Fastener + Fixing Magazine #100

In this issue… European fastener markets Fastener distribution Tapes + adhesives fastenerandfixing.com | Issue 100 July 2016

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T H E

G L O B A L

P A R T N E R

F O R

D I S T R I B U T O R S

CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

EU introduces fastener import licensing China extends anti-dumping on EU Fasteners

10-38

INSIGHT 80-81 Marcopol – a safe and reliable business partner

EXHIBITIONS 82-86 Fastener Fair India: New Delhi edition hits the heights Fastener Fair Italy continues to grow

COVER STORY

Connected technologies and bolting experience

40-43

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS New Ultracut FBS II concrete screw

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

88-100

44-59

An insight from leading European fastener businesses into the prospects and challenges of their domestic market

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY 102-118 A new chapter for the British steel industry

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS Logically build pallets for despatch Würth Industrie Service wins award

FACE2FACE 60-63

Thomas Ehrhardt, president global automotive, Stanley Engineered Fastening

FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

EFDA: The value of modern fastener distribution REYHER: Ensuring satisfied customers Apex: Still striving for new heights

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

64-79

120-122

TECHNICAL 124-126 Can screws be reused?

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

128-134

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

136-149

Finding an engineering solution

Tapes + adhesives

EDITORIAL Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

100 and counting Welcome to a very special edition of Fastener + Fixing Magazine as we celebrate our 100th issue. Over the last 18 years the magazine has provided the very latest news and insight on the global fastener industry.

Y

ou will notice that the magazine has a new design and style.

We have looked to freshen up the pages whilst still keeping the content as detailed and thought-provoking as ever. As always, we would like to hear your thoughts on both the new design, as well as any ideas for future articles/features you may have.

To mark the 100 th issue we have an exclusive feature on the European fastener market. We invited leading fastener businesses from every European country for an insight into the prospects and challenges of their domestic market.

The result is a fascinating look at a collection of markets and sectors that, when combined, gives a unique perspective on the European fastener landscape. I would personally like to thank all the contributors for their time and effort – the result speaks for itself.

Our Cover Story focuses on Nord-Lock Group and how, over the last 30 years, it has combined three technologies and companies into one connected Group – offering a broad product range of effective bolt securing systems.

We also have special face-to-face interviews with Thomas Ehrhardt, president global automotive at STANLEY Engineering Fastening, who talks about what it takes to respond to, but equally importantly anticipate, the needs of the global automotive industry.

As well as Sven Nieper, chief executive officer at WAFIOS Umformtechnik (pictured below), who concentrates on the developments in the machinery sector and how the company ensures it is providing the technology its customers need.

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com

Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com

Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com

Deputy Editor Claire Edwards claire.edwards@fastenerandfixing.com

Advertising Manager Europe Peter Townsend peter.townsend@fastenerandfixing.com

Senior Advertising Executive Mac Rahman mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com

Advertising Executive Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com

Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com

Production Assistant Dreene Jamil dreene.jamil@fastenerandfixing.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine 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 although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Ltd.

Add to that the revival of the British Steel brand – after the completion of the sale of Tata Steel’s Long Products division; a selection of articles focusing on the value of modern fastener distribution; as well as a technical article from Bossard Group that asks the question: ‘Can screws be reused?’ and you end up with a very full July issue. will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2016.

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 €160.00

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INDUSTRY NEWS

EU introduces fastener import licensing On 3rd June the European Union required fastener companies to obtain a prior licence to import an extensive range of steel and some stainless steel fasteners from any country outside its membership.

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he surveillance system is part of wider ranging measures on steel imports, which EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström says will “assist the Commission to better monitor market developments in the steel sector and will give a strong political message to third countries that the EU is actively following the situation”.

EU member countries are required to administer the licensing system and report import data to the Commission within ten days of the month end – far quicker than normal compilation of Eurostat import data.

In February the EU was forced to repeal anti-dumping duties of up to 74.1% on steel fasteners from China, following a series of negative rulings by the WTO dispute body. At the time the European Commission assured member states and fastener manufacturers it would listen sympathetically to a new complaint on Chinese dumping but said it could not initiate a new investigation under its own initiative.

The prior-surveillance system is designed to accelerate building a picture of the change in the pattern of trade following the removal of the anti-dumping duties.

The current volatility of steel prices in China, however, appears to be making many EU importers wary of switching purchases to the country on anything other than basic fasteners, with major importers of higher grade products, at least for the time being, holding firm to supply relationships elsewhere in Asia. This means it may be some while before the EU sees a sufficiently clear upswing in Chinese imports to feel confident it can justify a new investigation, which could then take up to 15 months to reach definitive conclusions.

Implementation of the import licensing system has been inconsistent across EU member states. Electronic systems are reported to be operating effectively in the UK and the Netherlands.

Swedish importers also report smooth issue of licences.

Implementation of an electronic system in Germany was delayed, resulting in the small licensing branch being flooded with applications, which have to be processed manually. Importers have reported long delays in receiving licences. France is also processing licences manually but appears to be turning them round within the five day limit specified by the Commission. Processes in Italy and Spain are reportedly more challenging with the former requiring tight adherence to the use of correct paperwork and substantial additional costs being incurred by Spanish importers.

The worst hit importers appear to be in Poland, where authorities have reportedly been both slow and unresponsive in implementing the measure.

In response to representations from the European Fastener Distributors Association, Commissioner Malmström wrote that her department “made specific efforts to ensure that it would not impose a disproportionate burden on importers or disrupt normal trade flows in any way. These efforts include encouraging electronic procedures and avoiding any unnecessary administrative requirements”. The Commission certainly issued a strongly worded circular to member state authorities attempting to eliminate lack of clarity in interpretations of the regulation and calling for firm action to ensure an effective system was in place.

The British and Irish Association of Fastener Distributors, BIAFD, however says it learnt that the Commission’s original draft regulation wanted the licensing requirement to come into force the day after publication and was to be a paperwork system. It was only as result of representation from member states, apparently, that the twenty-one working day period before implementation was conceded.

EU manufacturers supplementing their own production range are also obliged to obtain licences but generally appear to have welcomed the move as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to the re-establishment of trade measures on fasteners from China.

China extends anti-dumping on EU fasteners According to Chinese state media agency Xinhua, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced on Tuesday 28th June that it would extend anti-dumping duties on certain iron or steel fasteners imported from the EU for a further five years.

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nti-dumping duties, ranging from 6.1% to 26%, on imports of certain iron or steel fasteners from the EU were first imposed on 29 th June 2010.

When the first five year period ended last June, the MOC reopened the investigation following a request from domestic industry players.

The ministry ruled that termination of the anti-dumping measures might result in continued dumping of fasteners from the EU. Xinhua says the MOC thus decided, following a one year investigation, that the anti-dumping duties will continue for another five years commencing 29 th June 2016.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Trifast reports sixth year of growth Trifast Plc’s preliminary report for the financial year to March 2016 shows Group revenue up 6.8% at constant exchange rates (CER) to GB£161.4 million (2015: GB£154.7 million). GB£4.1 million of the growth was organic.

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rifast’s underlying operating margin increased to 10.4% and underlying profit before tax grew 14.8% (at CER). Profit before tax was GB£13.1 million up from GB£11.8 million the previous year.

The largest contribution to revenue growth came from TR’s European businesses, where sales rose 24.9% to GB£57.8 million.

Organic growth was strong at 10.9% with GB£6.5 million coming from acquired businesses. However, UK sales slipped by 2%, reflecting a slight softening in demand.

Acquisitions in Italy and Germany were both described as performing well. Italian manufacturer Viterie Italia Centrale SpA contributed a first full year of trading and the results included an ahead of expectations first six month contribution from TR Kuhlmann GmbH in Germany.

Asian trading was “more stable” with an increase in organic revenues of 1.1%.

This included strong growth in Singapore – particularly from sales to the domestic appliances sector. Malaysian operations, in contrast, struggled against a backdrop of domestic market weakness. USA trading was in-line with the previous year.

Capital investment during the year was mainly dedicated to increasing production capacity in Malaysia, Taiwan and Italy but also included more efficient storage and picking systems and new inspection equipment.

Chairman Malcolm Diamond described the senior management succession process during the year as seamless. CEO Jim Barker retired in September 2015 and Mark Belton, previously CFO, was appointed as his successor. Clare Foster, who joined Trifast in January 2015, took over as the new CFO.

NORMA Group to acquire Parker Autoline NORMA Group SE entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire all assets of the Autoline business (Parker Autoline) from Parker’s fluid systems connectors division, on 23rd June 2016.

P

arker Autoline has been designing, manufacturing and marketing quick connectors for all types of automotive fluid line applications for over 20 years. These plastic push-to-connect components are used in all vehicle types in fuel lines, cooling lines, vapour lines, braking assistance lines and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) circuit lines. The connecting products are manufactured at production sites in France, Mexico and China and sold to customers around the world. Expected global sales of Parker Autoline are around €40 million in the fiscal year to June 2016.

With the acquisition of Parker Autoline, NORMA Group is expanding its product portfolio in the area of quick connectors and strengthening its market position. “These innovative and high-quality autoline products complement our plastic product range in an ideal way,” said Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group. “In addition, we will be opening up new international markets, particularly in Asia, by acquiring Parker Autoline.”

Parker Autoline has its headquarters in Guichen, France. This business unit is part of the fluid system connectors division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, and formerly a business unit of Legris.

Terms of the agreement are confidential and will not be disclosed.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the Works Council’s consultation processes in France, and is expected in the second half of 2016. www.normagroup.com

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Malcolm Diamond confirmed Trifast’s continued strong interest in selective acquisitions, particularly in Spain and Thailand. He noted that while the USA also remained an important opportunity, Trifast needed to be able to buy at a price that gave an earnings enhancement.

Looking ahead, Trifast acknowledges some macroeconomic factors outside of its control including the ongoing volatility in the foreign currency and raw material markets.

It remained confident of building on a strong 2016 performance, noting that market research indicates total global demand for fasteners is set to continue to grow despite the unsettled macroeconomic environment.

Trifast, therefore, sees the next three years as a period of investment and growth.

EU approves ITW acquisition of ZF TRW fasteners On 15th June the European Commission confirmed approval under the EU Merger Regulation for the acquisition of the Engineered Fasteners & Components business (EF&C) unit of ZF TRW Automotive Holdings Corp by Illinois Tool Works Inc.

I

n January ITW announced the agreement to make the acquisition for approximately US$450 million (€407 million).

EF&C is a major global supplier of engineered fastening systems and interior technical components to the automotive OEM market. Headquartered in Germany, the company operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally and employs approximately 3,500 people. It generated revenues of approximately US$470 million in 2015.

At the time of the announcement Sundaram Nagarajan, ITW executive vice- president, commented: “The Engineered Fasteners & Components business will be a highly complementary addition to ITW’s automotive OEM segment that will broaden our ability to serve our customers and further expand our long-term organic growth potential. In addition, we believe there will be significant opportunity to enhance the performance of the business through the application of ITW’s 80/20 business process.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Acquisition strengthens Lesjöfors’ position in Asia Lesjöfors AB has acquired the John While Group Inc, a Singaporean-based spring company with subsidiaries in China, Thailand and Singapore. The acquisition strengthens Lesjöfors’ position in Asia and expands its customer base in several emerging markets.

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ohn While Group (JWG) specialises in the manufacturing of customised springs and its customers include companies in home electronics/white goods, as well as the engineering and automotive industries. Its largest markets are China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, which account for approximately 80% of sales – with customers including European and US companies with operations in Asia.

JWG conducts manufacturing operations in Singapore, China and Thailand. Its product range includes some 7,000 items. The company has 115 employees and reported revenues for 2015 corresponding to approximately SEK 70 million (€7.4 million).

“The combination of the operations that Lesjöfors has today in China – focusing mainly on pressings – and the JWG operation that concentrates on wire springs, will form a strong platform for servicing existing and new customers to the Lesjöfors and John While Group,” says Kjell-Arne Lindbäck, president of the Lesjöfors Group. “The acquisition broadens the total capabilities of the Group in Asia and we can now support most of the needs of springs locally, which is a big strength for the future.”

For JWG this acquisition strengthens the operation by becoming part of a group of companies being specialist in the field of springs and pressings. This will enable access to technical support and benchmarking possibilities that will be of high value for the further development of the JWG companies. “I am very pleased to be able to place our company together with a specialist in its field and I am sure that this will be positive for all our customers and employees” says Rhonda Willson, previous owner of the group.

Over the years, Lesjöfors has conducted a number of acquisitions and established strong platforms in the Nordic region, other areas of Europe and North America. The acquisition of JWG strengthens the company’s position in Asia, a region with high market growth and competitive manufacturing costs. Following the acquisition, Lesjöfors has 24 production units in 12 countries.

Lesjöfors will, together with JWG, strengthen the service and technical sales capabilities in Asia and offer existing and new customers the opportunity to have most of their need of springs and pressings locally supplied.

Bulten investing €6 million in Polish plant Bulten AB recently announced it has decided to invest €6 million in a new plating line at its Polish production plant.

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ith a planned annual capacity of around 10,500 tonnes, investment in the new line is expected to result in annual savings of €2 million – providing an estimated payback of just over three years. By extending this part of the manufacturing process Bulten expects to gain both value added and increased competitiveness. The investment will also mean less transportation, which will lead to a significantly reduced impact on the environment.

“Now we are taking another step towards becoming the industry’s most cost-efficient producer of fasteners. The investment in a new plating line will improve profitability, reduce working capital and provide greater flexibility and control over the process,” says Tommy Andersson, president and CEO of Bulten.

Bulten already carries out surface treatment at some of its other sites and is looking into the possibility to start finishing on more production units.

The investment is subject to obtaining the necessary permits.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Intellifast it is Now as a wholly owned subsidiary of Aero Products Invest GmbH, previously AMG Intellifast GmbH is now operating as Intellifast GmbH again.

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oint managing directors, Frank Scheuch and Marc Frahnert, explained: “We decided consciously to take the step from the group structures towards a private investor. This gives us the freedom to pursue our own strategy, while ensuring the necessary financial fortified support to achieve our objectives.”

They went on to assure that “innovative ideas and their implementation remain with the Intellifast GmbH a continuous tradition”.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

US bans import and sale of Viraj stainless steel products The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has banned the import of certain stainless steel products from Mumbai-based Viraj Profiles Limited following an investigation into allegations of the theft of trade secrets. The USITC has also prohibited Viraj activities in the United States, including the sale, marketing and advertising of its products.

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he USITC instituted an investigation on 10th October 2014 based on a complaint by Valbruna Stainless Steel Inc, Fort Wayne, USA, alleging Viraj had misappropriated its trade secrets. Valbruna claimed Viraj had persuaded one of its employees to steal the trade secrets, subsequently transferring them to Viraj while employed by Flanschenwerk Bebitz GmbH – a Viraj affiliate company in Germany. Viraj denied possession or use of the information. However, a forensic investigation of Viraj computer systems, ordered by Judge Theodore Essex, unearthed evidence that the Indian company did have and had used the secrets.

Valbruna alleged the stolen trade secrets included proprietary knowledge regarding its processes for melting, refining, and casting or pouring stainless steel, as well as customer lists. Italian courts previously convicted Viraj India, its general manager, and the former Valbruna employee of crimes in connection with the theft.

On 25th May 2016 the USITC issued a final determination that Viraj had violated Section 337 of the United States Tariff Act. The Commission applied a limited exclusion order prohibiting importation of certain stainless steel products manufactured by or on behalf of

Viraj Profiles Limited for a period of 16.7 years. It also issued a cease and desist order prohibiting all of the company’s activities related to the sale of its stainless steel products in the United States, including marketing, advertising and soliciting distributors for its products.

“We are gratified that the commission has recognised the harm Viraj inflicted on our business and workers in the United States,” said Massimo Amenduni Gresele, managing director of Valbruna. “Trade secret theft is a serious problem. Bad actors like Viraj cannot be allowed to profit from this kind of behaviour. Valbruna is proud of its investment in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, community and its workers, and they deserve to be protected when their competitors violate the law.”

The USITC’s order and opinion were delivered to the United States President on the date they were issued. According to the USITC’s FAQs on Section 337 investigations¹ President Obama has sixty days from that date to disapprove them for policy reasons, something that rarely happens. Imports and sales activities may continue during this period subject to bonds being posted with the US Customs and Border Protection and the USITC respectively but these bonds are forfeited if the President does not disapprove the orders.

1. https://www.usitc.gov/intellectual_property/documents/337_faqs.pdf

Francis Kirk opens office in Iran Francis Kirk Group has announced the opening of its Iranian and Middle Eastern office in partnership with Mr Shahram Alipour of Alipour Trading Company.

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he Iranian market is a growing market that the Francis Kirk Group has been working on developing and entering, to procure new and exciting opportunities. With this partnership with Alipour Trading Company the company believes it has the perfect synergy to not just develop, but support a fast moving and growing industrial nation.

The Francis Kirk office will be working within many industries across the Middle East, including automotive, rail, earth moving machinery through to oil and gas.

“After spending months speaking with Mr Alipour and his team, it is very exciting to finally be able to announce this opportunity following our agreement at the AutoMechanika show in Dubai,” explains Tom Kirk, director at Francis Kirk Group. “The Iranian market and Middle Eastern markets are two areas we have been trying to develop and with this partnership we can now do that.”

CRC Industries UK Ltd acquires Action Can Ltd Somerset-based CRC Industries UK Ltd (CRC UK) has announced the acquisition of industrial lubricants manufacturer and distributor Action Can Ltd.

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RC UK, a subsidiary of CRC Industries Europe Bvba, develops, manufactures and sells over 170 maintenance chemical products under the well known Ambersil brand into the UK and global industrial MRO markets.

Action Can markets a range of 60 industrial products, primarily industrial aerosols. The range covers all popular product types for the industrial market, including the well known AC-90 multipurpose lubricant.

Action Can, based in St Helens, Merseyside, will operate as a division of CRC UK. “Our mission is to satisfy the needs of professional maintenance engineers for high-quality specialty chemical products.

This acquisition creates a sustainable competitive advantage and adds value for our customers, enhancing our position in certain market segments where CRC UK is not present today, and strengthens our position in key global markets,” said Will McAlister, managing director at CRC UK.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Würth inaugurates new offices at Gaisbach The new administration building of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG, which provides workspace for 580 employees as well as space for conferences and seminars, was inaugurated in a large celebration on 13th June 2016.

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peakers at the inauguration included Prof Dr Reinhold Würth, chairman of the supervisory board of the Würth Group’s family trusts; Bernd Herrmann, member of the central managing board of the Würth Group; and district administrator Dr Matthias Neth.

Attention to the customer, competence and quality are of utmost priority at Adolf Würth. The new branch office includes an 800m2 sales area, and the location’s close proximity to Federal Highway ensures customer accessibility.

“Würth invests in all sales channels. The new branch office in Gaisbach is a visible symbol of the strategy we pursue,” said Bernd Herrmann. “We are sure that our regional customers will respond well to it.” Over 400 branch offices cover the immediate needs of customers across Germany.

The cube shaped, seven story branch office building with atrium also houses offices, a showroom, a seminar area and a company restaurant. Costing €28.5 million, construction took two years. The pick up shop has been open since the end of April.

During the inauguration, the company also celebrated the 25th anniversary of Akademie Würth. Since its foundation in 1991, an extensive range of courses has allowed employees to put together their own continued education programmes.

Since 2003, Akademie Würth Business School has offered ‘on the job’ programmes for further academic qualification to Group employees. These include earning an MBA, offered in cooperation with the University of Louisville in Kentucky, USA. It also organises training seminars and continued education courses for its customers.

During a panel discussion Reinhold Würth said: “One thing has always been clear to me – we must never stop learning. We would not fit into this day and age anymore if we hadn’t continued to develop even each and every minute of each and every hour. For that reason, it was clear that we as a company have to regularly offer our employees the opportunity to continue learning.”

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Ambrovit doubles size of its automated warehouse Between 2015 and 2016 Ambrovit SpA doubled its automated warehouse storage capacity to 44,000 pallet locations — enabling it to continue to expand its product offering, as well as provide prompt delivery to customers.

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hanks to the expanded automated warehouse, 8 Mlog trasloelevators, and 2,000 pallet mini-load system, Ambrovit can now process 5,000 order lines per day and ship within 24/48 hours.

“The automated warehouse expansion was completed in early 2016 and uses cutting edge technology to deliver pallets straight to the picking bays,” says Ambrovit. “We had previously introduced the mini-load system in 2015 to help us optimise the handling of small quantities and ensure fast and flexible performance. Now we can provide a prompt delivery to customers and we can also further expand our enriched catalogue of products.” www.ambrovit.it

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NORM Civata receives award NORM Civata, the leading company of the NORM Group, recently received a third placed award in the R&D category of large-scaled establishments under the scope of ‘productivity projects’ – organised by the Turkish Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology.

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ORM Civata’s project group received the award for the ‘Project of dynamic optimisation and productivity growth in heat treatment furnaces’ presented by Mr Işik, the Minister of Science, Industry and Technology, during the ceremony at the Ankara Congress Center.

Umut Ince, R&D manager of NORM Civata, stated that the project group is continuing its activities of process improvement and development by increasing the productivity and final product quality, as well as reducing the unit production costs, under the scope of the R&G strategy of NORM Civata.

The company, which continues its activities in the Organized Industry Zones of Izmir Atatürk and Salihli, mentioned that its aims for the project is to ensure the utilisation of heat treatment furnaces in the most efficient manner; increase the production capacity; reduce unnecessary energy consumption; as well as the reduction of the work load and stress of the commissioned personnel.

The aim is to implement the results of the project covered by San-Tez at all of the heat treatment furnaces at the production sites within the structure of NORM Group. www.normcivata.com

Würth recruits 70,000th employee The first working day for sales representative Itziar Abal, joining Würth Spain, came with a special surprise, as she was welcomed as the 70,000th employee of the Würth Group.

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ürth Spain, headquartered in Barcelona, is one of the largest Group companies, employing 2,200 people. Itziar will call on Würth customers in the auto division in the region of Guipúzcoa in northern Spain. She is pictured being welcomed by Eusebi Cima, managing director sales at Würth Spain.

Robert Friedmann, chairman of the central managing board of the Würth Group, sent his congratulations to Barcelona: “We are happy to welcome Ms Abal to our sales team. It is a promising sign that after turbulent times, Würth Spain is back on course in terms of growth.” Through May Würth Spain reported accumulated sales growth of 12.6% and by year end aims to notch up sales of more than €240 million.

Despite an increased focus on e-business and branch office expansion, the Würth Group considers direct selling to be the mainstay among its various sales channels. Treating customers as partners and seeking personal contact has always been the backbone of Würth’s success. The Würth Group intends to hire an additional 1,800 sales representatives in 2016.

FSL awarded MBDA award FSL Aerospace Ltd, a supplier of fastenings, fixings and associated components for the aerospace and defence industries, has received a Bronze award by MBDA Missile Systems as part of its Supplier Recognition Programme for 2015.

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t the end of each year MBDA performs an annual review of a supplier’s performance across the whole duration of that year.

Not all suppliers are reviewed as part of this process, only those that are preferred suppliers or deemed key to their business.

UK-based FSL Aerospace is a preferred supplier to MBDA as a stockist of fasteners and fixings. The criteria for the award was not only based on quality and delivery performance but also included measures on other activities and areas such as innovative approach, commercial performance, technical capability, continuous improvement and relationship.

Richard Woodward, general manager at FSL Aerospace, said: “It is fantastic to get recognition from one of our key clients and every member of the FSL team should be congratulated as they have all contributed to achieving this award. We want to now focus of further improvements to hopefully gain Silver or even Gold next year.”

20 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Welcome to Mac! We are pleased to welcome Mac Rahman as the newest member of the Fastener + Fixing Magazine team.

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ac is our new senior advertising executive and is replacing Ilana Bernstein, who has moved onto ‘pastures new’ – with our best wishes. Currently getting to grips with the fastener industry (now there is a challenge) Mac will be responsible for the UK, American and Far East markets.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge at Fastener + Fixing Magazine,” comments Mac. “I’m keen to get out on the road and visit as many companies as I can to learn more about the industry.”

If you haven’t already spoken to Mac, you can expect a call in the coming weeks. He can also be contacted on 01727 814507 or via email: mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com

Henkel opens composite lab in Heidelberg Henkel AG & Co KG aA, has opened a new composite test centre in Heidelberg, Germany, where automotive customers can team up with Henkel experts to develop and test composite parts and to figure out the best production process condition to make their ideas market ready.

A

s a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings for the automotive industry, Henkel is always striving to create a competitive advantage for its customers along the entire value chain of car manufacturing. It works closely with its industrial customers to create tailor-made, integrated solutions for automotive OEMs and suppliers, particularly related to cost-efficiency and suitability for high volume production. Henkel’s products make vehicles quieter, lighter and more durable, while providing comfort, strength and safety.

Automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers are constantly seeking cost-effective processes suitable for production of more than 10,000 parts per year. They also want custom formulated, fast curing resins for use in short production cycles. This magnifies the importance

of having reliable partners with in-house test capabilities, which are close to series production conditions. That’s precisely why Henkel has opened its composite lab, where customers can do trials using high-pressure resin transfer moulding (HP-RTM) equipment. The HP-RTM machine includes a 380 tonnes press and injection equipment for polyurethanes and epoxy materials.

Henkel’s diverse composites portfolio includes composite matrix resins and composite adhesives – supported by process know-how and engineering expertise.

Now OEMs and tier 1 suppliers can come into the Henkel composites lab and work with Henkel experts to learn first-hand what the options and possibilities may be for using advanced composite materials with short cycle times in their vehicles.

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PERSPECTIVE

by Phil Matten, executive editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Phil Matten reflects on some of the key topics currently involving the fastener industry There’s plenty happening around the fastener industry but one event dominates all other news right now, although quite where it will take us all defies prediction.

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he implications of the British electorate’s decision to exit the European Union have inevitably overshadowed most other considerations since 23rd June. While ‘Brexit’ came as a shock to many across Europe, within the UK the signs were definitely there, even if the pollsters found it hard to call.

The campaigns were distinguished – hardly the appropriate word – for the inaccuracy of claims and counterclaims on both sides and for emotive rhetoric that obscured any incisive consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of either remaining or leaving.

For me, the result was a disappointment, not least because this Englishman has also long valued being European. It took me the better part of a week to recall a couple of lines written in a school prize book years ago, to bring the result into perspective: If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same…

It’s strange in the circumstances to quote one of Britain’s most famous imperialists. Rudyard Kipling wrote ‘If’ in 1895, ostensibly as a poem of advice from father to son. Appropriately for what may come, it is seen as an evocation of British stoicism in the face of adversity. There is a credible theory it was also a surreptitious condemnation of the betrayal of politicians, something that, very feasibly, could also resonate strongly in coming weeks.

However one looks at it, the couplet feels apt right now. If everyone keeps their heads, as Kipling advocates, this need not be a disaster any more than it will prove a lasting triumph for those who felt it so on the morning of 24th June. What will be required, without question, is authentic,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster.

And treat those two impostors just the same…” level headed and determined leadership, not just in the United Kingdom but across the European Union.

Unavoidably there is already and will continue to be uncertainty and instability. Whatever the longer-term relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, that is corrosive for business. Those that we entrust as leaders need to recognise an overriding responsibility to calm not magnify the tremors set off by this seismic decision.

One thing is certain, this magazine’s commitment, as the publication that delivers a deep insight into all aspects of the European fastener industry and brings it a unique global perspective, will remain undiluted.

We will continue roaming this continent, exploring its fastener businesses and institutions – enriched each time by the diversity and friendliness of Europe’s distinctive cultures. Hopefully, we will be as welcome in future as we have been over the last fourteen years.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

FINdex Fastener stocks decline in 2015 US stocks closed lower in 2015, capping the worst year for the market since 2008. Industrial and aerospace fastener stocks took their share of market losses, with the GlobalFastenerNews.com Fastener Stock Index falling 15.9% for the year. A comparative index of related industrial stocks declined 1% during 2015.

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nly two of the twenty public companies tracked by the FINdex made stock gains during the year.

STANLEY Black & Decker shares climbed 11%, while shares of Tree Island Steel Ltd jumped 135%. Share declines occurred despite sales and profit growth among many publicly traded companies with fastener segments.

Alcoa Inc reported revenue for its Engineered Products and Solutions segment, including results from Alcoa Fastening Systems and Rings, increased 27% to US$5.3 billion (€4.8 billion) in 2015, with EBITDA rising 9% to US$1.1 billion (€996,000).

Anixter International auctioned its fasteners segment in January 2015, prompting a US$380 million deal with American Industrial Partners.

Carpenter Technology Corp reported aerospace and defense segment revenue, including fasteners, grew 3.2% to US$800.5 million in 2015.

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co said full year fastener segment sales fell 4.5% to US$32.6 million.

Dorman Products Inc reported sales, including fasteners, increased 7% to US$803 million in 2015, while gross profit margin edged up to 38.4%.

EACO (Bisco Industries) reported revenues, including fasteners, rose 4.1% to US$140.2 million in 2015, with gross profit gaining 11% to US$41.1 million and gross margin rising to 29.3%. Full year net income dropped to US$3.74 million.

For 2015, Fastenal Co reported that its fastener product line saw sales decline of 1.4%, compared to sales growth of 6.9% the previous year. That decline included a 5.5% gain in sales during the first quarter; no growth in the second quarter; a 4.4% decline in sales during the third quarter; and a 6.2% decline in the final quarter.

Grainger Inc reported sales, including fasteners, were flat at US$10 billion in 2015. Net earnings declined 4% to US$769 million, while EPS gained 1% to US$11.58 million.

ITW reported Automotive OEM organic revenue, including fasteners, totalled US$2.53 billion, with operating income of US$613 million and operating margin of 24.2%. Revenue from construction products, including fasteners, reached US$1.59 billion, with operating income of US$316 million and operating margin of 19.9%.

KLX Inc – the former consumables management segment of B/E Aerospace – reported sales, primarily from fasteners, declined 7.6% to US$1.6 billion in 2015, with operating earnings of US$170.9 million and adjusted EBITDA of US$261.7 million.

26 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Only two of the twenty public companies tracked by the FINdex made stock gains during the year.”

Lawson Products reported net sales, including fasteners, declined 3.5% to US$275.8 million in 2015. Average daily sales declined 3% to US$1.06 million.

MSC Industrial said sales for fiscal 2015 increased 4.4% to US$2.9 billion, with operating income down 1% to US$379.5 million and net income falling 2% to US$231.3 million.

Nucor Corp reported cold finished steel sales, including results from Nucor Fastener, dropped 11% to 449,000 tonnes in 2015.

Park-Ohio Holdings Corp reported Supply Technologies revenue, including fasteners, increased 3.4% to US$578.7 million in 2015 – driven by strong demand in the heavy-duty truck market, up 12%; the power sports and recreational equipment market, up 12%; and the semiconductor market, up 21%.

In 2016 Berkshire Hathaway agreed to acquire Precision Castparts Corp for US$37.2 billion cash, including outstanding PCC net debt. The price equals about US$235 per share.

Simpson Manufacturing Co reported net sales, including fasteners, rose 5.6% to US$794.1 million, with net income up 6.9% to US$67.9 million.

STANLEY Black & Decker reported revenue for its Industrial segment, including results for its Engineered Fastening business, dropped 5.2% to US$1.94 billion, with profit down 3% to US$339.9 million.

TriMas Corp reported aerospace segment sales, including fasteners, jumped 45% to US$176.5 million in 2015, with segment gross profit rising 69% to US$58.6 million.

Wesco Aircraft reported full year sales increased 10% to US$1.5 billion in fiscal 2015, boosted by acquisitions. Operating loss was US$206.4 million, with net loss at US$154.7 million.

NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

MSCI calls for steel tariffs and continuation of China’s ‘non-market’ status The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) called or additional tariffs on imported steel and imported steel containing products, as well as the continuation of China’s status as a ‘non-market’ economy.

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SCI – a 400 member North American trade association – pointed out to US authorities that US Steel has cut 5,000 jobs since the beginning of 2015 and lost US$8 billion (€7.2 billion). “Steel shipments in 2015 by MSCI member companies “were barely 65% of peak shipments before the 2008 recession.”

US steel industry recovery from the 2008 recession has taken twice as long as the average recovery of previous recessions. “The inescapable conclusion is that something more than classic, free market forces are at work in the global steel markets in ways that have harmed US steel producers and manufacturers, the North American steel service center industry, and North American workers,” MSCI stated.

China pursued “market distorting policies” of “massive subsidies to both create new steel production capacity and to maintain existing inefficient capacities at a time of, at most, modest growth in demand”.

That leads to “foreign dumping and predatory pricing” leading to “unfairly priced steel and increasing bankruptcies and lay offs for North American companies that play by the rules”.

