Fastener + Fixing Magazine #48

CONTENTS

Fastener Fair Report page 55-69 CONTENTS

Two generations - one vision

NEWS Europe and World . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 North America. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Asia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-30 EVENTS CALENDAR. . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cover Story

Pages 32-33

INSIGHT Firecrackers in Shanghai . . . 34-36 Telling the difference . . . . . . . 76-78 Taking an extra step . . . . . . . . 80-82

The big fastener shows worldwide

Events Calendar

COVER STORY Achill forging across the globe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33

Page 38

EXHIBITIONS Fastener Fair Coventry. . . . . . . . . 40 China International Hardware Show . . . . . . . . . . . 42-44 Show news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 London DIY Show/ Totally Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 FACE-2-FACE David Woodcock - president, Anixter Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . 48-50

Tunneling under Holland

MARKETS UK market projections . . . . . . . . 52

Construction Fixings

Pages 72-74, 84-88

FASTENER FAIR REPORT The numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 What exhibitors said . . . . . . . . 58-59 What visitors said . . . . . . . . . . 62-63 New Product Showcase . . . . . . . . 66 Not all hard work . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Looking forward to 2009 . . . . . . . 70 CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS The cost of quality. . . . . . . . . . 72-74 Tunneling under Holland . . . . . . 84 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86-88

Packaging and inspection systems

FOCUS ON Nuts, washers and locking systems . . . . . . . . 90-94

Manufacturing Technology

Pages 96-108

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Inspection & Packaging systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96-104 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106-108 APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Firecrackers in Shanghai

TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112-116 MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS Paying for purchasing . . . . 120-122 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 CATALOGUE RACK Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126-129 PRODUCTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130-144

Insight

Pages 34-36, 76-78, 80-82

RECRUITMENT & ADVERTISERS INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

EDITORIAL

4

Antidumping investigation announced

By Phil Matten We held off putting this issue to press for a few days, in order to report on the outcome of the European Commission’s consideration of an antidumping complaint lodged by EIFI on 26 September. The Commission duly announced its decision to instigate an investigation from November 9th. As expected the investigation will focus exclusively on carbon steel fasteners from China. Quoting the EC notice: The product allegedly being dumped is certain iron or steel fasteners, other than of stainless steel, i.e. wood screws (excluding coach screws), self-tapping screws, other screws and bolts with heads (whether or not with their nuts or washers, but excluding screws turned from bars, rods, profiles or wire, of solid section, of shank thickness not exceeding 6 mm and excluding screws and bolts for fixing railway track construction material) and washers, originating in the People's Republic of China, normally declared within CN codes 7318 12 90, 7318 14 91, 7318 14 99, 7318 15 59, 7318 15 69, 7318 15 81, 7318 15 89, 7318 15 90, 7318 21 00 and 7318 22 00.

Country of comparison One of the key determinants of the level of potential tariffs is the selection of the market economy country (China is not deemed to be a market economy) used to establish ‘normal value’ for the fasteners involved. Dumping margins are calculated by comparison of export prices to the EU and this normal value. EIFI has used India, and has it is understood, alleged dumping margins significantly in excess of 50%. The Commission invites comment on the selection of country of comparison. However, it allows only ten days for these comments to be registered, a curiously short period given the choice of country is likely to prove a pivotal decision.

What happens now?

In brief, the investigation has to determine three things: whether dumping has occurred, whether it has resulted in material injury to Community industry, and whether the application of antidumping measures would be in the overall interest of the EU. Calculating dumping is a technical measure, and seems likely to be proven. No doubt, a persuasive argument has been presented for injury. So apart from the rather more political third decision the crucial issue is likely to be the level of tariffs applied.

The Commission may apply provisional tariffs no earlier than 60 days from the start of the investigation and no later than 9 months from that date. In the past it has done so towards the end of the permitted period but it would extremely imprudent to assume this will prove the same in future.

No later than 15 months from the start of the investigation the Commission must announce a definitive decision, approved by member states. A definitive antidumping measure expires five years from its imposition, although following a review it may be extended for a further five years.

Your thoughts Space and time necessitate only brief coverage of an issue that is likely to prove significant to the worldwide fastener industry. We will return to it in January and, in particular, will be gathering different perspectives from across the industry. We are very interested in hearing and publishing your thoughts – let us know them by emailing editor@fastfair.net Email us also if you would like sources for more detailed information on the antidumping process.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Fastener & Fixing Europe 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 OJJ, UK Tel: 0044 (0) 1727 739 150 Fax: 0044 (0) 1727 831 033 Publisher Jeremy Ramsdale jerry@fastfair.net

Editor Phil Matten phil@fastfair.net

Assistant Editor Will Lowry will@fastfair.net

Advertising Manager Jamie Mitchell jamie@fastfair.net

Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry@fastfair.net

Production MPC Publications production@fastfair.net

Fastener & Fixing Europe is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade.

Disclaimer The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing, of any material supplied or contained herein. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication.

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

Annual subscription (6 issues) to non-trade and outside EU is £60/€90

6

NEWS

Bufab makes French acquisition Bufab continues to expand in Europe by acquiring Chapellet S.A., a French distributor with annual revenues of about 32.5 million euros and approximately 150 employees.

The operation is focused on sales of industrial fasteners to the French market. The company has warehouses and offices in several locations in France with head office in Lyon. France Inox, specialising in stainless parts, is included in the acquisition as is Chapellet Fasteners Trading (Shanghai) Ltd Co. The new acquisition complements existing Bufab sales activities in France, based from an office and warehouse in Paris and with annual revenues of approx. 5.4 million euros. Bufab says there are no plans to make personnel changes at

the Paris operation. It also says its position in China will be strengthened by the Chapellet warehouse and office in Shanghai.

The new company will be Chapellet Bufab SA. "With the acquisition of Chapellet, Bufab continues its international expansion, and further strengthens its position as an interesting partner for international customers", says Hans Björstrand, CEO of Bufab. The former owners Christiane Schulz and Martine Chavrier remain at the company until July 2008.

Fabory sold to UK private equity group On 26 September private equity group HG Capital acquired the Fabory Group from AAC for 345 million euros.

AAC, formerly ABN Amro Capital, is understood to have paid 230 million euros when it took an 85% stake in Fabory in 2004 as part of a management buy-out from the Bortstlap family led by current CEO Alfons van der Aa. Fabory has been known to be for sale for some months but its predominantly MRO business apparently proved unattractive for several potential industry suitors.

Fabory, formerly Borstlap Masters in Fasteners Group, was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The company operates in 14 countries and employees 1,800 people. Since 2004 Fabory has increased the number of its Fabory Centers from 50 to 89. Twenty are in Eastern Europe, reportedly one factor attracting HG Capital, together with the control and efficiencies presented by the group’s SAP computer system.

HG Capital is reportedly ready to support an aggressive role-out of further Fabory Centers, again focusing on central and eastern European

high-growth markets. Fabory has also established a major sourcing, inspection and packaging operation in China and has developed wholesale business in the US. Alex Shivananda, managing director of HG Capital Benelux, commented, “We have been following the progress of Fabory closely for nearly four years. Alfons, the CEO, and his team have performed very well in professionalising and repositioning the business and we couldn't fail to be impressed. Accordingly we are willing to pay a good price for a great business. With our pan-European coverage and local presence we are well positioned to support Fabory's exciting plans for geographical expansion'.

Alfons van der Aa, said, “Over the last years we streamlined the business and re-positioned the company with a highly scalable and successful B2B convenience retail concept. We are looking forward to taking the company to the next level with the full support of HG Capital”.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

8

NEWS

Taiwanese consortium buys Brighton-Best By John Wolz, editor@fastenernews.com Brighton-Best Socket Screw Mfg. and a Taiwanese consortium headed by Robert Shieh, president of Ta Chen International, jointly announced the acquisition of Brighton-Best. The newly formed company will be known as Brighton-Best International Inc. Ta-Chen Stainless Pipe Co. led the consortium, which includes Chow-Send Co. Ltd., an investor in the fastener industry; China Development Industrial Bank of Taiwan; Mega International Commercial Bank; Cathay Capital Mgt. Inc., a Taiwan insurance company; Industrial Bank of Taiwan; and the CID Group, a Taiwan venture capital firm.

At a press conference in Las Vegas, Rosenstein confirmed that all 300 Brighton-Best employees would retain their jobs.

The deal, which may be valued at more than $90 million based on ESOP calculations, will keep Brighton-Best headquartered in Buford, GA.

Under the deal, employees will share more than $11 million as 12% owners under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Owner Perry Rosenstein will retire. Brighton-Best International will continue to be led by COO Steve Gruenhut, executive vice president George Oshkello and Gordon Anderson, vice president of sales.

Rosenstein, who termed the acquisition "a marriage of equals," said the future plan of the new company would be to increase diversity of fastener products it now distributes, along with investment of new capital for international growth.

"That to me is very important," Rosenstein stated.

"Screws have no character; they can be bought and sold anywhere in the world. The real asset is people."

Carrington Wire to close Cardiff operation Recently appointed CEO, Andrew Parker, has confirmed that the Carrington Wire Limited board has decided to close its Cardiff operation at the end of December 2007, consolidating UK operations at Elland, West Yorkshire.

“This operational restructuring is necessary for Carrington Wire Limited to strengthen its presence in increasingly competitive markets”, Andrew Parker commented, adding that “the objective of Group corporate strategy is to ensure sustainable and profitable growth”. He said the single site operation at Elland enables the business to consolidate its experience, skills and efforts, achieving greater effectiveness and efficiencies. CWL intends to remain active in the sectors in which it currently operates, using the synergies as part of the Severstal-metiz Group of companies. Customer teams are being established to manage the transfer program and ensure customers are ‘fully briefed’. “Their ongoing confidence in us is our utmost priority and I am confident that customer impact will be minimal,” sys Andrew Parker.

The closure decision follows a 90-day consultation on the future of the Cardiff site and is expected to result in the loss of 123 jobs. CWL produced 142,000 tonnes of wire products in 2006, about 30% of which was exported. Severstal-metiz acquired CWL in 2006, and recently said it had foreseen problems for the Cardiff plant and had planned to increase its profitability and prevent closure. “Despite all the efforts, the management team cannot resist strong competition from South East Asian countries,” a spokesman said. In December 2006 CWL subsidiary Ryland Wire Products ceased production of nails at Speke, near Liverpool.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

10

NEWS

Phoenix from the flames Essex, UK, Friday 13th of July – despite the date, all seemed well as Graham Reuter locked up the Carona Reuter business premises at the end of a busy week.

How wrong can you be - 6.30a.m the following Monday morning, he was woken by an urgent call to tell him that Carona Reuter was on fire! He rushed to the premises to find eleven fire appliances fighting a fierce fire, billowing 50 feet into the sky.

The fire, which started in the unit next door, completely gutted the building, melted the racking systems and destroyed £300,000 of stock. All seemed lost!

Despite the shock, the staff of Carona Reuter showed tremendous resilience. They all pulled together and within 3 hours were back in business – of sorts.

“By lunch time that day I had set up a make shift desk on a pallet,” said Graham. “Nick Roberts was taking orders from a fax machine installed at his home and Janet and the other internal sales team members were taking customer calls from her lounge!”

By the second day Carona had filled the one van, which was not destroyed by the fire, with stock ordered from suppliers and were using it as a mini-warehouse.

The spirit of the team continued and with the support of many local companies they successfully relocated to a temporary new unit in the same business park and were up and running within 7 days of the fire.

“During the first days after the fire, I was concerned that we would be totally unable to service our customers but we had tremendous help from our suppliers.” said Graham. “Emhart Teknologies in particular were absolutely brilliant! They even delivered orders directly to our customers for us!”

Last month was Carona’s best trading month ever. Now the company is looking forward to the chance of improving its business practices. “The fire means that we are able to rebuild a new unit on the site of the old one. It gives us the chance to re-think our processes and layout” says Nick Roberts. “We can design a unit that will be more efficient than the old one”.

Philidas out of administration Philidas has notified customers that, following agreement with administrators Begbies Traynor, Roy Jones has taken 100% ownership of the Philidas business, currently registered as Enquiry & Order Limited (No: 6303285). Ian Cockerill remains company secretary.

Whilst in administration the company underwent a major re-organisation and cost reduction exercise, which included staff redundancies. Roy Jones originally acquired the business from Infast in 2005, but it entered administration in June 2007, which the administrators described as “due to historical losses and resulting cash flow shortage”.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

12

NEWS

Northern Precision wins £20,000 export order from Germany Northern Precision of Doncaster, UK - an independent single-source supplier of fasteners and special-purpose turned and cold-formed parts – has returned from the Fastener Fair at Stuttgart with an order worth £20,000!

The new deal, for one million stainless steel clinch nuts, was gained from a new customer – a company simultaneously appointed as a new distributor in Germany – and complements what sales director Steve Smith exclaims as “the most successful event ever for us in terms of meeting new and existing customers and distributors”.

Northern Precision’s presence at the exhibition was also helped tremendously, says Steve Smith, by the company’s display of the LCM Prima Inserter self-clinch fastener press, for which it is exclusive UK agent.

“Having the machine on the stand added a new dimension to an exhibition display that traditionally focuses on small, static parts,” he comments, “and it certainly attracted attention.”

Classic invests in HT production Speaking at Fastener Fair 2007, managing director, Shabbir A. Shaikh (pictured centre), confirmed that Classic Metallics has committed major investment to start producing high tensile fasteners in the United Arab Emirates.

The company has seven Jern Yao 4-die headers and a Son Yung heat treatment plant on order. It has also recruited technicians from “the top three producers in India.” Production is planned to start in April 2008.

The company sees a market opportunity in the UAE where ready stocks of high tensile bolts are limited and customers often have to face long import lead times. Shabbir A. Shaikh also says that

the production in the UAE will offer shorter transit time to European markets.

Classic Metallic Sheet Factory LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Classic Group based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. In addition to being an ISO 9001-2000 certified manufacturer of blind rivets, anchor, U and stud bolts, the company has in-house hot dip galvanizing facilities, and trades in an extensive range of fastener products.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

World Leaders for the Manufacturing of Standard Metric Retaining Rings

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BENERI S.P.A. VIALE XXV APRILE, 56 - 23868 VALMADRERA (LC) ITALY PHONE:- +39 0341 581101 FAX:- +39 0341 583471 EMAL:- info@beneri.com WEBSITE:- www.beneri.com

NEWS

14

‘Fastener failure’ contributed to Virgin train derailment In a progress report issued at the beginning of October the UK Rail Accident Investigation Branch indicates ‘fastener failure’ as a contributing factor to the derailment of a Virgin Pendolino train at Grayrigg, Cumbria in February 2007.

The report says, “The immediate cause of the accident was the derailment of train 1S83 following its interaction with 2B points in a degraded and unsafe state, which forced it into the reducing gauge between both switch rails.” It goes on: “Points 2B came to be in an unsafe condition through the failure by fracture of the first and third permanent way stretcher bars and the failure of the fasteners at the right-hand end of the third stretcher bar, all fasteners on the second stretcher bar and the fasteners connecting the lock stretcher bar and the left-hand detector rod to the left-hand switch rail.”

The report says, “The lock stretcher bar and the left-hand detector rod connection were detached from the left-hand switch rail by a failure of two threaded fasteners”.

New profile for VIRAJ Viraj Group has converted to a 100% export oriented unit, under one company name, Viraj Profiles Limited.

The group’s major competence is in stainless steel, including the production of stainless steel wires, wire rods and fine wire. It has a manufacturing capacity of 24,000 MT per annum.

Future contracts will be in the name of Viraj Profiles Ltd, instead of VSL Wires.

Outstanding contracts and shipments in the name of VSL Wires will be fulfilled.

Downlooking photographs taken by an inspection train (NMT) two days prior to the accident show both the bolts and nuts to be present.

Elsewhere 3/4 inch mild steel Whitworth bolts and nuts were found not to be present or only finger tight, and bolts, nuts and washers known to have been fitted on 7th January 2007 were found in the ballast below the rails. The condition of the nuts and bolts indicates “they had wound undone, and had neither broken nor had the nuts been pulled off the threads”.

The report notes that 1,437 sets of points were inspected following the accident, of which 36% had one or more loose fasteners. Network Rail commenced a programme to replace stretcher bars on points similar to those at Grayrigg,

specifying higher grade metric fasteners, with ‘Vibrolock’ washers (an alternative name for the Nord-Lock wedge-locking system) and Philidas Turret Nuts. Loose nut tell-tales were to be fitted to assist visual inspection.

The RAIB has “not yet finalised its views on what the causal and contributory factors of the derailment are”. Its final report is expected early 2008 and will include consideration of any relevance of the recommendations following the Potters Bar derailment in May 2002, where fastener loosening was identified as a significant contributing factor.

A full PDF copy of the report can be downloaded at www.raib.gov.uk

PSM policing intellectual property PSM International tells us it has reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum with TR Fastenings Limited over an infringement of a design patent on the Tech-Sonic® range of brass inserts for plastic.

The Tech-Sonic® range of inserts was developed by PSM International to combat orientation requirements during the assembly/insertion process, whilst substantially increasing performance levels over other traditional insert types.

“Since its far-reaching restructuring programme in November 2005,” says managing director, Tog Isaacs, “PSM has been focusing its activities on high-quality, technically designed components for which it has traditionally been associated. The extension and policing of its Intellectual Property portfolio is seen as a critical part of this strategy and a number of other apparent infringements across Europe are being investigated.”

PSM has re-commenced the deployment of localised distributors across Europe to provide supply channels for its inserts for plastic and sheet metal fasteners. “The ability to offer distributors brand named parts provides both parties a business opportunity based on technical excellence,” says Isaacs. Within PSM’s range of inserts for plastics are the Sonic-Lok®, Tech-Sonic®, Mini-Tech®, Press-Lok®, Fin-Lok®, Heat-Lok®, ScrewSert®, Spiro®, Banc-Lok® and Flo-Tech® names.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Specialists in Riveting Systems Offical Agents for Huck International & Tucker Emhart ADVISORY SERVICE We offer full Technical Support including: Product Suitability Product Compatibility Advise on Design and any other requirements.

All types of rivets ex-stock including open, sealed, peel, multi grip, grooved, solid, tubular, drive rivets, nylon, all available in steel, aluminium, stainless steel and other materials.

BOLOGNA ITALY

Rivco carry large stocks of inserts for sheet metal including rivet nuts, rivet studs

®

As Huck agents we carry stock of C6L, C50 Hucktainer, Magna Lok, Magna Grip, Magna Bulb, Auto Bulb, Bom etc.

We offer the “Full Package”on all aspects of the tooling required to install all of our products including sales service, repair and hire.

Rivco Ltd

Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, Frederick Road Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7RA Tel: +44 (0) 1562 513910 Fax: +44 (0) 1562 69666 E-mail: sales@rivco.co.uk Web site: www.rivco.co.uk

16

NEWS

Caparo Atlas opens new training school On 7 September, Sarah Brown, wife of UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, officially opened the Caparo Atlas Fastenings (CAF) training school at Darlaston, in the UK West Midlands.

The new training school is a reflection of the company’s confidence in future growth and reverses the decline in recent years of engineering apprenticeship schemes.

Mrs Brown cut the ribbon on the new school, which already has 5 apprentices in place. Ian Clarke, managing director of CAF said, “The youngsters are all drawn from local schools around Darlaston and this is one way we can repay our workforce who have supported the company through a period of great change. The development of the training school is actually a direct result of requests from our workforce. The demography of the skilled machine setters is heavily weighted towards people who are due to retire in the next 5 to 10 years and concern was expressed as to the lack of young people entering the trade”.

Caparo Atlas Fastenings, which employs 285 people, is part of Caparo Vehicle Products, a grouping of Tier 1 component

design, engineering and manufacturing companies providing advanced solutions to the automotive, aerospace, military and motor sport markets. CAF is the UK’s largest manufacturer of threaded cold forged fasteners and have manufactured forged components at the Darlaston site for over 100 years.

The school is set to lead future generations into manufacturing and will focus on training apprentices in a multitude of disciplines. The school has its own dedicated training manager and CAF are developing an NVQ programme in the principles of Cold Forming and Setting. The aim is to put the word “pride” back into West Midlands manufacturing.

In addition to the new training school Mrs Brown was on hand to push the button on Caparo’s latest investment; a new 1250 Parts Former. “This machine signals a new direction for Caparo. Following extensive research we identified a gap in

the market that our technical engineers can now exploit”, said Gillian Bailey, director of engineering.

The 1250 increases CAF’s male fixing manufacturing capability from 24mm in diameter to 33mm. Ian Clarke, managing director confirms, “The additional benefit of the machine is that it opens up the potential for CAF to manufacture other parts than fasteners, which means further growth, something not often associated to manufacturing in the West Midlands!”.

Caparo is a fast growing global group with a £700m turnover. The company operates from over 60 sites in the UK, predominately in the West Midlands, India, North America, Spain and Poland and employs circa 7,000. The diverse group has business interests predominantly in the manufacture of steel, automotive and engineered products, but also in materials testing services, hotels, film distribution and private equity investment.

Recoil distributor celebrates Alloy & 40 years in business Stainless – A UK distributor for Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS), who is celebrating 40 years of trading in 2007, believes that the company’s success and longevity is due to the importance Showguide they have placed in providing consistently high standards in correction customer service.

Established in 1967 by MD Paul Hurley, Bath based Hurley Engines Ltd employs 12 people. As well as a Recoil® reseller for AFS, it also uses the product to repair damaged or create strong new screw threads for the automotive and light commercial vehicle engines that pass through its re-manufacturing and machining workshop per week.

Although it has sold threaded inserts since the company was set up, Hurley Engines has only been a Recoil distributor for the

past five years. A change in product, due to a re-structure of its supplier’s operation in the late 1990s, resulted in supply and quality issues.

Paul Hurley explains: “We have always prided ourselves on providing a first class service and product to our customers, so when we encountered these problems, we not only lost customers but our credibility.

We disposed of the old product, decided to go with Recoil and haven’t looked back since.”

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

An incorrect web address and email for Houston, Texas based Alloy & Stainless Fasteners Inc was included in the Fastener Fair Stuttgart Showguide.

The correct contact details are: Website: www.goasf.com Email: international@goasf.com

Machine Screws Security Screws Socket Screws HT Bolts & Sets Threaded Inserts Special Fasteners Materials St/St Brass Mild Steel

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PH 01902 790 780 FX 01902 790 810 Extensive Product Range Single Source Supplier

www.global-fasteners.co.uk

18

NEWS

Wishart celebrates 150th year at Gleneagles Edinburgh-based D F Wishart celebrated 150 years in business with a special trade show and celebration dinner at the renowned Gleneagles Hotel at the end of September.

Still a family owned business, Wishart was established in 1857. It now trades from a 7,500 square metre, modern purpose-built warehouse in Edinburgh, from which a fleet of 16 vans and trucks, integrated with an external parcel carrier, delivers from a £2million stock of over 35,000 product lines.

Although fasteners and fixings is a significant part of the company’s programme, the range extends throughout power and hand tools, ironmongery, wire products, gardening, household and DIY products.

120 guests enjoyed a celebration dinner and entertainment at Gleneagles on Sunday 30th September. The occasion also marked the retirement of D F Wishart chairman, Brian Wishart, after 44 years service to the company. On Monday the Gleneagles ballroom provided a unique ambience for a trade show, which fittingly broke all records for sales and attendance, with over 60 major suppliers represented and 300 people visiting.

“The show also provided the perfect opportunity for Wishart to promote their

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

newest ranges of housewares and protective clothing,” says sales and marketing director, George Gardner, who was absolutely delighted with the event. “I would like to acknowledge the help and support of the many customers, suppliers and staff involved, not just in this exhibition, but indeed over the last 150 years. It was very satisfying for us to be able to mark the occasion of our 150th anniversary in the company of so many friends from the industry. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the goodwill and gifts we received, here's to the next 150 years!”

S

2008 Features Calendar

FASTENER & FIXING EUROPE

S O N S es, . l MI T E C T I Profi tions N’ a , D O A R S ews nnov N I L G U est nd R E e lat cts a u Th od Pr

• JANUARY – 49 COVER Adolf Pühl

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE EXHIBITIONS

FOCUS ON CATALOGUE RACK

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY – Wire and raw materials MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS – Latest news, views & technologies CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS – Topical issues plus news & products FASTENERS – Sockets & Hexagon Bolts Preview – Practical World Cologne Preview – Fasttec Report – US Autumn Shows Report – MIDEST Report – BLECHbusiness Report – IIHT Mumbai Sockets & Hexagon Bolts Practical World

JANUARY –

ANNUAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

MARCH – 50

THE BIG FIFTY! – Our 50th Issue and Ten Year Anniversary

COVER Fischer

FEATURE FEATURE EXHIBITIONS FOCUS ON CATALOGUE RACK

MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS – Latest news, views & technologies CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS – Topical issues plus news & products FASTENERS – Decking, wood and collated screws Report – London DIY show/Totally Tools Decking, wood and collated screws Target Russia & CIS

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

EXHIBITIONS

MARCH –

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT – Manufacturing Technology – Wire Preview Düsseldorf

MAY – 51 COVER FASTBOLT

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE EXHIBITIONS

FOCUS ON FOCUS ON CATALOGUE RACK JULY – 52 COVER Beneri

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE EXHIBITIONS FOCUS ON CATALOGUE RACK

SEPTEMBER – 53 COVER ATE

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE

EXHIBITIONS

FOCUS ON CATALOGUE RACK NOVEMBER – 54 COVER Available

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE

EXHIBITIONS FOCUS ON CATALOGUE RACK

NOVEMBER –

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY – Manufacturing equipment MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS – Latest news, views & technologies CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS – Topical issues plus news & products FASTENERS – Stainless, other alloys and plastic fasteners Preview – Fastener Fair Coventry Report – Wire Dusseldorf Report – Practical World Köln Nylon, Plastics and Alloys Nailers and Power Drivers UK & Ireland MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY – Tooling, Dies and Punches MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS – Latest news, views & technologies CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS – Topical issues plus news & products FASTENERS – New Product Developments Report – Fastener Fair Coventry Construction Anchors & Fixings Germany MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY – Plating and coating technologies MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS – Latest news, views & technologies CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS – Topical issues plus news & products FASTENERS – European Manufacturing FASTENERS – Sheet metal fasteners Preview – NIFS/WEST Preview – STAFDA Preview – Practical World/CIHS Shanghai Preview – EuroBlech European Manufacturing Rivets and Rivetting Systems MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY – Inspection & Packing MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS – Latest news, views & technologies CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS – Topical issues plus news & products FASTENERS – Nuts, Washers & Locking FASTENERS – Quality assurance for importers Preview – London DIY/Totally Tools Report – EuroBlech Nuts, washers and locking systems Quality assured imports

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT – Target North America – Available to visitors at the National Industrial Fastener Show/West NEW REGULAR SECTION – APPLICATIONS – In depth studies of market sectors and applications

Published November 2007

FOCUS ON

TOOL ZONE

CATALOGUE RACK

NEWS

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20

US NEWS

by John Wolz – editor@fastenernews.com

Prices for china fasteners increase in North America When China cut its export rebate to fastener manufacturers from 13% to 5% on July 1, 2007, the question was would prices jump the full 8% or would market forces challenge potential price hikes?

Two months later importers report prices are up the full 8% and more. In addition, there are continued concerns that the remaining 5% VAT may be dropped by the Chinese government within days or months and the latest price quotes are headed up again.

On August 18, Bao Steel in China announced a 7.2% steel price increase for fastener manufacturers. Bruce Darling of Porteous Fastener Co. calculates that could lead to a 3% to 4% increase in fastener prices. "Expect more increases in the coming weeks," Darling predicted to FastenerNews.com.

Even before the first VAT reduction, a 1/2x4 Hex Bolt was up 9% FOB between

January 2007 and mid June. Then in mid June price quotes began anticipating the first drop in the rebate the Chinese government had been giving on many exported products, Darling reported.

Since mid-June prices had risen another 8% and as of September 4 the August steel situation and other factors upped prices another 4% for a total of 21% thus far in 2007.

A 1/2 inch flat washer zinc edged up 2.5% between January 2007 and mid-May. The increase was less than hex bolts because more scrap steel is used in washers. By mid-June the VAT change drove washers up 5% and there was another 5.4% increase as of the beginning of

September or a total of 12.9% thus far during 2007.

In addition to the rebate reduction, Jikyoon Park, director of purchasing for XL Screw, noted that there is a shortage of wire rod driving up steel prices in China. The latest quotes for fasteners are up 5% to 10%, Park told FastenerNews.com.

Though the remaining 5% rebate hasn't officially been announced, with "everybody expecting it, prices for 90 to 120 day delivery are already anticipating the change."

An exception to the price increases is stainless where costs are down slightly due to a drop in the price of nickel in the past two months, Darling noted.

