Fastener + Fixing Magazine #92

In this March issue‌ Heading + forging Heavy-duty anchors Application Technology news

RESEARCH QUALITY TECHNOLOGY

Behind a great Product there is always a great Company and a great Job

The widest range of certiďŹ ed screws, available for the National and International market

www.catalog.ambrovit.it More than 10.000 sizes available on stock!

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Issue 92 March 2015

ENJOY THE NEW SPEED OF FASTENER BUYING!

NEW LOOK NEW FEATURES NEW EASE OF USE Mainland Europe Germany Phone: +49 (0)2565 93 25 0 Fax: +49 (0)2565 93 25 93

UK + Ireland United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)1908 65 01 00 Fax: +44 (0)1908 65 01 01

Portugal + Spain Portugal Phone: +351 234 527 547 Fax: +351 234 240 957

Asia China Phone: +86 (0) 21-5836 2280 Fax: +86 (0) 21-5836 2279

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TECHNOLOGICALLY ALMOST HUMAN

Being experts in fasteners and having a high performance intelligent warehouse make us more capable, faster, and more efficient in fulfulling your needs; but it is our human team which drives us to excel every day. Technologically almost human.

Experts in Fasteners

CONTENTS

44-46 Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, 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

Fastener Fair Stuttgart: ‘From the show’ report

54-56

Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Claire Edwards claire.edwards@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry.whyte@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com

40-41 Ambrovit: Investing in growth

Don Quichotte – Standing on two legs

66-68

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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 Limited.

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2015. 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.

52-53 No intention of topping out

Production Assistant Jo Lightfoot jo.lightfoot@fastenerandfixing.com

Annual subscription (6 issues) to non-trade and outside EU is €140.00

ECAP and wood connectors

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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E D I TO R I A L Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

What a show!

As I write this editorial in the press centre of Fastener Fair Stuttgart, the show is in full flow – with masses of visitors, product demonstrations and meetings contributing to the hum of ‘business being done’.

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his issue includes a ‘from the show’ report – a quick insight into some of the eye-catching stands and events that have stood out during the first two days. A more in-depth review of the show will be included in the May issue and we are interested in hearing about your experience.

Now that you are back in the office and have caught your breath, did you have a successful show? If you were exhibiting did you have any new products on display at Stuttgart? What was the quality and volume of visitors like? If you were a visitor, did you find what you were looking for? Were there any products/stands that caught your eye? We are interested in everybody’s feedback so please send your thoughts to editor@fastenerandfixing.com Our Cover Story for this issue focuses on Ambrovit SpA and how the Italian-based enterprise is planning to continue to grow its market share, along with its product ranges.

We have an exclusive interview from Executive Editor Phil Matten who met with the management of Anixter OEM Supply – Fasteners to talk about how Anixter’s recent announcement to sell the

OEM Supply – Fasteners segment to American Industrial Partners (AIP) has been received, and some hints of the future for one of the industry’s global giants.

We also have an article from group director of Brighton-Best International Inc, Jun Xu, who provides an overview of the group’s development in the last seven years, and its plans for 2015.

Barbara Sorgato, secretary general of the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP), makes an impassioned argument for full and balanced participation in the revision of EN 14592 – for wood connectors used in structural timber applications.

Other articles include Carlo Salvi – introducing its new motorised header model – 248 E; SACMA Group upgrading its Winning Technologies®; and WAFIOS talks about its upcoming in-house exhibition.

Add to this the very latest fastener industry news – covering financial reports, acquisitions and the topic of hydrogen embrittlement, and you have one very busy magazine.

CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS Europe and World.................................................................... 10-22 Perspective....................................................................................24 North America......................................................................... 26-28 Russia + CIS............................................................................. 30-32 Asia........................................................................................... 34-36 Brazil..............................................................................................38 COVER STORY Ambrovit: Investing in growth...................................................40-41 EXHIBITIONS Events Calendar.............................................................................42 Fastener Fair Stuttgart ‘from the show’ report....................... 44-46 Totally DIY:Totally Tools report.....................................................122 News........................................................................................ 48-49 INSIGHT Sharing a confidence................................................................50-51 No intention of topping out...................................................... 52-53 Don Quichotte – standing on two legs..................................... 54-56 Hexstone on the fast track to meet demand........................... 58-59 Providing the ‘total solution’.................................................... 60-62

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS G&B Group celebrating 35 years of quality...................................64 Barbara Sorgato – ECAP and wood connectors...................... 66-68 News........................................................................................ 70-82 FOCUS ON Decking + wood screws........................................................... 83-85 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY New header model 248 E...............................................................88 SACMA Group updates its winning technologies.................... 90-92 Innovation. Quality. Reliability.............................................. 102-103 News...................................................................................... 94-100 MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS Big data isn’t just for big companies anymore.....................105-106 News.................................................................................... 107-110 CATALOGUE RACK Italy....................................................................................... 112-113 PRODUCT NEWS Application Technology news............................................... 114-120 Tools news............................................................................ 124-128 Products news..................................................................... 130-145 INDEX...........................................................................................146

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

At the BAse of Any Project

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NEWS

Leadenhall failures confirmed as hydrogen embrittlement Last autumn two ‘megabolts’ fractured in the structure of newly constructed 122 Leadenhall Street, in the City of London. In January British Land released limited information from the subsequent investigation – including confirmation that a third bolt had broken.

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icknamed the ‘Cheesegrater’ for its distinctive design, the 224m, 47-floor Leadenhall Building provides some of the most expensive office space in the City of London. Co-developed by British Land and Oxford Buildings, it was designed by architects RSH+P and has been described as “remarkable for the unprecedented scale of its use of a ‘tube’ structural perimeter envelope with an external support core”1. More than 80% of a 16,000 tonne steel structure was prefabricated off-site at specialist steelworks, delivered and then assembled on-site.

The structure is divided into eight sections, each 28m high and comprising seven floors (the first section has five floors).

Steel columns and beams are connected by nodes that transfer forces of up to 6,000 tonnes. Threaded steel rods connect all the steel parts. Construction began in 2011 and was completed in June 2014.

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Debris from one of the two fractured ‘megabolts’, described as the size of a human arm, fell from the fifth floor. The other fell from the 19 th floor within the frame of the building. British Land stressed: “No one was injured in either incident and there is no risk to the structural integrity of the building.” It said: “The design of the structure allows for isolated events of this type and do not affect the structural integrity of the building”.

A full investigation was initiated, including examination of the remaining 3,000 bolts.

On 14th January British Land issued a 75 word update on the fractured bolts, at the end of a more detailed statement announcing that architects had taken space in the building and that 70% of space was either let or subject to offer. The update read: “In November 2014, we reported that two bolts had fractured at the building. Investigations undertaken by contractor Laing O’Rourke and structural engineers Arup have now been completed. These confirm that the problem is limited to certain bolts. Arup has also confirmed that there is no adverse effect on the structural integrity of the building.”

British Land also revealed: “A third bolt fractured recently and was captured by precautionary tethering put in place last year.”

“The investigations included site and laboratory testing of the broken bolts and additional bolts on the building. The tests concluded that the bolts had fractured due to a material failure mechanism called hydrogen embrittlement.”

British Land concluded: “As the problem has been identified and is being rectified no further update is scheduled.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine did request further information.

However, British Land declined to answer questions regarding the number of bolts being replaced, the testing methodology or the source of the hydrogen contamination, saying these technical aspects “are a matter for those involved in its construction”. Neither Arup or Laing O’Rourke, however, were prepared to expand on the British Land statement.

British Land did tell F+FM: “We’ve identified that the problem is limited to the bolts and Arup has confirmed that there is no adverse effect on the structural integrity of the building.

We’ve also indicated the action we are taking to remedy this and do not believe there are any further implications for the use or availability of the building beyond that already reported, so we’re not scheduling a further update.”

“We are replacing bolts that are in a similar position to those that broke as a precautionary measure. Only megabolts at certain levels of the building are affected, which impact 11 tenanted floors.”

1. www.steelconstruction.info/Leadenhall,_London

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Manufacturing and distribution of rivets, insert nuts and riveting tools

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NEWS

Continued controversy over Bay Bridge bolt failures In 2013 thirty-two, 3 inch diameter, threaded and galvanised high strength anchor rods fractured when tightened during the latter stages of construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Hydrogen embrittlement was identified as the failure mechanism.