If negotiations fail to achieve import reductions there should be countervailing tariffs and/or import licenses, the MSCI advocated.

Significantly for fasteners it also proposed tariffs on imports of steel containing products should correspond to any additional steel tariffs.

The MSCI statement called for the US to “take the long overdue step of declaring that the Chinese government a currency manipulator,” and called on the US Treasury to “initiate negotiations with China on an expedite basis to ensure that China regularly and promptly adjusts the rate of exchange”.

MSCI also called for the US government to “resist efforts by the government of China to be declared a ‘market economy’ for the purposes of enforcing the anti-dumping laws of the US and other countries”.

FDI: Early momentum continues in May May’s seasonally adjusted FDI reading (50.1) proved modestly higher for the third consecutive month, entering expansion territory (above 50) for the first time this year, according to the BB&TCM Fastener Distributor Index.

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ay results benefitted from a slight uptick in sales bias among respondents, while year-on-year pricing ticked positive for the first time since December (consistent with the early movement in CPI and higher raw material pricing).

Roughly 66% of May participants noted similar or better sequential sales growth, compared to 64% in April. 15% of participants viewed current customer inventories as “too high”.

The May sequential point of sale pricing index “remained in expansion territory (51.5) after jumping above 50 in April for the first time since June 2015”. On an annual basis, the pricing index reached similar levels this month (53) for the first time since December 2014. According to participant commentary, higher material costs, including inflated steel pricing could portend continued pricing growth near-term.

“We believe the overall environment for pricing remains notably soft given minimal inflation, although the April CPI expansion (+50bps sequentially) was a modest positive.”

However, labor remains stagnant, the FDI found.

Employment (51.5) was largely unchanged for May, as 91% of participants noted unchanged or reduced hiring versus the preceding month.

“We also note the outlook for survey respondents remains uncertain, with 58% still expecting unchanged or declining conditions in six months.”

The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors, conducted with the FCH Sourcing Network and the National Fastener Distributors Association.

PennEngineering® wins patent injunction PennEngineering® has obtained a preliminary injunction against three companies known collectively as Pemco for alleged patent and trademark infringement.

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he companies are Pemco Hardware Inc, Dongguan Fenggang Pemco Hardware Factory and Shenzhen Pemco Fastening Systems Co Ltd (China).

In addition to being restrained from commercializing the products and being ordered to remove the infringing content from its website, Pemco was ordered to transfer infringing domain names to PennEngineering®. As a result, Pemco shut down its entire US-based website.

The original complaint was filed against Pemco in November 2015. The complaint alleged patent infringement, trademark infringement, false designation of origin, counterfeiting and trademark dilution under US law, along with common law trademark infringement and unfair competition.

PennEngineering alleged a total of 12 patents and trademarks were being infringed.

Mark Petty, president at PennEngineering, told GlobalFastenerNews.com that the lawsuit was filed to protect its intellectual property rights, as PennEngineering invests heavily in innovation and has built a strong reputation for its quality brands and leading edge products. As in the past, PennEngineering will continue to enforce its intellectual property rights worldwide, Petty said.

28 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Value

NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

Greenslade and Hay receive Soaring Eagle awards The Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) presented its Soaring Eagle awards to Joe Greenslade, retired from the IFI; and Thomas E. Hay, retired from National Machinery LLC.

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reenslade was given the IFI Soaring Eagle Service Award for outstanding time and effort in leadership of the IFI and contributions to the health and well-being of the fastener industry.

Greenslade first worked for CAMCAR-Textron and Rockford Headed Products before he created Greenslade & Company Inc in 1978. He sold his company in 2007 to become the third director of engineering and technology for the IFI. He retired in 2015, after 45 years in the fastener industry.

While at the IFI, Greenslade “encouraged and facilitated the success of the Fastener Training Institute, to improve the training opportunities for the entire North American fastener industry,” the IFI stated. “Joe conceived of and managed the development of the IFI Technology Connection that is the world’s most comprehensive online fastener technology resource tool. He also created the IFI ‘Find a Supplier’ web-based domestic fastener search tool to help fastener users find domestic sources for the fasteners they need.”

Hay received the IFI Soaring Eagle Technology Award for significant contributions to technological advancement of the industry.

His initial work and experience in the metals industry eventually led him to National Machinery in 1979 where he has filled various engineering management positions.

“His key accomplishments can be broken down into two different categories – application development and machine design – where he is credited with a total of fifteen patents over his career,” the IFI stated. “These innovations have helped to make great strides in improving the cold forming process and production.”

“In particular he was integral in developing the FORMAX machine design – which is known all over the world.”

Nelson Fastener Systems formed with six manufacturers Nelson Fastener Systems has been formed, creating a rebranded business unit of six manufacturing entities: Nelson Stud Welding Inc, Ferry Cap & Set Screw Co, Specialty Bar Products Company, EBC Industries, Automatic SMP, and Spiegelberg Manufacturing Inc. They were previously part of Doncasters Fastener Systems.

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he establishment of Nelson Fastener Systems brings together a variety of integrated manufacturing technologies, with the global capability to provide engineered fastening applications required in the power generation, oil and gas, military, aerospace, transportation, marine and construction markets. The six companies offer a wide range of compatible manufacturing technologies, including hot and cold forging, precision machining, screw machining, heat treatment, thread rolling, and complementary secondary operations.

The ‘Nelson’ brand name will be used in joint global marketing by all six entities. As part of this strategic realignment, each company’s logo will be updated to highlight a family branding strategy.

Nelson Stud Welding was founded 75 years ago and manufactures and distributes weld stud fasteners and application equipment for the automotive, construction and industrial markets. Nelson fasteners are used in the 1,483 foot tall Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; the Guggenheim Art Museum in Bilbao, Spain; the USS Ronald Reagan nuclear-powered aircraft carrier; and by OEMs and automotive manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Bobcat, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and General Motors.

Nelson Fastener Systems will support capital expenditures, expand global manufacturing capabilities, secure strategic acquisitions and provide a single source for critical fasteners and components. Nelson is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, USA.

30 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS Alexander Ostashov, editor, Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and…Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

Fastener manufacturer declared ‘green’ The Russian plant of the international group ARaymond, specialising in fastener production, has been awarded the LEED Silver certificate – announced by EcoStandard Group, an environmental auditor of the project.

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he A Raymond plant, in the city of Dzerzhinsk of the Nizhegorodskaya region, was constructed according to the LEED 2009 new construction standard, which made it possible to achieve savings in energy consumption at the rate of 31% and to reduce water consumption by 49%.

In order to achieve high-levels of energy efficiency, special attention was paid to technological processes, along with optimisation of the construction and engineering equipment. The energy consumption for the production of a single product unit was reduced by 29%, thanks to the use of modern efficient machines, which in total will help to save more than 2 million kilowatts per year.

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system for so-called ‘green buildings’. The LEED System was developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) as a measurement standard for energy efficient, environmentally sound and sustainable buildings and the transition to the design, construction and operation of such buildings.

‘Fasteners for the Modern Machine-Building’ published The 520-page book deals with the questions of design, standardisation and use of the modern design of fasteners and joints recommended for the wide use in machine building.

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he authors are: I.A. Vorobyev, S.V. Ovchinnikov, G.V. Bunatyan, T. S. Galiakhmetov, E.F. Kantinov, E.G. Blagin and A.I. Borobyev.

The book explores the advantages of technical and operating characteristics and economic efficiency of their use. It examines the systematic approach to selecting materials for the design of critical structural elements and defines patterns of change in the final states of materials, methods of evaluating their condition under strain and limits of durability. It establishes patterns for the deformation of materials and the rate at which weaknesses can accumulate. The authors also outline the general requirements for the design, production technology and choice of materials for the production of modern fastening components.

The book is designated for engineering and technical specialists and scientists, as well as for students studying machinery, machine building technology, metal forming, standardisation and quality management.

New fastener congress and exhibition project One of the features of MITEX 2016 will be the presentation of producers and suppliers of industrial fastening and joining components in a separate section of the MITEX Fastener Forum.

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ccording to the website of the exhibition, the event’s strategic partner is the RosMetiz Association. The intention is that the Forum subject areas will present the whole ‘life cycle’ of fasteners from production and certification to logistics and storage.

This year’s MITEX will take place in the Expocenter Exhibition Center, Moscow, on 8 th – 11th November.

Fastener production starts in Krasnodar region Veniamin Kondratyev, the governor of Krasnodar region, participated in the opening ceremony of the first stage of the fastener production plant in Belorechensk district.

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ddressing the audience he underlined the importance of this production for the whole country. “Krasnodar region will be the first region where the full cycle fastener production will start operating. It is the region’s step towards import substitution,” noted Veniamin Kondratyev.

The project is realised within the framework of an agreement concluded at the International Investforum Sochi 2014 and entailed a total investment of 500 million rubles (approximately €7 million). The first stage of the project is expected to create 130 work places, increasing to 200 after the launch of the second stage. Five workshops have started operating in addition to three laboratories examining quality at every production stage.

Pollution control equipment has also been installed. Initially the plan is to produce up to 300 tonnes of self-tapping screws per month with production later ramping up to 800 tonnes per month.

32 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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ASIAN NEWS

China Steel increases domestic prices Taiwan’s China Steel Corporation (CSC) will increase domestic prices across all steel grades for deliveries in July and August.

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ith rising international steel prices, CSC said it saw “a positive atmosphere in the steel market, which led to a huge price rise in the domestic market”. Its announcement added: “Industries actively replenish inventory in advance, stimulating price to go high with expansion from downstream ordering quantities in both domestic and export sales.”

“Considering the current steel market circumstances, and the competitiveness of downstream industries, CSC has decided to raise prices for July and August shipments by TW$1,701 per metric tonne on average, equating to an average 10.3% increase.

Bar and rod list prices will increase by TW$1,600 (approximately €45 per tonne).

NAFCO reports turnaround Aerospace screw and nut manufacturer NAFCO recently released its annual financial report for 2015, which showed a turnaround from a 2014 loss to record earnings after tax of TW$238 million (approximately €6.7 million).

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n 2014 NAFCO agreed to pay a court settlement resulting in an operating loss, reports Fastener World Magazine. However, in 2015 it successfully turned the operation into a surplus again. For 2016 its operating result is expected to reflect steady growth due to shipments to a large engine manufacturer; a trial order supplied to German aircraft engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines AG; and generally stronger demand for aircraft maintenance and repair, and new aircraft models, in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sundram Fasteners reports record net profit Sundram Fasteners Limited reported a net profit of 2.1 billion rupees (approximately €28 million) for the year ending March 2016 – representing a 56% increase over the previous fiscal year.

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undram Fasteners standalone revenue was 26.4 billion rupees (approximately €320 million) up from 24 billion rupees in the previous year. Export sales were 9.08 billion rupees, up slightly from a previous year total of 8.98 billion rupees. Exports accounted for 38% of total sales.

Chun Yu unaffected by EU anti-dumping repeal The EU’s repeal of anti-dumping duties on carbon steel screws from China poses a significant impact on Taiwanese fastener companies, reports Fastener World Magazine.

However, the increased market competitiveness of Chun Yu and Boltun Corporation means these companies are insulated from this crisis.

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he Chun Yu president said Taiwanese small screws and standard products face the greatest threat with the European market reopened to China. Over the long-term Chun Yu has enhanced technical development and focused on special component orders. Additionally, Chun Yu’s factory in China can shift its exports to Europe, so the impact on Chun Yu is very limited. However, the president also said the company’s recent performance in Europe has not been as good as expected. The reasons for this include the refugee crisis, Deutsche Bank’s financial crisis, and tight monetary policy of banks, which are unfavourable to companies.

On the other hand, the USA, the UK, and southeast Asian economies are performing fairly well with stable fastener demand growth. Chun Yu’s competitive strategy has advanced. Although the company has not seen major growth in revenue, its profitability will be better than that of last year.

China Steel Corporation recently applied two consecutive price increases on steel and Chun Yu increased its prices on overseas orders in Quarter Two, which benefited the company’s financial figures. If the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Goods comes into effect in the future, Chun Yu’s Dongguan plant and Taiwanese plant will be more flexibly linked and Chun Yu will be able to send spheroidised wires from Taiwan to China for processing.

34 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

ASIAN NEWS

Vietnam shows great demand for fasteners According to Fastener World Magazine, Vietnam is a country with many foreign manufacturers, and there are many business opportunities in this southeast Asian country.

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arket reports show that in the first two months of 2016 Vietnam reported a trade surplus of US$865 million (approximately €777 million) and newly added foreign investment was worth US€2.8 billion (up 135% over the same period last year).

A market analyst said: “Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. The strategic location and rapid growth of southeast Asia both help make Vietnam one of the most attractive countries for foreign investors.”

Fastener World explored the quickest way for fastener companies to tap into the Vietnamese market. It concluded that the first way is through the machine engineering and related components sector. According to the data provided by Vietnamese officials, the total value for the next ten years of infrastructure construction of Vietnam will be US$160 billion. These construction projects include the 5,000km of long distance roads; 300km – 400km of railways; and twelve airports. Growth in Vietnam will drive, says Fastener World, high demand for construction machinery, facilities and materials.

However, only 6% of metal processing and industrial products are currently manufactured within Vietnam, and the remaining 94% are imported. This makes Vietnam a very attractive potential market.

Sheh Fung Screws trading on Taipei Exchange Sheh Fung Screws Co Ltd registered in March to be traded over the counter, reports Fastener World Magazine.

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he registered price per share was TW$28 and the company is listed under the ‘steel industry’ category.

According to information released by the Taipei Exchange, Sheh Fung was founded in 1973 and specialises in the manufacture of self-tapping screws and self-drilling screws, which represent 62.6% and 33.4% of its total revenue respectively. Self-tapping screws are mainly applied to outdoor wooden products and are sold to the US, while self-drilling screws are mainly applied to building roofs and cladding and are sold to Europe.

Sheh Fung’s revenue in 2015 was TW$1.155 billion (approximately €32 million), with earnings after tax of TW$54.62 million (approximately €1.52 million).

36 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

The second opportunity for fastener suppliers is the automotive and related component sector.

Motorcycles have been the major transport method for Vietnamese people. Over the past 5 years, annual sales of motorcycles in Vietnam were 2.5 million – 3 million units. Vietnam has become the fifth largest strategic market for motorcycle manufacturing and its government also encourages local companies to assemble and manufacture motorcycles. With the improvement of the infrastructure in Vietnam, the demand for passenger cars and trucks in cities is also increasing.

While economic development in Vietnam is going really well, machines and facilities used in Vietnam are not as state of the art as other countries. So, says Fastener World, this is a market on which fastener companies should focus.

China commits US$725 billion to transport infrastructure An action plan jointly issued by China’s National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport, includes 303 projects for railways, highways, waterways, airports and urban rail transit, between now and 2018.

O

utlined in the plan are 131 projects in 2016, 92 projects in 2017 and 80 projects in 2018. The largest railway project will be the Ya’an-Linzhi stage of the Sichuan-Tibet railway. Involving a total investment of CNY 162 billion (approximately €22 billion), the construction of the 1,350km railway is planned to start in 2018.

Infrastructure projects are mainly concentrated on China’s central and western regions. However, because of limited local government budgets, the action plan aims to increase central government funding and capital investment.

China also plans to accelerate reforms in investment and financing systems and to boost opportunities for public private partnership (PPP) cooperation. For the first four months of 2016 private capital accounted for less than 3% of infrastructure investment in China, with private enterprises reluctant to invest until the PPP model is finalised.

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BRAZILIAN NEWS Sérgio Milatias, editor, Revista do Parafuso, www.revistadoparafuso.com.br

SurTec opens new industrial plant in Brazil Acquired by Freudenberg Group in 2010, SurTec is a company founded in Germany in 1993, which has been established in Brazil since 1999.

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ell known as an important global supplier of products to surface treatment, including metal parts such as fasteners, the company’s previous address was in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo. This is the cradle city of the automotive sector in Brazil, a close neighbour to the first local industrial plant of Volkswagen, which has operated since 1958, and ten minutes distance from the units of Scania, Ford and Mercedes-Benz.

At the end of April 2016 the new unit was inaugurated in Valinhos, a town around 60km from the capital of the same state. The new plant is shared with Chem-Trend, another company of the same group, and supplier of mould release agents for use in pressing industries including for polyurethane, rubber, rotational molding, tyres, plastics and composites.

Fernando Martins assumes presidency of SINPA Previously vice-president, Fernando Martins of Continental Parafusos S.A, was elected president of the Brazilian fastener manufacturers association – SINPA – from 2nd June, when Paulo Solimeo, of Acument, left the post.

C

ontinental Parafusos is one of São Paulo’s major fastener manufacturers, supplying OEMs in the automotive, domestic appliance and other industrial sectors. The vice-presidency passes to Leonardo Rollo, the president of Metalac SPS Indústria e Comércio Ltda – a fastener division subsidiary from Precision Castparts Corp (PCC).

The new management will remain in position until 2019.

SINPA is the syndicate that cares for the interests of Brazilian fastener manufacturers.

New SINPA President Fernando Martins

38 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

The presentation to the press, which took place on 29 th April, included a tour inside the installations in the presence of the executives: Hanno D. Wentzler, (president and CEO), Juan Carlos Borchardt (representative of Freudenberg Group in South America) and Paulo Noce (vice-president and general manager of Chem-Trend South America and SurTec of Brazil).

Investment totalled US$60 million (€53.8 million) for a facility with a total area of more than 29,000m2, of which 11,237m2 is covered.

Alongside is another area of 2,250m2, reserved for future expansions.

Currently SurTec operates with 120 employees and has annual production capacity of 13,000 tonnes.

Fey completes 50 years Specialising in production of fasteners for heavy applications – mainly to bus, trucks and tractors – Metalúrgica Fey, the company founded in Santa Catarina state, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016.

A

round 1966 Fey used to produce just two tonnes each month of turned nuts using machines such as hand drills. Now it has a series of lines divided among nuts, bolts, clips and special lines, and has a current capacity of 2,200 tonnes per month.

Fey employs 450 people and is audited to ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001 and VDA 6.3. It is also the only Brazilian company among the seven members of the Global Fastener Alliance.

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COVER STORY

Connected technologies and bolting experience With over 30 years of providing effective bolt securing systems to the world, the Nord-Lock Group is now a more vibrant global operation than ever. Combining three technologies and companies into one connected Group has enabled Nord-Lock to offer a broad product range, with a unique global knowledge package.

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he development of Nord-Lock Group as it is today comes from a focus on the knowledge offering, to meet customer requirements and to create one common goal of being a true solution provider. “We recognised that there was an opportunity to further strengthen our offer and the value we can bring,” says Graham Souter, sales director for the European region.

“It was around 15 years ago when Nord-Lock Ltd joined amongst others Nord-Lock Inc as fully owned subsidiaries and that acted as a starting point of the company becoming the international group it is today. Since then we have continued to grow our organisation in more territories and this has been an important part of growing key relationships and bringing value both to our customers and our partners.”

NORD-LOCK GROUP Turnover 2015: SEK 797 million (€80 million – €85 million) Subsidiaries: 21 Employees: Over 400

Three great stories The range of expertise that Nord-Lock Group now has at its disposal is neatly summed up in the stories of the technologies, and the knowledge vested in the people behind these technologies. This expertise perfectly complements the origin of the Nord-Lock offering.

The Nord-Lock story began back in 1982 when the company started to develop what was to become the world renowned Nord-Lock washers.

Nord-Lock washers are produced at a truly focused site in the remote parts of northern Sweden. “The products we manufacture are to be used where failure is not an option,” says Kurt Persson, senior advisor at Nord-Lock. “Developing these wedge-locking products with the customers’ application in mind makes us different. It has allowed us to excel at finding ways to help our customers and we continue to perfect it.”

40 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

The Superbolt trademark dates back to the 1970s in the steel city of Pittsburgh, USA. It was a man named Rolf Steinbock who revolutionised the principle of jackbolts by replacing conventional nuts and bolts with multi-jackbolt tensioners. In the process, this eliminated many common bolting problems experienced by heavy industry in the area. The business grew with an additional site in St Gallenkappel, Switzerland, as more industries realised the huge advantages of the solution. The similarities to Nord-Lock were many – being the original developer of the technology, having a strong focus on finding solutions even for the most challenging conditions, and offering highly focused project engineering skills.

The story of Boltight was initially the story of Fred Heaton, who was involved when the technology of hydraulic tensioning was first developed near Birmingham, in the UK. In 1999 Fred started Boltight and, together with a focused team, developed hydraulic bolt tensioning tools that are lightweight, compact and easy to use, and which are now used globally on numerous industrial applications. With long experience in meeting their customers’ requirements with state-of-the-art hydraulic tensioning, Nord-Lock Group had once again found a match for expanding the total offering.

Nord-Lock original washers

The original wedge-locking solution, which secures bolted joints with tension instead of friction.

The world’s most trusted quality with full traceability and technical support included in the package.

Rigorously tested and approved by independent institutes, as well as certification authorities. Proven track record in numerous industries where failure is not an option.

Nord-Lock X-series washers

Superbolt expansion bolts

Radial expansion and joint clamping power in one bolting system.

Eliminates time-consuming and destructive removal procedures, expensive repair of distorted bores and purchase of new bolting elements.

Used on many critical applications throughout various major industries – couplings on ship drives, turbines, engines, generators and compressors.

Boltight hydraulic tensioning systems

Combines Nord-Lock’s unrivalled wedge-locking effect (to prevent spontaneous loosening) with a spring effect.

The conical shape creates an elastic reserve in the bolted joint to compensate for the loss of preload and prevent slackening.

A solution that expands design possibilities in challenging conditions, materials and/or designs.

Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioners

Joints can be tightened with high accuracy without requiring specialised skills and using solely hand tools.

Improves the bolt design, ensuring reliable operation and facilitated maintenance procedures.

Wide range of standard series, as well as unlimited capacity to create special designs to meet unique requirements.

Hydraulic tensioners with strong and robust designs ensure durability and long operating life.

Offer both standard and custom built tooling, supported by a range of ancillary equipment such as high volume pumps, flange pullers, nut splitters, hoses and fittings.

Boltight products are often used in oil and gas, subsea, power generation, wind and industrial, among other industries.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

41

COVER STORY Product innovation – with safety in mind

Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioners replace or retrofit existing nuts and bolts, and only require hand/air tools for installation and removal of any size tensioner

According to Andreas Maile, managing director of Nord-Lock Germany, the broadened product range is key in the development.

“We are in a niche market where we need to have competence, experts and educated people,” he says. “Different industries demand different priorities, and having multiple product lines that meet the demands of the toughest applications is essential. Take product maintenance on a wind farm for example or providing bolting solutions for acidic environments or extreme heat.”

Andreas continues: “The industries we serve are fast-developing and it is important to stay close to our customers, working together in these knowledge partnerships is vital for the mutual benefit and as the portfolio grows we can always find the right solution to any challenge.”

The product range offered by Nord-Lock Group reflects a portfolio in tune with the modern marketplace. The bolting solutions are available in the widest range of materials and sizes. It has often taken additional steps from the original technology, such as the multifunctional wedge-locking technology of the X-series washers and the radial sleeve incorporated in Superbolt Expansion bolts.

“Wedge-locking washers are the origin of our company,” Graham Souter says. “Both mechanical and hydraulic tensioning systems have their own strong advantages, so by offering the flexibility afforded by the additions of our Superbolt and Boltight solutions, we are able to meet our customers’ challenges head-on and deliver a complete package as required.”

With bolting solutions from Nord-Lock Group being fitted on millions of applications worldwide, the safety aspect is of upmost importance.

The Nord-Lock Group is involved in spreading bolting knowledge on a daily basis, offering both on-site and remote support, combined with the technical verification carried out from in-house laboratories to ensure secure and optimised solutions for its customer base.

Serving the global market

Nord-Lock wedge-lock washers secure bolted joints with tension instead of friction

42 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Maximising customer uptime in today’s market means offering a competitive solution for the customer over the whole operational life cycle. To prove the long-term economic advantages of applying the optimum technology to an application is valuable, and customers recognise the benefit of the partnership.

Distribution centres in North America, Europe and Asia supply products from Nord-Lock Group to a network of authorised partners.

According to Graham, cooperation with the distribution network is crucial in serving the global market. “We have dedicated resellers in every country within Europe and a long list covering the global network,” he says. “Our specialised offers require different relationships. We have trusting relationships with our global distribution partners, which is important – especially for Nord-Lock wedge-locking solutions, since they are commonly sourced together with standard fasteners. As a manufacturer with a strong engineering resource, the trust built up with our distribution partners is what enables us to together bring a superior and effective offer to the customers. We work with our partners for the benefits of our users. Across our product range it is the technical link we hold with engineering departments that is a driver of the interest in our products and we continue to develop these relationships by providing strong technical input.”

Looking to the future more generally, Andreas Maile pinpoints R&D. “We started with one technology and now we have a broad portfolio and a broad knowledge offer, but we will not stop with this.” Graham Souter concludes: “Having connected our technologies to offer the complete solution to our global customer base, it promises to be a very exciting time ahead for us as we continue to develop.” www.nord-lock.com

Boltight hydraulic tensioning tools are engineered to accomplish the vast majority of bolt tightening work. The tools operate quickly and safely to achieve high and accurate residual bolt stresses

Application Engineer Harlen Seow, Nord-Lock Group, ensures that customers are presented with the most efficient and secure bolting solution for their application

Securing customer value with engineering support Harlen Seow, application engineer at Nord-Lock Group, comments: “It is a very satisfying feeling to be able to solve a customer’s problem. Time is money for them, so being able to help directly to keep their business on track makes our job worthwhile.”

H

aving originally worked as a design engineer elsewhere, Harlen acquired his knowledge of bolted joints when he started working at Nord-Lock. “Bolted joints can be very complicated,” he points out. “Our job is to help the customer to carry out analysis, diagnose and fix any problems. At the same time we offer our knowledge and experience.”

The range of industries in which the solutions are used means that application engineers must be adaptable rather than specialised. “At the end of the day, a bolted joint is a bolted joint,” Harlen says. “It is the physical properties that are important – is it used at extreme temperatures or in salt water, for example? Sometimes we might help to revise the design of a product slightly in order to adapt it to the conditions, but mostly we can apply them effectively as they are.”

According to Harlen, working with the quality and reliability of solutions from Nord-Lock Group is a pleasure, but also an important assignment with great responsibility. He says: “Take a railway switch or an oil platform, for example. A small nut that loosens can have serious consequences. The way in which we are able to offer effective products together with technical support means that our customers receive a complete life-cycle solution.”

Nord-Lock application engineers work with customers in a breadth of industries, helping them to carry out analysis, diagnose and to fix problems – requiring both a lot of knowledge and experience.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 43

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

European fastener market insight As Fastener + Fixing Magazine reaches ‘one hundred’ we invited leading fastener businesses from all the European countries it reaches for an insight into the prospects and challenges of their domestic market.

W

e asked them to consider not just economic and financial issues but also technology drivers for the fastener industry and to identify priorities for the future. We are really

grateful for the time and thought generously invested in assembling a unique perspective of the European fastener landscape. For space reasons we have edited some contributions but have been careful to retain the core of each contributor’s insight. Of course, there will

be other and perhaps divergent viewpoints.

Yours may well be one and we would be very happy to hear it for a future issue – email editor@fasteneransfixing.com. Meanwhile we hope you find this anthology as fascinating as we have.

THE NETHERLANDS

FABORY GROUP Ronald Baarslag, general manager You can only look at the Dutch fastener market by focusing on the greater European market or even the world market, because I feel that borders have largely disappeared in our business.

F

astener specialists from all over Europe sell their products in multiple countries and broadline suppliers serve their national and international customers across several countries.

There are several reasons why so many suppliers deliver in more than one country.

Procurement scale opportunities, growth of e-commerce, and customers requiring identical support in all the countries in which they operate are just three reasons for the disappearance of borders in the fastener market. Fabory recognised these trends a long time ago and we have been building scale for decades.

The acquisition of Fabory Group back in 2011 by W.W. Grainger Inc – an American NYSE listed MRO supplier – has added to that scale. We have been able to strongly improve

our purchasing power by combining volumes of our high-quality fastener offerings. This in turn has enabled us to offer more competitive pricing and higher availability rates to our local and international customers. It has also enabled us to extend our article range to where we can now offer our European customers the benefit of a full range of imperial fasteners.

This has extended our fastener offering to more than 75,000 articles.

The extended range and large volume are necessary to stay relevant for customers in both the MRO and OEM markets and are fueling our growth.

While we need to build volume to be a player in the international market, at the same time customers are asking for local services in their own language. That’s Europe in a nutshell. This doesn’t add scale but it’s

important to customers. We have chosen to have operations in 11 countries in Europe.

Our website is available in 10 languages and enables us to serve our customers and provide them with valuable technical information. Our size allows us to build our platform on state of the art Hybris/SAP technology that supports lot traceability – a feature that’s absolutely necessary to serve OEM customers demanding high-quality.

Like many larger players we also serve a lot of local reliable trade partners. We help them to serve their customers by offering access to our online platform and product range.

Scale is becoming more and more a prerequisite to offering continuous increasing service levels to demanding customers. We feel that this perspective drives us forward on our growth path.

A.S.F FISCHER B.V Arnoud Booij, managing director Traditionally the Netherlands is a trading nation. This is one of the reasons the country has many importers of fasteners. The economic crisis in 2008 caused a recession in many fields and only the strongest importers survived.

A

s a leading fastener company in the Netherlands, A.S.F Fischer could put up with the situation during these years. Since the end of 2015, the Dutch construction and industry experience a strong rehabilitation.

Housebuilding – both new builds as well as home renovation – and industry are recovering again.

A.S.F Fischer benefits from these improvements and consequently the company has a positive view on the future. Hence, we are convinced that the Dutch fastener industry offers many opportunities.

44 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

TURKEY

NORM Group Fatih Uysal, chairman Fasteners is one of the sectors that has had an increasing trend in volumes every year in our country. Turkey is in the position of being the third biggest European manufacturer after Germany and Italy. The sector, which has the objective of becoming one of the two leading production countries through new investments, has approximately 200 manufacturing facilities.

T

urkey exports to 180 countries; in particular to Germany, France and the United Kingdom. In our country there are over 100 manufacturing companies operating in the fastening sector. Exports, which were US$147 million in 2009, doubled within 5 years, and it is a huge success that it has reached US$309 million. The export target for 2023 is forecast at US$1 billion.

The production increase in the Turkish automotive industry during the last few years has had a positive impact on the sector. Thanks to the increasing production of passenger, commercial and heavy-duty vehicles, there is an excellent opportunity for companies manufacturing fastener components for the automotive sector like NORM Cıvata.

Furthermore, investments of global new OEMs in Turkey will also create new opportunities for the sector. Thanks to the rise in the exchange rate, a young population, and the fact that raw material requirements are locally manufactured, there have been positive affects on Turkey’s export market.

The expanding export market in this sector (180 countries, with an annual growth rate of 4% – 4.5%), achieved by Turkey in the last years, means the market for the entire manufacturing sector is expanding with a development of all sectors requiring fasteners.

Due to a reduction in the speed of Turkey’s growth in 2016 the market

has shown a corresponding decline. The sector is suffering from a high increase in overhead costs, a lack of qualified labour, high interest rates and has to overcome difficulties like lack of new industrial spaces and high land prices. The additional tax of 25% imposed on dies imported from abroad is a further factor having a negative impact on the sector in Turkey.

Compared to Europe, the fact that R&D investments in Turkey are almost non-existent prevents the development of the sector. In this sense, companies like the “technological driver” company NORM Group, which is able to provide integrated services and R&D innovation investments, are in an advantageous position.

In the entire world, and specifically in Europe, the manufacture of electric vehicles will accelerate. Studies with the purpose of identifying weight reductions will also accelerate as R&D projects.

Primarily, the problem of importing raw material, which is one of the most important problems of the fasteners sector, needs to be solved.

Under the scope of the integrated service provided by NORM Group as a holder of GEOMET®, Magni and Dörken licenses, and with its high technological sorting machines based in Turkey, it is in the position of being an attractive manufacturer.

As well as quality manufacturing our geographic proximity to Europe ensures a logistical advantage.

Baltic Bolt OÜ Roul Liidemann, managing director The Estonian market for fasteners is, similar to the country’s economy, small and open, which is largely why it has also been highly dynamic over the course of the last few decades.

F

rom simple offers of low cost goods and cost-effective solutions the market has evolved into an industry that relies on customer needs, seeks technical solutions and provides high-quality service. It is safe to say that most of the companies active in the Estonian fastener market have found their strengths and keep developing them even further.