IFI announces self-drilling & thread rolling standards The Industrial Fasteners Institute released new standards for self-drilling and thread rolling screws.

IFI-113 self-drilling tapping screws (inch) and IFI-504 self-drilling screws (metric) were last updated in 1997. The revisions provide more complete descriptions of test procedures, eliminate some out-of-date content and add test procedures for evaluation of screws for construction applications that must drill through thicker materials than those used in automotive and light sheet metal applications.

The inch version of IFI-112 high performance thread rolling screws was last issued in 1970 and the IFI-503 metric version was revised in 1997. "These standards now recognize a wider range of screw designs than the previous revisions," IFI engineering technology director Joe Greenslade explained. Some obsolete test procedures are eliminated and the explanation of test procedures is clearer in the revisions. Both the inch and metric standards cover case hardened screws and through hardened screws with zone-hardened points.

Greenslade recommended suppliers add the revised standards to their library. Copies of the standards can be purchased online. Web: indfast.org For technical questions contact Greenslade: E-mail: techinfo@indfast.org

Shannon new NFDA vice president Mark Shannon of Tower Fasteners is the new vice president and president-elect of the National Fastener Distributors Association, president Joel Roseman announced at the association's fall meeting in Chicago.

Shannon succeeds Roger Taylor, who is no longer with Assembly Component Systems. Roseman, of Canton, MA-based Arnold

Industries, continues as president until the NFDA's 40th anniversary meeting April 9-12, 2008, in Scottsdale, AZ. Shannon is vice president of sales & marketing and owner of the distributorship founded by his father, the late Thomas Shannon.

Mark Shannon joined Tower Fasteners fulltime in 1984 and has worked in almost every position, from warehouse and purchasing to quality assurance.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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22

US NEWS

by John Wolz – editor@fastenernews.com

IFI, NFDA form Quality Education Group Continuing their proactive efforts to maintain quality in the fastener industry, the National Fastener Distributors Association and the Industrial Fasteners Institute announced the formation of the Fastener Industry Education Group.

"The mission of the FIEG is to educate all fastener end-users and suppliers (manufacturers, importers and distributors) about the importance of understanding and effectively using industry and government fastener standards and how to determine the conformance of the products to those standards," stated committee chair Andy Cohn of Duncan Bolt.

The committee is currently developing an education strategy and will announce

projects and programs soon. "This is a perfect fit for NFDA and IFI," added NFDA president Joel Roseman. "Our commitment to education is strong and will naturally apply to systems and procedures which ensure that fasteners sold into commerce meet all applicable industry and federal specifications and standards."

"Manufacturers, importers and end users rely on a system of voluntary compliance with a variety of consensus standards,

Boeing blames 9/11, Iraq for fastener supply problems Blaming the aerospace downturn after the 9/11 attacks, as well as MRO demand from the war in Iraq, for the tight aerospace fastener market, The Boeing Co. offered more details about efforts to spur suppliers for more fasteners needed to build its 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing's production schedule had planned to begin tests flights by August. "Instead, that first flight won't happen until at least mid-November and could be further delayed until midDecember - a development that seriously threatens Boeing's schedule to deliver the first 787 on time in May to All Nippon Airways of Japan," writes James Wallace of the Seattle PostIntelligencer.

Boeing has sent hundreds of engineers to help third-tier suppliers, as far away as Israel, boost production for critical fuselage components.

"The fastener industry will have to work hard just to keep pace with demand, and will have to do even more than that to get healthy," stated Jon Byrne, supply chain strategy director for Boeing.

Byrne said the downturn of 2001-2002 saw Boeing and Airbus cutting production rates and delaying repair and overhaul of planes already in service. This prompted suppliers, including Alcoa Fastening Systems, to reportedly slash about 40% of their workforce. "The biggest challenge ... has been hiring skilled workers and getting the fastener factories re-staffed fast enough for round-the-clock production to meet demand," writes Wallace.

Not everyone agrees that fastener industry consolidation is to blame for the current shortage.

"The consolidation on the aerospace fastener industry has not had a dampening effect on the ability to ramp up," an aerospace fastener manufacturer told FastenerNews.com. "At worse it has been neutral, at best the new owners may have encouraged the addition of new or more capital equipment to help meet the demand."

The 787 requires a number of new kinds of fasteners, with testing and qualification robbing pressing time from production. Some reports suggest 787 fastener specs were as much as 8 months late, forcing AFS and other suppliers to work non-stop to complete design work and manufacture the 9 different fastener types for the Dreamliner.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

OEM specifications, and Quality Assurance System certification," IFI managing director Rob Harris told FastenerNews.com.

"That reliance is well founded and depends on every participant in the process doing what is necessary to ensure that all fasteners manufactured, imported or exported meet the applicable standards and specifications."

Distributor's Link marks 30 years In 1977, Leo Coar was a rep for

companies selling in New York and noticed "all these companies could use the exposure" of a national fastener magazine. Coar was on the road making sales calls as a rep, so he recruited his sister-in-law, Maryann Marzocchi from Southern Screw, to help start a distribution-oriented magazine.

This year Distributor's Link is marking its 30th anniversary.

Coar's fastener history dates decades before Link and includes manufacturing and distribution in addition to being a rep.

He started in the fastener industry in 1954 with Southern Screw Company.

Over the decades Link has developed its own style, with each issue having hundreds of pictures of people at fastener events. "We keep involved," Coar emphasized. "Distributors read it and relate to it," Coar finds. "The formula has worked and we've stuck to it."

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24

RUSSIAN NEWS

by Alexander Ostashov, Editor, Fasteners, Adhesive, Tools and… Magazine. www.fastinfo.ru

No new agreements for vehicle assembly The Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Industry and Energy of the Russian Federation have signed a tripartite order, which prohibits new agreements for industrial assembly of foreign motor vehicles in the Russian Federation. The order came into force on September 15, 2007. Dmitriy Levchenkov, the vice-director of the Department for Investment Policy of Russia’s Ministry for Economic Development and Trade, explained

Russian car component market totals US$18-20 billion According to the analytical agency AVTOSTAT, the volume of the primary market of car components will be worth US$7-8 billions in 2007. The car manufacturers themselves account for about half of this volume (47-49 %). External production of car components for the primary market will total US$3.6 – 4.2 billion. Currently the share of components produced for assembling plants is very small, not more than 10% of the total market volume. The remaining 90% of components are supplied to the traditional Russian motor-car manufacturers.

On the whole, assembling of foreign motor cars is being localised very slowly. By 2010 the share of components, aimed for assembling plants, will reach 30-35%, while the total volume of external supplies of components and spare parts for the primary market will increase to US$5-6 billion.

According to the AVTOSTAT market report, present annual output of the secondary market of car components and spare parts amounts to US$10-12 billion. Assessing growth of the park and changes in its structure, analysts concluded that the secondary components market will grow to US$13-15 billion by the end of 2010. The total capacity of the Russian market of car components and spare parts now is US$18-20 billions, projected to increase to US$24-25 billion by 2010.

The biggest and best structured segments of the car component market are tyre market (US$2.2-2.4 billion), lubricants (US$1.1 – 1.2 billion), batteries (US$500-600 million) and filters (US$250-300 million).

There are about 2,000 varying size players in the car components market. The list is still topped by domestic producers. Nevertheless, Russian product is being actively superseded by better quality product from Europe and cheaper spare parts from India, China and Turkey. The balance between primary and secondary markets of components in Russia is 40/60, while elsewhere in the world the normal balance is 70/30.

to Interfax that companies would still be able to conclude new agreements for industrial assembling in Russia, but only with those companies that had signed memorandums of intents with the Ministry by the deadline. Levchenkov emphasised that a similar situation also applied to the assembly of car components in Russia. The deadline for signing agreements or memorandums of intents with the Ministry is October 30, 2007. The changes have been made within the framework of Russia’s negotiations to enter the WTO.

by Elena Semak, Editor-in-Chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine www.metizinfo.com.ua

Severstal-metiz Orel plant launches new packaging line The Orel plant of Severstal-metiz brought a new packaging line into operation in August. The line was specifically designed for the Orel plant to automate the whole process, from weighing the product, through to dispatch to a finished goods storage area.

Orel plant CEO, Sergei Tatenko, said, “The Orel plant is working on a long-term development program for its fixings operation, which includes modernisation of existing equipment and investment in new equipment, to achieve improvements in both product quality and service level improvement, as well as the introduction of new types of product manufacturing.”

Three washer-packing machines were also brought into operation in July and Tatenko says, “Two more projects involving investment in high-quality equipment are being realised currently.”

The packaging line investment has been made in the context of an overall strategy by Severstal-metiz, which will result in 715 million roubles being invested in the group during 2007. 80% of this investment is destined for Russian operations.

Cotton-tie wire production relocated Severstal-metiz has relocated production of cotton-tie wire to its Volvograd plant to be closer to customers in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and other cotton growing areas in order to reduce transport costs.

The upgraded production, which includes an induction heating line brought from Cherepovets, also applies an anticorrosion coating to prevent rust, which can damage the cotton bales.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

www.alfranfasteners.co.uk

26

ASIAN NEWS

Shanghai Fastener Quality Center opens On 22nd October the Fastener Quality Center, a joint venture between German fastener companies Ferdinand Gross and Fastbolt, was officially opened in Pudong, Shanghai. Chinese and European invited guests witnessed the event.

Ferdinand Gross managing partner, Gerald Hering joined Fastbolt chairman Heinz Storch in the traditional Chinese ceremony of painting the eyes of the dragon.

as a common goal for the two businesses, which were longstanding trading partners, but entirely non-competitive in their market positions.

Mr Hering spoke of the FQC opening as a milestone for the fifth generation Stuttgart company, which began trading in 1864.

Quoting a Chinese proverb – “It is easy to open a company, harder to keep it going” – he committed Ferdinand Gross’ experience and support to ensuring the new venture prospered in the long term.

Fastbolt Group managing director, Ekkehard Beermann emphasised the benefits that inspection prior to shipment brought to both companies and confirmed that the facility was already working toward ISO 17025 accreditation, with a final audit planned for mid 2008.

Heinz Storch spoke of “the achievement of excellence through reliability and integrity”

Confirming that FQC services would also be available to third parties, ranging from Chinese manufacturers to European and

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

American importers, he noted that FQC had been marketed for the first time at Fastener Fair Stuttgart, where it had received a “very positive response”. Also, that the FQC would be launched to the North American market at the National Industrial Fastener Show/West at Las Vegas in November.

Following the formal proceedings guests were given a guided tour of the 350 square metre facility, which clearly demonstrated that the joint commitment by the two companies has permitted immediate investment in an extensive range of modern inspection equipment.

28

ASIAN NEWS

CSC holds prices but calls for more value-added fasteners by Fastener World Inc. China Steel Corporation announced its domestic prices for Quarter 4, 2007. While prices for steel plate and electric sheet increased, other steel grades including wire rod are unchanged. CSC told its domestic pricing meeting, attended by many local midstream and downstream suppliers, that increases to steel plates and electrical sheets were necessary in response to recent short supply and strong worldwide demand for these grades. While domestic prices on other steel grades were already lower than the current international market price, CSC would maintain Q3 prices to assist downstream industry competitiveness against continued low Mainland China prices, caused by over production.

CSC told the meeting that Asian steel supply would become tighter with pressure for increased prices driven by a number of factors. Some re-rolling mill production was under constraint due to the high price of billets. POSCO Korea was undergoing extensive maintenance programs. Mainland China export prices had increased due to the removal of export rebates. CSC, therefore, expected major steel mills in the US and Japan to increase prices for Q4 delivery.

Mr W. Z. Su, sales director of CSC said the steel industry in Mainland China was facing increasing production cost due to a variety of problems, including tax changes, labour shortages and costs, environment protection, land costs, as well as exchange and interest rates. This, Mr Su saw as opportunity for the Taiwan fastener industry and noted increased orders taken

by Taiwan companies in July and August.

Taiwanese fastener export tonnage for the first half of 2007 was similar to previous year, but the total value had increased - a good sign, said Mr Su, indicating the sale of more value-added products.

The meeting was told that both wire drawing and press welding industries wanted increased prices, but CSC was maintaining prices to support local midstream and downstream industries.

Emphasis was placed, again, on the need for Taiwanese fastener manufacturers to develop more sales in higher value-added products.

Commenting on world markets CSC

noted that US steel prices had softened during the summer as a result of holidays and sub-prime concerns. However, imports had decreased and exports increased, resulting in weaker stocks against stronger Q4 domestic demand. As a result, Arcelor-Mittal and Nucor had announced increases in plate prices.

European demand remained strong, and in spite of big increases in steel imports, steel prices were the highest in the world and were continuing to increase.

In Mainland China CSC expected increases in domestic prices during Q4 as a result of supply shortages.

Mr T.C. Tsai, vice chairman of the Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute, expressed appreciation of CSC’s decision to ‘lighten the burden on industry’ by maintaining prices and encouraged the Taiwan fastener industry to make the most of this opportunity to readjust its pace and face up to the coming challenges in “a vicious competitive environment”.

Mr T.Y. Huang, Leader of CSC Sales Second Division, confirmed that starting from Q1 2008 there would be a change in the terms of supply from CSC to domestic fastener industries. By the end of 2007 CSC would set up a new evaluation system, which would determine the allocation of supply to each manufacturer based on its R&D ability, product quality, and pricing. CSC will give priority to customers producing high value-added products, whereas customers producing only standard fasteners will have lower supply priority.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Mr. T.H Chen, Vice President of CSC said it is clear that Mainland China wins on quantity and there is no way for Taiwan fastener industries to compete with Mainland China over price. The average fastener export price from Mainland China for the first half of 2007 was US$1.083/Kg based on exports of 1.5million tons compared to Taiwan at US$2.329/Kg based on exports of 0.6 million tons. He stressed that keeping prices unchanged was not a long-term solution and re-emphasised the necessity for Taiwan to continue producing more value-added product.

Comment: Since this article was submitted the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (Eurofer) is reported to have filed antidumping complaints on some steel grades from China, Taiwan and South Korea, alleging dumping margins of 40%. Eurofer has warned that it is evaluating additional complaints on other steel grades from China. The European Industrial Fastener Institute (EIFI) has also filed a complaint relating to imports of carbon steel fasteners from China.

These factors would appear to sharpen the horns of dilemma on which Taiwanese fastener producers find themselves impaled – to attempt to exploit the short term opportunity of clawing back standard fastener business or to remain true to the now strongly avowed, longer-term goal of moving up the value-added fastener league.

30

ASIAN NEWS

External pressures overshadow Haiyan fastener conference In September the Haiyan Fastener Association held its annual conference, attended by 620 members. The association represents around 10% of Chinese fastener production and export. Fastener & Fixing Europe obtained reports from a number of attendees.

The conference focused on a number of “unfavourable factors” impacting the Chinese fastener industry, starting with the 8% reduction in export rebate.

Delegates were told that the final 5% rebate could be removed by the end of the year, although other sources suggest this is more likely early 2008.

Other factors discussed included the RMB appreciation against the US Dollar, which was expected to continue, and the impact of 100% increases in sea freight to European ports since the beginning of the year.

On raw materials, the conference was told cold heading wire prices had increased by 30% since January. Attendees predicted further wire increases with the possibility they could exceed RMB 5000/ton. Key factors in the increases were said to be the closure of smaller, polluting steel mills in China,

Sundram plan to buy manufacturing in US According to reports in the Indian media, Chennai-based Sundram Fasteners Ltd is looking to buy an automotive component maker in North America. The company is reported to have short-listed targets around Detroit, where it already has a sales and warehouse operation.

Sundram president, Sampathkumar Moorthy, commented, “We don’t have a manufacturing facility in North America. We have a unit in Germany and one in the UK that cater to the European markets. We also have a facility in China, which serves South Asian markets.” Moorthy added that the intention was to spend US$70-80 million on the acquisition, with funding through bank and financial institution borrowing.

Sundram sales for the quarter ending June 30 were up 4.1% on same period previous year at Rs 337.55 crore (58.7 million euros).

increased sea-freight costs for raw materials from Brazil and Australia, and continued high steel export volumes from China.

Increases in interest on business loans, to as high as 11%, were also reported to be seriously hitting factories, with several reported to have significant debts to fund both machinery and working capital.

Unconfirmed reports suggested some Chinese factories had closed as a result of banks withdrawing loans.

Wages and welfare costs for workers have climbed by 20%, the conference was told, reflecting dramatic increases in accommodation and food.

Official government inflation figures were said to be lagging significantly behind the real situation.

“Over the past few years, profits for Haiyan's fastener products have averaged

around 5%,” one managing director told Fastener & Fixing Europe. “This year the various cost increases add up to about 40%, whereas overall sales prices have only increased by around 25%. Our factories are having the most difficult time in a decade.”

While there is little doubt that the Conference aimed to send a clear message to the Chinese Government and, to a lesser degree, to export customers, it is clear that the combination of external factors is hitting fastener manufacturers hard. In particular, for an industry operating on tight margins and cash flow, servicing debt at interest rates that have now increases substantially five times this year, and with the prospect of further increases as the Government seeks to dampen economic growth, is clearly a major concern.

Lakshmi domestic sales up 16% Lakshmi Precision Screws Ltd (LPS), Indian manufacturer and exporter of fasteners, announced results for the six months ended September 30, 2007. Domestic sales for the half-year increased 16% to Rs. 67.17 crore (11.7 million euros), accounting for 71% of total sales, up 5% at Rs. 94.79 crore (16.5 million euros). LPS blamed the strong rupee for pressure on export sales, which are mainly to the US and Europe. The statement said the company was reviewing its pricing strategy.

Operating profit increased 15% to Rs.14.62 crore (2.54 million euros) due to higher productivity and a better product mix.

Consolidated Sales were Rs. 107.61 crore (18.72 million euros), with net profit of Rs. 4.62cr. (0.8 million euros) The consolidated results include one subsidiary, associate concerns and two joint ventures with Bossard of Switzerland.

LPS reckons to be the second largest fastener Indian manufacturer with a 12% share of a domestic fastener market estimated at Rs 1600 crore (278 million euros), of which around 69% is reckoned to be automotive. India’s fastener exports are valued at Rs 300 crore (52.2m euros).

The company is increasing production capacity with a new plant at Manesar and expects to achieve significant economies of scale from the investment. Secondary operation production has started and hot forging is expected to come on stream shortly. LPS is also planning to set up two other, strategically located, manufacturing facilities.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

32

COVER STORY

Two generations – one vision Achilles Seibert GmbH This issue carries an unusual cover image. The rapidly changing Shanghai background is probably familiar to many these days. Some, at least, of the faces will also be familiar, certainly to members of the international fastener industry.

Let’s, though, make the introductions properly. On the right Henning Scholle, owner of Hamburg based Achilles Seibert GmbH, with his wife Marion, director of the SF Special Fasteners GmbH. On the left, the new generation in the business; Timo Scholle and his Shanghai-born wife, Xue Ying. It is a picture that tells a story. It is about a family owned business looking forward. The current generation clearly shows a relaxed confidence emanating from the success of a business that has established itself strongly across the European fastener market, not least for its acknowledged competence in “thick and thin” – large diameter and long bolting products. For the new generation there is clearly anticipation, perhaps a hint of apprehension, and a definite sense of resolve.

Reading too much in to a picture? Not really. Look at the pedigree first. In 1951 Achilles Seibert founded the company that still bears his name – then a full-program distributor to industry around the Hamburg area. Twenty or so years on, and the company began to develop its competence in large diameter, mainly hot-forged, bolting and started supplying the German distributor market. In 1980 the founder died but the company continued along the route of specialisation, introducing ‘die Langen Schlanken’ – long and thin bolts. Growth

meant relocation from Hamburg, firstly in 1987 to Norderstedt, then in 1999 to the company’s current head office and warehouse in Henstedt-Ulzburg. Since 2004 Achilles Seibert has been privately owned with the family Scholle holding the entire equity.

For Henning Scholle the company’s distinction is easily described, “We begin where others quit. Screws large and small, long and short, thick and thin, manufactured for real special tasks.” This is what achill calls the Classic range – it means DIN 912 inventory ranging from M1.6 to M56 diameters, in grades 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 and lengths in some diameters up to 500mm. It means DIN 931 and 933 from M3 to, again, M56, similarly with long lengths stocked in many diameters. It also means fine thread hexagonal products, and extensive ranges of socket countersunk screws. More recently it has meant the introduction of DIN 7984 low head socket screws, and ISO 7380 button head socket screws. It also means the ability to supply in a wide range of surface finishes and to ensure modifications or outright special parts to meet customer requirements.

Having the right stocks is a core element of wholesaling success. So too is having the logistical operation to deliver effectively to your customers. The achill warehouse is

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

impressive, for its 5,000-pallet capacity in an efficiently designed high-bay warehouse, and for clear evidence of rigorous quality control and logistical efficiency.

At the turn of the century the ‘Classic’ range was the mainstay of the achill business. Since then, the company has introduced two companion programs. The first is a procurement and inventory program dedicated to automotive parts, whether to drawing, shared part number or to DIN/ISO norm. The achill automotive program provides distributors with the opportunity to place covering orders and agree call-off schedules for an expanding range of automotive parts. Custom packing and kitting services are available. The second concept is the ‘achill system’, essentially providing distributors in industrial and engineering sectors with similar benefits in customised stockholding and packing of standard and special fasteners. Over the last three years achill has established its reputation as an importer of hexagon socket and hexagon insert of Asian origin.

It is a relentlessly changing world, however, and one thing of which you can never accuse an irrepressible Henning Scholle is complacency. In 2005 Achilles Seibert opened its own office in Shanghai. The

company had already been sourcing from reliable Chinese factories for over ten years, but a real business presence in China had become both necessary and achievable. “Ensuring consistent quality from Chinese factories is crucial,” says Henning Scholle, “and requires constant energy and vigilance. Our eldest son, Timo, decided to live and work in Shanghai, so a well-organised sourcing office there became a real possibility. We were also delighted to be able to welcome our daughter-in-law Xue Ying into the business.”

This July the second family-owned company, SF Special Fasteners GmbH, which is already shared with the young generation, celebrated another milestone in China with the official opening of a jointventure hot forge plant. This major step also reflected both opportunity and need.

“The biggest issue in China is to obtain the quality,” says Henning Scholle. “Nowhere is this more true than in hot forged products.

We saw a small hot forge company operated by our now business partner and we were impressed by its technical capability and cleanliness.” From that point began a partnership between two family companies, one German, one Chinese.

Discussions began in May 2006. In a short time the basis of the joint venture was decided, with a final decision made in November.

The 3,300 square metre factory is located outside the city of Ningbo, in an existing building that suited the project excellently and, contrary to usual perceptions of Chinese factories, affords a 360 degree surround of open countryside. Production started on four hot forge presses under the day-to-day management of an experienced Chinese factory manager. As CEO of achill’s Chinese operations, Timo Scholle has overall general management responsibility.

“The initial plan is for 80% of production to be dedicated to our own warehouse in Germany,” he explains. The remaining capacity will be available to meet the requirements of selected customers by direct shipment.”

“There are a number of reasons it was very important for us to establish our own manufacturing capability in China,” he continues. “Firstly, we need to be independent in being able to produce the difficult sizes. We also need to ensure reliable delivery and to be able to produce

some standard sizes and parts in small enough batches to meet our customers’ needs. It is not about being the cheapest – it is about being one of the best in our chosen ranges. Our aim is to supply goods of European quality at attractive prices. In the future we envisage opportunities to enter new markets via the trade, for example windpower or other sectors of industry, based on the newly established hot forging plant.”

On the 1st of July, at precisely 1.18pm, ribbons were cut and the air resounded to firecrackers. The party was reserved for the family, their new partners, and the workers – including three long serving employees flown especially from Germany for the occasion. “Since then,” says Timo Scholle, “we have concentrated on carefully training the operatives, instilling in them the high levels of flexibility we will need. We have also been building up our store of dies and tooling to establish our capability. We want a careful and steady development.”

One indication of the level of care taken was achill’s decision to fly out a retired hot forging expert from Germany to attend and assess the construction of the new factory.

“He was impressed with what he saw,” says Henning Scholle, “particularly the quality and process controls we had put into place.

His presence was invaluable, though, in identifying that we needed to upgrade our thread rolling capability, to ensure firsttime rolling of heat treated bolts.” It was an additional investment quickly made and by the time this magazine visited the plant in October, the first five tonnes of output had arrived in Germany and undergone rigorous final testing. Another twenty pallets were already being assembled for shipment early November. The first orders in special dimensions have already been

produced and approved by a German Quality Laboratory. Another 170 tonnes are in production and the planned output for 2008 is between 800 and 1,000 tonnes if everything goes smoothly.

It is fascinating to see a, relatively small, family business adapting to and developing in a truly global marketplace.

The development in China is highly significant to the future of this business, and to its continuity. Each family member is playing a clear role in a development that is crossing cultures as well as kilometres. In a volatile world continuity, though, can never be taken for granted, any more in the case of this family than can inheritance. “If there is to be succession in the company it will not be because my name is Scholle,” smiles Timo. “Inheritance that you have earned is also sweeter to spend,” retorts his father.

There is no doubt, though, that both generations are dedicated to ensuring continued growth and prosperity for this family business – which, of course, means it will be an inheritance well worth earning.

34

INSIGHT

TR opens new Shanghai offices and warehouse On 22 October the staccato rattle of firecrackers echoed around the entrance to TR Formac’s new offices in Pudong. The Chinese have a unique talent for creating a real sense of occasion. In this case justifiably, as Trifast marked not just the opening of important new facilities in China, but also two years of extraordinary sales growth in this challenging market.

The opening certainly was not short of senior TR representatives – a measure of the significance of this particular milestone in the group’s Asian development. Group CEO Steve Auld and Shanghai general manager, Phua Yong Sang led the traditional ceremony outside the building before joining current Asian CEO Steven Tan, who retires at the end of the year, and successor Micheal Teng, in cutting the ribbon in the office reception area.

Speaking to the whole of the TR Shanghai team Steve Auld expressed evident delight at the professional standard of the new facilities. There was also no doubting recently appointed European marketing director, Keith Gibb’s enthusiasm for the extent and accuracy of the TR brand’s presentation throughout.

Phil Matten managed to grab some time with Phua Yong Sang to learn more about the man now leading TR’s drive in the Chinese market and the team that he leads. Phua is a 44year-old Singaporean, who studied for his degree in engineering at Kyoto, having first spent a year learning the Japanese language.

In return for sponsorship Phua started work with the Singapore Government after graduation but also pursued a part-time Institute of Marketing qualification. In 1992 he moved in to sales, working for (l-r) Phua Yong Sang, Steve Auld, Steven Tan and Michael Teng TR has been operating in China for seven Japanese, German and Singaporean years now. Significantly the Shanghai opening companies. His management development ceremony also included the presentation of was furthered by the completion of an MBA seven long service awards – remarkable both from the University of Nottingham. for their rarity, in an employment market He joined TR Formac, the group’s Asian renowned for hyper-churn, and for the division, in July 2005, recruited enthusiasm with which colleagues greeted specifically to take on the general them. TR employs 55 office-based staff and management responsibility in China. A 40 others in six warehouse locations. 10% of few minutes in Phua’s company is more staff has been with TR for more than five than enough to recognise that his years, 30% for more than three years. It is recruitment affirms TR’s commitment to nevertheless a lean organisation, with a flat “world class people”. management structure. Working conditions

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36

INSIGHT

are exceptional by standards anywhere in the world and it is clear that Phua Yong Sang is both respected by and accessible to his team.

“Originally TR imported over 80% of the parts it sold in China,” says Phua. This made its first warehouse in Shanghai’s free trade zone logical. “We still retain that facility for our imported product, but now 70% of what we supply is sourced within China.” It’s a figure that is bound to grow, not least as TR brings its own new production facility in Suzhou up to full speed. “We dedicated a lot of effort into putting together an accomplished sourcing team,” says Phua. “We have also expanded our program beyond fasteners to a widening range of other C parts.” He is emphatic that local sourcing demands rigorous controls over product quality and, equally important, reliability and punctuality. “We have had a CAD system in place now for 18 months, which generates technical drawings for every part we supply. The drawing is submitted for approval and sign-off by the customer and is then used as the key to sourcing. Against each part there is a clearly defined and stringent set of inspection criteria.”

“Enforcement is our top priority,” stresses Phua. “It is essential to ensure that local suppliers are not tempted to slip down in quality or reliability.”

TR now supplies over one hundred customers in China, twenty of them with vendor managed inventory. The logistics structure is tiered, as Phua Yong Sang explains. “Our tier 1 inventory has now been transferred to our new warehouse operation in Shanghai, with some imported product still being held at the original site in the free trade zone. We then have three satellite warehouses, including one in Beijing; finally we have dedicated inventory and computer links at key customer sites.”

The TR strategy has been to extend its service from each key account to all of its subcontractors, wherever they are based.

