro@pgb-polska.com W www.pgb-polska.com

T +49 2391-8107-0 E sales@puehl.de W www.puehl.de

T +44 (0) 121 501 3903 E manufacturing@rapidfast.co.uk W www.rapidfast.co.uk

Shaanxi Sinwa Int’L San Shing Fastech Corp. n Tools for All Formings n Profile Dies & Punches n Progressive Stamping Tooling n Custom Rubber Molds n Advanced Precision Components T +886-6-2309949 E machine.tool@mail.sanshing.com.tw W www.sanshing.com.tw

n Design software for anchoring n Structural timbers n Installation systems n Reinforced concrete

n Screws n Nuts n Washers n Bolts n Stainless steel

n Titanium fasteners n Titanium alloy vehicles accessories n Titanium customised parts n Hand tools n Non-standard and special fasteners

T +49 341 4424610 E info@sup-scs.de W www.sup-scs.de

T +49(0)7941 6094-0 E info@schaefer-peters.com W www.schaefer-peters.com

T +86 29 8928 9105 E sales@sinwafix.com W www.sinwafix.com

Schäfer + Peters GmbH S&P

97 98 99 100 101 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:30 Page 5

Torque Directory offers a cost-effective platform to promote your business all year round in both print and digital issues of Torque Magazine (published 10 times a year, reaching an audience of over 10,000 international decision makers), as well as online at torque-expo.com.

COST: Only SPECIAL PRINT EDITORIAL EXPOSURE (PROFILE) INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE.

£750 / €850 for the year

Smith Nord-Lock Group

Smith Bullough

SUNCO INDUSTRIES JAPAN

n Surface technology n Blasting machines n Pretreatment

n Blanks and finished stock n Metric and inch in all grades n Non standard bolting n Special forgings n Stainless and special alloys

n Metric fasteners n Many kinds of rare-size fasteners n Many kinds of SEMS screws n Hexagon socket head cap screws n Many kinds of materials screws

n Mechanical multi-jackbolt tensioners n Flange tensioning solutions n Turbine and power generation bolting systems n High-load and critical joint tensioners n Tensioner installation and maintenance tooling

T +49 (0)2572 960260 E info@agtos.de W www.agtos.com

T +44 (0)1942 520250 E sales@smithbullough.com W www.smithbullough.com

T +81 6-6539-3560 E export@sunco.co.jp W www.jisscrew.com

T +44 1264 355557 E enquiries@nord-lock.com W www.nord-lock.com/en-gb

Bullough

Sinto AGTOS GmbH

TOBSTEEL GmbH

n Zinc alloy inserts n Steel inserts n Brass threaded inserts n Furniture connectors n Special turned parts

n Construction & Engineering Screws n Decking Screws n Screw-Tite Multi-Purpose Screws n Specialist & Bespoke Screws

n High corrosion resistant fasteners & fixings n Stainless steel A2, A4, 1.4571, 1.4462, 1.4529 n 1.4462 (DUPLEX), 1.4529 (HCR) n DIN 125, 127, 439, 912, 931, 933, 934, 976, 980, 985, 1587, 6334, 7991

T +44 (0) 121 4397329 E sales@theinsertcompany.com W www.theinsertcompany.com

T +44 (0) 1756 699 996 E sales@tite-fix.co.uk W www.tite-fix.co.uk

T +49 (0) 7941 6073-0 E info@tobsteel.com W www.tobsteel.com

Taiwan Precision Fastener Co., Ltd. n Patented Wood Screw n Wood Screw n Mill Point Self-Drilling Screw n Self-Drilling Screw n Self-Tapping Screw T +886-7-616-2089 E sales@taiwan-precisionfastener.com W taiwan-precision-fastener.com

Tite-Fix Ltd The Insert Company (UK) Limited

TORQUE MAGAZINE

DEEPAK FASTENERS LIMITED

n Daily news website n Weekly email newsletter n 5 print magazines a year n 5 digital magazines a year n Events n International reach

n Socket Head Shoulder Screws & Dowel Pins n Tension Control Structural Bolt n Studbolts / Threaded Rods n Locpin n Stainless Steel Fasteners

T +44 (0) 1727 739 160 E info@torque-expo.com W www.torque-expo.com

T +91 161 713 1111, 513 1111 E sales@deepakfasteners.com W https://unbrako.com

T +44 (0)1902 544 480 E sales@victoryfasteners.com W www.victoryfasteners.com

(UPS Lakshmi)

n Hexagon Bolts/Blanks All Grades n F436/6916 Metric Washers n Turned Parts n Bespoke Exotic Special Fasteners n In House Forging

n Shoulder Screw n Pins n Cylinder head bolts n High temp application fasteners n Piston pins

T +44 (0) 121 526 6010 E sales@union-fasteners.com W www.union-fasteners.com

T +91 1262 205110 E amit@upsind.com W www.upsind.com

YESWIN MACHINERY CO., LTD.