In the course of developing this sector in Estonia, we have followed the positive example of the Nordic countries and Europe, and our cooperation with these neighbours will certainly continue. At the same time, we

also find examples in our closest neighbours Latvia and Lithuania whose proximity affects us economically, as any economic problems in these neighbouring countries are also immediately visible in Estonia. For the purposes of hedging, our small market needs to be very comprehensive and involve all companies and individuals requiring fasteners.

Estonia still lacks a serious domestic fastener manufacturer. Baltic Bolt has certainly become closer to its customers in the Estonian fastener market over the course of the last ten years, simultaneously on several levels. We have expanded our product range to involve associates from as many

46 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

sectors as possible. Also, we have created and developed a chain of retail outlets for our private customers, and used our products and services to become increasingly present in the production facilities of our corporate clients.

Similar trends are characteristic of almost all companies providing fasteners in the Estonian market, and it is safe to say that there are certainly more fasteners in Estonia today than there was some twenty years ago. Fasteners and the companies trading in this sector have become more visible while the knowledge and skills present in the firms have become more valued.

Based on this strategy we have steadily

Çetin Civata Mustafa Tecdelioğlu, chairman The main advantage of Turkey is to be a manufacturer for almost all of the sectors that require fasteners, so the fastener sector can easily follow up changes and demands of all the other sectors.

T

urkey is still one of the emerging markets for the fastener industry. There are lots of factories that are intending to grow with new investments in both equipment and human resources. Çetin Civata is showing continuous development for decades, so the fastener industry is also one of the industries that is still showing evolution. Our total capacity of 40,000 tonnes/year is serving local and export markets – manufactured and stored in our own four plants in Turkey.

The Turkish economy has a pretty strong resistance to political and social changes.

Construction, automotive and white goods have become major sectors in Turkey, which require lots of fasteners. These ensure greater investment in the sector.

Turkish steel manufacturers are also focused on manufacturing raw material for

the fastener sector in recent years, lowering the dependency on importing wire. Çetin Civata is producing fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets, nuts, etc) starting from M3 to M27 by cold forming. Parts that require second operations can also be processed in our plant with eight CNC machines. In our range we have hexagon and socket head bolts. HV bolts, wheel bolts, chipboard screws, self-drilling screws and fasteners according to DIN, ISO, ASME and other international standards and customer drawings. As we have our own PLC controlled continuous electric and gas type heat treatment furnaces, we are able to carry out carbon nitration, quenching and tempering, so we can deliver in all grades starting from 4.6 to 12.9, including dephosphating.

We can also carry out hydrogen embrittlement avoiding processes. Çetin Civata also has its own electro zinc plating and zinc nickel plating plant but

there are also other licensed companies that can apply zink flake, zinc iron, nickel, hot dip galvanise and other global applications.

The main strength of our company is that we do all processes in-house, which brings a big advantage of flexibility for the whole range.

In our quality control department, which has been accredited by the automotive industry, we can carry out and certify almost all required tests according to ISO 898 and customer requirements.

With our ISO 9001, TS 16949, EN 14399, EN 15048, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certificates we serve automotive, home appliances, furniture, construction and machinery sectors.

Especially for the automotive industry we can deliver the parts with 100% sorting and with VDA, PPAP documentation and IMDS entry. Product recall and liability insurance are also applicable.

ESTONIA expanded our customer base and found solutions for serving our customers in a way that brings satisfaction to all parties. Given that the Estonian fastener market is small, the investments that we have made in order to involve various sectors have also provided us with a positive result and a greater certainty about the future.

Today the fastener sector is moderately growing in Estonia, and despite the general pessimism in the economy the companies trading in fasteners share optimistic views of the future. The above mentioned investments have expanded our activities, providing Baltic Bolt with an important advantage in the local

fastener market – in 2016 we expect a growth of 4% – 5%.

In order to further develop the Estonian fastener market we need to be flexible and respond quickly to our customers’ growing demands. We plan to improve the security of supply and to be active in promoting the development of new products. Our excellent relationship with customers can be further advanced by closer and deeper cooperation with our European partners and wider implementation of their product range – combined with the introduction of customer oriented training. We have been and will remain an important link between European

fastener manufacturers and local customers, noting that the ‘know-how’ of Estonian companies has become rather remarkable over the years.

An example is the provision of new technical solutions in the construction sector, which has recently seen some major changes in building materials – reaching for new horizons in higher energy efficiency. The CE Marking, which is based on the Construction Products Directive, has created demand for new product groups in the construction sector. This in turn requires us to develop a new approach and to transfer the respective information to our customers.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 47

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

FINLAND

Sormat Oy Ismo Laitakari, managing director The last two years have witnessed a break of the recession trend in the European construction markets. Finland did not quite play along, but instead experienced a double dip effect. Now the atmosphere is much more positive.

D

uring the first months of 2016 Finland finally took a step forward on a growth path. Especially the Helsinki capital area, which is booming with many high value mega projects such as the Mall of Tripla and the REDI shopping centres, as well as the West Metro project. The need for quality fasteners and especially heavy-duty anchoring has exploded due to the high performance requirements in these state of the art projects.

“The president of today is just the postage stamp of tomorrow,” said old times’ American comedienne Gracie Allen. The same applies to CE Marking of construction products. The CE Marking indicates product’s conformity with declared performance and that it has been assessed according to a harmonised European standard or a European Technical Assessment has been issued for it. The Finnish ministry of environment, and the relevant building control authorities, have spent a lot of time and money since July 2013 to indoctrinate the industry (manufacturers and traders, designers and builders) about the importance of CE Marking. Today, however, it is evident that in Finland, and most likely in all European countries, there are still many involved parties who

ACTON SAS Philippe Purgy, managing director

do not really understand or appreciate the meaning of CE Marking for construction products, especially fixings. CE Marking is all too often considered just as a mandatory rubber stamp without putting enough thought to the real performance needs and proper comparisons.

Finnish construction product wholesalers and retailers have started to enjoy the fruits of the most recent boom. They also seek growth from portfolio extensions and internet sales. While the mindset understandably is, after a long recession, focused on quick deals and fast cash, it is essential that the fastener and fixing industry actively support their customers – as well as end users – with accurate, topical and easily obtainable product data deeper than just CE Marking. This has been one of the key focuses also for Sormat, as the north Europe’s leading fixing manufacturer. It is imperative in a modern society to provide product data and technical expertise simultaneously in many channels, whether through face-to-face project consultancy, internet-based product selector tools and support forums or in a form of a user-friendly design calculation software. Spirits, expectations, but also customers’ demands are high up here near the Arctic Circle.

FRANCE

For many decades, stainless steel fasteners have developed new opportunities in France – especially in the building, food manufacturing and automotive industries. With an interesting but medium sized market in Europe, the French stainless steel distributors have seen a slow increasing of their volumes since 2009, mainly driven by new opportunities in building industries.

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ome new technologies (materials, prints) brought by manufacturers add to the development of some new markets and niches, such as decking screws, infrastructure fixings, and other building accessories.

In one hand the financial cost reduction of the stock level becomes a trend for many French distributors, on the other hand the delivery time is the priority of any final customer, and there is the digital network sales emphasise in this new instantaneousness age. The market becomes more demanding about shorter deliveries.

Another tendency of the French market is the concentration of the distributors, for hardware stores as well as industrial supplies. Independent wholesalers choose to integrate as a group, to improve their strengths and financial capacities. Groups are sold to bigger companies to get some new opportunities in European and overseas markets. The number of independent companies is reducing day by day.

The new digital channels of distribution shake the market, some historical and established French players compete with new actors that have appeared in the last few years through the internet. Thanks to these new media, the customer can find wide ranges, short delivery time, flexible timetable, stock visibility – but suggestions and advices are missing.

Finally the French market is changing as any other market – adapting its strategy to the new digital tendencies, improving its logistic network, integrating or selling companies to become European or international drivers – to improve its competitiveness in the global background.

48 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

ITALY

SACMA Group

Ambrovit SpA

In order to analyse the Italian market situation in the last decade we cannot avoid to consider the impact the global crisis had. This crisis, which began in 2009, accelerated the process in the organisation/strategy change many industries had started since entering the Euro zone.

After three years of contraction, in 2015 the Italian GNP grew by 0.8%. However, the Bank of Italy recently cut the forecast for economic growth in 2016 from 1.5% (January projections) to 1.1%.

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bove all, more than a logical internal restructuring to reduce the costs and to search for a better efficiency in the production processes, the major impact has been a stronger push towards internationalisation and this was due to the huge recession of the internal market.

As for SACMA Group, sales in the foreign markets went from 40% in 2006 to 75% in 2016 with a 25% growth in turnover. To contrast with this drastic situation, Italian enterprises had to face a lot of organisational changes. The typical Italian business structure is represented by the SMEs. They are normally owned by an entrepreneurial family. This characteristic makes the change easier as the decisional process and its implementation are almost immediate. However, it also represents a limit to the dimensional growth and to the internationalisation in terms of the number of markets and complexity.

For this reason, in the majority of the Italian enterprises, new workforces have been gradually introduced. They contributed to a new more managerial approach in the strategic and operational business management.

Generally speaking we can say that, as for the impact on the products, the operating margins reduction made the efficiency and the profitability of means of production very critical. This led the businesses to improve both their own products and the production processes for their implementation.

As far as SACMA Group is concerned, we’d like to recall that in the last decade more than €50 million has been invested in new means of production and in the build up of the already existing factory space. In this competitive environment, it is essential to grant the customers the best service ever and the immediate spare parts availability everywhere in the world. It is more than vital to own spare parts stock and centres for the technical assistance in the most important market areas.

Nowadays SACMA owns a main stock with more than 4,000 pallets and 100,000 available codes in addition to local stocks with specialised workforce in the USA, Germany, Brazil and China.

We are convinced that only businesses with a very large product range, a widespread spare parts and post sale service, the ability to innovate, and strong financial support and production facilities, can be successful in the market of the future.

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amilies’ consumptions have increased, but the unemployment rates are still well above the pre-crisis level, with nearly 40% of 15 – 24 year olds without work according to Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union.

What’s more, the National Institute of Statistics (Istat) has reported that in May the country recorded the fourth straight month of deflation, while the industrial production value is lower by 31% if compared to the highest pre-crisis levels.

It goes without saying, Italian companies were strongly hit by the global financial crisis, although the most forward looking ones amongst them managed to invest in quality. The luxury goods industry has continued to grow, aided by the rising number of consumers in the emerging markets, while the electrical appliance market has shrunk. According to Istat, exports are leading the production growth. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, are suffering recession, while the medium and big ones are registering the best results (€3 billion of surplus value in 2015).

Italian fastener industry

The fastener industry, whose products are versatile as they are not linked to a single sector but instead used for a variety of applications, has been slowly recovering from the crisis since 2014. Importers are still conditioned by the 2009 anti-dumping on Chinese fasteners and by the uncertainty of the market that followed its recent repeal. Nonetheless, according to the UN Comtrade, Italy is the sixth global exporter of screws and bolts, for a total value of US$1.9 billion (€1.7 billion), and what’s more, after five years of dependence from exports, Italian producers have observed a relevant growth of the internal market. There are 151 main wholesalers specialised in hardware, mostly located in the northern regions, and 41,776 stores, mainly based in the south, which diminished by 1.5% between 2014 and 2015. Sales over the internet only represent 1%, although they are increasing.

An Italian company has to face many challenges, such as one of the highest total tax rates in Europe, an excess of bureaucracy, a lack of investments, and a non-flexible labour market. There are still many improvement opportunities, yet we breathe a trustful mood.

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

AUSTRIA

Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld GmbH Andreas Gebert, managing director The Austrian fastener and fixings market is growing steadily in timber construction according to the sector with a slight upward trend. However, it remains to be seen what impact the latest political changes will have.

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t Schmid Schrauben we are currently working primarily on the Cr6 ban, which will come into force in September 2017. As a result of the new REACH regulation no screws with galvanisation containing Cr6 will be sold in Europe from that time. This has wide-reaching consequences both for European manufacturers and for importers. Fortunately, we at Schmid Schrauben have many years of experience with Cr6 free surfaces and can tackle the topic a little more easily. The biggest challenge for the changeover will be the corresponding logistics behind it. Our aim is to reach a point by the end of 2016 where we already have only the Cr6 free versions of our RAPID® and StarDrive GPR® screw ranges in the warehouse.

In the field of application technology, the focus will surely remain on further developments in multistorey residential buildings and the improvements in timber/concrete composite construction in the future.

The most significant benefits of this construction method, alongside sustainability and a lower weight, are certainly the construction units, which are delivered to the construction site already pre-assembled. In addition, the timber/concrete composite construction method makes larger spans possible while at the same time providing sufficiently high sound insulation for residential construction.

pgb-Europe NV Luc Pennoit, owner

The topic of energy efficiency for buildings of all types is also increasingly coming to the fore. Insulation is often applied to the existing roof structure with rafters, so-called on-roof rafter insulation, for thermal renovation in existing buildings. In order to be able to attach counter battens to the insulation, we have developed a special two threaded screw – RAPID® Top-2 Roof. The practical height adjustment option makes it possible to work even more flexibly on the building site.

In all of these new application solutions, technical support is also of increasing importance. That’s why Schmid Schrauben now offers an in-house calculation service as support for architects and engineers. Our calculation software produces the structural analysis in the form of a preliminary measurement, which is then reviewed and approved by the structural engineer. Product training and workshops in which we as a manufacturer impart knowledge and know-how to do with screws are another trend in the field of services.

As part of our Schmid Academy, we offer our customers interesting seminars on topics such as applications technology, corrosion resistance or fire resistance. Such services in combination with great product quality, which is guaranteed by European Technical Accreditations, are the essential cornerstones for being prepared, as a fastener and fitting manufacturing plant, for the coming challenges.

BELGIUM

pgb-Europe is a Belgian family owned wholesaler located in Melle near Ghent.

With 60 years of experience we have seen a lot of evolution in the domestic market.

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ome of our competitors still exist, but most of them were bought and belong now to bigger investment groups.

Multinationals are more and more ruling the (international) market. Also ‘traditional’ family owned shops, who are customers of ours, are being bought by big chains.

However, pgb-group still remains independent and the third generation is now also active in the company. Over the years the pgb-group started a production company in Poland – pgb-Polska – and also an office in Shanghai, China – pgb-Asia.

At this very moment we are even finalising the building of a production factory in Vietnam to consolidate our position in the product chain and offer us more possibilities in the future. We are evolving to a manufacturer/wholesaler of anchors and fasteners.

The market situation is constantly changing and the competition is hard. Even on small items like fasteners the price pressure is high.

To counter this, we constantly invest in new products – optimising our designs and performances and making the products look attractive.

The world is also becoming more and more digital. For fifteen years we have offered a B2B webshop to customers. At this time we are

52 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

building our fourth version, on a totally new ERP software, with unseen possibilities and online features. The management of (product) data is becoming more and more important.

Also the legal aspects are changing rapidly; for instance anti-dumping measures and CE Marking. For an organisation this means a lot of changes.

The future is not easy to predict and sometimes is swept away in one second. The image of Belgium has been damaged lately with the explosions on the national airport in March. Also the trade unions are organising strikes, which do not contribute to a stable situation.

Not directly a positive investing climate... However, we stay confident and work hard to constantly improve our organisation and its products. The building sector is one of Belgium’s most important economical engines. Recent studies show that the confidence in the building sector is rising again. Especially the renovation market, which is of growing importance.

We fight for our market leadership and we position ourselves next to the big ones here in Belgium. With a focus every year on growing turnover, and a thirst for expansion, we expect a lot from the future.

SPAIN

HEROSLAM S.A.L

CELO S.A

Alberto Gabika, managing director

By Ramón Ceravalls, general manager

First of all we need to take into account that 99% of Spanish companies are small or midsize companies, with less than 250 employees, and this is also the trend in the Spanish fastener industry.

In general the situation has been positive for fastener manufacturers in the last 12 months, but we are very cautious about what may happen in the near future.

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e have seen sign i f ica nt changes in the Spanish fastener industry over the last 10 years. A large number of small fastener manufacturing companies have gone out of business during this period of time. Some of them were family owned companies that did not have any succession programme implemented and closed their doors when their founders retired. Others depended too much on the construction industry or on the local market and were not quick enough to focus on other industries or to overseas markets when Spain’s economy constrained abruptly from 2008 – 2012.

Other small firms and companies, that manufactured low added value products, decided to reduce their production capacity and switch to a trading business strategy – buying overseas the products they used to produce in Spain and selling them to their existing customer base.

Most of the fastener producers with a solid position within the automotive industry had a couple of bad years in 2008 and 2009, but they remained in business with a cost reduction strategy.

These companies have overcome that period and have made important investments in new equipment and are doing very well currently. Their business is growing and they are increasing their production capacity and some of them are setting up new manufacturing plants overseas in order to gain an international presence.

Multinational groups have acquired a few other companies, but we have not

seen any major investments from these groups in terms of new manufacturing plants in Spain.

Finally, I would like to highlight the positive evolution that the Spanish manufacturers of machines and tools for the fastener industry have had during these years. In my opinion, due to the weakness of the Spanish fastener industry over this period of time, these companies have made significant efforts in improving their products and services in order to approach other markets and this strategy has enabled them to become leading international players in the fastener industry worldwide.

During these years of crisis, Spain has realised that the structure of our economy needs to depend less on tourism and construction and that the industry in general needs to gain weight within the country’s GDP. The Spanish Government is very aware of this and is implementing incentive programmes to attract new manufacturing companies, as well as to help existing companies improve their position by investing in new technologies and R&D activities and by expanding their international presence.

Challenges for the future include the size of Spanish companies. We need to become bigger and have more resources in order to compete globally with multinational groups. We also need to continue to invest in new technologies and new manufacturing equipment to become more competitive.

It is also vital that we attract young people into the manufacturing industry to replace existing personnel who will retire in the near future.

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he positive trends include automotive production, which increased in 2015, and we still expect a 3.5% growth in western Europe in 2016. After a terrible recession in the construction market, which mainly affected the south of Europe, the trend in Europe has been positive in the last two years. Low interest rates and higher disposable income of consumers (lower oil prices, lower unemployment, low inflation) will allow a higher growth in the construction sector. Expected growth for the next two years is around 3%, which exceeds expected GDP. Favourable exchange rates are improving our competitive position versus Asia and US manufacturers.

Low cost of steel has also helped to improve our margins.

Low interest rates and past year’s profits are being used by many companies to invest in new equipment (machine manufacturers are in general pretty booked up) and new markets.

There have been some important acquisitions taking place in the international market and we expect they will continue. Amongst Spanish companies, Panelfisa started a new factory in Mexico and we acquired Trident Fasteners in the USA. Looking at unfavourable trends or clouds on the horizon. We wonder what will be the consequences of the derogation of AD525 (anti-dumping on China). No one questions the fact that China has excess capacity of steel production and they will continue to push to sell their surplus. Fasteners are just a small part of the problem, but the main problem for our industry. The cost reduction of raw materials has triggered some customers to ask for cost reductions. Some strong signs show that we have reached the bottom on prices and we fear that our customers will not react so fast to our demands to increase prices. Price pressure will be high.

Finally, we have to follow the globalisation process of OEMs and tier suppliers. If this task is not easy for large companies, it is even harder for the medium and small companies that still make up a large part of this fastener business.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 53

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

UNITED KINGDOM

Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd Paul Lower, chief executive The stainless fastener market in the UK has grown by approximately 7% in total during the last two years in volume terms. These enhanced volumes partly reflect the economic growth in the improving UK economy and the lower unemployment situation, although there is increasing industry awareness for the attributes of stainless steel fasteners given the exceptionally competitive unit product price.

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he first half of 2016 has been noteworthy for significant movements in exchange rates, while also continuing to be impacted adversely in gross revenue terms by the downward movement in world commodity prices over the previous two years – with the spot nickel price having declined by more than 50% during this period.

With the satisfactory UK volumes, albeit coupled with low unit trade price levels, the overall UK market situation for stainless steel fasteners is now stable. External factors remain key drivers, but given that the nickel price earlier this year was the lowest for more than ten years, there is good reason to assume that some upward movement may apply in the foreseeable future. Manufacturing and distribution productivity has certainly improved at the wholesale level and the resultant ongoing cost-efficiencies have proven essential in avoiding significant declines in stainless fastener business net investment returns.

Given the comparatively low current unit prices applying it is difficult to envisage more than a modest volume related UK revenue

improvement in the second half of 2016, as any upward variation in commodity prices is likely to take a number of months to filter through to final market costs – in the light of reasonably good existing inventory availability. The low unit market price level is therefore likely to continue this year, although it is highly probable that in 2017 the nickel base cost will increase as the world over supply/demand imbalance is rectified. There is already some upward pressure on scrap prices and also for A4 material, given the recent movement in molybdenum spot prices. Looking forward, the probable removal of current anti-dumping legislation in 2017 is likely to prove a significant factor for the stainless fastener supply chain, through greatly enhanced Far Eastern supply sources for standard fasteners, which in essence will also reinforce the effective demise of any significant European manufacturing base for standard stainless steel fasteners. Increased availability and competition at manufacture level is likely to impact throughout the supply chain, limiting unit price movements to the minimum – consistent with commodity price variations.

TR Fastenings Ltd Geoff Budd, director and European managing director With over 40 years’ experience in the fastener industry, we have witnessed numerous changes within the UK market and always strive to respond to the ever changing requirements of the domestic manufacturing sector.

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mong the most notable recent developments is the resurgence of the UK automotive manufacturing industry, especially in the Midlands and the north east, which currently account for 35% of our UK turnover.

TR specialises in producing multistage complex fasteners for tier 1 customers to go into products such as seating components, IP console, braking systems, airbag assemblies, and highly engineered parts for engine and powertrain fastenings.

Lightweighting in automotive is also a key driver and we have seen a sharp increase in sales of plastic fasteners being used to replace traditional steel ones, along with a range of industrial drive systems for more sophisticated engineering applications.

In terms of the benefits and challenges of being a UK company, TR Fastenings is in the fortunate position of being able to offer local support whilst also being able to tap into a global network of resources. We still manufacture in the UK – we have been the market leader in the production and supply of rivet bushes in the UK for over 30 years – but most of our manufacturing takes place in the Far East, much of it in our own production facilities.

Looking ahead, underlying growth remains encouraging and this has been bolstered by the recent acquisition of new companies, such as Viterie Italia Centrale Srl (VIC) in Italy and Kuhlmann Befestigungselemente GmbH & Co KG in Germany, and the opportunities these bring. We are also continuing to pursue opportunities that add product range and customers to the TR footprint. Moreover, as the fastener supply sector continues to remain highly fragmented, there is also ample scope for consolidation by acquisition.

54 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

SWEDEN

Nord-Lock Group Anders Manfred, sales director northern Europe The Nord-Lock Group, with its sales subsidiaries in over 20 countries, has an international focus and over 95% of our manufactured goods are exported. Our niche offering within secure bolting solutions continues to see a strong demand globally.

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s our customers continue to develop their design and technology it creates new challenges within bolting and our task is to solve those challenges and develop them into opportunities. With a focus on safety we build on a market trend that has less direct connection to general economic trends and we continue to see a good market demand in northern Europe.

In Scandinavia we are affected by external challenges such as the decline in the oil and gas industry, particularly in Norway. We see a reduction in new development of oilrigs and it has also forced customers to cut costs. Sometimes that is done with a short-term focus, rather than in a way that creates safer and more economical solutions for the long-term. The mining industry in Finland and Sweden is going through tough times and this has of course influenced their investments and production volumes negatively during the past two years. Finally, the long-term trend of moving manufacturing operations from northern Europe to low cost countries continues, even if there are signs that this trend is weaker today than some years ago.

Current and future opportunities

The good side of challenges is that they come with great opportunities. Especially when financial pressure is put on an industry and companies want to make improvements on products and machinery to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance and operational costs.

This is a global trend that fits our offering well. Our products continue to be relevant in the market even during downturns since we put the optimisation of bolted joints and related routines on the agenda.

Our customers are focused on reducing downtime, inspection requirements, and maintenance work, and this creates a higher demand not only for the products we offer but also the knowledge that the Nord-Lock Group can bring.

Another opportunity that we see both globally and in Scandinavia is the strong development within renewable energy. Based on per capita figures, Denmark is the leader in producing renewable energy today and Sweden comes in third place. Denmark also produces the most wind power per capita in the world, with Sweden in second place. The wind power industry as an application area was in an unstable situation a few years ago but is now back in a positive trend. With major investments confirmed in the area we see many good opportunities ahead.

The third opportunity to take into account is the investments being made in infrastructure. The Scandinavian countries are looking at large needs for both refurbishment and new builds in this sector (bridges, railways, etc) – creating a strong increase in demand for bolting technologies. Nord-Lock Group has a long experience of working with structural bridges, national railroads, metro systems, high-speed rail and trains. There will be many opportunities to contribute to the expansion and upgrading of the infrastructure in the whole of Scandinavia for a long time ahead.

POLAND

Marcopol Sp z.o.o Piotr Pierowicz, managing director The market of fasteners in the world develops very quickly and this is observed in Poland as well.

The Polish market of fasteners is still one of the fastest developing markets in the world.

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n the last ten years production of fasteners in Poland has increased by approximately 130%. We expect that economic progress and growing industrialisation of developing countries will cause consecutive process growth of industrial production in the following years as well. This will contribute to increasing demand for fasteners and further dynamic development of our industry.

The integration process with EU countries and stable growth of the whole Polish economy are the main drivers of rapid growth for the fastener and fixing industry in Poland. We also see that more and more local companies are delivering products to our business partners in the EU. It is extremely important for us to have the same standards of quality and still have a few crucial advantages over fastener and fixing producers outside of the EU.

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Bufab Group Jörgen Rosengren, chief executive officer In the beginning of 2016 we saw a continuation of the sluggish demand that has been the rule in the European fastener market in the past few years. Good growth in some sectors (automotive, aerospace) was balanced with low or negative growth in others (oil and gas). Although some markets performed really well, notably eastern Europe, others displayed more moderate growth.

Taken in all, we saw a market that continued to grow, but at a low pace.

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n the supply side, the regulatory changes regarding anti-dumping caused some commotion, but otherwise we saw a market characterised by low overall demand, some overcapacity, and continued consolidation. In this market, Bufab’s strategy is to work even closer to the best suppliers, concentrating volume, and thus share the benefit of our total volumes to fewer, stronger partners. This process has been ongoing for some time, but we have accelerated it recently.

Our customers are also taking advantage of the relatively low demand situation to improve their internal processes. In fasteners and other C-class components this very often means working with a few high class suppliers, usually one or two manufacturers and one or a few trading companies – ‘supply chain partners’. Even the largest customers can obtain the vast majority of their C-class components in this way.

The benefits are great, moving from often several hundred average suppliers to only a handful of very good ones can lower total cost significantly while freeing up capital and improving quality and delivery precision. That explains the very strong trend we see among our customers towards consolidation and closer cooperation.

For Bufab, this has meant good growth opportunities – not only in Europe, but also in India, China, south-east Asia and the USA. It also means that we will continue to be active in the consolidation of our industry. For instance, we have made three acquisitions in the last 15 months and are always looking out for new partners who would like to join the Bufab family.

In summary: Not a very strong market growth, but good business opportunities for the strongest players.

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKETS

GERMANY

Keller & Kalmbach GmbH & Co KG Dr Florian Seidl, managing director If we have a look at the German market for fastener distributors – especially those who are serving commercial users during the last 10 years – we can see that the market share had a good growth until the 2009 crises, recovered very soon up to the old level, but now is quite static since 2014.

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he growth was driven by supplier reduction campaigns of many industrial customers; new solutions in logistical processes, which help to reduce process costs within the C-part management; and some price increases after the anti-dumping tariffs on steel fasteners.

During this process the market share of the distributors grew. At the same time the share of the fastener manufacturers rose even more by the good development of the German automotive industry and its suppliers. The development in specific branches during that period was quite diverse. In the last years for example the housing and construction sector had a plus, whereas the agricultural machinery sector was going down.

To a large part the market was driven by exports to other countries. Especially exports to China, which played an important role.

The weaker growth in China and other BRIC countries may change this situation. But at the moment it seems that the southern European markets are recovering.

On the other hand we have some serious market risks: The economic and financial background in Europe is still volatile and the strong export rates, which Germany´s industry enjoyed for many years, are supported by a weak Euro. This could change due to political developments. At the moment the growth in Germany mainly comes from private consumption.

Additionally, the steel prices are also quite volatile. Until February they declined but at the moment they are increasing tremendously and nobody knows how the cancellation of the anti-dumping tariffs will impact the market.

This risks more or less base on the general economic and political development. But there are also technological trends that could harm

the fastener industry. For example, electrically powered cars do not have big engines anymore, which have a lot of special parts. Even if the distributors do not serve the OEMs directly this could change the market a lot.

On the other side there are still a lot of potential customers, working with traditional purchasing systems, who could profit from a concentration on strong partners and the introduction of modern logistical systems.

Those tasks need high investments in IT, automated warehouses and global purchasing.

Niches for smaller players are still seen on the market, but some of them will have problems to keep up with the speed of new developments in the areas described above. So I see a further concentration in the market, in which very innovative players have bigger chances than medium sized national companies, which still earn good money today.

Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co KG Rainer Bürkert, general manager Within the Würth Group, Würth Industrie Service is responsible for supplying the industrial sector as a full service provider of C-parts. We are specialised in automated supply and logistic solutions for production, maintenance and repair to meet the individual needs of our customers within their worldwide production sites.

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tarting from the early years, Würth Industrie Service has grown from a small trading company to a global player and leading provider of C-parts management in Germany and Europe. Today, we operate with more than 45 companies in over 35 different countries and sales of more than €1 billion (€1.18 billion in 2015). This truly global network, Würth INdustrial NetWORK (WINWORK®), ensures comprehensive, on-site support, fast and smooth transmission of information, and the seamless integration and implementation of C-parts solutions in the production lines of our customers.

It is not only the globalisation but the digitisation of the markets that places high demands on companies in all industries. Globalisation and digitisation change products, existing processes and communication.

Irrespective of time and place, goods are expected to be available within ever shorter time frames, processes are expected to be more efficient, communication is becoming more complex and data management even more transparent. This development means there are even higher

58 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

demands and changing requirements on the fasteners and fixing industry, as well as the C-parts management in the future. Therefore, for several years, we have been working closely with the German Fraunhofer Institute and have been developing intelligent C-parts solutions to manage complex processes in order to simplify C-parts. This is why our focus is based on a clear system and product strategy and on a clear commitment to innovation.

The central issues are customised solutions in kanban supply and materials management, as well as developments in bin technology to suit every customer’s need. Cross-linked, harmonised logistics processes are the foundation of the industrial revolution 4.0. We have already responded to that development with the introduction of the intelligent, multifunctional rack label iDisplay, the vending machines ORSY®mat and the first intelligent bin iBin®. With our innovative solutions we provide conclusive answers to the questions of our manufacturing customers on the topic of Industry 4.0.

Lederer GmbH Dr Volker Lederer, managing director In recent years we have seen a growing professionalism in the fastener distributors business in Germany.

Warehouse and logistic systems are a key area in this development. High investments of many German fastener distributors in the automation of the logistic processes are a prerequisite to satisfy the growing requirement of industrial customers concerning flexibility, rapidity and process safety.

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hese requirements will certainly further increase.

Fastener distributors are forced to follow to remain competitive on national and international markets.

The internationalisation of business is another aspect of professionalism. Purchase and sales are becoming increasingly global. Many German distributors have already established an international network of branches or made worldwide company acquisitions to handle this trend. This all requires better and more complex organisational structures.

The current status of the market is marked by uncertainty. The repeal of the anti-dumping duty on carbon steel fasteners leads to distortions in the market. Will there be a new anti-dumping in the future? If yes, when? And what are the consequences of a probable market economy status of China at the end of 2016?

A disproportional high uncertainty is also coming from current global crises, for instance the negative economic and political

Bossard Group

developments in the emerging markets; the unclear situation in the EU (Brexit; Grexit?); and some heavy international crisis such as the war in Syria. These circumstances are affecting our business in a very negative manner and it is hardly realistic to expect a quick improvement.

Which challenges lie ahead? I think we must carefully listen to our customers to identify their coming needs. We have to keep an eye on national and international industrial developments. We must deal with prospective trends such as digitalisation to make our organisations fit for future competition. And only if we are financially powerful will we be able to accept these challenges and to make necessary investments.

At the end we have to develop efficient and flexible organisations with qualified employees and a strong financial base to secure our competitiveness. We need an appropriate strategy to have sustainable success on our target markets. A trustful cooperation with all our partners – both customers and suppliers – is therefore of great importance.

SWITZERLAND

By Peter Kammüller, COO, deputy general manager The Swiss engineering, electrical and metal industry is characterised by a large number of small and midsized companies, being the backbone of the manufacturing sector with roughly 320,000 employees.