“That demands more flexibility, so that we can be sure to meet the customers requirements, and strong customer relationship management – which is why we operate a key account rather than geographic sales structure.”

Commitment is another word that features regularly in Phua Yong Sang’s vocabulary.

“We are not just a product supplier, we are a service supplier,” he emphasises. “That means that key members of our team have to be available twenty-four hours a day. We have warehouse people constantly on standby at the end of a company provided mobile phone.” Ensuring that response capability has even meant Phua mapping the distribution of key personnel’s home locations in order to know travelling times to the warehouse. “We have to know there are always people that can be in the warehouse within 30 minutes if necessary.”

That commitment to supply continuity is fundamental in Phua Yong Sang’s mind. “We have always to remember our customers

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are buying our parts to build their own products. Our ability to ensure reliability and continuity of supplies is one of the most important differentiators TR presents and a key contributor to our profitability.”

Numbers, of course, ultimately do the talking. In the two years that Phua Yong Sang has been responsible for TR’s development in China sales have more than doubled to contribute to over 13 million euro to the group. Enough said?

EVENTS CALENDAR

38

International Hardware Fair/Practical World 2008 Location: Cologne, Germany Date: 9 Mar - 12 Mar 2008 Comment: A trade fair for the hardware and DIY sector

Web: www.practical-world.com

The Big 5

BAUTEC

Location: Date: Web : Comment:

International Trade Fair for Building and Construction Technology

Dubai, UAE 25 Nov - 29 Nov 2007 www.thebig5exhibition.com Annual meeting place for the middle east construction & contracting industry.

BLECH Business Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Warsaw, Poland 27 Nov - 29 Nov 2007 www.blechbusiness.com Blech Business concentrates on the sheet metal working sector.

IIHT + Fastener Show Mumbai Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Bombay, India 17 Dec - 19 Dec 2007 www.iihtexpo.com An international hardware, tool and fastener expo.

London DIY Show/Totally Tools Location: Date: Web: Comment:

London, UK 13 Jan - 15 Jan 2008 www.diyandgardenshow.com An international trade fair for tools, metal-working and manufacturing technologies in the UK market.

BUDMA International Construction Fair Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Poznan, Poland 22 Jan - 25 Jan 2008 www.budma.pl A fair concentrating on building technology, equipment and materials, as well as other construction sectors.

ISET (Tool World) Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Moscow, Russia 17 Feb - 21 Feb 2008 www.iset-expo.ru A trade fair for metalworkers in the trade and industry.

Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Berlin, Germany 19 Feb - 23 Feb 2008 www.bautec.com An international trade fair for the building and construction industries

Fasttec 2008 Location: Date: Web : Comment:

Moscow, Russia 18 Mar - 21 Mar 2008 www.fasttec.ru A specialised exhibition of equipment, materials, parts and technologies for producing fasteners.

WIRE Dusseldorf 2008 Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Dusseldorf, Germany 31 Mar - 4 Apr 2008 www.iwma.org/dusseldorf.cfm An exhibition for the wire and cable industry.

National Hardware Show & Lawn & Garden World Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Las Vegas, USA 6 May - 8 May 2008 www.nationalhardwareshow.com The show is an annual gathering that connects retailers, dealers, wholesalers, distributors and manufacturing to the marketplace

National Industrial Fastener Show/East Location: Date: Web: Comment:

Columbus, USA 20 May - 21 May 2008 www.fastenershows.com A trade fair on fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

Fastener Fair Coventry 2008 Location: Coventry, UK Date: 11 Jun - 12 Jun 2008 Web: www.fastenerfair.com Comment: An internationl trade fair for the Fastener, Hardware & DIY sector in the UK and Ireland

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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40

EXHIBITIONS

Coventry’s a sure bet!

“If you’re doing business in the UK and Ireland, next June’s Fastener Fair Coventry is a sure bet!” says event organiser Jerry Ramsdale. “The exhibition and gala dinner are the key networking events for all the UK and Ireland’s fastener and fixing trade professionals. And, as they only take place every two years, taking part is essential to remain on the industry’s radar.”

All the 2006 exhibitors have now been given priority booking, and there are stand opportunities available for new exhibitors and others who had taken part in the event before 2006. “It’s great to see so many of the industry’s big names confirming that they will again take part,” says Jerry Ramsdale, “It bears out that exhibiting at Fastener Fair Coventry is a truly worthwhile investment.”

Among the other entertainment available to exhibitors and visitors alike is The Isle, the UK’s largest casino, which is also based at the Ricoh Arena. Designed as much for visitors who don’t want to gamble as those who do, The Isle has five bars, a live performance stage and three restaurants in an exotic tropical themed environment.

Don’t miss the spectacular 35-metre high indoor waterfall!

Exhibitors also have priority when it comes to the industry’s ‘big night out’, the everpopular Gala Dinner. “There are 20 tables available, each one seating 10 people, and we’ve already sold 25% of them,” says Jerry Ramsdale. “Tables are being sold on a first come, first served basis, so we’re recommending that exhibitors who want to make this a staff night out, or a corporate event with their customers, make their bookings as soon as possible.”

Fastener Fair Coventry next takes place on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th of June 2008 in Coventry, at the Ricoh Arena.

This new, purpose built venue is at the heart of the motorway network, with easy access by road, rail and air. It is less than two hours’ drive for almost 75% of the population of Britain, and is also easily accessible by road, rail, sea and air for visitors from Ireland.

Comedian John Moloney, who was nominated as one of Channel 4’s “100 Greatest Stand-ups”, will be the entertainer at the Gala Dinner on Wednesday night. In addition to being one of the UK’s most sought-after acts, this master of the droll one-liner also writes for fellow comedians like Jack Dee, Harry Hill and Joe Pasquale.

Focused on the UK and Ireland markets, Fastener Fair Coventry brings together manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters and tool suppliers, in addition to trade associations and suppliers of services and related products. For further information on exhibiting, contact: Jerry Ramsdale or call +44 (0) 1727 739 150

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

+44 (0) 1727 739 150

For more information call:

Fastener Fair - Gala Dinner 2008 Ricoh Arena, 11th June

Fastener Fair – Coventry 2008 Ricoh Arena, 11th – 12th June

42

EXHIBITIONS

China International Hardware Show bigger and better The China International Hardware Show was staged at the Shanghai International Exhibition Centre, October 23-25. For the second year running this magazine was there to gauge the development of the most significant hardware and tools event in Asia.

In 2006 1,600 companies exhibited at CIHS, 90% from China. This 33% growth over the 2005 fair necessitated the, less than ideal, use of marquees along the front of the SIEC West Halls to accommodate additional stands. For 2007 the event occupied three West Halls and four East Halls, taking accommodation from 70,000 to 80,000 square metres and allowing an improved overall presentation and ease of visitor flow.

Although official figures had not been announced before we went to press, exhibitor numbers for the 2007 event, the second year managed by Koelnmesse’s Asia Pacific operation, were expected to be up by around 100. Certainly evident was growth of the already dominant tools element of the event, which must surely now account for well over 50% of exhibits and the majority of large scale, high quality stands, of which there were a number of fine examples.

Expected visitors numbers were similar to 2006 when nearly 30,500 attended the show,

slightly over 11% coming from outside China. The pattern appeared similar for 2007, with no perceptible growth in the number of overseas attendees, although some Western DIY groups, including Home Depot, took significant stand space to meet with suppliers. There was also a refined version of last year’s President’s Council

‘meet the buyer’ initiative, this year including a seminar explaining major buyers’ requirements to potential Chinese suppliers. Exhibitors generally assessed the mornings as busy with visitor traffic quietening significantly in the early afternoon. Koelnmesse continued to strengthen its approach towards

M-Craft had larger, consistently busy stand

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EXHIBITIONS

44

New halls being built at SIEC

intellectual property rights, with an IP office in Hall W1.

For fixings and fasteners, the offering remained desultory. There were a few welldesigned large stands - notably Shanghai Prime, Jinding and T & C Fastener - in the West Halls, with perhaps twenty or so smaller booths in the East Halls. There were fewer European fastener exhibitors.

Several exhibitors from last year had made it clear they would not return in 2007, primarily because the level of fastener visitors from Europe was low. From our own observations and talking with exhibitors the same appears to have been true this year.

Significantly, Spanish exhibitors, Bralo S.A. and Grupo Celo, both now have production operations in China targeted at developing a share of the Chinese domestic market.

For

the

tools

and

hardware,

and

increasingly also garden, sectors this is an excellent show, benefiting substantially over the last two years from the expertise of Koelnmesse. It is also successfully providing a launch point for European brands seeking to access the rapidly growing Chinese market. Organisation and presentation is generally very good, in a pleasant, well-located exhibition venue.

With an additional hall currently under construction, the SIEC continues to grow and develop, providing additional capacity for an event that is already the second largest hardware show in the world.

There quandary facing fastener companies is not unique to the CIHS. As this magazine has reported other Chinese exhibitions have also delivered only limited value to fastener exhibitors and visitors. European fastener buyers travelling to China generally prefer to visit factories, whether

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of existing or potential suppliers, in order to carry out quality or service evaluations as well as meeting privately with principles of the business – essential stages in the sourcing process that are difficult to substitute in a fair.

Conversely, with the exception of the hardware retail sector, it is improbable that CIHS will attract significant numbers of buyers from other Chinese fastener consuming industries. Other sector specific shows are developing in China, and offer some potential, although our own experience to date of these events suggests it is also a challenge to draw in key Chinese buyers.

Next year’s event will be held from 17-19 September, 2008 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, where a total of 103,500 square metres of exhibition space will be made available.

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EXHIBITIONS

IIHT Expo 2007 + Fastener Expo 2007 Billed as India’s largest hand tools and hardware exhibition the sixth edition of the IIHT Expo event takes place 17-19 December at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India.

2006 was the first time the tools and hardware show was accompanied by a specific fastener event. A total of 125 exhibitors occupied 100 booths in the 2006 show, which was staged in Chennai. 32 exhibitors were Taiwanese, 30 Chinese, with the balance Indian companies. Total exhibition space was 3,600 square metres.

The show report estimates visitor numbers for the three day event at 5,000, although this figure is unaudited.

In their publicity, organisers, Unitech Exhibitions, anticipate over 200 exhibitors for 2007 but have not, so far, published an exhibitor list. Regarding fastener exhibitors Unitech tell us that “companies like Alcoa Asia, Avdel India, Deepak Fasteners, Caparo Fasteners, Sterling Fasteners, Kundan Fasteners, Right Tight Fasteners, and Micro Screws have confirmed booths”.

The Bombay Exhibition Centre was opened in 1991 and comprises four air-conditioned

halls providing 40,000 square metres exhibition space. It is located on the Western Express Highway close to the international airport and around 20 minutes from the city centre.

Interbuild cuts the mustard… and cars The UK building show, Interbuild, took place Sunday 28 October to Thursday 1 November at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

Although visitor figures had not been published as this magazine went to press, the organisers were clearly upbeat about the 2007 event. “Thanks to high attendance levels and a large number of interactive displays and on-stand activity there was an immense buzz across all of the halls and the feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike has been extremely positive,” says Interbuild’s newly appointed event director, James Gower. 61% of exhibitors have already confirmed for Interbuild 2008, which takes place 26 – 30 October at the same venue.

There were eighteen fixings and fastener related company at the 2007 show, including ABC SPAX, now a regular exhibitor. Furniture Fixings were also presenting screws for building, construction and woodworking trades, including the Heco Schrauben range and collated systems.

Collated and power nailing suppliers accounted for the majority of fastener related exhibitors, and included Poppers Senco, BeA Fastening Systems, Prebena and ITW. BeamClamp exhibited its range of fixings for secondary steelwork.

Car cutting, though, proved to be one of the real crowd pullers, with the Lenox stand (see photo) one of the busiest show areas.

Bilbao and Cologne sign strategic agreement Bilbao Exhibition Centre and Koelnmesse have entered into a strategic partnership for joint promotion of the International Hardware Fair/Practical World and Ferroforma. This agreement, which seeks to reinforce both events, is the first of its kind between trade fair complexes in Europe.

The two organisations will pool their experience in the sector, going beyond mere commercial results and seeking to attain the highest standards of quality and international representativeness in both events.

Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president of Koelnmesse: “Today we are crowning an exciting and constructive phase of negotiations conducted in a spirit of partnership by concluding a contract that points the way to the future.” José Miguel Corres, CEO Bilbao Exhibition Center, said: “The strategic alliance between Ferroforma and the International Hardware Fair/ Practcial World is a European partnership from which all parties can only profit.”

The agreement, which comes into force in 2008, requires the two organisations to place their respective marketing networks at the disposal of the partnership, contributing its mercantile experience, trade fair industry knowledge and specific sales channels.

The agreement is intended to last indefinitely, and may be extended to other market sectors. It also allows for the possibility of further joint developments for Latin America and other geographical areas.

Ferroforma was rescheduled to Spring 2007, from its previous even year Autumn slot, to fall in the alternate year to the International Hardware Fair/Practical World. The next Ferroforma will take place March 25-29 2009.

In 2008 Practical World halls will open to DIY consumers and trades people. Koelnmesse are emphatic that this will not affect the Tools and Security and Fastening Technology, Locks + Fittings sections of the fair, which will remain open exclusively to trade and industry specialists.

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48

FACE 2 FACE

David Woodcock – President, Anixter Fasteners It is almost exactly four years since Phil Matten last interviewed David Woodcock. That conversation came just a month after Anixter International had acquired UKbased Walters Hexagon, the company which Woodcock and his fellow managers had bought out from the Tomkins Group five years previously. There’s been a lot to catch up on in the meantime.

Sitting in his office at Anixter’s European headquarters in Gloucester, UK, David Woodcock recalls that first interview and notes that this follow up is timed virtually four years to the day since Anixter bought Walters Hexagon for $41.6 million. “It was a very satisfactory outcome for the directors of Walters Hexagon, in terms of return on investment and risk, and also in knowing that the business was in excellent hands for its future development. We sold to a strategic buyer, which could invest and take the business forward – that was crucial for all the people in the business.” This is entirely consistent with how the original MBO came

about. The intention from the beginning had been to make the MBO as inclusive as possible, which meant branch managers and sales people also had equity stakes in the business. The sale was certainly a major achievement – at the time David Woodcock was quick to acknowledge that flotation had never really been on the cards as an exit plan.

Initially, perhaps, more surprising was Anixter’s approach post acquisition. “Anixter didn’t come rushing in,” recalls Woodcock. “It was probably eight weeks before the real discussions on the future of the business started, and they were as much initiated by us as the people in Glenview.” It’s an attitude that contrasts starkly with the all too common avalanche of corporate conformity that can hit the management and staff of a new subsidiary.

“These people are kindred spirits,” Woodcock says. “The big thing is that Anixter are a distribution business and they understand distribution as we do. It is very easy to talk to the people – first names, very relaxed. It may sound like an American cliché but it really works.” He should know, these days he makes around fifteen transatlantic trips in a year.

Anixter are also, says Woodcock, very growth oriented and very responsive to investment opportunities – something demonstrated clearly in July 2005 when Anixter completed the acquisition of Infast in a $100million, including debt assumption, deal. “I’m glad we came together with Infast,” he says. “As independent companies we would both be finding it very tough now. I’m also very glad we did so under the aegis of Anixter.” He acknowledges that Anixter had concerns about the historic antipathy between the two businesses.

“In fact, the merger presented no problems at all. The management today is a blend of the best from both original businesses and

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relationships are excellent. The merger has brought real benefits to the businesses and to their customers.”

More recently, Anixter has made a series of further European acquisitions. In November 2006 it bought MFU in Brescia, Italy for around $70million including debt obligations. At the time CEO President Bob Grubbs underlined that it represented expansion from a predominantly UK-based presence in Europe.

“It has proven to be a cracking acquisition,” says Woodcock, “and has definitely exceeded all our expectations.

The fit in terms of customer profile is very good with a strong focus on automotive powertrain. We’ve got a $100million business that is doing great things.”

In April this year, Anixter paid about $8 million for Manchester, UK-based Total Supply Solutions. Half of TSS sales came from the UK, where it traded as Component Logistics, the rest, fitting Anixter’s strategy to extend its European customer base, from Poland and the Czech Republic.

Soon after, in May, Anixter bought Collegien, France-based Eurofast from Lisi for around $27 million in cash. In this case not, though, an acquisition that falls into David Woodcock’s direct remit. “Eurofast is a specialist aerospace fastener distributor and, therefore, fits into the aerospace side of Anixter’s business not industrial fasteners.” 80% of Anixter’s aerospace business – one that David Woodcock describes, “right now as being excellent,” – remains concentrated in the US. Conversely the industrial fastener business is 60:40 European.

For David Woodcock “TTS was a small but valuable acquisition bringing with it three key customers – Komatsu in UK, Eaton in Poland, Ingersoll Rand in Czech Republic.”

It also has an excellent warehouse and

FACE 2 FACE

50

office premises in Manchester, which means, says Woodcock, that Anixter can close the previous Walters Hexagon premises in Manchester, which are “pretty tired” and relocate both operations and teams into the TTS location.

“Over a five year period, there has been and will be gradual consolidation in our UK locations,” says Woodcock.

“Manchester is one example.

Ultimately there will be fewer distribution centres, far better resourced and capitalised.” It is another dimension of Anixter’s willingness to invest, explains Woodcock, citing two recent examples at the Gloucester site.

“We needed an extra $1 million of racking investment at Gloucester to respond to our growth. Approval was received in two days flat.” Another Gloucester investment paid off handsomely during the recent severe floods in the area.

“Although water supply and power supply was cut off to Gloucester, Anixter has its own standby generator, which means the operation here functioned 100% throughout the floods, without any impact on service to any of our customers. How many other fastener companies could have done that?”

Acquisitions aside for a moment and David Woodcock is pleased with overall performance. “Sales revenue is growing 10% year on year.” Growth outside of the UK, though, is important. “We recognise that nobody significant in terms of potential customers is moving into the UK now. There is a continued migration trend, which means the UK is fundamentally a declining market.” The mainland European fastener market, he says, is much “more orderly and structured than the UK, which even with substantial consolidation over

recent years remains fragmented.” Despite this he hints at continued opportunities, noting that there are a significant number of smaller distribution players in the UK heavily reliant on single large user accounts.

“The most important thing is that we are building a business with a global footprint. As our customers migrate so we are there to service them.” He cites the changes at International

looking closely at China. “We have a team in China now carrying out a detailed evaluation. That includes some purchasing people but the primary emphasis is on how to service the market opportunity in the future.” Does he not feel that makes Anixter something of a late entrant? “I think we are timing our entry to Chinese market about right,” he retorts gently. “A lot of early entrants have burnt fingers it seems.”

The big thing is that “ Anixter are a distribution business and they understand distribution as we do.

”

Harvester in Doncaster as an example. “They went through acquisitions, now the tractor production is being relocated to Italy. That’s no problem to Anixter because we are already there, servicing the new parent group.”

About the prospects in Russia David Woodcock appears even more cautious. “As big as we are there only so many things you can do at once,” he says.

“We’re under more pressure to look at opening in India.”

Anixter’s own worldwide presence has helped the fastener operation in a number of countries. “The group has over 200 locations worldwide, which means there is already a legal entity and a logistics base to start servicing a customer immediately. We’ve successfully piggy-backed on the

Turning again to the European market, David Woodcock is clear about the advantage Anixter’s backing provides. “Given the choice between opening locations organically and acquiring the right business in key European markets there is no doubt acquisition is far the better option.”

The most important “thing is that we are building a business with a global footprint.

”

Anixter infrastructure in many locations already, in China and Mexico, and also in Denmark, Italy and Turkey.”

It is a resource that provides the benefit of time, for evaluation and for achieving a critical mass of customers and business.

Right now Anixter Fasteners is

“We’re evaluating acquisitions all the time. We are looking for primarily OEM oriented businesses. High MRO or fixings content does not fit our profile, which is why Fabory was not attractive to us.”

“You have to be patient,” he continues. “It is about finding

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the right ones. Also the personal tax position for the owner can make it difficult in the final analysis, so you can’t rely on anything until the contract is signed and sealed.

We like to buy businesses that are already successful, with a strong customer, sales and profitability base, which can benefit from Anixter investment to grow further and faster.”

Anixter will not, though, be hurried into acquisitions. “Our target at the time of the original acquisition was to build a $1 billion fastener business by 2010. We are already well on the way to $1.5 billion. We’ll do $2 billion by 2010 – in fact I’ll be disappointed if we don’t achieve more through a combination of organic growth and acquisition.”

There is no doubt Anixter has deep pockets, a factor which David Woodcock believes has become even more significant in the light of recent world events.

“Other European players are going to find it significantly more difficult to drive through acquisitions as the implications of the sub-prime problems wash through the financial world.

When the right opportunity comes along, Anixter will look at it carefully and make its decision quickly.”

So, personally, what has the last four years meant to David Woodcock? “When we talked four years ago I had no idea what the future would bring. If you had suggested I would be president of a global fastener business I would have dismissed the idea. The answer to your question is, imagine having the resource and the vision to put together a $2bn fastener distribution business and to be three quarters of the way there in less than 5 years.” “It’s a great ride to be on,” he smiles.

52

MARKETS

UK fasteners market to grow 2% annually The latest edition of the UK Industrial Fasteners Market Development Report, published by Market & Business Developments Ltd, predicts that the UK market will grow 8% in real terms between 2008 and 2012 to £732million at current prices.

Reviewing 2003-2007, MBD identifies a 1% decline during 2006, mainly as a result of reduced demand from a number of user markets, including automotive, and a decline in DIY activity. A 2% increase to £679.1 million at manufacturers selling price is projected for 2007, anticipating growth in the construction sector. There are, however, some apparent inconsistencies with MBD’s 2006 report in terms of market values assigned to 2006 and previous years. These suggest that MBD has made a significant revision of both market values and the growth percentage year on year.

The report notes a major fluctuation in bolt sales between 2006 and 2007, with a 9% decline in 2006 swinging to an anticipated 8% increase in 2007. For 2007 MBD values the sector at £281.5 million at MSP. The UK non-ferrous threaded fasteners market is believed to have declined during three of the five years under review. The report indicates a double-digit sales increase in 2006, likely to be negated by a greater reduction in 2007. While the report generally tries to report in real terms, it appears to have continued difficulty with price movement in the non-ferrous sector.

The report reckons rivet sales hit a huge fiveyear peak in 2005. The reason for this peak is

not explained. The market valuations for 2003 through to 2006 definitely show significant changes from the MBD 2006 report. As are result this area of the report does beg more questions than it answers.

The latest report forecasts a decline in rivet sales during 2007.

Conversely, following a significant decline through to 2006, the report expects a reversal of fortunes for washer sales during 2007.

Looking forward the report sees growth restricted due to a decline in consumer and business confidence as a result of higher interest rates, increased competition from cheap imports and reduced demand from some end-use sectors.

Sales of threaded fasteners are expected to increase steadily by a cumulative 7% in real terms between 2007 and 2012, reaching £623.7 million at 2007 MSP. The sector commands the largest proportion of the UK industrial fasteners market, although share is forecast to decline slightly from 86% in 2007 to 85% in 2012.

Demand for bolts is expected to increase year on year through to 2012 taking the sector close to £300 million at current prices.

The screws market is also projected to

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

demonstrate year-on-year growth, but to maintain a relatively static share of the total market. Nuts are similar expected to maintain a consistent share through to 2012.

Demand for non-threaded fasteners is projected to increase, although annual growth is expected to ease from 3% to 2%. In 2012 this sector is expected to worth £108.3 million at current MSP. Nails are expected to demonstrate the strongest overall growth during the forecast period, with demand expected to increase by a cumulative 14%.

By 2012 the value of imported fasteners is anticipated to reach £659.5 million at current prices, representing cumulative real term growth of 10%. Import penetration is predicted to reach 90% in 2012. However UK manufacturer sales are projected to grow modestly to £466.7 million at current prices in 2012.

The UK Industrial Fasteners Market Development Report is available from MBD at £600. It runs to 135 pages, with 46 pages analysing demand structure for a number of sectors, including automotive, mechanical engineering, construction and DIY. For more www.mbdltd.co.uk

information

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STUTTGART 2007: FASTENER FAIR REPORT This has been the single Everybody in the fastener “ “world most successful show must have attended, I have been part of or if they did not they must ” be kicking themselves ” Ray Southam, European Director, Brighton Best Socket Screw

Tony Todaro, Director of International Sales and Marketing, Microplastics Inc.

STUTTGART 2007:

56

The numbers It is always difficult to be dispassionate and detached when reporting on a show organised by your own company – especially so, when it is as successful as Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2007 proved to be. If you participated in or visited the show you will know, personally, how 4000

accurate this coverage is. If you were unable to visit then all we can say is you missed the outstanding European fastener event of the year. Don’t take our word for it – in the following pages we let the numbers, the exhibitors and the visitors speak for us.

500

2000

3500

2500 2000 1500 1000

1500

Number of Stands

Exhibitor personnel

Number of Visitors

400 3000

1000

300

200

500 100

500

1603

456

3506 0

0

2005

2007

Visitors by country

2005

1551 0

2007

Region Germany Other Italy UK Netherlands France Poland Spain Czech Republic Denmark Belgium Austria Finland Sweden Hungary Slovenia Ireland

198

435

2005

2007

Number of Visitors 1286 610 363 288 166 146 122 78 77 65 48 47 47 47 45 38 33

Region Exhibitors from Europe Exhibitors from EU Exhibitors from Asia Exhibitors from North America Other Exhibitors

Exhibitors by region

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Percentage 36.7% 17.4% 10.4% 8.2% 4.7% 4.2% 3.5% 2.2% 2.2% 1.9% 1.4% 1.3% 1.3% 1.3% 1.3% 1.1% 0.9%

Percentage 57% 52% 38% 3% 2%

no welding, no access, no problem!

Huntington Botanical Conservatory, California, USA

Eliminates welding = Minimised fire risk

Aesthetically pleasing finish = Clean lines and neat finish

Reduces installation time & cost = Quicker turnarounds

High tolerance to on site practice = Non-specialist labour

No special equipment required = Cost savings

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Lindapter Hollo-Bolt The unique, cost effective solution to cavity fixing problems. The Lindapter Hollo-Bolt is a patented method of securing square, rectangular or circular hollow section steel, or to conventional steelwork where access is available from one side only.

steelwork fixings cavity fixings crane rail fixings floor fixings support systems design services

STUTTGART 2007:

58

“What the exhibitors said” fair I made friends. This is my strategy.

“AsOnthethisChinese say the most important thing for a good base for business is Guanxi ” Bakker

Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2007 was “ truly a valued experience for us ” Essence Method Refine

“

The level of new enquiries coming in was phenomenal. The number of existing clients that we had chance to meet and discuss business with was also invaluable

”

Chemfix Products

The mo “ st succ ever fo essf

found the 2007 Stuttgart “We Show Fastener to be outstanding ” Crescent Manufacturing

“

Visitors of the fair were mainly international and thus we could further expand our international business contacts

”

ul ev r us new an in terms of m ent d exist eeting i n g c u s and dis tributo tomers rs No

HECO-Schrauben

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

rthern

Precisio

n

”

STUTTGART 2007:

59

The Fastener Fair in Stuttgart has certainly developed “into a major trade fair for the European market ” Helpro

Fair 2007 was an excellent “Fastener event for everyone involved ” Inoxdadi Srl

“

You always know how good a show is when the time disappears without clock watching

”

NORD-LOCK

We found the focused nature of Fastener Fair – “Stuttgart to be very effective and refreshing ” STF

or the f r i a F r astene attractive F e h t ed e We join because of th fair e h e t f m o i t le size b second a e g a n ublic and ma specialised p ry H ik Gmb for a ve stechn g n u ig t fes

“

”

VVG-Be

“We will surely come back in two years” TOX Dubel Werk

Really we had a great time in Stuttgart and look “forward to attending the next Fair in 2009 ” Manassero Srl

many visitors and got “Wea lotattracted of positive response ” Simpson Strong-Tie

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

STUTTGART 2007:

62

What the visitors said A 6% sample of Fastener Fair visitors from all counties, concentrating on purchasing professionals and company directors, were sent a satisfaction questionnaire a week after the show.

The survey showed that the majority of the respondents came with the objective of seeking new suppliers or were meeting existing suppliers. The overwhelming majority answered positively that the fair had allowed them achieve their objective. They also expressed high levels of satisfaction with the range of exhibitors and products to be found at Stuttgart.

Stuttgart was seen as a good location for most respondents to visit, with positive comments about the availability of lowcost air flights and good land transport. 90% of survey respondents pre-registered to obtain their visitors badge and rated it very easy and quick to enter the show. Visitors who did not pre-register did find a significant delay at peak times due to queues but most rated the process ‘OK’ or easy enough.