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n December 2014 the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee (TBPOC) submitted its 28-page “Supplemental report on the A354 Grade BD high strength steel rods on the new east span with findings and decisions” to earthquake safety overseers. The report identifies that the batch of “96 rods manufactured in 2008 were materially susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement; were designed to be under high sustained tensile loads; and were subjected to environmentally induced hydrogen after having been allowed to be immersed in water”.

alternatives and methods of long-life corrosion protection. The findings noted that contract specifications did not consider the unique requirements of the different rod locations on the bridge. It also identified that embrittlement testing was only carried out on smaller diameter rods despite awareness of the potential risk.

A US$25 million steel saddle retrofit completed in December 2013, “now maintains the design integrity of the bridge by replacing the clamping force originally to be provided by the failed rods”.

The December TBPOC report concludes: “The remaining A354 Grade

A full copy of the December report as well as an earlier 130-page report published in July 2013 can be downloaded from the Information Centre at www.baybridgeinfo.org The July report found there had been “inadequate consideration” of a series of factors including alternative corrosion protection treatments and the need for a life cycle cost analysis of various rod

BD high strength steel rods used on the bridge can safely remain in service with continued inspection and maintenance.”

The report says these rods were fabricated and installed differently than the rods that failed. They “exhibit better material properties and are under lower design tensile loads. These rods can remain in service with continued inspection and maintenance, and their

integrity will be further enhanced with supplemental moisture barrier systems.”

There is still apparent controversy over the reports’ findings including the validity of assurances of the integrity of the remaining rods. An independent report published in December claims the test protocols and data interpretation used by TBPOC in reaching its conclusions “are both problematic and unscientific and that their conclusions as to the integrity of the SAS (self-anchored suspension span) could not be supported.” The 60-page report1 was prepared by Yun Chung, a Californiabased retired materials engineer, and was peer reviewed by seven academic and industrial experts unaffiliated to Caltrans. Chung recommends the replacement of hundreds of the high strength anchor rods and bolts with ones known to be resistant to hydrogen embrittlement failure.

Most recently, in February, a Caltrans engineer confirmed to a news conference, reported by the San Francisco Chronicle2, that tests on a 25-foot long galvanised rod removed from the Bay Bridge’s eastern span’s tower evidenced rust and cracking. The tested sample is one of four hundred galvanised rods in the tower inadvertently exposed to water as a result of defective sealing. The engineer noted that the galvanising layer was gone on part of the rods. He emphasised, however, that there was not a safety issue saying that, in the event of a serious earthquake, the tower might suffer additional damage but would not fail catastrophically. The rods, which anchor the tower to its foundation, cannot be removed and there is no obvious work around. The San Francisco Chronicle quotes Yun Chung and Lisa Fulton, a metallurgical engineer and materials scientist who specialises in corrosion, as challenging the safety assurance and suggesting the rods were at risk of failure even at lower levels of stress.

1. “Validity of Caltrans’ Environmental Hydrogen Embrittlement Tests on Grade BD Anchor Rods in the SAS Span” 2. www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Rust-cracks-found-on-Bay-Bridge-tower-rod-6092734.php

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

RESEARCH QUALITY TECHNOLOGY

Behind a great Product there is always a great Company and a great Job

www.catalog.ambrovit.it

Tutti i nostri prodotti sono presenti sul catalogo digitale

The widest range of certiďŹ ed screws, available for the National and International market Hex lag screws | Chipboard screws | Carpentry screws | Drywall screws | Dome screws and Euro screws | Machine screws Nuts, Washers, Bolts, Threaded rods | Self Tapping screws | Concrete screws | Self Drilling screws | PVC screws | S.S. A2 screws

READY TO SHIP

Ambrovit S.p.A.

Via Giulio Natta, 29 - 27026 Garlasco (PV) Italy Tel. +39.0382.810280 - Fax +39.0382.1760014 email sales@ambrovit.it - web www.ambrovit.it

NEWS

Anixter Fasteners to be sold for US$380 million Anixter International Inc announced it has entered a definitive agreement to sell its OEM Supply – Fasteners segment to American Industrial Partners (AIP) for US$380 million (approximately 247 million euros). The transaction is expected to close during Q2 2015.

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nixter ‘Fasteners’ reported 2014 revenue of US$938.5 million (approximately 609 million euros) and operating profit of US$39.1 million. Ian Clarke, currently executive vice president, will become president and CEO of the new standalone company, which will continue to be led by the current management team. At Fastener Fair Stuttgart, ‘Fasteners’ procurement team revealed that the new company would be called Optimas OE Solutions.

Its headquarters will remain in Glenview, Illinois, USA. Ian Clarke said: “We are proud that Fasteners is recognised as a leading, global distributor and manufacturer of highly engineered fasteners, and we are confident that AIP will be an excellent partner going forward. AIP will provide additional operational expertise and financial resources that will enable Fasteners to accelerate its growth and reach its full potential.”

He emphasised: “AIP is fully supportive of our long-term

strategic plan, and importantly, AIP shares our focus on building long-term value with Fasteners’ customers.”

‘Fasteners’ has 73 distribution centres worldwide, 12 quality laboratories and more than 1,900 employees. AIP has also offered to acquire the portion of a French fastener business that has historically supported Anixter ‘Fasteners’.

AIP is a private equity firm, founded in 1989, investing in North American based industrial businesses serving domestic and global markets and currently manages more than US$1.1 billion in equity capital.

On 26th February Executive Editor Phil Matten met with Ian Clarke and Dan Jack, and talked with other senior colleagues, to get an exclusive insight to the decision, how it has been received, and some hints of the future for one of the industry’s global giants. Read more on pages 50-51.

Bossard completes Italian acquisition Bossard Group has completed the acquisition of the fastening solutions division of Forind Elettronica SpA. The acquisition, which was fully consolidated effective 23rd February, consolidates Bossard’s position in the Italian market. The acquired division generates an annual turnover of about CHF 5 million and employs 10 people. The parties agreed to keep the acquisition price confidential.

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orind Avio Elettronica SpA is well established in Italy as a supplier of high-quality fastening and electronics solutions for internationally recognised brands. Founded in 1968 and based in Cassina de’ Pecchi near Milan, the company became primarily known as a supplier to the challenging aerospace industry. Thanks to its expertise in terms of reliability, precision and efficiency, it penetrated other sectors and today concentrates on the medical, telecommunications and electronics sectors.

Bossard says Forind Avio Elettronica SpA has the technical expertise to assist the customer with complex fastening solutions from design to project execution. With this acquisition, the Bossard Group will consolidate its market position in the Italian market.

For some time, the group has maintained a subsidiary in Legnano near Milan, which employs more than 20 people.

Bufab buys Flos B.V Bufab Holding AB announced it has acquired 100% of the shares of Flos B.V, a Dutch C-parts and components supplier, with a range of around 60,000 articles including both fasteners and special mechanical components.

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ufab describes Flos as a supply chain partner focusing on providing an end-to-end solution, often customising parts and logistic flows for each customer; an approach in line with Bufab’s own focus on Global Parts Productivity™. Flos supplies both domestic and international customers across a wide range of industries.

The acquisition of Flos will complement Bufab’s own current operations within the Netherlands, and further strengthen its position within specialised C-parts. Founded in 1963 and based in Eindhoven, Flos has 52 employees and recorded net sales in 2014 of around 17 million euros. The acquisition was effective 26th February 2015 and will be reported as part of Bufab’s Central Region, International segment.

“Bufab is a well known leader within our industry and has the international presence and network needed for our further expansion. We very much look forward to being a part of the Bufab Group,” says Wim Louwers, owner and managing director of Flos.

