Our commitment to innovation,
INVESTING IN SUCCESS
We embrace advanced technology, constantly evolving.
PAGES 16 & 17
Your export partner for all types of fasteners.
Our fasteners and fixings, whether visible or invisible, always provide the strongest connections for your construction... whether it’s metal, wood, or concrete.
They are essential links in every structure.
The daily mission of pgb-International is to continuously provide our customers with quality products and matching service.
For over 60 years, we have built a strong reputation as a trusted supplier and manufacturer of screws, bolts, and anchors.
It has been in our genes for 3 generations. www.pgb-international.com
Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@torque-expo.com
Editor Jonathon Harker jonathon@torque-expo.com
Deputy Editor Rachel King rachel@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 luke@torque-expo.com
Designers Dan Bennett Victoria Arellano
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06 NEWS
12 WOMEN IN FASTENERS > JOCELYN ZHOU, NICOLA SMALL & PATRICIA LEBRETON, OPTIMAS
16 COVER PROFILE > RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS
18 SPOTLIGHT > MKT
22 SPOTLIGHT > NORD-LOCK
26 INTERVIEW > MAHMUT ÖZTÜRK, NORM FASTENERS
30 SPOTLIGHT > WERA
32 FOCUS > TOOLS MADE IN GERMANY
36 FOCUS > NUTS, WASHERS & LOCKING SYSTEMS
40 FOCUS > FASTENER MACHINES, EQUIPMENT & TOOLING
44 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION > ETAs & ACCREDITATIONS
48 TERRITORY FOCUS > ITALY
58 FOCUS > RENEWABLES – FASTENERS & TOOLS
62 SPOTLIGHT > DÖRKEN
64 SHOW PREVIEW > IFE 2025
66 SPOTLIGHT > CETIN CIVATA
70 SPOTLIGHT > PTS
72 WOMEN IN FASTENERS > SUE GUILMANT, ANOCHROME GROUP
74 APPRENTICE Q&A > NICOLA GORDON, HARRISON & CLOUGH
76 SPOTLIGHT > CIRCULAR ECONOMY
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OPPORTUNITIES, NOT OBSTACLES
If you were looking for the broad themes or trends of recent years then you’d definitely point at disruption as being one of the largest. The way businesses and the industry in general have reacted to that rich seam of disruption has –naturally – been hugely important.
Further ahead in this magazine, one Italian fastener producer (part of our sizeable Territory Report starting page 48) delivers a natty line –about viewing market challenges as opportunities, rather than obstacles.
That absolutely fits with that concept of how businesses react to disruption. Close readers of our last issue will have seen multiple examples of businesses leveraging their skill sets and setting out their stalls as solution providers ready to conquer market disruption. “We can solve that problem for other businesses,” was a repeated refrain from many of the companies we spoke with.
Businesses may react to disruption by leaning further into their niche. Conversely, however, we’ve heard plenty of fastener and fixing businesses tell us that they are planning to significantly increase the size and scope of their product ranges, perhaps tying into that other strategy where suppliers aim to become a one-stop-shop. By growing ranges, you might just grab a larger slice of the market pie, which is a logical strategy when the market looks largely flat.
How a business reacts to disruption can, arguably, define it, and for some of your customers, it will do exactly that. Appearing to step up and solve some of their challenges can make you an invaluable ally and one that will earn goodwill, and likely repeat business, in the future.
Jonathon Harker Editor jonathon@torque-expo.com
THE GLOBAL PARTNER
QUALITY SINCE 1951 OUR PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDES:
THE STANDARD DIN 912 | DIN 931 | DIN 933
HEXAGON HEAD DIN 6921 | ISO 4014 | ISO 4017 | DIN 960 | DIN 961
HEXAGON SOCKET HEAD DIN 7991 | ISO 10642 | DIN 6912 | DIN 7984 | ISO 7380 -1 & -2
THREADED SCREWS WITH HEXALOBULAR SOCKET ISO 14579 | ISO 14580 | ISO 14581 | ISO 14583
HEXAGON SOCKET SET SCREWS DIN 913/ISO 4026 | DIN 914/ISO 4027 | DIN 915/ISO 4028 | DIN 916/ISO 4029
THREAD ROLLING SCREWS DIN 7500 Form CE | DIN 7500 Form M
TAPPING AND DRILLING SCREWS DIN 7504 Form K | DIN 7981 | DIN 7982 | ISO 14585 |
HEXAGON NUTS DIN 934 | DIN 985 | DIN 980 | DIN 439 | DIN 6923 | ISO 4032 | ISO 7042
WASHERS DIN 125 | ISO 7089
PARALLEL PINS ISO 8734 | DIN 7979 Form D Achilles Seibert GmbH | Philipp-Reis-Straße 3 | D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg Phone +49 (0) 41 93 89 55 | sales@achill-fasteners.com
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Würth becomes official tool supplier for MotoGP
The Würth Group has entered the premium class of motorcycle racing as the official tool supplier for MotoGP™. With this partnership, Würth is aiming to present itself as a reliable technology partner in topclass sports.
Würth has been active in motor sports since 1976. The involvement in MotoGP™ marks another milestone in its sponsorship strategy. The focus is on equipping the technical teams with highquality Würth tools that are able to perform in
extreme conditions and ensure absolute precision, efficiency and safety in the paddock and pit lane.
During the season, Würth will be prominently visible at the Grand Prix races in Italy, Spain and Indonesia, with strong branding along the race track, in hospitality areas and in digital spaces. In addition, Würth offers exclusive customer experiences. The selection of the Grand Prix locations also highlights the Group’s international growth strategy. www.wuerth.com
NORD-LOCK GROUP OPENS APAC HUB IN MALAYSIA
Nord
Lock Group has unveiled its new Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) at North Port, Selangor. The facility represents a strategic investment in Malaysia's logistics infrastructure and is expected to reduce delivery times for essential industrial components across AsiaPacific markets by more than 50%.
The strategically positioned facility was officially opened by the Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Niklas Wiberg, alongside Northport CEO Fakhrul Azhar bin Tajudin and Graham Souter – Vice President, Head of BU NordLock from NordLock Group Headquarters in Sweden.
Despite its compact 539squaremetre footprint, the highefficiency distribution centre incorporates advanced automation systems that increase the handling capacity of conventional warehouses significantly. The facility will process shipments of precision components for
various industries including renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects across AsiaPacific countries.
“This facility represents the future of specialised industrial logistics – where strategic location and technological sophistication matter more than sheer size,” said Graham Souter, Vice President, Head of BU NordLock. “From this hub based in Northport, we can now deliver critical components to the AsiaPacific region with unprecedented speed – enhancing our service capabilities, significantly reducing turnaround times, and empowering our customers with the efficiency they need to excel in today's fastpaced market.”
“NordLock Group's decision to establish this new distribution centre in Malaysia is a testament to the country’s strategic importance in the region,” said H.E Niklas Wiberg, Ambassador of
Sweden to Malaysia. “Given Malaysia’s strategic role as a regional hub in ASEAN, especially in its capacity as ASEAN Chair this year, this opening comes at a highly relevant time. The new distribution centre will create local jobs, economic opportunities, and facilitate knowledge transfer and upskilling, further enhancing Malaysia’s position in the region. It will also highlight Swedish companies, benefitting both our countries.”
The NordLock Group facility is expected to support over 5,000 shipments/year capability through Malaysia, contributing to the country's position as a highvalue logistics hub.
www.nord-lock.com
ENDRIES INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Endries International Inc. has announced that Chief Financial Officer Dan Crociata has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Michael Knight, who is stepping down after serving as CEO for the past few years.
“Dan has been a key member of the Endries leadership team and a trusted partner in advancing our strategic priorities,” said Steve Endries, Chairman. “His deep understanding of the business, strong leadership capabilities, and commitment to our customers and team members make him the ideal leader for Endries as it enters its next chapter. We’re also deeply grateful to Michael for his leadership and the enhancements he brought to the business during his time with the company.” endries.com
Best of British Engineering
The brightest lights in British engineering and manufacturing are set to shine as finalists for the Enginuity Skills Awards 2025. The Awards celebrate the teams and individuals who inspire and empower the next generation of talent in the sector, fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and collaboration.
The event will be held on Thursday, 3 July 2025, with a gala dinner to take place at the Park Plaza London Riverbank, where the winners will be announced.
Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, wants the awards to underline the true potential that the sector offers the nation. “What a gathering of brilliant Brits awaits us. The fact that twothirds of the individual finalists are women, fills me with joy and hope for the future. They are within the grasp of glory.”
The awards cover apprentices, T Level students, training partners, SME and large employers, new talent and more. enginuity.org/skills-awards-2025
Dan Crociata, CEO > Endries International Inc.
Fastener Training Week heads to Chicago
Fastener Training Institute (FTI) heads to Chicago, IL to host its next Fastener Training Week from August 2529 as part of MidWest Fastener Association’s FSTNR Week.
“We love being in Chicago. It’s a great opportunity for industry professionals to complete Fastener Training Week while having the chance to engage with the MWFA,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI.
Fastener Training Week is FTI’s flagship training programme. Students gain Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) designation by completing the week
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long training and passing a final exam.
“Keeping our industry safe and reliable though training is our mission.
Fastener Training week is challenging but the benefits, for both individuals and companies, are well worth the investment,” added Morris.
Key Fastener Training Week topics include consensus standards organizations, IFI resources, torque tension, QA systems & sampling plans, thread technology and gage issues, print reading & tolerances, material specifications for steel fasteners and understanding how fasteners fail.
Case studies, handson demonstrations, learning labs, general classroom
instruction and plant tours facilitate the extensive curriculum – taught by Laurence Claus and Salim Brahimi from Industrial Fasteners Institute.
Fastener Training Week will be held at The Lincolnshire Marriott. It is ideal for fastener distributors, manufacturers, endusers as well as sales and quality assurance professionals. Plant tours are planned at Semblex and SWD, Inc.
fastenertraining.org
UK Construction Week (UKCW) London celebrated its most successful edition to date when it returned to ExCeL London. The show welcomed record visitor numbers and featured a wealth of exclusive brands, an indepth CPDaccredited education programme, global exhibitors, and a range of innovative new features.
The biggest update to this year’s edition was the unveiling of two major new show features: HVAC+R and Onsite On Hire to showcase innovation. Other event highlights included over 300 exhibitors showcasing more than 7,000 products, the Women in Construction Networking Event and The Sicilian Pavillion among others.
Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, remarked: “This year, UKCW London was more than just a hub for innovation and collaboration — it became a pivotal platform for shaping the future of the built environment. It marked a bold and dynamic start to our 10th anniversary celebrations, and we’re excited to build on this momentum as we look ahead to UKCW Birmingham this autumn.”
Dates for upcoming editions have been confirmed with UKCW Birmingham to be held from 30 September to 2 October 2025 and next year’s UKCW London set for 12–14 May 2026.
Registration is now open for UKCW Birmingham, visit the website for more information.
www.ukconstructionweek.com
JEWSON’S LUTON REDEVELOPMENT
UK builders’ merchants, Jewson, has launched plans for its refurbished Luton branch.
Designed with customers at heart, the £4.3m transformational redevelopment work includes a 51,800 ft² shop floor which is set to supply the largest range of products in the UK with 6,500 SKUs available for immediate collection. Set to open in the summer, the branch brings together a huge range of services, creating a onestopshop with all the materials, tools, services and space that customers require to work as efficiently as possible. The branch will feature a comprehensive suite of new services including a cement plant, timber cutting station, large landscaping display, tool hire and repair centres, showrooms, paint mixing facility, and even an extended workwear range.
The branch will also be home to Jewson’s firstever Sustainability House – showcasing cuttingedge materials.
www.jewson.co.uk
INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS
JOCELYN ZHOU, NICOLA SMALL & PATRICIA LEBRETON OPTIMAS
With decades of experience in the fastener industry and across different continents working for Optimas Solutions, Jocelyn Zhou, Sales Manager working out of Suzhou, China; Nicola Small, Commercial Director for the UK based in Gloucester; and Patricia Lebreton, Outside Sales Program Manager stationed in Hambach, France, share their insights into the fastener industry – and wider engineering sector – with Torque Magazine
How did you get into the industry?
Lebreton: I needed to complete an internship during the final year of my master’s degree, and I was fortunate enough to do it with this company. At the end of the internship, they offered me a work contract, which I gladly accepted.
Small: My entry into the industry started with a summer job in the UK after finishing my exams at age 16. I had family working at a malethreaded manufacturing facility, and they needed temporary support as they worked toward gaining TS 9000 accreditation. I was brought in to help with the administrative side – mainly compiling documents and supporting the implementation process.
The original plan was to return to higher education, but the appeal of earning a regular salary convinced me to stay. While I was still working as a temp, a vacancy came up in the production planning department. I applied, got the job and ended up staying in that role until the site eventually closed in the early 2000s.
Zhou: My story is pretty straightforward – I’m still in my first career so far. I started as a graduate trainee back in 2011, right after finishing my master’s degree. I actually found out about the job through a recruitment message on my university’s website.
What really caught my attention was that the company was offering a fullyear training programme in the UK.
That opportunity to spend a whole year in the UK, fully paid by the company, was a huge attraction for me. Moreover, I would be able to start my career in a role I was excited about. It felt like a dream job at that moment, so I applied, passed the interview, and got the position as a graduate trainee. And here I am, 14 years later!
What does your day-to-day job involve?
Lebreton: I respond to all my customers’ price requests, ensuring they get accurate and timely information. I also support them with the engineering side of part development— often by identifying and offering components we already have in stock that might suit their needs. In addition to that, I closely follow up on ongoing projects by tracking the offers we’ve already sent and verifying consumption figures to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Another important aspect of my role is prospecting, which means identifying and reaching out to potential new clients.
Small: I lead a team that manages the entire frontend process of our business. We handle everything from receiving
JOCELYN ZHOU
NICOLA SMALL
customer requests to product implementation, including product approval by our quality teams. Like Jocelyn, I maintain relationships with customers and support our sales teams with bidding and negotiations on new inquiries. I also work closely with our vendors, so I’m positioned right in the middle, managing relationships on both sides. This makes my daytoday work very varied, which is something I really enjoy.
Zhou: In my current role, I’m both a team leader and an individual contributor. My daily responsibilities involve looking after my team members, providing them with guidance and support to help them succeed. At the same time, I manage relationships with my clients to ensure their needs are met. A big part of my day is spent handling requests for quotations (RFQs), following up on customer projects and making sure I deliver a high level of service that satisfies my clients.
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry and company since you started?
Lebreton: Customers are no longer keen on facetoface meetings as digital communication has taken over. There’s also been a noticeable drop in product knowledge among customers, which means we now have to spend more time educating and guiding them. Another significant shift is the increased level of support required for newcomers – there’s a bigger learning curve now, and we need to provide much more handson guidance to help them get up to speed.
Small: I think one of the biggest changes has been how much smaller the world feels now – especially after Covid. Communication has evolved massively. We can now speak to people across continents and time zones in real time, which wasn’t possible before. When I started, we were still using fax machines as the world of work hadn’t started using the internet. You’d fax someone and wait. Now everything happens so much faster, which has completely changed how we work.
Another big change is the increasing presence of women in the fastener industry, particularly in leadership roles. When I started in 1997, there were women in the industry, but mainly in administrative or support roles – you didn’t often see them in management. That’s really changed across many countries and now we’re seeing more women stepping into leadership positions, which is great to see.
// Another big change is the increasing presence of women in the fastener industry, particularly in leadership roles //
Nicola Small
// Customers are no longer keen on face-to-face meetings as digital communication has taken over //
Patricia Lebreton
Zhou: Since I’m in China, I’ve witnessed significant changes over the past 15 years, especially influenced by geopolitical issues. When I began my career, the world felt much smaller due to globalisation – countries were closely connected and communication was almost instant. However, in the last three or four years, this trend has shifted, and the world seems to be expanding again as geopolitical tensions have grown. These issues now play a major role in the global economy and have directly impacted our business. For example, in the last couple of months, our China team has been dealing with the effects of tariffs (imposed by the US government), and I know the US tariffs have also affected our teams there. This shift in the geopolitical landscape is the biggest change I’ve seen since I started.
Can you share some of your career highlights and milestones so far?
Lebreton: One of the biggest milestones was entering the automotive industry as a woman back in the 1990s, a space that was very much dominated by men at the time. I had to work twice as hard to earn respect and prove myself, and there was absolutely no room for error. Today, I work in a much more balanced environment with as many women as men, which is a real sign of progress.
Small: Looking back, one of my early highlights was stepping into a leadership role at my first company. It was a very maledominated leadership team, and at times I was the only woman in that decisionmaking group. In hindsight, that was quite an achievement. More broadly, I’d say my greatest accomplishment has been the ability to continue progressing my career – especially here at Optimas – while also raising my family. There’s no single standout milestone, but being able to grow professionally, keep learning and balance that with family life is something I’m genuinely proud of. We work to live, not live to work and I feel fortunate to have managed both.
Zhou: The highlights of my career have evolved over time. In the past, being the top salesperson at Optimas Suzhou was a major milestone for me. It showed that I could make a real contribution to the company and grow alongside it. More recently, as a sales manager, I find great satisfaction in helping my team members hit their KPIs, set clear goals and achieve them. Supporting their growth feels like one of my biggest accomplishments. Another significant milestone has been helping to establish a new legal entity in Singapore. This came as a response to growing demand from our semiconductor customers, and it’s rewarding to see how my efforts have contributed to organisational growth and strategy.
INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS
// Being able to tackle challenges and deliver strong results is the part I find most rewarding in the fastener industry //
Jocelyn Zhou
What is your favourite thing about the fastener industry?
Lebreton: I love the variety of products and the technical complexity involved. There’s always something new to learn and every project can present a fresh challenge, which keeps things interesting.