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he so-called MEM industry (machinery, electrical and metal) holds a key position in the Swiss economy and is by far the largest user of fastener technology, followed by the construction sector. While industries with labour intensive and not value adding activities have been relocated to low cost countries over the years, the remaining companies are high-tech producers of machinery and equipment for various large and niche players with an export ratio of about 80%.

When the Swiss National Bank repealed the Euro minimum price to the Swiss Franc on 15th January 2015, the Swiss export industry had to deal over night with price increases of about 15%. As a consequence, the companies had to undergo a painful fitness test, protecting their sales by giving in on margin, reducing cost and increasing productivity. Players with little or no margin had to close production, relocate abroad or had to downsize their organisation. Domestic fastener suppliers

suffered so to speak to the same extent as the OEMs. Those suppliers with a global footprint could serve the relocating companies abroad or establish an organisation to do so if feasible.

Companies in a saturated market such as Switzerland compete either on price or they are able to add service and support to increase the competitiveness of its customers, for which they are willing to pay. Innovations such as Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics, an Industry 4.0 suitable logistic system for C and B-parts that the company has offered for several years and meets the trend of digital manufacturing and big data respectively – the so-called 4th industrial revolution.

Industry 4.0, 3D printing and consequently dematerialisation of products are technology drivers and the future challenges for the fastener industry. New lightweight materials such as composites and carbon fibre in the mobility industry (automotive, aerospace, railway, etc) but not only, will drive innovation around the fastener products.

Future cooperations and partnerships of fastener suppliers up and downstream the supply chain, and with suppliers of complementary parts, may help to reduce process cost and complexity for customers.

First mentioned mega-trend of smart factories will force the fastener companies to further innovate around logistic systems and solutions that can be fully integrated in assembly lines to deliver fastener technology seamless, process optimised and fully automated to the point of use or any other place in a factory. Systems are already available, the smart factory logistic and SmartBin solutions are the most advanced, others will follow.

Innovation, increase of productivity, time to market are, and will increasingly be, key to success for the players in highly developed economies. For Swiss companies, innovation became part of their DNA and is one of the reasons why production is still possible in the country despite the high-level of cost and other aggravating factors.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 59

FACE2FACE

Thomas Ehrhardt president global automotive, STANLEY Engineered Fastening In 2013 the acquisition of Infastech took STANLEY Black & Decker’s global engineered fastening sales to around US$1.5 billion.

This June, Thomas Ehrhardt assumed global responsibility for its automotive segment. He talked to Executive Editor Phil Matten about the benefits of that acquisition and reflected on what it takes to respond to, but equally importantly anticipate, the needs of the global automotive industry.

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he automotive industry has absorbed most of Thomas Ehrhardt’s twenty year fastener industry career.

Previously with TRW Engineered Fasteners & Components, Ehrhardt joined Tucker GmbH as head of sales in 2005.

His responsibilities expanded, initially adding marketing to his portfolio and later taking on automotive engineering responsibility for the European market. In April last year he was appointed managing director of Tucker GmbH, and last month became president of STANLEY Engineered Fastening Global Automotive.

Responding to the suggestion there had been a period of introspection after the 2013 Infastech acquisition, Ehrhardt smiles. “If you look at STANLEY Black & Decker’s track record, it definitely has massive experience in acquiring and integrating companies. The Infastech acquisition has been one of our most successful, exceeding both revenue and cost expectations. It has been a good integration.”

That wasn’t too difficult, Ehrhardt says, given these were two strong companies. “Emhart already had Tucker®, POP® AVDEL and its other brands, as well as a lot of good people and excellent products. Gaining both sales channels, and putting the two portfolios together, meant we were able to position ourselves far more strongly in the global automotive market.”

Yes, he acknowledges, it takes time to build on the momentum gained from an acquisition. “First you must make sure you have your organisation and structure in place. Now we are very definitely in the position to harvest the benefits.”

The synergies for the automotive segment are already demonstrated through a series of recent market initiatives and product launches. There is more, though, says Ehrhardt. “There is another huge aspect when you look at the industrial and electronics segments – further very important reasons for the acquisition as part of a process of diversification.”

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For the automotive business it is about “what the acquisition has already brought, and, more importantly, what it will bring”. Synergies in blind riveting technologies presented significant gains in operational excellence and manufacturing capability. On the other hand channelling strong products to the right customers is proving profitable already.

“Products like Avseal® provided superior solutions but lacked some customer access. Now we are positioning that product in the right segments with the right customers and are feeling real momentum.”

“Analysing AVDEL, we found significant value for the rest of the organisation, which we were quick to adopt.” There have been few changes to the manufacturing footprint around Giessen in Germany, where Ehrhardt is based, although production was relocated from the UK Tucker plant to gain manufacturing efficiencies. Giessen has also benefited from a €20 million targeted investment. “We just began shipping from a new 10,000m2 plant here – built in nine months and three weeks from the ground up,” says Ehrhardt. That joins a global manufacturing network, which includes five factories in Germany, with additional manufacturing in the Czech Republic and the Warrington site in the United Kingdom.

As connectivity becomes a key vehicle technology, the sector is drawing strongly from the smartphone industry, and Infastech’s strength in the electronic sector presents further substantial opportunities. “Look at the modules now being used in the automotive industry and there is a clear opportunity because of the common heritage – sometimes even the same customers. That is very interesting.”

“While we have been strong in the automotive tier industry and the traditional OEMs (there is hardly a car produced in Europe without products from STANLEY Engineered Fastening) there are newcomers supplying modules to the car makers, and here we see real benefit from the combined strength gained from the acquisition.”

Fundamentally important to STANLEY Engineered Fastening is its capability to manufacture and supply the complete fastening technology portfolio for the vehicle body: “Plastic components, blind riveting, stud welding, self piercing riveting – we supply the complete system.”

“We are involved from the outset,” emphasises Ehrhardt. “We do not normally manufacture to print. Our intention is always for the customer to engage with us years before the body of the car appears on the street. Sometimes that is three years, sometimes five, even ten years when it comes to enabling new technology.”

“We work closely with the customer during design and simultaneous engineering phases. Sometimes we even develop the joint for the customer – recommending which product to use. We also design and supply the system that installs the fastener on the line. We support and maintain that system, we supply the spare parts, and we train the customers’ operatives. That is the STANLEY Engineered Fastening difference.”

That needs highly skilled people close to key customer locations.

“We have the right people in place in our offices in France and Italy, in Spain and the UK, in Sweden and eastern Europe, as well as in Asia and American locations. Wherever the automotive industry is we have a presence and a set of knowledgeable engineers.” Different stages in the vehicle life cycle demand distinctive skill sets. Early design and development consultancy demands very specific capabilities.

Application engineering, translating concept to the assembly line

If you look at STANLEY Black & Decker’s track record, it definitely has massive experience in acquiring and integrating companies.” and, when necessary, resolving specific issues encountered as the vehicle moves into production, requires others. Nor are these purely reactive roles. “There are times when we proactively approach the customer,” explains Ehrhardt, “because we recognise the potential for a cost reduction or elimination of a quality issue.” Distinct, yet again, are the people required to install, maintain and service the production equipment.

“Throughout, most important for us is to fully understand the customer,” he continues. “It is not these people’s job to talk only with the purchasers. Of course, it is necessary to understand their expectations but it is not where the work is really done. It is understanding the assembly process, where a product can create value, and addressing the customer’s quality issues, maybe also their supply chain concerns.”

“A fastener only differentiates from that of a competitor by the way it meets the customers needs or how it is designed to solve a problem. You can only understand that if you are really close to the customer. Most of our people have been with us for at least ten years. They are industry experts. They are very well connected with their customers, with product engineering, with manufacturing engineering. They spend a lot of time where our products are used to understood how we can improve – line walks, assembly studies, providing added value engineering. Above all, ensuring we are always up to date.”

The imperative for lightweighting and the associated challenges of multi-material body assembly demand that STANLEY Engineered Fastening engineers are immersed in what is happening in research laboratories, universities and the advanced engineering departments of its customers. “This is crucial in anticipating customer needs. Working with these facilities means we are able to bring an external view on what we believe is going on.” STANLEY Engineered Fastening also works closely with the developers and manufacturers of advanced materials, and the automotive OEMs’ own research and development departments. “The people involved in vehicle body fastening may not know what is coming to them,” says Ehrhardt. “We try to anticipate as well as we possibly can the joining, plastic fastening, tightening, welding or riveting issues they may face in the future.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

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FACE2FACE

TH 510 stud welding head used for fast and robust studwelding

“Lightweighting presented, and continues to present, a huge challenge for the automotive industry. We are particularly proud of our ability to turn that challenge into an opportunity. We have found ways to help our customers, which have driven so much growth into our organisation over recent years, as well as strengthening the integrity of our customer relationships.”

“We want to achieve an exchange between the customers’ and our own technology roadmap.

Of course, we want to understand and respond effectively to their concerns today but we must also anticipate the challenges of ten, maybe fifteen years from now. Ten years in the automotive industry is nothing – decisions being made today will be out there in ten years time.”

There are other convergences, not least in how the automotive industry thinks and acts globally.

“We recently decided to reorganise our global automotive structure,” explains Ehrhardt. “While that was mainly about customer focus, it is also about global product line cohesion.” There remains distinctive influences on assembly techniques depending on the

Our commitment to the success of our customers means anticipating their future needs today…”

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origin of the carmaker. “There is a difference in the way an Asian car manufacturer typically assembles a car, compared with a European or American one. A German OEM will invest in the same technology whether manufacturing in Europe, in America or Asia. It will make one decision on a standard process, to be used in all regions. However, the pros and cons for an Asian or American OEM may not be the same.”

“We are very successful in Japan but the use of blind riveting in a Japanese car as opposed to stud welding is significantly different.

It is not about judging whether one technology is better than the other.

Both make sense and that is linked to the manufacturing strategy

Lightweighting presented, and continues to present, a huge challenge for the automotive industry.” of the customer. It is not up to us to teach what is better: It is up to us to understand why the customer is going in that direction and to take that journey with them.”

Ehrhardt hints at growing commonality. “We use self-piercing rivet technologies with virtually every OEM and in every region. The degree of emphasis on that technology definitely differs right now but there is a clear probability of convergence over time.”

Part of the responsibility Ehrhardt sees for STANLEY Engineered Fastening is to ensure that increased complexity in the carmakers’ product profile, driven by a rapid growth in consumer expectations of a distinctive personal vehicle, does not feed back into unnecessary complexity in production. He cites examples: “Developments in our TR 610 weld head now enables it to weld completely different studs. It is a higher one time investment but longer-term flexibility is ensured.”

For self-piercing rivet technology: “We came out with products where you invest once in control unit, the feeding unit, and the setting unit, but

then you have tools that increase the flexibility. We make sure it is not one investment for one model. Similarly we work on standardisation of the fasteners used.”

The process doesn’t stop at the assembly line. “If the customer doesn’t think about it, and most do, then we try to come up with a concept for reparability from the beginning. Some of our blind rivets are used as a repair solution for stud welding. Yesterday, we made the decision to invest in a specific solution to repair products at the car dealers. If we don’t have a repair solution, in the assembly plant if something goes wrong, or at the car dealership, it may be a reason why our product is not used.”

Drawing it all together, Thomas Ehrhardt believes: “Our commitment to the success of our customers means anticipating their future needs today, constantly advancing the technologies we provide to solve fastening and assembly issues, and most especially providing a total system that ensures customer productivity is maximised and lowest possible cost achieved.”

Next time: Thomas Ehrhardt talks more about lightweighting and the challenges of multimaterial vehicle bodies, and looks towards the possibilities for further disruptive developments in vehicle technologies.

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FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

EFDA: The value of modern fastener distribution The European Fastener Distributors Association is best known for working to achieve EU policies that ensure free and fair trade in fasteners.

In that process it often encounters fundamental misconceptions over the role and value of distribution in today’s fastener supply chain.

Now it wants to set the record straight.

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wenty-five years ago most fastener wholesalers fulfilled a traditional role of sourcing in large quantities, storage, and day-to-day, often local, supply in smaller quantities.

Now, though, European manufacturing, retailing and construction have changed dramatically, driven by the relentless need to improve efficiency and reduce costs. In the face of its customers’ increasingly complex demands, the distribution industry has also evolved radically.

Still fulfilling its traditional wholesaling duties, fastener distribution has refined and extended its capabilities into an infinitely more complex, multifunctional and multidisciplinary force that provides vital cohesion between a now global supply chain and the strategic manufacturing industries of Europe.

European fastener distributors supply more than 130,000 different fastener and fixing articles – ranging from precision micro screws to mega bolts. Simply providing the intensive wholesale and logistical service now demanded requires deep knowledge and experience in global sourcing, as well as massive investments in inventory, and in the technologies to receive, quality assure, store, and rapidly and accurately despatch a diverse product portfolio.

Distributor’s responsibility and added value, now extend far further along the supply chain in both directions. European consumers demand greater reliability of products at ever lower costs.

European manufacturers must be assured of consistent component quality and performance, but they need ever improving efficiencies, not just in the cost of individual parts, but also in their supply to the production line and in productivity of the assembly process. They also need to place complete confidence in the supply chain that supports their tightly efficient assembly operations.

Fastener importers and distributors fulfil those critical needs.

They source parts to often tight specifications from the most cost-effective locations in the world, managing complex and extended supply chains, committing to local inventory, providing sophisticated replenishment systems – meeting the often difficult to predict and demanding requirements of all kinds of industrial customers.

However, today is no longer just about the cost and quality of the individual component. In a highly competitive, global context, it goes without saying they must be right. Fastener distributors now provide a whole spectrum of added value services. That means a closer than ever relationship with customers to identify and source engineered solutions that ensure improved productivity, lower total costs and complete reliability. It often means taking full responsibility for ensuring the right product is delivered to the right point on the line

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Without fasteners things would simply fall apart. Without distributors ensuring the right fastener is in the right place at the right time industry would collapse.” day in day out. Vendor managed inventory systems utilise advanced technologies to provide a seamless link from consumption to a highly responsive replenishment mechanism. Quality assurance is more critical than ever, not just to the performance of the part in application but also to ensure efficient and reliable installation, often with automatic systems.

Fastener distributors are now global players, at both ends of the supply chain. Their sourcing specialists travel the world to audit and assess manufacturing sources. Their customer support teams must now be capable of delivering support to OEM clients, wherever in the world they choose to operate.

So, says EFDA, fastener distribution is really not a simple business. The cost of the individual part represents quite a small proportion of the total value delivered every day by modern fastener distribution. Without fasteners the world would simply fall apart. Without professional and committed fastener distributors vital European industries would do the same. www.efda-fastenerdistributors.org

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FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

Ensuring satisfied customers Through the astute use of the latest equipment and technology, as well as a unrelenting commitment to its customers, F. REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co KG is able to provide a comprehensive range of products and a complete service to industry and trade customers around the world – underlining its position as one of Europe’s leading distributors of fasteners and fixing technology.

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stablished in 1887, and located in the heart of the City, the company has become synonymous with Hamburg – having grown and developed over the last 129 years. REYHER now stocks a wide and deep range in all common dimensions – available in every typical surface coating. In addition to standard fasteners the company has numerous non-standard items, with its in-depth range complemented by a large choice of fixing technology from highly reputable manufacturers.

In total REYHER stocks more than 130,000 different items and has over 80,000 listed in its simple to use catalogue – all laid out in a simple format that makes it easy for customers to find products. A further 50,000 items are dedicated to C-parts management, which means customers can acquire both standard and engineered parts from a single source – in all materials and designs, as well as according to industry standards and with all the necessary tests and certificates.

F. REYHER NCHFG GMBH & CO KG Employees: 650 Hamburg site: 40,000m2 Turnover: Approximately €285 million in 2015 To guarantee its products are supplied to the high-quality REYHER’s customers have come to expect and rely on; many items are subjected to extensive tests of material and processing in the company’s fully equipped inspection and quality laboratory. Tests involved include a vast array of optical measurement, spectral analysis, salt spray tests

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REYHER has over 275 tonnes of daily outgoing goods.”

and much more. In addition to standardised or prescribed standards tests, customer specific and agreed testing plans are also possible thanks to the experience and knowledge of the quality department staff.

REYHER has over 275 tonnes of daily outgoing goods – processing an average of 19,500 order positions per day – with a fill rate at over 99%. This is all managed expertly and smoothly by a sophisticated and streamlined warehouse logistics system, which includes over 60,000 pallet spaces and 120,000 bins.

To add to a fully automatic high-bay warehouse that was built in 2003, REYHER also has a perfectly networked conveyor system that snakes its way through the facility and brings the relevant pallets and bins to the correct packing station – where the picker selects the quantity required.

Being located in Hamburg’s city centre means that the company has been constrained on how it has been able to expand its premises over the years. This makes the configuration and efficiency of its logistic system all the more impressive. Through the ingenuity and drive to satisfy customers, REYHER has been able to create a modern logistics system that not only handles the huge amount of order per

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FASTENER DISTRIBUTION day, but also enables those orders to be supplied to Europe within 48 hours, the USA in 1 – 2 days, Asia in 2 – 3 days and Africa in 3 – 5 days – depending on air freight and customs clearance.

Satisfying the customer is a key ethos of REYHER, which is why it offers a variety of additional services such as its REYHER Order Management system (ROM). This provides customers with reliable supply procedures using a flexible kanban system. This includes combinable modules, RFID technology, barcode systems, flexible labels and modern data interchange – forming an all-round carefree package for customers that delivers seamless materials supply, which can also be adapted precisely and flexibly to meet individual customer needs.

Other services that further underline REYHER’s commitment to its customers include a user-friendly webshop – REYHER Internet Order (RIO) – which makes it possible for customers to see current availability and prices, at any time for every item, with a minimum of clicks required to confirm orders.

For regular interchange of business data there is also the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solution, which enables customers to order electronically, using a variety of electronic message formats including EDIFACT, XML or openTRANS. EDI involves the electronic transfer for all regular purchasing documents – plus order and delivery forecasts can be created with ‘one click’ and exchanged automatically. This paperless process helps customers save time and reduce possible sources of error.

An extra step REYHER has taken to ensure the business is providing a complete service is an individualised kitting and packaging service called REYHER Kitting and Packing (RKP). This includes packaging design and labelling, as well as compiling items into sets or complex assembly kits that can be given a prioritised pack sequence as required.

REYHER also has qualified engineers and technicians in its dedicated REYHER Engineering Management (REM) team that offer customers a consulting service – tackling everything directly, and indirectly, involving fasteners and fixing technology. Furthermore, continuous in-service training means REYHER is always aware of the latest developments in the fastener industry and provides this advice to its customers individually, as well as by holding training sessions. This means the company can go far beyond just supplying the correct screw, it can also help customers to standardise their own range of products and structure their range more economically.

With its extra services, in-depth product offer, and company-wide drive to satisfy customers, REYHER is undoubtedly at the forefront of the fastener industry. Its Hamburg headquarters are a symbol of how the company has developed and emphasis its leading position – not only through the mesmerising conveyor belts in the remarkable logistics system, but also through the passion and dedication of its employees.

All of which combine to create a streamlined and efficient service for customers globally – ensuring total satisfaction. www.reyher.de

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FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

Apex: Still striving for new heights Marking twenty-five years from its foundation was always going to make 2016 a significant year for Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd. New ownership, a major expansion in its inventory capacity, the prospect of a record year affirming its UK market leadership, and new sales horizons to explore, are all making it very special indeed. Phil Matten, executive editor, talked to founder and now firmly back at the helm Chief Executive Paul Lower.

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pex Stainless Fasteners started life in July 1991 as a small sales office with less than 500m2 of stock space in Rugby, Warwickshire – not very far from both its current headquarters and its newest warehouse. That addition brought a further 2,500 pallet spaces of inventory growth potential and took the company’s total warehouse space close to 12,000m2.

Apex operates from three trading operations: Rugby is the head office, now the central warehouse and main location for goods to be received. It also services distributor customers across the centre of the UK, into London and the eastern counties. Bilston also carries substantial inventory; processes much of Apex’ export business; and provides an intensive service, including a customer collection point, for distributors in the UK’s industrially important West Midlands region, as well as Wales and the South West. Leeds, which also holds inventory, concentrates on the M62 corridor and north of England. Apex also has a sales office to the west of London and a manufacturing plant in Leicester.

Over its twenty-five years Apex Stainless has grown from strength to strength to

become the UK’s largest wholesaler of stainless steel fasteners and one of the leading specialist stainless steel fastener sources in Europe.

The business was founded on specialist knowledge – Paul Lower previously worked for the then market leader in stainless steel fasteners so, once released from his commitments following its acquisition, it was little surprise he started his own business in a sector he knew so thoroughly. Apex’ consistency and strength of growth to its current market position is firmly rooted in knowledge – penetrative knowledge of the product, its raw materials and its global supply base. Combine that knowledge with an incisively focused entrepreneurship and the potency speaks for itself. Many companies claim to be close to their markets, few demonstrate Apex’s level of immersion and capability to read a complex and dynamic specialist product market so effectively.

Apex has benefited from 25 years of stable family management: Paul’s sons, Edward and Matthew, now take responsibility for the management of specific locations. The company also, importantly says Paul Lower, has a very high employee retention level – not just in its management roles but also through

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to operators in the warehouse. “Many of our people have been with us from apprenticeship through to key roles in the business.” That means knowledge is gained and retained by the most effective method – experience. It also ensures real continuity in the relationships with both suppliers and customers, critical in a day-to-day repeat business where shortcomings are impossible to hide for long.

At the end of November 2015, Apex Stainless became a member of the Bufab Group of Companies – a deal that, not surprisingly, contracts Paul Lower and his sons into the business for a sensible period. Two Bufab directors have joined the board but, otherwise says Paul, it is very much business as usual for Apex, with very little changing in how the company operates its day-to-day functions.

“We really could not have done better in ownership terms,” says Paul Lower. “Bufab is very clear that as long as we are doing well, we will be allowed to manage the business our way.”

Of course, few corporations acquire a business without expecting substantial growth potential and it is very evident Paul Lower is intent on ensuring Apex delivers well above expectations.

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FASTENER DISTRIBUTION 2016 started a little soft compared with 2015, Paul assesses, but month after month the sales impetus strengthened to deliver a very positive half-year. Lower nickel prices in recent years have meant sales tonnage has needed to grow strongly to deliver financial growth, which it has. On the other hand softening nickel prices over the last few months have presented strong purchasing opportunities for a business as well resourced and cash positive as Apex. Current purchasing activity is particularly high. “Now we have the extra space, we have the infrastructure to grow again,” says Paul, “and with a strong impetus on the sales side we need to replenish the stock we’ve sold as well as building our inventories for future growth”.

at both Rugby and Bilston to meet scheduled orders or call-offs from some customers.

Each of Apex Stainless' warehouse locations, as well as its manufacturing facility in Leicester, operates to ISO 9001 quality management systems. “High-quality, reliability, good service and competitive pricing remain the key components in maintaining excellent relationships with our distribution customers,” says Paul.

Apex is also one of the few stainless steel fastener wholesalers with its own, inhouse, manufacturing capacity. In addition to manufacturing the full range of Aerotight® self-locking nuts for stock and to meet customer schedules, the Leicester plant also produces precision Allthread studding and a growing

For more than ten years the focus of the Apex business has been and remains very clearly on supplying the distribution trade.

“We have around €15 million of stainless steel fasteners in stock right now, comprising almost 20,000 stock lines,” explains Paul. “Together with an IT system that means everyone in sales can see exactly what stock we have and where, with a consistently competitive pricing position, that makes us highly responsive to distributor's day-to-day requirements.”

“UK distributors have come to trust us, to the extent that many are now confident to let us despatch priority orders direct to their customers.” That strength of relationship now also extends to Apex holding dedicated and sometimes specially packaged inventory

range of special, custom-made turned parts.

The Aerotight brand has experienced growing export business, a combination, Paul Lower believes, of dissatisfaction with lower quality equivalent products and recognition of the quality and reliability of the genuine article.

Last year Apex invested in new CNC machinery for the plant but current success means Paul is keen to draw on Bufab’s own manufacturing knowledge to help develop a strategy that can better utilise the existing capacity and perhaps invest in further machinery to support growth in a profitable and growing segment of the Group.

In all, Apex Stainless supplies more than seventy million stainless steel fasteners each month, primarily in metric thread form and

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dimensions but also to unified and imperial standards. That means fasteners from M1 to M36 diameter or equivalent as standard, plus nuts, threaded bar and washers ranges up to M52 diameter.

The company has just published a new catalogue and its website includes downloads and other relevant information. Apex is now also developing an online Euro priced trade store, primarily to support a real drive to further build business in export markets. To a similar end, Apex will participate in the UK Torque-Expo at Silverstone in October and will have a strong presence at Fastener Fair Stuttgart in March 2017.

“The sheer volume and range of items we stock,” says Paul Lower, “ensures most orders can be fulfilled on an ex-stock basis but the business is increasingly working to support customers with call off or scheduled future deliveries to ensure they have the supply chain continuity essential to support the growing demands of their OEM customers.” All orders from within the UK received by 16:30 are despatched on the same day for next day delivery. When essential, Apex will always try to respond to later timed orders on the same basis.

As well as placing a strong emphasis on developing its export business during 2016, Apex will also continue to enhance its range offer. “We are introducing in greater depth A4-80 Grade large diameter hexagons from M27 upwards,” explains Paul. “A range of European manufactured A4 throughbolts, approved to ETA Option 1, is also now available and we are stocking items for marine applications in greater depth – including turnbuckles, shackles and wire rope.”

The Apex strategy will be to continue maintaining total support for the distribution industry, not least through further development of its stock profile and investment in both breadth and depth of inventory to ensure a high-level of first time availability.

“Given the significant reduction in European manufacturing capacity for stainless steel fasteners and the potential expiry of EU anti-dumping measures, and GSP duty preference changes on India, early in 2017,” says Paul Lower. “It is even more important that major specialist stainless steel wholesalers are able to facilitate continuity of competitive supply, service and approved high-quality.

Apex are currently in the process of meeting all these criteria, ensuring that competitively price stock levels will be adequate and readily available, particularly as costs of raw materials are already beginning to move upwards.”

“It remains our strong historic business relationship with existing customers and our ongoing support to them, which will ensure mutual growth in the coming twelve months,” he concludes. www.apexstainless.com

www.fastenerandfixingsearch.com

FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

Thinking one step ahead Be it in car immobiliser systems, access units for chairlifts or time recording solutions for marathons; RFID chips play a huge role in helping to make our day-to-day lives much easier. Ferdinand Gross GmbH & Co KG uses this radio technology to make its C-parts management even more effective.

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adio frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification process that has become increasingly popular as a widespread solution in a multitude of areas of application in recent years.

More precisely, RFID is a contactless communication technology that transmits information that can be used to identify objects or living things. The use of RFID facilitates a large number of new applications that were not possible with conventional identification systems. An RFID system is comprised of two components – a data carrier (known as the transponder or tag) and a reader. If a transponder is placed within the range of the reader, its user can read information or even store data without needing to touch the object in question.

Unlike barcodes, RFID systems do not even require visual contact with the product.

One of the main areas of application of RFID technology is in the field of logistics. RFID systems offer companies a wide range of opportunities to make transportation and the transfer of goods between manufacturers and recipients a much easier process. Tracking the transponder enables

users to identify the location of a product or determine how long a product has been in a specific location. The tracking data, which is made available to an ERP system for further processing, can be accessed at different key stages such as production, storage, picking, shipping or stacking.

This data can then be used as a basis for the visual representation of the flow of material/goods.

Ferdinand Gross, the German specialist for fastening parts, also uses this innovative technology in order to make its C-parts management activities even more customer-friendly and individual. “The procurement of C-parts involves high costs and a huge amount of time, both of which can be reduced by using Ferdinand Gross RFID kanban,” explains Thomas Erb, managing director at Ferdinand Gross. The RFID kanban solution also enables the company to guarantee maximum security of supply.

Ferdinand Gross offers three individual RFID solutions in its service portfolio: RFID letterbox for kanban cards.

RFID mat for shelves.

RFID mat for pallets.

The RFID labels of empty kanban containers are fed into a letterbox through a slot, just like a debit card in a cash machine

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

The customer simply places the empty kanban containers on an RFID shelf.

This automatically triggers the order process via radio frequency and a sound and light signal confirms the successful placement of the order

All three solutions have one thing in common – the automatic

triggering of orders provides customers with increased security of supply. Orders are triggered individually in each of the processes.

In the first process, the RFID labels of empty kanban containers are fed into a letterbox through a slot, just like a debit card in a cash machine.

This generates the order, which is then transmitted to Ferdinand Gross.

In the second process, the customer simply places the empty kanban containers on an RFID shelf. This automatically triggers the order process via radio frequency and a sound and light signal confirms the successful placement of the order.

The third and final solution involves the automatic triggering of repeat orders when staff place empty kanban containers on a pallet standing on a special RFID mat. The mat also is able to support mechanical loads.

“Each of these solutions can be smoothly integrated into existing kanban systems without any problems, regardless of whether the customer uses single or two container kanban,” explains Thomas Erb. “On top of all this, the configuration additionally offers further

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options given that the time at which the order is submitted can also be individually adjusted. Be it once an hour, once every four hours or just once a day, our system can be fully tailored to suit our customers’ needs and requirements.”

Ralph Wittum, sales manager at Ferdinand Gross, adds: “If customers additionally combine Ferdinand Gross RFID kanban with our browser-based software FALCON, they can take their C-parts management up to a whole new level and make the most of absolute transparency. Nobody else offers this combination.”

The company points out that the special thing about FALCON is that it enables purchasers to use the search function that they lost when they introduced the kanban system. Purchasers can therefore literally keep an eye on their kanban containers because FALCON provides a visual representation of all shelves on computers, smartphones or tablets. As a result, customers can control the use of their C-parts in an even more target-oriented, effective and convenient manner.

All the data is completely transparent, from consumption through to capacity and right through to price and container coordinates. www.schrauben-gross.com

Vipa opens branch in China A wide choice of thousands of quality products, highly sophisticated logistics operations for instant deliveries, and constant product innovations, are the key traits that characterise Vipa SpA.

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ased in Rolo, Italy, Vipa focuses on the worldwide distribution of screws, bolts, nuts and washers and has branches in Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, as well as a new facility in China.

This last investment in opening the distribution plant in China is to enable Vipa to serve customers in the markets where it’s not possible to compete yet due to the higher manufacturing costs in the EU. Vipa is a pure sales firm that supplies directly to industrial plants and distribution partners globally. It works together with trusted manufacturing partners in Europe and outside Europe to obtain the best quality and service.

The company’s current export share is now about 30%; but the plan is to further expand its international activities. “We are continuously searching for new sales representatives in countries where there isn’t an established commercial organisation serving the market with efficiency,” explains Vipa.

Vipa offers an extensive range of products comprising more than 85,000 different articles. The portfolio covers high-tensile strength fasteners, medium low strength, screws for wood and sheet metal, bolts and screws in stainless, and other precious materials such as brass.

The company also offers a wide range of sealing rings thanks to its newly opened sealing division, which enables Vipa to provide its customers a design solution for a new application within days.

A state of the art automated storage facility at its headquarters in Italy, which measures 135m in length and over 35m in height, and is equipped with 12 fully automated storage and retrieval systems, means that the company is able to supply a first-class service. www.vipafasteners.com

Vipa’s Rolo headquarters cover 130,000m²

FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

Hexstone – strength in numbers Here Keith Harrison, chief executive at Hexstone, explains how the Group – including Owlett-Jaton, JCP Construction Products, Stainless Threaded Fasteners, Icon Fasteners, Galaxy Fasteners, Unifix and Righton Fasteners – keeps ahead of industry trends, and why it remains the number one choice for supply.

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e have spent recent years developing a closer connection of the Hexstone businesses and building the Hexstone name, and have significantly invested in constructing a brand that brings all of our customer requirements under one roof. For customers, Hexstone reinforces the message that they can source all their products from one organisation, which is committed to delivering a quality, service led offer. Ultimately we are a ‘one stop shop’.

Adapting to industry trends

Industry trends are continually changing, and it’s vital that we are able to meet their expectations. For example, more and more customers are leaning towards consolidating their supply base. The benefits of this ‘one stop shop’ approach are plenty. There are logistical advantages to this, as well as peace of mind. By using only one trusted supplier the management challenges are minimised and procurement cost is reduced.

As customer demand continues to grow, we are able to rise to the challenge by maintaining stock levels and service throughout our operation. Indeed, we have implemented a further GB£2 million investment into our existing GB£13 million stockholding. Customers rely on a fast efficient service and we have the infrastructure in place to facilitate. When people buy from Hexstone, they are buying into quality and service – no matter which company or product.

With an average of 10,000 lines being processed per day, it’s important that our team are fully dedicated to their role in order to meet demand. Investment in stock management software ensures stock availability levels meet customers’ expectations.