“Flos has a solid reputation in the market and perfectly matches Bufab’s strategy of providing productivity solutions for our customers. Flos’ knowledge of specialised C-parts, and its strong position in the Netherlands, complements and strengthens Bufab,” comments Jörgen Rosengren, president and CEO at Bufab.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Clamping Solutions

PINSTRUCTURE LTD Abbey Clamps Tel: +44 1527 68334 Fax +44 1527 65992 email sales@abbeyclamps.co.uk www.abbeyclamps.co.uk 50 Enfield Industrial Estate, Redditch, Worcestershire B97 6DE

Tel: +44 1527 67999 Fax +44 1527 66557 email sales@pinstructure.com

www.pinstructure.com 50 Enfield Industrial Estate, Redditch, Worcestershire B97 6DE

NEWS

Bulten finishes 2014 strongly and reports high organic growth Bulten AB reported net 2014 sales at SEK 2,414 million (approximately 253 million euros), up 33.7% on 2013. Adjusted for currency effects organic growth was 28%. Net sales in the fourth quarter were SEK 621 million (approximately 65.2 million euros), up 31.6% on the same period last year.

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ulten’s strong sales growth continued into the final quarter of 2014 and the group reports very good order bookings, up 27.1% year-on-year, indicating that demand for its products remains high.

Bulten completed new business and managed significant volume increases, primarily from two Full Service Provider contracts. It also began deliveries in Quarter 4 to another additional order.

Bulten also noted it had received additional volumes from an existing customer worth around SEK 150 million annually upon full production in 2016.

Limited production and deliveries

started at the Russian unit, which was officially inaugurated in October. Tommy Andersson, president and CEO at Bulten AB, commented: “We see signs that demand for qualitative local production is increasing even though the Russian automotive market has weakened due to geopolitical uncertainties among others.”

Mr Andersson concluded: “Bulten has continued to strengthen its global position. The market share for 2014 was 14% (11% in 2013) of the European market for fasteners in the automotive sector and judged to be 56% (45% in 2013) of all Full Service Provider business in the same market. As 2015 opens, Bulten

is in a strong position and we see good opportunities to further expand our market share.”

Full year earnings (EBIT) were SEK 133 million (approximately 14 million euros) up from SEK 109 million in 2013 and corresponding to an operating margin of 5.5%. Establishment and start-up costs totalling SEK 28 million negatively affected operating earnings.

In June last year Finnveden Metal Structures was sold to Shilok Industries Inc and in September FinnvedenBulten AB formally changed its name to Bulten AB to reflect its focus on the fastener and automotive parts business.

LISI Automotive returns to growth in 2014 LISI Group reported total 2014 revenue of 1.31 billion euros, including organic growth of 5.5%.

LISI Automotive returned to growth, increasing sales by 6.2%.

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ISI Automotive’s growth to 448.3 million euros sales in 2014 compared with a 1% contraction in 2013 sales. The second half of the year showed stronger growth (+6.5%) compared with +5.9% in the first half.

LISI said its Automotive operations gained market share in “a fairly dynamic environment” and improved operating margin by 0.3pt to 3%.

LISI Aerospace sales grew 18.7% to 788.1 million euros in 2014. Manoir Aerospace Group, which was consolidated from 5th June, contributed 94.8 million euros of the total. LISI Medical also returned to growth (+10.8% compared with -1.1% in 2013) reaching 71.1 million euros.

Group EBITDA improved 8% to 193.2 million euros, reflecting a margin of 14.8% – down slightly from 2013 (15.6%). Group net profit increased to 81.4 million euros (74.6 million euros in 2013).

Würth exceeds 10 billion euros annual sales for first time The Würth Group generated annual sales of more than 10 billion euros for the first time, with 2014 revenues preliminarily reported at 10.12 billion euros.

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n local currencies year-on-year growth was 4.8% but currency exchange cost the group one percentage point of growth.

Würth said its preliminary estimate for operating result is 500 million euros, up 65 million euros or 12.4% on 2013.

In Germany sales rose 4.1% year-on-year. Southern European companies were said to be picking up speed as well.

North American sales grew 8.6%. Group employee numbers increased from 63,571 to 66,044 at end 2014, the growth primarily in sales related roles.

Robert Friedmann, chairman of the central managing board of the Würth Group, expressed satisfaction with the results, commenting: “The development of the Würth Group shows a clear upward trend in all parts of the world in spite of the partly very difficult world economic influences such as in Russia. We are looking optimistically at 2015 and will continue investing purposefully in further sales representatives, growth markets and sales channels such as e-business.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

BREAKING NEW GROUND

w w w. i n d e x f i x . c o m

NEWS

Bufab reports weak ending to strong 2014 Bufab Group reported 2014 net sales rose 8.3% to SEK 2.2 billion (approximately 230.1 million euros).

Adjusted for currency effects the underlying increase was 6.1%. However, Q4 net sales rose only 4% to SEK 532 million (approximately 56 million euros). Allowing for currency effects the quarter’s sales grew 1.6%.

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ull year adjusted operating profit totalled SEK 192 million, down on 2013 at SEK 203 million.

The positive effect of increased volumes was more than offset by higher operating costs. Quarter 4 operating profit was SEK 33 million, down 36% on same period 2013 at SEK 52 million. 2014 gross margin remained broadly unchanged from 2013 but operating margin fell from 9.9% to 7.9%.

In his CEO overview Jörgen Rosengren said: “During 2014, Bufab generated favourable organic growth despite a weak market, thanks to successfully growing market shares.

The strategic initiatives in order to strengthen the sales organisations, especially within International, have thus given result. However, the operating margin was negatively affected by the costs for the initiatives.” He confirmed that Bufab was therefore holding back on further investment in the sales organisation until it saw the effects of previous initiatives on the operating margin.

Fourth quarter earnings were “disappointing in absolute terms”, Mr Rosengren said. He highlighted the negative currency effect particularly as a result of the sharply higher US Dollar exchange rate.

Consequently, he continued: “We have further sharpened our focus on our ongoing efficiency initiatives.” This entails reducing purchase prices through consolidation and negotiation, as well as reducing costs within the logistics chain by raising efficiency. A 2015 ‘savings package’ aimed to “gradually reducing costs by some yearly SEK 15 million, with full effect as of the third quarter 2015”.

He also noted that while seeking to continue to gain market share in Sweden Bufab needed to implement price increases to counteract Swedish Krona weakness.

Mr Rosengren concluded: “Although we experienced a tough fourth quarter, I can confidently state that our growth strategy is working. Looking ahead in 2015, we plan to continue on the same path, but with a keener focus on efficiency.”

Hilti Europe returns to growth The Hilti Group reported 2014 sales up 7.5% in local currencies but up by 3.6% in Swiss Francs to CHF 4,497 million (approximately 4.2 billion euros).

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ilti said the economic environment had developed favourably for the group in 2014, albeit with substantial regional differences. Growth of the construction sector was positive in northern and central Europe, the Middle East, North America and in some Asian countries, while markets in southern Europe and parts of eastern Europe and Latin America were facing difficulties. In addition, the group continued to be subject to negative exchange rate impacts, in particular in Russia, eastern Europe, Latin America and Japan.

Against this backdrop Hilti Group posted growth in all market regions. Expressed in local currencies, growth was again most pronounced in emerging markets with 14.6% in Latin America (sales CHF 176 million), 14.9% in eastern Europe/Middle East/ Africa (sales CHF 543 million) and 10.6% in Asia/Pacific (sales CHF 633 million). Despite a severe winter, sales in Northern America grew by 9.5% (sales CHF 924 million). After a slightly negative result in 2013, Europe returned to growth. Europe contributed almost half of total sales at CHF 2,221 million up 3.5% in local currencies.

“Having increased our investments in sales and products, we managed to accelerate our growth as planned. Thanks to this, we are well on track in year one of the implementation of our revised Champion 2020 Corporate Strategy,“ CEO Christoph Loos said. “However, after last week’s currency turbulences we expect 2015 to be significantly more challenging for us.”

Detailed accounts were published on 13 th March.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

KAMAX seeks reduced employee costs to protect Spanish plant According to local Spanish media KAMAX has told the workers’ council at its Museros, Valencia, plant it urgently needs to reach agreement to reduce the average cost per employee or risk the transfer of more production to other KAMAX plants, particularly the one in the Czech Republic.

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he cost differential is said to put the Spanish plant at a distinct disadvantage and delays in reaching an agreement in negotiations, which started a year ago, mean work is already migrating to the Czech plant.

Established in 1952, the Museros plant employs 215 people and has an annual output of 13,000 tonnes of automotive fasteners. The reports* suggest KAMAX is saying that failure to achieve agreement by the beginning of 2016 could result in a progressive reduction of throughput and ultimately the risk of closure.