Small: For me, it’s the constant evolution. A fastener today isn’t the same as one created 20 or 30 years ago. We’re always seeing new technologies, automation and coatings emerge. There’s always something new to learn.
You never reach a point where you know everything, and that’s what makes it so exciting. There’s always room to grow and to share that knowledge with others. Especially at Optimas, where we deal with such a wide range of fasteners, the variety keeps things interesting. Even after so many years in the industry, there’s still so much more to discover.
Zhou: What I enjoy most is the opportunity to face challenges. I like finding different ways to overcome them. Just like our company’s name, Optimas Solutions, we focus on providing effective solutions, both for our customers and internally. Being able to tackle challenges and deliver strong results is the part I find most rewarding in the fastener industry.
What do you think needs to be done to encourage more women to get involved in the fastener industry?
Lebreton: Honestly, the sector has already evolved a lot since I first started. Today, women entering the industry receive strong technical support and there’s much more emphasis on sharing product knowledge and training. For example, I make sure to explain to my team exactly where a part goes and which car it’s for – having that context really helps build confidence and understanding. Continuing to provide this kind of support will go a long way in encouraging more women to join and thrive in the industry.
Small: I think the issue goes beyond fasteners. It’s the engineering industry as a whole, where the percentage of women is still far lower than men, especially in the UK. If we want to see more women in fasteners and engineering in general, it really needs to start with education. We have to begin those conversations in secondary schools, colleges and universities. I’m not sure how we make it more appealing, but it could be presented as more engaging and fun. That’s the challenge. Initiatives like highlighting women in fasteners, sharing case studies and reallife examples are definitely part of the solution. Getting those stories out to young people in education can really help shift perceptions and spark interest.
Zhou: Be brave and openminded. Don’t lean on the fact that you’re a woman – your gender shouldn’t define your path. At the same time, be honest with yourself and with the world.
If you could, what piece of advice would you give your younger self as you started working in the fastener industry?
Lebreton: Without a doubt, I’d tell myself to work even harder on my English!
Small: I’ve always believed in the power of asking questions, and even now, that’s something I still live by. If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be: ask even more questions. I probably asked some back then, but not nearly enough. Keep asking questions, no matter how small they may seem. Mistakes aren’t a problem unless you fail to learn from them. Take feedback on board, accept the criticism and use it to grow. That’s how you develop. So yes, ask questions and never stop asking them.
Zhou: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. What you should fear is not learning anything from them. Every mistake can teach you something valuable. Those lessons will help you grow and progress. Accept that and keep moving forward. I would also tell my younger self to be more openminded. Ten years ago, when I started my career, I focused only on the customer and on the small details, without considering the bigger picture or the external factors that also play a role. Over time, I’ve learned that everything is connected. So, stay open to the wider world, not just the immediate tasks in front of you.
Any final thoughts?
Lebreton: I’ve been in the fastening business for nearly 40 years, and I’ve truly enjoyed the ride. It’s been a great career –I can’t imagine myself ever selling womenspecific products like tights or makeup! This industry suits me perfectly, and I’m proud of the path I’ve taken.
Small: For me, it all comes back to people and how we can attract more into the fastener industry. I’d say: be openminded. At first glance, it might not seem like the most exciting sector, but there are constant technical and technological developments that keep things interesting. Also, never stop learning. Always stay curious and open to new knowledge. And most importantly, never be arrogant enough to think you know it all. There’s always more to discover.
Zhou: My advice would be similar: don’t lose your passion and curiosity for your career. Keep looking beyond your immediate surroundings and always keep learning. That’s a big part of staying engaged and growing. Take charge of your own path, because there’s a whole world out there waiting for you.
www.optimas.com
// Today, women entering the industry receive strong technical support and there’s much more emphasis on sharing product knowledge and training //
Jocelyn Zhou
Halfmann Schrauben GmbH
Welkerhude 37, D-45356 Essen
+49(0)201 36484 0 info@halfmann-schrauben.de www.halfmann-schrauben.de
Rapid’s range has broadened now that the firm is capable of handling harder to machine alloys
RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS
RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS: GROWING IN CAPABILITY
There are fewer UK fastener manufacturers than there once were but Rapid is among those bucking the trend and is actually increasing its production capabilities, which go hand and hand with its long-established distribution business. Torque Magazine speaks with Managing Director Richard White
Based in the UK’s fastener heartlands of the West Midlands (in Stourbridge), Rapid Industrial Fasteners has been in the fastener business since 1980, offering distribution and related services for approaching 50 years. However, Rapid’s recent growth trajectory has been fuelled in part by the milestone decision made by the distributor to start manufacturing inhouse, back in 2019.
The firm hasn’t just been dabbling in fastener manufacture either. It’s growth in production has seen it make some significant recent investments in the past 12 months. These have included more advanced machines, including those with more automated processes and those with the ability to handle difficult to machine materials.
“We’re growing as a business,” Managing Director Richard White tells Torque Magazine: “And we’re bringing in more advanced machines as we go.” Recent additions have included a four axis CNC machine, costing circa £200,000.
“We are stepping up a gear in terms of capability, expanding the product lines we can produce,” White explains. “These newer machines we can leave running, they don’t have to be manually operated. So, we can run them overnight and it’s opened the door to us taking on even bigger batch sizes.”
More advanced machines also mean that Rapid can now handle increasingly difficult materials, including harder to machine alloys like NIMONIC 80A. That, in turn, has opened up the range of industries Rapid can supply, manufacturing at a level required by the aviation and aerospace industries and their famously stringent requirements. That roster of markets that Rapid currently serves includes oil and gas, the defence sector, water and flow control and solar, via merchants.
Distribution & production: “The complete supply solution”
The pace has, appropriately, rarely let up since Rapid first stepped into production. The firm moved its machine shop and distribution centre much closer together in 2024 (now moments away, over the rail track) and it’s introduced an additional production unit to house the new machines. And following this most recent expansion, Rapid has 48 machines and a growing number of machinists – now at 12.
As well as giving it a fuller range of services to serve its customers, the changes have helped with that big modern challenge of recruitment: With its expanding manufacturing prowess, Rapid has become ever more eyecatching to prospective engineering and manufacturing talent.
Rapid manufactures products that go overseas as far as Mexico and in the US including Oklahoma and Tulsa. And, of course, products go out closer to home into Europe including Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany and others. The other arm of Rapid’s business – its distribution arm – also supplies products into Europe.
As distributor and producer, Rapid has a lot to offer, White says: “We aim to be the complete supply solution.”
Rapid has 1,000plus pallet locations and more than £2 million stock on the shelves, including plenty of standard products.
In addition, the firm is close to manufacturer partners in Asia, China and India to fill out its capabilities further still.
The next stage of development
Richard White is always keen to emphasise the integrity cornerstone of the business: “It’s about doing what we say, when we say. Like the name, we respond quickly. We can get products out to you, we can do double shifts when we need to…”
White isn’t keen on the term, viewing it a bit of a cliché, but the ‘complete solution’ phrase is nevertheless a good fit for Rapid, he says: “It’s genuinely what we are! It is very difficult, not everyone can do it. We are blessed with the team that we have, not least Operations Director Jason Hayfield. He manages the daytoday manufacturing, while I head up the distribution operation.”
Winning over the industry when you’re offering something new can take a while, White admits: “It takes a few years to get over that initial cynicism you sometimes face. We started manufacturing and people maybe waited to see how we did.”
But the firm’s progress has been proof positive of its capabilities, he adds: “Now we’re at the next stage of development and are a few stages on. Our capabilities are up there with any of our competitors. We’ve bought the best you can – we’ve now got even higher spec machines – and that has moved things onto the next level.”
Rapid’s depth of machines now means there’s a wider range of jobs the firm can handle: “We’re able to do all volumes and we still have some manual machines for lower production runs.
A four axis CNC machine, circa £200,000 was one of the recent machine investments made by the firm
The advanced machines take longer to set up, but once that is done you can produce a lot of products. So, we’re flexible, and capable. We have a solution for whatever our customers need.”
“2024 was an exciting year of investment. We have purchased eight new machines and we’ve increased our stock holding too. We’ve really ramped things up in the last 12 months.”
Rapid has also appointed a Marketing Manager too, Louise Manser, a measure of how the firm has grown and evolved: “You can’t do it all, you want specialists in key roles.”
White says: “We joined BIAFD (the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors) and we’ve signed up to the local Chamber of Commerce too. Things are always changing and legislation like CBAM looks to be one of the biggest challenges ahead. So, we try to stay informed and stay in front.
As part of Rapid’s programme of continual improvements, the firm is also investing in software, including a new system to benefit its Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and B2B portal for customers.
“Following these big investments, we’re now letting things bed in. We want to fill the capacity that we have created. We invested heavily and we want to get the optimum benefit from it, for us and our customers.”
www.rapidfast.co.uk
Rapid is investing in its WMS systems as well as a B2B portal for customers
MKT: THE NEXT LEVEL
MKT’s extensive facility expansion will become fully operational later this year, vastly growing its manufacturing and storage space to boost availability and capabilities, all in a unit where sustainability has been factored in as a cornerstone. A project thrilling enough for the editorial team of the Torque Magazine to pay a visit to MKT in Weilerbach, Germany
When MKT CEO Stefan Weustenhagen told Torque Magazine earlier this year about the company’s major site expansion – one that would take the anchor specialist to a whole new level – it wasn’t long before we scheduled a visit. On a sunny morning in midMay, we stepped into the new facility, months before its official completion scheduled for 2 October this year. The new building is being brought online in phases, and production is already underway in some areas. It’s clear that this is a major leap forward for the company, far from its humble beginnings in 1990, when operations started with just four employees in a converted car workshop.
The new facility, reportedly a €30 million investment, adds 15,000 m² of manufacturing space – doubling the company’s total production area. Upon entering, we were immediately struck by the low noise levels and clean air – improved working conditions that are in stark contrast to the harsher environments of traditional hardware manufacturing. While some of the space still unoccupied, it’s rapidly filling with machinery and equipment. This room to grow allows for greater efficiency and operational agility – securing MKT’s core strength to deliver madetoorder products within just two to six weeks.
MADE IN GERMANY FOR THE WORLD
We move on to an area where large header machines work rhythmically, pressing steel wire into shape – up to three finished parts per second. Julian Löwen, one of the many longstanding
employees, walks us through the production process. He pulls a tiny nail anchor, precisely formed by a machine the size of a big garage. Sensing our surprise at its small size, he smiles and assures us to show bigger anchors later.
As we head to the next production area, passing rows of CNC machines and automated washing and packaging stations, Löwen shares stories from his decadelong journey at MKT –first in production, now in product management. MKT has delivered anchors for highprofile projects like Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the Library of Birmingham in the UK, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and the Clem Jones Tunnel in Brisbane, Australia – to name just a few.
Löwen picks up a conical stud probably weighing five pounds, part of a bonded expansion anchor: “We produced this custom part for the tunnel project in Australia – made from highcorrosionresistant steel. We won the bid because of our quality and the ability to deliver ontime. It was the biggest single order in our company’s history,” he says, motivated by being part of the success story.
MKT sources all raw materials for their products regionally, which help lower the impact of volatile market conditions
// Nearly 10,000 tons of steel are processed here each year. Most of it is supplied from mills in the nearby Saar region, one of Germany’s traditional steelmaking hubs //
SUSTAINABILITY AND SUPPLY CHAIN STABILITY
Time to move on, Weustenhagen wants to show the rest of the building. On the way to the office and utility rooms, we pass massive steel coils and bar bundles being moved by forklifts. Nearly 10,000 tons of steel are processed here each year. Most of it is supplied from mills in the nearby Saar region, one of Germany’s traditional steelmaking hubs. Some stainless steel grades are sourced from neighbouring countries. Also, the raw material for MKT’s chemical anchor capsules – produced for anchor sizes up to M30 – also come from within the EU. This regional sourcing ensures a robust and resilient supply chain, something stresstested during the Covid pandemic.
Sustainability is another clear benefit of regional sourcing, and that is a topic that was anchored into the building extension project. Volker Fuchs, MKT’s project engineer, explains: “Among the ecosmart features of the new site is heat recovery. Using recuperators and heat exchangers, warm air from the production area is captured, filtered, and redistributed – making conventional heating almost unnecessary.” We climb to the rooftop, taking in sweeping views of the West Palatinate countryside, dotted with wind turbines. The roof itself is almost entirely covered with solar panels, mounted on a 200 mm thick layer of insulation, which gives the surface a soft feel underfoot.
“Today, solar power covers 35% of our production energy needs,” Fuchs continues. “The remainder comes from
WORLDWIDE a solid connection
MKT is a manufacturer and one of the global market leaders for high quality anchors used in concrete structures. We offer the complete range of mechanical and chemical anchors for professional applications.
MADE IN GERMANY
certified green electricity. So, the energy cost spikes Germany saw after the gas crisis didn’t impact us. Forwardthinking planning and early investment are paying off.” Weustenhagen adds with visible pride: “The building is on track to be certified gold by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) –and we’re optimistic about achieving platinum. That would make us the first manufacturing facility ever to earn a platinum DGNB rating. It’s proof that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.” The DGNB system assesses sustainability across all phases of a building’s lifecycle, including ecological, economic, technical, sociocultural, and locationbased criteria.
MKT ON A PATH OF CONTINUED GROWTH
MKT’s strong regional supply network has been instrumental in helping the company grow amid volatile market conditions. Staying flexible and committed is pivotal for the success, a trait
The new facility adds 15,000 m² of manufacturing space, doubling the company’s total production area
embedded in the DNA of MKT and its staff. Over the past 35 years, the company has experienced sustained growth, reaching nearly €85 million in revenue in 2024 – a compound annual growth rate of around 10%. Looking ahead, MKT is expanding its international reach. With a solid presence in Europe, the company is now increasing its focus on the AsiaPacific region – home to some of today’s fastestgrowing markets.
“These are challenging macroeconomic times,” admits Weustenhagen. “But we’re rising to the next level to meet them, encouraged by our customers who value not only the technical excellence of our products, but also the fact that they are made in Germany under truly sustainable conditions.” With that, we descend from the sunny rooftop, leaving with lasting impressions of a company that’s ready for what’s next.
www.mkt.de
// Over the past 35 years, the company has experienced sustained growth, reaching nearly €85 million in revenue in 2024 – a compound annual growth rate of around 10% //
MKT manufactures all types of concrete anchors ranging from very small to very big
ad-tm-half-reliable-supplier-issue96-may-jun2025-o indd 1 6/4/2025 8:48:03 AM
Dowel screws
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Up on the roof: Westfield HamburgÜberseequartier features an inner glass roof, assembled with thousands of unique panels
LOCK AND THROW AWAY THE KEY –BOLTING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Right next to the Elbe River in Hamburg, integrated into the urban development project HafenCity, sits the Westfield HamburgÜberseequartier. Developed by Westfield with a strong focus on sustainability, the district hosts offices, restaurants and more.
Standing out in the unique area is an inner glass roof, assembled with thousands of unique panels, designed by renowned German architect Werner Sobek. Glass façade specialist for steel constructions, Roschmann Group, was tasked with turning Sobek’s vision into reality.
The multiple benefits of bolted connections
Other than the uniquely shaped panels, the roof structure is made of hollow sections, ideal for widespanning struc
In most cases when bolts come loose, we can tighten them. But what if they are impossible to access and must maintain a specific preload? A glass roof in the heart of Hamburg presented the developers with these challenges…
tures where strength, stability, low weight and aesthetics are the highest priority.
After initially considering welded notes as the fastening solution, Roschmann realised the insurmountable challenges it would imply and threw bolted connections into the mix.
“Using welded nodes exclusively would have been highly complex and timeconsuming, requiring a lot of assembly work on the construction site and auxiliary connections,” says Michael Skopp, Head of R&D and René Hesselbarth, Project Manager at Roschmann.
The advantages of bolted connections were several. Firstly, the timeeffectiveness it brought was key for Roschmann in acquiring the project. Secondly, when not every single connection had to be assembled on site, separate sections of the roof could be constructed offsite,
which made for smoother logistics and coordination. But the most advantageous upside of using bolted connections was flexibility.
“The roof segments weigh several tonnes and had to be lifted into place using a construction cane. With welded connections, it is no longer possible to check and correct the positioning of the segments once they have been assembled. But with bolted connections, we were able to rework and finetune the positioning which gave us crucial flexibility,” says Michael Skopp and René Hesselbarth.
A roof that moves
The ability to readjust and torque to exact predetermined preload values was also necessary for the roof to be able to move slightly. To that end, Roschmann turned to The Center of Competence for
ASK FOR THEM BY NAME...
New wave, big hair, shoulder pads — not everything from the 1980s was designed to last forever. On the other hand, Nord-Lock invented the original wedge-lock washers that have been trusted to secure bolted joints ever since we began innovating the technology in 1982.
By using geometry instead of friction, Nord-Lock washers prevent bolts and nuts from loosening unintentionally. Engineers ask for them by name, and they’re a standard-bearer for safety in construction and industry. So, as the world changes through the decades, remember that a Nord-Lock washer is made to last.
SPOTLIGHT
The newly developed AF Pro lubrication was selected, in part to withstand environmental challenges related to Hamburg’s humid, rainy suboceanic climate
Tubes and Hollow Sections (CCTH), an engineering company specialising in hollow section applications, to calculate the preload that would allow for it.
“The entire structure relies heavily on highly specific, predetermined preload intervals,” says Dr.Ing Stefan Herion, Managing Director at CCTH. “So, because we had to allow for slight movements in the construction, we had to preload the bolt with just the right levels.”
After having identified the necessary preload force ensuring that the nodes in the roof construction would bear as they should, while also allowing for some degree of movement, the next step was to ensure that the preload was applied accurately. Therefore, tightening tests were carried out by the Munich University of Applied Sciences.