The benefit of having good stock availability is customers have the confidence to place orders, knowing that they will get the product the next day. Our staff understand that they need to preserve stock levels and that customer confidence is actually as valuable as the sale itself.

Hexstone’s branding

We are committed to ensuring each of our companies maintains its own distinctive identity and has its own specialist products and customers. Within each company we have experienced specialists in that particular field – maintaining them as separate teams with their own focus. Being part of the Hexstone Group simply means that we can diversify to develop and supply additional products to meet the needs of our customers. Hexstone prides itself on the understanding of the core needs of its customers and the ability to service them in a consistent and sustainable way. For customers it’s reassuring that the closer association of companies within the Hexstone umbrella allows a mixture of niche specialists in the industry to come together to form a collective strength. As a significant and substantial company, Hexstone can attract global suppliers and, in turn, the very best products.

Having a recognisable brand is becoming increasingly important in our sector; it is imperative to present a strong brand. Driven by customer feedback, we have recently introduced the strong brand of Unifix on our packaging on key products, which is already proving to be a great success – with plans to expand into other product ranges going forward. The brand has been designed to be distinctive and to instil customer confidence in quality and consistency of product. Ultimately, our aim is for the consumer to come back to our customers and ask for: ‘The one with Unifix on the box!’

Service offering

Our investment goes beyond a wide and deep stockholding and strong brands; effective stock management is a critical element in order to service our customers. We have invested GB£250,000 into our warehouse picking system – a cutting edge technology for this industry – ensuring we manage product lines efficiently.

The new system enables orders to be picked both accurately and cost-effectively – a necessity for a company that processes approximately 10,000 lines per day.

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With approximately 18,600m2 of warehouse space, and GB£15 million worth of stock, the company is well equipped to serve multiple industries across the UK. Headquartered in Stone, Staffordshire, the facilities can hold up to 10,000 tonnes of products, across 50,000 different lines; with the vast majority available to order 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the sales office network or via the trading websites.

Online presence – now and the future

Online trading is now widely recognised as a more efficient and straightforward process of ordering and re-ordering. Since the launch of our first trading website – OJ Trade – we have witnessed a steady increase in business within this sector. We have since introduced ‘Icon Trade’ and ‘STF Trade’ on behalf of Icon Fasteners and Stainless Threaded Fasteners, respectively. We will shortly be updating these websites, as well as introducing ‘Galaxy Trade’ – a platform for

Galaxy Fasteners. The trading websites will effectively serve two audiences. Customers will have their own login, giving them full access to their own prices, and stock availability – enabling them to securely place orders online.

The websites work in real time, so everything shown always remains accurate. The ‘user’ can also access the websites in a ‘visitor’ capacity. This feature allows anyone to view products, showing reference to product information, codes, descriptions, and images.

This has proven to be an invaluable tool to visitors and customers alike, where both parties are able to reference the same product, removing ambiguity. Customers will also have

exclusive access to product documentation such as CE information, and DoP (Declaration of Performance) data.

The Hexstone website will also be enhanced, showcasing the companies within.

New and existing customers and suppliers alike will gain a greater insight as to who we are and what we do. The website will enable the audience to gain access to our respective trading websites and it will include a ‘News’ page, amongst other updates.

UK business success

By focusing on longevity the business has been able to remain reactive and at the

forefront of our industry. Our business is in very strong financial shape, which is so important to our customer base when it comes to long-term relationship building.

By recognising changes within the industry and responding appropriately, we can be seen as a success story for UK business.

It is our intention that Hexstone in its entirety will continue to be recognised as the total solution – offering a comprehensive stock range in both depth and volume, a continuity of supply, and a stock and buying power that is unrivalled in the market. www.hexstone.co.uk

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INNO BOLTING S TECHNOLOGIE TRUSTED PARTNER

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INSIGHT

Marcopol – a safe and reliable business partner Over 30 years of experience, attention to high-quality products, and readiness to follow customers, are the factors Marcopol Sp z.o.o believes have made it the preferred fastener supplier to a number of industries.

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arcopol is confident its brand is not only recognisable in Poland, but around the world. Its products are now supplied to more than 30 countries, including Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Nordic countries.

Knowledge committed to the service of technology

Marcopol works with the largest B2B companies in Poland, and globally, and has many industry leaders amongst its customers.

A strong position in a demanding market is built on the knowledge and experience of Marcopol technologists, which enable the company to supply products that meet the highest international standards and technical approvals. Marcopol’s quality management systems are confirmed by certification to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004. The company’s products also hold European certificates of compliance to FSC, CE and ETA safety standards.

“Compliance with global standards is particularly important for us, because we expand our export activities extensively,” says Anastazja Janus, director of Marcopol foreign markets. “We now deliver our products to more than 30 countries, and have successively gained new foreign customers. The international quality certificates confirm the robustness of our business and help to build confidence with our partners around the world.”

Marcopol carries out stringent quality tests in its own laboratory as well as independent testing centres. Its quality department has professional measurement devices, including a Vickers tester for surface and core hardness, a salt spray chamber to test corrosion resistance of protective coatings, and a tensile tester. In addition, the company has an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to measure the thickness of protective coatings and determine the chemical composition of steel.

The high-quality of Marcopol products is the result of a multistage process of production preparation from purchase

of raw material to delivery of the product to the end customer. Marcopol also uses specialised equipment, including optical sorters, to test entire batches of quality critical articles – taking levels of assurance beyond those achievable using standard statistical control.

Tailor-made solutions

Marcopol offers more 20,000 products and supplies multidimensional orders based on individual customer projects, adjusting solutions to individual customer needs. The company sees a clear competitive advantage based on its own production management system and packaging unit, double-checking shipments, rapid order execution and technical advice.

“Our mission is to provide safe products in the shortest possible time, with above standard service. Our offer is supplemented with additional services, which provide added value for our customers,” says Piotr Pierowicz, managing director of Marcopol.

Our mission is to provide safe products in the shortest possible time, with above standard service.”

Piotr Pierowicz, managing director at Marcopol

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Additional company assets include tailor-made logistics and IT solutions. In practice customers receive technical support, flexibility in the ordering process, and delivery of goods, packaging, customising and completion based on individual requirements.

21st Century technologies

Marcopol has a modern machine park and a production capacity of up to 500 tonnes per month. Advanced logistics solutions are based on one of the most modern systems in Europe, assuring high-quality service and quick execution of orders.

An automated and modern warehouse has a total surface area of 12,000m2,

which significantly improves the speed and effectiveness of the order completion process. The company has more than 31,000 pallet spaces providing immediate access to the offered products.

“Today a customer, in addition to high-quality products, also expects excellent support and rapid execution of orders.

Quick preparation of goods for shipment and an ability to transport them as quickly as possible to a customer are absolute priorities for us. A new warehousing system already meets our expectations, but we constantly try to improve it and prepare to handle larger volumes in the future,” says Piotr Pierowicz.

Wide range of products

The priority of the company is balanced and stable development – not only in the area of logistics. The dynamic development of industries, and consumers’ increasing demands, motivate the company to continuously expand its offer and implement the latest technologies.

In the last year new product groups introduced include: Screws for window and door production; components and systems for insulated fitment of windows and doors; decking screws with an innovative HCP nano-coating; and articles supporting the chemical processing sector.

Development of products for the furniture and construction industries has been driven by a significant increase in sales recently.

“We cooperate with a number of different industries including construction, producers of wood joinery, the heavy equipment industry, and producers of household appliances and electronics. The furniture industry, however, is particularly important, representing the largest part of the contracts we execute,” says Piotr Pierowicz.

High development potential

Marcopol is a brand supported by 500 qualified employees, with one of the widest product offers on the market, modern technologies, and sophisticated quality and IT systems. It is a company with more than 30 years of tradition of European business relations – committed to guaranteeing its customers quality and safety. 50,000 satisfied customers attest to Marcopol’s commitment and comprehensive capabilities. www.marcopol.eu

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EVENTS CALENDAR Fastener Fair Italy Milan, Italy 28 Sep – 29 Sep 2016 www.fastenerfairitaly.com The fastener event for Italy.

IndiaMart Hand Tools + Fastener Expo New Delhi, India 10 Aug – 12 Aug 2016 www.iihtexpo.com Hand tools and fasteners exhibition.

China International Hardware Show Shanghai, China 21 Oct – 23 Oct 2016 www.hardwareshow-china.com Tools, security systems, locks, DIY and building hardware fair.

wire China Shanghai, China 26 Sep – 29 Sep 2016 www.wirechina.net Wire and cable, including fastener manufacturing technology.

FastTec 2016 Moscow, Russia 25 Oct – 27 Oct 2016 www.fasttec.ru Russia’s specialist fastener technology fair.

INDOFASTENER Jakarta, Indonesia 28 Sep – 30 Sep 2016 www.indofastener.com Dedicated trade fair for the Indonesian fastener and fixing industry.

National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo Las Vegas, USA 25 Oct – 27 Oct 2016 www.fastenershows.com Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

19 th Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo Osaka Osaka, Japan 5 Oct – 7 Oct 2016 www.mtech-kansai.jp Mechanical components and materials.

EuroBLECH 2016 Hanover, Germany 25 Oct – 29 Oct 2016 www.euro-blech.de International sheet metal working technology exhibition.

Taiwan Hardware Show Taichung, Taiwan 12 Oct – 14 Oct 2016 www.hardwareshow.com.tw Tools, building materials/DIY and houseware products.

AAPEX – Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo Las Vegas, USA 1 Nov – 3 Nov 2016 www.aapexshow.com Automotive aftermarket products exhibition.

SAIE International Building Exhibition Bologna, Italy 19 Oct – 22 Oct 2016 www.saie.bolognafiere.it Building technology, systems and machines.

PTC – Asia Shanghai, China 1 Nov – 4 Nov 2016 www.ptc-asia.com Trade fair for power transmission and control.

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The Essential Showcase for Fastener and Fixing Technology

28 - 29 September 2016 MiCo Milan Italy Italy’s only exhibition dedicated exclusively to the fastener and fixing industry Explore the complete range of products, equipment and distribution services from Italy and beyond: > > > > >

industrial fasteners and fixings construction fixings assembly and installation systems fastener manufacturing technology storage and logistics services

Engage with suppliers and industry professionals, discuss your requirements and establish business partnerships

For your free Visitor Pass pre-register on the show website by 27 September

www.fastenerfairitaly.com Organisers:

EXHIBITION NEWS

Fastener Fair India: New Delhi edition hits the heights The fourth edition of Fastener Fair India took place in the country’s capital city, New Delhi, for the first time from 19th – 20th May 2016 – attracting 2,651 Indian and international visitors and 151 exhibiting companies.

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hilst the majority of exhibitors were India-based companies, there were a lot of exhibitors from outside India, including China, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and the UAE. The exhibitors showcased a comprehensive range of industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage and logistics services, fastener manufacturing technology and construction fixings.

The overall feedback from visitors and exhibitors was extremely positive. 95% of exhibitors questioned in the organiser's survey reported that their aims were met fully or in part at Fastener Fair India, with close to 90% stating they received positive business enquiries.

The exhibition attracted visitors from many key industry sectors, including mechanical engineering, automotive and hardware retailing.

Distributors, wholesalers and retailers were also in attendance. These visitors echoed the current economic trend in India: Forecasts indicate that, as a growing economy, India has huge potential for international businesses from around the world.

The high number of professional visitors ensured exhibitors were very successful with the business they conducted over the two show days. Exhibitors were pleased with the new location, with many registering their interest in Fastener Fair India 2017 in Mumbai.

Fastener Fair India to return to Mumbai in 2017

Organisers Inter Ads-Brooks Exhibitions (India) Pvt Ltd have announced Fastener Fair India will return to Mumbai in 2017. The ‘Gateway to India’ will host the fifth edition of this successful event. Fastener Fair India 2017 will take place from 28th – 29th April 2017 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

Once again co-located to Fastener Fair India 2017 will be BLECH India – the sheet metal working technology exhibition, which will take place for the fifth time from 27 th – 29 th April 2017. This highly successful trade fair will once again present machines, tools, and systems, for the entire sheet metal manufacturing process, including metal forming and bending solutions, stamping, pressing, automation, flexible manufacturing systems, metal supply, cutting, punching, joining/welding, tooling, laser technology, as well as finishing and coating.

Fastener Fair India 2017 provides excellent networking opportunities to all industry professionals, including distributors, suppliers and engineers. Companies interested in exhibiting at Fastener Fair India 2017 can find information on the exhibition website. www.fastenerfair.com

NIFMSE launches new show website The National Industrial Fastener and Mill Supply Expo (NIFMSE), which takes place from 25th — 27th October 2016, has announced the arrival of its new user-friendly website in the build up to the show.

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IFMSE’s new site provides extensive content and round-the-clock access to industry professionals who want to either sign up to exhibit at the show or attend as a buyer. The site will also serve as a hub for industry professionals who seek the latest news and happenings in the fastener industry.

Acquired by Emerald Expositions LLC last year, NIFMSE can now offer its participants a contemporary website with features such as travel accommodations (including discounted hotel rates, directions and transportation instructions), conference schedules, floor map,

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press registration, up to date vendor list, speaker sign up sheet, mobile App download information, social media portals, show overview, and FAQ pages, as well as easy and convenient attendee and exhibitor registration options.

“The potential to reinvigorate our industry is right at our fingertips, and that’s exactly what we are doing with the launch of the new website,” says Linh Vu, marketing director at Emerald Expositions . “We’re pumping life back into what has been a tired scene for quite some time. People are now able to engage with the show in a way they have never before been able to, and that’s what makes this so exciting!”

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EXHIBITION NEWS

Fastener Fair Italy continues to grow By early June the number of exhibitors planning to take part in this year’s Fastener Fair Italy show in Milan had grown to nearly 170. The exhibition, which takes place at the MiCo – Milano Congressi from 28th – 29th September 2016, will bring together many of the best known producers and distributors of fasteners – as well as leading specialists in fastener manufacturing technology.

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taly’s fastener sector continues to respond enthusiastically to the show, accounting for three-quarters of firms that have so far confirmed their participation. Joining them will be companies from 12 other countries including France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the USA. The high-level of interest in this exhibition – the first Fastener Fair event in Italy – reflects the country’s position as Europe’s second largest manufacturing economy after Germany. It also underlines Italy’s role as a major exporter of fastener products.

As a result, the exhibition is expected to attract managers, engineers and buyers from key industrial sectors including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, energy generation and distribution, marine industries and engineering. Exhibitors will also be targeting important consumer-oriented industries such as white goods manufacturing and furniture making, plus the important construction fixings market.

Distributors and resellers of fasteners and fixings will represent another significant portion of visitors to the show – establishing vital trading links between manufacturers and end users.

For industry professionals who pre-register to attend Fastener Fair Italy, entry to the exhibition is free of charge. Pre-registration via the show website will remain open until Tuesday 27 th September.

An entry fee of €30 will be payable by visitors who register on arrival at the venue. www.fastenerfairitaly.com

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EuroBLECH 2016 reflects trend towards smart manufacturing From 25th — 29th October, EuroBLECH 2016, the 24th international sheet metal working technology exhibition, will open its doors in Hanover, Germany. The exhibition will, once again, be the meeting place for sheet metal working professionals from all over the world looking to find enhanced machinery and innovative production solutions.

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isitors will be able to discover an extensive variety of products, from conventional systems to high-tech solutions, and gain an insight into the latest technological advancements in sheet metal working. With this year’s theme: ‘The new generation of sheet metal working’ EuroBLECH 2016 reflects the trend towards digitalisation and smart manufacturing in modern sheet metal processing.

A total of 1,410 exhibitors from 40 countries have already secured their stand space at this year’s EuroBLECH — covering a net exhibition space of 89,000m2 across eight halls at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds. This represents an increase in net floor space of 3% compared with the previous exhibition and reflects the fact that exhibiting companies have booked bigger stands to demonstrate an even larger choice of enhanced machinery and cutting-edge solutions.

Major exhibitor countries are Germany, Italy, China, Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain and Austria. EuroBLECH is traditionally renowned as a highly international event. The previous exhibition was more international than ever, with 52% of exhibitors and 37% of visitors coming from outside Germany. A total of 59,618 trade visitors from 105 countries attended the event in 2014.

www.don-quichotte.com

Don Quichotte

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The professional brand for fixings and fasteners Fastening technology for everyday use. High-quality, time-saving application in construction and installation. That is what the products of the Don Quichotte brand stand for.

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The short-term delivery of our products and the direct, uncomplicated processing 06/06/2016 of1 orders make16:59 Don Quichotte a strong and reliable brand for users in the trade.

28 – 29 April 2017 Bombay Exhibition Centre www.fastenerfair.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

TIMco: Stronger together On 19th – 20th May TIMco (T.I. Midwood & Co Ltd) held its first networking conference at the company’s Cheshire headquarters. Claire Edwards, deputy editor, joined representatives from nearly 150 independent builders to share developments and opportunities within the industry.

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eld in a specially erected marquee outside the main building, the conference’s aim was to give customers the tools needed to help ‘take on’ some of the national organisations that may be operating in their local area.

This included a full itinerary of guest speakers providing an insight in areas such as marketing, logistics and people management, as well as networking with industry peers.

Simon Midwood, managing director at TIMco, opened the conference by revealing the results of market research TIMco had undertaken. He gave an interesting insight into the UK market place as well as the opportunities and threats that the independents faced, noting “it’s a tough market and it is important independents stick together”.

The first guest presentation was from marketing expert Grant Leboff of Sticky Marketing Club who gave advice on how delegates can evolve their marketing offerings and develop cost-effective platforms for use in their own businesses. Grant stressed the importance of thinking about the way companies are communicating with their customers, telling delegates “for the first time in history, everyone has a channel. You have to be where your customers are”.

He was followed by Elaine Kerr of logistics business DPD who gave an insight into the sector’s delivery trends. Elaine outlined how operators can offer 24 hour delivery themselves as well as improved ways of working between TIMco, its logistics partners, merchants and end users.

Next, delegates were treated to a unique presentation from James Timpson, chief executive of the Timpson Group, who gave an overview of the family business and its ‘upside down management system’. James pointed out by approaching business in a different way, Timpson has helped bring the best out of employees and the roles they can play on bringing a competitive edge in a challenging world.

Chris Haywood of The National Merchant Buying Society Ltd (NMBS) closed the conference with a recap of the day and a summary of the UK market.

Throughout the conference, Simon focused on strong competition and how TIMco can help its customers’ businesses be more successful by building mutually beneficial partnerships.

He also outlined a number of developments TIMco has made in the last 12 months to support independent merchant customers.

This includes a dedicated marketing and graphic team to offer customers a bespoke

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marketing plan including merchandising and the production of bespoke brochures, as well as improvements to logistics that would enable customers to offer delivery within 24 hours of ordering.

Simon explains: “We were thrilled to see the conference so well attended. It was the perfect platform to share with customers some of our insights, as well as take the opportunity to give them some detail on the initiatives we are taking to help grow their businesses.

As a wholesaler we are only successful if our customers are successful.”

As well as the full programme of guest speakers, the conference also gave TIMco customers the opportunity to tour its newly expanded facilities and see where TIMco is building its new 34,000m2 warehouse. TIMco has committed to a GB£1.8 million investment in stock.

Customers were also given an exclusive look at the company’s newly completed purpose-built training centre. The centre has been opened in order to provide another service for TIMco’s customers. Full product training is offered to all TIMco customers, which can be completed in the newly built centre. TIMco’s training team are also able to visit customers on-site. Ben Harrington, training manager at TIMco, comments:

“Staff knowledge is paramount. The training centre enables our customers to engage with our products and leave with an increased knowledge of their stock.”

The centre also doubles up as a studio for filming the company’s ‘How to’ videos – which are available on the TIMco website and on YouTube to help it increase its market presence. Ben explains: “‘How to’ is the most searched for phrase on YouTube with people constantly wanting to learn the right way to do things. These videos are also really useful for attendees of the training centre, to help retain their knowledge and also for companies to educate employees who were unable to attend.”

Thanks to the success of the two days TIMco plans to hold the conference once every two years – with plans for a bigger and better second conference in 2018 well underway.

TIMco offers customers on-site training in its new purpose-built training centre

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

New Ultracut FBS II concrete screw fischer has always been at the forefront of innovation and the new fischer Ultracut concrete screw is no different. Following the success of its initial foray into the concrete screw market, the new product from fischer has several enhancements that are not only focused on higher load levels and shear values but also offer many features that truly benefit the customer.

f

ischer points out that concrete screws have sometimes been seen as an ‘unsafe’ alternative to a standard through type fixing, with the head especially being ‘suspect’ to some users. However, the high performance concrete screws available today hold very little characteristics similar to the standard wood type screw, which is where many of the uncertainties are founded.

Concrete screws in the construction market go through rigorous testing to ensure they conform to all standards and are as safe to use as any through type fixing. When using concrete screws the installation instructions should always be adhered to and users should look to use only ETA labelled products (where applicable for safety critical applications).

In UK construction, the use of concrete screws for applications is becoming a growing trend. For many more applications speed of insertion is a major factor to the installer and the reduction of installation time a concrete screw can offer is a big benefit.

“With all other features of concrete screws comparable to through type fixings – and load values very similar – we should look to the future and expect the use of concrete screws to overtake the through bolt in many more applications,” says fischer.

Some of the key features of the new Ultracut FSB II concrete screw (ETA – 15/0352) are in some instances unique, for example the unique saw teeth geometry that enables easy and faster installation. fischer reports that the screw itself can be reused several times, and a thread guide is available to aid the degradation of the thread. All of this has been introduced with the aim of saving the user time and money.

Because of this, minor installation changes can be made during insertion up to 20mm. The screw can be loosened to allow for slight errors and embedment corrections. The saw teeth geometry and main thread geometry also enable the concrete screw to be installed without drill hole cleaning (in certain cases). This is still in accordance to the European Technical Assessment requirements.

All screw sizes can be installed to three different embedment depths that offer the user flexibility over a vast array of applications and attachment thicknesses. Alongside these embedment depth options fischer is also releasing a short version of the concrete screw. Thus enabling, where appropriate, a much reduced drill hole depth to ensure much quicker installation.

The load values are now significantly higher than many competitors and above the previous version – fischer FBS – which is apparent in both tensile and shear loading levels. One of the key parameters to the installer is the small minimum edge spacing and edge distances. fischer says it has one of

90 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

The use of concrete screws for applications is becoming a growing trend.”

the best and smallest values in the industry.

It believes this can be more important to the installer than having an extra 5% or 10% higher loads than the competition.

However, fischer boasts that the truly innovative and unique feature is that the Ultracut FBS II concrete screw holds both C1 and C2 seismic approvals, guaranteeing the highest of safety standards and means that it is the first concrete screw to hold these approvals in the European market place. fischer will be launching the Ultracut with diameters 8mm – 14mm in July followed by the 6mm diameter, more focused on the mechanical and electrical contracting market, and the stainless steel version towards the end of 2016. All 8mm diameter sizes will come with an embedded TX drive enabling the user to be truly flexible when installing into tight spaces or to have a choice on using a chuck or a bit for installation. fischer mentions: “This is our best concrete screw to date with several key features that stand out from the crowd – possibly even the best on the market place today. 2016 proposes to be a big year for innovation within fischer and the Ultracut is just the beginning.” www.fischer.co.uk

The high-performance concrete screw for absolute mounting ease.

The new ULTRACUT FBS II.

HIGHEST LOADS EVEN FOR MULTIPLE USES. The new concrete screw ULTRACUT FBS II of fischer is very easy to install due to its unique saw-tooth geometry. It ensures a quick cut into the building material and can be used multiple times.

For more information go to: www.fischer.co.uk or call 01491 827900

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Innovation, design and manufacture Construction Anchors Inc, based in Taipei, Taiwan, was established in 2014 with the vision of producing high-quality construction anchors that meet the high standards in the building sector – including obtaining European Technical Assessments.

F

ocused on the European market, Construction Anchors’ range is available in a variety of metric sizes and includes the USB concrete bolt with ETA Option 1 (ETA – 12/0522), as well as wedge anchors with ETA Option 1 (ETA – 15/0900) and Option 7 (ETA – 12/0007).

Manufactured in its main factories in Taiwan and Mainland China, Construction Anchors points out that it provides the entire process for

high end products from conception to final manufacture.

Construction Anchors comments: “Our quality procedures are unmatched and our attention to detail enables us, as an OEM manufacturer, to work with our customers with the end goal of excellence. To match this production we also have our in-house logistics team, which can manage the journey our products take, with emphasise on reliability and service.”

Sormat updates ITH-Pe injection resin Finnish-based Sormat Oy has introduced an updated version of the versatile polyester-based injection resin — ITH-Pe — which now has a European Technical Assessment (ETA — 16/0059) for fixing in masonry structures.

I

n addition to masonry the approval also covers so-called blockwork that consists of blocks made of sand-lime, autoclaved aerated concrete and light expanded clay aggregate.

This thoroughly approved resin also has ETA Option 7 approval for non-cracked concrete (ETA — 15/0220). Sormat recommends that customers read the new ETA document, as it offers designers a vast and clearly presented package of useful information about the performance of ITH-Pe injection resin in different base materials. The specific fixing base materials used in the ETA are listed in the approval document and it also includes the steel bolt grades of 4.6, 4.8, 5.6, 5.8 and 8.8.

Sormat adds: “Engineers and builders now have even more options in determining and selecting the threaded rods or studs to be used with chemical anchors.”

INDEX Fixing Systems updates INDEXMor INDEX Fixing Systems, a manufacturer and industrial supplier of anchor systems, has expanded the available languages for its calculation software INDEXMor.

T

he INDEXMor calculation software enables users to calculate the number of chemical cartridges needed to install a certain number of anchors on solid material. Introducing four variables such as metric threaded stud, the number of holes, as well as the diameter and the depth of the holes, the program facilitates the required number of cartridges, in different formats, to perform the installation.

With the recent addition of the Estonian language, the software is now available in nine languages – Spanish, English, French, Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Czech, Farsi and Estonian.

The software is available on the company’s website in the ‘Calculation Software’ area. www.indexfix.com

92 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Fixin g Systems

RESISTENZA

AL FUOCO

R90

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

G&B launches GETO WOOD screws Experience, quality, safety, research and innovation, these have been the key words that G&B Fissaggi Srl has used since it was established in 1980 to ensure the highest quality products and service.

H

eadquartered in Italy, G&B Group has commercial offices in the UK, Germany, Belgium and Spain. It is able to offer a wide range of products including nylon fixing systems, as well as steel and chemical anchors, which are used for ironmongery, hardware, building and industry, electric, thermo-hydraulic and self-service stores.

G&B Group has always prided itself on offering high-quality certified anchors and one of the latest successful additions to the company’s catalogue, within fixings for wood industry, is GETO WOOD screws.

Available with wide head and countersunk flat head, GETO WOOD screws have CE Marking and have been specially designed for structural applications in wooden carpentry, and are made of yellow galvanised (layer≥ 8μ) cement steel.

Due to the their distinctive design, with self-drilling bit, GETO WOOD screws

Seismic certified fixings FM-753 CRACK

Heavy duty through anchor with seismic certification

ATS-evo Heavy duty safety bolt with seismic certification

Friulsider provides engineers and designers with a selection of C1 and C2 certified mechanical anchors for structural use in high seismic risk areas.

FRIULSIDER SpA

Via Trieste, 1 - 33048 San Giovanni al Natisone (UD) Italy tel. +39 0432 747911 - fax +39 0432 747994 info@friulsider.com - www.friulsider.com

can be directly inserted into the support with no preliminary drilling required, as with traditional screws. Plus, the revolutionary point and shank geometry makes installation quick and easy – the user simply positions the screw and drives it home, with no risk of cracking.

G&B mentions that the hardening process to which the GETO WOOD screws are submitted enables them to obtain very high characteristic values for extraction, and grants an angle of bending of 40°. Also, due to the covering process, they require a reduced tightening torque.

Other features of the GETO WOOD screws include a milling section to make it easier for the insertion of the non-threaded part, preventing any risk of cracking. The screws come with a T30 – T40 countersunk head and there is even the option of a conical washer to optimise the loading distribution and to prevent the insertion of the screw head into the wooden support. www.gebfissaggi.com

Intelligent Fixing Solutions Intelligent Fixing Solutions

LIGHT DUTY ANCHORS LIGHT DUTY ANCHORS

HEAVY DUTY ANCHORS HEAVY DUTY ANCHORS

CHEMICAL ANCHORS CHEMICAL ANCHORS

pgb-Polska Sp. z o.o. pgb-Polska Sp. z o.o.

Ul. Jondy 5 | 44-100 Gliwice | Poland Ul. 5 | 44-100 Tel.:Jondy +48 (32) 330 26 Gliwice 10 | Fax:| Poland +48 (32) 330 26 20 Tel.: +48 (32) 330 26 10 | |Fax: +48 (32) 330 26 20 biuro@pgb-polska.com www.pgb-polska.com biuro@pgb-polska.com | www.pgb-polska.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Safe anchorage by fischer for Olympic venues in Rio

WOODIES® Ultimate screws enter international market

Ever since WOODIES® Ultimate wood screws were introduced to the local Dutch market seven years ago they have received positive feedback from both the trade sector and professional users.

In August 2016, when the Olympic Games will be opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the focus will be not only be on the athletes but also on the venues. In a lot of the new arenas, as well as in the broadcasting centre, the fischer fixing systems guarantee a secure hold.

T

hanks to the high-quality of the fischer products, and the on-site services, the Brazilian fischer subsidiary won a series of contracts to deliver a variety of fixing systems for several new buildings erected in the Olympic Park in the Barra district, located in the south of Rio de Janeiro. Most of the arenas are built with supporting prefabricated concrete slabs or supporting steel constructions, which are quite demanding in terms of fixing technology.

The tennis arena, offering 10,000 seats, is covered by a metal roof that had to be fixed onto concrete pillars. For this purpose, threaded rods were used in combination with fischer injection mortar. Not far from there the three Carioca Arenas are under construction. They will host the basketball games, as well as the wrestling, judo, fencing and Taekwondo competitions. In each Carioca arena there are 6,500 seats that were fixed into the concrete substructure with the help of anchors and injection mortar.

Another architectural highlight of the Olympic Park is the Future Arena. In this Nordic looking building the handball teams will play their matches. The railings and wave breakers, which prevent the audience from uncontrollably pushing towards the field, were fixed with steel bolt anchors into the concrete base.

Olympic Games are always a global media event for which a temporary media centre has to be built. The International Broadcast Centre (IBC) is designed to host both TV and radio broadcasts. The two buildings are also located in the Olympic Park Barra and were the first venues to be handed over to the Olympic Committee at the end of last year.

The main building hosts twelve studios each comprising 5,000m2. fischer Brazil was responsible for the fixing and cladding of the electric equipment and cable routes.

96 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

A

registered trademark of A.S.F. Fischer B.V, the WOODIES® Ultimate screw is available in three different versions — countersunk head, large waferhead and stainless steel decking screws.

All WOODIES Ultimate screws feature shank ribs and special threads for easier and fastener screwing into wood, as well as reducing the risk of breakage. In addition, the milling ribs under the head help to roughen the installation material and enable the head to countersunk easily and effectively, with no pre-drilling required. Thanks to a special drill point, the WOODIES Ultimate screw can also be used in almost any type of wood and reduces the chance of the wood splitting during installation.

The range of WOODIES Ultimate large Waferhead screw has also now been extended to include more dimensions, with a screw length up to 400mm — deliverable from stock — with even longer lengths available on request.

WOODIES Ultimate screws come packed in sturdy boxes with a two-way opening for the practical and manageable user. Also, a free bit is included in every box.

“WOODIES Ultimate screws are developed to be effective in many applications in professional timber construction, including roof constructions, interior finishing and carports,“ says A.S.F. Fischer.

“Due to the success of the WOODIES Ultimate screw in the Netherlands we are looking to expand into the international markets.“

Fastening Fastening

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS Recent European Technical Assessments for fixings

ETA NUMBER

Following an agreement with the European Organisation of Technical Assessments, here is a list of recent ETAs published in the last two months on the EOTA website.

I

t is important to note that existing ETAs may be amended or withdrawn so this list should not be considered definitive.

Since 1 st July 2013, as a result of the Construction Products Regulation, new ETAs are known as European Technical Assessments. European Technical Approvals published before 1 st July 2013 will act as the new assessment until their expiry date.