*14.01.15 on lasprovincias.es, levante-emv.com and valenciaplaza.com

PERFECTION IN NATURE AND MECHANICAL PERFECTION

www.mecavit.it via Fornace 28, 40023 Castel Guelfo (Bo), Italy tel. +39 0542 670560 - fax +39 0542 670561 mecavit@mecavit.it

NEWS

PTS appointed UK wholesaler for BUMAX® Bufab UK has announced the appointment of Precision Technology Supplies (PTS) as the UK wholesaler for BUMAX® products to distribution.

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TS will take over supply of BUMAX® stainless steel fastener products to the distribution customer base from 1st May 2015. In a letter to existing customers Bufab UK managing director, Chris Koumides, has assured that “pricing should mainly be in-line with your current buying price from Bufab UK, but the service aspect will increase to you”.

PTS will have inventory available in its new warehouse for next day delivery service where possible. This represents a major improvement on the previous supply arrangement of three to four days from Sweden, which also carried a carriage charge. In order to ensure appropriate inventory holding PTS has details of the last twelve months of UK purchases of BUMAX products and will also enhance the range available ex-stock in order to service new enquiries. UK customers have been asked to communicate any future requirements for BUMAX of which they are currently aware in order for PTS to ensure stock availability.

Chris Koumides commented: “Bufab UK wishes PTS every success in this new venture and the improvements in technical support and delivery will ensure the growth of the BUMAX brand throughout the UK market. This new appointment will allow Bufab UK to concentrate on its core business model but we will, of course, assist PTS wherever possible during the

transition. Bufab UK would like to thank all the distributors that saw the benefits of BUMAX in the past and would encourage their support for the appointment of PTS in the UK market.”

Jason Collyer, director at PTS, welcomed the new agreement: “We are really excited to be able to introduce BUMAX to the PTS stock programme. BUMAX is a truly unique product, rightly recognised as the ‘World’s strongest stainless steel bolt’, which offers extraordinary performance in critical and demanding applications.”

Jason continues: “PTS is committed to the continuous development of its range of assured performance stainless steel fasteners and the introduction of BUMAX represents an important milestone in enhancing our ex-stock offer. It coincides with major investment and development in our logistics capabilities, the direct response to the strong growth curve PTS is experiencing, which we believe is in no small part due to the reliability and integrity of the service we ensure our customers receive.”

“We are confident that combining BUMAX’s unique performance capabilities with the PTS commitment to service excellence will prove a winning formula.” www.pts-uk.com

Non Standard Socket Screw expanding Non Standard Socket Screws (NSSS) has announced it will extend its current premises by a further 8,000 square feet (750m2) to create “a much needed and purpose-built space” into which its current operation can expand.

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SSS said its existing customer base would benefit from increased production capacity, and the development will also provide additional security for its dedicated workforce. The building programme will increase the NSSS site to 30,000 square feet (2,800m2).

Non Standard Socket Screw was established in 1971 and has its head office, warehouse and production facility in Hockley, Birmingham, UK. It is a major stockist and manufacturer of high-quality fasteners, with a widely recognised capacity to supply a unique range of products, from prototype to special to standard. Its range covers M1.4 to M64 diameters (and imperial equivalents) with lengths up to 700mm.

NSSS’ manufacturing facility has been developed to meet exacting customer standards. It includes double blow hot forging presses, CNC turning and milling lathes, plus grinding and thread rolling machines. Heat treatment is performed on-site to guarantee total control of the highest standard from raw material to finished product, ensuring full batch traceability. Parts can be manufactured in a variety of alloys as well as brass, aluminium, titanium and a range of other exotic materials.

20

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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NFDA links with FCH Sourcing Network to publish US Distributor Index The National Fastener Distributors Association now collaborates with FCH Sourcing Network (FCH) to produce the monthly US Fastener Distributor Index (FDI).

S

ince 2012, FCH Sourcing Network has published the monthly FDI, compiled by BB&T Capital Markets from a regular survey of North American fastener distributors. When BB&T had to end its participation, NFDA stepped in to work with FCH to continue the industry benchmarking service.

The FDI allows qualified industry participants to identify the trends they are experiencing in areas such as demand, pricing, inventories and outlook, through a monthly survey.

Individual responses are kept strictly confidential, and the Profit Planning Group, which produces other reports for the NFDA, now analyses the aggregate information.

The FDI can be found on the home page of www.nfda-fastener.org, with archives of past reports in the

NFDA article archive. The reports are generally available and do not required an NFDA password.

Paul Tiffany, NFDA president, says: “The NFDA is always seeking to provide value for its members and the industry as a whole. A North American Fastener Distributor Index, put together by the distributors themselves, is able to provide real time, accurate, and industry specific information.”

Eric Dudas, with FCH Sourcing Network, adds: “Since its inception in 2011, FDI has been intended to provide fastener distributors with a snapshot of current industry activity and sentiment, and I think we’ve succeeded. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the NFDA because it validates our original vision, and will only serve to make the index a stronger barometer for the industry.”

Whitesell Germany files for bankruptcy On 28th January Whitesell Germany filed for bankruptcy at the district court in Düsseldorf.

The court appointed Dr Biner Bähr of White & Case LLP as administrator.

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his is the third time in little more than five years the company, originally Bauer & Schaurte, has filed for insolvency. It entered bankruptcy in 2009 as Acument Global Technologies Europe and was sold to the Indian Ruia Group to become Ruia Global Fasteners in 2011. In March 2012 it declared insolvency again and was eventually acquired

by US investor, Whitesell Group, at the beginning of 2014.

The insolvency proceedings affect around 1,300 employees in four production operations in Beckingen, Neuss, Neuwied and Schrozberg.

A series of German media reports last year tracked apparently irreconcilable differences and an eventual breakdown between the Whitesell management, the works councils and IG Metall Union. IG Metall accused Whitesell of a series of failings, including lack of investment, loss of major contracts and “blackmailing” customers with damaging price increases and delivery conditions. Whitesell issued a statement in June, refuting the Union’s claims pointing to loss of contracts prior to its acquisition of the company, and the identification

of loss making contracts that necessitated the application of major price increases, many of which were not accepted by the customers. It also stated that the workforce uncertainty had undermined supplier and customer confidence, complicating the situation for Whitesell Germany.

At that time Whitesell was adamant it was willing to invest in the company to make it a world-class automotive supplier. It warned restructuring would be difficult but was the only way to save many jobs. In July the company announced the planned closure of the Neuss plant and a major reduction in overall employment levels.

A Hohenloher Tagblatt report (www.swp.de 3rd February) alleges that, prior to the application for insolvency, Whitesell transferred building, machinery and intellectual property assets to a Luxembourg holding company, presenting the administrator with an even greater challenge in selling the business as a going concern.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine emailed Whitesell Corporation on 16th February inviting comment on these allegations but had not received a response at the time of publication.

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by Phil Matten, executive editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Phil Matten reflects on some of the key topics currently involving the fastener industry Hydrogen embrittlement failure has hit the headlines again – and not just in the fastener media.

There is quite a contrast, though, in the information behind the headlines about two incidents in huge structures either side of the Atlantic. In California the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee published a further 28-page report, following up on its July 2013 102-page report – both providing literally reams of detail about the failure of 32 anchor rods on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in March 2013. On top of that, independent engineers have just contributed another 60 pages to the debate.

I

n London, the owners of the Leadenhall Building, in contrast, issued a 75 word statement about the failure, it is now revealed, of three 76mm anchor rods in the 47-floor steel structure since October last year.

They also made it abundantly clear there is no intention of providing further information (see the News pages for all the information this magazine could glean).

There are, of course, many differences in the two incidents, and insufficient knowledge of one, to even begin to explore the possibilities of similarities or parallels.

On the information front the contrast, though, is clear.

One structure is publicly accountable, the other private.

Californian authorities ‘opened up’ at an early stage in response to a freedom of information (FOI) application from a local newspaper. The public accountability of the various authorities involved, though, almost certainly meant much of the detail would eventually have emerged anyway. In the UK the issue of accountability is very different. The UK’s FOI legislation applies only to public bodies and the Leadenhall owners have no obligation to be more forthcoming.