Also working together with Roschmann and CCTH to identify a solution that would maintain the bolted connections torque and preload behaviour was bolt manufacturer August Friedberg GmbH. The German company provides bolting solutions to numerous industries, and in this project, it consisted of a highly sophisticated lubrication system.
“Our job was to find a lubricant that would make it possible to achieve a certain preload in the bolting solution, that would also remain stable over time with low scatter,” says Dr.Ing. Selcuk Güres, Head of Research and Development at Friedberg.
Friedberg used their newly developed AF Pro lubrication, which, in addition to meeting all the requirements related to torque and preload behaviour, is also able to withstand environmental challenges related to Hamburg’s humid, rainy suboceanic climate. Moreover, since the number of nuts and bolts exceeded 5000, in a range of different sizes, standard partial lubrication of relevant head and thread surfaces would have taken up too much time. Therefore, Friedberg came up with a special, automated solution that lubricated the entire bolt.
Bolting out of the ordinary
The bolting challenges in the roof construction were unique and tricky. As noted above, the calculated preload necessary to allow the roof to be flexible enough to allow for small movements did not fall within the regulative levels as it’s neither preloaded nor nonpreloaded.
Another detail making the bolting challenging and not compliant with regulated, standardised protocols, was the combination of parts (i.e., bolt and washer) assembled inside the hollow sections, also called “blind hole connection”, meaning that the bolted connections are not visible. In the roof construction, the connections were covered with clipped plates.
“The blindhole connection was crucial for the aesthetics of the roof. Standing underneath, you cannot really see how the whole structure is fixed together since there are no signs of welding or visible bolts or nuts,” says Stefan Herion.
The combination of not fully preloaded bolted connections and blind hole connections using a single longitudinal bolt, was an unprecedented construction challenge to Stefan Herion and his colleagues.
Also, for Friedberg, a couple of aspects made working on the roofconstruction project something quite out of the ordinary: “Usually, German steel construction standards regulate what bolts you can use with what nuts and in what type of connections. In this case, the combination fully lubricated HV bolts together with wedgelocking washers installed in a threaded blindhole by torquing the bolt head is probably as far from standard it gets,” says Dr.Ing. Selcuk Güres.
A closer look at the blind hole connection in the roof construction On the opposite side of the hollow section, the bolted connection anchors into a solid material structure, rather than another hollow section.
For Friedberg, to understand the relation between torque and preload and how to
Bolts had to be preloaded with just the right levels, allowing for slight movements during construction
// Using Nord-Lock washers was also the only solution that allowed for un-torquing, which was crucial to set the preload just right and assemble the roof correctly //
optimise the use of lubrication meant extensive testing with all components to be used in the final roof application
So, from all of this follows a critical question: since the bolted connections are located in sealed blindholes directly underneath massive glass panels, how does maintenance work? The answer to that question is: it doesn’t.
Standing out in a crowd of bolt-securing methods
With no possibility of accessing the bolted connections, Roschmann needed to ensure that preload would remain within the calculated intervals. So, essentially, they needed a maintenancefree bolting solution that could handle the roof’s nonstandardised, not fully preloaded connections determined by CCTH and Roschmann. From these challenging prerequisites, Stefan Herion at CCTH instinctively thought of NordLock.
“My first encounter with NordLock washers was watching a video of the junker test, which clearly demonstrated the washer’s capability of maintaining preload levels under severe vibrations,” says Stefan Herion.
Since then, Stefan Herion has collaborated with NordLock on numerous construction projects and, each time, become more reassured of the washers capability of safeguarding the integrity of complicated and critical constructions. In this project, which clearly did not follow standard protocols and made necessary a very specific preload, the boltsecuring method needed to make
absolutely sure that it would remain stable once installed.
Together with responsible proof engineers and Roschmann, Stefan and his colleague Dr.Ing Oliver Fleischer discussed the bolting alternatives at hand: Proceeding according to standard protocols was not an option since the roof, as mentioned, needed a certain degree of flexibility to move. Another option, applying glue to maintain preload, is not a regulated method in the construction industry, and would also not have allowed for readjustments during assembly. So, in light of such shortcomings of other boltsecuring methods, NordLock washers emerged as the optimal solution.
“The discussion was a rather quick one. What we needed was a solution that would maintain a preload high enough to press surfaces together. Just a little loss in preload would result in splitting and potentially serious negative consequences. Using NordLock washers was also the only solution that allowed for untorquing, which was crucial to set the preload just right and assemble the roof correctly,” says Michael Skopp and René Hesselbarth.
Just like CCTH, Roschmann had previously turned to NordLock washers for their glass façade projects. The roof at the Hamburg Überseequartier turned out to extend the list.
A bolting partner in turning theory into practice
Identifying just the right bolting solu
tion, including preload levels, lubrication and securingmethod, was key in turning Weber Sobek’s vision into a reallife, safe and robust construction set to last for decades.
As illustrated in every step of this story: behind the scenes of the aweinspiring experience of standing underneath the roof, there’s an apparatus of calculations and testing making it possible. This relationship between hardcore engineering, mathematical theory and the very real construction it resulted in is what both Michal Skopp and René Hesselbarth singles out as the most rewarding aspects with this project: “When we were closing in on the project, I stepped out on the roof. Then, one of the construction workers joined me and I could feel the roof move as he walked. And just knowing that all of these calculations and assumptions made it possible – that’s very cool.”
But besides the engineering itself, for timepressured projects at this scale to run smoothly and turn out as planned, Roschmann emphasises the crucial need for short ways of coordination.
“There simply isn’t much time, which means that effectiveness is everything. That was also a decisive reason why we chose NordLock. Not only did we know that their washers would be able to meet all of the roof’s unique requirements, but we’ve come to know them as a highly collaborative and quickresponding partner.”
www.nord-lock.com
FOCUSED ON BEING A SOLUTIONS PARTNER
Norm Fasteners has proved itself willing to invest in order to progress as a company. CEO Mahmut Öztürk discusses strategy, diversification, the importance of R&D and digitalisation…
Headquartered in Türkiye, Norm Fasteners is a significant global fastener manufacturer, with a global presence that includes 15 sales and logistics centres... Through its wide network of 110 suppliers across 14 countries, its supplies fasteners beyond its production range and offers tailored solutions from design to production as a Full Service Provider, focusing on complexity reduction, total value and CParts management to optimise efficiency and costeffectiveness.
Norm Fasteners is a keen investor in innovation, regularly sharing details of new projects and milestone innovations. One worth pointing out is the recent announcement of what it believes is an industry first, implementing SAP PP/DS in cold forming production. SAP PP/DS enables manufacturers to create optimised schedules by considering capacity constraints and realtime operational needs. Fully integrated with SAP S/4HANA, the system supports orderbased production, enhances ontime delivery and significantly boosts planning accuracy and efficiency.
INTERVIEW
Norm Fasteners
Norm Fasteners' solar installation produces more than half of the firm’s energy needs
And at the end of 2024, Norm Fasteners introduced “A Profile Fastener”, a solution developed by its own R&D and engineering teams. The groundbreaking fastener has a unique design designed to revolutionise the assembly process by enabling fast, lowtorque threading without causing deformation in wood or metal plates, ensuring maximum safety through precise centering and fixation during installation.
IN CONVERSATION...
Torque Magazine caught up with Mahmut Öztürk, Norm Fasteners CEO, in March to discuss the global economy as well as investments in R&D, the global economy, digitalisation and sizeable investments.
Torque: What’s the mood of the industry currently?
Mahmut Öztürk: Obviously, things are quite flat with the economy generally in Europe and there’s much uncertainty in the world at the moment. We have some challenges in Türkiye, there are lots of uncertainties with tariffs globally. Tariffs are one of the topics our clients are discussing with us. They are not easy for businesses. For us, we would like to focus on different markets, such as North Africa, the United States as it is still one of the biggest markets and Europe.
We would like to deepen our relationships with our current customers and develop our business. And also we are looking for new business with new clients – we now have a business development team working on that. We are looking to develop into new industries too, such as agriculture, construction and solar energy. Norm is very strong in automotive, and white goods and appliances, and those are some of our core markets. But our intention is to diversify in terms of customers and industries.
You recently launched ‘a Profile Fastener’ developed by your in-house R&D team. That area seems to be a big emphasis for Norm Fasteners?
MÖ: We have a very strong team in our R&D department and this is an area that we are focusing on heavily. We are devel
oping new products, new processes and working with new materials. R&D is an important tool for us to develop business with our customers. We want to be the solution partner for our customers and we would like to solve their pain points. A Profile Fastener is part of that offering, something we created to answer the needs of one of our customers. So far, we have really had positive feedback and this is motivating us to develop this product further in the future.
Have you undertaken any other key investments?
MÖ: We actually invested in solar technology and built a new solar farm. It is almost 32 MegaWatt in capacity, so it’s huge. Thanks to this new investment, we’re able to produce 60% of our energy needs by ourselves, which is quite important. This supports our sustainability goals as well.
This year we are also building a new production plant for our stamping business unit. We produce washers ourselves and our company is moving to a new production facility in the following months. There is a new hot forging plant being developed too. Those are some of the latest investments.
Last year, we moved into a new warehouse in Michigan, Lansing in the United States. It’s a big warehouse which will help us meet our customer demands easily. We would like to strengthen our supply chain as well, this might mean investing in manufacturing in the US. We are really focusing on that strategy in the US as it is a market we want to develop.
CBAM is obviously a big topic... How is Norm Fasteners working towards sustainability goals?
MÖ: We have been researching and working on the topic for five years. In the last three years, we published what we have achieved in our sustainability work so far, measuring our carbon footprint. In 2030, we are going to have reduced our carbon footprint by 50% and in 2050 we are going to be carbon neutral. So, we have solid goals. They are challenging, but our team are working very hard to reach these goals. They take this issue very seriously, as does our board of directors. We are making serious investments, not just with solar panels but including changing all the furnaces we use within this strategy.
// We want to be the solution partner for our customers and we would like to solve their pain points. //
That sounds like a big investment...
MÖ: Yes, but we have to do it to ensure we become more sustainable and are working within the CBAM framework. It’s a challenge, but also a serious opportunity as well.
What other big issues and challenges are there at the moment?
MÖ: Digitalisation is a big topic and we have some sizeable projects underway. We have teams working on different areas and more than 20 people working heavily on AI projects, mostly employees in engineering but also on the shop floor. It’s a really important area. We also have some projects on RPA (Robotic Process Automation), which will be a very competitive tool for us. These are some of the main topics which we are focusing on right now.
www.normfasteners.com
The safety of bolts in aeroplanes, cars, and trains is crucial. Regular torque wrench calibration ensures proper fastening. Kistler’s compact, user-friendly caliTEST-B enables precise calibration without disrupting operations. With interchangeable sensors, it covers 0.2 to 1,000 N·m per ISO 6789.
Norm Fasteners' vast production capabilities are being grown further in the coming months...
WERA UNLOCKS DEACTIVATABLE TORQUE WRENCHES
era has added the ClickTorque Lock wrenches to its ClickTorque wrench range, designed for greater versatility.
The latest from the Wuppertal-headquartered brand features a lock function, enabling the new Click-Torque Lock wrenches to be used without torque… The new models include Wera’s
A key feature of the new models is the ability to deactivate the torque function, enabling users to work without torque control when needed.
The new model enables users to deactivate the torque function
GoldenGate Hardware is a strategic distributor and industry solutions provider based in the U.S., offering unmatched expertise in connecting premium construction hardware manufacturers with key stakeholders in the building and construction sectors. We don’t just sell products, we create value-driven partnerships that prioritise integrity, innovation, reliability and efficiency.
Email: business@goldengatehardware.com
Telephone: +1 (260)-715-3546
The new ClickTorque Lock wrenches are suitable for clockwise operation, while the R/L variants support both clockwise and counterclockwise use. They feature a finetooth ratchet mechanism with 45 teeth and a compact lever on the ratchet head to easily switch between tightening and loosening.
Like others in the ClickTorque range, the new models include Wera’s signature WorkStopClick mechanism, offering both audible and tactile feedback when the preset torque is reached – prompting the user to stop applying force to avoid overtightening.
The torque setting process includes an extra click as the handle is rotated to the desired value. Measurements are displayed across two clearly visible scales: a main scale for selecting torque in Nm or lbf ft, and a fine scale to ensure precise adjustment to standardised values. Each step in the setting process is accompanied by a distinct click, confirming that the correct value has been set and the tool can be locked in place.
www-de.wera.de
STRATEGIC SUPPLY CHAIN FACILITATOR:
Streamline the procurement process, ensuring access to high-quality construction hardware tailored to our clients’ specific needs. Strategic partnership with Haiyan Jiamei Hardware, a leading fastener manufacturer.
Efficient inventory management and reliable supply.
TO ENHANCE INTEGRITY AND RELIABILITY, WE ARE A BILINGUAL CHINESE-AMERICAN TEAM THAT PROVIDES:
Seamless communication, both verbal and written.
Direct factory relationship in China with real-time problem solving cultural expertise in both manufacturing and end-user markets.
COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT ASSURANCE:
Comprehensive range of construction fasteners meeting different countries’ building standards.
Specialised in structural, stainless steel and multi-purpose fasteners. Factory-direct competitive pricing with U.S.-based distribution.
U.S. technical support with deep construction industry knowledge as well as legal and accounting compliance awareness.
TOOLS MADE IN GERMANY
ENHANCED EFFICIENCY & COMFORT
The speedE® II e-screwdriver helps users complete fastening tasks with ease thanks to its meticulously designed features…
Wiha’s escrewdriver speedE® II enables users to perform tasks more efficiently and comfortably, with its ergonomic design and functionalities protecting users and surface materials.
The speedE® II electric screwdriver boasts multiple features, with the first one being a significant efficiency boost by tightening screws up to three times faster than conventional screwdrivers.
The screwdriver offers different power levels to cater to various fastening jobs. To prevent material damage, especially in sensitive applications, the screwdriver can automatically activate a material protection stop. Moreover, for delicate fastening jobs, users can select a gentle 0.4 Nm power level to avoid overtorquing. When more strength is required, such as for larger threaded screws, the power can be increased to 1.0
The entire set encompasses the electric screwdriver, two SlimBits, two rechargeable batteries, a USB charger and a boxfor storage
The speedE® II electric screwdriver can tighten screws up to three times faster than conventional screwdrivers
Nm using the sliding switch.
However, if more force is required, the speedE® II electric screwdriver can be manually used up to 8 Nm without incurring any damage.
Designed with usability in mind, the product features a convenient ring switch for operation in any working position and an integrated ring LED that fully illuminates the work area, reducing shadows and eye strain.
The tool is compatible with slimBits, each individually tested at 10,000 V AC and approved for use up to 1,000 V AC, ensuring maximum safety for electrical applications.
Additionally, the ergonomic design can enable users to endure less strain in muscle and tendons, a noticeable health benefit for users in many professions who use conventional fastening tools in their daily work. Therefore, it is recommended by German doctors and physiotherapists from the German Campaign for Healthier Backs.
The product can be applied to a wide range of screwfastening tasks, including power socket installation, switch cabinet work, industrial maintenance, motorised equipment repair, household appliances, window and door installation, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and repairs for bicycles, motorcycles and lawnmowers.
The speedE® II screwdriver set comes complete with the escrewdriver, two SlimBits, two standard 18500 rechargeable batteries, a USB charger and an LBoxx Mini for convenient storage. Additional accessories, including the easyTorque torque adapter, SlimBit boxes, carrying bags and a compatible power supply unit for the USB charger, are available for purchase separately.
www.wiha.com
CORDLESS TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES
PREBENA’s new cordless nailers are suitable for demanding construction sites with features that guarantee safety and efficiency…
PREBENA has expanded its cordless offering with the launch of two lightweight nailers powered by 18V batteries from the Cordless Alliance System (CAS).
Designed for flexibility, performance and portability, the new models are ideal for professionals seeking reliable fastening solutions on the go.
The PREBENA PKT3J55 is tailored for straight Type J brads ranging from 16 to 55 mm in length, while the PREBENA PKT3ES40 accommodates EStype staples from 15 to 40 mm. Both models deliver a rapid firing sequence and high shot capacity – up to 1,300 shots on a single 2.0 Ah battery charge.
Engineered with user convenience, the nailers feature a responsive touch display that allows users to switch between single and contact firing modes, as well as adjust penetration depth with ease. An integrated LED work light enhances visibility in dim environments, while emptyshot protection and
The new cordless nailers are suitable for demanding construction sites
an impression guard prevent surface damage.
Additional features include a special trigger mechanism that significantly reduces recoil, minimising strain on the wrist and protecting delicate materials during prolonged use.
Weighing just 2.3 kg each, both the PKT3J55 and PKT3ES40 come packed in a rugged metaBOX, making them wellsuited for demanding construction sites. Buyers can opt for the toolonly version or a complete kit that includes two AKKU182.0LiPOWER batteries and an AKKUSTATION 1236 charger.
As part of the CAS, these tools benefit from crossbrand compatibility. CAS unites more than 40 manufacturers under one battery platform, offering full interchangeability of tools, batteries and chargers across all partner brands.
www.prebena.de
TOOLS MADE IN GERMANY
ACCURACY AND PRECISION
Stahlwille offers the SmartCheck product range for greater efficiency and safety, enabling in-house testing of torque and angle-controlled tools…
The SmartCheck product range, available in three versions, is designed for both mobile and stationary torque tool testing. The SmartCheck USB model enables users to test their torque tools and directly read and document the results. It can store up to 200 data records, complete with date and time stamps, which can then be accessed via the device’s USB interface.
Meanwhile, SmartCheck DAPTIQ is built for the Industry 4.0 era, offering realtime data exchange capabilities. Featuring a bidirectional, opensource interface, it enables seamless integration into complex process control systems. Target values, tolerances and test modes can be configured directly from the host system. The device also includes internal storage for up to 200 data records.