For further information and a full list of valid ETAs visit EOTA’s website. www.eota.eu

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA – 05/0199

Mungo m2r

MUNGO Befestigungstechnik AG

ETA – 05/0255

Hilti HVU with Has and HIS elements

Hilti Corporation

ETA – 07/0135

fischer drop-in anchor EA II

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 07/0249

HALFEN Wedge Anchor HB-BZ and HB-BZ-IG

Halfen GmbH

ETA – 10/0388

Rebar connection with Upat injection mortar UPM 44

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 11/0080

Simpson Strong.Tie® – Bolzenanker WA

SIMPSON STRONG-TIE® GmbH

ETA – 11/0095

Concrete screw FBS/FBS A4/FBS C

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 11/0394

AQIPRO380 for rebar connections

ANCORA CHUMBADORES Ltda

ETA – 12/0142

Apolo MEA Quick fix anchor BA plus

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 12/0400

TILCA Drop-in Anchor ED / ED-K

Egli, Fischer & Co. AG Befestigungstechnik

ETA – 13/0805

R-KER / RV200, R-KER-W / RV200-W and R-KER-S / RV200-S

RAWLPLUG LIMITED

ETA – 15/0419

Injection system Hilti HIT-HY 200 with HIT-Z/HIT-Z-R for inch sizes

Hilti Corporation

ETA – 15/0506

MC-AnchorSolid E820

MC Bauchemie Müller GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 15/0728

AQUASMART PU-2K

ALCHIMICA S.A

ETA – 15/0872

REISSER Concrete screw RBS-S/-SL/-W/-D

REISSER-Schraubentechnik GmbH

ETA – 15/0879

Nullifire FP150 PIPE COLLAR

Nullifire / Tremco Illbruck

ETA – 16/0017

Injection System Chemická kotva ARCTIC

DenBraven Czech and Slovak AS

ETA – 16/0280

Weshan Epoxy WE 700-C for rebar connection

Weshan Tech (Hong Kong) Co Limited

ETA – 16/0282

Rod Fix (RS-750) galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

Rod Fix (RS-750) galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

ETA – 16/0283

ChemSet™ 800 Xtrem™,ChemSet™ 801 Xtrem™,ChemSet™ 802 Xtrem™

RamsetReid

ETA – 16/0300

Essve chemical anchor Seismic,Essve chemical anchor ICE, Essve chemical anchor Slow

ESSVE Produkter AB

ETA – 16/0346

Injection System R-KEA+ for rebar connection

Rawl France SARL

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA – 09/0171

fischer termoz PN 8

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 09/0394

fischer termoz CN 8

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 11/0265

UD-S

KOVINOPLASTIKA KOSMATIN d.o.o

ETA – 13/0936

EVHS HAMMER FIX

Evolution Fasteners (UK) Ltd

ETA – 15/0208

Carbon-Fix

DAW SE

INSTALLED IN NO TIME THE NAIL PLUG KND­I

Order sample

box now!

1 709 90 Phone: +49 602

JUST HAMMER IT DOWN SIMPLE AND FAST. NAIL PLUG KND I

ADVANTAGES

Nylon | Zinc-coated steel nail screw | stainless steel A2 nail screw. Quick assembly with high extraction values in solid substrates.

• Cross recess allows for subsequent adjustment or dissassembly

Cross recess allows for subsequent adjustment or disassembly.

Halogen-free | 100 % Nylon

HALOGEN

FREE 100% NYLON

• Fast and efficient push-through installation • Interior and exterior use • Flush with wooden constructions • Temperature-resistant in the range between -40°C and +80°C

APPLICATIONS Fixing solutions for metal and wooden constructions, plates, perforated tapes, cable ducts, skirting boards, claddings, wall connections and plaster profiles.

UIP GmbH & Co KG Industriestrasse 5 | D-63814 Mainaschaff Fon +49 (0)6021 709-90 | Fax +49 (0)6021 709-84 info@uip-systems.com | www.uip-systems.com

mission to mars info@blumorgana.it

EXTREME FIXINGS

Annex E - C2 ETA

ETAG 001 Annex E SEISMIC

FLOODED HOLE

T

P U R E E P O X Y

FLOODED HOLE

T

VINYLESTER RESIN

PNEUMATIC DRILLING

EPOXY21

V-PLUS

ETA

ETA

ETAG 001 TR023

ETA-11/0345

Rebar

ETAG 001 Part 5 OPTION 1

ETA-11/0344

Option 7

Option 1

ETA

ETA

ETAG 001 Annex E SEISMIC

Annex E-C2

ETAG 001 TR023

ETA-09/0246 Rebar

ETA

ETA - 09/0140

w w w . b o s s o n g . c o m

®

T

Option 7

Option 1

1962 fastening systems

FLOODED HOLE

ETAG 001 Part 5 OPTION 1

VINYLESTER RESI

2012

BOSSONG S.p.A. Fastening Systems Zona Industriale 2 - Via E. Fermi, 49/51 24050 GRASSOBBIO (Bergamo) Italy Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 info@bossong.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Concealed fastening of decking boards High-quality decking timbers are an eye-catching feature of every garden. Their refined appearance creates a stylish transition between the house and garden.

To bring out the best in decking boards, concealed fastening is recommended.

M

anufacturers now offer high-quality decking clips made of glass fibre-reinforced plastic for concealed and indirect fastening of timber and WPC decking boards without grooves – such as the Clipper sets from HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co KG. The HECO®-Clipper sets ensure elegant installation of decking boards without holes detracting from the visual appearance of the timber boards. They can be used for boards between 120mm and 150mm wide, and can be assembled easily, quickly and precisely.

They provide three main benefits in decking construction: They allow fastenings to be concealed; act as spacers between the boards; and provide constructional timber protection.

An additional benefit of using the Clipper as an indirect means of fastening is that the decking boards can swell or shrink in any direction.

When building timber decking it may be necessary to properly prepare and fill the substrate to compensate for ground unevenness. Once the bearing points of the timber decking have been prepared, timbers with a sufficient load bearing capacity must be selected to ensure the substructure is constructed correctly. Ideally, the material used for the square timbers should be the same as the material used for the decking boards because the expansion and shrinkage characteristics of the substructure and covering will then be similar, which increases the overall service life of the decking.

The number of supporting beams, and the

distance between them, varies according to the decking design. They depend on the existing subsoil, the timber used for the decking and the anticipated live load. To assist with planning HECO recommends using roughly fifteen decking Clippers per square metre as a guide. Seven boards are required to construct a width of 1m using 14cm wide boards, laid with 5mm gaps. Assuming two supporting timbers are 50cm apart, two Clippers are required per running metre of board.

Two Clippers per board multiplied by seven boards laid side-by-side means that fourteen Clippers are required per square metre of decking. The number of Clippers required varies depending on the width of the boards or spacing of the substructure. www.heco-schrauben.com

Hollo-Bolt® specified on a 73-storey skyscraper After recently receiving the Los Angeles Research Report (LARR) and full seismic approval from ICC-ES for all seismic design categories (A to F), Lindapter International’s Hollo-Bolt® has been specified for Wilshire Grand Center, the tallest tower in western USA.

O

pening in 2017, the billion dollar skyscraper designed

by AC Martin, is poised to set the architectural standard for innovation, design and quality in Los Angeles. The main feature of AC Martin’s design is the swooping glass canopy, which creates an atrium with an architecturally exposed steel design.

Lindapter’s seismic approved Hollo-Bolt® was specified for connecting circular sections throughout the curved atrium structure. Following the structural engineer’s recommendation, steelwork contractors used over 3,000 M20 Hollo-Bolts to secure the structural hollow sections that form the swooping atrium framework.

In the heart of a high-risk earthquake zone, Hollo-Bolts were installed from just one side, rapidly achieving discreet splice connections without the need for drilling

100 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

or welding. The extremely cost-effective installation did not require specialist equipment or specialist labour. It dramatically reduced the amount of work at height in comparison to traditional welding or through bolting methods. The design also eradicated the possibility of tube deformation that can be associated with through bolting if the bolts are over tightened. The end result was an aesthetically pleasing, clean and subtle connection which complements the design of the architecturally exposed structural steel.

The Lindapter Hollo-Bolt has an extensive range of independent approvals, including Los Angeles Research Report (LARR) and full seismic approval from ICC-ES for all seismic design categories (A-F). It is also independently approved as a structural connection for primary steel and features in the SCI/BCSA joint publication: ‘Joints in Steel Construction — Simple Connections’.

INSERTI FILETTATI THREADED INSERTS BLINDNIETMUTTER

SISTEMI DI FISSAGGIO FASTENING SYSTEMS VERBINDUNGSSYSTEME MAIN OFFICE Via Bellardi, 40/A - 10146 Torino - (Italy) Tel. +39 (0) 11 70.72.398 +39 (0) 11 70.70.877 - Fax +39 (0) 11 70.72.521

www.fixi.it - info@fixi.it

HECO®-Schrauben Innovation. Safety. Future.

High end products for professionals.

Ask for HECO-Screws – Safe and secure HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co. KG Dr.-Kurt-Steim-Straße 28, D-78713 Schramberg Tel.: +49 (0) 74 22 / 9 89-0, Fax: +49 (0) 74 22 / 9 89-200 E-Mail: info@heco-schrauben.de, Internet: www.heco-schrauben.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

German quality renowned around the world Fastener + Fixing Magazine last visited WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH in 2012, just as Sven Nieper became chief executive officer at the specialist in fastener manufacturing technology. Editor Will Lowry visited the company’s headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany, to speak to Mr Nieper and find out how the company has progressed.

How has WAFIOS Umformtechnik developed in the past four years since you became chief executive officer?

“Since 2012 WAFIOS Umformtechnik has grown around 20% and we now have over 100 people working here in Wuppertal.

Plus we have 35 members of staff at EWMenn GmbH & Co KG – which we acquired in 2015.

The acquisition of EWMenn was based on the close link in technology with our brand Hilgeland. We were looking at how we could develop our Hilgeland thread rolling machines and present something new to the market.

We soon realised it was going to take a lot of time and investment if we were going to compete with the leaders in the market – such as EWMenn. We therefore decided that the next best step would be to acquire a company, which is when we spoke to EWMenn about the company’s future and plans. Mr Menn had no successor and was looking at how to increase exports around the world. Therefore it made a perfect fit for us to acquire the business – we would get the benefit from its thread rolling technology and EWMenn would get access to our global sales network.

EWMenn is now a daughter company of WAFIOS, still situated at its location in Hilchenbach, Germany. We have stopped producing Hilgeland thread rollers because the features and patented technology provided by EWMenn machines are more modern and offer a lot more to the customer.

However, we are still supplying the spare parts to customers for existing Hilgeland machines.

Both sides have benefited from many positives. EWMenn receives all the orders and customers for thread rollers and benefit from our sales network. WAFIOS gets the opportunity to sell the full range of modern

machines. We now have 1 die 1 blow, 1 die 2 blow, 2 die 3 blow, 3 die machines, 5 die machines, 6 die machines, pointing machines, threading machines, as well as nail making machines.”

WAFIOS Umformtechnik is known for innovation. Where do its ideas come from and what does the process involve?

“When it comes to new ideas and innovations it is a mixture between speaking to our customers and the work we do internally.

Firstly, our sales people are very proactive and they go and visit our customers around the world. The customers speak to our sales people and tell us their demands regarding new products and developments for the machine, as well as their plans for the future. Our sales people can then talk to our technical office about the possibilities.

Being part of the WAFIOS Group also gives us a big advantage for innovations. WAFIOS Umformtechnik predominately focuses on mechanical machinery with some electronic components. The rest of the WAFIOS Group has electronic machines that have some mechanical parts. Therefore the Group’s main focus is a lot more on electronics and we are able to access this knowledge and incorporate it into our machinery as and where we see benefits.

For instance, at the moment there seems to be more and more servo technology being used for different parts of cold forming machinery. We are currently looking at where it makes sense to introduce servo technology and where it doesn’t make sense. Our engineers can meet with Group engineers and they can discuss what the future is for our machinery going forward.

Innovation is very important – you need to ensure that you are providing what the

102 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

customer needs. At WAFIOS Umformtechnik we guarantee high output and a reliable machine, and we produce very high-quality products.

However, currently in Germany our customers have enough capacity in cold forming. Many German customers already have WAFIOS machines that are over 50 years old but are still able to reliably produce high-quality products at a high output. That is good for our service department that provides spare parts to customers as and when they need them, but it is not so good for our sales people trying to sell new machines.

Our challenge is to find ways to offer additional benefits to customers, such as quicker changeover or introduce new concepts that enable us to offer price reductions or less assembly hours. That is why we are constantly looking at possible innovations and how we can offer better solutions to customers so they will invest in new machinery.”

How does your global service network ensure a consistent service around the world?

“We have a sales and service office in Shanghai, China, and we have a new sales and service office in Chicago, USA – the headquarters of the US office was originally in Bamford, Connecticut, but we moved it to just outside Chicago so that it is close to customers.

In addition we also have a facility in Brazil, as well as our plant here in Wuppertal, Germany.

Our overseas offices are shared with our parent company. So for example, we could have up to 20 people in a sales and service office, of which 3 or 4 would support WAFIOS Umformtechnik and the remainder would be WAFIOS Group – as it has a lot more machinery.

The good thing for us is that we can use the organisation and the stock – and anything else that we need – which makes it very easy for us

Customized Wire Your experts for exacting requirements.

With our company know-how and our manufacturing capabilities we offer our customers a comprehensive solution. We simply aspire to help our customers make their products and projects more successful. n n

Wire rod Drawn wire

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Prestressing steel Flat and shaped wire

voestalpine Wire Technology www.voestalpine.com/wire

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Saw wire

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

to bring parts to where they need to be, whether it is the USA or China. In fact, one of our sales team from Germany has moved to the USA to focus solely on the North American market. He has a lot of experience and knowledge and our strategy is to continue to grow the US market.

We also have our sales office in Shanghai that has local representatives that visit customers and focus on their machinery needs.

China is a very different market, as you need to make sure that you build the relationship with the company and its owner – so that they learn not only about your company and its capabilities, but also about you as a person.

It can take 5 or 6 visits to a company in China before they are in a position to buy a machine.”

able to meet all their needs. You need to have the right certification; you need an effective service network; you need to provide the same machine across the globe; and you need to provide a first-class support service for each machine – including online. The big customers are working worldwide and they want the same machinery in every plant.

Another reason for consolidation is that if you want to survive or increase your turnover you need to develop new products or enter new markets. It can be very difficult to enter new markets, so if you can go into an established structure it becomes easier.

A major benefit we have is being part of WAFIOS Group and the strong sales team it has

producers in Italy – but we also have a lot of competitors in Italy. Spain is coming back but very slowly. As for the other economies, we have a selection of customers but they only buy every 3 – 5 years and only one machine.

A fast growing market at the moment is Poland, which we have a good feeling about.

We also have some machines in Turkey, but the competition of the Asian competitors is very high in Turkey. We are regularly visiting and talking to Turkish companies and we are also looking for an agent in Turkey that can present our cold forming capabilities and underline the importance of using high-quality consistent machinery.

What is clear is that customers are looking for strong partners and it is important you are able to meet all their needs.”

What are your thoughts on the consolidation trends that have been happening in the machinery sector?

“There has been a lot of consolidation in the market recently and I think it is a trend that will continue in the future – especially if the capabilities of the companies being consolidated are complementary. That was the case when we acquired EWMenn.

However, consolidation is not easy. You need to consider what impact the acquisition will have. Will you combine the factories or will you keep the factories? How will the two companies operate together? Do the companies have different business styles? All this needs to be taken on board.

What is clear is that customers are looking for strong partners and it is important you are

in key target markets around the globe. It is not possible to have the necessary close contact we need with only 100 people at WAFIOS Umformtechnik. Being part of WAFIOS Group means we can offer support and share ideas and knowledge and understand what each market needs.

I think that in the future the consolidation process will go on. If there are partners that are stronger then they will look to acquire other companies that help broaden their markets.”

What is your viewpoint on the general economic trends in Europe?

“From our point of view Germany is the strongest economy. I also think Italy is reasonable as there are lot of fastener

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Looking at other economies, everyone is talking about the BRIC states, but they are all really struggling at the moment. The only economy that is still strong is China, but whilst the figures are growing the growth is slowing.

Thanks to our global reach we can supply customers anywhere in the world. That is why we are always educating our agents and making sure customers are fully aware of the services we are able to provide.”

What are the opportunities for WAFIOS and what are the challenges?

“The fastener market is still growing, but it is only a small growth. It is very difficult building machines. Development is expensive and there has not really been that much development in recent years. You have servo

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

technology and maybe you can get some extra niche markets, but if you talk about high speed and high quantity – with a good energy balance – then a mechanical machine is still the best machine.

I am not sure which direction the market will go, but I think we must find solutions to reduce prices, so that we are more competitive.

We also need to continue to work on giving more benefits to the customer and looking at the important details that customers focus on.

If a customer is going to decide to overhaul a 40 – 50 year old machine, then we need to make sure that there are enough benefits to warrant

We also hold Open Houses around the world, where we invite customers to our factories so they can see WAFIOS machines and the developments we are planning. This also enables us to listen to our customers about what they need and to make sure we are able to provide something that the market is demanding.”

Have technology developments in machinery gone as far as they can?

“We are always looking to optimise our machines and there have been some good developments in the past, such as the feeding

If a customer is going to decide to overhaul a 40 – 50 year old machine, then we need to make sure that there are enough benefits to warrant the investment.” the investment. If it is too expensive to buy a new one, the calculation fails, and then we have no chance.

This is a challenge and a continuous process. We have some good ideas that we will introduce into the market in the future. We are in a good position thanks to the WAFIOS Group – as we are strong at both assembling machines and developing machines. We are always testing and we have lots of trials for new products and methods. We have a long list of what we want to test and want to find out.

We are also visiting fairs, and seeing what the demands are for the market.

systems – which used to be roller feeds but are now predominately linear feeds. The new one at the moment is servo feeding systems, but we are still analysing whether it makes sense to introduce them or not. There are some advantages, but there are also some disadvantages.

If you have servo driven transfer systems it is easier to set up the machine, because you can store your figures and then type in the product and everything is adjusted. However, the system is still the same. You feed the wire, you cut it off, you transport it, you form it, and you eject it – there is nothing that has really changed.

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That is why companies still use machines produced 50 years ago, as they are still producing quality products. Whilst the requirements for precision parts is getting higher and higher each year, the process of making them is fundamentally the same as it was 50 years ago. This means that you have to look at every aspect of the machine and process to see where you can optimise and offer customers additional benefits.

One development over the last year has been the look of the machines – they are no longer green. If you visit a fastener producer you will see a lot of green machines from different companies. Now manufacturers are asking for a new housing and machines with better aesthetics. Obviously it is not an argument for a customer to buy the machine solely on how it looks. But if you have two machines with similar technical features and one machine has a better style and design then that has to be an advantage. Also the acceptable noise reduction that is permitted in factories is lower than it used to be. Now 80dB is the maximum noise level allowed, so a noise hood is very important for the machines we produce.”

What are the main challenges for the fastener industry as a whole?

“As long as the steel prices are not the same worldwide, we have a disadvantage in Europe of producing. If it is cheaper to make and ship parts to Europe then it is to produce in Europe then it is not a fair market. That is why we concentrate on the entire global market, including China. We cannot focus on supplying machinery only to Europe.

It is vital that we focus on selling machines to the whole world. You cannot depend on certain markets, because those markets can start to shrink at any time. At WAFIOS Umformtechnik we have a wide range of machinery, so if one of our products is not popular we have other products that are popular. This means that we are not dependent on one particular range of machines – we can offer customers everything.”

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

A new chapter for the British steel industry The revival of the British Steel brand marks a new chapter in the life of Scunthorpe Rod Mill (SRM) following completion of the sale of Tata Steel’s Long Products division to UK-based investment firm, Greybull Capital.

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he new British Steel was created on 1 st June 2016 when Greybull Capital bought the Long Products Europe business of Tata Steel. The sale marks a new start for the Long Products business, which is based on 150 years of heritage. Following months of uncertainty around the UK steel industry as a whole, British Steel is grabbing its opportunity for a new start with both hands and is working closely with its customers and suppliers to create an agile, effective and competitive supply chain.

Prior to the sale, the new British Steel business was part of Tata Steel in Europe.

The brand of the former state owned British Steel Corporation disappeared in 1999 with

the creation of Corus following the merger of the former British Steel with Koninklijke Hoogovens in the Netherlands. The new British Steel brand and logo was unveiled at the Scunthorpe plant on 1 st June 2016 – the molten orange is representative of the

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process of making steel and the cool navy is representative of the quality of the finished product.

The sale includes the vast steelworks in Scunthorpe, manufacturing sites in Teesside, an engineering site in Workington, and a rail consultancy business in York, as well as a network of metal centres and service centres across the UK and Ireland – which will enable the new business to serve customers quickly and efficiently. The sale also includes a rail mill in Hayange, northern France. Customers will continue to have access to a global network of sales offices providing a local point of contact and support.

The business produces wire rod to meet the strict demands of the automotive,

BECAUSE WE LISTEN We create solutions that are on your wavelength Working with the cold heading specialists at British Steel is an experience like no other.

Strong and open relationships are key to customer satisfaction. We can help you improve your business performance, whether that’s through process efficiencies or product development. We do that by understanding your business as well as you do. A flexible, short-cycle rolling programme means we can react quickly to fulfil your orders.

We’ll work with you to reduce stock across the supply chain, ensuring you have all the

steel you need, just when you need it.

Our dedicated account managers provide a single point of access, not only to our wide range of wire rod, but also to our technical, logistical and manufacturing expertise.

And our international network provides a local service, worldwide.

Find out how we can work with you to help you succeed: T +44(0)1724 402582 E wirerod@longssteel.com BRITISHSTEEL.CO.UK

BUILDING STRONGER FUTURES

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY construction, engineering and consumer goods markets – supported by a dedicated customer technical services team. It also produces an unrivalled sections product range supported by an extensive distribution network and further processing facilities; a range of special profiles used in a number of applications around the world; and a wide range of high performance rail products supported by technical consultancy services.

the steelworks and this drives the passion of the workforce. These two values lead to the third – performance – delivering the products customers want now and in the future, whilst striving to continuously improve.

On the launch of the new company, Peter Hogg, commercial director at British Steel, said: “Today marks the first day of business for our new company and we are delighted to be launching under the iconic British Steel brand.

British Steel is an iconic brand but the new company is quick to stress that it is not stuck in the past but looking to the future. The company is moving forwards with a more streamlined organisation, more efficient processes and a more responsive approach. The business has revitalised the way in which it operates and will live by three core values – pride, passion and performance – which the employees were already living by.

The British Steel workforce is proud of their history and heritage. Not many companies can claim to have generations of families dedicating their working lives to one company, one industry. Steel is at the heart of the communities that have been built around

It has taken a huge amount of effort and a strong partnership between our employees and their union representatives, our customers and our suppliers, and many months of hard work to get to this point. We also appreciate the help and support from both local and national government and our local MPs.” “Our industry has faced challenging times over the last few years, but we are confident that our new venture, built on our core values of pride, passion and performance, will not only reinvigorate this business, but position it as a world leader.”

Peter added: “Our heritage is important to us. For decades our skilled workforce has dedicated itself to producing the highest

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quality steel that has been used in landmark buildings and infrastructure projects around the world. The launch of British Steel will enable us to build a stronger future for both our employees and all those who do business with us.”

At SRM the team is excited to be part of the new British Steel and is striving to build a stronger future through focused product and service development. From a product development perspective, the team has used its extensive experience and initiative to expand the mill’s size capability.

SRM has historically had the capability to roll wire rod to a maximum diameter of 15mm. Over the last year, a cross-functional team has worked relentlessly to expand the mill’s capability to enable the rolling of material above 15mm. First, they developed 16mm and then progressed to 16.5mm.

At the end of May this year, the team successfully rolled 17mm rod for the first time. The development of this capability on the mill will open up new markets for the business as it can now offer customers a larger size range.

“This has been a big challenge,” said Gareth Penn, SRM services roll shop manager. “But in the last year we’ve expanded our size range by an extra 2mm. We thought that was unachievable; we’re pushing the capability of this mill and this achievement would not have been possible without the skill and knowledge of the mill team. I think everybody is quite proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Gareth continued: “A lot of man hours and effort has gone into this development. It’s been a big team effort. Our experienced people on the mill floor have used their initiative and contributed ideas about how we can further improve the mill’s capability.”

To increase rolling diameters, the team re-cut tungsten carbide finishing discs that control the final size and shape of the rod. A series of trials were carried out on the mill with each incremental increase in size. The first 17mm rolling saw 175 tonnes rolled to order for two customers with the required rod ovality successfully achieved.

Sophie Day, product marketing manager for Wire Rod, commented: “Automotive is the biggest market for SRM but we also sell into several other markets including construction, engineering and consumer goods. Many customers want to simplify their supply

chains through sourcing their material from a smaller number of suppliers, so it’s been important for us to increase our capability in order to compete for this business.”

“This is an exciting time because through the excellent customer service relationships we have with our customers, we can now capitalise on new market opportunities.

The mill’s operational and technical teams have faced and overcome some significant challenges to get us here. Their achievement demonstrates the skill and dedication of everyone involved.”

Exciting developments are also continuing from a service perspective – British Steel’s new warehouse facility in Germany opened at the end of March 2016 and was launched at wire® 2016 in Düsseldorf in April. The opening of the warehouse demonstrates the continued focus of the SRM team to understand customer requirements and to work in partnership with both new and long-standing customers to implement improvements in service. The warehouse is providing a service to wire drawers and component manufacturers, particularly those in the fastener supply chain, which combats their issues of a lack of storage space at their own facilities and also aids them in offering the responsive lead times they

require to be able to supply into service critical sectors such as the automotive sector.

The SRM team has demonstrated what can be achieved through a determination to succeed and listening to and acting on feedback from their customer base. The UK steel industry as a whole is still facing challenging times but the sale of Tata Steel’s

Long Products Europe business is a welcome positive development. British Steel is a British company that is here for the long-term – capitalising on established supply chains and continuously improving and demonstrating the quality of British manufacturing and engineering. www.britishsteel.co.uk

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

CAN-ENG installs system in Canada CAN-ENG Furnaces International Limited has installed and commissioned a 6,000lb/hour continuous mesh belt atmosphere furnace system for Metex Heat Treating Limited, of Ontario, Canada.

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AN-ENG’s new system was commissioned for the hardening and tempering of high volume fasteners and includes a computerised loading system, mesh belt controlled atmosphere hardening furnace, oil quench system, mesh belt tempering furnace, pre and post wash systems, and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system – integrating enhanced features to support compliance with CQI-9 guidelines.

The continuous quench and tempering system incorporates enhanced energy reduction design features, achieved through the benefits of recuperative burner technology providing improved system efficiencies and reduced emissions.

Founded in 1983, by Surjit Bawa P. Eng, Metex serves high volume tier 1 automotive manufacturers of stampings, fasteners and final assemblies in the Ontario, Quebec, Ohio and Michigan markets. From its three plants in Brampton, Ontario, Metex processes over 27,000 tonnes of heat treated product each year.

Complete tooling requirements With over forty years experience in high precision ‘added value’ engineering, CTR Carbide Dies Ltd says it is one of the largest specialised tooling and die set manufacturing companies in the global fastener industry.

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ith continuous investment in the latest machine tools and technology, CTR serves many engineering sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, medical, rail, construction and wind turbine industries.

The company uses the latest available machining technology including CNC mill turn multi axis soft/hard turning, CNC internal and external grinding, and CNC 5 axis milling machining centres.

Together with wire and spark erosion facilities — utilising the latest EDM technologies on offer. All this is complemented with an extensive range of conventional machine tools.

In-process product integrity and quality is verified via new vertical profile projectors and FT2 E software that satisfies the inspection and reporting demands of customers. Plus, final inspection incorporates the very latest in ‘touch screen’ computerised microscopic measurement reporting systems.

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The finished tool is identified as per the customer’s requirements using laser-marking technology — providing clarity and longevity.

Renowned throughout the fastener industry for the manufacture of tooling and complete tool kits in HSS and tungsten carbide materials, CTR boasts a proven track record in supplying specialist tooling for spring manufacture, swaged tube ends, press tools, injection moulding tools, punches and feed fingers.

CTR mentions: “We can offer full ‘cradle to grave’ support via CAD/CAM/3D modelling and die design consultancy to rapid turnaround of modified and or refurbished tooling. Quality is endorsed by our accreditation to BS EN ISO 9001 and AS/EN 9100 aerospace standard. Also ‘lights off production’ has been substantially increased resulting in reduced lead times and timely delivery.”

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Expertise in forming tooling Major Industries Ltd is a Taiwanese manufacturer and distributor of cold and hot forming tooling with a reputation for quality, service, reliability and on-time delivery.

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stablished since 1983, the company has worked diligently to build a prominent and well respected position within the industry through a network of sales offices in the USA, Germany, the UK, Japan, and China.

Major Industries’ expertise covers the entire spectrum of forming tooling, with pins, punches, inserts, sleeves, KO pins and die assemblies all included in its extensive range – and further refinement in terms of the size, shapes and forms possible.

For instance, Major Industries can supply punches with hexagonal, elliptical or irregular cross sections for forward and backward extrusion in upsetting and broaching operations; as well as carbide dies with intricate bore profiles for a similarly wide range of forming applications.

Ancillary products, such as transfer fingers, cut-off knives and specially produced machine parts and accessories complete the range.

In addition to this comprehensive capability, the company can also offer customers a greater degree of flexibility in the selection of materials and coatings to suit individual requirements. The Mil-60 family of tool steels enables Major Industries to find the best performance characteristic for the particular application, whether it is abrasion resistance, toughness crack resistance or hardness – while the appropriate PVD surface coating ensures the greatest longevity.

Heat treatment and coating processes are all performed in-house, thereby enabling much closer control over the end product. Major Industries has ISO 9001 certification, which reinforces the level of confidence experienced by its customers in the tools that are supplied from Major Industries’ factory – for destinations around the globe. www.majorindustriesltd.com

Major Industries Ltd. „As a global supplier, we are skilled in the production of a wide range of forming tooling, especially for the complex parts demanded by the automotive industry“ >

Check it out on: http://www.majorindustriesltd.com Please find our world-wide associate contact details on our website

>

Representative for most parts of Europe and Middle East:

Major Industries Ltd. Jack Lee and Cindy Lee Address: No. 1 Chang Tai Street • Hsiao Kang District • Hsiao 812 • Taiwan Phone: 886-7-871-6711 • Fax 886-7-871-5935 • E-Mail: milmajor@ms23.hinet.net

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Bergkvist & Co., GmbH

www.bergkvist.de • info@bergkvist.de Germany • Phone: 0049- 611- 40 90 90

GWI becomes German agent for GAM GWI GmbH has become the official German agent for Giovanni Anceschi Srl (GAM) — an Italian specialist in manufacturing thread rolling dies.

The new agreement has enabled GWI to offer the full range of flat, planetary and cylindrical thread rolling dies, as well as chasers.

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hanks to GAM’s good experience, high specialisation and continuous renewal of its machines, it is currently able to meet any request regarding various types of thread rolling dies (e.g. metric, UNF, UNC, ogival, tapping, wood screws and profiled nails). The dies can be made of different steel grades including D2, M2, M35 and M42.

GAM’s technical team has also developed its own raw material composition, which is named special steel S3. This kind of material, combined with modified nitriding called NERO5, offers a very effective solution for a long die life.

gwi-iserlohn.de Cooporating companies:

Friction Coefficient Testing Machines for Screws, Bolts and Nuts

September 28-29, 2016 Milan, Italy - Stand 850

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For fasteners from M2 up to M80 Patented transducers Integrated heating-solutions Extensometers optional Conform to standards: ISO 14399, ISO 16047, company standards from FIAT, GM, Hyundai, PSA, Renault, VW and many more

TesT GmbH • Helena-Rubinstein-Strasse 4 • D 40699 Erkrath • +49 211 209903-0 • test@test-gmbh.com • www.test-gmbh.com TesT AG • Bösch 63 • CH 6331 Hünenberg • +41 41 785601-0 • test@test-ag.ch • www.test-ag.ch

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Long life thread rolling tools With more than 70 years of experience HEROSLAM S.A.L has established itself as a manufacturer of top quality and long life thread rolling tools for the fastener industry.

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he Spanish manufacturer says it is able to offer a complete range of high performance tools of exceptional quality including flat and planetary dies, as well as cylindrical thread rolling dies.

All of HEROSLAM’s flat dies are made using a grinding process, thus meeting the highest standards in profile quality and precision, and guaranteeing an excellent tool performance. This, in combination with its in-house coating facilities, enables the company to offer long life tools for the most demanding applications such as thread rolling tempered parts in grades 10.9, 12.9 and 15.9.

HEROSLAM also manufactures a wide range of cylindrical dies (2 or 3 dies per set), which offer multiple possibilities and advantages for thread rolling very hard materials or large size trapezoidal profiles with greater precision and quality.

The company’s planetary thread rolling dies offer customers significant economic advantages. Depending on each application, HEROSLAM can manufacture planetary dies in different materials – making unique tools that are more durable and offer higher performance.