It’s not a matter of journalistic inquisitiveness. Sure, everyone, particular within this industry, wants to know

more about who, what and why. The real issue, though, is that hydrogen embrittlement failure remains an arcane subject. From all the discussions I’ve had about it, and that is a lot, it’s fair to say one of the few things on which fastener technical specialists agree is that a lot more needs to be known: Particularly about the source and timing of hydrogen contamination, about the susceptibility of different grades of material, about the role certain anti-corrosion coatings may play in reducing the risk or, indeed, in contributing to it.

Sadly, it appears unlikely the results of the internal investigation of the Leadenhall failures – leading it should be said to an unequivocal assurance by the building’s structural engineers about the integrity of the structure – will ever contribute to the accumulated knowledge of this type of failure. To my mind, that is wrong. The engineering fraternity – fastening yes, but also construction, automotive, mechanical, marine, and aerospace – needs to be able to get to grips with what has happened in these types of incident and to work openly and cooperatively to prevent recurrence of incidents that could all too easily result in fatalities.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

FIN survey reports solid results For the fourth year in a row a majority of fastener companies participating in the ‘End of 2014 Fastener Industry News survey’ reported solid results, with widespread sales and profits gains and mostly moderate cost increases.

J

ust fewer than seven in ten businesses reported “moderate” to “strong” sales growth in 2014. About 64% of fastener manufacturers, importers, distributors and platers reported increased profits.

The End of 2014 FIN survey, conducted by GlobalFastenerNews, found costs edged up modestly. 55% of businesses reported a “moderate” to “strong” increase in capital expenditures during 2014. Much of the same is expected this year, with a solid majority of participants forecasting higher sales and profits amid moderate cost increases for 2015.

Manufacturers: A strong majority of fastener manufacturers reported steel prices were flat over the past six months, while finished goods and raw material inventories, as 2015 began, were largely up from a year before. Fastener manufacturers reported operating at a range from 40% of capacity to 98% in 2014, with an average of 70.5%.

Distributors: Distributors reported fasteners were predominately available in 2014, with 62% of distributors claiming no problems obtaining fasteners, down from 82% claiming no difficulty the previous year. About 39% reported moderate to significant difficulty obtaining certain fasteners in 2014. For the second straight year, distributor gross margins improved. Gross margins reported by distributor respondents ranged from 12% to 60%.

Fastener prices: The majority of fastener businesses successfully raised prices in 2014. Price increases ranged from 1% to 20%, with an average increase of 4.75%. For 2015, 56% of businesses forecast price gains – up two percentage points from last year – while 21% anticipate no price changes this year and nearly two in ten fastener companies are “unsure”.

Job market: Fastener job growth increased in 2014. After hovering near 50% for two years, 61% of fastener companies added jobs in 2014. Only 6% of respondents reported job cuts.

More than half of fastener companies (51%) predict job growth in 2015, while 4% anticipate cutting jobs.

Wage increases continued in 2014, with 83% giving raises averaging 1% to 4%. Seven in ten survey participants anticipate modest pay raises in 2015.

Economic confidence: Economic confidence is up for 2015.

Just shy of a majority of FIN survey participants had “Very High” (4%) or “High” (44%) ratings for the North American economy for 2015. Another 46% rated their confidence level at “Moderate”. For the global economy, a 51% majority pegged their confidence at “Moderate”.

Political confidence: The fastener industry expressed low confidence in the White House on business issues, but even lower in the incoming US Congress. A 64% majority rated their confidence in the White House as “Very Low” (44%) or “Low” (20%). A quarter of the participants put their confidence at “Moderate”; 2% “High”; and 6% “Very High”. At the end of 2014 64% rated either “Low” or “Very Low” on business issues.

A year ago it was 69%; at the end of 2012 it was 65%.

57% of respondents rated Congress negatively. 41% had “Moderate” confidence in the legislative branch. 2014 results were better than a year ago when 75% of End of 2014 participants rated the Congress “Low” and “Very Low”.

Participants: Distributors totaled 46% of the End of 2014 FIN survey; manufacturers 36%; importers 11% and “others” 5%.

The FIN survey has been conducted since 1979. It is informal and not designed to be a scientific survey. Full results of the End of 2014 FIN survey are available to FIN subscribers at GlobalFastenerNews.com

2014 FINdex drops despite final quarter gains The FIN Fastener Stock Index swung into positive territory in the final quarter of 2014, but the gains weren’t enough to push the FINdex into the black for the full year.

A

fter dropping 7.1% in the third quarter, the FINdex gained 2% in Q4, compared to a 3.5% gain by an index of related industrial stocks. The final period of 2014 was marked by strong gains and losses for the 20 public companies tracked

by GlobalFastenerNews.com. In all, 12 of the 20 public companies tracked by the FINdex gained share value during Q4.

For the year, the FINdex lost 2.5% of its value – compared to a 7.2% gain by an index of related industrial stocks.

Fastener companies gaining at least 10% in value during 2014 included Alcoa (48.5%), Bisco Industries (100%), ITW (12.6%), Lawson Products (117%), Park Ohio (20.3%), Stanley Black & Decker (19.1%), and Tree Island Steel (76.2%).

In 2013, the FINdex gained 33.3%, compared to a 27.1% increase by other indices.

26

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

US west coast port “slowdown” affecting fastener delivery US fastener companies have felt the impact of the long running dispute between west coast ports and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Although agreement may shortly be reached, it will take several more weeks before port services return to normal.

A

t the time of reporting contract talks between the 29 US west coast ports, which handle 70% of imports from Asia, and the dockworkers’ union are ongoing.

Meanwhile a growing number of freight ships were backing up around two key US cargo hubs as the dispute resulted in a partial shutdown of west coast ports. President Obama has tasked Labor Secretary Tom Perez to try to broker an agreement.

Union leaders say management claims that port shutdowns are imminent are a negotiation tactic and contract talks will find a solution to wage, pension and arbitration issues. Management says union work slowdowns by 20,000 dockworkers have been intended to gain bargaining leverage.

The situation began affecting the fastener industry during summer 2014. “The average length of time from Asian ports to one of our warehouses – not just total shipping time – was 3½ weeks,” Bill Giddins of Continental-Aero told GlobalFastenerNews.com. “Now it is running anywhere from six to seven-plus weeks. Certain shipments get shunted to the side and can linger even longer. We have one container outstanding since 3rd December 2014.”

Not only are containers slower to arrive, but Peggy Hsieh of Brighton-Best International pointed out that “getting new containers booked in Asia is a challenge due to lack of containers going back in a timely manner. Like everyone else, we are also feeling a port slowdown”.

Kameron Dorsey, national sales manager at Beacon Fasteners and Components Inc, said: “This has been an ongoing situation since the summer, but has increasingly gotten worse.

Different companies have employed different procurement strategies – increasing buys, rerouting to alternate ports, etc. –

in anticipation, but combined with the plating situation in Taiwan – plus the US demand – it is hard to keep inventories at proper levels.”

Plating costs jumped 37% in January, Giddins reported.

He sees a strike as a possible solution. “We think a strike may be the only way for this situation to come to a head as the current situation is not sustainable,” the Continental-Aero president observed. But with the US economy being “very robust” and “certain segments gaining momentum, a long-term strike would have a devastating effect and change the current business paradigm. The ripple effect is already being felt as the ports are charging increased fees and air cargo space is being taken at unprecedented levels and is at a premium”.

“A strike would not initially present a problem, but depends on how long a strike would last,” Tom Bigott, purchasing manager for XL Screw Corporation told GlobalFastenerNews.

Industry has been feeling the slowdown, which “has been steadily growing since July”. XL Screw is experiencing a two-to-three week delay on containers arriving at warehouses.

Continental-Aero increased its planned inventory levels starting in October in anticipation of problems, Giddins said.

“This has helped to overcome the later delivery, however, spot shortages have become evident.”

Brighton-Best has already seen the “slowdown affect fastener supply especially with those wholesalers who live on minimal inventory”, Hsieh observed. “Due to our large on hand inventory position, we have had few issues supplying our customers.” BBI has “not seen our customers need to increase inventory significantly” as the master distributor still has most of what customers need.

Würth closing Cardinal in Ohio The Cardinal Fastener plant in Ohio, which opened in 1983 and was acquired by the Würth Group in 2011, will be closed and production shifted to Würth’s Dokka Fasteners plant in Michigan this spring.