The SmartCheck Angle test device simplifies the inspection and documentation of torque and anglecontrolled torque wrenches. With intuitive operation, a builtin evaluation function and the capacity to store up to 2,500 data records, it ensures fast, accurate and reliable testing every time.
All devices can be used in workshops, production halls and service vehicles. For optimal viewing, the display, display holder and main body can all be rotated up to 180 degrees. The device can be powered either by a battery or by mains electricity using a power supply unit plugged into a socket or through a USB port. Both the display and foil keyboard are splashproof, and the housing is made from impactresistant plastic for enhanced durability.
The SmartCheck series for torque tool testing is available in five variants, each tailored to different measurement ranges –from 1 to 1,500 Nm – as well as a dedicated model for testing torque screwdrivers. The SmartCheck Angle covers a measurement range of 0 to 720 degrees and supports testing of angle
Stahlwille
The 7077 W test device. Its compact design and versatile mounting options allow it to fit into different workstations
controlled torque wrenches up to 400 Nm.
Additionally, to complement the SmartCheck range, Stahlwille offers its CheckMaster documentation software as a free download.
Alongside the SmartCheck product range, Stahlwille also offers the 7077 W test device. Its compact design and versatile mounting options allow it to fit into different workstations. The device can simultaneously display both the target torque and the actual final torque applied.
These readings are shown on a separate display, which is connected to the test device via a spiral cable. Additionally, interchangeable squaredrive adapters are integrated into the mounting block for enhanced flexibility.
www.stahlwille.com
The SmartCheck series for torque tool testing is available in five variants
WE ALL HAVE A STORY
Starting all over again in a new company can be challenging, but at Ambrovit I was met with support and understanding. My thoughts about the future? I hope it’s brighter, especially for children; education will make all the difference there.
Luca Forklift operator / Contract work management
AMBROVIT HAS ALWAYS PLACED PEOPLE AT ITS CORE AMBROVIT.IT/EN/UNDERCOVERHEROES
SELF-LOCKING SLOTTED NUT FOR FASTENING SECURITY
Krumm & André’s’ self-locking slotted nut can generate friction to provide a locking effect…
The nut is easy to install, highly cost-effective and can be used in various applications
Krumm & André has introduced a selflocking slotted nut that ensures secure fastening, even under demanding operating conditions.
Krumm & André’s selflocking nut features a durable polyamide insert designed to prevent unintentional loosening during operation. The insert is intentionally manufactured slightly smaller than the nut’s flank diameter. As the nut is screwed onto the shaft, the polyamide deforms and compresses, generating significant friction. The increased friction produces a locking effect to help maintain secure fastening.
The nut offers a range of benefits: it is
easy to install, performs reliably and is highly costeffective – making it a practical choice across various applications.
In addition to this nut, Krumm & André supplies a wide variety of technical components to customers worldwide. The company’s product range includes custommade shim washers, spring pins, slotted nuts and many other items that are particularly sought after in the fastener and bearing industries.
To maintain high product availability, Krumm & André operates a largescale warehouse covering more than 3,000 m², equipped with 5,000 pallet spaces and
15,000 compartments for small parts. By combining inhouse manufacturing with efficient warehousing, the company is able to minimise storage and administrative costs, shorten delivery times and maintain consistent product availability – even during unexpected surges in demand.
Founded in 1904, Krumm & André has a longstanding tradition of quality and innovation. The company became part of the Paal Group three decades ago, further strengthening its capabilities and international reach.
www.krummundandre.de
The washers with black coating offer exceptional corrosion resistance
NORD-LOCK REVEALS BLACK COATED EDITION
Nord-Lock has expanded its wedge-locking washer range with the global launch of its new black-coated edition…
NordLock offers wedgelocking washers capable of securing bolted connections under severe vibrations or dynamic loads. Now the washers are also available in black coating, blending the product into the machinery in situ.
NordLock Black Washers offer multiple benefits. Engineered for demanding environments, the washers prevent any rotation by increasing the preload as soon as any rotation starts, if forces from vibrations or loads put bolted connections under pressure. This design can ensure that bolts remain tight regardless of the intensity of vibrations or dynamic loads.
In addition to superior mechanical performance, NordLock Black Washers offer exceptional corrosion resistance. Beneath the black surface lies a base coating that delivers robust protection. Each washer
undergoes rigorous testing in the Neutral Salt Spray Test to meet stringent corrosion resistance standards, ensuring longterm reliability even in harsh environments.
NordLock’s global reach also ensures that these washers are readily available wherever. With a strong international distribution network, the company can provide rapid support and delivery worldwide. Lastly, operational efficiency is another advantage of NordLock black washers. As the painting process is already completed by the company, users of the washers can skip the extra step from their workflow. This not only helps reduce costs and save time but also eliminates a potentially strenuous task – particularly important when preparing for critical operations.
www.nord-lock.com
ENHANCED GRIP AND VERSATILITY
Rotor Clip’s circlips can adapt to demanding applications while ensuring a secure grip…
Rotor Clip offers a selection of axial tapered section retaining rings for multiple applications, with features including versatility and strength.
Also known as circlips, axial tapered section retaining rings feature a tapered design, where the height of the radial wall decreases symmetrically from the top of the ring to the free ends and lugs. This design can distribute stress evenly, improve loadbearing capabilities and provide reliable retention and axial load support, allowing the rings to securely grip the groove and effectively withstand significant thrust loading.
Circlips are commonly used in automotive, industrial and medical applications.
Rotor Clip said its circlips offer multiple advantages. First, the tapered design ensures almost complete circular contact with the groove, providing a secure grip and enabling the ring to withstand higher thrust loadings than other fastening methods.
Second, the shape of circlips allows them to support significant axial and thrust loads, making them ideal for a variety of demanding applications, including actuators, rotary unions, clutch assemblies, valves, transmissions and medical devices.
Moreover, the circlips feature lugs and lug holes, enabling them to be easily installed and removed using circlip pliers, applicators or dispensers.
For more flexibility, Rotor Clip offers customers a wide variety of options, including materials and finishes to meet specific application requirements.
The company also offers a range of sizes to suit diverse application needs. Standard options span from .040 inches to 15 inches (1 mm to 1000 mm), while custom solutions can be manufactured from .040 inches to more than 47 inches (1 mm to over 1200 mm), providing flexibility for both typical and specialised requirements. These products are available in Inch, Metric, DIN, ANSI, and JIS standards, ensuring compatibility across global specifications.
www.rotorclip.com
Clip Axial Installation
// Rotor Clip offers customers a wide variety of options, including materials and finishes to meet
specific application requirements //
Rotor
FASTENER MACHINES, EQUIPMENT & TOOLING
MACHINERY THAT DOES MORE
Innovation, quality and striving for excellence are the hallmarks of the new and improved machinery and facilities being offered by manufacturers across the globe. With extensive experience in their fields and a desire to meet customers’ needs, check out what’s new from some of the fastener machines, equipment & tooling firms…
JPB SYSTÈME LAUNCHES NEW EASTERN EUROPEAN FACILITY
JPB Système’s new Polish facility increases manufacturing capacity by over 60%
JPB Système, a manufacturer of technology solutions for aerospace, aeronautic and other industries, is marking 30 years of business as it opens a new 4,000m² manufacturing facility in Poland. The new facility will increase JPB Système’s manufacturing capacity by over 60% and reinforces the company’s commitment to meeting growing aircraft industry demand from the region, while paving the way for future diversification and innovation.
Driven by strong market growth, particularly in the aircraft industry, the expansion of JPB Système’s Eastern European operations is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for its precisionengineered solutions. Located near Rzeszow Airport, close to major aircraft suppliers and JPB Système partners like Pratt & Whitney and MTU Aero Engines, the new facility is equipped with advanced milling machines to enhance production efficiency, along with stateoftheart inspection and marking technology to ensure stringent quality control. Furthermore, JPB Système’s new Polandbased facility will have the capacity to handle and deliver products much faster, directly to key customers in the region.
Additionally, it will enable the company to serve new application areas requiring high reliability fastening solutions such as defence, rail, amusement parks, and ski lifts.
Damien Marc, CEO of JPB Système, says: “As the world’s leading supplier of selflocking devices, we have a range of solutions for some of the most exacting and regulated industries in the world. And in 2025, the aircraft industry faces several key challenges, including supply chain disruptions, sustainability and decarbonisation, as well as spiralling costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
“In recognition of these and to better support our customers in Eastern Europe, we will now also manufacture all our products – including the leading Lulylok™ Bnut solution – locally. This will enable us to streamline production, customer service, and through our new digital transformation program – in time – further unlock additional and exceptional levels of sustainability and CO2 reduction,” he adds.
“As we celebrate thirty years of excellence, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation,” continues Damien. “With three decades of expertise, a growing global footprint, and a clear vision for the future, JPB Système is set to continue revolutionising manufacturing processes while driving sustainable advancements in the aerospace and engineering sectors”.
www.jpb-systeme.com
JERN YAO ENTERPRISES NEW AND IMPROVED MACHINES
In response to the global labour shortage, the new and improved JBF13B4SE bolt former can steadily produce at a maximum speed of 300 pcs/min (tested DIN912 & DIN933 with A/F 13mm, M8 and length from 14mm to 65mm). Its main body rigidity and crankshaft contact surface have been increased by 10% to greatly improve durability and it is also equipped with next generation lightweight pneumatic clamps (extending the service life of tooling and parts). In addition, it features 4+1 clamp design (the 5th clamp takes blanks to the dedicated channel, prevents product damage and mixing thereby reducing the defective rate).
The JBF13B4SE (and all of the other machine models) can also be equipped with: optional auto kickout/stopper length adjusting integrated into HMI (automatic memory and positioning, greatly reducing tooling changeover time); preventive maintenance alerts (which instantly report production information and abnormal conditions); remote monitoring systems so the Taiwan HQ can remotely check machine conditions; IE4 energysaving motors; digital electricity meters (convenient for calculating carbon emissions) and highefficiency smoke cleaners (reducing air pollution in the factory).
While some competitors are importing lesser quality and much cheaper components from other countries to cut costs (while sacrificing quality at the same time), at Jern Yao, all components are 100% made in Taiwan and all key components are machined inhouse. The company recently built a 12,562m2 100% pure parts machining plant that’s 350m away from the present factory. This a/c environment (ensuring top tolerance control) machining facility has 45 various pieces of modification equipment, including several new highend CNC machining machines and four 5Face CNC Milling Machines. These machines can modify up to 50B size main body casting; the advantage is that machinepart does not need to be relocated after being positioned, it is capable of machining at all angles and thus greatly improves precision and avoids the risk of subsequent errors associated with traditional machining equipment which rely on manual adjustments.
Satisfying customers' demands and investing in growing with them are what Jern Yao has been doing for over 32 years. Jern Yao can develop equipment meeting the specific needs of different customers, as well as providing simple solutions or standard equipment based on the nature of the customer's products and cost considerations. For example, the team overcame the inherent traditional limitations of weight and movement of exchanging die/punch block mechanisms to shorten a customer's tooling changeover time (measured in seconds) to successfully meet a customer’s requirements. In addition, Jern Yao has also developed an auto tooling changing robotic arm mechanism to help reduce customers’ reliance on operator experience.
Jern Yao has always been committed to improving the safety and automation of its products. In light of the fact that European customers have been placing more and more emphasis on equipment safety and that the governments of those countries have required imported equipment to be certified to a higher level of CE standard in recent years, Jern Yao has strived to lead the industry in obtaining the TÜV NORD CE certification (MD, LVD, EMC), which is reportedly the most difficult to obtain.
www.jernyao.com
Jern Yao has built a new parts machining plant
FASTENER MACHINES, EQUIPMENT & TOOLING
FUKUTA – POWERING INNOVATION WITH MOTORS, DRIVING THE FUTURE
For 36 years, FUKUTA Electric & Machinery Co. has upheld the belief that “the only constant is change.” Through continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence, FUKUTA has steadily built a strong international reputation. Under its own brand, FUKUTA has successfully expanded into 34 countries including China, India, Japan, and Canada, becoming a global supplier of industrial motors and electric vehicle drive systems.
Since its founding in 1988, FUKUTA has focused on the R&D and manufacturing of industrial motors. Its product range includes high, medium, and lowpower industrial motors, inverter motors, highefficiency servo motors, and synchronous motors, all designed to meet the needs of highprecision and highload applications. These motors are widely used across diverse sectors, including machine tools, automated production lines, warehouse logistics systems, hoisting and handling equipment, packaging systems, textile machinery and food processing equipment. As the core power behind stable industrial operations and improved energy efficiency, FUKUTA’s motors play a vital role in modern industrial systems.
In 2005, the company expanded into the development of electric vehicle (EV) power systems, responding to the global shift toward green transportation. By leveraging its solid foundation in industrial motor technology, FUKUTA has extended its capabilities to include highefficiency drive motors and control system design, further strengthening its expertise and versatility in power transmission technology.
FUKUTA’s products now cover a wide range of advanced applications including EV drive motors, robotics, drones, industrial automation equipment, CNC machines, and screw fastening systems. These highprecision industries demand speed, accuracy, and energy efficiency particularly in screw fastening, where high torque precision and rapid response are essential. FUKUTA’s motors are engineered with high rotational speeds, low noise levels, and energysaving designs, delivering the reliability and control required by leading manufacturers in this niche.
FUKUTA’s strength goes beyond its products, it lies in close collaboration with its clients. With a fullfledged R&D team, the
company offers complete customisation services for both OEM and ODM clients, covering everything from mechanical design to control system integration. Whether for the automotive, semiconductor, medical, or industrial automation sectors, FUKUTA delivers tailored technical solutions to meet specific application needs. The company also provides robust features such as waterproofing, dustproofing, and hightemperature resistance to ensure operational stability and extend product lifespan. FUKUTA continuously partners with international manufacturers to codevelop solutions that further enhance product reliability and energy efficiency.
To meet the growing complexity and diversity of manufacturing needs, FUKUTA has adopted smart manufacturing technologies. Its factories are equipped with CyberPhysical Systems (CPS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SCADA monitoring platforms, and the proprietary AIQ intelligent quality system. These systems enable realtime monitoring and seamless data integration from raw material input and machine operations to quality inspections and product delivery, ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout the production process. Leveraging realtime sensor data and big data analytics, FUKUTA performs predictive maintenance and parameter optimisation, significantly improving production yields and motor performance.
Sustainability and innovation have always been at the heart of FUKUTA’s strategy. The company continues to invest in energysaving motor designs and ecofriendly manufacturing processes to reduce power consumption and carbon emissions, helping customers achieve their sustainability goals. With a fully digitalised supply chain system, from quotations to deliveries, FUKUTA has not only accelerated response times but also minimised resource waste.
Whether powering electric vehicles, smart factories, or highprecision machinery, FUKUTA is more than just a supplier. It is a dedicated partner committed to driving the future of intelligent and sustainable manufacturing.
www.fukuta-motor.com.tw
ROST GROUP & TECHNOLOGY MODERN AND VERSATILE
President Mr. Fu Lid established the Rost Group & Technology in 1999, and it has grown to become a leader in the tooling production for the fastener industry for over 25 years. The company use only highquality Japanese materials obtained in close cooperation with leading Japanese companies for the production of all of its tooling.
Rost prides itself on its highcalibre equipment that it constantly modernises to maintain standards. The equipment park now includes machines like: EDMswiss (Switzerland), Sodic (USA), NakamuraTome (Japan) and coordinate measuring machines from Hexagon AB (Sweden).
// Rost prides itself on its high-calibre equipment that it constantly modernises to maintain standards //
The company has a strategy of always trying to build longterm relationships with clients, as it helps to achieve high results with them in improving the tooling characteristics and tooling efficiency in the production of their finished products.
Rost Group’s Tooling Capability with Machines Brands
• 7075% of customers use Lian Teng / Gwo Ling / Sheen Tzar / Jern Yao / Chun Zu / YESWIN / San Shing machines.
• 1520% use European Sacma / Nedschroef / Carlo Salvi machines.
• 510% use National machinery, Sakamura and other machines brands.
www.tooling.tw
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
EXPANDED ACCREDITED PRODUCT RANGE FROM JCP
JCP Construction Products expands its product range with the addition of 27 hexagon flange head ankerbolts…
OwlettJaton’s specialist fixings division JCP Construction Products is launching a new range of ETAapproved hexagon flange head ankerbolts.
The fresh range of 27 hexagon flange head ankerbolts, manufactured from carbon steel with a bright zincplated finish, has been added to the company’s already extensive offerings. These bolts are suitable for use in both cracked and noncracked concrete from grades C20/25 to C50/60.
The anchors feature a hexagonal head with an integrated, angled cylindrical flange beneath it. This flange functions like a washer, distributing the tightening load across a wider surface area. As a onepiece fastener, they provide greater loadbearing capacity than traditional hexagon bolts with separate washers, allow installation in confined spaces and offer quicker and more efficient fitting.
ETA Option 1 approved, these anchors provide fireresistant load performance and are suitable for securely supporting applications in areas prone to cracking.
The addition of these lines has enabled JCP Construction Products to offer a broader selection of ETAapproved sizes. With hole diameters as small as 6mm –smaller than those of their other ETAapproved ankerbolts – the range now provides greater flexibility for varied applications.
This new range will be available in late summer this year.
Aside from the new range, JCP offers over 250 ETAapproved lines, all of which are available on JCP ProSuite, including the Anchor Calculation Program and a rebar calculator.
The Anchor Calculation Program offers reliable solutions for anchoring into both cracked and noncracked concrete. Designed for engineers, specifiers and architects, the tool simplifies the process of specifying fixings to surfaces like floors, ceilings and walls, while accounting for load requirements, spacing and edge distances.
Calculations can be performed in line with EN 19924, which governs the design of fasteners under static, quasistatic, seismic loads and fire conditions. Users also have the flexibility to select the relevant EOTA Guideline or Technical Report as the design standard for anchors in concrete.