It can also manufacture planetary dies for different applications such as U-bolts, nails, as well as for MAThread® and Taptite® fasteners.

In addition to standard dies, the company can also provide special dies for ogival fasteners, aerospace fasteners, as well as knurling, grooving and straightening applications. Other services include customised coatings made in-house, a tool regrinding service and first-class technical support.

Kistler Group acquires Schatz Group Kistler Group has acquired Schatz AG, based in Remscheid, Germany, as well as its US sales and service company — Schatz USA Inc, in Holly (MI). This acquisition gives the Kistler Group new potential applications in quality assurance in industrial manufacturing. The Schatz Group can now market its systems through Kistler’s global sales network, giving it access to previously underexploited markets.

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crewdriving is still one of the most elementary basic processes in industrial manufacturing. The monitoring and inspection of screw connections is extremely important in quality assurance, especially in the automotive industry. By acquiring Schatz Group, the Kistler Group is strengthening

Pictured left to right: Martin Schatz, managing director Schatz USA Inc, Dr Volker Schatz, managing director Schatz AG and Rolf A. Sonderegger, CEO Kistler Group

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its own position in quality assurance in industrial manufacturing.

The takeover is “a logical step for Kistler in the implementation of its overall growth strategy,” says CEO Rolf Sonderegger. “We want to use our measuring technology in even more applications and increase the number of complete systems and targeted services that we offer.”

The Schatz Group develops, manufactures, and distributes laboratory systems for the analysis of screw connections; calibration equipment and test systems for torque tools; and portable measurement systems for random sample testing. The company also supplies the necessary network software and provides a calibration and repair service.

In 2015 the Schatz Group generated sales of close to €16 million.

It employs 75 people at its sites in Remscheid and Holly. Following the takeover, Schatz Group products and services can now be marketed through the global sales network of the Kistler Group.

“This gives us better access to international markets and entirely new growth opportunities, not least due to an expanded product range,” says Volker Schatz, CEO of Schatz AG. Customers of both companies will now be able to pull significant benefits from the advantages of the expanded portfolio, the global accessibility and the growth in know-how.

Bolts • Nuts • Studs Sockets • Bent Bolts Machined Parts

®®

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Your Specials are our Standards

Over 150 Material Grades 10,000 Ton Inventory Over 250 Machines We Service All Quantities Quick Global Delivery www.GoASF.com

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Our lines are supplied complete with uncoilers, wire pointers, take-up units, coil compactors.

FOR YOUR IN-LINE AND OFF-LINE WIRE DRAWING NEEDS Tel. +39 0341.604801 • Fax +39 0341.604289 www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com • info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

100% optical inspection of retaining rings Italian-based Dimac Srl has solved what it sees as the most difficult sorting and inspection process – the high-speed 100% optical inspection and sorting of retaining rings.

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imac is able to offer the solution thanks to its use of the MCV5 – a glass rotary table machine equipped with four high-resolution digital cameras and optional eddy current heat treatment detection station.

The retaining ring geometry is inspected by profile analysis through a couple of 1.5 megapixel cameras. The combination of collimated telecentric lens and lighting, which equip the top view camera and the side view camera, allows control of retaining ring critical measures with the highest accuracy – and output rates up to 300pp/min. Surface analysis is performed by a top and a bottom camera equipped with dark field and bright field illumination devices.

MCV5 vision software – released for retaining rings – has been researched and developed in cooperation with the most important European manufacturers. It includes dedicated functions for inspection of the retaining ring inner and outer contour by top camera; measurement of the gap/cut; measurement of outer and inner diameters; as well as measurement of the small holes and the position of the holes with respect to the retaining ring geometry. Other measurements include the distance between the centres of the holes; the position of the holes with respect to the centre of the inner contour; the width of the metal sheet at critical points; as well as the flatness and thickness, which are inspected with dedicated functions belonging to the side camera view.

A multi frequency eddy current device with dedicated probe can also be installed as an option to confirm heat treatment. www.dimacsrl.com

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Würth Industrie Service wins award

Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co KG was recently presented with an award from ‘Best Logistics Brand 2016’ in the category – containers and bins.

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ürth Industrie Service specialises in automatic supply and logistics systems in the field of production and operating resources for industrial enterprises. As a C-parts supplier the company focuses on a clear system and product strategy, maximum customer proximity, and unwavering commitment to innovative power. Its key concern is developing customer orientated advancements in kanban supply, materials management, technical application consulting, and container logistics.

It was precisely this category, containers and bins, in which Würth Industrie Service won the second place trophy from ‘Best Logistics Brand 2016’ at an awards ceremony in Berlin, Germany.

Würth’s specially developed small bins, patented under the name W-KLT®2.0 and based on the VDA standard, are available in sizes 2115, 3215, 4115 and 4315. What makes them unique is their two position front flap, which ensures simple and secure item retrieval and maximum use of space for production and logistics. In addition, all Würth bins are equipped with a custom label and an RFID tag.

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Streamlined C-parts management has become an integral part of the manufacturing industry.”

The new sustainable bin takes bin technology to the next level and integrates ecological features into the realm of C-part supply. It is the first kanban bin of its kind on the market and is made of approximately 30% organic granules. The components of the granules are extracted from sunflower seed hulls. They are manufactured in cooperation with Golden Compound GmbH, in an environmentally friendly manner using S²PC®.

S²PC stands for Sustainable Sunflower Plastic Compound, an economical plastic composite made from the fibres of sunflower seed shells. The hulls used in S²PC plastics are a byproduct of sunflower seed production and thus do not pose any competition for the food production sector.

The newly developed W-KLT®2.0 XS/S small sized bins, which are designed for lower demand, provide a link between the kanban storage location and the place of consumption.

They are ideal for supplying individual workstations and are therefore suited for direct use at the respective place of consumption. The small sized bins are compatible with the previous Würth bins W-KLT®2.0, based on the VDA standard, and optimise the workflows in the production process. This does away with unnecessary walking and costly work time.

Production customers can use these innovative and patented bins to optimise their intralogistic processes as well as their space and storage utilisation. Furthermore, regular interaction with over 20,000 customers in Germany alone helps Würth Industrie Service to continually improve its systems, products and bins. Thus, the customer always receives the exact support that they need in order to concentrate on what is really important.

Würth comments: “Today, streamlined C-parts management has become an integral part of the manufacturing industry – offering flexibility, efficient processes, maximum supply security, as well enabling companies to have a targeted focus on core business.”

Small sized bin – W-KLT®XS for direct supply at the workstation

Container development at Würth Industrie Service – The W-KLT®2.0 4115

Call us on 01246 457150

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Logically build pallets for despatch With the products being handled and the size of the warehouse operation varying from business to business, there is no universally right or wrong way for businesses to manage their despatch process.

Here Wise Software (UK) Ltd looks at its new Ad Hoc Picking option available on its Mobile Picking module.

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or some companies the best way may simply be to pick by the order; for others it may be to pick multiple orders at a time using totes; in other situations it may be something else entirely. Businesses just need to determine the best method of picking for them and ensure they have the necessary tools to maximise the efficiency of their chosen process. However, for companies sending stock out for delivery on pallets, determining the best way of picking stock can be a little bit trickier.

When it comes to building pallets ready for delivery, staff need to be making sure that items are carefully arranged so that heavier items are on the bottom and lighter boxes are on top. This leads to difficulties when choosing the best way to organise picking routines as simply going by the most efficient walk routes could mean that lighter stock ends up at the bottom. On the other hand, simply picking by weight alone can also cause issues as often the size and shape of the box also needs to be considered when arranging stock onto the pallet. This means that often the best way for businesses despatching by pallet is to simply pick their stock using a certain level of personal judgement and gathering items in an order that means they can then be carefully stacked.

Pick orders in the best way for you

The OrderWise Despatch Module is already one of the most configurable elements of the OrderWise system, allowing businesses to tailor OrderWise to suit their own despatch processes and get the highest productivity out of their staff. Additional options include the use of barcode scanning through Mobile WMS devices, the set-up of comprehensive ‘pick rules’ to determine how picks are assigned to staff, monitoring picker performance, recording average travel times and much more.

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Now in version 11.5 of OrderWise, further configurability has been added to OrderWise Despatch thanks to the introduction of a new Ad Hoc Picking option available on the Mobile Picking module. Designed for businesses needing to stack stock onto pallets when shipping out orders, Ad Hoc Picking enables users to simply select a line from the lines tab of the picking module on their Mobile WMS device and go to pick that line straight away. Users will be directed to the earliest allocated transaction for that item and can then continue to collect stock from along the walk route as normal from the last bin scanned. Alternatively, the user is also able to pick a specific allocation from the allocations tab instead of picking by the line. Also, scanning a bin that does not contain stock for the currently displayed pick line, but does contain stock for another line on the pick, will change the selected pick line to allow that stock to be picked and ensure efficiency is maximised.

Fast, accurate and organised pallet picking

To make things even easier for users picking in this manner, new sort options have also been added to the lines and allocations tabs on the OrderWise Mobile WMS devices. These new sort options will enable the picker to sort lines by outstanding quantity and the allocations tab can have allocations sorted by walk route. This means users can quickly and smartly determine which items need to be picked first to go at the bottom of the pallet and go to collect that stock before efficiently guiding themselves to gather the remaining items required to complete the pick.

Thanks to this great new functionality, businesses using OrderWise to pick stock onto pallets can now benefit from being able to build up these pallets in the best way possible – whilst still retaining the high accuracy and efficiency that comes from using mobile WMS devices.

TECHNICAL

Can screws be reused?

By Martin Rüedy, fastener expert team, Bossard Group The reuse of screws after operational use is not to be recommended for two main reasons: The use of ‘state of the art’ products and the requirements for product safety. Process capability in assembly must also be considered under five main topics: Safety in assembly, protection against corrosion, surface treatment, durability and cost-effective production.

‘State of the art’ and requirements for product safety

In connection technology normative references relate exclusively to screw elements in mint condition. Adherence to a standard requirement is, in general, not mandatory. Standards are non-binding recommendations but can become binding for particular applications when referenced in specifications. Adherence to basic safety requirements can then be substantiated via technical standards when the order is made. Here the ‘state of the art’ comes into play at the time of marketing and use for a particular application.

The application of a specified standard supports the presumption of conformity for compliance – such as CE Marking. Where there are no relevant standards or none to draw upon, procedures according to recognised rules of technology must be applied.

When it comes to the reuse of screw elements it is then incumbent upon the user or maintenance personnel to assess the practicality.

Replacement is normally prescribed by manufacturers in their instructions. As defined by ‘state of technology’ the observation and replacement of safety relevant connecting components is also recognised, which represents years of practice and is a prerequisite for a reliable connection.

Furthermore the obligations for putting products on to the market must be observed. In doing so the basic health and safety requirements must be satisfied. In addition to the state of knowledge* and state of the art, the assessment of the pursuance of specific potential hazards of a product or joint(s) must be taken into consideration.

Summary

From the perspective of the requirement for a clear assignment of the related specifications to the identification and compliance with all relevant boundary conditions, the reuse of previously used coupling elements is to be refrained from.

Process capability in assembly

The process capability in assembly can be broken down into five main sections: 1. Safety in assembly – friction.

2. Protection against corrosion – visual condition.

3. Surface treatment – disassembly capability.

4. Durability – surface damage.

5. Cost-effective production – assembly cost.

Safety in assembly – friction

The controlling factor in the safety of the connection is the assembly pre-stressing. Assembly is carried out on the basis of the assembly instructions and the tribological boundary conditions. Pre-stress force in assembly is considerably influenced during the assembly process by the thread coupling and bearing surfaces (part of the connecting component). Assembly efficiency amounts to only 10% – 20%.

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This makes it clear that the tension to be reached according to the design calculation can only be reached with specified friction coefficients. In addition, process safe assembly should also keep the spread of friction effect to a minimum. Practice requires a defined lubrication for safe connections. So-called ‘anti-friction’ coating solutions allow a verifiable lubrication condition and optimise the tribological boundary conditions.

Summary

The advantages of a tribological coating directly on the connecting components promote the required safety in assembly with a defined assembly window for the pre-stressing force to be achieved. So that there is still safety of assembly even during reassembly with replacement components, brand new coated screw elements should be provided.

Solution – Bossard ecosyn®-lubric

Tribological dry coating is a system solution for mechanically stressed fasteners (screws, nuts and bolts). The coating is a non-electrolytical applied, thin covering film with integrated lubricating properties and additional corrosion protection. The coating consists of a composition of fluoropolymers and organic solid lubricant particles, which are dispersed in carefully selected synthetic resin and solvents.

What is known as the AF coating (anti-friction coating) creates a smooth film, which compensates for any unevenness in the surface, thus optimising friction even under extreme loads and working conditions.

In turn, the synthetic resin guarantees improved corrosion protection.

Advantages of tribological dry coating

Excellent friction coefficients with lower dispersion as a basis for any screw connection.

Clean and environmentally friendly coating with simple handling.

High installation safety in manufacture and maintenance.

Cost-effective assembly, disassembly with a reduction in process costs in the case of a comprehensive cost analysis.

Protection against corrosion – visual condition

Surface coatings on connecting components have both a protective and a specific tribological surface property. Generally the sliding properties are improved by additional topcoats made of a fluoropolymer composition (e.g PFTE) and enable an increase in assembly pre-stressing for initial window.

In their new condition, connecting components with selected surface coatings can allow a reproducible tension and protection.

Practice suggests a sufficiently accurate repeatability for a maximum of five assemblies. The particular acceptance for a permissible spread (discrepancy in assembly pre-stressing) depends on the design of the screw and the intended use of the connection. *consolidated knowledge being implemented or shortly to be implemented, and available at the time that the product (screw assembly) is placed on the market.

Now when screw connections are already in use and operating conditions are affecting the surfaces, the tribological conditions are altered. Increasing re-assemblies and mounting service time can be counted upon to reduce protection against corrosion and at the same time also alter the friction values. We speak in practice also of a reduction in function over time, which can be attributed to our environment in the industrial sector. So the surface coating can be attacked prematurely by aggressive media and/or degraded by chemical processes. These signs can be visually detected (ferric oxide) and lead to specific interpretations according to individual judgment. Even during the warranty period the aspects of a design or appearance can lead to complaints if the level of protection is lost quicker than expected.

Summary

Since surface coatings in operational use are subject to degradation, colouring, appearance and, depending on the screw material used, the residual risk of failure – which are all reasons for replacement – scheduled monitoring and periodic checks (assessments) are to be recommended for safe screw connections.

Surface treatment – disassembly capability

The surface coating provided and/or extra coating (topcoats) generally optimise a specific function. Besides the protective properties, friction behaviour and design requirements, disassembly can also be a focal point when it comes to maintenance.

In particular for supply and transport systems (energy generation, means of transport), supply security or the availability of machines and systems is at the forefront. Simple disassembly for efficient maintenance work is important here, similarly to assembly with assured pre-stressing forces. If for example screw connections of stainless steel can no longer be undone, we talk about the connection being ‘seized up’ – also known as a cold shut.

What causes ‘seizing up’? It is when common contact surfaces of a connection (the thread flanks) reach the limit of adhesive friction.

Mechanical resistance (excessive friction) occurs, which prevents movement of the superimposed parts.

Factors that affect ‘seizing up’

Excessive stress: Over tension or excessive torque lead to plastic deformation in the thread.

High assembly speeds: Assembly using pneumatic impact screwdrivers.

High surface roughness: Improperly cut threads/grooves.

Impurities: For example chips, particles of dirt or sand in the thread.

Flaws: This includes lead misalignment or tolerance deviances in the thread.

Assembly process under additional pressure or tensile load: Contraction of non-sealing flanges with soft sealing material.

Mounting nuts with locking system: Lock nuts or nuts with a polyamide insert generally produce a coaxial displacement with consequent partial pressure in the thread flank.

Summary

The reuse of screws after operational use is not to be recommended”

From this it can be concluded that the designer has established the connection design among the aspects of the relevant operational phases. Proof of the necessary safety of the products with maintenance of the functions and consideration of possible maintenance work is at the same time an integral part of the instructions. Spare and replacement parts (including screw elements) must be specified and their exchange described, together with assembly/disassembly instructions.

Defining the surface coating and lubrication state is critical in preventing cold shuts and ensuring proper assembly. The replacement of the screw elements with their lubrication is therefore strongly recommended.

Professional assembly therefore requires, in practice, brand new connecting components with defined assembly specifications.

Durability – surface damage

Highly stressed connections require a corresponding pre-stressing in the screw system during operation. Both possible subsidence and dynamic stress conditions can affect durability. The state of the surface of the dynamically loaded screw elements is also a critical factor. So surface damage during manufacture or from other operational influences must be avoided.

Industrial manufacturing and assembly is mostly based on quality management in accordance with the international ISO 9001 standard. For the safety of connection technology a corresponding test plan must be provided for manufacture and assembly as well as for operational use. Although every connecting component should meet all requirements of the appropriate production standard or specifications, in mass production this is not always possible. That is why for the purposes of ISO 3269 it should be noted that such a quality check, if carried out, cannot prove with certainty that there will be no defective parts in the production batch.

The reasons for defects in manufacture, operation, maintenance or repair are usually a combination of contributory factors. Here experience shows mainly a relationship

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TECHNICAL

Manpower

Machinery

Method

Trigger

Material

Deviation

Market/Milieu

between the specified screw elements, matching of components and the assembly methods used. Knowledge of the various screw parameters and expertise in design and assembly are a prerequisite for the safety of the connection.

Summary

Whether the screw elements fulfil their functional requirements takes precedence over the ‘beauty’ of the connecting components.

Surface defects as defined by ISO 6157-1 and ISO 6157-2 are to be assessed in each case. The use of the connecting components is to be approved in accordance with set conditions. Reuse of use screw elements must therefore be reassessed and accounted for each reassembly in a manner similar to that for newly manufactured ones. The liability of approval thus rests with the distributor or in a similar manner with the maintenance operation responsible for the implementation of replacement work.

From the above conditions it can be seen that the use of brand new connecting components is to be recommended for the purposes of the original specification.

Cost-effective production – assembly cost

Demands for cost-effective production continue to grow. Under unfavorable market conditions and decreasing development times it is essential to remain competitive. Additional ecological considerations are also shaping the future assembly of connection solutions.

With a modest use of resources and therefore lower production costs, it is imperative to maximise customer value. Customer satisfaction can be further stimulated if all quality requirements are also really complied with. This may involve the customer also taking on certain obligations.

Despite generally comprehensive documentation and certification, customer complaints can arise. Dissatisfaction may now relate to the distribution service, logistics service, cooperation/communication or to product quality. Practice shows that usually a combination of reasons lead to an unacceptable discrepancy. Thus component design, assembly procedure and screw design with conditions of use are important prerequisites for intended application.

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Management

Safe connections should therefore always be provided with brand new screw elements…”

Assembly process capability is therefore an important prerequisite for keeping assembly lead time down. In practice, quality discrepancies or even missing parts cause unplanned downtime. It is essential to prevent this by using the right screw elements and the appropriate assembly instructions.

A high process capability therefore means being able to correctly implement decisions according to expectations.

Summary

Cost-effective assembly is based on simple assembly processes with the right assembly equipment. In this the screw elements with their tribological properties set important parameters to achieving the required assembly pre-stressing. As defined by the LEAN principles, the value adding steps must be improved and non value adding activities such as ‘wet’ lubrication via tribological dry coatings be replaced.

The starting position for the assembler is therefore a brand new screw with the specified treatment and if necessary a topcoat for the appropriate lubrication condition. A used screw with operational environmental effects is no longer in its original condition that it had for the first assembly and must therefore be replaced.

Safe connections should therefore always be provided with brand new screw elements and if necessary documented using your label assignment (production batch).

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Finding an engineering solution

By Andy Giddings, technical manager, Staytite Ltd You may ask yourself what is the main goal in finding an engineering solution?

The desired results may vary but cost is usually the largest driving factor. But how can this be achieved without compromising on quality? At Staytite Ltd we have the answers…

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hen we are looking for customer savings we often provide an engineered solution rather than just the lowest cost product.

We offer solutions that give engineered costs savings i.e. assembly, quality or process cost savings. It can vary depending on the individual customer’s needs – we evaluate the total assembled cost, which could include a reduction of part numbers; a change in plating finishes; or rationalisation of parts. These are all different tools to try and save the customer time and money.

In our experience as fastener suppliers we find that customers rarely consult about fixing solutions at the initiation of a new design. Our typical customer tends to think of fasteners last because they are the lowest value item and not the customer’s area of expertise. Manufacturers are more focused on their core competence, whether it is an electric drive or the internal workings of the hydraulics unit of a design, and not necessarily the complete assembly – which might use a complex and vast range of fasteners, clips, springs, plates and pressings.

This is where Staytite can come in and help.

We can add value by sharing our knowledge to

Although assembly design strives to remove fixings with snap-fit plastic mouldings or similar parts, we have never found a customer that has completely eliminated fasteners. We tend to end up changing designs or supporting design changes from a development stage rather that an initial design phase for that reason.

Recent successes in this area have achieved customer cost benefits of GB£100,000+ and savings in assembly times amounting to hundreds of hours per annum.

Many of our engineered solutions are a result of working in partnership with our

Many of our engineered solutions are a result of working in partnership with our customers.”

Once we know the purpose of the customer’s application we can advise on the best fastener to suit. We prefer to support customers with standard parts, but in most cases customers have their own specific requirements they need to meet. As experts in our field we can support that with our experience of overcoming many issues such as corrosion resistance, galling and end of life Cr6/Cr3 issues.

Ensuring we can offer the customer the most up to date technology is important.

A fastener isn’t always the best solution and we’ve expanded the breadth of products we supply to support this. With an ever increasing range of over 6,000 part numbers, we estimate that at least 70% of these are non standard parts that are customer bespoke – designed to improve the quality and integrity of the customer’s application. Whilst the vast majority are still fastener-based products we also supply tapes, glues, plastic plugs and all manner of fixings the customer requires.

support better assembled designs, which might include fastening technology the customer is not aware of – enabling us to provide the most cost-effective tailored solution.

This strategy is not restricted to only new designs. We are also able to take this approach to supporting customers on re-evaluating current designs. We often get involved in tear down projects to look at cost of assembly in partnership with our customers.

Typical applications to support these initiatives incorporate a reduction of fasteners in assembly. In fact part count reduction is something we have achieved with many of our customers. Rationalisation of fasteners and reducing part count helps drive out cost as it increases the volume of high running parts and eliminates more costly low volume items. Also, we can offer improved assembly solutions using thread forming fixings to help increase production rates and simplify parent part design.

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customers. Once we’ve shown our worth to the customer then we can expand what we sell.

So we develop ideas for our customers where we perceive there to be an engineering gain.

Those are easy wins, which are beneficial to both parties and show how valuable these partnerships are to the ethos at Staytite of ‘better engineered solutions’.

We provide our fastenings and engineering solutions to a range of industries. We look forward to continuing our support for infrastructure projects, including rail with products such as our vibration and loosening resistant Hardlock, all the way through to supplying small electronics fastening components using time saving products such as our encapsulated washer SEMS ranges.

Whatever the challenges are, we are ready to tackle them, applying what we have learnt across a broad spectrum of industries. www.staytite.com

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

tesa® on a roll with Speedsport Promotions Speedsport Promotions Ltd, a specialist the field of driver management, corporate hospitality and race car preparation, is enjoying a great start to the 2016 Historic Formula Ford Championship, which it won last year, with help from one of its partners – tesa UK.

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s part of its race workshop business, Speedsport is both a user and supplier of tesa adhesives tapes to the motor racing fraternity. Among a range of 16 types of protection, double-sided black foam tape, masking and other double-sided tapes, tesa® 4651 – sometimes referred to as ‘Race Tape’ – is undoubtedly the most used in this sector.

The product is based on a 148 mesh woven rayon fabric backing with a natural rubber adhesive. It is a high performance tape with the kind of qualities necessary for use in the demanding environment of motorsport, offering temperature resistance up to 130˚C with a tensile strength of 100N/cm.

In the Speedsport workshops typical product applications include both quick, temporary and permanent jobs such as blanking off radiators, holding down fastenings, securing wiring, masking off cables and effecting airtight pipe seals. tesa racing decals currently feature on Speedsport’s historic racing team – competing as Classic Team Merlyn – and the outfit got the 2016 season off to a great start at Castle Combe with drivers Mark Shaw and Benjamin Tusting taking first and second places respectively – with Ben picking up fastest lap and a new lap record along the way.

Mike O’Brien, Speedsport founder and managing director – himself

a successful championship winning former driver, comments: “tesa is one of our long-standing partners and ours has been a most successful relationship on and off the track for more than twenty years. Using and supplying its products to our customers is the biggest endorsement we can give to the brand. Before we chose tesa we did comparative performance tests with some very well known competitors but tesa

outperformed them. In our business we need absolute reliability – anything coming loose, losing its seal or moving about in the car can spell disaster – that’s why we put such a high premium on quality.”

LED compatible materials for light engines DELO Industrial Adhesives LLC has tested and released 14 adhesives for use in LED lighting. Ten products have received approval for direct LED contact, and an additional four were certified for indirect contact.

They allow for durable, high intensity LED modules and light engines.

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he fourteen adhesives demonstrated their chemical tolerance in tests standard for the LED industry. The modules were supplied with 700mA for six weeks, which heated them up to 70°C. During the subsequent intensity test there was no decrease in brightness for the products meant for direct LED contact, and for those with indirect contact only a very slight decrease. The low-outgassing and yellowing resistant adhesives ensure the long-term high optical quality of the LED module.

DELO predominantly uses light curing epoxy resins for its LED compatible products. Compared with silicones, they are more stable and provide a better seal. Under some circumstances humidity can enter the LED and electronics when silicones are used, which shortens their service life. Light curing of epoxy resins and acrylates is also faster, making them more efficient to produce. Their

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temperature stability and flexibility means that they can withstand extreme heat, cold, and even vibrations. Also, their universal adhesion allows reliable and practically invisible connections of even the most complex geometries and material combinations.

Adhesives make the difference Design and quality — two aspects that can be affected by the adhesive used — can make LED lamps stand out from the competition on the lighting market. Adhesive is typically used to fix lenses or reflectors and can also seal LED lamps into glass plates or housings.

When module and lamp manufacturers employ LED compatible adhesives rather than the frequently used screw or plug connections, they achieve a better seal — which lowers the probability of a failure or decline in intensity.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES A family owned business since 1955, ND Industries specializes in the development of innovative materials and processes which increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies.

ND serves a global market with 13 divisions in the continental US, facilities in Taiwan, China, and Turkey, and licensees around the world. ND’s core business revolves around the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid in functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND also manufactures a line of bottled products under the Vibra-Tite® brand name for MRO and retail use.

ELECTROLOC™ High strength encapsulated epoxy threadlocker for use in electrical systems where low halogen materials are necessary. Contains small micrometer microcaps which reduce material extrusion on installation.

ECO-LOC™ The consistent performance of a solvent-based epoxy threadlocker, in an environmentally friendly, low VOC water-based formula. Eco-loc can be applied to internal or external threads and remains inert until assembly.

From two base products in 1965 to currently over two hundred twenty, ND continues its tradition of cutting edge research and development with the regular introduction of unique materials along with competitive brand offsets.

ND GALVANIC PATCH™ Prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminum, and steel, by electrically insulating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Galvanic Patch is durable, chemical resistant, and non-conductive.

THREAD ARMOR® TM

An advanced anti-galling and lubricating thread coating designed to extend the life of bolts up to 15 times while under intense torque and high friction loads. Helps to ensure consistent clamp load. Works well on stainless steel fasteners.

SC502 DRY FILM LUBRICANT

AUTHORIZED APPLICATOR Did you know that ND is an approved 3M applicator? Further proof why ND should be your one stop shop for pre-applied fasteners.

CONTACT US info@ndindustries.com www.ndindustries.com www.vibra-tite.com

A water-based, clear, dry film lubricant designed for use in a wide variety of applications requiring torque tension modification. Pre-applied to fasteners, SC502 is dry to the touch and ready for installation and painting, without costly prep work.

STAY-PUT® WASHERS Whether you’re looking for pre-assembly of parts, temporary retention, or an alternative to SEMS screws, Stay-Put simplifies the process by making practically any metal washer self-retaining.

THERMOLOC™ 1500 ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker. Initially performs like a vibration dampening compound. Once temperatures reach 750°F (400°C), a secondary activation begins, causing the fastener to be permanently locked in place. Tested to over 1500°F (850°C).

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

NORMA Group connects lines in the Gotthard Base Tunnel NORMA Group recently supplied the joining technology for the construction of the new Gotthard Base Tunnel – officially inaugurated on 1st June 2016 – which is the longest rail tunnel in the world at around 57km in length.

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ORMACONNECT FLEX pipe couplings were used to connect the rainwater pipes in the two tubes of the tunnel. “We are excited about having supported a public infrastructure project of such great magnitude,” said Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group. “The new Gotthard Base Tunnel will bring people from different countries together much faster, more reliably and more safely. This matches our high performance joining products that connect pipes safely and reliably. Our engineered joining technology has the same qualities as this ambitious project.”

The Gotthard Base Tunnel runs up to 2,300m below the Alps and reduces the travel time from Zurich to Milan by approximately one hour. In the future, around 260 freight trains and 65 passenger trains will roll through these two tubes every day with a speed of up to 250km per hour. The costs of the tunnel amount to around €11 billion in total. Construction took approximately 17 years.

Approximately 28 million tonnes of rock mass had to be moved during construction. After its inauguration, the new railway tunnel will be put into scheduled operation on 11th December 2016.

NORMACONNECT FLEX pipe couplings connect metal, stainless steel, concrete and plastic pipes and insulate tightly where a gap between the pipe ends needs to be compensated for. The couplings can compensate for axial movements and changes in the length of straight pipe connections. The pipe joints of the FGR product range also eliminate fire hazards because they can be mounted without welding. The couplings resist high vibration loads due to their special geometry.

NORMA Group awarded Platinum Supplier Status by General Motors NORMA Group has received Platinum Supplier Status 2015 from General Motors for its site in Pilica, Poland. The US automaker presents this award to its suppliers for their outstanding performance and thus recognises NORMA Group for its reliability as a supplier, for its high-quality products and for its excellent service.

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erner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group, comments: “Platinum Supplier Status from General Motors (GM) shows the high-quality products we offer; how efficient our manufacturing systems are; and how high our standards are for service to the customer. In addition, the award also demonstrates how highly motivated and committed our team in Poland are, as well as our company-wide approach to continuous improvement.”

Only the best suppliers who meet GM’s strict quality criteria receive Platinum Supplier Status. For instance, the PPM rate at NORMA Group in Poland was an average of only four defective parts per million in 2015 and delivery reliability of over 98% was achieved. “NORMA Group’s dedication and commitment to constantly exceeding our expectations makes the company one of our best suppliers and business partners,” said David Poole, general director of supply chain at GM. In Poland NORMA Group produces numerous joining products such as NORMAQUICK plastic connectors and NORMAFLEX fluid systems and fuel lines for customers in the automotive industry. Around 540 employees work on approximately 9,000m2 of floor space at the plant. www.normagroup.com

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The primary source for American Made plastic fasteners WORLDWIDE

Keeping customer needs as priority #1...

Our larger facility now provides: • Improved product development • Future growth of product line • Double the amount of in-stock inventory to one billion parts • Increased inventory allowing for same-day shipping of catalog items • Expanded shipping & receiving

• Expanded on-site tooling & production for custom orders

Additional customer conveniences include: • 24/7 website availability • Manufacturing operates 24/7 • Reach a real person Mon-Fri 7am-5pm CST (USA)

toll free fax 1-877-453-8707

www.voltplastics .com •

1-800-844-8024

700 Hwy. 202 West, Yellville, Arkansas 72687

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Fastening solutions for the rail industry

Atlas Copco Bolt Tightening Solutions supplies tools for autoclave Engineers at Siemens Subsea can now access their new large size ‘testing’ autoclave quickly and safely with the use of a bespoke Multi-Stud Bolt Tensioning tool, thanks to the engineering expertise at Atlas Copco Bolt Tightening Solutions.

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utoclaves are used throughout a variety of industries for applications from sterilisation of medical equipment to vulcanising rubber and curing composites.

At Siemens Subsea specially designed autoclaves, with an 18 bolt flange opening, are being used to test its high integrity electrical and fibre optic connector systems for subsea power and communications for use at depths down to 2,000m.

The sophisticated autoclaves are extensively used and in order to save both time and money, a solution was sought to ensure that the 18 bolt flange door could be closed and opened safely and quickly on each test cycle.