M

arc Strandquist, Würth executive vice president, explained: “Unfortunately, having two separate plants with similar capabilities located so close together became increasingly difficult to justify. We appreciate the support of our customers and plan on supporting their needs again after the equipment has been installed and commissioned at the Dokka Fasteners operation.”

Dokka is part of the Würth Hot Forging Group. Its hot forging and machining operation utilizes automation and robotics throughout the plant north of Detroit, which opened in 2010. The US$20 million robotic hot forming manufacturing facility was designed to replicate the high-tech process in the facility of Dokka Norway – which has provided wind energy fastener products for over two decades. Products from the Michigan plant include bolts from M24 through M72 up to 675mm in length, as well as studs and threaded rod in sizes M16 through M80 and lengths up to 2,300mm. Dokka also has in-house heat treatment capabilities.

The addition of Cardinal’s equipment to the Auburn Hills Dokka plant will expand its capabilities.

28

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

Alexander Ostashov, editor, Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and…Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

Russian government restrains state procurement of foreign construction equipment Russian authorities have started a campaign against the construction industry’s excessive dependence on foreign equipment.

P

rime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree banning state and municipal procurement of a number of foreign products. “It mainly refers to construction equipment, equipment for exploitation of mineral deposits, municipal vehicles, and some other types of vehicles,” explained Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich. He assured that there are Russian counterparts for all types of equipment under the ban. “There is Russian production for all types of equipment mentioned in the decree. There are no types of products that will not be possible to buy.”

In Mr Dvorkovich’s view the signature of the decree will give impetus to import substitution. However, there are many who disagree with this point of view. The chairman of the board of directors of BEST-Novostroy, Irina Dobrokhotova, thinks it is practically impossible to find a Russian substitute for the high-quality imported products. The most serious problems are in the segment of complex construction equipment, where imports represent approximately a 70% share.

The wider potential for state procurement to provide extra incentives for the localisation of industrial productions were also outlined by Denis Manturov, minister of industry and trade, when he summed up the results of the session of the general

council of ‘Business Russia’, which took place on 4th February.

The new possibilities are created because of the high volumes of state procurement and the absence of obligations under WTO rules in relation to state procurement, he argued.

“In January 2015, the new National Classification of products for foreign trade came into force. This will allow the resolution adopted today to start working immediately after its publication.

We hope that it will give an additional impulse for import substitution of machine building produce in Russia.

The question is mainly about construction equipment, equipment for exploitation of mineral deposits, municipal vehicles, and some other types of vehicles, produced on the territory of the members of the Eurasian Economic Union, including Armenia, which joined the Union this year.”

Manturov added: “The important innovation in the resolution is the widening of access of motor cars to the state procurements. Now any holder of the current agreement for industrial assembly has the right to supply its goods under state procurement frameworks, which will be an extra incentive for foreign producers to localise its productions on the territory of the Russian Federation.”

Parallel and Instrument–Service leaders in investment The fastener industry companies Parallel LLC and Instrument-Service LLC are among the leaders in investment volumes in Orlovskaya region in 2014.

O

n 2nd – 3rd February, the editor in chief of “Fasteners, Adhesives, Tools and …” magazine Alexander Ostashov was invited by the director of Parallel LLC, Andrey Nikolayevich Kurov, to visit the company’s production sites. In the workshops Mr Kurov pointed out recently purchased equipment and commented on the peculiarities of the technological processes and the capabilities of the new equipment. He also told the editor about the company’s growth prospects in widening territories. They also visited the adjacent production company Instrument-Service, which produces tools for fastener production.

After the tour of the production site finished, Alexander and Mr Kurov discussed many important issues facing Russian fastener producers today. Andrey Nikolaevich, who currently supervises the fastener production strategy of the Prommetiz Association, shared his vision of the situation. In the next issue of “Fasteners, Adhesives and Tools …” Magazine, his article on the problem of import substitution in the Russian fastener market will be published.

30

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

Hardware production volume decreased 2% in 2014 In an interview with Metal Supply and Sales Magazine the general director of Prommetiz Association, Boris Yarantzev, estimated that hardware industry output had fallen by 2% in 2014.

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sked about the accuracy of a forecast of a 3% fall in production which he made at the Wire – Fasteners Conference 2014 last September, he noted that full import and export data for 2014 Quarter 4 was not yet available but December had been a good trading month for many companies. He, therefore, now estimated that the production drop would be nearer 2%. In monetary terms, sales, he expected, would remain unchanged compared with 2013 – but depreciation meant its value had fallen. Since April 2014 the reduction in the average cost of hardware product, which had lasted for two and a half years, had been arrested. Again, waiting for final statistics, he commented that he expected the number of people employed in hardware production would have fallen by 10% – 15%, with a slight increase in average wages of 2% – 3%.

Asked for his assessment of changes in hardware market conditions in 2015, he said that to give any assessment one needed to understand the government’s estimation of the current situation and the measures it planned to take. He

said: “I don’t understand anything right now”. He went on to explain that the condition of the hardware market depends on the consumer industries’ demand and the status of supply of steelmaking iron to the hardware plants. He explained: “Taking into account the fact that today export becomes preferable for most metal makers, we shall incur a deficit of the steel making iron.” From this he believed one could predict that hardware products production would decrease by 30% for one year and that the price of products could increase by as much as 70%.

He expected the number of people employed in the industry to drop by a further 15% – 20% and for salaries to be frozen.

Boris Yarantzev went on to identify the most vulnerable hardware producers as being those that required high-quality steel-making iron. For this reason, he said, further decreases in production could be expected in cable ropes, high carbon wire and fasteners. Some enterprises, he believed, could cease production of several types of products, which were already unprofitable today, but overall the range and structure of the Russian hardware production would be preserved.

Hardware companies are investment leaders in Orlovskaya region At the meeting of the government of Orlovskaya region the vice president for industry and town planning of the regional government, Igor Kozin, announced preliminary results of the regional industrial complex work in 2014.

H

e mentioned growth of the volume of investments in production development compared to the previous years: 3.73 billion rubles were invested in 2013, and 3.36 billion in 2012.

Among the companies with the largest investment volumes there are three hardware plants: Orlovsky branch of Severstal-Metiz, Parallel group of companies and Instrument-Service.

BASF launches tile adhesive production in Russia BASF has started production of tile adhesive at its construction chemistry plant in Moskovskaya region.

The assortment produced at the plant includes the high adhesive MasterTile FLX23, appropriate for laying large format tiles in a tight schedule, and MasterTime FLX23m an elastic adhesive for all types of surfaces – including underfloor heating, swimming pools and public places with high pedestrian traffic.

A 32

ccording to BASF representatives, the launch of tile adhesive production in Russia confirms the company’s course towards localisation. During the last three years the construction chemistry subdivision of ,BASF has opened two production complexes in Moscow region and in Kazan, producing concrete admixtures. The Moskovskaya region has, for ten years, produced materials for repair and moisture proofing of concrete, as well as dry mixes for installation of industrial flooring.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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ASIAN NEWS

2014 Taiwan fastener exports hit new record According to data published by TAITRA, the export development body, Taiwan’s 2014 fastener exports increased year-on-year by 9.31% to 1.52 million tonnes.

T

he value of exports increased 10.12% to US$4.25 billion (approximately 3.7 billion euros). The top five recipient countries were the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and the United Kingdom. Exports to the UK increased by nearly 24%, to Germany by 11.3% and to the US by 9.3%. Exports to Japan fell slightly. Demand from other major European markets also increased substantially: Exports to Italy increased by 15%, to Poland by 24%.

Exports to both France and Sweden increased 27%.

Based on Taiwan Bureau of Trade statistics for the first eleven months of the year, Europe accounted for 39.3% of Taiwan fastener export tonnage (all products in the 7318 CN Code). The 28 countries of the EU received nearly 94% of exports to Europe. Exports to North America accounted for 39.6% of total Taiwan fastener export tonnage.

Indian fastener companies seeking anti-dumping measures on Chinese imports According to a report from Fastener World Magazine, some members of the Indian Fastener Suppliers Association have applied to the Indian government for ‘appropriate protection measures’ against fastener imports from China.

F

astener World says nearly 40% of the local Indian fastener market has been adversely affected by dumping from China. The report suggests that the number of Indian fastener producers has fallen by 25% in three years as a result of imports from China.