The JCP ProSuite is regularly updated, ensuring compliance with any changes in legislation or industry standards.
www.owlett-jaton.com
JCP Option 1 Flange Head Ankerbolt
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
The MULTI-MONTI plus Seismic Kit offers a reliable solution for fastening to concrete under seismic loads in performance categories C1 and C2
CERTIFIED ANCHORING SOLUTIONS
HECO’s MULTI-MONTI-plus Seismic Kit is a solution to buildings in areas with earthquakes thanks to its high-performance injection mortar and concrete screws…
When it comes to securing public buildings in earthquakeprone regions, safetyrelevant anchoring plays a crucial role in minimising the risk of injury caused by falling objects. HECO’s MULTIMONTIplus Seismic Kit has been specially developed to meet these demands, offering a reliable solution for fastening to concrete under seismic loads in performance categories C1 and C2.
At the heart of the system is HEP 1000, a highperformance injection mortar that ensures smooth application, even at elevated temperatures. The system includes a filling disk designed to guarantee a reductionfree installation, further enhancing safety and performance. Compatible with MULTIMONTIplus concrete screws in diameters of 10 mm and 12 mm, the kit allows mechanical installation without a defined tightening torque. Fully certified and approved under ETA23/0078, the system upholds the highest safety standards in seismic engineering.
The synergy between HEP 1000 injection mortar and MMSplus concrete screws delivers multiple advantages. While the long curing time of the mortar allows for flexible and userfriendly application, the design ensures that loads are transferred immediately via the screw thread under nonseismic conditions. As a result, the system does not require curing time before being subjected to loads. Furthermore, the mortarfilled annular gap enhances load transfer and significantly increases the transferable resistance of the anchor.
Ideal for both renovation and new construction, the MULTIMONTIplus Seismic Kit is designed for quick, efficient installation – a major benefit in timecritical projects, especially in public facilities where safety, reliability and speed are paramount.
Beyond seismic protection, MMSplus concrete screws are also suited for use in sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and escape route lighting. These applications demand components that can retain structural stability under extreme conditions. HECO’s system supports fire protection requirements up to R
120, meaning the anchors can maintain loadbearing capacity for up to 120 minutes during a fire. Certified by the European Technical Assessment (ETA), the system offers precise performance data for fire loads in both concrete and masonry.
The product range includes diameters from 6 to 20 mm, available in steel and stainless steel options, along with a variety of head types – ensuring the right fastening solution for a wide range of applications.
The Seismic Kit includes one 585 ml cartridge of HEP 1000 injection mortar, three highperformance mixers, 24 injection nozzles and 50 filling disks with a 12mm diameter.
www.heco-schrauben.com
The combination of MMS-plus screw and HEP 1000 mortar enables immediate load-bearing fastening
EASY INSTALLATION TO MEET SAFETY STANDARDS
INDEX’s nail anchors reduce the need for extra tools or post-installation tightening while complying with rigorous European performance and safety standards…
INDEX® has unveiled a new range of nail anchors engineered to speed up installation and deliver secure, reliable fixing –all with the reassurance of ETA certification.
Specifically developed to simplify the installation process, these anchors can be set in place with a single hammer strike. There’s no need for additional tools or postinstallation tightening, making them ideal for a broad range of nonstructural uses, especially when working with cracked or noncracked concrete in indoor environments.
Their userfriendly design also makes them particularly well suited to overhead and ceiling applications.
Certified to ETA 24/0011 and offering fire resistance, the anchors meet stringent European standards for performance and safety. While the shaft is zincplated, the clip features INDEX’s Atlantis C3L coating, which offers enhanced resistance and extends the life of the anchors.
The Atlantis coating applied to the screw anchor is a durable, multilayered organic system designed to enhance corrosion resistance. It consists of three distinct layers: a base zinc coating with a minimum thickness of 5 μm, a chemical conversion (passivating) layer approximately 1 μm thick, and two sequentially applied layers of epoxy resin, each around 7 μm thick and postcured for added durability.
Together, these layers form a protective coating that exceeds 20 μm in total thickness, offering longlasting performance even in demanding environments.
Manufactured inhouse under rigorous quality controls, the new nail anchors represent a practical blend of innovation and dependability – helping professionals work faster and with greater confidence.
www.indexfix.com
TERRITORY FOCUS
RIVIT: A MORE SPECIALISED AND TARGETED OFFER
Francesco Montanari, CEO of Rivit
Aiming to bringing its fasteners into new sectors, FERI Group business Rivit is fully focused on its core business and keeping a watchful eye on the opportunities within the many global markets it serves. Francesco Montanari, CEO of Rivit, gives Torque Magazine an expert perspective on the Italian fastener market and the opportunities within…
Generally speaking, how’s business in the Italian fastener market right now?
The fastener market situation in Italy is affected by the delicate global economic situation, with particularly negative repercussions on the manufacturing sector, which is our main market. In a period of market contraction, investments are obviously affected, and our fastening tools fall into this category, followed closely by consumables, which are closely linked to production volumes. In Rivit, we are gearing up to cope with this situation, deploying our long experience and solid partnerships, but also exploring new markets and new sectors to approach, with our knowhow, strengthened by an international dimension that sees us operating in over 60 countries worldwide.
Specifically for Rivit – how did 2024 compare with 2023? Did it meet with expectations and were there any surprises?
2024 was a complex year, with the contraction in the industrial markets I mentioned earlier, but with substantial resilience in the metal roofing and
construction sectors, where the long wave of renovation and energyefficient building work, favoured by the public bonuses of 2023 and 2024, is still being felt.
How has 2025 Q1 performed?
The first quarter of 2025 opened in continuity with 2024, with a slight economic downturn, again linked to the situation of the global economy. Specifically for Italy, in Q2 we will also have to calculate a somewhat longer than usual holiday period for the Easter holidays in April, combined with other national holidays and other production slowdowns: an overall picture that, at least in this period, sees little dynamism in the supply of fasteners.
What kind of challenges are you seeing in the Italian 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 globe?
The difficulties in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the automotive segment and all its allied industries, which have affected Europe, continue to have a significant impact on the Italian market as
well. The manufacturing industry has been greatly affected by the uncertainty caused by situations of sociopolitical tension and by the difficulties of other European countries, first and foremost Germany, to which we are closely linked, especially in key sectors such as the automotive supply chain. We are responding to this climate of uncertainty with a clear refocusing around our core business, i.e. fastening tools, in order to respond better and closer to the needs of the domestic market, while keeping a watchful eye on the international context, where we are also operating with two Rivit offices, one in Morocco and one in India, and with the recently opened office of FERVI Group in China (of which have been a part since 2021).
Tariffs seem to be a big topic at the moment, do they impact on Rivit?
The subject of tariffs is a topic of the moment even though we have not yet been affected by it precisely. We are only at the beginning of a very dynamic situation, which is constantly being monitored by us, also because we have solid relations with US companies, and the strategy that
NEW CATALOGUE
FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONALS
Fasteners & Tools
The new Rivit catalogue has arrived number 11 !
More than 4500 products, including blind rivets, rivet nuts, lockbolts, tools for fasteners and many other service references, to fulfil even better all requirements.
Increasingly effective and efficient sales support tool, essential for choosing and browsing our comprehensive product range.
TERRITORY FOCUS
US intends to use regarding trade with Europe, between proclamations and postponements, is still not entirely clear.
In terms of Rivit, can you tell us more about developments within the company?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, we have first of all refocused on our core business. In this way we can propose a more targeted offering in which core and service products are clearly distinguishable. Secondly, we have implemented a new management system and are reorganising warehouse management and logistics flows in general, including with a new WMS system. Finally, we have improved the stock availability of core products. All these investments have been made possible by our solidity and the fact that we are part of a large group such as the FERVI Group, which is active in sectors other than fastening, allow us to work looking to the future, so that we will be ready to hit the ground running when the market allows.
Rivit seems to regularly launch new products into the market – how important is R&D to the business and does some of the inspiration for new product come from customers?
Absolutely. Inspiration often comes to us from the feedback and specific needs of customers with whom we are in constant contact thanks to our pre and aftersales service. Being a fabless company, our R&D activities also include valuable and effective scouting with suppliers to identify those in line with our specifications. With this in mind, over the past few years we have presented a variety of new references, from consumables to tools. For example, kits and accessories to make riveting tools more versatile, the new Controlriv GEN3 fastener control system and batterypowered riveting tools such as the 700 Series to meet customers' operational needs. In addition, our R&D approach is also reflected in products dedicated to the sustainable construction sector, which is increasingly relevant today, such as Gtreriv rivets for photovoltaics.
You’ve recently launched a new catalogue – can you tell us about that? Is it larger than the previous catalogue? Is there product growth in any particular area? With a view to present a clear focus on our core business, we have produced a new release of our bilingual ItalianEnglish catalogue Fasteners&Tools 11, which includes
Rivit is undergoing a clear refocusing around its core business including fastening tools to respond to the needs of its domestic market
// Inspiration often comes to us from the feedback and specific needs of customers with whom we are in constant contact thanks to our pre- and after-sales service //
our entire range of consumables such as blind rivets, threaded rivet nuts, lockbolts and fastening tools such as manual, batteryoperated and hydropneumatic riveting tools, as well as a wide range of references for manufacturing and metal roofing. In this way, the offer has become more specialised and targeted, to present a range that can increasingly position us as market leader.
Looking at 2025 and further ahead, what kind of plans has Rivit got that you can share with us?
We aim to consolidate our offer in the manufacturing and metal roofing markets, strengthening our specialisation, but we also look forward to future expansion into new markets and sectors where we believe the use of rivets has good margins for improvement and growth. Therefore, the approach to the international market, which has always been our hallmark, will be further strengthened also through participation in specialised trade fairs, which we will attend either alone or as part of Fervi Group, or in comarketing with our local dealers. This will give us the opportunity to explore or consolidate new markets and new production sectors such as photovoltaics, the world of lifts, the rail
Rivit’s bilingual Italian/English catalogue
Fasteners&Tools 11 features its entire range, which has become more specialised and targeted
way industry or the TLC cabinet industry, bringing our experience, specialisation and richness of range.
Any final thoughts to share?
Rivit places great value on technical consulting and training. As mentioned before, we have a dedicated team that follows customers from presales to aftersales. In addition, the sales network has been reorganised to be more efficient and focused. Now, more than ever in the history of our brand, we propose ourselves as a solid, reliable and competent partner, also thanks to highlevel international partnerships such as those with PEM®, Haeger® and Southco® of which we are authorised distributors in Italy and with whom we have been working in synergy for several years now. I would like to bring our fasteners into new sectors where perhaps people still prefer to use screws and bolts, without knowing that today there are blind rivets and rivet nuts characterised by very high sealing performance and fastening speed that can allow a clear improvement in production efficiency even in new applications.
www.rivit.it
“OPPORTUNITIES, NOT OBSTACLES”
FIXI tells Torque Magazine about the markets that are seeing steady growth and demand, as well as how challenges and obstacles are opportunities for the kind of businesses that can deliver on high expectations for product customisation and technical support…
Generally speaking, how’s business in the Italian fastener market right now?
The Italian fastener market is showing encouraging signs of resilience. While the industry, like many others, has faced some fluctuations due to global macroeconomic factors, we are seeing a steady demand across various sectors including automotive, electronics and industrial manufacturing. Italy continues to be a strong and dynamic market for fasteners, with an increasing focus on quality, innovation and customised solutions.
And how about specifically for FIXI –how did 2024 compare with 2023? Did it meet with expectations and/or were there any surprises?
2024 was a very positive year for FIXI. We not only met our expectations, but also experienced growth in new markets and product lines. Compared to 2023, we saw increased interest in our special and highperformance fastening solutions, particularly for applications in electronics and industrial automation. One pleasant surprise was the strong growth in Eastern Europe, where our distribution network has become increasingly solid.
How has 2025 Q1 performed?
The first quarter of 2025 has started on a strong note. We are speaking about 15%plus on international sales. Regarding Italy, our sales have remained consistent with the upward trend of late 2024, and we are seeing promising developments in both our traditional markets and emerging ones. We’re particularly encouraged by the early feedback from newly introduced product lines and the results of recent partnerships.
Generally speaking, what kind of challenges are you seeing in the Italian 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 globe?
The challenges in Italy mirror much of what is being seen globally: supply chain volatility, raw material price fluctuations and logistical issues. However, in Italy, the market is also strongly driven by high
expectations for product customisation and technical support, which demands constant innovation and agility. Fortunately, these are areas where FIXI has always invested heavily and we consider them opportunities more than obstacles.
Tariffs seem to be a big topic at the moment, do they impact on FIXI?
Yes, tariffs and trade regulations are always something we monitor closely, especially given our international supply chain and distribution network. While some changes have required us to adapt sourcing or logistics strategies, we’ve been able to maintain service continuity and competitiveness thanks to our flexibility and longstanding relationships with suppliers and partners around the world.
Can you update us on any recent investments or developments at FIXI?
We’ve recently expanded our warehouse facilities to improve order processing speed and accuracy. We’ve also invested in new ERP tools to enhance our customer management process. In terms of products, we’ve extended our range of products introducing a new family of bonding fasteners for composite materials.
Looking at 2025 and further ahead, what kind of plans has FIXI got in place?
Our roadmap for 2025 and beyond focuses on three main areas: warehouses, sustainability and international growth. At FIXI, we are continuously investing in the expansion and modernisation of our warehouse facilities to ensure greater product availability and faster delivery times for our customers. These improvements are designed to enhance our service level and meet growing demand with greater efficiency and reliability. We are also working on expanding our ecofriendly fastener solutions and evaluating new markets where our expertise can bring added value. Lastly, we plan to strengthen our local presence in key strategic areas through new partnerships and possibly local offices or distribution hubs.
We’d like to thank our customers and partners for their continued trust. At FIXI, we are passionate about fastening technology and committed to delivering solutions that go beyond expectations. As the market evolves, we remain agile, innovative, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow – together.
www.fixi.it
FIXI HQ
// Our customers appreciate our new machines and we are managing this introduction phase in the best possible way //
“INNOVATION, EFFECTIVENESS & EFFICIENCY”
Focused on customers oriented towards high quality products, Ober S.p.A has ambitious innovation and efficiency goals in the works.Torque Magazine speaks with Business Developer Bruno Testa...
Ober S.p.A is a specialist in the design and production of industrial tools, motors and industrial automation. Based in Bologna, this Italian company approaching 75 years of business has significant international reach, not least in neighbouring Europe – the firm recently appointed MS)SYSTEC Systemtechnologie as its new sales agent in the DACH region (excluding air motors for Germany).
Enhancing Ober’s tool range has been one of the recent priorities, alongside a focus on green energy, explains Business Developer Bruno Testa to Torque Magazine: “Our company has made significant investments in specialised human resources, new projects for setting tools for blind rivet nuts and has adapted the structure of its facility to support the use of sustainable energy (photovoltaic system).”
Positive growth indicators
While the Italian market has plenty of positive growth indicators (more on those later), it is undoubtedly undergoing challenges including a decline in the car sector.
“The slowdown in the automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicle demand, has led to a 20–30% decrease in fastener sales in Europe compared to the previous year. There is also increased Asian Competition: European manufacturers are contending with heightened competition from Asian producers, notably from China, Taiwan and Vietnam.”
Against that challenging backdrop, Ober has performed well, Testa reveals: “2024 certainly met our expectations, our turnover has been higher than 2023, due to higher volumes. The first four months of 2025 showed a certain degree of stagnation, but we’ve good perspectives for the future months. Our customers appreciate our new machines and we are managing this introduction phase in the best possible way.”
Internationally salient issues like tariffs have extremely limited impact on Ober, with its production entirely made in Italy. Testa also points out: “Our customers are oriented towards high quality products and less influenced by increases of prices due to possible tariffs.”
Current market tribulations aside, there are the aforementioned significant positives: “Projections indicate an average annual growth rate of 2.3% for the Italian fastener market from 2020 to 2025, with sales expected to reach approximately $2 billion by 2025 . This growth is driven by demand across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, construction and renewable energy.”
For Ober, the objective is on hitting its targets, Testa concludes: “We are channelling all the company's resources toward achieving ambitious goals in terms of innovation, effectiveness and efficiency.”
www.ober.it
“A TURNING POINT FOR THE FASTENER INDUSTRY”
Isabella Fusani, Sales Manager at Viteria Fusani, talks through the latest projects underway at the fastener producer and the broader market trends in Italy and globally…
This year celebrating its 70th anniversary in business, Viteria Fusani operates out of a 11,000 m2 area in Valle Lomellina, close to Milan and Turin, producing more than two million pieces a day and specialising in custom screws using cold moulding.
Bucking the broader trend, business was good in ’24, explains Sales Manager Isabella Fusani: “For our company, 2024 was a good year. We saw moderate growth compared to 2023 in line with our forecasts, particularly from customers prioritising quality and reliable supply and on time deliveries.”
Likewise, 2025 has got underway positively for Viteria Fusani: “Sales volumes were up compared to Q1 2024, and we’ve seen a gradual return of confidence in key sectors. While the market is still cautious, our company indicators point to an optimistic trend.”
That current cautious characteristic of the Italian market comes after a volatile few years not just for that nation but also most of the rest of the world. There are signs of stabilisation and increasing specialisation, Fusani tells Torque Magazine: “While demand remains relatively steady in core sectors like automotive, construction and industrial machinery, there’s been a clear shift towards more specialised and valueadded products. Price sensitivity remains high due to inflationary pressures, but companies with strong technical capabilities and flexibility are maintaining their competitiveness and Viteria Fusani is one of them.
“The challenges we’re facing in Italy are largely in line with those affecting the wider European market. At the moment, there is some confusion surrounding the management of the new tariffs with the US market.”