During the design stage, Siemens and KW Designed Solutions benefited from the Tentec range of bolt-tightening expertise at Atlas Copco to create a multi-stud tensioner that would enable all 18 M85 bolts to be tightened simultaneously. The company’s in-house design and production teams have successfully designed and delivered a wide range of MST systems for a wide variety of applications including wind turbine gearbox tensioning and manway covers in the nuclear industry.

As well as providing a comprehensive range of standard bolt tightening products, the Tentec product expertise within Atlas Copco prides itself on being able to supply customers with products that are exactly suited to their requirements. “Some projects merely require a modification to existing standard equipment,” explains Roy Sheldon, business manager energy at Atlas Copco. “Whereas others, such as this bespoke Multi-Stud Tensioner, are more complex and make full use of our in-house design engineers, their knowledge and expertise.”

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Similar to other major global industries, mass transit continuously strives to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce running costs. For rail vehicle and passenger coach designers this has meant embracing new materials and production techniques, and one area that continues to thrive is the use of fibre reinforced polymer composites.

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igHead® Bonding Fasteners Ltd is able to support such innovation in the rail industry, supplying expertise and a wide range of standard or customised product solutions that enable the safe, secure and discrete fixing of individual panels or complete modular sub-assemblies.

With over 50 years of experience supplying major rolling stock and infrastructure engineering companies, bigHead prides itself on an ‘engineer to engineer’ specialism where prototyping and thorough testing forms a strong part of its comprehensive project development service. Working with tier 1 suppliers to UK and European train builders, bigHead’s products have been used to fasten everything from simple components to complete ‘pods’ that have been manufactured separately and then assembled into the vehicle structure and connected to its internal services.

The fasteners can be embedded in the composite materials during the lay-up process or surface bonded with adhesive. Both of these discrete and secure solutions facilitate fast and trouble-free mounting and remove the need for secondary assembly processes — helping to reduce manufacturing costs for fabricating lightweight composites. bigHead fasteners can be used across many other industries where plastics and other formed and moulded composite products require discrete fastening with no secondary operations or final assembly. Applications range from carbon fibre panel fixing solutions in specialist and luxury car production to marine and boatbuilding, building and construction, leisure vehicles, and many other general industries. bigHeads are available for small to large-scale production as male studs, female collars and nuts, or pins and other fixings in a choice of BZP mild steel or 316 stainless steel.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Pre-mixed and frozen resins Two component adhesives undoubtedly provide a strong, reliable bond, however some end users may be put off by the hassles of the manual mixing process.

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hen mixing the two components, the reaction typically begins instantly, meaning that users must work ‘against the clock’ to ensure the mixed adhesive does not become so viscous that it cannot be applied, and also avoid decreasing the bond strength due to the diminished wetting of the surface.

Special care must also be taken during the mixing process to maintain the prescribed ratio of resin and hardener, since even a small deviation from the specified mix ratio can prevent the adhesive from curing properly.

Furthermore, because of the precise mix ratios required, a number of two component systems cannot be accurately proportioned in the small sized batches needed for production.

To counter this problem, larger batches must be prepared where only a small percentage of the material is actually utilised, and this results in a considerable amount of waste.

By choosing pre-mixed and frozen resins (PMF), these problems and hassles are completely eliminated as the end user only needs to thaw and dispense the material. PMF refers to the blending, packaging and freezing of two

component resin or catalyst systems, and offers the ultimate in convenience and reliability.

Utilising the pre-mixed frozen service available from Ellsworth Adhesives Europe, end users need not worry about human error on their production line – the experts at Ellsworth will mix, de-gas, weigh and package the two component system, before flash freezing the package and contents at -80ºC. Upon receiving the pre-mixed frozen product, the customer’s only responsibility

is to store the goods in a freezer with temperature no lower than -40ºC. The PMF product will arrive in an insulated carton and full instructions for handling, thawing and storage are provided.

During the mixing process of PMF packages, it is possible to modify the resin and catalyst systems with the addition of a third or fourth ingredient. Options include precision glass spacer beads, adhesion promoters, pigments, fluorescent indicators and fillers – all of which have the potential to enhance the physical properties of the final material.

Another major perk of using pre-mixed frozen resins is increased productivity on the production line. With a regular supply of PMF, production need not be halted or held up while fresh material is dispensed, mixed and distributed. The need for cleaning time is also virtually eliminated since there are no messy containers or sticky bench tops to be considered.

Ellsworth Adhesives comments: “The benefits of PMF resins are unquestionable and we are one of a few companies in the global adhesives market offering this unique product and service.”

Techsil expands its electronic adhesive range Techsil Ltd has entered an agreement to supply Canadian-based MG Chemicals’ popular, high performance range of adhesives, sealants and cleaners to the UK market.

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pecifically designed for the electronics industry the range includes thermally and electrically conductive epoxy adhesives, thermal management compounds, as well as greases and cleaners. The range will also include protective coatings such as EMI/RFI shielding, as well as conductive and conformal coatings.

Chris Dilley, sales director at Techsil Ltd, said: “Techsil has an enviable reputation for providing excellent customer service and part of this is being able to listen to our customers’ needs and respond accordingly. MG Chemicals’ products are high-quality and high performance and are tried and tested in North America. Early indications show that these products will be well received in the UK.” MG Chemicals is a manufacturer and wholesaler of chemical products for the electronics industry based in Surrey, Canada. Its chemical products include epoxies, adhesives, and RTV silicones. It also distributes related non-chemical products, such as wipes, swabs, brushes, desoldering braid, and copper clad boards. MG’s primary customer segments are maintenance and repair organisations, electronics manufacturers, and electronics hobbyists.

136 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

DELO brings light to the dark side

Fast curing for plastics and metals Intertronics says its A-K015 two component adhesive provides clear bond lines in plastics assemblies, with a very fast fixture time of 3 – 4 minutes and robust, primerless adhesion.

DELO Industrial Adhesives LLC has introduced black adhesives, including the DELO-DUALBOND® GE4949, which are light curable and suitable for use in many applications.

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or light curing processes adhesive needs to be translucent so that photoinitiators in the entire adhesive layer can decompose and start the crosslinking reaction. Because black absorbs the majority of light, the amount that is transmitted becomes naturally lower as the layer gets thicker.

However, the black dyed DELO-DUALBOND ® GE4949 acrylate can be used for thicknesses of up to 500µm. In addition to its light curing component, it also contains a small humidity curing portion, which triggers crosslinking even in small shadowed areas.

The acrylate is medium viscous, has very good tension equalising characteristics — thanks to a high elongation at tear, and achieves high strength on various plastics. It is particularly suitable for sealing and bonding for black components. This includes sealing wires, covering lettering, bonding clips or emblems, as well as sealing connecting terminals.

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-K015 is a specialist two component toughened methyl methacrylate adhesive, which is suitable for bonding plastics or other materials including most metals, thermoplastics and composite substrates. Developed originally for automotive assembly, A-K015 brings to a wide range of industrial manufacturing situations the benefits of high strength, impact durable bonds that are resistant to weathering such as salt spray and QUV radiation.

It is non-flammable and low odour for improved occupational health and safety consideration.

A-K015 is especially valuable for bonding plastics such as acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS or PPMA. An example application is point of sale displays or signs, where it gives an unobtrusive transparent bond, even when squeeze-out or witness of the joint is unavoidable.

Master Bond meets NASA specifications The EP3HTS-LO, a single component epoxy for demanding bonding, sealing and coating applications from Master Bond, has passed ASTM E595 tests for NASA low outgassing.

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deal for use in the aerospace, electronic, microelectronic and optical industries, Master Bond says its EP3HTS-LO features a silver filler and is electrically conductive with a low volume resistivity of less than 0.001 ohm-cm. It also has a thermal conductivity of 12-15 BTU•in/(ft²•hr•°F) [1.73-2.16 W/(m·K)].

EP3HTS is dimensionally stable and bonds well to metals, glass, composites, ceramics and many plastics. It withstands a variety of chemicals such as water, oils, fuels and cleaning agents. This high temperature resistant system is serviceable over the wide temperature range of -51°C to +204°C. As a one part compound, EP3HTS-LO offers convenient handling with no mixing and an unlimited working life at room temperature. This smooth thixotropic paste can be readily dispensed from a syringe. It polymerises quickly at elevated temperatures with cure schedules of 45 – 50 minutes at 121°C or 20 – 30 minutes at 148°C. EP3HTS-LO is available for use in glass jars and syringes. It has a minimum shelf life of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months at ambient temperatures in its original, unopened containers.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 137

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Ingersoll Rand introduces Ultra-Compact Impactools™ Ingersoll Rand is now offering the 35MAX and 15QMAX Ultra-Compact Impactools™ – small, yet powerful tools that technicians and operators can use to quickly loosen or tighten a variety of fasteners in confined spaces.

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he 35MAX and 15QMAX pneumatic impact tools feature high power-to-weight ratios, an easy to operate regulator dial with three power settings, and push button forward and reverse capabilities.

“The access points in vehicle frames are getting increasingly confined and common impact tools cannot fit in areas that need servicing,” said Michael Cafferty, product manager for Ingersoll Rand Power Tools. “Lightweight yet powerful, Ingersoll Rand Ultra-Compact Impactools™ help technicians and equipment engineers get the job done right every time.”

Each tool has three power settings, as well as full maximum reverse torque at all levels – so that technicians can insert and loosen fasteners on a variety of equipment and vehicles. The power regulator and pushbutton forward/reverse buttons are located on the back of the tool so that

it can be easily operated in confined areas with one hand. In addition, the new ergonomic design and unique twin hammer mechanism reduce vibration to give operators better control during use. Both tools weigh 1.09kg and are 117mm long.

The 35MAX Ultra-Compact impact tool has a ½ inch square drive and 610Nm of maximum reverse torque. The 15QMAX impact has a ⅜ inch square drive and 520Nm of maximum reverse torque, along with premiere ‘quiet technology’ to reduce the amount of noise the tool creates.

With the same high durability construction as popular Ingersoll Rand Impactools, and composite housing, Ingersoll Rand states that rigorous internal testing methods indicate that the lifetime of each Ultra-Compact tool is twice as long as competitive products available today. Both tools also include a two-year warranty.

The tool you can carry everywhere German-based KNIPEX — Werk C. Gustav Putsch KG has launched the powerful and compact Needle Nose Combination Pliers, featuring a twist-resistant head design and pointed jaws for reliable performance for almost every eventuality.

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erfect when working in confined areas, the KNIPEX Needle Nose Combination Pliers are designed to hold, grip, pull, and cut, and are small enough to be carried anywhere in the user’s pocket.

The KNIPEX Needle Nose Combination Pliers have a special convex contour on one side for secure gripping of flat parts and a milled groove in the gripping area, which allows small parts such as nails, pins and bolts to be held and pulled. The pliers have cutting edges for soft, medium hard, and hard wire, and are forged from special high grade tool steel and manifold oil hardened, which means a long service life.

“Designed and manufactured with the highest degree of reliability and subjected to rigorous tests, our products are trusted by professional users in 100 countries throughout the world,” mentions KNIPEX.

138 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

New Inox Mare website

Inox Mare Srl is continuously looking to improve as a business and has recently introduced a newly designed website that includes simpler navigation, as well as a variety of different services to improve customers’ experiences.

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ncluded on the new website is a ‘Favourites’ section that enables customers to save the items they buy the most – so they can quickly find them for their next orders or quotations. This section was created for those customers who often reorder the same items, giving them the opportunity to find all of them in one list – without having to search for them every time.

Another interesting addition is the possibility to download the real time price lists in Excel and CSV formats (only for the business users registered to the website).

This option, which can be found in the website ‘Download Area’, is mainly addressed to the employees of the purchasing department.

Furthermore, the easy to use ‘Fast Order’ option is also available to business users. A customer just needs to send a file with their codes and descriptions of the items, Inox Mare will then connect them to its items. This will then enable the customer to easily and quickly send orders or offers, by simply uploading a CSV file with their codes and the needed quantities. Meaning everything can be done within a few clicks.

Last but not least is the option ‘Not in our Range’, which allows customers to request items that are not on Inox Mare’s website.

The customer simply fills in a ‘Not in our Range’ form, along with the code or regulation reference, a description, and the approximate delivery date. If applicable the customer can also upload different files such as lists, technical drawings or pictures of the items they need. Inox Mare will then look to source the product for the customer if possible.

Rivit concentrates on its self-clinching range Rivit Srl has developed an extensive range of products for industry, including blind rivets, rivets nuts, welding studs, self-clinching nuts, blind bolts, latches, cage nuts, spring clips, as well as related tools for their installation.

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ocusing on its self-clinching range, Rivit is able to supply studs, nuts and standoffs — all available in steel, zinc plated steel and stainless steel. The installation of the self-clinching fasteners is done by simply pressing them into the sheet metal. The special knurl under the head of the fastener ensures a quick and permanent fastening, with no need for further welding or screwing. The products can be installed either with manual or pneumatic presses and they are ideal to be used on thin and already painted sheets.

Included in Rivit’s self-clinching range are round nuts, which enable the user to create threads on thin materials. In fact they can be inserted into a pre-drilled hole and, thanks to the pressure, can be fixed without damaging the material. Next are flat nuts, which offer the advantage of being completely flush on both sides within the sheet thickness. Finally there are hexagonal nuts, which complete the series.

All types of nuts are available in carbon steel and stainless steel.

Also included in the self-clinching range are standoffs, which enable a quick assembly of the sheet metal with other elements — when it is necessary to keep them at a specific distance and parallel to each other. They can be installed on sheet metal having a

The

minimum thickness of 1mm and they come both with through or blind thread — available in stainless steel or carbon steel.

The final product group is studs, which can be installed in sheet metal with a minimum thickness of 1mm — providing threads to screw nuts. They are made in different materials — stainless steel, carbon steel or phosphor bronze — to provide solutions that could not be possible with other products.

Rivit is also able to offer the equipment for the installation of the self-clinching nuts, including: RIV2100: A manual press featuring a high power ratio and the maximum working safety.

RIV2200: A pneumatic press coming with 8 dies. Small in size, it offers very big performances.

RIV2450: A pneumatic press with 450mm throat depth, 8 dies included, and it was designed to be safe, flexible, compact, economical and easy to operate and maintain. www.rivit.it

Range.

Competitive Pricing. Excellent Customer Service. Large Stocks.

Wide Ranges. Free Samples. Promotional Materials. Speedy Deliveries.

‘security fasteners for every application’ Hafren F&F Advert June16 v2.indd 1

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Brass inserts provide reusable metal threads Type MSIB™ microPEM® brass inserts from PennEngineering® provide reusable metal threads to attach plastics securely in compact electronic assemblies. Their unique symmetrical shape will accommodate either straight or tapered holes and eliminate any need for orientation of the inserts during installation.

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ype MSIB™ microPEM® brass inserts install permanently when designed into ABS, polycarbonate, and other plastic substrates, by pressing them into the host material using ultrasonic equipment or thermal press. Upon installation they will not loosen or fall out.

Applications include wearables from smart watches and cameras to fitness bands and headphones, laptops, tablets and readers, as well as gaming and handheld devices. The inserts feature threads as small as M1, can be specified in a range of lengths, and will mount in plastics as thin as 0.7mm. Mating hardware completes final component attachment.

Type MSIB inserts join a growing family of microPEM fasteners engineered to satisfy a wide range of precision attachment requirements in the consumer electronics marketplace. Detailed specifications, fastener drawings and models, and performance data (Bulletin MPF) can be accessed online.

PennEngineering® develops and manufactures precision fasteners, components and systems, specialising in thin sheet attachment solutions.

The company’s manufacturing and technical facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia, are supported by a worldwide network of authorised engineering representatives and distributors.

Customised pins from Technifast Technifast Ltd’s manufacturing division has complemented its wide range of standard dowel pins by offering a custom-made dowel pin service to customer specification or drawing.

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echnifast engineers understand that not all standard dowel pins are appropriate for demanding applications or specialist projects, and it can be difficult to source the exact dowel for specific needs. With its machining capabilities Technifast says it can create a bespoke dowel pin tailored to the purpose for which it is intended.

Small diameter dowels and high volume runs of dowel pins can be accommodated with ease.

Technifast operates within the diameter range of 1mm — 25.4mm, with a length range of 3mm — 120mm, and diameter tolerances generally from H6 — M6 but other diameters can be quoted.

The company offers a fast turnaround, competitive pricing, longer lengths up to 120mm and specialises in through hardened steel, mild steel unhardened, Cr6, stainless steel in 303 (A2), 304, 316 (A4) and high-tensile 316 materials.

Technifast’s machines are capable of producing dowels up to 25.4mm, giving the option to add features such as flats and circlip grooves, or internal/external threads.

“The manufacturing team work closely with specialists who can provide finishes such as passivation and plating, enabling them to offer a full solution for custom-made dowel pins,” mentions Technifast. “The specialist dowel pins are used in a wide range of industries and some very unique applications. Technifast dowels have formed an integral part of diverse products from toy trains and surgical instruments, through to audio visual technology and marine leisure appliances.”

A new generation of pneumatic staplers PREBENA Wilfried Bornemann GmbH & Co KG has developed a new generation of pneumatic staplers with Optiwear technology for maximum performance, optimum energy efficiency and longevity.

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ade in Germany, and ideal for continuous use in industrial manufacturing, the first PREBENA pneumatic staplers with the new technology includes the 1GP-A16 for staples type A, which is also available with a safety device, the 1GP-D16 for staples type D, the 1GP-V16 for staples type V and the 1GP-A16NH for staples type A. The new tools are manufactured from new materials that guarantee a high amount of shots and a long service life. Each tool has also been developed with Optiwear technology, which means low noise and vibration level, low air requirement and that they are easy to maintain. A smooth trigger system with a fast shot capacity also provides a user-friendly application operation.

PREBENA points out: “The Optiwear technology staplers are versatile tools for industry and trade. The associated PREBENA fasteners are produced, developed and tested at the main production site in Germany, which enables us to offer high-quality products at short delivery times.”

ARTICLES OF OUR CATALOGUE PRODUCED IN ITALY

SIPA S.R.L.

VIA DELL’ARTIGIANATO, 16/18/20 - 36027 SAN PIETRO DI ROSA’ (VICENZA) ITALY TEL. (0039) 0424-562044 - FAX (0039) 0424-564055 - E-MAIL: sipa@sipaitalia.it

www.sipaitalia.it

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Cordless impact gun from Laser Tools UK-based Laser Tools has introduced a new high powered, cordless impact gun (part number 6314) featuring hammer action and forward reverse control.

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s used by the Laser Tools racing team in the British Touring Car Championship, part number 6314 is a compact size and low weight, which provides more control and manoeuvrability.

It can also deliver 2,400 blows per minute with 750Nm of torque thanks to lithium-ion batteries and the latest in motor design technology. An electronic trigger switch also enables the operator to continuously vary the speed of rotation.

The gun is ideal for professional workshop use, particularly for use on high torque fixings such as wheel hub nuts and crankshaft vibration damper fixing bolts – where the use of high tightening torques and thread lock glues can often make removal very difficult.

Supplied in a sturdy case, the set includes two rechargeable 18V lithium batteries and a 3 Amp charger that features rate of charge indicators and a 1 hour fast charge function. The charger reverts to trickle charge mode when the battery is fully charged. Both charger and batteries are available as spare parts.

Increase accuracy with ClickTronic Norbar Torque Tools Ltd has launched ClickTronic — a new digital scale mechanical torque wrench for industrial applications that combines the proven mechanism of the professional wrench with a new easy to read display to reduce setting errors.

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ccurate to within ±3% of reading, Norbar points out that the ClickTronic meets and exceeds ISO 6789:2003 and has multiple torque units, which enables users to work in their preferred torque units.

Additional features include a USB charging point that uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, as well as a push/pull lock and adjustment knob, which has a coloured band to clearly indicate that the wrench is in an unlocked position and ready to be set. The ClickTronic is also equipped with a Timestrip ® — providing a visual indication of when the wrench needs recalibration.

“The ClickTronic is a state of the art torque wrench that utilises a fresh new design and proven engineering from our professional wrench, in combination with a digital display that will increase setting accuracy and reduce setting errors,” comments Philip Brodey, sales

144 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

and marketing director at Norbar Torque Tools. “The ClickTronic is sure to appeal to those working within tough industrial settings, requiring a high-quality product that delivers, time and time again.”

200,000 sq ft of warehousing

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THE UK’S NUMBER 1 WHOLESALE SUPPLIER

for Fasteners, Fixings, Hardware, Ironmongery, Abrasives, Sealants & Adhesives and Associate items

Hexstone - Strength in numbers www.hexstone.co.uk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

A tougher, faster hammer drill With a highly efficient brushless motor, delivering even more power and run time when out on-site, Hitachi Power Tools (UK) Limited says it has introduced a tougher, faster and more advanced DH18DBL/JP SDS-Plus hammer drill, which is available throughout Europe.

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unning for 50% longer per battery charge than Hitachi’s conventional brushed DC motor, the DH18DBL/JP hammer drill has an impact energy of 2.6J and a 26mm drilling capacity in concrete. Its three mode action for powerful rotary drilling, hammer drilling, or chiseling, makes it a formidable tool for all those working on-site without mains power.

The hammer drill also features overcurrent protection and the Reactive Force Control (RFC) system reduces the risk of injury from tool overload. The built-in LED light means users can work in dim and tight spaces and the battery indicator means users never need to run out of charge.

Hitachi points out: “Supplied with 2 x 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, side handle, charger and carrying case as standard – and with Hitachi’s three year warranty available when registered online within four weeks of purchase – trade professionals can be assured of long service and peace of mind.”

What is

Johan Smit Fasteners?

Inventory

Metric and Imperial ASTM A194 - Full Range

Quality

140 Years of Expertise ISO 9001:2008 PED 97/EC/23

Traceability

“From the melt to the joint, nuts that are always traceable”

Johan Smit Fasteners www.johsmit.com - info@johsmit.com

JS

FH

Black finishing service from Lancaster To satisfy the demand for fasteners with a black finish, Lancaster Fastener Co Ltd is now equipped to have any of its zinc plated and stainless steel fasteners finished black within a very short time frame.

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uilding on its existing stocked range of fasteners with a black finish, the UK company’s intention is to offer a reliable and consistent supply of product ranges that are often regarded as problematic and time-consuming for fastener distributors to source.

“We’re aware that many distributors have the need to have zinc plated and stainless steel fasteners from our range finished black,” explains Sam Wilson, managing director at Lancaster Fastener.

“We have the processes and logistics already established with a reputable plating company to facilitate this need – so we decided to offer our finishing service across our entire product portfolio.”

A decorative dip-spin black top coat with enhanced corrosion resistance and low coating thickness can be applied to Lancaster’s existing zinc plated and stainless steel stock. The thin layer application makes it suitable for small fasteners where tolerances are limited and there is no ‘build-up’ in the screw’s recess or threads.

The surface treatment is free of hazardous substances and conforms to EU guidelines relating to the End of Life Vehicle Directive (2000/53/EC). Also, because the finish is a top coat, no hydrogen embrittlement occurs in the application of the black finish.

Lancaster’s independently commissioned corrosion resistance tests of the black finish when applied to its products achieved a minimum of 150 hours to white rust.

Quality first at TFC As part of its commitment to quality, as well as recent enhancements in equipment and procedures, TFC Ltd has significantly increased its in-house capability with a dedicated test lab that provides product quality and customer service — exceeding customers’ expectations.

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aving grown the business by almost 400% since 2007, the European supplier of technical fasteners to industry and manufacturing wanted to maintain a first-class quality service despite its rapid growth in sales.

With an increased need to verify product quality in-house, TFC recognised it needed to be less reliant upon third party test houses. Its new dedicated test lab is capable of providing a number of tests such as product profile, material hardness, surface roughness, positive material analysis, plating thickness, spring load/deflection characteristics, torque testing, digital measuring accuracy, and calibrated test weighing.

Brian Vince, quality manager at TFC Ltd, said: “The significant enhancements to our equipment, procedures and personnel training has allowed us to offer a level of service not generally recognised within the fastener distributor market. We have always been proud of the reputation TFC holds with its customers and we are determined this will be maintained and improved across all branches of our organisation.”

Supplier to the OEM and automotive industry An “ISO 9001 Approved Supplier” Unit 21, Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, Wrexham, LL14 6HA, UK t: +44 (0) 1978 823 900 e: sales@aslgroup.uk.com

www.advancerivets.co.uk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

TURBOHEAD Xpro now also with SDS-max drive Since its market launch five years ago, KEIL Werkzeugfabrik Karl Eischeid GmbH says its TURBOHEAD Xpro has established itself as one of the world’s best hammer drill bits.

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EIL’s TURBOHEAD Xpro features an X-head design with full carbide tip that provides a fast drilling progress even in reinforced concrete, as well as precise and fixing-safe drill holes. This hammer drill bit, originally designed for SDS-plus drilling machines, has now been launched onto the market for machines with SDS-max drive – therefore expanding its availability to the three key systems: SDS-plus, SDS-max and round shank.

The TURBOHEAD Xpro is reinforcement resistant and easily drills through heavily armoured concrete. Drilling progress will not be disrupted and the drill hole always stays cylindrical. A significant advantage of the KEIL SDS-max drill bit is the well proven W2 helix with its asymmetrical, shovel shaped entry grooves and large volume double hauling flutes.

“With the enhancements of the TURBOHEAD Xpro we open up our reinforcement specialist to a large public,” states Petra Bergfelder, managing director of KEIL. “Now professionals, as well as handymen, can drill precise holes into reinforced concrete. The round shank type is also perfectly suitable for modern portable impact drilling machines.”

The drill bit holds the PGM quality mark, which stands for an audited production and quality.

PolyGrip® offers high flexibility GESIPA® Blindniettechnik GmbH boasts that its PolyGrip® blind rivet nut shows the highest flexibility out of its entire range of blind rivet nuts and covers an extremely large grip range — helping to reduce the number of parts used in production.

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hat makes a blind rivet nut such a smart product is that it can be set ‘blindly’ using a threaded rivet body, which means that the user only needs access to one side of the workpiece for installation. A blind rivet nut can produce safe and reliable threads even in very thin sheets and soft materials. Also, further parts can be screwed in without any problem. In principle, it is possible to rivet material first and then screw it together. The blind rivet nut is ideally suited for producing threads in hollow profiles.

For setting blind rivet nuts GESIPA® offers a wide selection of different setting tools, from hand tools to the battery powered setting tools of the FireBird® series and pneumatic setting tools of the innovative FireFox® series.

Once the blind rivet nut has been drilled on the tool, it can be set into the prepared drill hole on the workpiece. When using FireBird and FireFox tools, drilling on and drilling off, as well as the setting itself, are fully automated processes. Now GESIPA also offers the FireFox series with a setting process monitoring option.

148 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 100 JULY 2016

Special safety for special products In the automotive industry processes in the production and installation of airbags, belt restraint systems and child seats have been monitored successfully and efficiently for years. Now, however, setting process monitoring plays a major role in many other industrial production processes.

Technology has been further enhanced and developed and guarantees the right fasteners are set in the right place and in the right quantity in all applications where quality is of utmost importance. In addition, it can be checked that the correct workpieces are used.

This method is now also available for monitoring processes when setting blind rivet nuts in industrial applications. The WinTech technology allows the user to define up to three windows for analysis and to store the data. The process is immediately stopped once the slightest irregularity is detected. Only after the customer has acknowledged the malfunction can the process be continued.

This means human error is more or less impossible. www.gesipa.com

Spring mechanism plays an important role at Tate Modern The Tate Modern art museum in London, UK, reopened on 17th June after a huge expansion project supported by a new spring mechanism from European Springs & Pressings Ltd.

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ith an extremely limited time frame, as well as high-quality demands, European Springs & Pressings, part of the Lesjöfors Group, designed, developed, produced and delivered retaining clips for holding face plates onto the corbels as a part of a safety solution for an anti-climb zone on the Tate Modern.

“This really was a race against the clock as the scaffolding on the Tate Modern was being removed and the anti-climb installation had to be implemented within days,” says Stuart McSheehy, managing director at European Springs & Pressings.

Tate Modern is the UK’s national museum of modern art and with its five million visitors every year is the world’s most visited modern art gallery. The huge expansion project also included the launch of a new ten-storey building.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Abbey Clamps...................................................15

Fastbolt..................................................................2

Marcopol.............................................................57

Achilles Seibert GmbH...................................5

Fastener + Fixing Magazine..................... 79

Mecavit Srl...........................................................9

Schnorr GmbH.................................................31

Acton.................................................................... 63

Fastener Fair India........................................87

MEKR’S s.r.o...................................................... 69

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation... 135

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co KG............................ 7

Fastener Fair Italy......................................... 83

Merlin Business Software.........................121

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd.................. 139

Advance Spares Ltd.................................... 147

Fastener Fixing Search................................73

Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd.....35

Sipa..................................................................... 143

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co KG................ 45

Ferdinand Gross GmbH & Co KG.............75

National Machinery..................................... 29

Smith & Bullough........................................... 39

Alca Fasteners..................................................19

Fischer UK..........................................................91

ND Industries..................................................131

Staytite............................................................. 129

Alloy & Stainless............................................117

Fixi Srl............................................................... 101

Ningbo Londex Industrials Co Ltd......... 23

Tecno Impianti...............................................117

Ambrovit.............................................................13

FRIULSIDER...................................................... 94

Nord Lock.....................................................1, 152

Tefci SpA............................................................. 93

Apex Stainless..................................................71

GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH..............85

Norm Civata AS...............................................51

Test GmbH........................................................115

Astrotech Steels Private Limited......... 101

Graewe GmbH & Co KG............................... 33

NORMA............................................................... 25

Tillex......................................................................15

Bendfast Ltd...................................................150

Grip it Fixings.................................................. 39

omniTechnik Mikroverkapselungs GmbH...21

Titibi..................................................................... 94

Berardi Bullonerie..........................................31

GWI.......................................................................115

Peerless Group................................................ 39

Top Screw Metal Corp Ltd...........................37

Berdan Bolt & Nut Co Ltd......................... 127

Hafren Fasteners Ltd..................................141

Peter Schröder GmbH................................. 63

Trojan................................................................150

Birlik Baglanti................................................. 33

HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co KG........ 101

pgb Europe........................................................ 95

UBK..................................................................... 129

Bossong............................................................... 99

HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH..........4

Pinstructure Ltd..............................................15

UIP GmbH & Co KG........................................ 98

Bralo...................................................................... 11

Hexstone.......................................................... 145

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd...... 135

Verbindungslemente Engel GmbH......... 65

British Steel....................................................109

Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG...................37

R+FK Schulte KG..............................................55

Vipa SpA..............................................................77

Bülte GmbH....................................................... 33

Index – Técnicas Expansivas S.L.............17

Ray Fu................................................................140

voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH........ 103

Carlo Salvi........................................................113

Italbolt Inox Service...................................... 69

Rexlen Corp.................................................... 149

Volt Industrial Plastics Inc...................... 133

Chaves Bilbao.....................................................3

Johan Smit...................................................... 146

Reyher..................................................................67

Vorpa................................................................... 89

Ching Chan Optical Technology Co Ltd...119

Kingwin Precision Co Ltd..........................117

Rivit.....................................................................151

Wan Iuan Ent Co Ltd......................................85

Dimac..................................................................118

Lederer......................................................... 22, 24

Rotorclip Ltd................................................... 123

Win Fasteners Manufactory (Thailand) Co Ltd...37

Don Quichotte B.V...........................................87

Linear GS.............................................................27

Sacma.................................................................. 49

Wrentham........................................................111

DS Fasteners Ltd.............................................85

Magni Group Inc........................................... 107

Saima Corporation..................................... 142

Eurotec GmbH................................................. 97

Major Industries Ltd....................................114

San Shing Fastech Corp............................ 105

Schäfer + Peters GmbH................................31

TOOL’S VIDEO

SPACE FOR RIVETING WILL NEVER BE TOO NARROW

RIV536, the tool for blind rivets that solves complicated situations!

It goes everywhere and overtakes other riveters in the race for space.

HANDY AND COMPACT AC CT

TURNING HEAD 360° + 180°

Head in angular position Head in vertical position RIV536 arrives where other riveters stop, thanks to its short 8 cm rotating head.

RIVETING IN ALL POSITIONS - 360° HORIZONTAL - 180° VERTICAL

RIV536 features an angular head which allows to install blind rivets in difficult-to-reach and blind-sided parts, the head facilitates the installation of rivets in tiny spaces and in corners.

To place all alloy rivets up to Ø 4.8 with smooth rivet mandrel < Ø 2.9 (not knurled).

Enquire today d at rivit@rivit.it

f l ll +39 051 41 71 111 For information please call

RIVIT srl / Via Marconi 20 / Ozzano dell’Emilia / Bologna / Italy T. +39 051 41 71 111 / F. +39 051 41 711 19 / rivit@rivit.it / www.rivit.it

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