The Times of India reported that the Indian Steel Association has also lobbied the government for higher duties to protect against imports of Chinese steel. In 2014 the total steel imports from China more than doubled to 2.83 million tonnes compared with 1.25mmt in 2013.

New TIFI Sundram Fasteners chairman elected fiscal Q3 exports up 20% The Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute elected Mr T.H. Chang of Anchor Fasteners Industrial Co Ltd as its new chairman replacing Mr Joe Chen of Ho Hong Works Co Ltd, who stepped down having served the maximum period of office.

M

r Chang began working for Chun Zu Machinery Industry Co Ltd in 1976, originally with responsibility for machine R&D and forging technology software, before transferring to a sales role. In 1981 he and a partner established Special Fasteners Engineering, importing and exporting fasteners and related products. In 1986 he founded Anchor Fasteners, specialising in producing anchors, rivet nuts, stainless steel washers and special fasteners for both automotive and aerospace applications. He became vice chairman of TIFI in 2006 and is now the 17th chairman of the organisation.

34

Sundram Fasteners reported to the Bombay Stock Exchange that export sales for Q3 fiscal 2014-15 were up 20% at INR 228.05 crore (approximately 32.5 million euros).

D

omestic sales net of excise duty were up 25% at INR 347.16 crore (approximately 49.25 million euros). Net profit for the quarter increased to INR 30.13 crore compared with INR 28.64 crore in the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.

For the first nine months to the end of December net sales were INR 1,748.6 crore (248 million euros) compared with INR 1,474 crore for same period previous year.

Net profit for the 9 months grew from 93.4 crore to 119.35 crore (1.7 million euros).

Note: a crore is 10 million. Conversions are at Interbank rate INR 1,000 = 14.19 euros

San Shing forecasts 10% growth New tooling and fastener production facilities at San Shing Fastech Corp, planned to be operational by May, will help increase the company’s fastener capacity by up to 50% and will be the most important factor in boosting 2015 sales growth, according to a Fastener World report.

S

an Shing has a current nut production capacity of 4,500 – 5,000 tonnes – accounting for around 60% of total revenue. Screw (fastener) capacity in Taiwan is 800 tonnes per month with a further 500 tonnes – 600 tonnes per month capacity in Malaysia. Fastener World says the Taiwanese fastener capacity will increase to 1,200 tonnes per month from the end of Q2 2015.

Increased tooling capacity will primarily support external sales, which is expected to increase by 25% when the new capacity comes online.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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ASIAN NEWS

Ching Chan Optical to start making formers Ching Chan Optical Technology Co Ltd plans to begin manufacturing fastener forming machines.

Fastener World report describes Ching Chan as a world leading fastener sorting machine manufacturer, which within eleven years has developed four generations of inspection machinery.

It has so far sold some 1,700 units to more than 30 countries worldwide.

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hing Chan offers fastener visual sorting machines and fastener sorting services to the automotive, aerospace, electronics, 3C, and medical treatment industries. It already plans to broaden its inspection and testing technology to other products.

Ching Chan sees the opportunity to enter the new market resulting from the mature development of the Taiwanese forming machine industry. It said: “Sorting machines are a necessary procedure before the delivery of fasteners. Effective

production cost control, testing, and quality guarantee, can be achieved only from the very beginning of manufacturing.”

According to Fastener World, Ching Chan’s sales grew 30% annually in the past 3 years, increasing by 60% in 2014 to a record TW$560 million (15.6 million euros).

Ching Chan has signed a contract for an initial public offer in the stock market. It plans to register on the Emerging Stock Board by November 2015 and be listed on the GTSM General Stock Board towards the end of 2016.

China steel cuts April/May domestic wire prices Taiwan’s China Steel announced it would reduce domestic steel prices for April/May by an average of 5.2%.

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he base price for wire and bar will be reduced by TW$906 per tonne (approximately 25 euros per tonne). The price reductions reflect China Steel concerns about the global economy and falling commodity price trends. The company also noted weak demand in both domestic and overseas markets. China Steel suggested that steel prices may be bottoming and could rebound by the end of the second quarter.

Although China Steel reduced general domestic wholesale prices for March it held the price for wire rod products.

Chinese fastener output up 5.6% Statistics published by Chinafastener.info show China’s output of metal fasteners for the first 11 months of 2014 was up 5.6% to 7.26 million tonnes.

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0% of national output came from five provinces topped by Zhejiang, which accounted for 29%, followed by Hebei, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Liaoning.

Chinafastener.info also reported Japanese export and import data for the first ten months of 2014.

Export volume declined 1% to 287,830 tonnes in January to October. Export value increased 1% to 247.9 billion yen indicating an average export value per tonne of around 6,430 euros. Average import value per tonne was around half this figure.

Chin Well acquiring full ownership of Vietnamese subsidiary Chin Well Holdings Bhd is acquiring the remaining 40% of its Vietnamese subsidiary Chin Well Fasteners (Vietnam) Co Ltd.

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n November Chin Well announced its proposal to acquire the remaining 40% by acquiring the entire share capital of Asia Angel Holding Ltd, which owned the stake. The purchase consideration was reported at MYR 47.5 million (11.6 million euros) to be satisfied by the issuance of 27 million Chin Well shares, plus a cash payment of MYR 8.3 million. The deal will also assume net advances from Asia Angel’s vendors of MYR 44.5 million to be paid in three installments over two years.

Asia Angel is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and the vendors, according to Fastener World, are Chen Yin-Liang, who is Taiwanese, and Chua Wei Feng, who is Malaysian.

Tsai Yung Chuan, Chin Well managing director, said: “This acquisition is certainly timely for the group to leverage on the strong demand for do-it-yourself fasteners in Europe and the United States – which would subsequently be a positive boost to our financial performance in the current financial year and onwards.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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

Jomarca starts hinge production A division of Jomarca Group – the Brazilian furniture fastener leader – made its first hinges in November 2014.

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nown as ‘Jomarca Kits’, the division of Jomarca Group comprises of four industrial plants: Itaquaquecetuba and Mirassol, located in the state of São Paulo, and Linhares and Rodeiro, respectively located in Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais state. Its headquarters is located in Guarulhos, São Paul – ten minutes from the main international airport.

Production has already reached 50% of its goal, with a monthly capacity of 6 million hinges in size 26mm. Monthly production of the other version, size 35mm, has reached 1 million pieces – market demand being less as it is mainly for resale to professional installers.

“Our market share is through the resellers especially into industries. It was necessary to start production here two years ago because the Brazilian government blocked the import of this kind of products. So we started this development in February 2013, for which we invested more than US$3 million in purchasing Italian machines,” said Pedro Coelho, the partner and director of the division. Ricardo and João M. Castelhano and Paulo Vicente are also partners.

“Because of the market shortage, we will achieve our goals easily and Jomarca Group will be stronger and more solid, becoming one of the most important brands in the fastener market of Brazil and South America,” concluded Mr Coelho.

Pedro Coelho, João M. Castelhano, Ricardo M. Castelhano and Paulo Vicente (l-r)

New president and board for SINPA SINPA, the syndicate of fastener manufacturers in Brazil, will have a new president and new board of directors this April.

Paulo Roberto Solimeo

Fernando A. Gomes Martins

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aving served as the president of SINPA for 14 years José Gianesi Sobrinho will pass the office onto Paulo Roberto Solimeo of Acument Brasil Sistemas de Fixação S/A. Solimeo will designate Fernando Antônio Gomes Martins of Continental Parafusos S/A as his vice president.

Mercedes-Benz begins construction of third Brazilian plant With the investment of approximately US$500 million, Mercedes-Benz has announced the start of construction of its third industrial plant in Brazil, located in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, 150km away from the capital.

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he facility is set to be operational in January 2016, and Mercedes-Benz will become the only automotive company that manufactures trucks, buses, vans and cars in Brazil. Mercedes-Benz Iracemápolis will produce the C-Class and GLA SUV models. Capacity will be 20,000 units per year, according to the statement of Philipp Schiemer, chairman of Mercedes-Benz in Brazil and CEO of the Group in Latin America, during an event in which Mr Geraldo Alckmin, the governor of São Paulo state, was welcomed.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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There are literally hundreds of different screws but they are not all of the same quality. adverse conditions take their toll. a challenging climate, the huge forces experienced in buildings and special hygiene requirements – the products have to withstand all these extremes, and the selected material and quality must be just right. It’s a huge responsibility.