Those tariffs, which have dominated the headlines for at least three months, are logically yet to substantially impact the likes of Viteria Fusani, which has limited business in the US market.
“Raw material costs have not decreased
for more than a year and a half and inflation certainly doesn’t help. As a result, every year we revise our plan to ensure a cautious balance between our purchasing budget and our sales budget.
“All things considered, however, the Italian precision mechanical industry continues to drive the market thanks to its reliability and high quality.”
New machines and aiming for ISO14001
Multiple investments and projects are underway at Viteria Fusani HQ, including upgrades which will enhance capabilities and internal processes. Fusani explains: “We are currently replacing some of our cold forming machines to operate with highperformance machinery. We've also
“We’re committed to driving positive change by combining technical expertise with customised solutions”
upgraded several forklifts to improve safety and efficiency in material handling.
“Additionally, we’ve implemented automatic loading systems for threading machines. We're about to introduce an additional machine for assembling screws with Teflon washers, and we will soon install a new machine specifically designed for producing wireclamp screws for the electromechanical sector.”
The firm is also focusing on sustainability, with a project underway for Viteria Fusani to achieve ISO14001 certification. All these changes and upgrades at the fastener producer tie into broader trends taking place in the industry.
“The fastener industry is at a turning point, where innovation, sustainability and resilience will define future success,” Fusani concludes. “At our company, we’re committed to driving positive change by combining technical expertise with customised solutions. We believe that by staying flexible and investing in the right areas, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.”
www.viteriafusani.it
GROWER ECONICAL®: “A NEW BENCHMARK IN CONICAL WASHER DESIGN”
With the launch of Grower Econical® debuting this year, Growermetal explains the conception and details of the innovative new product launched by this forward-thinking company…
The first half of 2025 saw a landmark moment for Growermetal, the Italian specialist in safety washers and fastening systems. During Fastener Fair Global in Stuttgart in March, the company not only celebrated its 75th anniversary but also unveiled a new addition to its branded product range: the Grower Econical® washer, aimed at redefining the conical washer concept, combining mechanical efficiency with sustainability.
On 26 March, the new design took part in the Route to Fastener Innovation, a competition focused on presenting companies’ latest innovations for the field, where it was awarded first place among 20 participants. Growermetal said the achievement was representative of its strategic direction and commitment to innovation, rooted in decades of engineering knowhow.
Founded in 1950 in Northern Italy by Virginio Cattaneo, Growermetal has evolved from a familyrun business into a globally trusted manufacturer for safety washers and fastening solutions.
Over the decades, Growermetal has delivered over 4,500 standard washer designs and more than 3,000 customised solutions to clients across the automotive, railway, construction, electric mobility and aerospace sectors. The company’s commitment to inhouse control and continuous improvement reached a new level in 2024 with the inauguration of the Growermetal Innovation Center (GIC): a multifunctional space dedicated to R&D, training and product design.
Rethinking the conical washer with Grower Econical®
As a result of over a year of work and research aimed at enhancing standard conical washer performance, Grower Econical® quickly captured the attention of visitors at Fastener Fair Global.
Born as an evolution of DIN 6796 and NFE 25510 conical washers, the product introduces a sigmoidal geometry that enhances performance while reducing material use. According to Growermetal’s
internal testing and simulation, the product shows 20% weight reduction, 25% higher spring force near the flattening point and 15% improved residual deflection and elastic recovery, compared to standard conical washers. In addition, it provides superior load distribution, thanks to a unique doublecurve design, while preserving coated and sensitive surfaces from indentations, even under high tightening forces.
Filippo Pia, New Product Development Manager, explains: “This solution goes beyond incremental improvement: it rethinks how conical washers should behave in terms of mechanics, material efficiency and sustainability, and this approach extends to our latest designs, such as our Grower OhmLock®, which has been specifically designed for emobility applications, or the recently implemented Grower Detecto®, which features an embodied smart sensor allowing a remote and live detection of the bolted joints.”
Grower Econical joins a legacy of branded, innovative washers developed by Growermetal to meet precise technical challenges,
which already include Grower TenKeep®, Grower SpheraTech®, Grower Detecto®, Grower Reaction® and Grower OhmLock®
“Each of these solutions derived from close dialogue with customers and our inhouse expertise in design, simulation, and prototyping,” explains Michela Mauri, Marketing Manager. “We believe in designing with purpose, combining technical innovation with our manufacturing knowhow.”
Growermetal at Paris Air Show 2025
Growermetal is now preparing for the International Paris Air Show, which will take place from June 1622 2025 at Le Bourget, Paris. During the event, the company will showcase its aerospace range of solutions that meets the industry’s rigorous standards.
The International Paris Air Show will be another step in the company’s celebration of its 75th anniversary, setting the path for the next chapter of Growermetal’s history in fastener technology.
www.growermetal.com
THE ULTIMATE GREEN EVOLUTION OF STANDARD CONICAL WASHERS.
With a significant saving of raw material, this washer offers maximum lightness while overtaking the performance of the standard conical washers, without damaging the surfaces.
The result: 20% weight reduction, 25% more spring force and 15% higher residual deflection. The most reliable way to minimize your carbon footprint while improving performance is now available for your applications.
DISCOVER THE FULL RANGE
RENEWABLES – FASTENERS & TOOLS
NON-INTRUSIVE
SOLAR MOUNTING SYSTEM
SOLAR STACK’s conduit mounts offer an alternative to traditional mounting methods for conduit and electrical wires...
The conduit mount uses Solar Stack’s adhesive technology, eliminating the need for drilling, anchors or heavy ballast
// With the introduction of the SS-C4 and SS-C8 conduit mounts, we are extending our expertise beyond solar and into new industries, offering HVAC professionals, electricians and contractors an American-made, reliable, and code-compliant solution for securing conduits and lines //
US solar mounting solution manufacturer SOLAR STACK has unveiled two new products designed for mounting conduit, electrical wires and HVAC condensation lines.
The new SSC4 and SSC8 conduit mounts, measuring four and eight inches in length respectively, offer a noninvasive alternative to traditional mounting methods. By leveraging Solar Stack’s adhesive technology, the mounts eliminate the need for drilling, anchors or heavy ballast, ensuring a secure, longlasting attachment without compromising roof integrity. Conduit piping such as EMT, RMC, and PVC can be easily secured at the top of each mount using conduit straps, which can be fastened with either Tbolts or selftapping screws.
Manufactured in the US and protected under US Patent Nos. D1,061,949 and D1,068,116, these conduit mounts are built to endure. Key features include high durability and
weather resistance, making them reliable in harsh environmental conditions.
They are also fully code compliant, meeting safety and performance standards, including approvals for High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), such as those in MiamiDade County. Installation is quick and straightforward, significantly reducing labour costs and time compared to traditional methods.
“With the introduction of the SSC4 and SSC8 conduit mounts, we are extending our expertise beyond solar and into new industries, offering HVAC professionals, electricians and contractors an Americanmade, reliable, and codecompliant solution for securing conduits and lines,” says Sam Mitchum, Operations Manager of SOLAR STACK.
www.solarstack.com
DURABLE PRODUCTS WITH LITTLE MAINTENANCE
BTC SOLAR INDUSTRY unveils high-performance stainless steel roof hooks…
Chinese solar mounting system manufacturer BTC SOLAR INDUSTRY has launched a new range of stainless steel roof hooks with strength and durability, and designed for longterm performance.
Stainless steel offers several advantages that make it an ideal material for roof hooks. Thanks to its inherent chromium content, it forms a passive protective layer that resists rust and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of roof hook installations, even in the most challenging outdoor conditions. Exposure to rain, snow, UV radiation and environmental pollutants can quickly degrade inferior materials, but stainless steel remains resilient.
According to BTC SOLAR INDUSTRY, its roof hooks are made from highgrade stainless steel alloys that offer outstanding tensile strength and loadbearing capacity. This helps ensure secure and stable installations over time, reducing the risk of structural failure or costly maintenance.
// To meet diverse project requirements, the company offers a range of standard roof hook designs and customised solutions //
Beyond durability, the material also delivers a clean, professional appearance that suits a wide range of roofing materials and project designs. Each roof hook is manufactured with attention to detail to provide a visually appealing finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of a solar installation.
BTC SOLAR INDUSTRY also highlights the sustainability of its products as stainless steel is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally responsible choice for solar infrastructure projects.
To meet diverse project requirements, the company offers a range of standard roof hook designs and customised solutions. Its engineering team is available to collaborate with clients and develop tailored roof hooks for specific applications.
All products undergo rigorous quality control throughout the manufacturing process, from raw material selection to final packaging, ensuring consistent, reliable performance in the field.
www.btc-solar.com
The roof hooks are made from stainless steel alloys, offering outstanding tensile strength and load-bearing capacity
The clean and sleek appearance enables the roof hook to be applicable to multiple project designs
Torque Directory is a handy list of distributors and manufacturers, displayed all-year-round in print and digital issues of Torque Magazine Digital readers can click directly through to supplier websites and listings reach 10,000 decision makers through the print magazines.
£750 / €850 for the year
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DÖRKEN: PFAS-FREE PRODUCT RANGE FOR ALL SITUATIONS
The European Commission's decision on a possible ban on PFAS compounds is still pending. Nevertheless, DÖRKEN is working intensively on this issue and already has a number of PFAS-free products in its portfolio…
From small nuts and bolts to large steel components: suitable corrosion protection must be considered for every metallic component from the planning stage. Electrochemical reactions alter the properties of the metal and can considerably impair its functionality. Cathodic corrosion protection is a reliable solution in which a zinc flake coating acts as a barrier. In the event of a corrosion attack, the zinc sacrifices itself due to the low electrochemical potential thus protecting the steel component.
How is a zinc flake system created?
A zinc flake coating is a modular system consisting of a basecoat and a topcoat. The individual components can be combined to precisely satisfy characteristic requirements.
The basecoat is the zinc flake coating and is applied directly to the substrate to be treated. This base layer determines the corrosion protection properties. The zinc content provides a high level of cathodic corrosion protection. The topcoat complements the properties of the basecoat and gives the coating additional multifunctional properties. In addition to corrosion protection, the topcoat protects against chemical and mechanical impacts and is responsible for the requirements of coefficient of friction, media resistance, weathering resistance, appearance and other individual requirements.
PFAS ban – what now?
In February 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the proposal for a ban on the manufacture, use and placing on the market (including import) of at least 10,000 perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The zinc flake coating is particularly concerned with the replacement of fluoropolymers commonly used in the industry as lubricants. To anticipate the ban, DÖRKEN has developed a PFASfree product range. At the Fastener Fair Global 2025 in Stuttgart at the end of March, the corrosion protection specialists presented their PFASfree coating solutions, which have already been successfully tested in series production. The new product range includes:
• DÖRKEN® BASE 105, solventbased silver zinc flake basecoat
• DÖRKEN® BASE 120, solventbased silver zinc flake basecoat
• DÖRKEN® SEAL 711 BLACK, solventbased topcoat with black matt finish
• DÖRKEN® SEAL 711 SILVER, solventbased topcoat with shiny silver finish
• DÖRKEN® TOP 500 BLACK, waterbased black topcoat
DÖRKEN® BASE 105 is a PFASfree zinc flake basecoat that protects the base metal even with a typical dry film thickness of 6 – 12 µm. It is the only product in this category with a defined friction coefficient window of μtot = 0.12 0.18. It is suitable for use on steel, highstrength steels and passivated zinc and zinc alloy coatings.
DÖRKEN® BASE 120 is also a PFASfree zinc flake basecoat for reliable corrosion protection. The silver surface protects the base metal even at a typical dry film thickness of 6 10 μm. It is suitable for use on steel, highstrength steels and passivated zinc and zinc alloy coatings.
DÖRKEN® SEAL 711 BLACK and SILVER are PFASfree highperformance topcoats with an integrated lubricant for optimum surface protection and improved performance. They ensure a stable and controlled coefficient of friction in the range of μtot = 0.090.14. The specially developed formula increases the corrosion resistance of zinc flake coatings, stainless steel, diecast zinc and passivated zinc and zinc alloy coatings – with a dry film thickness of approximately 612 μm. The surface has either a matt black or glossy silver appearance.
DÖRKEN® TOP 500 BLACK is also a PFASfree highperformance topcoat with an integrated lubricant for optimum surface protection and improved performance. It ensures a stable and controlled coefficient of friction in the range of μtot = 0.080.14. The specially developed formula increases the corrosion resistance of zinc, zinc flake coatings, stainless steel, diecast zinc and passivated zinc and zinc alloy coatings – with a dry film thickness of approximately 612 μm. The black appearance gives the surface a highquality finish.
With the new PFASfree products from DÖRKEN, a PFASfree and therefore more sustainable future can begin. Qualified and validated under series production conditions, these products keep pace with PFAScontaining products in terms of quality and can therefore continue to protect components of all kinds against corrosion.
www.doerken.com
GET READY PFAS-FREE
As the world‘s leading manufacturer of high-performance corrosion protection systems DÖRKEN consistently focuses on sustainability and environmental protection. In line with the current developments around the possible PFAS ban, we already o er our main products completely PFAS-free.
You can rely on innovative solutions that combine maximum performance and ecological responsibility.
Contact us.
BIGGER IS BETTER IN VEGAS
The largest B2B event in North America for industrial fasteners, tooling and machinery is returning to Las Vegas from 15 to 17 September. The International Fastener Expo is the must-see show of the year bringing together suppliers, customers and prospects all under the one roof at the Mandalay Bay…
The International Fastener Expo is the largest B2B of Industrial Fasteners and Tooling & Machinery in North America. Since 1981, the event continues to bring together the manufacturers and master distributors of fasteners, precision formed parts, fastener machinery & tooling and other related products and services with distributors and sales agents in the entire supply and distribution chain. Held annually at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, the event consists of an allday conference program presented by endorsing fastener associations and a show floor with more than 850 exhibiting companies and 5,000 attendees from around the world. This year’s show will be held over 1517 September 2025.
69% of exhibitors say it is the “mustexhibit at” event. Why? Because they see it as the #1 show in North America where customers and prospects come to see suppliers. At IFE, suppliers will find qualified eager attendees looking for new sources and solutions to a myriad of manufacturing and fastening applications, all in one place. No other fastener expo can deliver the type of qualified audience that IFE does, says the organiser. The International Fastener Expo stands as a premier event in the fastener industry, offering a platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest advancements in fastening technology. With its commitment to fostering innovation and facilitating industry networking, IFE has become a key driver of growth and advancement in the sector.
Attending the International Fastener Expo presents a myriad of benefits for industry professionals. From accessing the latest product innovations to discovering new business opportunities and forging meaningful connections, the expo provides a unique environment for attendees to stay at the forefront of industry developments. Engaging in educational sessions, exploring cuttingedge product demonstrations, and participating in networking events are just a few of the valuable experiences that await attendees. The expo also serves as a platform for fostering partnerships and expanding business reach, making it a mustattend event for industry players looking to stay competitive and wellinformed.
IFE offers a variety of speaking options and educational opportunities for industry experts and attendees to take advantage of. Featured within the educational conference programme are session stage presentations, keynote speeches, fireside chats, conference and panel sessions, roundtable events, and virtual talks. The new “Ask Me Anything” Fireside Chat session, where attendees will be able to freely interact and converse with industry experts from multiple companies, will take place in our Fireside Chat Lounge, as a way to foster networking connections and ideas in a more informal setting. Industry leaders and experts can use any of these opportunities to share insights, skilled knowledge, and practical strategies. The upcoming show in September will feature multiple talks focusing on tariffs and their effects on the fastener
WHY ATTEND IFE?
INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO
industry, including supply chain and business operations, as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its emergence within workforce development and automation technology.
SPECIAL EVENTS
IFE Golf Tournament
Held on Monday, 15 September at the Bali Hai Golf Club, join IFE and fellow members of the fastener industry for some friendly competition. With awards and contests, this is a chance for delegates to showcase their skills while getting in some networking opportunities with other industry members and having a bit of fun too.
FTI Full Day Training
Start your International Fastener Expo experience with a dynamic and enriching opportunity to build your industry knowledge. On Monday, 15 September, the Fastener Training Institute will host an intensive fullday training session designed exclusively for registered IFE attendees. This comprehensive course is ideal for professionals who want to sharpen their technical skills, expand their understanding of fastener technology, and stay up to date with industry standards and best practices. Led by seasoned instructors with deep expertise in the field, the session will cover essential topics and offer practical insights that attendees can immediately apply in their work. Preregistration is required to attend, and space is limited, so early signup is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Welcome Party
Kick off on the International Fastener Expo with an evening of networking, delectable appetisers, and refreshing drinks! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mandalay Bay Daylight Pool, this exclusive event offers attendees a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking to forge new partnerships, catch up with old friends, or simply enjoy the evening, the Welcome Party is the perfect start to your IFE
experience. Please note that all attendees must be 21 years or older and present a valid governmentissued photo ID and IFE badge for entry. The Welcome Party is scheduled for Monday, 15 September, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Mandalay Bay Daylight Pool.
Award Show
Stop by the award ceremony on Tuesday, 16 September, and witness the winner of the Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award and the new inductee into the Fastener Hall of Fame. The Fastener Hall of Fame recognises professionals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the industrial fastener industry on a national or global scale. Individuals selected for induction will join other industry members, including but not limited to inventors, business leaders, and educators. The Young Fastener Professional of the Year award recognises a young professional who has made significant contributions to fastener industry. Both winners will receive a commemorative plaque and status within the fastener industry. Nominations are open via the website.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
Attendee registration for the International Fastener Expo is open now. This creates an exciting opportunity for industry professionals to secure their spot. By registering early, attendees can take advantage of earlybird access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and educational sessions. With limited spaces available, early registration ensures that attendees can maximise their experience and make the most of their time at the expo.