Several respondents looked forward to 2009 when the fair will be staged at the new Stuttgart Messe, avoiding the necessity to visit different halls. A number also hoped that Stuttgart Messe would provide improved catering facilities at the new venue.

As to the respondents overall rating of Fastener Fair Stuttgart, you can read the personal judgements of the people who ultimately decide whether a show is successful on these pages.

fair, concentrated with only suppliers “Good and products that interested us ” Visitor from Sweden

“

It was a great fair, much more interesting for me as the Eisenwarenmesse in Cologne

“

It is no w one o fastene f the m r show s worldw ajor has exc ide and ellent a d Martyn d ed valu Cleave r, Man e aging D ir

”

ector, F orward Group, UK

”

Purchasing leader from Germany

“Worthwhile” Paul Ward

“Looking forward to the next Fair” Ulrich Beumling, Germany

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

STUTTGART 2007:

“

This Fair was very helpful for preparing my business trip to Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

”

Antonin Simersky, Czech Republic

“

Ten out of ten

”

Dominik Wolski, Poland

“Well organized, very efficient, super” Hartmut Mader, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, Germany

Italian visitor

“

“Glad to be there”

My overall opinion is that it was a very good fair

”

Senior purchaser from UK

This was a good time to meet all “people in the fixings business ”

“One of the best trade shows I have been to” Ieuan Thomas, F.E.S.,Wales

a big improvement “Veryongood, two years ago ” Derek Rhodes, Fred Balls Ltd, UK

Robert Nowosadzki, Poland

r, well i a f e d nt tra e l l e cross c d x o E o g with a d e d n bitors i atte h x gs e f o Fastenin n R T o , i r t e g ana sec Chain M

“

”

ly S, Supp od MCIP o w n e e Gr Martin

“Is Fantastic!”

Visitor from Romania

“

Congratulation for a fantastic fair in Stuttgart. We had only one problem.

It was too short time for meeting everybody!

”

CEO, Sweden

excellent location, “Veryhallswellwereorganised, very well presented, need to attract more special fastener companies ” UK visitor

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

63

Hold on a moment !

C-parts don't turn you on?

Take another look. As a Reyher customer you profit from ...

• one of the biggest and best ranges of threaded fasteners • top-class supply reliability plus order-management simplicity • resupply flexibility and friendly service second to none

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Holding Parts Together

By the way, the lady drove straight to the office, where you can reach her by dialling +49 40 8 53 63-0.

She knows everything about C-parts management and Reyher.

66

STUTTGART 2007:

New Product Showcase Once again the New Product Showcase was one of the successful features of Fastener Fair Stuttgart. There was a wide variety of products entered into the showcase, with visitors invited to vote for the product that they felt was the most innovative.

In total there were 17 entrants into the showcase including PREBENA with its PKT-7-RK90, Ttap Drive AS and its improved Ttap hexalobular (hex-lob) drive system and Wera with its new stainless steel screwdrivers and bits.

The winner of the showcase was UK based, Tite-Fix Ltd, with its new Tongue-Tite® screws.

The 3.5x45mm screws were designed primarily for Tongue & Groove flooring and the small heads on the screws enable them to be sunk tidily into the rebate above the tongue, offering no obstruction to the matching groove on the next board. (l-r M David F ichael Wilkin s u (Fasten rness (Rapie on (Tite-Fix Lt r er Fair ) and P Star), Jerry R d), eter Be amsda le ckman n (Euro Tec)

It is also used for fastening post-anchors, can adapt to pressure and wind loads, is easy to use, adjustable after assembly and has a high constructive timber protection.

Like other fixings in the ‘Tite’ range these utilise the Tri-Lock™ TS thread form to reduce friction while driving in.

This means less chance of the screw working loose over the years and is also kinder to cordless driver batteries.

The screws go into both soft and hard wood boards with ease—a long lasting and easy method of laying a floor, without the trouble of glue or nails.

In third place was RapierStar, with its new bi-metallic self drilling screws. The screws are made from austenitic stainless steel and have an expected working life of over 50 years. The ‘stick fit’ square drive/Phillips recess means the screws are safe and easy to use, even for single-handed operations. To add to this the screws have under head braking ribs, avoiding spinning and improving the grip on hardware.

Designed and developed in the UK, these screws only need a cordless driver to be used and any flooring mistakes can be readily rectified.

Second place went to EuroTec GmbH for its–IdeeFix. The IdeeFix is a hidden timber connector which offers easy application, three dimensional fastening and can be used for a wide range of different sized applications.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

STUTTGART 2007:

It wasn’t all hard work Fastener Fair is more than the premier European fastener trade show, it is also the meeting place for the industry, the opportunity to catch up with old contacts,

to meet new ones and to share a couple of hours relaxation in between two busy trading days. So, once again, the beer flowed and the party rocked!

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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EXHIBITIONS

New Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre promises outstanding Fastener Fair 2009 The next International Fastener Fair will take place, 7-8th October 2009, at the stunning new Trade Fair Centre, close to Stuttgart Airport.

The new, 806 million euro, Messe Stuttgart took 36 months to build, with 1,000 companies and 10,000 people working on it. 1.8 million cubic metres of earth were removed to create a site that now comprises 600,000 square metres of steel work, weighing 65,000 tonnes.

German Federal President, Dr Horst Köhler, officially inaugurated the New Trade Fair Centre on 19 October.

The new Messe is the most modern trade fair site in Europe. Seven halls each provide 10,000 square metres of excellent, light and airy, exhibition space. An additional multifunction event hall and congress centre brings total space to 100,000 square metres.

50% of the site is green and the environment has been carefully taken into account in its design and power supply. An award winning ‘stratified ventilation system’ brings fresh air into the halls at a lower level, allowing used warm air to rise naturally for extraction at roof level. On cold days a heat recovery system uses this to warm fresh incoming air, providing 30% energy savings against conventional systems.

The trade halls and International Trade Centre will also have 30,000 square metres of photovoltaic surfaces installed.

international airport, the new Messe already has increased S-bahn suburban rail system services, with an intercity and regional railway station planned. Road access is direct from the A8, as well as the B27 and airport, with 21,000 available parking spaces including a car park perched directly over the autobahn.

Modern catering facilities have been located on upper levels with the complex, in addition to in-hall bistros and open air restaurant and bar areas.

The importance of Stuttgart as a trade fair centre is underlined by the huge demand for the new Messe. “2008 will be by far the strongest year in the history of Messe Stuttgart”, said managing director Ulrich Kromer. His colleague, Roland Bleinroth, stated: “There is a big demand for trade fairs and exhibitions in Stuttgart – with

Located directly adjacent to Stuttgart

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

the new trade fair centre we can offer the most modern infrastructure in Europe”.

“Moving to the New Stuttgart Trade Fair Center means that Fastener Fair exhibitors will be located in a single level, ultra-modern hall,” says organiser Jerry Ramsdale. “Exhibitors and visitors will be able to enjoy the convenience of travel to the new Messe, as well as the superb facilities and ambience it provides. As organisers we are able to continue building on the excellent partnership Fastener Fair has been able to establish with Messe Stuttgart.”

“Combine all this with the massive vote of confidence exhibitors and visitors have given the International Fastener Fair this year, and we have all the ingredients for a truly outstanding 2009 event.”

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Quality costs. Poor quality costs more.

About the Construction Fixings Association “Ensuring Best Fixings Practice” neatly encapsulates the objectives of a group of major fixing manufacturers, which came together as the Construction Fixings Association as long ago as 1979. The Association fulfils this objective by means of a variety of different activities of which this series of articles is one.

European Technical Approvals Probably the most significant development within the European fixings industry in recent years has been the award of over 200 European Technical Approvals [ETAs] for anchors to be used in safety critical applications. ETAs are awarded against comprehensive and thorough testing regimes to give both specifier and user the confidence that approved anchors will work reliably and carry the quoted loads. Distributors offering anchors with ETAs are providing their customers with valuable commodities – confidence and peace of mind.

The CFA has been involved from the start with the development of the Guidelines (ETAGs) against which ETAs are awarded.

Work with influential industry bodies The CFA has been represented on a variety of committees over the years including BBA, BSI, BSRIA, CEN and CIRIA and has thereby made a significant contribution to the better understanding and use of fixings within the UK and Europe.

Members Commitment All CFA members are committed to providing technically proven products manufactured to recognised Quality Assurance procedures and backed up with comprehensive technical support services including performance data, applications advice, on site testing and training in the correct use of their products.

Mark Salmon of Independent Fixing Consultants represents the interests of the CFA in the various European and UK committees concerned with the use of fixings in the construction industry.

Mark has drafted most of the CFA Guidance Notes, freely available from their website www.fixingscfa.co.uk which he runs. Independent Fixing Consultants offers training for specifiers, distributors and installers covering all aspects of the selection, installation and testing of fixings for general purposes or specialised applications.

Mark Salmon, of Independent Fixings Consultants can be contacted personally on + 44 (0) 1664 474 755

Are all fixings the same where quality is concerned? What is the effect of poor quality?

How can I reassure my customer about the quality of fixings I supply? Drawing on personal experience Mark Salmon illustrates the benefits of selling fixings with a demonstrable quality background.

Let’s start with a couple of case studies.

I was recently called to a site to investigate the failure of some fixings which had been installed two years previously. It was only by chance that no one had been hurt as a result of the failure. As part of the investigation we wanted to test some of the fixings when properly set. So, new fixings from the same distributor were brought to site for me to test. As soon as we opened the box it became apparent that they were quite different from those that had failed. The distributor was adamant that these were the same fixings because he had obtained them from the same wholesaler from whom he always obtained that type of fixing. The wholesaler subsequently denied ever having supplied that type. Our investigation then had to rely on other factors, but sorting out the liability was obviously going to be an awkward and probably costly business. What has this to do with quality you may ask? Well, if we are to be able to reassure users that the fixings we supply them will do the job expected of them, they have to be made to a certain specification, which is known to work, and then manufactured consistently to that specification. If we can’t even identify them properly we stand no chance of providing that reassurance.

Here’s another example.

I had occasion to visit an engineers’ merchants to buy some cap screws. While I was there the owner plonked a throughbolt down on the counter and asked “What do you think of that?”. To all intents and purposes it looked like many other throughbolts, although there was one aspect which immediately had me worried.

Throughbolt taper, expander clip removed. Ridges from machining are clearly visible and can prevent proper expansion.

The finish of the taper on the expander at the base of the anchor was a series of ridges – nothing dramatic, but noticeable. The ridges on this product came from the taper being machined rather than cold forged. Cold forging produces a smoother,

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF BOLLHOFF DIRECT?

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74

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

usually harder, surface finish with

and lower friction than is produced by machining, where the finish can deteriorate as the tooling wears - or just because the machine setter decides to crank up the machining speed. Now the thing about throughbolts is that they work by this taper being pulled into the expander clip as the nut is tightened. Ridges like these can mean that the taper fails to slide up inside the clip. Instead the whole anchor slides out of the concrete. The increased friction may fool the installer into thinking the anchor is set because the nut feels tight.

This is potentially dangerous.

“Cheap as chips” he said. “If I told you how much I pay for them you wouldn’t believe me.” He did and I didn’t. “OK” I said “Just don’t sell them to anyone for a safety critical application.” So what is a safety critical application? Anything where the failure of the fixing could lead to anyone getting hurt. Of course some failures don’t lead to anyone getting hurt, except in the pocket.

So how can we be sure of the QUALITY of a fixing. First we need to understand that in the context of fixings there are two aspects covered under this heading. One is the quality of the design and the other the quality of manufacture. A fixing that has been badly designed, either in terms of low strength materials or poorly designed components, will not function properly in

the various conditions encountered on site and may fail or just give low performance.

Even when the design is sound, if manufacturing processes are not properly controlled the expected functionality or performance may not be delivered in practice. Of course ISO 9000 provides a system of registration for any company in the supply chain to demonstrate that their Quality Management System meets the relevant standards to satisfy customer requirements. As far as manufactured products are concerned it should ensure that products are manufactured consistently against their specifications. It is therefore a valuable tool for reassuring customers on that front – as long as the products they are purchasing are covered by the scheme.

In a supply chain that can be as tenuous as often exists in the fixings world both the manufacturer and supplier need to be registered. But it still tells the user nothing about how well a product actually works.

For that you need – you guessed it – an ETA, or more correctly CE marking that can only be gained (for fixings) once an ETA is awarded. The beauty of CE marking with an ETA is that it covers the product, not just the organisation that manufactured it.

Together they give reassurance about the functionality as well as the consistency of manufacture, which has to be demonstrated during regular inspections.

They tell you that the fixing functions properly when installed in the substrate it is intended for and will deliver a known level of performance, subject only to the requirement that it is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. One benefit to the end user is that the product can be identified (the manufacturer’s identity must be shown on the product or accompanying documentation) and the specification can be traced back through to manufacture, to demonstrate that the product installed last week or two years ago was manufactured to the same specification as the samples that were tested for the award of the ETA. So, if there is an accident every aspect of the product’s performance and manufacture can be demonstrated. Of course Eurocrats will tell you that CE marking it not a quality mark but in the case of fixings the requirements for factory production control and regular assessment are every bit as onerous, if not more so, than for an ISO 9000 registered operation and most ETAs are awarded to companies with ISO 9000 registration anyway.

For a distributor serving users with safety critical applications – and very few uses are not in that category - supplying products with ETAs will give valuable peace of mind to you as well as to the specifier and installer.

NEWS Established in 1979 the Construction Fixings Association has now been registered as a non-profit making company in its own right.

General Manager, Mark Salmon says, “CFA activities will continue as before, except that the freeing of resources facilitated by the change allows it to be even more active”.

ITW Construction Products has joined the CFA under its SPIT brand, bringing a wealth of products and experience that help to make the Association even stronger.

Many distributors of the products manufactured by CFA members share the Association’s key aim of “ensuring best fixings practice”.

To enable them to link more directly with the Association, Associate Membership is to be offered to selected distributors. An “Approved Distributors” page on the website will help users to find their nearest distributor. Distributors interested in membership should contact Mark Salmon at info@fixingscfa.co.uk CFA’s latest Guidance Note “Anchors for Steeplejacking” has been developed jointly with the Association of Technical Lightning and

www.fixingscfa.co.uk

Access Specialists. It deals with all the special fixing requirements of this industry and has a new test regime to help determine allowable loads when no safe load data exists and proof loads to check that fixings have been installed correctly.

Other new information on the CFA website includes two articles on resin anchors, one covering delivery systems, another explaining the wide variety of formulations. Others tackle one of the most awkward materials to fix into – Plasterboard – and the subject of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.

Additional Sample Method Statements are aimed at helping Contractors ensure their operatives are installing anchors correctly and complement the pictograms on packaging. Five new statements cover different resin anchoring systems. There are also more Sample Specification Formats for specifiers to help them give contractors all the information they need to ensure they get hold of the right fixing and install it to the correct parameters. These are word documents for easy transfer into project documents.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

76

INSIGHT

Telling the difference Kem Edwards, Sunbury-on-Thames, England

Kem Edwards is secreted on a small industrial site at Sunbury-on-Thames, around 25 kilometres south west of central London, deep in English suburbia. At first sight there is little to distinguish from many other modern, functional service industry warehouses.

But then, exceptional companies rarely manifest their distinction externally.

Kem Edwards is family owned, founded 40 years ago, originally to market drill bits from a Dutch manufacturer, which explains the Kem element of the name. The relationship only lasted a few years, foundering as the principal began to bypass the company that had levered open the market for it. The name, though, was established so a new drill bit supplier was found and holesaws added to the range.

It was the development of the chemical anchor, which opportunistically took Kem Edwards into fixings. “People came to us for the Kemfix brand, assuming it was ours,” explains Richard. “So my father decided to put some product on the shelf. In the mid 70s we developed the first sales for Liebig in the UK and later became a fischer distributor.” The Liebig relationship faltered but fischer remains a significant element in a Kem Edwards catalogue that now encompasses some 15,000 items.

Necessity is the mother of invention, they say, and it was deep recession in the UK, which galvanised another metamorphosis.

“The recession saw us out of many large historic accounts for the heavy duty stuff.

Gradually through the 90s we became ‘firstfix’ specialists, which is how we describe ourselves today.”

First-fix for Richard means, “everything above the ceiling, everything behind the wall - the channelling, the conduit, the anchors,

studding and wire suspension systems. It’s very eclectic but, unfortunately, it’s all the stuff you don’t really see.”

Not surprisingly, the transformation was largely customer driven. “N.G. Bailey was already a pretty good account. They started to put emphasis on partnerships and encouraged us to do more for them. The relationship was established in the mid 80s when Terminal 4 was still being developed.

They drew us into a number of other major contracts, the relationship accelerated with the Sizewell power station, and by the time we came out of recession we were best fit to the building services sector.”

“The market was dominated by big groups, you can argue it still is. We had to mark ourselves out with some differentiators, to give ourselves the chance to compete nationally from a London based operation.”

It is a significant point. On the upside a high proportion of the building services market continues to be concentrated in the South East of the UK and Kem Edwards has undoubtedly benefited hugely from involvement in the Heathrow Terminal 5 and Wembley Stadium projects. Conversely the costs of operating a business in London are extremely high.

Differentiation is a key word in Richard Edward’s business vocabulary. No question where the drive for differentiation comes from, or that it is rooted in what Richard

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

describes as “the core emotion – to make the customer happy.”

“We sell low value, high volume orders,” he reflects, “There are loads of us in the marketplace, we don’t really impact on the customers’ annual spend figures, so we drag along the bottom of the graph. That means very low strategic value to any customer – and, in the buyer’s mind, adds up to ‘buy on price’.”

That demands innovation in a market that tends towards commodisation – a classic case of running up a down escalator. Kem Edwards goes to remarkable lengths - it is quite normal to bump into Richard, and purchasing manager, David Kennedy at a STAFDA Trade Show in the US.

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INSIGHT

objective is to make ourselves

“Our strategically more valuable to our customers,” says Richard. “One way is by mining the world, of course to enhance our commodity product supplier base but, more importantly, looking for products that will deliver added value to our customers and, in the process, differentiate Kem Edwards as a supplier.”

Certainly Richard Edwards digs deep, demonstrating a fundamental need to get below the surface and understand - a significant personal differentiator compared to many entrepreneurs. One example was his decision to study for a Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply qualification. “Having confronted buyers for so many years I wanted to know how they were being trained to think. I did the qualification to find what it took to be recognised as a strategic supplier.”

David Kennedy is also now CIPS qualified and several of the purchasing team are studying for vocational qualifications. There are five in the purchasing operation, a high number for an SME, but reflective of the strategic importance placed on the function.

“David’s team is crucial - expediting, chasing, locating alternatives, covering the cracks of our supply chain and maintaining our levels of service,” says Richard.

Once sourced, perhaps the real differentiator is what Kem Edwards does with the product. “We’ve recognised that people aren’t bringing new ideas into the marketplace as once they were. Distribution relies too much on the manufacturers; the manufacturers have limited resource. So it comes back to the entrepreneurial SME, someone who still wants to sell something and be proud of it.” Kem Edwards has eight

salesmen, counting in Richard himself – just as the investment in the purchasing operation, a high number for the scale and type of business.

Eventually, concedes Richard, volumes increase, market awareness grows and many new products become commodities. “We have limited moments of opportunity, to do something with an innovation. When we can, it moves us to that higher strategic level in the customer’s mind. It’s still low value but it becomes far more important to the modern buyer in a large construction operation.”

Richard admits there are cases where the customer’s own inertia can stymie real opportunities to improve productivity or safety. “Where it works, though,” he says, “they look after us a bit more, engage with us a lot more, become keener to integrate with us.”

The UK construction market faces a wellpublicised labour resource crisis, with Government figures suggesting a 250,000 manpower shortage for projects planned up to 2012. Richard Edwards sees some of the resource tied up in, often cumbersome, procurement systems for which IT system integration represents a real solution. “Not many on the supply side have been prepared to invest in IT solutions, or have the flexibility to meet the customers needs. We have invested in EDI, in electronic trading, in electronic cataloguing. Take up is still slow, and it is sometimes hard to see where it will go, but we will be there ready for them.”

Labour shortages are exacerbated, he also believes, by the increasingly restrictive health and safety procedures that “extinguish productivity”. Both represent opportunities for innovative products and for closer business integration. The latest

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development for Kem Edwards has been to set up a pre-fabrication division aimed at both factors. “We no longer just supply the bits of ‘Meccano’ and the bolts to go with it so they can cut it and assemble on site,” Richard explains. “Now, we ask what they are doing with it, and produce the ready-toinstall assembly here, in a controlled environment.” To the contractor there are big benefits in productivity, in eliminating risks, and in reducing waste – an area where legislation will require more stringent management next year. It also means a more accurate, better-finished product.

“People have been jumping all over us to do more and more,” says Richard. “It’s been self perpetuating, to the extent its rapidly outgrowing the space we allocated to it.”

“We have developed into a 15,000 item one-stop shop, with consistently high service levels,” says Richard. “We are continually trying to introduce innovative products to deliver productivity and safety benefits. Now we are bringing some of the labour content into our business and away from the contractor. We’re one of the first to do it. The competition will follow, but for now it gives that edge, it raises the bar. It’s all a heck of an investment, in time, money and the gambles you sometimes take with new product, but that is what it takes to make the difference.”

“This year Kem Edwards will pass two major thresholds – the £10 million sales and fifty personnel marks. We rebranded two years ago, developed a new website, and introduced a huge catalogue we did not have before. For the last three years we have also taken a stand at the M&E building services show at Olympia. It all demonstrates that we have real substance, that when we come knocking on the door we are worth talking to.”

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Taking an extra step – Rapierstar, Bosley, UK

By Will Lowry From seemingly nowhere the RapierStar head office appears in between the rolling hills of the North West of the UK. RapierStar focuses on specialist fastener and fixing ranges for the wood and window industries. Established in 1992, their head office, in Bosley, is approximately 20 miles from Manchester.

The company has continued to increase turnover and expand its workforce, year on year.

Their head office premises has been expanded three times since 2001 and currently houses 2,500 pallets.

The reason for my visit was that David Furness, managing director, had kindly invited me to look at RapierStars in-house testing facility and also to expand my knowledge of wood and PVCU window applications.

supported by real technical expertise. Our product testing is ongoing, as we strive for continuous improvement.”

During a brief tour of the offices and warehouse, David talks about one of the numerous steps that RapierStar takes to guarantee high quality for its customers.

“Our screws are laser sorted by our manufacturer, and their plating and dimensions are checked. Swarf is also removed during this process, which means that the finished boxed product is cleaner. As a result, you are less likely to experience blockages where auto-feed machines are used.”

It becomes apparent from walking around the warehouse

and speaking with David that the most important aspect of the business for RapierStar is the customer. They are committed to take the extra steps required to ensure they only supply high quality products that will guarantee customer satisfaction.

After the tour David talks about the testing facility.

“Incorporating an in-house testing facility shows our commitment to quality and enables us to comprehensively test all aspects of our fasteners. This ensures that our own high specifications are consistently met or exceeded.”

“The result of this attention to detail is that manufacturers can be confident that the fasteners used in the fabrication of their

For the first time visitor, the view from the office windows of the first floor can be a bit of a surprise, with a panaroma of green fields and, at least for the day I visited, blue skies, all in all a stark contrast to the majority of other office views. In addition to their purpose built head office premises, RapierStar also have further warehouse capacity around Manchester, as well as strategic branches in Norwich, Belfast and Germany, allowing it to efficiently supply distributors across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

“Our customers recognise us as a reliable distribution partner”, says David, “supplying high performance products, with a strong brand identity and Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

windows are of the highest quality, improving productivity and giving peace of mind, especially when, as is normally the case now, extended warranties are offered.”

The tests carried out in the small but well equipped product assessment facility include accelerated corrosion in a salt-spray chamber, equipment rarely found in a fastener distributor’s inspection armoury, but vital to ensuring fasteners will stand the test of time in a demanding market.

Plating thickness is also tested using electrical resistance equipment. Carbon Steel screws are tested for hydrogen embrittement, again to minimise the potential risk of failure once windows have been

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It was clear to see that Derek took great pride in RapierStar’s products and was confident in their quality. This was shown in the ‘splat’ test, in which the head strengths of the RapierStar Polypins and Polynails are tested. To demonstrate, a competitors polymer headed pin was inserted into a holder and with only the minimum of impact weight, the head split. When the RapierStar pin was inserted, the impact weight was tripled and, even after several hits, the pin’s head remained intact.

assembled or installed. Other tests are focused on ensuring high levels of performance during installation, which in today’s window industry often means in highly automated environments, where fastener failure can result in costly downtime. Drilling screws are tested for drill tip length, threads to stainless on bimetallic fasteners, and insertion speed. In addition to general dimensional checks, screws are also checked for strip torque, torque to break, pull-out and, particularly in the case of cross recess screws, for both recess depth and wobble.

The interesting aspect of all of these tests is that apart from the pull-out test and strip torque test, the others are done to support the results of those already undertaken by carefully selected, long-term

manufacturing partners.

RapierStar conducts these tests to be assured about the products that it is selling and also to be confident when offering extended warranties, for applications where reliability is essential.

After talking about the various tests that RapierStar conducts David took me down to the testing facility where I met Derek Morris and was given the chance to see some of the tests performed.

Derek is the product assessment manager at RapierStar and is in charge of the various tests that it carries out. Derek showed me around the testing facility, gave me detailed descriptions of each of the tests and also demonstrated some of the more ‘interesting’ tests that RapierStar conducts.

Another example of a test procedure, used by RapierStar, was for hydrogen embrittlement on carbon steel screws. It is similar to the test used by Ford Motor Co. and General Motors.

However, it differs from the ASME, SAE and ISO tests in three ways: Rapierstar test more samples per 250,000 pieces manufactured, each screw is required to drill its own pilot hole rather than be inserted into a pre-drilled test piece, and the use of washers thicker than 2 x thread pitch.

The reason for these slight but significant changes are that RapierStar believes this method of testing produces more meaningful results, as the screws are placed under the stresses they will likely be subjected to in application.

Derek explained “Our tests are aimed at detecting those screws that may fail up to 24 hours after installation, due to free hydrogen absorption during the plating process. Our tests ensure that fabricators can have total confidence that our screws will not fail.” From talking to Derek it was clear that the RapierStar attitude towards high quality is echoed throughout the company.

A prime example is the company’s investment in a salt spray testing

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cabinet – an unusual feature in any fastener distributor I am told.

“The screws are salt spray tested in accordance with BS: 7479, to UKAS requirements. Screws are routinely tested to between 300 and 1,000 hours, which exceeds the requirements of BS EN 1670,” explained Derek. “We also test our martensitic stainless steel screws beyond 3,000 hours, in order that our customers can be confident they will stand the test of time” The final area of the testing facility I was shown was the filing system, in which Derek keeps records of tests conducted over the years. Should there ever be a problem with a screw, RapierStar can refer to the test results for the relevant batch.

Derek explained that problems with screws are commonly caused by the wrong screw selection for a process. If this is the case, RapierStar’s technical team can support distributors to recommend the correct fastener for a specific application.

My first reaction to visiting RapierStar was surprise at the number and intensity of tests that are carried out for market sectors where you would not automatically think there was such a high-level quality requirement. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that most of these tests are carried out by RapierStar for its own records. So, when offering customers its products it knows that it has the data to back up its promises.

I would like to thank David Furness for inviting me to RapierStar and giving me the opportunity to learn a bit more about the wood and window industries. I would also like to thank Derek Morris for taking the time to show me around their testing facility and for explaining some of the more complicated tests they conduct.

Stockist & Distributor of Rolled Thread Machine Screws Complete Range of Metric Threads in All Heads Zinc Plated Offered Ex-stock with Next Day Delivery Imperial Threads & Non-standards also within the Range or can be Manufactured Specially

Machine Screws Limited Unit 5, Kingfisher Enterprise Park, Arthur Street, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 8LG

ajm@machinescrews.wanadoo.co.uk

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The fischer Red Max fixing the fire protection mats in the tunnel.

Tunnel through the green heart of the Netherlands Fixings (1.7 million nail anchors, to be precise) have been key to a major tunnelling project in Holland.

Talk of the ‘European project’ might not accord well with the contemporary mood – nonetheless shrinking the distances between major centres has always been an important aspect of that project. The Hogesnelheidslijn–Zuid (HSL Zuid) Amsterdam–Brussels high speed rail link is a good example of the integrated European approach, reducing travel time between Amsterdam and Brussels by 80 minutes and connecting onwards with the European long-distance axis between London and Paris. Completed this year, the new rail link has been a major infrastructure project for the Netherlands.

Now travellers on the French high speed TGV train will cruise at 300 kilometres per hour through the Netherlands. To reach this speed, 170 structures in total have been built along the 100km line through Holland to the Belgian border: tunnels, underpasses and overpasses, bridges and aqueducts.