Victory Fasteners Limited n Un threaded blanks n 10.9/12.9 Hex Bolt/Set n Din 6921 / ISO 4162 Hex Flge n Hardened Washers Din 6916/F436 n B7/L7 European Bolting

Universal Precision Screws UNION FASTENERS

Volt Industrial Plastics n Nylon products n Plastic fasteners n Plastic nuts n Plastic washers n Plastic spacers T +1 (870) 449-8027 W www.voltplastics.com

n 3-7 Dies Progressive Headers n 3,4,5 Dies Bolt Forming Machines n 5,6,7 Dies Bolt Parts Former n 5,6 Dies Nut Parts Former n Cold Forging Machines for all fastener parts T +886-6-2729939 E yeswin@twyeswin.com W www.twyeswin.com

Zolux International Co., Ltd. n (A2-90/A2-100) Bolt & Nut n Self-Drilling Screws n Chipboard Screws (A4, CE) n Head Painting, Collated Screws n OEM Design & Package Service T +886-7-696-2089 E mike.zolux@gmail.com W www.zolux.com.tw

102 Last-Digital Issue + Ad Index - TOR103 2026.qxp 02/04/2026 15:29 Page 1

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ISSUE 100 > Q4 2025 FOCUS > Sustainability

INTERVIEW > We speak with Optimas’ Head of Sustainability, Julia Anukam

CBAM, EU Taxonomy Regulation, sustainability hires and… saving CO2 through trade shows?

FOCUS > Plugs, plasterboard and cavity fixings A right fix: anchors and more from JCP, H&C & CELO

AND MUCH MORE... www.torque-expo.com/torque-magazines

Subscribe at >

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Achilles Seibert GmbH

07

Joker Industrial Co Ltd

ACT Fasteners and Components

63

Kingwin Precision Co Ltd

23

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co

29

Lederer GmbH

08

Alexander Paal GmbH

23

Matatakitoyo Tool Co., Ltd

94

Ambrovit SpA

104

Merlin Business Software from Aptean

73

ARMA BAGLANTI SISTEMLERI SAN VE TIC A.S.

35

Norm Civata

89

Bäcker GmbH & Co KG

05

Norbar Torque Tools Ltd

91

BIAFD

63

Nord-Lock International AB

03

41

Nylon Fasteners Ltd

21

OGL Software

75 01

Bralo SA Brightonbest International UK Ltd

102

48, 54, 64, 80

29

Ceti̇n Ci̇vata Sanayi̇i̇ Ve Ti̇caret A.Ş

17

Optimas OE Solutions

Conosco

27

P G B – Europe

19

Epicor Software UK Ltd

61

Peter Schröder GmbH

25

Everfast Dış Ticaret Limited Şti.

95

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd

57

F. Reyher Nchfg. GmbH & Co. KG

81

Pühl GmbH & Co KG

103

Far srl – Fastening Systems

45

Rapid Industrial Fasteners Ltd

79

Fürniss GmbH

39

Rivit Srl

87

G W R Fasteners Ltd

67

Schäfer + Peters GmbH

02

Gala Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd

09

Shaanxi Sinwa Int'l Trading Co.,Ltd

93

Garton Ltd t/a Smith Bullough

77

Sky Metal Finishing

37

GEDORE Torque Ltd

33

Spirol UK

49

Hafren Fasteners

69

Sunco Industries Co. Ltd

27

Halfmann Schrauben GmbH

93

Taiwan Precision Fastener Company Ltd

27

Harrison & Clough Ltd

71

The Insert Company (UK) Ltd

53

HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH

31

Trutek Fastening Systems UK LTD

47

Intact Software

55

Volt Industrial Plastics Inc.

43

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AD INDEX ISSUE 103 April 2026