“With a strong focus on innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing, the expo promises to deliver an enriching and impactful experience for all attendees. Mark your calendars and be part of this pivotal event that continues to shape the future of the fastener industry. We hope to see you in Vegas!”
www.fastenershows.com
CETIN CIVATA EXPANDS ZINC FLAKE COATING CAPABILITIES WITH NEW LICENCE
Fastener producer Cetin Civata recently obtained a new coating brand licence, meaning it is now a licenced applicator of three of the world’s best known Zinc Flake coating brands in the fastener market. Torque Magazine found out more…
Cetin Cıvata recently obtained a coating applicator licence of another global coating brand, alongside its existing coating applicator licence of an American coating brand of nine years and also the licence of a German brand for over five years. What are the details and have you already begun with the new coating implementation and application?
We have obtained the licence of GEOMET surface coating from French company NOF METAL COATINGS EUROPE and have been a certified member of the GEOMET global licensee network of NOF METAL COATINGS for Geomet coatings in part maker applicator class for BULK / DIP SPIN application process. Our licence was awarded in January this year. We have already started to supply Geomet coated products which are
finished inhouse in our coating plant in Istanbul. CETIN CIVATA has had the applicator license of the US MAGNI brand since 2016 and also the applicator licence of German DÖRKEN MKS brand since 2019.
Together with the GEOMET licence, CETIN CIVATA has been one of the few integrated fastener producers in Europe which is a member of the licensee network of the most important top three globally recognised Zinc Flake Coating Brands as producer / part maker coating applicator of them. For years, these three coating brands’ Zinc Flake applications have been recognised and officially allowed by nearly all global automotive producers in their official technical specifications and norms for fasteners.
Cetin Civata continues to invest in its surface coating facility in Istanbul
Cetin Civata
How important is it to offer and supply products coated, rather than selling them in blank condition, as one of the main fastener producers and exporters in Turkey? What is the share of coated parts sales in your total turnover and export? As CETIN CIVATA approaches more into end user markets in Europe and the USA, especially the main automotive producer industries and it’s subsupplier industries, the importance of offering and supplying coated/plated fasteners to those market segments is getting more critical for us. OEM and parts maker customers prefer to have finished parts supplied directly to their production lines, either direct from us or via our FSP business partners. It’s a reality that the operating costs for some coating types are still advantageous in Turkey versus Europe. Even in the Turkish market, supplying coated fasteners to many industries is valuable. Besides the automotive industry, we observe rising demand – especially in Zinc Flake coated parts – in the renewable energy industry, for agricultural equipment industries and even in some areas of the agricultural construction market. The share of coated parts’ sales in our total turnover has been climbing from 80% to 95% in the last three years. Our Group’s coating capacity can easily fulfill this demand.
How do you see fastener market segmentation in the near future among consumer groups of fasteners as per their coatings/platings? What are the trends of coatings in short and mid-term in your domestic and export markets? It is obvious that all automotiverelated markets will continue to increase their demand for Zinc Flake coated fasteners rather than other high corrosion protection coating types such as Zinc Nickel or Alkali Zinc platings. The trend is clearly towards Zinc Flake coatings due to minimum hydrogen embrittlement risk in Zinc Flake coatings. Zinc Flake coatings exhibit an average 840 960 hours red rust salt spray resistance test (similar SST results are also achievable in Zinc Nickel coatings, however the average cost of Zinc Nickel platings are much higher than the Zinc Flake ones). We expect some fields of construction, agriculture and machinery industries to shift their demands to Zinc Flake coated fasteners in the midterm.
Generally speaking, in our export markets (80% Europe and 20% USA), we can say that the last two year average coating types’ segmentation was 30% Zinc Flake, 30% Acidic Zinc and Alkali Zinc, 16% Zinc Nickel, 14% Hot Dip Galvanised and 10% noncoated blank products; however during the last two to three quarters, with the support of our growing furnace and dip spin capacities for Zinc Flake coatings and also our newly obtained GEOMET licence – and because of our fast growing new markets and new market segments such as USA construction consumer segment and automotive manufacturing plants in Turkey – the share of Zinc Flake Coatings is rapidly growing to 3840% within our coating share level breakdown from the previous 30% level.
Will you continue to invest to improve and enlarge your coating facilities? How long did your coating plant need to complete the last phase of your investment to start the application?
Yes, our investments will definitely continue to improve the capacity of furnaces and the technology of centrifuges in our Zinc Flake Coating Division in our coating facility, as well as enlarging the bath capacities in our Alkali Zinc Coating Lines. We have been able to take the last phase of our new Zinc Flake coating line into operation in less than six months during H2 of 2024.
What have been the main aspects of your in-house surface coating abilities regarding your sales and marketing strategy, and what will they be for the next five years?
The biggest is to offer and supply our fasteners finished in our facilities with all processes inhouse, from cold forging up to surface coating, in the widest possible coating range demanded in European, North American and Turkish markets. We have taken our coating investment decisions and our lines for various coating types into operation parallel to the consumption habits and trends in our biggest customer segments during the last decade. Now our facility’s available coating range and our capacity among the coating types in our range are very suitable to, and fully comply with, the indemanded coatings types’ shares in our export and domestic markets. The percentage of new deals and new project
The CETIN CIVATA manufacturing floor
inquiries – which we cannot offer to our current and potential markets due to unavailable coatings in our plant – is less than 2% of the total demand we receive.
What kind of advantage does it bring to your Group to be able to supply fasteners with in-demand and commonly specified coating types in automotive, as per globally most commonly allowed three coating brands’ applications and as licenced coater of those three brands?
Of course the biggest advantage it brings to our Group is that we are invited to nearly all new Automotive Projects’ Tenders and RFQ phases starting from those projects’ first inquiry packages. Another advantage is that we are now listed and registered as Vendor at the Purchasing Panel of the biggest Automotive OEMs and carmaker factories in Europe and Turkey, as well as Full Service Provider companies of many OEMs. We are conscious of our role as coated fastener supplier of many industries worldwide that we have to continue to keep our Grade A supplier level in terms of customer satisfaction, customer orientation and Quality System Management. The majority of the coated parts we supply to automotive, machine, agriculture and other main industries are used in critical and vital equipments in our customers’ products, playing a big role in the safety and functionality of the relevant products of our industry clients.
Does the total capacity of your coating facilities cover your Group’s total cold heading and final parts’ finishing capacity, including all processes?
We reached a total surface coating capacity of 4,000 metric tons of fasteners and metal parts in our coating facilities in Istanbul for all coating types (zinc flake and electrolytic zinc platings) at the beginning of this year. This covers 90% of the established theoretical cold heading and thread rolling and heat treatment total capacity of Cetin Cıvata’s male and female fasteners production factories in Istanbul. However as the average capacity utilisation in the metal parts industry in Turkey is 7075%, this enables us to produce approx 3,000 metric tons fasteners per month which is a very safe tonnage that allows us to coat all of our product volume in our own coating facility and gives us a free 1,000 metric ton more and buffer capacity to be used in our coating plant currently and for the near future.
Can you take us through some of the technical and safety advantages of Zinc Flake coating for coated parts’ end user industries?
It is a coating in which electrolytic application is not performed, is 80% zinc and consists of little aluminium flake and admixture materials. Flakes are brought to the curing temperature on fasteners or metal components and form a metallic bond. The electrically conductive and inorganic coating has cathodic protection as well. Its resistance to chemicals is defined in the technical delivery requirements of the automotive industry. Thanks to its resistance to chemicals, Zinc Flake coating is preferred in the automotive industry in particular.
The main advantages include the lack of hydrogen embrittlement risk and longtime corrosion resistance with its cathodic protection. It’s also resistance against chemicals and against high temperature. It has mechanical resistance as well. There is low waste generation as it doesn’t include chromium and heavy metals – it is an environmentallyfriendly surface coating type.
What are the key lab tests your production and coating plants carry out in-house?
We perform corrosion resistance measurement in salt spray test cabins (as per ISO 9227). We measure surface coating thickness by XRay (ISO 4042, DIN 50979) and measure coefficient of friction on products’ threads (ISO 16047). We also perform cyclic climatic corrosion tests, hydrogen embrittlement tests (ISO 15330) and concentration measurement analysis by Titration Analysis. Ductility is tested (ISO 10683), then there is Cathodic Protection Testing (ISO 10683) and the adhesion/bonding Test (ISO 10683).
www.cetin.com.tr
Cetin Civata is now a licenced applicator of three of the world’s best known Zinc Flake coating brands in the fastener market
Improved systems such as Heat Maps have enabled PTS to extend next day delivery cut-off time
MODERNISED WAREHOUSE FOR FASTER TURNAROUND
Precision Technology Supplies (PTS) is now operating in a new building thanks to continued growth over the past few years. Torque Magazine talks to PTS about the benefits of its new set up, and plans in 2025 and beyond...
What is the size of the new building and when did the company move?
The new building spans approximately 57,000 ft², The move took place around the end of 2024 – the warehouse operations moved the inventory over the Christmas period, while the office team gradually relocated and was fully moved in by the end of February this year.
What were the reasons behind the move to the new building, and what benefits has it brought?
Due to continued growth over several years we realised we were going to reach capacity and had to have a longterm strategic plan for this and continued growth.
The new building has given us the opportunity to increase our inventory creating better availability and service levels for our customers.
Beyond the extra space, has PTS introduced any new technology or infrastructure in the new building to improve operations?
Yes, we’ve significantly upgraded our systems and infrastructure. All the internal cabling in the new building is new and highspeed, greatly improving connectivity. We now have strong WiFi coverage throughout the entire site, including the warehouse, which is a significant improvement. This
helps improve scanner picking speeds to shorten order turnaround time.
We have new SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in place making the business more robust and efficient.
Have your clients experienced any benefits due to the move to the new warehouse?
Absolutely, through our inventory levels, we are offering better availability to our customers. With improved systems like Heat Maps, we have extended our Next Day cutoff to 4.30pm for our UK customers; this will extend to 5.00 pm in the coming months. Our operations team now have working space to further improve all areas of our service to customers.
Let’s turn to the business side of things. How was this year’s Fastener Fair Global for PTS?
It was a really good show and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were busy at the show, and this gave us a great opportunity to reconnect with existing customers and meet new ones.
From our perspective, the stand was busy throughout, and we had great conversations with people who were genuinely interested in our product range. It was also a fantastic opportunity to connect with both new and existing customers, along with seeing our Supply Chain partners from Europe and across the world.
We’re still early in the first half of the year. Do you have any key plans for the rest of 2025 and beyond?
Our focus this year is on continued growth, both in terms of sales and product offerings. We’re working closely with our sales teams and customers to identify needs and opportunities, and we’re constantly expanding our product range.
Examples of this are the introduction already of our Lanfranco ESL nut, Nylon Form A washers, and in July, our threemetre studding in A2 & A4 arrives.
Are there any areas where you want to expand the business, either geographically or into new sectors?
Our focus is increasing our market presence within the UK &
Ireland Distributors. Back in November, to help this focus, we created a Midland team headed up by Gordon Davies, Commercial Director, and Sarah Gearing, Midlands Sales Manager. Due to increased demands, they added Lindsey Thompson to the team back in March and are already advertising for a fourth member.
During the course of 2025/2026, PTS will hold stock in the West Midlands to service local customers.
With our Live Web shop, geographically we’re already exporting to around 90 countries around the world and it’s increasing all the time.
www.pts-uk.com
The new building spans approximately 57,000 ft² with the move taking place around the end of 2024
SUE GUILMANT
ANOCHROME GROUP
Sue Guilmant, Group Compliance Manager at the Anochrome Group, has worked for the company for more than two years. Speaking with Torque Magazine, Guilmant discusses the changes of the industry, how team leaders have played key roles in helping her grow and raising awareness of the opportunities the market holds for those considering joining the sector…
How did you get into the industry?
I was approached by a recruitment company two years ago about the role at the Anochrome Group – and I jumped at the opportunity.
I’m a Group Quality Manager by profession and have worked in the automotive industry since 1999. I first stumbled into quality by chance, having briefly encountered it while working in a factory. That led me to a quality admin role, where the manager quickly recognised I had a natural flair for it – particularly because I enjoyed problemsolving and working as part of a team. During the first 10 years of my quality career, I had the opportunity to work in every role within the quality department.
The fasteners industry is still relatively new to me, but it’s an interesting area.
What does your day-to-day job involve?
I am Compliance Manager, so my daytoday responsibility is to ensure the Group is complying with its legal obligations. I have to ensure all compliance documentation is completed on time and to check all sites are using the correct equipment.
I also oversee data, including all the checks that have to be carried out by outside contractors.
Another key role is supporting our quality managers with all aspects of Quality Management and Assurance, and ensuring we maintain our certifications IATF 16949, ISO9001, AS9100 and ISO14001.
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry and company since you started?
There has been a monumental shift in attitudes towards environmental systems and industry’s impact on the planet. That covers everything from energy consumption to the chemicals we use. Many of the certifications we have acquired require evidence of environmental impact.
Can you share some of your career highlights and milestones so far?
I always remember when I worked in logistics in my first factory job, I was told I’d never have a career in quality. However, I had a great manager who taught me everything I know. He was very proactive and pragmatic, encouraging his team to learn the methodology behind what we do and to apply it in their daytoday jobs.
I was very fortunate to have a manager like him. He encouraged me to apply for European and Group roles
within my company, and when I left the company, I was their Group Integrated Systems Manager (IMS). I was responsible for managing the IMS for 32 sites all over the world. Without his support, I would never have believed I could do that role.
Your favourite thing about the fastener industry?
I love the fact the industry is evolving quickly with new technologies and environmental improvements.
The new technology that is being introduced is improving safety and productivity, whilst making the shop floor environment and its processes cleaner and more environmentally friendly than they have ever been before.
What do you think needs to be done to encourage more women to get involved in the fastener industry?
We do need to see more women in the fastener industry, but also in engineering and quality sectors.
Strong managers who will empower and support women in the workplace are so important. I am an example of this, as I would not be successful without the support and encouragement from my managers over the years.
Attitudes towards women in engineering have changed dramatically over the past 40 years. When I was at school in the 1980s, women were typically encouraged to pursue careers in offices, the beauty industry or care services. I tried to follow that path, starting out as a trainee hairdresser, but I only lasted two weeks. I then moved into an office role, but after five years I realised it just wasn’t for me. I decided to try something different, explored a few roles and eventually found my place in Quality Engineering – and I’ve never looked back.
Many women find themselves in engineering by accident – I know I did. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be a good thing; it certainly did me no harm and has led to a rewarding career. I have many female friends who have also followed the “accidental” path like me and ended up in either the engineering or manufacturing sectors. They are as passionate about it as I am.
Any words of advice?
Take everything in as you go, grab every opportunity, if unsure, give it a go anyway. Never be afraid to ask questions, always listen to advice and believe in yourself.
www.anochrome.com
// Strong managers who will empower and support women in the workplace are so important.
TORQUE COMMUNITY
Apprentice Q & A
Nicola Gordon HR & Operations Assistant, Harrison & Clough
Currently undertaking a year and a half’s apprenticeship with employer Harrison & Clough, Nicola Gordon speaks with Torque Magazine
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN THE FASTENER INDUSTRY?
It wasn’t so much that I wanted to join the fastener industry, it’s that I wanted to join Harrison & Clough. I previously worked in recruitment and we knew who the good local employers were –Harrison & Clough had a great reputation, had high staff retention and I knew some people who worked there and really enjoyed it. So, when I saw a suitable role come up I jumped at it. I’m now obviously fully immersed in the fastener industry, which is such a big sector and has so many wideranging aspects that I find it very interesting.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TRAINING DURING YOUR APPRENTICESHIP AND HOW MUCH OF YOUR EVERYDAY WORK IS INFLUENCED BY IT?
I would say that the training is very important. The quality of the apprenticeship, which is with the CIPD, is very high and it’s allowed me to understand how my role can support the organisation and my colleagues, how we can impact how we’re seen within the industry and how we can effectively develop our company culture.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AS AN APPRENTICE AT HARRISON AND CLOUGH?
I’m not a ‘typical’ apprentice, if such a thing exists, as I am more mature than many perceive most apprentices to be. As such, I have a daytoday role to fulfil, alongside my apprenticeship. I really wanted to do this apprenticeship, for my own personal development and learning, and was going to selffund, but Harrison & Clough offers the chance for people to take on apprenticeships through them, as they know the mutual benefits. I do have to block out specific time to dedicate to my apprenticeship, and generally need to do six hours a week towards it, but I can do this flexibly around my other work and the needs of the company.
// I have had a significant amount of help and support from my line manager and my colleagues.
It’s great to be surrounded by a committed team who can assist me with aspects of the apprenticeship, and my wider work within the company //
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE WORK SO FAR?
For me, it’s getting back into the mindset for completing assignments, and getting into academic mode. I haven’t studied since school, so remembering how to study, how to answer questions concisely, how best to present work for assessments has all been a big challenge. The content I’m learning I am confident with, but it’s building that framework to deliver it correctly that took a bit of adjusting to.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE APPRENTICESHIP PERIOD?
I’m just looking forward to putting into practice everything that I’ve learnt throughout the apprenticeship, and hopefully using that to the benefit of the company. I can see my role at Harrison & Clough changing, as I am doing more work around compliance and quality assurance too. I think that having the CIPD qualification will probably give me more authority, as people within the sector value it and it’s an assurance that builds trust in my judgement and expertise among my senior colleagues.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AS AN APPRENTICE WITH HARRISON AND CLOUGH?