The decision about the routing between Schiphol airport and Rotterdam was accompanied by intense and controversial debate. After much discussion the Dutch parliament chose the shortest connection – right through the Groene-Hart (Green Heart) region. Since “De Groene Hart“, a typical scenic landscape with pasture and drainage canals, is considered to be particularly worthy of protection and preservation in Europe’s most densely populated country, it was decided to build an 8.6km tunnel underneath it.

From autumn 2001 to spring 2004, a 120m

tunnelling machine bored its way through the Green Heart at depths of up to 30 metres. Using the so-called tubing method, which involves the installation of pre-cast concrete elements, nine metres of tunnel were excavated and lined every day. The tunnel is the longest in the world so far to use the tubing method. Ten tubing elements with a weight of 14.5 metric tonnes each have formed an outside diameter of 14.87m.

This makes the Groene-Hart Tunnel the largest bore tunnel in the world.

The spacious tunnel features a 45cm dividing wall in the centre, creating two tubes for railway traffic. This construction avoids the direct encounter of two high speed trains travelling in opposite directions. In an emergency, passengers and train crew can use the other tube as an escape route through doors installed in the partition wall every 150 metres.

Another essential element to the safety considerations of the project is fire protection. Compared with conventional tunnel constructions, the mechanical drilling technology and the prefabricated elements used in the construction for the Groene-Hart Tunnel made special demands on fire prevention.

The fire prevention strategy employed in the tunnel uses a 35mm barrier layer comprising fire-retardant spraycrete.

Additional reinforcement mats of special steel contribute to the effectiveness of this fire prevention layer. These mats are fixed with fischer’s FNA Nail Anchor, the

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outstanding feature of which is its economic efficiency. This was an important factor, since the project involves 1.7 million Nail Anchors in A4 stainless steel. In fact, fischer developed a variant of the FNA especially for the Groene-Hart Tunnel, designed with a lower anchoring depth and a modified head.

It was specially made on a just-in-time basis, involving a 7-day working week at fischer’s German factory.

No special drills or tools are required and only limited hammering is needed to drive in the anchors, saving time and money, particularly in large-scale installations such as this. This feature makes the fischer Nail Anchor particularly suitable for fire protection lining, cable ducts, lighting elements, fire signal and radio cables, as well as light ceiling substructures with greater demands in terms of corrosion and fire protection.

The fixings were installed by the fischer ‘Red Max’, which is the first automated machine for drilling and routing fire protection panelling. This innovative machine reduces labour costs for anchoring and drilling by as much as 75%, significantly reducing installation time and enhancing installation quality as a result of the high degree of automation. What is more, the Red Max reduces the dust exposure of the installers.

This machine was developed by fischer's special machine department in collaboration with handling and assembly engineering experts, and was first used in an earlier German tunnel.

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Lindapter offers light at the end of Australia’s longest tunnel.

Lindapter steelwork clamps are simplifying the construction of the on/off ramps needed for the Brisbane North South Bypass tunnel project.

When completed, the Brisbane North South Bypass will be the longest tunnel in Australia, at 6.8km

can quickly recycle. On this project, a total of some 60 piers are being constructed using just two sets of formworks."

The piers that support the ramps are being made by the formwork and scaffolding specialists PERI Australia, and consist of a headstock supported by two columns. The headstocks are fabricated in situ, by pouring concrete into pre-assembled formwork.

M20-bolted Lindapter clamps were used on the project, to support the large loads required during construction. During the fabrication of a pier, the total vertical load of the support steelwork, formwork, steel reinforcement, and fresh concrete is approximately 100 tonnes.

The formwork is positioned into place on top of the columns with the aid of some simple supporting steelwork. Bolt-on Lindapter clamps were selected as the means of assembling this girder-based supporting structure because they attach without the need to drill holes. The clamps may be moved easily, and this flexibility is critical, as the pier length and column spacings vary throughout the course of the ramps. As soon as the concrete gains enough strength, the formwork and support steelwork is stripped away, and adjusted to the dimensions needed to fabricate the following pier.

A combination of conventional and high-friction Lindapter clamps are used to assemble the steelwork. The M20 high friction clamps support safe working frictional loads of 16kN per pair of bolts, and tensile loads of 26.25kN per bolt. During the course of this project, each Lindapter clamp will be reused approximately 30 times.

"Lindapter clamps have helped us create very cost-effective tooling for fabricating the piers required on this major project," says Fred Dagandan, design engineer with PERI Australia Pty Limited. "Their ease of assembly, disassembly and adjustment, combined with special flexibility we have built into our formworks, means that we

Lindapter has been producing advanced fixing products that offer costeffective alternatives to traditional methods for more than 70 years.

Key market sectors include structural engineering, civil engineering, building services, process plant/offshore, mechanical handling and transportation. Initially recognised as the manufacturer of the Lindapter malleable iron hook-bolt adapter, the company has diversified to cover all aspects of fixing to, or suspending from, structural steelwork. As well as cavity fixings, the Lindapter range includes steelwork fixings, support fixings, floor fixings and rail fixings.

New UK warehouse for Mungo Following a very successful Fastener Fair in Stuttgart, which generated over 60 leads, Mungo has announced it is now stocking a comprehensive range of products in its new distribution warehouse in the middle of the UK. The new distribution warehouse will also create a need for further expansion of personnel within the sales network

throughout the UK, with a special need for a sales person to be employed within the south east.

Mungo feels that with all the focus within the UK on the Olympic project, its ETA approved range of products, full calculation programme and technical handbook, both available online, will benefit both its engineers and distributors, giving them a

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distinct advantage over their competitors.

“All our customers, and all new customers, will now be able to order direct from us, via both fax and email, and orders will be dispatched on a daily basis from the UK depot. However, large stock orders will still be dispatched direct from our comprehensive stocks in Switzerland.”

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Fischer fills the gap Every now and then a product comes along which has a “million and one” uses and everyone wonders how they managed beforehand. Well fischer says that its new Rapid Installation Foam is one such product.

Single Component Rapid Installation Foam PU1 500/B3 (and the bigger 750ml version) can be used for filling virtually any kinds of holes and gaps that are encountered during building projects. These include window and door frame gaps, and gaps around window sills, filling in wall and ceiling cavities and even filling in gaps and insulating around pipework.

In addition to these many uses, the other reason why fischer says its Rapid Installation Foam should be in every tradesman’s toolbox is that it features a re-sealable dispensing valve making the product reusable, unlike many foams which have to be discarded after initial use. The valve is also designed to maximise safety and ensure stability during storage, while a safety seal prevents inadvertent opening of the foam.

With an ergonomically-designed handle and pre-installed adapter, Rapid Installation Foam is straightforward to use and also has a rapid curing time. It is non-tacky after ten minutes, can be cut after 25 minutes and is load-bearing after three hours.

“Backed by the fischer reassurance of quality, this is a PU foam which has such a wide range of uses and is so simple in application that I’m sure it will prove popular on building sites all around the UK,” says Dr Pietro Grandesso, managing director of fischer fixings UK Ltd.

Retaining the heat Rawlplug now manufactures a wide range of insulation fixings for both flat roofs and wall facades.

For flat roofs, Rawlplug’s GOK fixing is used in combination with the appropriate screw (WO or WB series), and can secure insulation up to 300mm thick to either sheet metal or timber.

For walls, it manufactures a wide range of insulation fixings, suitable for fixing all insulation types currently used in the UK, to all popular wall types, including concrete, brick, block, timber, sheet steel etc.

The KI series offers very cost effective fixing for most basic applications, while the KI-M series has a design feature which minimises cold bridging, a problem associated with this type of application.

Rawlplug also has the KI-N and NS series, which have very long expansion zones, enabling them to fix securely to problem substrates such as lightweight or hollow blockwork, nofines concrete etc.

“Wind suction is normally the biggest problem that insulation fixings have to face, and we manufacture fixings such as the KI-S series which offer substantial resistance to wind forces. In most of our fixing ranges, we manufacture lengths capable of securing up to 200mm of insulation“.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

KonstruX takes the load EuroTec has introduced the new KonstruX, a fully threaded cut point, with an 8 or 10mm diameter, with a 6mm diameter planned for the near future.

EuroTec says that the KonstruX will have a standard length of up to 400mm, although longer maybe made available in the future.

“The Konstrux is a perfect timber connector for a wide range of applications such as joining main/secondary purlins, rafters and purlins, connecting wooden frameworks for the construction of prefab houses, as well as coupling purlins.”

According to EuroTec the main characteristics of the Konstrux are: • Saves users time in installation thanks to its special drill point, which offers easy cutting of the timber and full thread for stressless and fast drilling, without pre-drilling.

• Saves warehouse space due to it substituting for many other fastening methods with a single system highload bearing strength.

• Long time safe connection due to new thread construction.

• Fixing tool available for precise drilling in of the fastener.

• High fire resistance – no temperature bridges.

• Constructional calculations request from EuroTec.

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Aerotight Aerotight® all-metal self locking nuts Aerotight Manufacturing offers the time-proven solution to vibration problems. The Aerotight nut has built a reputation for quality and reliability over many years, with a well-proven design that has become established throughout industry. It is the leading all-metal stainless steel self-locking nut and is also available in brass, aluminium or steel. There are no vulnerable inserts to be affected by heat or oil and it is re-useable, with the self-locking function remaining effective. In both its steel and stainless forms it can be used up to 300°C. The Aerotight nut will remain in position whether tightened down or not, providing the locking element is engaged, and does not have to achieve recommended torque to be effective. No additional parts are required for the Aerotight to function so no special tools are needed.

All stainless steel bar used in the manufacture of the M5 to M20 range achieves an ultimate tensile strength of 700N/mm2. The nut is available in most thread forms, including Metric, UNC, UNF, BA, BSW and BSF. Customer specials - for example thin types – are available to order. Aerotight Manufacturing is part of the Apex Stainless Fasteners Organisation.

Tel: +44 (0)1788 537979 www.apexstainless.com

Disc-Lock Washers and Locking Nuts Experiencing fastener failure caused by shock or vibration? Then look no further than the Disc-Lock range of products from locking washers to locking nuts. They solve the problems other fasteners can't and offer a highly effective system for maintaining joint integrity.

Specifically designed to solve the problem of fastener failure caused by shock and vibration in high stress applications, the working principle behind the Disc-Lock system is a simple one. Briefly, it consists of two pieces with rising, interlocking cams whose angle is greater than the pitch angle of the thread on the bolt. As the nut attempts to rotate loose, the interlocking cams rise against each other to create a wedging effect which further locks the assembly, thereby maintaining the tension in the fastener.

Disc-Lock Washers and Locking Nuts are patented worldwide.

They are used in many high stress, corrosive and vibration sensitive applications by a wide range of industries including the railway, road transport, quarrying, logging, oil and coal mining.

For further information about Disc-Lock products please contact Disc-Lock Europe.

Bollhoff SEAL LOCK nuts performing two vital tasks with a single fastener Corrosion resistant SEAL LOCK® selflocking collar nuts from Bollhoff Fastenings Ltd eliminate the need for separate washers, packing or coated seating surfaces.They are a one-piece, re-usable, high performance fastener which seals against gas or fluid pressures up to 450 bar, even after the joint has been disassembled and retightened a number of times.

Initial assembly torque and operating performance are maintained throughout a temperature range of -40° to +110°C. The phosphate coated, or zinc plated, Grade 8 mild steel body has an underhead recess which carries a tough polyamide sealing element. These M6 to M16 flange nuts run freely until tightening torque is applied, when on metal-to-metal contact, the sea is compressed between the bolt thread, the mating surfaces and the side walls within the component.

Once installed, re-tightening is unnecessary.

The seal is impervious to oils and solvents, to provide a leak-proof joint in applications typified by engines, transmissions, pneumatic or hydraulic control systems and chemical plant and equipment. Assembly costs are reduced and the special locking feature maintains torque, whilst resisting the loosening effect of shock loading or vibration.

Tel: +44 (0)1902 637161 www.bollhoff.com

DS Fasteners Ltd. D S Fasteners Ltd was established in 1976 as a specialist self locking nut supplier.

We set out to stock a large range of the more unusual sizes and pitches with the emphasis on higher grades also. This allows us to reduce lead times and get orders delivered quicker.

Our main stock items are the Stover nut (DIN 980V), Nylocs (DIN 985/982) and also Flange nuts (plain & serrated) and Stover Flange (DIN 6927) Nyloc Flange (DIN 6926) These are available in most finishes and in Grades 8, 10, 12. (Metric & imperial) To further compliment the range we also stock Serrated Flange Bolts (DIN 6921) in a range of sizes.

We are also increasing our stock of Stainless Steel (A2 & A4) parts again in the fine pitch and the more unusual sizes.

Recently added to the stock is a range of Philidas nuts.

If it’s a locking nut you require, with our knowledge and stock we are sure to be able to help.

Tel: +44 (0)1842 763000 www.dsfasteners.co.uk

Tel: + 44 (0)1795 844332 www.disc-lock.co.uk

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

NUTS, WASHERS & LOCKING SYSTEMS Earnest Express Europe Ltd Earnest Express Europe Ltd has substantial stocks of self locking nuts here in the UK. We are an American company so, as you would expect, we carry stocks of Nylon inserts, all metal self locking and flange (both serrated and plain) nuts in UNC/UNF threads in grades SAE 5 & SAE 8.

However, we now carry stock of METRIC ALL METAL SELF LOCKING NUTS & FLANGE NUTS in grade 10 material.

We will be pleased to discuss any application problems and queries with you - just call Don't forget our stocks of unified regular and heavy spring lockwashers.

Tel: + 44 (0)1384 352600 Email: srp@earnestmachine.com

Inoxdadi “INOXDADI S.R.L.” is one of the most important producers of stainless steel and brass nuts, washers and fasteners certified ISO 9001.

For the great experience developed on the field of nuts for over 30 years, “INOXDADI S.R.L.” can boast a wide range of items produced in various grades of stainless steel such as: AISI 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 309, 310, 314, 904L, Duplex – W. 1.4462 – W. 1.4529, W. 1.4923, Monel 400 (Alloys with high nickel content) besides aluminium, brass, steel and zinc plated.

Upon request, all the items produced can be provided with certificate of chemical test.

“INOXDADI S.R.L.” is specialist in production of: shear nuts cage nuts pressed insert nuts weld nuts square nuts lock insert nuts domed cap nuts wing nuts castellated nuts flat washers spring washers special nuts and washers Tel: +39 0374 978 636 www.inoxdadi.com

FABORY Locking with confidence For locking a threaded joint, engineers make use of products that can be grouped according to the cause of possible loosening and their intended action.

If the problem concerns only embedding and creep then products such as conical spring DIN 6796, 2093 and NFE contact washers can compensate for the reduced clamping length.

In case of self-loosening as a result of internal loosening torque and transversal displacements, prevailing torque nuts with nylon insert DIN 985, 982, 6926, all metal DIN 980, 6925 and SNEP are applied, having the advantage to lock against loss and the disadvantage that they do not secure clamping force.

Additionally, other categories of locking products are needed to lock successfully against rotation, including: • Flanged bolts/nuts with Tensilock and Ripp serrations • Some types of adhesives • Nord-Lock and Schnorr washers.

All of the above items belong to FABORY’S product range.

FABORY, international fasteners and tools distributor, boasts over 50,000 items enabling customers to adopt whatever locking solution is necessary.

For further enquiries, or to request a copy of FABORY’S technical brochure Locking Confidence In Threaded Joints, please contact: Tel: +44(0)121-556 3474 Email: sales.faboryuk@fabory.com

J Cooke Engineering Ltd Bar Turned Nut Manufacturer J.Cooke Eng Ltd is the leading UK bar turned nut manufacturer established for over 30 years.

We manufacture specials to customer drawings and in most materials including, brass, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, phosphor bronze and aluminium bronze With two manufacturing sites, one in Hertfordshire the other in the West Midlands we are also capable of producing turned spacers and washers.

Parts can be delivered on our own transport, carriers or exported to any European or worldwide destination.

The following give a brief example of the parts we manufacture/stock. For further details contact our sales team.

HEX NUTS SQUARE NUTS SHEAR NUTS SLOTTED NUTS CASTLE NUTS WASHERS - TURNED SPACERS RIVET BUSHES MANIFOLD NUTS Tel: +44 (0)146274 2888 Email: sales@jcooke.co.uk

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Martyn Price Locking Nuts Locking Washers

Fastener People with the Stock and Knowledge to Solve Every Requirement No Matter How Unusual

Based at Stourbridge in the heart of the Black Country, a specialist business backed up by quality and service worth fastening on to.

Tel: +44(0)1384 424767 Email: sales@martynprice.co.uk

Nord-Lock Ltd For two decades NORD-LOCK wedgelocking washers have provided 100% safety for bolted joints. Vibration and dynamic loads cannot cause loosening as the bolt locks itself.

The outside of the washers has radial teeth, which grip and seat the mating surfaces when the NORD-LOCK Washer is tightened. In addition, the inside of the washer forms a wedge, making the pitch greater than the thread pitch of the bolt.

The washer is mechanically keyed in place and allows movement only across the face of the cams. Any attempt by the nut/bolt to rotate loose is blocked by the wedge effect of the cams. Any increase of tension makes the nut/bolt self-locking. Using the wedge-locking principle, nuts/bolts cannot come loose when exposed to vibration/dynamic loads.

However, the wedge lock nut can be removed easily with the use of a wrench. The washer can be re-used - always with full locking effect.

While most locking devices rely on friction, the NORD-LOCK washer uses tension to lock the joint. Therefore, the locking function is not lost by lubrication.

The NORD-LOCK washer is available in various materials from M3 to M130 sizes with a zinc flake coating. Now also available in MRO quantities.

Tel: +44(0)1980 847129 Email enquiries@nord-lock.co.uk

N D Jig & Gauge Co. Ltd Standard Black Washers, Square Plates and Non-Standard Washers in Mild & Stainless Steel With over 50 years in the manufacture of washers, N D JIG & GAUGE has the knowledge and expertise to suit your washer requirements.

Extensive stocks of standard black washers, square plates, through hardened and taper washers offering the complete service to stockholders.

As manufacturers, we also have the capacity for non-standard washers, special nuts and pressings at our factory in Wednesbury and with this, we can turnaround special requirements in days with our extensive stocks of raw material.

Whether it be mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass or an exotic alloy. Specials can also be held in stock for call off.

Standards we stock are, BS4320 Form E, F and G. BS3410 Table 7 & 8. BS4395 Thru/Hardened washers. Square plates from 40mm sq. x 3 thk. up to 150mm sq. x 25 mm thk. Specials made to order. Self colour, Zinc plated, Hot dip galvanised.

Phone your enquiries to our Sales office direct, for immediate response. For more information on our products and services please visit our website.

Tel: +44(0)121 556 0824/1677 www.ndjig.com

Owlett-Jaton Owlett-Jaton is the UK’s largest supplier of fasteners, ironmongery and hardware to the distributor and merchant trade. Our central 130,000 sq ft hub warehouse is the largest single site distribution centre in the industry, together with a fleet of over 90 vehicles, we provide an unparalleled ex-stock, nationwide daily delivery service.

Our range of nuts include DIN 934 Full Nuts, Lock Nuts, DIN 982 and 985 Nylon Insert Nuts and are available in Self Colour, Bright Zinc Plated, Zinc and Yellow, Galvanized and, to comply with recently introduced EU directives, Hexavalent Chrome Free (CR3). We also offer Full Nuts, Lock Nuts and Nylon Insert Nuts in A2 and A4 Stainless Steel.

DIN 934 are also available from stock in guaranteed Grade 8 and Grade 10, standard and fine pitch.

To compliment our range of nuts, Flange Nuts, Weld Nuts, Pronged Tee Nuts, Wing Nuts, Dome Nuts and Self Locking Nuts are also available.

A comprehensive range of imported and British manufactured washers are available from stock in Self Colour, Bright Zinc Plated, Galvanized and Hexavalent Chrome Free finishes. Washers in A2 and A4 Stainless Steel are available.

Just one call gives you immediate access to a wealth of experience and our complete product range – it’s the ultimate one-stop-shop.

Tel: +44(0)1785 811 300 Fax: +44(0)1785 819 699

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

NUTS, WASHERS & LOCKING SYSTEMS Premier Washers Ltd

Som Fasteners

Premier Quality and Service @ Premier Washers Ltd

A Globally Renowned Trade Mark in the Fastener Field for 24 years

A Midlands based manufacturer, with comprehensive industry knowledge, supplying washers and pressings to the automotive, construction, white goods and other industries.

An extensive range of machines including CNC and high speed coil fed presses enable us to supply high and low volumes with production capabilities from outside diameter of 6mm up to 150mm, in thickness from 0.2mm up to 10mm.

We can supply our products in a large range of materials including mild steel, carbon, brass, stainless steel, copper and other exotic metals and in a wide variety of finishes including heat treatment, grinding, machining and surface treatments.

In house toolroom facilities enable us to produce tools quickly in response to customers ever-changing needs.

An excellent service and competitive prices, supported by our registration to BS EN ISO 9001:2000 places Premier Washers in a position to fully satisfy the requirements of all of our customers.

SOM Fastener started it’s facilities in 1983 in line with the requirements of automotive sector as a single welding nut producer in Turkey. To compete throughout the world market it become the partner of two foreign professional fasteners in 1996 and it has continued its facilities at its modern foundation where placed in 1.Industrial Zone of Ankara by 1997 .

Special Nuts: M 3-M 18 Cold forging Parts: max. Ø 30 mm and max. L 90mm Production Capacity: 4.000 tons/ year Main Products: Special Parts Acc. to Customer Drawings : Hex Nuts, Flange Nuts,Round Nuts , Weld Nuts , Self Locking Nuts , Cold Forging Parts Customer PPM: 10 PPM Distribution of total business to industries: Automotive : 35%, Home industries: 20%; Furniture: 14% ,Pen: 12% Other: 19% SOM Exports 20% of Total Business to: Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, UK, USA, Iran, India Machine Park: 12 Nut Formers with Italian and Taiwanese Brand, 13 Nut Tapping Machine ,Technologically Upgraded Tooling House Quality Laboratory: 100% Sorting Machine, Universal Tensile Testing Machines, Hardness Measurement Equip., Profile Projection Machine, Microstructure Analyzing Machine Quality Certificate: Quality Management Certificate ISO / TS 16949 in 2005 , Environmental Management Certificate ISO 14001 in 2006

Tel: +44 (0)1902 307121 Email: sales@premierwashers.co.uk

Email: sevda.acar@somsan.com.tr www.somas.com.tr

Trojan GET NUTTED @ Trojan Special Fasteners Ltd With over 20 years in the business and customer base of over 480 clients throughout the UK and Europe Trojan supply a nich market in special industrial fasteners and standard, manufacturing bright bar turned parts i.e. Flange Nuts, Nylon Insert Nuts, Castle nuts and Slotted nuts in all materials grade 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 Stainless Steel, Brass, Aluminium, Bronze Quick delivery coupled with high quality products to all standards, ANSI, DIN, ISO, BS specifications and customer drawings.

UNC, UNF Metric (Course,Fine and Extra Fine), BSW, BSF, BA, BSP, NPTF, and many other special TPI threads as well as Left Handed Threads.

TTAP FARMER Ttap® instead of hex head !

On picture right it shows how ttap® technology can be utilized to replace hex hd with ttap® recess due to the fact ttap® inherits powerful torque.

Ttap© is the original drive system enabling the patented stick-hold solution for no wobble - no need to push action. ttap® was launched in Nordic in 2005 are in addition sold through partners in Central Europe, USA and Korea.

Requesting ttap® farmer screws – please contact AZTEC – www.aztecnordic.fi Regardless of usage, ttap© is the ultimate choice for screws and bits.

Any finish can be supplied , self colour zinc trivallent zinc & yellow zinc & Black chrome galvanised decromate and so on.

Tel: +44(0)121 789 8586 www.trojanspecialfastenersltd.co.uk

Tel: +47 98 60 66 51 www.TtapDrive.com

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VOEHRS GmbH & Co. KG Innovative, flexible, competent words which will lead you to our company!

With 50 years experience, quality products, and professional service, we have become one of the leading international manufacturers of nuts and stampings.

Whether made out of ordinary steel, high-grade steel, bright or standard finish surfaces – we offer the perfect solution for all your requirements.

Our progressive and flexible production allows us to manufacture exactly to your specifications so you get the product you need - with no compromises!

Nuts and Stampings Forms: square nuts and rhombic nuts (in flat or profiled versions), hexagonal nuts, rectangular nuts (thread in centre or one-sided, one or more threads), special parts (diverse special shapes, f. ex. contact nuts for the electrical industry with riffle, waffle-type and/or lifted edges. Also oval nuts and pointed nuts for different areas of application).

Materials: steel, high-grade steel, brass, aluminium, in flat or profiled versions.

Surfaces: bright/blank, any kinds of electroplated coatings, thermally zinc-coated (TZN), Geomet, Dacromet, other finishes on demand.

Material Thickness: 5mm x 1.3mm – 40mm x 8mm, length 6mm over 200mm.

Threads: M2.5 - M12, 1/8"-5/16", thread in center or one-sided

Wild Manufacturing Global Supplier of Standard and Precision Washers to the Automotive and Engineering Industry Wild Manufacturing Group are one of Europe’s largest washer manufacturers. Now operating from our new 10,000sqm purpose built factory in Birmingham, UK. Wild produce over 20,000,000 components every week, shipping to 35 countries worldwide.

With over 200,000,000 parts in stock our products include; Flat washers Coil spring washers Toothed washers Serrated washers Expansion plugs Terminal cup washers Curved/Waved washers Grip washers In addition Wild, with its in-house toolroom can manufacture your bespoke precision pressings Tel : +44 (0) 121 322 5100 www.wild.uk.com

Tel: +49 (0)2359/7011 web: www.voehrs.de

Prelok TUFLOK NYLON PROCESSING At Prelok we offer Europe’s widest range of pre-applied locking and sealing solutions, eliminating the need for secondary locking devices, hand-applied liquid adhesives, or sealing tapes.

Tuflok 180 is a blue nylon patch permanently fused to the screw head. This process provides excellent vibration resistance and torque performance for all applications requiring controlled loading and re-usability.Tuflok is effective, whether or not the fastener is fully seated, making it ideal for applications where continual adjustment is required.

Tuflok 360 gives full circumference coverage (completely around the thread) and is suitable for applications requiring a fully re-usable high pressure seal against liquid or gas.

The Tuflok process consists of fusing the Blue Nylon 11 material onto a defined area of the male thread surface.Upon installation into the female threaded component, the nylon material is compressed filling the axial tolerances between the threads.

Advantages Blue patch identifies true Tuflok, Re-useable, Anti-vibrational, Torque flexibility, Variable patch length and position, Eliminates secondary locking features such as nuts and washers, Automatically locks in any position, Plate and patch Tel: +44 (0) 1902 600000 www.prelok.com

Washer Factory Ltd We are the premier manufacturer of non-standard washers and light pressings.

We strive in all that we do to maximise customer satisfaction.

Technical advice is offered freely, where required and we believe in treating customers fairly so if we know that a standard washer is available we will say so.

Our production team has many years of washer making experience.

Whilst traditional methods of manufacture are employed, our flexible approach, extensive tool stock and skilled work force mean that we can offer a fast turn around.

Having a national supplier base we are able to quickly source most materials (including non-metallics). Products can be supplied in any surface finish ranging from simple zinc to organic plating, they can be heat treated or machined.

We currently supply to a diverse customer base across many markets including construction, automotive and white goods. In many cases our products are far from the standard perception of a washer, take a look at our web site to see some examples of what we can do!

We have no minimum manufacturing quantity or minimum charge so for a friendly fast and reliable service supported by a quality product please contact us.

Tel: +44 (0)1902 865777 www.washer-factory.com

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Vision Systems for process control and quality assurance by Brian Moir, Retina Systems Inc Machine vision systems in the fastener industry are widely described as a means of capturing an image and then processing that image with a PC platform or vision engine in order to affect a result.

The need for the automated vision inspection system is rapidly increasing based on the amount of imports of commodity fasteners that current companies employ. The cost associated with returned shipments from imported products is high. Sorting the imported product before shipping will ensure delivered quality, which is essential in obtaining and securing new contracts.

These systems are useful tools for process control and quality assurance and can be purchased off the shelf or as a fully integrated closed-loop solution, for early detection and prevention of producing and/or shipping bad parts.

Simple vision systems utilise camera, lighting, and processing software integrated in-line with the manufacturing process to monitor output. More commonly used vision systems are used at the end of a process, prior to packaging, to detect mixed product.

The automated vision inspection system is a complete stand-alone solution that employs a feeder bowl for part orientation, a vibratory (or other) inline for presentation to a material handling system, the vision system, good part eject/bad part reject stations, and packaging. The machine vision system in the manufacturing chain can best be utilised to head off any potential production issues before they become out of control. Most production will enter another bulk process i.e. heat treat or plating - after exiting the manufacturing process. All bulk processes, however controlled are avenues for part mixing. The automated vision inspection system should be used for pre-shipping inspection and sorting for quality assurance.