I have had a significant amount of help and support from my line manager and my colleagues. It’s great to be surrounded by a committed team who can assist me with aspects of the apprenticeship, and my wider work within the company. Obviously, actually receiving the qualification – which will be the culmination of nearly a year and a half’s hard work –will also give me a great sense of satisfaction.
www.harclo.com
FROM THE GROUND UP
Innovations in construction throw new requirements and challenges upon the fastener and fixing industry and the latest include increasingly eco-friendly materials like ground coffee…
Circular economy: Coffee grounds from Canary Wharf’s cafes were used in the structural supports to anchor the sculpture
vation Centre in Lyon, has been testing the use of biochar in readymix concrete for a number of years. Biochar is widely used in agriculture and is produced by heating biomass, typically sourced from surplus wood, at temperature and in the absence of oxygen, through a process called pyrolysis. The result is a black carbon rich material like charcoal. Similarly, spent coffee grounds can be turned into a carbon rich biochar when treated through pyrolysis.
Through using biochar you also use less virgin or primary aggregate preserving natural resources for longer, as well as less waste being sent to landfill or incinerators.
Many work places, construction sites included, thrive on the consumption of hot beverages, yet few depend as literally upon coffee as one Canary Wharf, London development created in partnership with Holcim UK. The sustainable construction solutions provider created an innovative concrete mix, using recycled coffee grounds, to support a 12 metre high sculpture of a blue whale, unveiled in Q2 in London.
The Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper) by StudioKCA was created from plastic waste recovered from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and has been sited in a wet dock in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf district.
The fourstorey high structure required firm counterweight foundations to keep it and its frame in place. So, Canary Wharf Group (CWG) turned to Holcim UK to develop an innovative concrete to support it and the circular economy message the sculpture embodies.
Holcim experts devised a concrete mix containing biochar sourced from coppiced UK fast growing hard woods and spent coffee grounds from Canary Wharf’s cafes and restaurants to form the structural supports to anchor the sculpture in place.
Wake up and smell the... circular economy
Five loads (32 cubic metres) were mixed and batched at Holcim UK’s Battersea Readymix plant before being delivered to site. A specialist civil engineering diving company, DiveCo Marine Limited, then pumped the product into place under the water’s surface.
Holcim UK, working with counterparts at the Holcim Inno
The mix produced to support the whale sculpture was formulated with carbonreducing limestone fines and GGBS. With the addition of the 'BioEspresso' biochar, the embodied carbon was able to be lowered by a further 66%, yielding an impressive nextgeneration concrete with a projected net Global Warming Potential or GWP (A1A3), as low as 69 kg CO₂e/m³. With the two technologies combined, the total carbon reduction is about 79% compared to a traditional CEMI concrete mix.
Jonathan Ly, Director for Structures at Canary Wharf Group, says: “This is a pioneering moment for CWG and our partners… We are proud to be the first UK developer to use this
Bio-brew: 'BioEspresso' biochar was used for the first time by a UK developer
coffee biochar mix in our concrete, embedding the principles of a circular economy in our design and construction process. I can’t wait to see where we can take this in our future projects and prove what we can do when working as a collective.”
www.holcim.co.uk
DIRECTORY SPOTLIGHTS
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
Alexander Paal GmbH
n Disc Springs
n Shim Washer
n Retaining Ring
n Snap Ring
n Serrated Lock washers
T +49 (0)2191 906-0
E info@paal.de
W www.paal.de
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
Since 1945, Paal has been a family-run business known for quality and reliability. With over 3,000 m² of storage space, we offer a wide range of retaining rings, shims, disc springs, and more. Thanks to fast processing and delivery, we are your reliable partner for precision parts –efficient, flexible, and on time.
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
Halfmann Schrauben – Your reliable partner for fasteners!
With our high-bay warehouse offering thousands of pallet spaces and multiple storage halls, we ensure high availability. Fast delivery, excellent service, and a wide range of products guarantee that you get the right items on time. Rely on our expertise!
Ambrovit Bolts + Screws
n Carpentry wood screws
n Carpentry wood spacer screws
n Carpentry wood terrace screws
T + 39 (0)382 810280
E sales@ambrovit.it
W www.ambrovit.com
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
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 Stainless steel fasteners & fixings
n Aerotight nut
n Stainless steel screws/nuts
n Stainless steel washers
T +44 (0) 1788 537979
E sales@apexstainless.com
W www.apexstainless.com
COST: Only
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
Avon Stainless Fasteners
n Marine products
n Stainless fasteners
n Stainless steel semi-standard
T +44 (0) 117 972 8560
E sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk
W www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk
Bodegraven Metaal N.V. S.A.
n Threaded rods
n Threaded studs
n Studding
n Allthread studs
T +32 11 55 91 10 W www.bomet.com
BOMET UK LTD.
n Threaded rods
n Threaded studs
n Studding
n Allthread studs
T +32 (0) 11 55 91 14
E Sales.UK@bomet.com
W www.Bomet.com
Deligo
n Wedge nuts
n Channel nuts
n Wire suspension systems
n Heavy and light duty fixings
n Electrical accessories
T +44 (0) 1384 824100
E sales@deligo.co.uk
W www.deligo.co.uk
Gesipa SFS Group Germany GmbH
n Blind rivets
n Blind rivet nuts
n Automatic riveting
n Blind rivet tools
n Setting process control
T +49 (0) 6105 962 0
E info@gesipa.com
W www.gesipa.com
Brighton Best International
n Hex Head Bolts/Sets 931/933
n Socket Screws
n Dowel Pins
n Stainless Fasteners
n Washers/Nuts
T +44 (0) 1384 568 144
E sales@brightonbest.org
W www.brightonbest.co.uk
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
T +49 2331 6245-0
E info@eurotec.team W www.eurotec.team
Global Fasteners Limited
n Bolts & nuts
n Security screws
n Woodscrews
n Machine screws
n PPE
T +44 (0) 1384 480793
E sales@global-fasteners.co.uk
W www.globalfasteners.co.uk
Chin Tai Sing Precision Manufactory
n Brass Insert
n Clinching Metal Fasteners
n CNC Components
n Automotive Components
n Electronic Components
T 886-4-26367001
E inquiry@ctsp-insert.com.tw
W www.ctsp-insert.com.tw
FIXI Srl
n Threaded Inserts
n Blind Rivets
n Self-Clinching Fasteners
n Welding Studs
n Brass Inserts
T +39 011.7072398
E info@fixi.it W www.fixi.it
Goebel Group
n Blind Rivets
n Blind Rivet Nuts
n Rivet Setting Tools
n 18V Cordless Riveting Tools
n Lockbolts
T +49211-245000-0
E info@goebel-group.com
W www.goebel-group.com
Boltfast
n 10.9 hex bolts/set
n 10.9 allthread
n Class 10 full nuts
n Grade 10 nylocs
n Thru hardened washers Din6916
T +44 (0) 1922 749 357
E info@boltfast.co.uk
W www.boltfast.co.uk
CRC Industries UK Ltd.
n Lubricants
n Anti-Corrosion & Paints
n Degreasers & Cleaners
n Metal Working
n Made in the UK
T +44 (0)1278 727272
E sales.uk@crcind.com
W www.actioncan.com
Fürniss GmbH
n Imperial Screws
n Bolts
n Screws
n Aerospace Standard
n latches
T +49 7247954400
E info@fuerniss.de
W https://fuerniss.de/en
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)
£750 / €850 INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE. for the year
GWR Fasteners
Güde GmbH
n Spring lock washers
n Sperrkant washers
n Sperrkant spring washers
n Contact washers
n Conical washers
T 0049 2391 9190-0
E info@guede.net
W www.guede.net
n Stainless & High Tensile Fasteners & Fixings
n Captive Screws & Washers
n Aluminium Fasteners
n Spacers / Stand-off Collars
n Bar Materials
T +44 (0)1691 654979
E sales@gwr-fasteners.co.uk
W www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk
Hafren Fasteners
n Security fasteners & fixings
n Bespoke special security fasteners
n Security fastener tooling & accessories
n Security fencing bolts
T +44 (0)1686 621 300
E info@hafrenfasteners.com
W www.hafrenfasteners.com
T +44 (0)1442 878879
E info@intactsoftware.com
W www.intactsoftware.com
JIMMORE International Corp.
n Torque Screwdriver
n Torque Adapter
n Interchangeable System
n 30% Higher Reversible Torque
n Low MOQ & Custom Design
T +886-4-2260-5352
E sloky@jimmore.com.tw W sloky.jic-tools.com.tw
IVT Verbindungselemente GmbH
n Weld screws
n Weld studs
n Special parts
T +49 2394 911 007
E info@i-vt.de W www.i-vt.de
Joker Industrial Co., Ltd.
n Concrete screw (ETA approval)
n Cavity & plasterboard fixing
n Blind Jack nut
n Hammer-in & frame fixing
n Hollow wall anchor setting tools
T +886-4-7580187
E info@joker.com.tw W www.joker-fastener.com
JET FAST COMPANY LIMITED
n Rubber Nut-Insert
n Metal Rivet Nut
n Nylon Nut-Insert
T +886-7-3740160
E jetfast@ms34.hinet.net
W www.jetfast.com.tw
Harrison & Clough Ltd
n Fasteners & Fixings
n Hand Tools
n Power Tool Accessories
n Industrial Consumables
T 0844 571 22 22
E sales@harclo.com
W www.harclob2b.com
KINGWIN PRECISION CO.,LTD.
n Punches
n Molds
n Forming Tools
n Machining Parts
n Accessories
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
K-Engineering
n Allthread 1Mtr/3Mtr/3Ft
n Washers
n Nuts
n Cup square
n Roofing bolts
T +44 (0) 1922 749 350
E info@k-engineering.co.uk
W www.k-engineering.co.uk
Jiaxing Goodway Hardware
n Cold forming parts
n Hot forging parts
n CNC machining parts
n Stamping parts & Casting parts
n Metal injection moulding parts
T +86-573-82765508
E jackchang@goodway-fastener.com
W www.goodway-fastener.com
Kebrell
n Commercial fasteners & fixings
n Automotive fasteners
n Flange joint sets
n Specials to drawing
n 20,000 tonnes of stock
T +44 (0) 121 526 6049
E kebrell@kebrell.co.uk W www.kebrell.co.uk
MATATAKITOYO TOOL CO., LTD.
n Torque Tester
n Digital Torque Wrench
n Torque Wrench
n Torque Screwdriver
n Torque Multiplier
T +886-4-2533-5893
E matatakitoyo@gmail.com
W www.matatakitoyo.com
Metabo (UK) Ltd
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 +44 (0) 2380 732000
E info@metabo.co.uk
W www.metabo.co.uk
YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS,
NE Fasteners Ltd
n Furniture Fasteners
n Woodscrews
n Kitting
n Decking Screws
n Drywall Screws
T +44 (0)121 559 8866
E nefasteners@aol.com
W www.nefasteners.co.uk
Nylon Fasteners Ltd (Nyfast)
n Threaded Fasteners
n Washers & Spacers
n PCB & LED Fasteners
n Snap Rivets & Panel Fasteners
n Cable Clips & Clamps
T +44 (0) 1256 533 088
E sales@nyfast.co.uk
W www.nyfast.com
pgb-Europe nv
PEARSON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
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
T +886-3-212-1160
E pearson8@ms29.hinet.net
W www.pearson-clinch.com.tw
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
n Bolts & Nuts
n Wood, chipboard and decking screws
n Light duty anchors
n Heavy duty anchors
n Chemical anchors
T +32 9 272 70 70
E info@pgb-europe.com
W www.pgb-europe.com
S&P
n Design software for anchoring
n Structural timbers
n Installation systems
n Reinforced concrete
T +49 341 4424610
E info@sup-scs.de W www.sup-scs.de
Smith Bullough
n Blanks and finished stock
n Metric and inch in all grades
n Non standard bolting
n Special forgings
n Stainless and special alloys
T +44 (0)1942 520250
E sales@smithbullough.com W www.smithbullough.com
Socketfast
n Socket caps
n Socket countersunks
n Socket buttons
n Socket shoulder screws
n Socket flange buttons
T +44 (0) 1922 749 363
E info@socketfast.co.uk W www.socketfast.co.uk
Optimas
n OptiSpec Bill of Materials Management Solution
n Engineered Fastening Solutions
n OptiTech Managed Inventory Systems
n C-Class Components
n Fastener Manufacturing
n Standard Fasteners
n Sofrasar Tunnel Solutions
E support@optimas.com
W www.optimas.com
SCHRODER
Peter Schröder GmbH
n Inch Sized Fasteners
n USA Fastener
n MS – AN – Na
n ASTM Standards
n Special Screws and Parts
T +49 713299600
E info@schroederschrauben.de
W www.schroederschrauben.de
pgb-Polska
n Light duty plastic fixings
n Insulation fixings
n Mechanical anchors
n Chemical anchors
n Wood and self-drilling screws
T +48 (32) 330 26 10
E biuro@pgb-polska.com
W www.pgb-polska.com
Schäfer + Peters GmbH
n Screws
n Nuts
n Washers
n Bolts
n Stainless steel
T +49(0)7941 6094-0
E info@schaefer-peters.com W www.schaefer-peters.com
Rapid Industrial Fasteners
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 +44 (0) 121 501 3903
E manufacturing@rapidfast.co.uk
W www.rapidfast.co.uk
Shaanxi Sinwa Int’L
n Titanium fasteners
n Titanium alloy vehicles accessories
n Titanium customised parts
n Hand tools
n Non-standard and special fasteners
T +86 29 8928 9105
E sales@sinwafix.com
W www.sinwafix.com
SPIROL Industries Ltd
n Coiled Spring Pins
n Inserts for Plastic
n Compression Limiters
n Disc Springs
n Shims
T +44 (0) 1536 444 800
F +44 (0) 1536 203 415
E info-uk@spirol.com W www.spirol.com
Smith
Bullough
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) £750 / €850 INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE. for the year
Star Fasteners
n Huck® Lockbolts & Blind
Structural Fasteners
n Associated Tool Hire, Service & Repair
n VVG / Rivdom Tool Distributor
n Fasteners & Fixings
n Sealants & Adhesives
T +44 (0) 115 932 4939
E sales@starfasteners.co.uk
W www.starfasteners.co.uk
Tite-Fix Ltd
n Construction & Engineering
Screws
n Decking Screws
n Screw-Tite Multi-Purpose
Screws
n Specialist & Bespoke Screws
T +44 (0) 1756 699 996
E sales@tite-fix.co.uk
W www.tite-fix.co.uk
DEEPAK FASTENERS LIMITED
n Socket Head Shoulder Screws & Dowel Pins
n Tension Control Structural Bolt
n Studbolts / Threaded Rods
n Locpin
n Stainless Steel Fasteners
T +91 161 713 1111, 513 1111
E sales@deepakfasteners.com
W https://unbrako.com
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
SUNCO INDUSTRIES JAPAN
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
T +81 6-6539-3560
E export@sunco.co.jp
W www.jisscrew.com
TOBSTEEL GmbH
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 +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
The Insert Company (UK) Limited
n Zinc alloy inserts
n Steel inserts
n Brass threaded inserts
n Furniture connectors
n Special turned parts
T +44 (0) 121 4397329
E sales@theinsertcompany.com
W www.theinsertcompany.com
UNION FASTENERS
n Hexagon Bolts/Blanks All Grades
n F436/6916 Metric Washers
n Turned Parts
n Bespoke Exotic Special Fasteners
n In House Forging
T +44 (0) 121 526 6010
E sales@union-fasteners.com W www.union-fasteners.com
TORQUE MAGAZINE
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
T +44 (0) 1727 739 160
E info@torque-expo.com
W www.torque-expo.com
Universal Precision Screws (UPS Lakshmi)
n Shoulder Screw
n Pins
n Cylinder head bolts
n High temp application fasteners
n Piston pins
T +91 1262 205110
E amit@upsind.com W www.upsind.com
YESWIN MACHINERY CO., LTD.
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
TR Fastenings
n Sheet Metal Fasteners
n Enclosure Hardware
n Plastic Hardware
n Fasteners for Plastic
n General Fasteners
T +44 (0) 8454 811 800
E sales@trfastenings.com
W www.trfastenings.com
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
T +44 (0)1902 544 480
E sales@victoryfasteners.com
W www.victoryfasteners.com
2025 FEATURES
Q3 issue 097
TERRITORY FOCUS > Nordic countries
Structural engineering & structural fasteners
Fastener machines, equipment & tooling
JULY-AUGUST issue 098 PRINT EDITION
QC laboratory focus
Oils, sprays and lubricants
Building & Construction > Timber engineering
TERRITORY FOCUS > ASEAN/ASIA/PACIFIC
SHOW PREVIEW > International Fastener Expo
SHOW PREVIEW > Husum Wind
Fastener Training - Academies
Fasteners Made in India
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER issue 099 PRINT EDITION
Fastener manufacturing special Stainless steel fixings and fasteners
Torque tools, technology & bolting
Workwear, PPE and safety
Building & Construction > Anchors
Wire & fastener cold heading
TERRITORY FOCUS > North America
SHOW PREVIEW > Taiwan Hardware Show
SHOW PREVIEW > Blech Expo
TOOLS SUPPLEMENT (inc
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN FASTENERS & TOOLS APPRENTICE Q&As
Rivets, rivet tools and rivet technology
Plugs, plasterboard and cavity fixings
IT services, software and e-business
Sustainability > ISO 14001 certification, recyclable packaging, etc
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER issue 101 PRINT EDITION
C-parts, logistics and Kanban
Production line tools (rivet guns, assembly tools, torque wrenches, etc.)
Battery technology & smart tools
Automotive fasteners & tools
Surface treatment and coatings
Building & Construction > Adhesives, tapes, sealants and fillers
Industry and Trade Associations Wrap up Torque Rising Stars
SHOW PREVIEW > DACH + HOLZ
• Technical data available for all products.
• Can be supplied to meet PPAP and full material traceability requirements by request.
Available for free next-day delivery, with low minimum order levels, across the majority of the UK mainland.
• Sourced exclusively from ISO/TS 16949:2009 factories to guarantee high-quality products. Download the JRP