The only way to guarantee zero-defects is by utilising the automated vision inspection system concurrent with an automated packaging system prior to product shipment.

Any human interaction with product after inspection is another avenue to mixed product. Weigh counting is the generally accepted means of confirming quantities but can be inaccurate. It is common practice to throw in a couple of extra parts to guarantee quantities sold. Giving a few parts a box away adds up at the end of the year. The automated vision inspection system will provide an exact count.

You should treat your pre-shipping inspection system like part of the manufacturing process. Bar code scanners are integrated to input data such as operator, job number, lot number, similar to many manufacturing environments today.

Reporting software will provide operator, job, and system efficiency reports; reject pareto charts, and production reports to compliment your LEAN and Six Sigma efforts.

A common misconception of today’s modern vision system is that it compares an inspected part to a master setup part. This comparing method results in a good part/bad part decision, yielding little quantitative data to help the manufacturing process. Vision system software has evolved

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Retina model 300 series with bulk feed and P3 over-under automated packaging conveyor into sub-pixel processing, having the resolution and measurement capability to gauge accurately rather then providing simply a go/no-go decision.

Actual measurements are used to compare tolerances to upper and lower control limits per each inspection. This allows you to monitor and address any issue with production for the actual type of defect and make corrective actions. The dimensional inspections should be verified with customer prints and certified statistically for complete process capability and gauge R&R to guarantee results.

The complete automated vision inspection system is the final piece in the manufacturing process. Its role is to provide quality assurance for parts being shipped.

Its benefits are to build and retain long term customer relationships and your company’s profitability.

Brian Moir (right) hands-on at recent Retina installation in the UK

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Pack to order Pack-to-order, quickly and accurately, is becoming a more and more common practice, presenting new demands for the production equipment used to handle the task.

Cost effectiveness is required throughout the entire value chain. For manufacturers it's all about smaller stock levels and flexible production so that customers can get the small and ongoing orders they need.

Pack to order – no problem BILWINCO has been using pack-to-order for several years. Its solutions are based on BILWINCO multihead weighers that, BILWINCO says, ensure the combined efficiency and flexibility needed in pack-toorder production.

BILWINCO lists the following advantages of using a pack-to-order solution: Easy running-in “With time it has become generally acknowledged that linear weighers are more time- and labour intensive when it comes to optimal performance – and in reality optimal running is not always achieved.”

With an automatic servo-control, BILWINCO says that its multihead weighers handle nearly the full running-in of a new product by themselves.

Quick and easy changeover To change over from one particular product and packaging to another, on a BILWINCO

multihead weigher, involves only a press of a button and doesn’t require any mechanical adjustments.

The filling system and end-of-line machines obviously need to be changed over according to size/type – typically via a pair of handles – or by a fully automatic electronic process. BILWINCO suggests that if there are more than 15-20 changeovers per shift in production, then fully automatic solution should be considered.

“The reason for this is that automatic changeover is faster and more accurate than what even a skilled operator can achieve manually, but the most important point is that automatic changeover frees up the operator to do something else at the same time as the changeover happens.”

High utilisation of product volume In order to pack everything of a particular type in bulk inventory, the weigher should be able to optimally utilise the product volume. This has previously been a general problem for multihead weighers, but BILWINCO, has found a solution to this problem.

The operator keys in how many packs are to be included in the packing order, and when the order is completely packed the

machine stops by itself and prompts the operator for a new order. If the operator selects the "pack-all" option, the machine continues until the very last piece.

Software automatically increases speed and minimises errors The many short pack-to-order batches turn paperwork into an enormous and timeconsuming burden. That is why, BILWINCO says, its customers often opt for BILWINCO standard or specially adapted PC-based synchronisation of packing data. Automatic exchange of data between packing line and ERP system reduces errors and accelerates the process.

Advanced packaging solutions from New-Ma Headquarters in Schio, Vicenza, Italy New-Ma S.r.l. has been working in the packaging equipment business for approximately 20 years.

Through this long experience New-Ma has acquired an ability to propose and supply its customers with highly customised and technologically advanced solutions. NewMa’s business has been developed and specialised around the following: • Vertical Form Fill Seal machines

• Horizontal Form Fill Seal machines • Automatic Weighing and packing lines • Dosing and packing lines • Counting and packing lines • Weight Checkers • Robot palletizer

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“We are represented in many countries around the world through a network of direct sales, service companies and qualified agents, which guarantee a constant support to customers, the achievement of which has always been our main goal.”

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Churchill sorts it for you Birmingham based Churchill Products Ltd offers crucial non-destructive fastener inspection sub-contract services.

Churchill Products, established in April 1998, says that the inspection service it offers is second to none. To back its claim Churchill points to its year on year growth, which has seen 1,000 million fasteners inspected for over 100 customers.

Churchill Products Ltd provides a service for both manufacturers and distributors of fasteners and associated products. It can offer four types of inspection to suit individual requirements, such as: Laser sort to determine dimensional faults and over-all length.

Eddy Current to detect metallurgical faults.

Optical sort for presence of thread, under-head length and head faults.

Basic diameter and mix check performed on roller sorters at low cost.

A packaging service is also now available from Churchill Products, which can pack into heat-sealed poly bags, cardboard boxes or KLT’s, as well as being able to re-palletise goods.

“We find that an increasing number of end users are either using automatic feed processes which demand zero defects, or have adopted a zero defect policy for fasteners in plant. Whether you are a manufacturer wishing to deliver zero defects directly into OEM's, or a distributorimporting product that requires 100% verification; we can sort it.”

PRÜFTECHNIK extends product spectrum PRÜFTECHNIK NDT GmbH, developer and manufacturer of eddy current testing systems, has extended its product spectrum to include flux leakage systems.

NOVAFLUX is used for the highly sensitive inspection of black and bright metal bars and seamless tubes. Longitudinal defects of a depth greater than 0.1mm can be found.

processing of defective yet repairable bars and thus increases the yield. NOVAFLUX can be operated together with sensor systems of other vendors.

NOVAFLUX is able to handle high production speeds of up to 3m/s. The system is operated on a user-friendly touch screen. A detailed report of the test results permits further

As a specialist of eddy current inspection systems with over 30 years of experience, PRÜFTECHNIK provides the industry with a wide portfolio of testing equipment for

reliable quality control. EDDYCHEK® test equipment is used in a wide variety of different production areas, for process monitoring and for the final inspection of tubes, bars and wire. Eddy current testing meets an extensive range of international standards including: ASTM, API, BS, JIS, ETTC, ENEL, DIN, SEP, etc.

Packaging and inspection hard-to-handle fasteners Weighpack has developed a complete, fully automatic bulk packaging and inspection system for high-speed, direct filling of KLT returnables.

and filling accuracy, providing a maximum output of 100,000 pieces per hour, using an 8-lane machine.

From the storage hopper the product is fed to the Monoctopus filling and inspection system. This is a unique concept, the most up to date technical solution to fill large volume boxes of hardware products into KLT’s or cartons up to 25kg, at high speed and to optimum accuracy.

Equipment is of modular design, combined to form a highly efficient packaging inspection line, controlled by Windows computer technology. By connecting to the customer's host, the Weighpack control system makes it possible to follow and control the whole internal and surrounding logistics of the packaging process. This intelligent synchronisation ensures the shortest down time possible. Changeover time is minimised by the availability of barcode scanning on the bulk bins.

The Monoctopus system incorporates vibratory feed trays, roller feed systems, eddy current and vision inspection zones. During box transfer the product will accumulate without stopping the vibratory feed trays. The Monoctopus system takes a constant flow of product from the storage hopper instead of the conventional intermittent removal. This enables better control for inspection

Weighpack's wide knowledge in handling fasteners has resulted in an inspection system, where damage to threaded fasteners is reduced to a minimum. Product inspection followed immediately by filling directly into the boxes, results in a smooth running system which combines high speed with low infeed height to ensure final packaged product quality.

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Sorting and inspection... at what cost?

by Terry Hoffman, Vice President, Mectron Inspection Systems The cost of inspection today is an ongoing issue between the automotive companies and fastener manufacturers.

As parts manufacturers work to reduce price, by improving manufacturing efficiency, their inspection costs have risen dramatically.

Historically, manufacturers have focused on the production side, with sorting as an afterthought. Now, because of the quality demands placed on them, sorting departments are growing fast, creating new variables including cost, time, and - many times inferior inspection processes.

Are possibilities for reducing costs the same in the inspection area as they are in the production area? Yes, however, they are not as easily identified. Although the automotive industry recognises the cost in the inspection of manufacturer’s product, they aren’t willing to pay higher prices to reduce suppliers’ PPM levels. Suppliers cannot always include inspection costs into the piece price, especially on grandfathered parts. Regardless, automotive expectations remain at zero PPM levels. And, in most cases, the manufacturer has to incur the inspection cost.

Inspection departments today incorporate a variety of different methods to provide what is called 100% inspection. Hand sorting, roll sorting, acoustic, inductors, vision and single laser inspection all reduce PPM levels to some degree.

The remaining defects that make it through these methods cause the manufacturer additional costs that should not be overlooked.

These include chasing problems in the field, flying personnel to customer’s plants to resolve issues, hiring outside sorting companies to manually inspect product on the line, air freighting replacement parts, customer visits, 8D’s, and the potential loss of business due to reputation.

When you add up these costs along with any original equipment investment, the cost of sending product out or buying superior equipment no longer seems as expensive. Another potential cost is automotive industry back charges for assembly line shutdowns due to defective parts. This is becoming more common every day, and it is impossible to factor into a business plan. Line shutdown costs can be enormous and can cripple the supplier’s bottom line.

Multi-laser inspection The industrial laser is well applied in product inspection. It’s fast, flexible and easy to set up to measure a variety of different parts.

The laser inspection process is non-contact, so accuracies are not affected by mechanical wear.

The sophistication of a laser inspection system is a function of the complexity and requirements of the application. Let’s start with the least sophisticated system.

For basic inspection, Mectron Engineering Company offers a twolaser inspection unit. This machine provides cross-sectional measurement and is ideal for many automotive fastener applications.

The system provides inspection and measurement of coordinate points in the X -Y plane on a part. With its two lasers, the unit gives four chords of inspection along the entire length of a part. Its gauge tolerance capability is 0.0004 inch (0.010mm).

In operation, the laser scans parts as they pass by it traveling down a V-track. The two lasers are arranged at 90 degrees to one another and radially to the part. Measurements on this two-laser system are taken at four points on the cross section over the entire length of the part as it passes through the beam.

In addition to providing part measurements, the system provides inspection for detecting mixed products, oversized and undersized diameters, short and missing threads, spiraled threads and some radial part damage. Laser inspection is well applied to eliminate non-functional parts from a run, such as a part that missed a secondary operation. The shortcoming of the two-laser system is that part segments that fall between the four inspection points may not be seen by the laser.

For example, on a 0.25 inch (6.35mm) diameter part, a defect that falls between two inspection points may need to protrude at least 0.051 inch (1.29mm) before it can be detected by either

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A lesser defect may be missed by both lasers on this

laser. basic inspection system. The two lasers system is best applied for sorting mixed parts, over and under sized diameter detection and missing features. More detailed inspection requires more lasers.

The next step in sophistication is complete 360-degree inspection of a part. With the degree of an acceptable defect decreasing all the time, using a system that can detect small defects is becoming more necessary. A damaged thread may mean the difference between a successful assembly and a line stoppage.

For this level of inspection, Mectron makes a system that uses six or eight lasers to “see” defects on the part. The choice of six or eight depends on the part size. Both systems provide complete 360-degree inspection.

The larger system operates in the same ways as the two laser system, with parts feeding through the beams using a V-slot guide.

The difference is the increase in inspection points and the decrease in the size of a detectable defect.

A six-laser system gives 12 points of inspection around the full periphery of the part. Using the same example as in the two-laser machine, a 0.25 inch (6.35mm) diameter part, the six-laser array provides an inspection point at 30 degree intervals around the part.

As the part passes down the V-track, maximum coverage of the part is possible, resulting in tighter measurement of critical dimensions. With this system, a defect must protrude only 0.004 inch (0.10mm) to be detected compared with 0.051 inch (1.29mm) on a two-laser array.

If six is good, eight is better. By slicing the part into 16 points of inspection around the 360-degree circumference, you have an inspection point at 22.5 degree intervals around the part and the detectable defect on our 0.25 inch (6.35mm) diameter part goes to 0.002 inch (0.05mm).

Of course not all inspection requirements are about defects detection and dimensional verification. On some critical parts, metallurgical defects can also wreak havoc with a supplier’s zero defect PPM. Metallurgical defects In a single inspection unit, Mectron integrates and automates the capability of multi-laser inspection and a magnetic imagery instrument and coil. The idea is to combine both dimensional verification and metallurgical defect detection into a single machine, reducing the cost of detailed inspection.

magnetic image. The percentage of deviation is displayed on the machine’s monitor screen, and acceptable limits can be quickly defined using touch screen programming inputs.

Mectron cites two advantages of its magnetic imagery system. The full part signature detects more defects than many other techniques. Secondly the coil design used on this system is a differential coil and is free from sensitivity to speed and temperature fluctuations.

Customer driven evolution Continuous improvements in machine design, laser implementation and software modifications have all been driven by specific customer applications. Many existing Mectron users of the original six-laser machines are opting for an eight-laser upgrade.

The need for more inspection points around the part is becoming more important. The tolerable defect size shrinks by the week, and the eight-laser provides the most complete on-the-fly inspection.

Mectron's patented LSR-30 laser scans at a 100kHz (rep rate) 100 times faster than typical “off-the-shelf” lasers used on other systems. This increased speed allows for defect detection every six ten thousands of an inch (0.015mm) over the entire length of the part. The Mectron LSR-30 lasers allows customers to see the part image and threads much more defined and therefore performs more detailed inspection. They also provide measurement capabilities to 0.0002 inch (0.005mm) repeatability on diameters.

Two new R&D developments are Mectron’s newly integrated tilt laser array plate to accommodate products with extreme cosine error, and a newly developed length and acceleration analyser.

The laser length analyser station provides actual measurement of feature lengths, stack-up, head height and overall lengths for as many features as you want to inspect along the length of the part.

Stack-up lengths, overall lengths, head height, etc. can be measured to 0.0015 inch (0.038mm) tolerances. The length and acceleration analyzer will provide better feedback information (tolerance wise) and will now be able to measure these features with zero mechanical adjustments.

The tilt laser array plate will accomodate products with extreme cosine angles. Moving the lasers perpendicular to the center line of the part allows for true measurements in both axis.

The combination of these two developments, along with Mectrons’ LSR-30 lasers and Windows XP customised software package will provide customers’ with complete multi-axis inspection.

Magnetic imagery is an advanced eddy current technique that makes on-the-fly metallurgical inspection possible and integratable with dimensional laser measurement. As each part passes down the machine’s V-track, the coil develops a magnetic profile to create a part’s signature.

Where do we go from here?

Partial elimination of problems is not adequate in today’s market.

Costs involved with shipping defective product are escalating daily.

In the long run, economically, it makes sense to go with a product or service that produces ultimate cost savings (which means zero PPM) to both the parts manufacturer and the auto producer.

The full signature provides the opportunity to detect most critical metallurgical defects including cracks, material mixes, conductive platings and coatings, and hardness using a visual deviation of the

The combination of 360-degree laser inspection and metallurgical defect detection, in a continuous production system, is a step forward for parts producers striving to supply zero PPM defects.

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Can-Eng Furnaces announces sale of business Mr Wally Bamford, the former chairman of Can-Eng Furnaces, is pleased to announce the sale of the business to Mr G. John Krediet and the current President of CanEng Furnaces, Mr. Alan Van Geyn.

Mr Bamford will remain with the company by serving on its advisory board. The management team of the company will remain unchanged. Mr Van Geyn has been with the company since 1994, and has

served as its president since 2005. Under Mr Van Geyn’s leadership, Can-Eng Furnaces will continue to focus on long-term growth and profitability in the international thermal processing equipment marketplace. Moving forward, Can-Eng Furnaces will operate under the new name, Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd. Established in 1964, CAN-ENG Furnaces has grown to become a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial thermal processing equipment for ferrous and non-

ferrous metals. Can-Eng product lines include: Continuous Mesh Belt Furnace Systems, Batch Integral Quench Furnace Systems, Continuous Steel Bar Heat Treatment Systems, Basketless Heat Treatment Systems, Nonferrous T4, T5, T6, T7 Heat Treatment Systems, a SCADA system, Process Enhancement Technology (PET TM) and a wide array of custom furnaces solutions. Can-Eng also offers a comprehensive after-market support team delivering system upgrades, technical support and spare parts.

Optimism about TIL future Tooling International is celebrating 25 years of header tooling production by making its global presence felt.

In earlier issues we reported on the comeback of TIL following its acquisition by the Künzelsau-based Würth Group. The TIL team now looks back on its 25 year history with mixed emotion and looks forward to the next 25 with, what managing director Richard Wood describes as “massive excitement, enthusiasm and optimism”.

Richard Woods joined the company as recently as last year, whilst deputy

managing director, Justin Stanley, is celebrating his 20th year with the West Midlands, UK based company. Justin reflects, “Times were not always easy and customers didn’t always get product on time; customer service often took something of a back-seat. It’s ironic really because the customer has always regarded the quality of our products very highly.”

Richard and Justin, supported by some expert business guidance from within the group, have combined their experience, outside and inside the company respectively, to come up with what they believe is a winning formula to realise their

ambitious plans for the future.

“It’s quite simple,” explains Richard, “it’s about two things: making sure that we run things as efficiently and effectively as we can on the inside and making sure that this translates into optimum customer service and satisfaction on the outside. We are investing whatever we need to, in getting to know our customers well and acquiring market intelligence to make certain that our relationship gives maximum yield for both parties. We have found that if we talk with and listen to our customers in equal measure; both parties are well placed to make the most of every opportunity.”

New Essebi production facilities in Shanghai Over the last three years Essebi has started a new production unit making its cold forming machines in Shanghai. The machines are manufactured by the European technology, to European standards, under the control of Essebi Italian engineers.

The main purpose of this new unit is to allow Essebi to make further steps into the Chinese market, where it has been present for the past 20 years. The new unit also allows Essebi to supply screws, bolts, rivets and special parts formed from wire, to western companies who also have factories in China.

It means that these Companies can find in China, the same machines they have been using in Europe, but at a very competitive price. The cold forming machines produced by Essebi cover small and medium wire dimensions, from 2–16mm, with progressive headers from 2 to 6 stations. Essebi also produces a special series of high speed 3-blow machines with rotary die holder.

“The Essebi philosophy is not based on the idea of a massive production, but on giving to the customers the best service,” says the company, which has recently equipped Bralo’s production operation in China.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Checking things out EWMenn has announced the development of a new control device for checking blank straightness and length before rolling.

With this device it is possible to check and, if necessary, sort blanks for length and straightness thus completely eliminating a separate working process. As direct result, productivity is increased, part quality is higher, and wear to both the rolling dies and the machine is reduced. There is a continued trend towards rolling blanks which are heat treated prior to the rolling process. The heat treatment operation and the corresponding handling that is required can lead to deformation, meaning bending of the parts. This can present serious problems for successfully rolling parts having critical Technical specifications Minimum Maximum shank length/diameter ratios. Bent blanks can EW Menn Blank Checking Device Blank diameter capacity 4,0 mm 9,0 mm lead to problems in the rolling process by 0.000 mm 220 mm substantially increasing die wear and creating Blank length capacity Straightness checking ability To Within 0,2 mm TIR damage to critical rolling machine + / - 1,0 mm mechanisms. Sorting defective parts resulting Blank length checking tolerance ability Checking speed Up To 160 Pieces per Minute from bent blanks also adds significantly to costs. EWMenn’s new Blank Checking Device puts an end to all of this. Each blank is fed through a checking system where its length and straightness are checked, in line to the roller, in real time. If required tolerances are not met the system ejects defective blanks using a sorting gate. This results in only good blanks being fed into the thread roller, assuring higher productivity, increased die life and significantly reduced risk of machine damage.

Videx chamfer machines Videx is offering a new line of chamfer machines that accept precut straight bars as they come out of the draw bench, uneven in length.

The chamfer machines can also operate as self-standing hand feed units or be part of a line. The different Videx models cover bar diameters from 5mm to 76mm. The machines are offered for bars in

the length of 3, 4 or 6 metres. The machine has 2 working stations and 2 idle stations. At the beginning of the process, the bars are pushed to one side and are chamfered on one end. Then, the bars are transferred to the other side and are chamfered on the other end. The Videx chamfer heads are supported on the outside while chamfering, resulting in a high quality chamfer and lower wear of the carbide chamfer tips. The Videx turning heads can be equipped with tips that will do multiple operations and as a consequence, the customer can get a finished part with a face, chamfer and a center hole.

This new line joins the traditional Videx line of chamfer machines for precise length bars that are usually connected in line to Videx straighten and cut machines. The traditional chamfer machines have only one station and chamfer both sides of the bar simultaneously.

Revolver system offers fast turnaround for hardness tests Deutsche Edelstahlwerke in Stuttgart, is a member of the SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH AG group of companies.

The company offers its customers a ‘one-stop-shop’ for heat treatment processes including plasma nitriding. Leading major German automotive sports car manufacturers rank amongst their list of prestigious clients, and Zwick is proud to have equipped the laboratory with all of its hardness testers – the most recent being the premier ZHU250 TOP Universal Hardness Tester. This machine has expanded the capability of the laboratory to carry out Rockwell, Vickers, and Brinell tests, and includes an innovative revolver system incorporating four indenters. Similar systems

require three or more objective lenses to cover the application range but, due to Zwick’s unique digital zoom technology, the ZHU250 requires only two. This enables a fast throughput of tests, and many different types of test can be carried out on the same machine with high accuracy and repeatability. The test results are also sent to the host computer system via a computer interface. “A major reason for purchasing the ZHU250 was the excellent manufacturing quality, and the reliability of our existing Zwick Roell products. This convinced us to purchase this new machine, and as a result we have saved cost, improved our throughput and increased our business significantly” explains Mr. Wessel Völcker, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke‘s production manager.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

& No Riveting – Self-piercing Hardened Self-Clinching Fasteners ● Press Nuts ● Binding screws ● Rivet Bushes ● Prestincerts ● Eccentric studs ● Floating Nuts

Autonic Engineering Co. Ltd Salisbury Rd. Rye Park, Hoddesdon, EN11 0HU Tel: 01992 471101 Fax: 01992 471102 Email: enquires@autonic.co.uk www.autonic.co.uk

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Building of automated handling machines and systems Bosch Rexroth has developed a new solution that overcomes the issues traditionally faced when designing and assembling automated handling machines and systems. camoLINE, Rexroth’s new Cartesian Motion building system, combines purposely adapted linear motion systems and motors with pneumatic mini slides, rotary compact modules, grippers, and unique positive-locking connection technology to provide a solution that meets

the needs of the most common pick and place applications.

The camoLINE solution offers an intelligent solution to these problems by taking the modularisation principle further and creating a building system comprising of suitably matched, combinable linear motion and mechanical components.

“The great advantage for users is that they can combine electromechanical and pneumatic axes in almost unlimited variations and quickly build the chosen

configuration using the innovative connection technology. This eliminates a large part of the design and installation effort for pick-and-place applications, and, linear and X -Y gantries. With this system Mechatronics is made simple and effective.”

Micromet invests in Prima inserter fastener press Precision sheet metal profile cutting specialist Micromet has installed a Prima Inserter self-clinch sheet metal fastener installation press from Northern Precision, to meet the demand for medium volume fastener insertion on components for the medical industry.

The Birkenhead company , one of the first in the UK to offer laser cutting, has ordered the machine to meet production demands

on a contract that requires more than 35 clinch nuts to be inserted into the 1.6mm mild steel chassis.

Supplied by exclusive UK agent Northern Precision, the six tonne Prima Inserter is equipped with all optional quick-change tooling attachments, to enable Micromet to quickly and easily insert fasteners into either box or C-type work pieces. This enables the company to install all the fasteners using standard available tooling options.

According to Micromet’s general manager, Neil Barker: "We considered other presses, but chose the Prima Inserter because of its cost-effectiveness and, with the attachments, its operational flexibility that will enable us to take on additional, similar contracts.

"Also, the machine is rated and engineered at the level we require; it seemed others would have been a case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

New profil drum feeder streamlines assembly A new drum feeder unit from mechanical fastening specialist Profil UK enables users to maximise the cost-effectiveness of the company’s pierce nut and stud technology.

Suitable for the full range of standard Profil nuts and studs, the new unit can be used to automate hand insertion processes or be integrated with high speed installation heads to mount high strength Profil fasteners in pressed components as part of their manufacturing process.

The new feeder features an updated drum assembly and utilises modular design methods to achieve an 8% overall reduction in floor space, as well as an acoustic signature of just 87 dB.

The new feeder is suited to high speed manufacturing environments and can be supplied in twin track, four track or six track configurations, capable of feeding up to 100 fasteners per minute to each track.

In addition, units can be ganged together to enable different fastener types or sizes to be installed simultaneously in the same sheet metal component.

Enabling a 12-18 month payback to be achieved on applications using 100,000 fasteners per year, the feeder is also available through Profil’s new equipment leasing plan.

“Our recently-launched scheme complements the new drum feeder perfectly, allowing users to gain the maximum return on automated assembly methods without the need for capital expenditure,” says Profil

Issue 47 – September 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

UK’s sales manager Adrian Ellis. “By taking advantage of our ‘off-balance sheet’ agreement, customers can effectively harness the cost and quality benefits of Profil’s pierce fastening assembly methods on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis.”

TOOL ZONE

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COSMOS grabs the Innovative Product Design Award at CIHS 2007 COSMOS tools has won the Innovative Product Design Award at the China International Hardware Show 2007 for developing and releasing its new atomica hexagonic screwdriver system.

The atomica hexagonic uses the first three material injection handle to be developed in China. Three separate engineering plastics (including TPR and PP) are injected into the handle at different stages of production to ensure a balance between rigidity and softness. The separate materials contradict each other within the handle, counterbalancing the forces used when driving to generate higher torques.

Atomica hexagonic also uses a new form of screwdriver ergonomics.

Using a hexagonal shape, the area of the grip is spread across the hand to drastically reduce working stress. Inline grip cushions release additional pressure from the palm so that the screwdriver

can sit more naturally in the hand. The thumb is held in place by an ergonomically placed thumb-guard that keeps the thumb attached to the handle and stabilises driving. COSMOS says that this type of handle design makes it much easier for users to generate higher levels of torque without injury.

Finally, the blades for the atomica hexagonic screwdriver are imported directly from Germany and come in both stainless steel and chrome vanadium molybdenum steel for dependable strength, as well as electric insulation for safety in live working environments.

Bosch increases 36V cordless range Bosch is increasing its 36v range of cordless lithiumion power tools with the launch of the GKS 36V-Li circular saw. This new cordless saw offers an increased performance and runtime over existing 24v models.

At 4.7kg this saw offers up to 30% higher speed of cut than the 24V equivalent and, Bosch says, a 20% higher runtime than its competitors. Made of die cast aluminium, the upper guard and footplate ensures the tool is robust and light, while the 165mm blade has been placed on the left side of the tool for improved visibility of the cutting line.

Only 419mm in length and 276mm high, the GKS 36V-Li circular saw can be used by construction workers, roofers, kitchen builders and framers, to make straight and cross cuts in a variety of materials from chipboard, plywood and softwood, to formwork boards, sterling board and hardwood. The lithium-ion powered battery slides into place and can be recharged at any time, up to any capacity, without harming the cells or causing a memory effect.

The 36V range now includes six cordless tools powered by lithiumion batteries – the GBH 36V-Li rotary hammer drill, the GBH 36VFLi rotary hammer with quick change chuck, the GSB 36V-Li combi drill, the GSR 36 V-Li with compact pack batteries the GSA 36V-Li sabre saw and now the GSK 36V-Li circular saw.

New cable clip nailer from PREBENA PREBENA has launched the PKT- 2- CLIP 45, a quickaction, pneumatic cable clip nailer, that PREBENA says is perfect for fixing cable runs – Fast!

Developed by professional electricians for electricians, the PKT-2CLIP 45 facilitates the fast, easy installation of cable runs into building projects with many advantages: • One- tool/one-handed operation • Refillable air cylinder- cordless, easy to handle, no airline hose to trip over • Uses air–no gas, no battery, no sparks, no emissions–ideal for every site

• Low noise operation • Easy load magazine • 20 collated clips per load • One tool for 10 different sizes: 8 mm, 9.5, 18, 25, 35, 45 mm 10 mm, 9.5, 18, 25, 35, 45 mm The tool is manufactured to the DIN Standard and certified by VDE, the German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies. “This innovative tool, using our latest technology in cordless air nailers, is a fast, reliable tool, able to fire cable clips onto concrete, brick, wood and plastic.”

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

ALLBOLTS LTD

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TOOL ZONE The new Roebuck Speed Die Buck and Hickman says that crooked threads from using hand held die & die-stocks will become a thing of the past thanks to the new Roebuck Speed Die, with integral guide.

The Speed Die is a completely integrated unit so there is no need to search for tools to install the die and make adjustments. In addition, a guide in the die allows quick starting and accurate cutting of the thread, even if a vice is not used. A complete set contains M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12 speeds dies and cutting oil in a strong moulded plastic storage case.

Philip Mayne, product manager comments “Dies and die stocks have always been an integral part of a maintenance engineer’s

toolkit. Thread cutting with dies has always been a fiddly job and has remained largely unchanged for decades.

This is the first time that such a basic tool has been redesigned to make it simpler and better for purpose.”

The Roebuck brand is exclusive to Buck and Hickman and offers a range of over 23,000 tools, maintenance, and health and safety products.

Time and tide wait for no man For a team of steel fixers working under the ultimate deadline – the rising tide on the High Knock to Dymchurch Redoubt Sea Defences in Kent – using MAX Rebar tie tools to speed construction of rebar cages was essential.

“At the height of this project we were achieving up to 60 ties a minute,” comments steel fixing foreman Justin Byrne. In order to maximise working times, the contractors had to operate strictly within the vagaries of the tide, making cages as the tide went out then moving them into place and pouring concrete as the tide turned.

The project is being carried out by Team Van Oord, a joint venture between Van Oord UK Ltd, Mackley Construction Ltd, and May Gurney, and is due for completion in March 2008. The Team Van Oord steel fixers face an extremely tight schedule for constructing rebar cages, for the construction of 900m of reinforced concrete wave wall to protect properties lying below sea level in Dymchurch, and the surrounding areas.

At peak production, a team of three fixers was producing three cages a day. “For large runs like the walls of these big cages, this MAX tool just flies,” concludes Byrne.

The MAX range of Re-Bar Tying tools also make the task of tying re-bar much safer as on site trip hazards are reduced since the tool uses small, compact reels of wire instead of the large, 25kg rolls traditionally used when hand tying.

Since 1995, Young Black has been the UK and Ireland’s sole supplier of the MAX range of tools, manufactured at a state-of-theart facility in Japan.

Did you see the Dynamik force?

BeA Fastening Systems Limited showcased its Dynamik range of gas fuelled nailing systems, including the launch of its brand new, lightweight concrete and steel gas nailer – the CN60, at Interbuild in October.

Weighing in at only 3.7kg, the CN60 can fire pins of 15 to 60mm in length, at two to three shots per second. A high precision metering valve with a simple click-on mechanism promotes lower fuel consumption and more shots, hence more nails, and not only that, BeA says that the nailer can do more than 1,000 shots from a single fuel cell, or 6,000 shots from a charged battery.

The CN60 concrete and steel gas nailer is constructed to perform under temperatures of below 0C, and the fully synthetic oil within the fuel creates constant parts lubrication and therefore no piston jamming.

Also on display at Interbuild was the recently launched Dynamik ‘Short’ (D90S).

Based around the existing D90 tool, meaning the same range of nail lengths and finishes can be used in both tools, the nailer is precision designed for strength and reliability with added maneuverability.

The tool boasts a depth adjustment of 10 to 12mm, improved battery grip and an overall 10% increase in power. The D90S offers a number of enhancements to its performance all of which will soon be available in the new ‘Long Magazine’ version – the D90L.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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TOOL ZONE POPSet™ manual rivet tools set the standard Emhart Teknologies has launched its new range of POPSet™ rivet hand tools.

According to the POP tools product manager, Guy Jackson,” The new range of POPSet™ professional tools are versatile, powerful and affordable. Also, because we designed them for the global market, our manufacturing efficiencies have been maximised, allowing us to deliver the user more performance at a lower cost.”

The POPSet™ Manual Rivet Tool line consists of five tools: • The PS15 Professional Hand Plier which sets rivets up to 4.8mm in body diameter and can be used for many applications including maintenance, repair and site work.

• The PS20 Lazy Tong Rivet tool, which sets stainless steel rivets up to 5mm and aluminum rivets up to 6.4mm, is used in applications where space is limited or in field applications where the user must reach up or down to set the rivet.

• The PS25 Heavy Duty Lazy Tong Rivet tool sets all rivets up to 6.4mm body diameter and is used for applications where space is limited and larger diameter rivets are required.

• The PS40 Lever Rivet tool sets stainless steel rivets up to 5.0mm and aluminum rivets up to 6.4mm in body diameter.

Equipped with long handles, this tool provides optimum pulling force and is used for larger rivet diameters.

• The PS45 Heavy Duty Lever Rivet tool sets all rivets up to 6.4mm in body diameter. Featuring two-position telescopic levers, Emhart says that this tool delivers the maximum in leverage and pulling force.

MEMFast launches rivet nut hand tool MEMFast (Make Ends Meet Limited) has launched its own hand tool for the installation of rivet nuts and rivet studs.

The robust hand tool is specially designed for the smaller user and workshop and is able to install M3 to M10 rivet nuts and M4 to M8 rivet studs. Each size of fastener has its own “installation kit” comprising of a collar and screw. Also, the majority of fastener materials including aluminium, steel and stainless steel can be accommodated.

The tool is supplied, partly assembled, in a clear plastic two part box measuring 140mm x 50mm square. MEMFast says that it can be fully assembled and installation kit attached in less than 30 seconds. When assembled, the tool (excluding installation kit) measures a maximum of only 130mm x 150mm.

MEMFast says that the main benefits of the tool can be summarised as:

• Ease of use by simply turning the knob until correct installation has been achieved.

• Robust engineering design and materials provide excellent performance and reliability.

• Optimum installation of rivet nuts and studs can be achieved using the “spin/spin” action. No tool adjustment is needed for different material thicknesses and can be used for materials such as fibreglass and GRP.

• Compact design provides ease of access and use for even the most difficult of applications including small sheet metal workshops and marine/boat building industry.

• Low cost providing a very short payback period.

One for all and all for one Kinzo the Dutch power and hand tool company has launched its new “Concept Line” of power tools for the UK. Ergonomically designed in conjunction with the Van Berlo Studios, this new range needs just one 19.2v Nickel Cadmium battery to power up to 10 different tools. With two starter kits initially available, there’s no need to charge & carry separate batteries for every different tool. “With new battery options of Lithium Ion and Nickel Metal Hydrate, plus further cordless tools to be added to the range in the future; the Concept Line offers an affordable, flexible cordless system.”

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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EXHIBITIONS

Live demonstration theatre returns to London shows The DIY & Garden Show and its sister show Totally Tools take place on the 13 to 15 January 2008 in Earls Court 2, London.

Some of the exhibitors who will be at the show include Abingdon King Dick, Arrow Fastener, De Walt, Draper, Evolution Tools, Fisco Tools, Great Star UK, KS Tools, Ledco, Metabo, Midland Power Machinery, Monument Tools, Nilfisk-ALTO, Rollins, Rolson Tools, Sealey Power, Silverline, SMC Corporation, Tacwise, The Tool Connection, Toolbank, Valley Industries and Wolfcraft, plus many more.

“It’s too good an opportunity to miss!” declares show director James Murray, “How many times a year do you get the chance to see all these names in just one visit? Our visitor research consistently puts hand tools, power tools and power tool accessories at the top of the ‘must see’ list for visitors, so we’re expecting these companies to pull in a lot of interested people.”

Also at the show will be New Products LIVE, the live product demonstration theatre, it will be back with improved staging and a team of professional presenters itching to show off the latest products the industry has to offer.

The presenters, brought in by production company Domoney TV, all have specialist interests and skills in the DIY and hardware, garden, tools and decorative sectors. In the run up to the show they will be auditioning exhibitor’s new products to find those they feel will be of most interest, and offer real sales opportunities, to retailers.

All the products being demonstrated will also appear in the exhibition’s New Product Zone – a display area dedicated to all the new product launches being undertaken at the show.

“This is a free service to exhibitors, so there’s no reason for them to hold back and we get a really good overview of what is available in the show,” explains Neil Domoney, LIVE producer for Domoney Ltd. “Each set of demos will last around 20-25 minutes and cover several products from across the show, so visitors can sit in and watch while they have a coffee.”

One exhibitor who will be at the show is Olympia Tools (UK) Ltd who is showing the revamp of its Gorilla Bar™ 3 piece Wrecking Bar Set packaging.

The new full colour distinctive pack now incorporates the Roughneck® brand as well as a new photographic image of the firm’s new gorilla logo.

Roughneck® were the first to introduce into the UK the unique shaped Gorilla Bars™ which are far more versatile than standard traditional swans neck type wrecking bars.

The angle of the traditional wrecking bar claw does not allow its use close to flat surfaces whereas the Gorilla bars unique bar to claw angle will. It also increases leverage power by over 50%. Both the chisel end and the claw end of the Gorilla Bars™ are wider than traditional bars which helps prevent sideways roll and reduces the bruising or denting of the support surface.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

The 3 piece set comprises of the 14” Junior Bar, 24” Bar and 36” Bar. Olympia Tools will be on stand E71.

Also at the show will be Everbuild Building Products Ltd, an independent manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, fillers and building chemicals.

Joining the Everbuild sales force on the stand will be Craig Phillips, TV Celebrity Builder, who will be demonstrating Wonder Wipes and Forever White products throughout the duration of the show.

Everbuild will be on stand C11 and is planning to unveil a number of new and exciting products for the trade at the show.

“The range of products available at the show is outstanding and I’m sure will provide all our visitors with some great ideas for future sales!” declared show director James Murray.”

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MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS

Variable compensation for the purchasing manager

by Jason Bader, Managing Partner, The Distribution Team Inc. Previously, I posed the question, “Who spends the most money in the organization?” Without a doubt, it is the purchasing team, or the investment group as I like to call them. Some folks may point the finger at sales. Death from sales is a long, slow, painful death. Death by purchasing is like a rifle shot aimed right at the heart. Turning buyers into investors takes time and patience. It requires management to provide analysis tools and create expectations. Many of these tools are readily available in your distribution software and require no additional investment. Unfortunately, if there is no motivation to use these tools, your purchasing team will keep on buying the same way they have been taught. Let’s face it, money talks.

We can all agree who spends the most money in the company. How do we typically pay this group? Do they have a fancy variable compensation plan based on wins and losses? Most of us reserve this type of creative compensation for the sales team. In fact, we tend to focus so much attention on this task that it becomes a never ending exercise.

Some folks change the sales comp plan on an annual basis. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing; but let’s give a little equal time to the folks who can really take a company down. Rather than providing a straight salary or hourly wage, get creative with the compensation of your buyers. Back up your expectations with measurable goals. The results can be extraordinary.

results. Here are a few areas to consider adding to your plan.

Return on investment I am a huge proponent of looking at your suppliers much like an investment portfolio. You will have some strong performers and some weaker ones. The ability to recognize which ones provide a substantial return on the company’s investment Euros should be the cornerstone of the purchasing process. In order to rank the suppliers, I like to use the Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment formula or GMROII. ANNUAL GROSS MARGIN EUROS FROM STOCK SALES AVERAGE INVENTORY VALUE Some will argue that the GMROII formula does not give you an exact indication of the Euros you should expect to receive from the investment. Perhaps not. What the formula will do, if it is applied to every supplier in the same manner, is provide a ranking of your suppliers by return on investment. This is where we can establish our baseline.

Inventory turns When it comes to managing inventory, turns is the most talked about metric.

Unfortunately, it is often the most miscalculated. Here is the formula I would like you to use: AVERAGE COST OF GOODS SOLD FROM STOCK SALES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AVERAGE INVENTORY VALUE Coming up with a good goal here really depends on your industry. For most, a turn rate of 6 times annually is a good goal. For others, 8 might be a better choice. Be cautious about using published industry benchmarks. You just don’t know how the other companies did the math. Establish a current turn for the company. Shoot for very modest improvements on an annual basis. It is very rare to have turns jump by a full point in 12 months. Half a point might be more realistic. Faster turns are not always the best bet. What happens when we turn inventory too quickly?

Customer service level Inventory management can be characterized as a balancing act between turns and customer service level. Customer service level, usually stated as a percentage, tells us how well our inventory levels are matching the needs of our customer base. Some people confuse this measurement with fill rate. These are two very difference ratios. Let’s say that a customer calls and orders 100 saw blades. You have 85 in stock and you will have to back order 15. The fill rate on this order is 85%. The customer service level for this item is zero. You failed to give the customer what they asked for. It is a pass or fail. In this case, we failed. Fill rate is measured at the item level. Customer service is measured at the order level.

If your investment “ team improves the overall

GMROII, don’t they deserve some recognition?

When I design a compensation program, I like to measure no more than five areas at a time. Any more than that can become confusing. Over time these can change to fit the needs of the organization; but keeping the plan simple will yield the best

”

From the ranking, determine your average GMROII number. For sake of example, let’s say that the average number is 2. In theory, for every euro you invest in inventory, you will receive a 2 euro return on your investment. From this average, we can state that every supplier above the 2 euro mark is a performer in our portfolio.

Everyone below the line is an underperformer. Here are the opportunities for improvement. If your investment team improves the overall GMROII, don’t they deserve some recognition?

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Going back to my original question about faster turns, what happens to customer service level? When turns get too high, we tend to have more back orders and our customer service level drops.

MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS

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Conversely, when our customer service level gets too high, our turns reduce and we are carrying way too much inventory.

Where is the sweet spot? You should shoot for a customer service level around 95%. If the current service level is around 80%, establish small improvements over the course of a year. Don’t expect the massive jumps.

measuring turns, isn’t dead stock percentage picked up in the average inventory value?” The answer is yes.

Reducing dead inventory will reduce average inventory value, and thus improve turns. Sometimes we need to point people in the right direction. Remember, when they win, we win.

Open purchase orders

Dead stock This is an area that most distributors struggle with. It is also an area that our buyers have a great deal of influence over.

The ability to recognize when a product has passed beyond its ability to generate revenue is the responsibility of a good investor. When something is dead, or better yet dying, we need to cut off the investment. Don’t throw good money after bad. None of us like writing purchase orders for DOA inventory, yet we do it all the time. The biggest culprit is that we fail to recognize the time of death.

From my experience, this can be one of the most frustrating situations for a sales person. They make commitments to the customer based on an expected due date, yet that date can come and go.

It is the responsibility of the buyer to maintain accurate due dates in the system. They maintain the relationship with the supplier.

Depending on how much negotiation flexibility you allow your buyers, there are several opportunities to add net profit to the organization. If the supplier offers us free freight for a 500 euro order, what will they give us for a 1,000 euro order? If our current usage rates suggest that we can double the order size, why not ask for additional discounts.

Can we get reduced freight prepaid in our smaller branch locations if we raise the prepaid level at our larger facilities? This one worked for me. I just asked the question.

Is it more cost effective for us to send our own carrier to the supplier? What kind of discount can I receive on each order?

Many distributors have made inbound freight a profit centre rather than an operating expense.

Fill rate is measured at the item level. Customer service is measured at the order level.

My partner and I have written about dead stock for years. The first step in any program is to establish a time of death. The most popular is zero sales in 12 months. This can be adjusted for certain vertical markets. Once a time of death is established, we can use it as a measurement metric.

Most companies will start out with a large problem. For example, 10 percent of their overall inventory could be classified as dead. Putting in an expectation of 2 percent on day 1 is not a realistic goal. It may be an eventual goal, but you need to meter it in.

Shoot for a 2 percent drop each quarter.

Attainable goals tend to be more effective in producing long term habits.

Some of you may be wondering, “If I am

“

”

Establish a daily habit of reviewing overdue purchase orders. Most systems will have this as a canned report.

Each buyer should make contact with the suppliers and correct the expected due date.

Inbound freight For most distributors, freight has become an increasingly large part of the overall operating expenses. Fuel prices are driving costs up and suppliers are passing the cost on to the distributor. What percentage of your overall freight spend is inbound? This is where the buyers can help manage our costs.

Building a variable compensation plan for your buyers will take some creativity and plenty of thought. My suggestion is to keep it simple in the beginning. Provide plenty of opportunities to win. Try to keep the payout intervals short. Quarterly bonuses are far more effective than annual. The actual payout does not have to be a large percentage of the overall compensation. The opportunity to pick up an additional 10% will do wonders.

If I were to design a simple comp program, I would include these items: Turns, Customer Service Level, Dead Stock and Open Purchase Orders. Set realistic goals and help them achieve the desired results.

Over time, I may drop specific goals on Turns and Dead Stock and incorporate a GMROII goal. When the team is ready, I would add the Inbound Freight component.

If you need help getting started, please feel free to email me. Good luck.

Jason Bader is the managing partner of The Distribution Team, Inc. The Distribution Team specializes in providing inventory management training, business operations consulting and technology utilization to the wholesale distribution industry.

Jason brings over 20 years of experience working in the distribution field.

Jason can be reached at Jason@distributionteam.com or at www.thedistributionteam.com

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Hardened steel nails TR85 Shank diam.: 2,5mm L=20-25-30-35mm Washer diam.: 8.5mm Hardness: 52 /55 HRC

Setting tool

WTI Fasteners Ltd Unit 7 Marquis Court Rawdon Business Park Moira, Derbyshire DE12 6EJ Tel: 01283 215 588 Fax: 01283 212 020 sales@wti-fasteners.co.uk

Valuable products for reliable jobs TRAFILERIE CHIODERIE TORRE DE BUSI sas Via Sonna, 10-fr. S. Gottardo, I-23806 Torre de Busi (LC) Italia Tel +39 035785050 Fax +39 035785445 e-mail: titibi@titibi.com http://www.titibi.com

www.wti-fasteners.co.uk

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd

For details of the complete range and your free copy of our Micro Screws Handbook, please visit our website. www.microscrews.co.uk The Birches Industrial Estate, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex. RH19 1XZ U.K. Tel +44 1342 410758 Fax +44 1342 311464 Email info@pts-uk.com Internet: www.microscrews.co.uk

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MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS

Otto Roth invests in new ERP system The Otto Roth Group has selected IFS Applications to provide comprehensive ERP support across three companies, eight sales offices and a manufacturing plant.

The solution will be implemented starting January 2008. The investment is valued at around Euro 1.1 million according to IFS. Otto Roth currently uses a home-grown IT system and sought modern ERP software with the agility to adapt to its business processes. The new ERP solution from IFS includes components that support the company's critical processes, such as

human resource, financials, manufacturing, supply chain management, maintenance and sales and marketing. The aim is to automate business processes by reducing the need of manual input and to become more agile by using business software that supports change. Implementing standardsbased business software makes the company less vulnerable and less dependent on internal IT staff, says IFS. "We chose IFS for two reasons," Rainer Grassle, managing director at Otto Roth said. "First, IFS Applications covers all our critical business processes without being too complicated. That is important. We are a mid-size company with employees that

have a wide spectrum of assignments, and they want a system that is easy to use.

Second, the IFS consultants understood our business and challenges, and showed that they really wanted us as a customer."

IFS is a global enterprise applications company, providing ERP solutions that enable organisations to respond quickly to market changes. Founded in 1983, IFS has 2,600 employees worldwide. With IFS Applications™, now in its seventh generation, IFS has pioneered component-based ERP software.

The component architecture provides solutions that are easier to implement, run, and upgrade. IFS Applications is available in 54 countries in 22 languages.

Integrated lift systems improve pick rates Flowtech is currently installing five Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), supplied by Kardex Systems (UK) Ltd. Flowtech has over 60,000 product lines and the lift systems have proven to be an ideal storage

solution for small to medium products. Gould Hall Computer Services has integrated these "ASRS" machines into its Flowtech warehouse management system, enabling the company to improve picking rates by over 100%. The integration of the lift systems are one element in a major project of IT improvements that also

include the deployment of wireless terminals, portable printers and optimisation of both pick and goods receipt routes through the warehouse. “When you have a service offering of ‘order by 10pm for next day delivery’ you need to maintain and improve your efficiency in all areas.”

EDI made easy with Prof.ITplus from OGL. IT Company OGL has announced a 20% increase in sales for 2007 for its merchant software, prof.ITplus.

This success has been accredited to its team of EDI specialists who have helped bring businesses into the electronic age with the EDI functionality of prof.ITplus and OGL’s new eCommerce solution, eShop.

OGL’s prof.ITplus software, for stock control and order processing, has built-in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technologies which allow businesses to exchange a wide variety of documents electronically. Traditional paper-based documents such as purchase orders, invoices, or quotations can all be produced automatically and emailed at the touch of a button, providing a faster and more cost effective way of exchanging information. The new eShop solution for prof.ITplus enables businesses to reach their customers on a new level through online trading. Fully integrated with the prof.ITplus system, eShop provides a secure environment for merchants to sell and market their products online without the need for a separate database.

“Our dedicated team of specialists help small to medium sized businesses stay ahead of the competition through optimising their processes and increasing efficiency with prof.ITplus. Giving expert training and advice with every installation of the software, the team are there every step of the way to guide businesses through electronic trade for maximum success.”

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Hose Clip and Clamp Manufacturers in Birmingham UK Established 1978

CATALOGUE RACK

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November 2007 – GERMANY Fastener & Fixing Europe Magazine provides a unique reference guide that offers the industry a fast and easy way to get current as well as new product catalogues.

Use this convenient service to call, fax or email the companies to request a copy of their latest Catalogue.

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co KG

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co

Pühl Stanztechnik is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of stampings for mechanical fastenings, especially washers. We produce to national standards (ASTM, BS, DIN, NFE, SS, etc.) as well as to drawings or samples powered by professional in-house tooling. Wholesalers and end-users throughout Europe are satisfied by our excellent service, quality and valuable prices.

Albert Pasvahl offers you its experience and expertise in special connection elements and accessories resulting from over 70 years in business. In the course of this time, we have become a leading stockist of special standard screws.

Tel: +49 (0)2391 8107-0 info@puehl.de

Breitbach & Müller GmbH We are one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of connecting fittings for several industry branches. Our large warehouses located in Germany enable us to supply customers around the world with large quantities of various articles flexibly and at short notice. Ask for our free catalogue now.

Tel: +49 (0)40 532 852 0 www.pasvahl.de

For example: Direct from stock DIN 609/610, DIN 561/564 DIN 478/479/480 DIN 464/653/466/467 DIN 906/908/910

Breitbach & Müller GmbH More than 40 years of experience in producing and exporting connecting fittings enable us to supply several industry branches with screws, nuts, caps, sockets, fittings, knobs, handles, dowels, castors, shelf supports, washers, angles, magnetic catches, bolts, locks, gliders, rivets, flap stays, tools and more. Ask for our free catalogue now.

Fax: +49 (0)27 53 / 59 56-50 www.bum.de

BuM-Erndtebrueck@t-online.de www.bum.de

EDS Gesellschaft für Trockbausysteme mbH

BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse

We are a leading company manufacturing and distributing fastener and fixing products, with an extensive stock in Germany and France. Our products are subject to a permanent quality control and we supply to European markets.

NEW CATALOGUE with more than 500 pages Nylon Fasteners 15,000 products : • Washers, spacers, plugs, caps • Screws, bushings, nuts • Handles, adjustable feet, seals • Plastomet, handwheels • Specials to customer drawing • Free catalogue and samples DIN EN ISO 9001 : 2000 Tel : +49 (0)2591 / 9194 - 0 www.bulte.com

Tel: +49 (0) 5224 1233 www.eds-trockenbausysteme.de

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

EJOT GmbH & Co. KG The EJOT Group is a medium-sized company which is dedicated to innovative fastening solutions on an international level. The Industrial Fasteners Division of the company produces thread-forming fasteners for plastics and metal with a diameter of 1-14 mm. Complicated cold forming parts are manufactured up to a 5-die/5-blow forming stage.

Verbindungselemente Engel GmbH We are a successful wholesaler of connection fittings with years of experience in supplying the industry and dealers throughout Europe.

Our high rack warehouse in Weingarten, which houses more than 8,000 pallets, accommodates everything our customers need for their day-to-day business.

Tel: +49 (0)751 407-0 www.schrauben-engel.de

Tel: +49 (0)2752 109-0 www.ejot.com

E.u.r.o.Tec GmbH E.u.r.o.Tec – The specialist for fastening technology – offers professional fasteners made of hardened steel, coated steel, stainless A2/A4, hardened stainless for wood constructions, hardwood deckings, glue wood, roofings facades. All approved and in certified quality. The main goal is to created fasteners offering the professional enduser a most possible benefit. For detailed information of the most recent developments, please, refer to the E.u.r.o.Tec homepage.

Fastbolt Fastbolt is a leading wholesaler of industrial fasteners to European distributors only. Apart from a highly specialised product range ex stock Fastbolt offers individual supply solutions such as customised packing, direct container imports, pre-import quality inspections and a revolutionary online availability check and ordering system: FBonline.

Email: info@e-u-r-o-tec.de www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

Tel: +49 (0)256 59 32 50 Email: info@fastbolt.com

FASTENER 2000 GmbH Fastener 2000 is a stockist for long and large diameter screws, for example DIN 912-931-933. Offer screws from M8 to M48 up to a length of 600mm direct from stock.

GOEBEL Goebel was founded on July 1st, 1979. Our Company is specialized in the development, manufacture and distribution of blind rivets, blind rivet nuts and setting tools.

The products in our “RIVET TECHNOLOGY” catalogue are kept in stock in a warehouse with a total area of 7000 m2.

Please contact us: Tel: +49 (0) 4106 622 80 www.fastener2000gmbh.de

Tel: +49/211/24 5000 0 www.blindniete.org

HSB - Vertriebs-GmbH

Hans Brügmann GmbH & Co

The HSB-Vertriebs-Ltd. supplies screws and small ironmongery products. We supply wholesale enterprises as well as the processing handicraft. We deliver products made from steel, brass and high-grade stainless steel.

New in our range are “special technical fixings” for terrace, roof and outside façades. Our rate of delivery is constantly at 98 percent.

Hans Brügmann manufactures and supplies a broad selection of inserts for the cabinet, furniture and woodworking industry. We service directly in worldwide exports right out of our own production and warehouse in small and large volume

Tel: +49 (0)7948 / 291-0 www.hsb-schrauben.de

Tel: +49 (0)4155 8141-0 www.rampashop.com

HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co. KG

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HECO-Schrauben had its origin in the Franz Hettich Group in 1967.

From small beginnings, the company has specialised in the production and sale of tapping and thread-forming screws for a wide range of applications. Today, it is one of the leading screw manufacturers in Germany.

Kohlhage Excellence fasteners by Kohlhage.

Company Kohlhage is a specialist in nuts. Since the 1976 we import fasteners, especially nuts, from far east.

We can offer from stock: hex nuts, saftey nuts, weld nuts, t-nuts, wing nuts, flange nuts, cap nuts and so on. Your inquiries are welcome.

Tel. +49(0)7422/989-0 www.heco-schrauben.de

Tel: +49 (0)2394 619-37 Fax: -94 www.kohlhage.de

Lederer GmbH

Liebig

Lederer is one of Europe’s most specialised suppliers for stainless steel fasteners. It has more than 20,000 different articles in stock, primarily normed and standardized parts (ref. DIN, ISO and others).

Industrial consumers, as well as retailers and wholesalers, all over the world rely on Lederer’s more than 37 years of experience.

The Heinrich Liebig Stahldübelwerke GmbH in Pfungstadt is one of the major leaders in the fields of heavy-duty fixings worldwide. Based on the success of the Liebig Safety-Bolt and the experiences in the fields of heavy-duty fixings, the company is acting worldwide, with production plants in Germany and Ireland. The company qualifies today as a trendsetter for new technologies.

Tel: +49 (0) 2333/8309-18 www.lederer-online.com

Lindapter

Tel: +44 (0) 1274 521 444 www.lindapter.com

Established in 1934, Lindapter is the leading brand in the field of steelwork fixings systems. Product offerings include Girder Clamps, Hollo-Bolt, Floorfast, Multi- wedge, Alphawedge and the TR60 range of decking fixings. Customers are supported by a network of dedicated and fully trained distributors, whilst Lindapter focus on specifications with an internal and external team of experienced engineers providing standard product or bespoke solutions for construction, maintenance or OEM customers worldwide.

Tel: +49 6157/9868-0 www.liebig-duebel.de

Hermann Lohmann HERMANN LOHMANN stands for high quality wire bending and threading technology since 1905.

As a manufacturer of hooks and many other wire products we guarantee a fast availability of a broad standard range.

Furthermore we provide many other articles made to customer's individual specifications.

Tel: +49 (0)2339/1216-0 www.hermann-lohmann.de

MKT GmbH & Co. KG

Norma Germany GmbH

Are you interested in High Standard Fasteners? Do you know the new MKT Product Range? MKT manufactures European (ETA) approved anchors like Wedge Anchors, Highload Anchors, Dropin Anchors and Chemical Fastening Systems. Products are tested and approved in Europe and many other countries. Technical support including design software is available.

NORMA Germany GmbH is a member of the NORMA Group, generated end of 2006 in a merger of former NORMA Group and ABA. When it comes to technically superior connecting and retaining elements as well as complete fluid systems the new Group stands for "doubled expertise". Be it automotive or industry and trade, the NORMA Group sets the standard in innovative solutions worldwide.

Tel: +49 (0)6374 91160 www.mkt-duebel.de

Tel: +49 (0)6181 403-0 www.normagroup.com

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Pfitzer Verbindungstechnik The cradle of inch-sized fasteners

Tel: +49 7131 797769-0 www.pfitzer-verbindungstechnik.de

Leading distributors of Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, Washers & Specialty Fasteners according to American & British non + standards Furthermore we offer you a first class procurement management in the special parts sector, especially turned and milled parts as well as parts based on sketches on the inch and metric sector. Self-responsibility and quality in all areas.

Prelok GmbH Prelok offers Europe’s widest range of pre-applied locking and sealing solutions, eliminating the need for secondary locking devices, handapplied liquid adhesives, or sealing tapes. The Tuflock Blue Nylon Patch when applied is permanently fused onto the screw thread of the parent component, and increases the prevailing removal torque, allowing the screw to be locked in any position upon assembly.

Tel: +49 (0)221 949 978-0 www.prelok.com

Schröder Schrauben

Sicatech GmbH

Over 30 years experience in trading and supplying customers with inch sized fastening items.

• Inch sized screws available from stock • Availability of every current type of screw threads and materials • Special parts available as well • Large availability from stock of high quality as per ISO9001-2000 don’t hesitate to talk to us – we will be pleased to help you.

Sicatech is a quality oriented importer and stockist selling self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws, thread-forming screws, thread-cutting-screws and PT screws for plastic at competitive prices.

Tel: +49 (0)71 32/99 60 20 www.schoederschrauben.de

Jörg Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG

Tel: +49 (0)2334 957 218 www.jvu.de

Jörg Vogelsang is the worlds largest manufacturer of Spring Pins and Tension Bushings, with the broadest selection and fastest delivery. Your special requirements help us to continually expand our product offering. We manufacture slotted metric pins in accordance to the ISO and ASME standard.

Jörg Vogelsang pins are your economical solution to many fastening problems.

Tel: +49 (0)25 65 40 55 0 www.sicatech.com

For many years we have been the partner for fastener distributors in Europe with top service also for smaller quantities and fast deliveries. We stock fasteners with Cr6-free zinc plating, too!

VOEHRS GmbH & Co. KG One of the leading international manufacturers of nuts and stamping. Whether made out ordinary steel. High-grade steel, bright or standard finish surfaces – we offer the perfect solution for all your requirements. Our progressive and flexible production allows us to manufacture to your exact specification so you get the product you need – with no compromises!

Tel: +49(0)2359/7011 www.voehrs.de

JANUARY 2008 - CATALOGUE RACK PRACTICAL WORLD Contact : Harry Whyte to reserve your entry Email: harry@fastfair.net

Tel: +44 (0) 1727 739 150

PRODUCTS

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Low cost fasteners aid quick assembly Anixter Components has added three new ranges of low cost fasteners to its comprehensive catalogue – Viking and Ratchet screws, Snap and Ratchet rivets, and Swatch fasteners.

The Viking and Ratchet screws are a range of male/female threaded fasteners that provide a method of securing lightweight materials such as Foamex, Correx, cardboard and other display materials. Anixter says that the thread and nut design enables the nuts to be simply pushed on, instead of having to turn them like conventional nuts. They can also be removed and reused and are available in clear, black, or white, to blend in with display colours.

Snap and Ratchet rivets provide a more secure method of fastening. They are easy to install and can simply be pushed together under fingertip pressure. Both rivets feature a low profile head, providing a neat finish.

There are two designs of Ratchet rivet that can accommodate panel sizes from 3mm to 20.6mm. One is based on a threaded fastener design that can be pushed together and unscrewed and re-used, and the other consists of two sets of ratchets that simply ‘click’ together. The Snap Rivets are designed to be a permanent fixing and accommodate panel sizes from 4.3mm to 19.5mm thick.

Swatch fasteners are a two-part fastener ideal for securing swatches of paper, card and cloth. Available in black or white, they are offered in permanent and removable formats and can accommodate thicknesses from 5mm to 63.5mm. “These new fasteners are a neat and simple solution for lightweight materials,” says Andrew Fletcher, technical director, Anixter Components. “They compliment our existing range of products and accessories for display and point of sale applications, and I am delighted that we can now include them as part of our offering.”

New indexing bolt series

The semi-automatic Blind Rivet Feeder

BÄCKER Plastic Technology, a manufacturer specialising in the production of industrial control elements, has developed a new series of indexing bolts.

The semi-automatic Blind Rivet Feeder, is a fully pneumatic system, which allows inserting of the rivets directly inside the nozzle of the tool, and hence dramatically reducing riveting implementation times.

The new series of indexing bolts, which was presented at the Fastener Fair Stuttgart 07, has had some improvements made to it. Some of the technical details have been improved and, among other things, the stop notch elements are provided with a plastic knurled head featuring an even better grip.

It can be used only with riveting tools fitted with vacuum exhaust and mandrel storage systems, such as RIV505 – RIV508. Each Rivit System, according to customers’ requirements, can be used to assemble one sole rivet diameter, and is only one-toolmodel compatible.

Customer-specific colours are possible on request. In all, there are 16 different versions with and without locking in steel and stainless steel. The metal parts used are precision-turned parts “Made in Germany”.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

The Rivit System can be used for rivets 2.4 to 6.6 mm, and for rivets 6 to 16 mm long.

PRODUCTS

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New earthing nut from Profil A newly developed self-piercing nut from Profil UK Ltd provides high strength location and electrical earthing of components in sheet metal assemblies.

Profil’s new RSR nut is suitable for panels up to 2mm thick, and offers, Profil says, a substantial piece part cost and installation speed advantages over competitive products such as riveted studs, threaded pegs, captive nuts or welded anchors.

It is equally effective with steel, aluminium, plated or sandwich steel panels, and incorporates a skirted profile that, Profil says, ensures watertight sealing and maximum metal-to-metal contact, for assured electrical performance and high torque resistance.

Electrical conductivity is further enhanced by the RSR nut’s large, flat area of contact and the attachment of terminations using selftapping bolts or screws. The product’s cross-section also accommodates purpose-designed slip-on plastic cages with four terminal locations. In addition, the fastener’s body ensures a 7mm stand off from the base panel, eliminating the risk of unwanted electrical contact or damage to the finished surface.

Produced in mild steel, with a corrosion resistant trivalent zinc passivated finish, RSR nuts are suitable for automated insertion at up to 100 units per minute.

“The new fasteners complement the capabilities of our established two-piece earthing studs by giving customers the choice of a nut or stud configuration for the provision of high performance component or sub-assembly earthing points in their products,” says Profil UK’s sales manager, Adrian Ellis. “They are already under evaluation with several leading automotive manufacturers and proving equally successful on both steel and aluminium bodied vehicles.”

Thorite adapter is guiding light “Hands-on” industry professionals who have to get at nuts or bolts in dark and cramped spaces will welcome the latest product available from Thorite – an LED socket adapter.

The LED adapter is made from Chrome Vanadium steel in a smooth satin finish. In operation, a strong LED light is beamed directly through the socket, spotlighting the nuts or bolts being worked on.

Thorite says that the LED socket adapter is ideal for working under vehicle chassis or bonnets, as well as around all types of machinery. It is supplied complete with 3/8” x 1/2” spinner, allowing the adapter to have a 3/8” drive. A spare battery set is also supplied and the batteries last for 48 hours of continuous use.

The LED adapter, part number JGBAR0203, is manufactured by Toptul, a company renowned for its ranges of hand tools, designed and built for professionals in the automotive, manufacturing, engineering and aerospace industries, plus all three armed services.

H&C step on the ladder to success The latest addition to the Harrison & Clough range features what Harrison & Clough says is “the world’s most innovative and flexible ladder”.

“Telesteps are not only the original telescopic ladder but they are also the best you can get.

The telescopic ladders are simpler to transport, more comfortable to carry, more convenient to use and easier to store than common ladders.”

“With Telesteps you can go exactly where you want and reach the right height. All you need to do is pull out your ladder, step by step, to the length you need to reach.”

The telescopic function is based on an English patented invention that was acquired in 1997.

Since then, the basic idea has expanded into a broad line of telescopic ladders, stepladders and combination ladders, patented in the UK and most countries in the world.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

not all blind rivet nuts are created equal Pound-for-pound comparisons can be fruitless if you don’t consider all the options RIVNUT® ‘The Original’ combines highest quality, choice and competitive prices

Joining together!

Bollhoff Fastenings Ltd Willenhall WV13 2JW Tel: 01902 637161 • www.bollhoff.com/uk

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PRODUCTS

Online demonstration of Spinner-Grip™ Jergens Inc has announced a new online demonstration video for its Spinner-Grip™ Flange Locknut.

Spinner-Grip™ is an alternative to standard flange nuts as well as locknuts (including nylon insert locknuts). Unlike prevailing torque locknuts, Spinner-Grip eliminates the need to tighten by “wrenching-down” found in other similar products.

Jergens Spinner-Grip™ nuts are available in Grade 8 strength and quality, as well as in 18 – 8 stainless steel, and according to Jergens Inc is more effective than standard hex nuts, flange nuts, or other locknuts at maintaining clamp load under heavy vibration.

Jergens design locks the nut to the part, not to the bolt threads.

New gas springs catalogue Lesjöfors, one of the world's largest producers of springs, has unveiled a new gas springs catalogue which has more than 700 part numbers listed.

Having established three manufacturing sites and a 25,000sqft distribution facility within the UK, the company has positioned itself to supply small gas spring volumes to customers in the quickest time possible. By cataloguing its gas springs range of 700 references, Lesjöfors has ensured that customers are able to simply locate the correct part number and end fittings, with an array of photographs, technical diagrams and measurements used to aid correct identification.

The 36-page publication is divided into numerous sections and covers, such as technical information, conventional and stainless steel gas springs, end fittings, lockable gas springs and, release mechanisms. Lesjöfors says that thanks to its continuous product development, the gas springs now feature automatic end damping, as well as being easier to install. The springs can be used for balancing, unloading or as a safety trigger. Also available from Lesjöfors are Lockable gas springs, designed to support lifting and lowering movements and to lock into a position determined by the user.

Tappex launches Trisert-3 Tappex has launched the Trisert-3, a new range of self-tapping inserts for critical conditions.

Trisert-3 is available in two grades of stainless steel, 303 and 316, and in case hardened steel with a zinc nickel trivalent passivated finish. Three cutting features provide balanced cutting forces and reduced installation torque.

Trisert-3 is available in two lengths – regular and long – and is based upon the Trisert reduced headed design. This provides an increased bearing surface that not only allows higher tightening torques to be applied, but also provides more support to softer mating components. The head diameter is designed to fit the counter bore in the moulded hole, and thus presents a neat flush fit finish, where required.

Designed for plastic and metal alloy applications, Trisert-3 is able to withstand critical environmental conditions, such as marine and chemical/food processing, while still retaining wear resistance and strength.

Tappex says that the new insert can be rapidly and reliably installed using one of Tappex’s other products, the FlexiArm machine, which consists of a pantograph arm with a pneumatic screwdriver attached. It is available with one, two, or three arms to suit most multi-task assembly requirements.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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PRODUCTS

Wave Spring packs a punch TFC Ltd has provided a Triple Interlaced Wave Spring for its client Baker Oil Tools for use in packer setting devices (FBIV-II) deployed in the oil industry.

The spring's functionality is crucial to the successful operation of the device which allows full bore access through the device to the surface when opened.

The wave spring controls the cycling/return (12 repetitions) of a piston and is deployed only once during the operational lifetime of the component. Such is the importance of the operation of the spring that failure of it, or of associated components, could result in lost production and a costly work-over situation many miles out at sea in a hostile terrain.

The design of the Triple Interlaced Wave Spring allows for a higher preload and more consistent performance in the restricted cavity of the design.

Operating at 8,000 Psi Above (when closed) x 3,000 Psi Below (when closed) and at a maximum working temperature of 300 Deg F, the spring demonstrates its ability to provide safe and consistent functionality in hostile environments.

Derek Lindsay, senior engineering manager at Baker Oil Tools comments "One Triple Interlaced Wave Spring has replaced the function that a traditional coil spring used to do. This allows us adjustability during assembly and increased return pressures, which makes the FBIV-II more reliable and less susceptible to overbalance or debris. The reduced footprint of the Triple Interlaced Spring also means that we can design our tools accordingly."

RIGIFIX© dry lined wall anchor system How do you solve the problem of fixing heavy duty items, such as TV screens, kitchen units or radiators, to dry lined walls without destroying the integrity or the finish of the plasterboard lining?

Deltaleigh believes that it has the answer, allowing you to fix heavy duty items to a dry lined wall or fibre board wall, without creating a cavity. The fully patented, UK designed, Rigifix© transfers the load away from the plasterboard directly into the masonry, leaving the plasterboard to be simply decorative. To install the Rigifix© the user simply needs to drill a hole to the required diameter and depth and insert the plastic Rigifix©

expansion plug. Then, using an allen key, screw into the plug the threaded sleeve until the sleeve is fully home, or to the level of the plug head.

Finally the user needs to place the Pozi headed set screw through the bracket/item and screw down into the Rigifix© threaded sleeve.

The sleeve is made out of high quality carbon machine steel and is zinc coated for added protection.

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PRODUCTS

New Sta-Put contact adhesive Sta-Put has launched an addition to its canister contact adhesive range, which will bond textiles, polyurethane foams, expanded polystyrene and other sensitive substrates.

The new formulation Sta-Put 2006M has a short tack time of just 3 to 7 minutes which means the bond can be made quicker. It also has a long working time of up to one hour. Sta-Put says that this new product complements the original Sta-Put SPH adhesive and that between the two products, almost every substrate encountered in the furniture, automotive, marine, upholstery, insulation and cladding industries can be bonded quickly and efficiently. To simplify adhesive choice, Sta-Put has designed a new product selector chart, which makes it easy and quick to ensure that the correct adhesive is chosen for the job.

Kerry Devine, sales engineer, comments ‘For some time our customers have been asking us to fill the gap in the market for a Sta-Put product to bond flexible soft substrates like foam and textiles. 2006M fills that gap and we now are extremely confident that our already buoyant UK and overseas sales will expand even faster with this addition to the product range.

Sugatsune showcases range at METS 2007 Sugatsune Kogyo (UK) Ltd, the European arm of Japan’s largest producer of high quality domestic and industrial hardware, introduced its exclusive ZweiL range of 316 stainless steel interior fittings on its stand at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) which was held at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition Centre, 13-15 November 2007.

A key feature of Sugatsune’s product range is its patented Lapcon damping technology on its soft opening/closing devices. Suggatsune says that its whisper-quiet precision complements an ultra smooth action that prevents slamming doors, adding quality and refinement to designs.

Many of the company’s products are available in either 304 or 316 grade stainless steel.

Thorsman in the spotlight High-quality VDE-approved tool sets, new Cablestik portable cable management products and energyefficient cordless LED lamps, for on-site use, are among the wide range of innovative products available from Thorsman, a company of Schneider Electric.

The tool sets are available in versions to suit electrical and electronic applications, and typically included heavy-duty pliers and cutters, insulated screwdrivers and, in many versions, handy neon mains testers. The kits are also supplied in convenient soft-grip wallets.

Thorsman also offers Cablestik freestanding cable holders, which have a high load capacity allowing them to support multiple cable reels. Thorsman also says that the Cablestik cable holders are robust and easy to assemble.

Finally, Thorsman offers a solution to the problem of lack of light on building sites. LED Lightstiks have built-in rechargeable batteries for cordless operation. They are designed to give long reliable service under on-site conditions, with Thorsman saying that Lightstiks offer a fast charging time combined with a long lighting period per charge.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

DEACON SCREWS LTD PRECISION ENGINEERS We are manufacturers of all types of screws with cut threads and turned parts and have been established since 1979.

We also hold a large amount of stock.

TYPES CHEESE HEAD . PAN HEAD . INSTRUMENT HEAD CONNECTION HEAD . FILLISTER HEAD . ROUND HEAD GRUB SCREWS SPECIALS & STUDDING

THREADS METRIC M1 TO M10 . 16BA TO OBA UNC . UNF . WHIT & BSF

MATERIALS MILD STEEL . STAINLESS STEEL . BRASS PHOSPHOR BRONZE & NICKEL SILVER We will be happy to quote you. No job too small.

Please visit or website, you will find us at:

www.deaconscrews.com Blenheim House . Unit D . 1 Blenheim Road . Epsom . Surrey . KT19 9AP Phone: 01372 742597

Fax: 01372 742117

Email: rldeacon@btconnect.com

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One handle, two releases Quick, secure and strong – this is what BESSEY says characterises its new Synchro-Lock GHS lever clamps.

The new clamps for metal and wood come with a clamping force of 8,000N and can be quickly released and re-clamped in any position.

The Synchro-Lock GHS lever clamps have been equipped with two release mechanisms. Users can operate either the black release lever or the black button on the end of the handle.

BESSEY says that the two release mechanisms provide advantages for the user, as they mean that the Synchro-Lock GHS lever clamps

can be quickly clamped and released in almost any position.

Tests undertaken by BESSEY’s development department leads it to suggest that its new lever clamps facilitate working at up to five times the speed of regular screw clamps.

“The ratchet mechanism ensures controlled clamping and makes the clamp resistant to vibrations. Also, the fixed arm and pressure plate are manufactured and tempered from a single piece. This ensures for maximum tensile strength and stability. The sliding arm is serrated and is forged from quenched and tempered steel, ensuring for a long service life.”

2008 Practical World, Koln Exhibition, Germany Meet us at Hall 6 Booth #C80

New SecuFast® catalogue Douwes International BV has released a new catalogue with the complete range of ® SecuFast security screws, a registered trade name of Douwes.

SecuFast® security screws are provided with a special head form through which they cannot be dismounted by standard tools.

The quadrilingual catalogue (Dutch, English, German and French) provides an overview of the several kinds of security heads, recess systems and tools of the SecuFast® range.

Each screw is shown with an illustration and an index in which the different possibilities are shown. Each design of the SecuFast® products has its own part number, which simplifies ordering from the catalogue.

“We have added the following security screws in our new catalogue, SecuFast® Cinstar®, – Celok®, and Tricle, which is similar to the SecuFast® Seclock nuts, as it has a unique design of angle and radius.”

PRODUCTS

Master Bond introduces the EP30D-12 Master Bond says its EP30D-12 is a versatile two component elastomer, featuring superior strength, toughness and, unusually, superior chemical resistance.

“The EP30D-12 combines the characteristics of epoxy resins such as adhesive strength, and chemical resistance, with those of the polyurethane’s including toughness, abrasion resistance and flexibility.”

The outcome is a product with high physical strength properties, such as a 7,500 psi tensile strength, a notable flexibility of 440% elongation at break, combined with chemical resistance and durability manifested in low water absorption, low moisture permeability and high hydrolytic stability.

EP30D-12 is processable in both thick and thin sections and because of the low viscosity of the blended mixture, the compound flows easily and smoothly even around intricate geometries.

Parts more than one inch thick can be cast without undue exotherm development. EP30D-12 system cures within 5 to 6 hours, at ambient temperatures, to a tough elastomer with resistance to thermal cycling and chemicals including water, inorganic salts, alkalis and acids, as well as many organic chemicals.

Master Bond says that adhesion to metals, glass, concrete, ceramics, wood, vulcanised rubbers and many plastics is excellent over the temperature range of -60ºF to more than 250ºF (-50ºC-120ºC). It also recommends EP30D-12 for bonding, sealing, casting, potting and encapsulation applications in the electronic, electrical, construction, metalworking, automotive and chemical process industries.

It is available in premixed bi-packs and cartridge/gun packaging for convenient dispensing as well as in pint, quart, gallon and 5 gallon container kits.

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PRODUCTS

Chemique gains approval for ITW Products Chemique Adhesives and Sealants Ltd has been granted approval for the distribution of ITW Finishing Products.

ITW Industrial Finishing has been manufacturing spray guns and equipment for over 100 years to all major manufacturing industries. Now approved for distributing ITW DeVilbiss spray guns and accessories, Chemique says it can offer the “ultimate package” in adhesive and application solutions.

Chemique’s environmentally friendly Solfre2 adhesive, available for use in a whole range of applications, has a two-part performance for extra bond strength and is most widely used for: insulation panels in buildings and vehicles, cladding and architectural panels and textile and foam laminates.

The Solfre2 range of panel adhesives can be grouped into three groups of application: Roller, Bead, and Spray. Each of these adhesive groups has the flexibility of various different open times, allowing for Solfre2 to be used in a wide range of applications.

“We are delighted to have been granted approval for distributing ITW DeVilbiss products” said Tony McMullen, commercial director “We are now able to offer the complete solution by providing the latest in advance adhesives and top quality application equipment to accompany them.”

Mastercraft develops Turbosharp+ Mastercraft, the fastener division of the m-craft group, has developed the new Turbosharp+ multi-purpose screw. Turbosharp+ upgrades the former Turbofast screw and combines several unique functions in one design.

The ‘Sawfix‘ serrated thread on the Turbosharp+ enables low driving torques, increased speed, and through its unique cutting-while-threading action, prevents wood splitting. An oblique self-drilling gash point starts at the very tip of the screw, making pre-drilling in most wood or composite materials unnecessary. Bitex™ reaming nibs under the double-reinforced countersunk head allow for countersinking without burrs.

The screw is suited for applications, such as hard wood, MDF and decks, wood to plastic and wood to sheet metal. Turbosharp+ is available in zinc, yellow zinc and Cr3 plating, ACQ resistant Duracote (salt spray tested to 2,000 hrs) and Allocote alloy plated Cr3 with nanometer top coat (salt spray tested to 5,000 hrs).

The Turbosharp+ is available in lengths from 10-500mm and its dimensions vary from 2.5 – 12mm.

Stor-a-box from System Cases System Cases has introduced the new Stor-a-box range. The range is made up of clear tilt boxes that can be used for small parts and components.

The boxes are self retaining but also lift out, allowing them to be used for a wide variety of tasks. The range also comes in 5 different sizes that are all 600mm in width.

Due to the retaining bar, the boxes can be used in vehicles as well as other places of work such as workshops and garages.

Also due to their design they are easy to stack which saves space in small environments.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

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Locking security gets tough with Camlock The new Series 31 lock from Camlock Systems is designed to provide OEMs with a good level of security protection for lockers, cabinets, storage boxes, chemical storage cabinets, tool cabinets and many other applications.

To suit a wide range of applications, the Series 31 lock is available in three configurations: keyed to differ, master keyed and keyed alike.

The lock, which is a 10 disc double entry camlock, provides key security by using a large number of key combinations — 2,000 as standard and up to 10,000 to special order. Camlock Systems has designed the lock and used its expertise in security software to provide key combinations that are ‘safe’ and reduce the incidence of ‘key crossover’, when one key can operate two or more locks with different key combinations.

The lock is available with a choice of fixing methods, either a 3/4 inch brass body nut or a sprung horseshoe clip for fast fitting. A wide range of 2.5mm thick x 16mm wide zinc plated steel cams, for use with the lock, are available from stock, with other special cams available to order.

New stainless steel swinghandle DIRAK, a global innovator in latches, locks, handles and hinges, has further expanded its extensive swinghandle offering to include a new, flush design stainless steel swinghandle for applications where corrosion resistance is important.

From the inside, the internal components of the swinghandle are protected by a stainless steel, screw-on cap. From the outside, the locking cylinder is protected by a

stainless steel dust cover to prevent dirt, moisture and other elements from damaging the locking mechanism. This stainless steel swinghandle can be used with 3-point latching systems for larger enclosure doors and meets IP65 standards for water and dust resistance. The design of this stainless steel swinghandle and the tight gap between the handle and its housing offers protection from the threat of vandalism. In this design, the locking cylinder and handle are separate mechanisms, with the locking cylinder being installed in the housing of the latch. The swinghandle is secured by a force fit, hook-catch combination to relieve the strain on the cylinder’s locking cam. The slam to close function of the swinghandle allows the handle to be pushed closed in the open position as well as when the key is removed.

Wearing gloves – Get a grip!

Elesa now offers DS-EBP stand-off sleeves which provide extra clearance on EBP series handles. This enables them to accommodate gloved hands or to suit design criteria where there is reduced reach available, or where there is a need to clear or span other components.

DS-EBP stand-off sleeves are fully stackable in 18mm, 20mm or 21mm step heights, depending on handle selection, and many sleeves may be added together to give height increase.

EBP handles with DS stand-off sleeves retain both front and back mounting facilities dependant upon the handle selected, as well as the option of various colour cap possibilities.

New mini cam lock line from Southco Southco has launched a new line of Southco® CM Mini Cam Locks, which it says offer keylocking security in a compact package, suitable for small enclosure doors and limited-space applications.

The new line includes a wing style for convenient handactuated operation, as well as a keylocking style for more secure access control. The cam locks are available in sizes as small as 21.5mm long and 16.4mm from centre line to end of cam, with a 14.9mm diameter flange on the front of the door

panel. They are compatible with door panels up to 7.5mm thick. All models feature the durability of die-cast zinc housings, lock-plugs and driver bodies. The non-shuttered keylock-style locks feature brass wafers and nickel-plated brass keys, with multiple keycode options that allow for assigned access control within an installation. Matching cams (ordered separately) are available in straight and reversible offset styles to accommodate varying dimensions between the face of the door and the point of engagement with the door frame – ranging from 9.7mm up to 21.5mm.

Issue 48 – November 2007 – Fastener & Fixing Europe – www.fastenerfair.com

Tel: Fax:

01384 561000 01384 411142

info@electraengineering.com www.electraengineering.com

Achilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,139 ACT Fasteners & Components . . . . . . . . . . .113 Action Can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Advance Spares (& Rivits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Aksa Industry Machine Inc. Trade CO. . . . . .15 Alexander Paal GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Alfran Fasteners Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Adolf Pühl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Allbolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Alloy & Stainless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Apex Stainless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Arpel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Atlantic Man Srl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 AUDACIO s.r.o. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Autonic Engineering Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Avon Stainless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bäcker GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Baker & Finnemore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bendfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Beneri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Bilwinco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Bi-Mirth Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Blakeacre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Bollhoff Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23, 133 Bollhoff Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Bossong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Bralo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Brighton Best . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 8, 10, 12, 146 Carlo Salvi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Carona Reuter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Chatsworth computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 China Fastener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 DIY & Totally Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Deacon Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Don Quichotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 DS Fasteners Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Dubai Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 E.U.R.O tec (PRIZE WINNER 2ND) . . . . . . . . .68 Electra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145 Everbuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Fastbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 FQC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Fwu Kuang Enterprises Co. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . .47 Global Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Hafren Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 Harrison & Clough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Heinz Soyer Bolzenschweisstechnik GmbH .25 Hugo Benzig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 IIHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Ingramatic Tortona Srl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Kohlhage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Lederer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Lindapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 London Screw Company Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 M-Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 M&W Fastener Co.,Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 M G H d.o.o. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Machine Screws Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Martyn Price ( Bolts & Nuts ) Ltd . . . . . . . . .95 Mectron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Microplstics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 Mofast Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Morgalv Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Mungo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Nakashimada Engineering Works . . . . . . . .111 National Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 NE Fasteners Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Ningbo Ordam Internation Trading Co.,Ltd .31 Non-Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 Nordic Metalblok Srl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Norm Civata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Norma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Olympic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Orbit International Corporation Limited . . .136 Pinstructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Prelok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 PTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Rapierstar (PRIZE WINNER 3RD) . . . . . . . . .68 Rawl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Ray Fu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Retina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Rex Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Reyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Rivco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Rivit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147 S D Products Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Sanhuan Fasteners Corp. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . .119 Sariv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Schröder Schrauben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Shanghai Fanto Hardwares CO., Ltd . . . . . .143 Socom SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Specialinsert Srl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Spirol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35, 83, 109, 145 Stafa Holland BV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Star Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 Staytite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Steven Walker & Sons Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 STF Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Tecfi S.p.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Techfast Mfg Sdn Bhd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Tecno Impianti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Test GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Tite-fix (PRIZE WINNER 1ST) . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Titibi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Top Screw Metal Corp. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Trutek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 UBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Viraj Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG . . . . . . .47, 101, 145 Vorpa Officine Meccaniche snc . . . . . . . . . .137 WTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Yi Tai Shen Co., Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Zero Clips Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125