We are the specialist in high-quality fasteners made from stainless high-grade steel and special materials.

We are used to extreme conditions and face the toughest challenges on a daily basis. We never lose sight of our aim to give the customer just what they want. and we always offer that little bit extra.

So, why not contact us?

C O V E R S TO R Y

Ambrovit: Investing in growth Ambrovit SpA is an enterprise that strength lies in investing in technology and quality – enabling it to develop product ranges and target markets, whilst always focusing on customers’ requirements.

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ere Fastener + Fixing Magazine finds out more about the company and how it plans to continue to grow its market share, along with its product ranges.

Ambrovit was established in 1997 – how has the company developed and what is its mission?

“Ambrovit was established 18 years ago as a small commercial enterprise. If we are now among the most significant companies in the sector, that is because we have always invested in growth – aiming at three primary objectives: To adjust our structures in view of increasing market demand; to continuously automate our production operations; as well as to offer ever more innovative products and provide customers with a very high-quality service. Indeed, excellence is our aim to whatever extent possible.”

How does Ambrovit guarantee a quality product and service?

“Right from the start Ambrovit had one mission that has maintained our credibility with our retailers – product quality.

We maintain our service quality by constantly adjusting our structure and automating the various stages of production.

In particular, we look at automation of our stock and shipments to make these operations speedy and personalised. This is possible thanks to a ready to deliver stock of around 10,000 products.

How has Ambrovit’s product range grown over the years?

“Based on previous experience, which directly led to us being part of the fastener and fixing industry, we started our business by dealing in wood screws. The quality of our products for wood quickly led to our retailers asking us to expand our range to other sectors as well. As a result, we carried out in-depth research to identify which quality products to add to our catalogue – for the most important categories – such as carpentry, as well as building, door and window fittings.

We also expanded our catalogue with other synergetic products, such as nuts and bolts, studding, and a wide range of accessories.

We can now say that our catalogue contains a 360 degree range of products in this sector. However, we shall not be stopping there. Our research continues and every year our catalogue is improved with regards to the number of technical and qualitative innovations and application categories.

We now have an interactive catalogue on our website, which has been designed to be easy to read and very informative on the classification and technical aspects of our products.

The web is a valuable communication tool for corporate and commercial development. For this reason, we have also redesigned our website so that we can improve our online link between the company, our customers, and all those using our products. The website provides information on a number of subjects, including everything to do with our company and our supplies.”

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Product quality is also guaranteed by regular production checks. We have our own laboratory, which uses a wide variety of tests to check the products. We have also implemented systematic involvement with our suppliers, by carrying out quarterly verification audits.”

Which markets does Ambrovit supply?

Is the company evaluating other markets to supply in the future?

“Our commercial network has the benefit of distributors and agents working in a variety of countries. These are valuable partners, with whom we share our business strategies, opportunities and programmes. This has enabled us to establish a presence throughout Europe, including Eastern Europe, and we are continuing to evaluate those markets that show interest in our company and our products.

We are able to cover the whole of Europe thanks to our network of efficient international shippers. Each shipment

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

is monitored from dispatch to delivery – ensuring that our products reach customers on time.

Entering new markets can sometimes be difficult and requires a large investment in terms of economic and human resources. However, thanks to the wealth of exporting experience we have accrued over many years, and also to our substantial product range, we feel we are ready to handle any new commercial initiatives.”

What research is Ambrovit carrying out in order to adapt to different construction markets?

“We try to anticipate the requirements of the various sectors, such as, in particular, the building sector. Subsequently, using pre-arranged marketing and communication activities, we pass the information on to our customers. In the building sector, we are a benchmark for a wide range of products such as screws for laminated beams and concrete. The aim is constantly to

facilitate a variety of activities with reliable, quality products.

This we do for the building sector, but we also do it for joinery and carpentry, door and window fittings in general, and many other similar sectors.”

What plans does Ambrovit have for the future?

“Our plan for the future is to continue our pattern of growing together with our customers. Our development plans focus on being the best we can be as a company through technical developments in our infrastructure and the quality of the products. Thanks to our vast experience of guaranteeing customers an immediate supply of more than 10,000 items – delivered at the times specified and at competitive prices – we have been able to establish ourselves as a trusted supplier within the fastener and fixing market and will look to continue to be a byword for fastening systems.” www.catalog.ambrovit.it

“ Our plan for the future is to continue our pattern of growing together with our customers.” www.fastenerandfixing.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR

2015 Fastener Expo Shanghai Where: Shanghai, China Web: www.fastenerexpo.cn

When: 25 Jun – 27 Jun 2015 What: Specialist industrial fastener exhibition.

Stainless 2015

Fastener Tech™

Where: Brno, Czech Republic When: 5 May – 6 May 2015 Web: www.stainless2015.com What: 8th international stainless steel exhibition.

Where: Illinois, USA When: 8 Jun – 10 Jun 2015 Web: www.fastenertech.com What: Fastener manufacturers, distributors and users.

National Hardware Show

Parts2clean

Where: Las Vegas, USA When: 5 May – 7 May 2015 Web: www.nationalhardwareshow.com What: Connects retailers, dealers, wholesalers, distributors

and manufacturers to the marketplace.

Where: Stuttgart, Germany When: 9 Jun – 11 Jun 2015 Web: www.parts2clean.de What: Industrial parts and surface cleaning exhibition.

wire Russia

Where: Stuttgart, Germany When: 16 Jun – 18 Jun 2015 Web: www.globalautomotivecomponentsandsuppliersexpo.com What: Automotive components exhibition.

Where: Moscow, Russia When: 12 May – 15 May 2015 Web: www.wire-russia.com What: International wire and cable trade fair.

Ferroforma Where: Bilbao, Spain When: 26 May – 29 May 2015 Web: www.ferroforma.eu What: Spanish hardware and DIY show.

Beyond Building Barcelona – Construmat Where: Barcelona, Spain When: 19 May – 23 May 2015 Web: www.construmat.com What: Building trade exhibition.

Hardware + Tools Middle East Where: Dubai, UAE When: 2 Jun – 4 Jun 2015 Web: www.hardwaretoolsme.com What: Tools, hardware, materials and machinery.

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Global Automotive Components and Suppliers Expo 2015

2015 Guangzhou International Metal & Metallurgy Exhibition Where: Guangzhou, China When: 16 Jun – 18 Jun 2015 Web: www.julang.com.cn What: Metal industries and materials including fasteners.

19th Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo Where: Tokyo, Japan When: 24 Jun – 26 Jun 2015 Web: www.mtech-tokyo.jp What: Mechanical components and materials technologies.

Industrial Components & Subcontracting 2015 Where: Bangkok, Thailand When: 24 Jun – 27 Jun 2015 Web: www.components-subcon.com What: Industrial parts, components, equipment

and solutions exhibition.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

EXHIBITIONS

Sensational Stuttgart – from the show report As the second day of Fastener Fair Stuttgart draws to a close, the unanimous consensus of exhibitors and visitors was that the show had underlined its position as the leading global event for the fastener and fixing industry – reports Will Lowry from Messe Stuttgart, Germany.

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total of 832 exhibitors from 42 countries presented their products and capabilities across four exhibition halls – C2, 4, 6 and 8 – enabling distributors, suppliers, wholesalers, manufacturers and buyers from all over the world to come together to discover and discuss business.

As the visitors worked their way through the aisles of each hall they were treated to an eclectic mix of stands that strongly highlighted the key competencies of exhibitors – enticing them onto the stands for more information.

Whilst exhibitors did report a seemingly slow start to both days, as the wave of visitors worked its way through each of the halls, they were delighted with the exceptionally high quality of visitors that they received and were unequivocal in the overall success of the opening two days.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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Thank you for visiting us at the 2015 Fastener Fair in Stuttgart!

EXHIBITIONS

What did you think of Fastener Fair Stuttgart?

An in-depth review of the show will be included in the May issue of the magazine and we want to know about your experiences at the show.

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id you have a successful show? If you were exhibiting did you have any new products on display? Were you happy with the quality and volume of visitors? If you were a visitor, did you find what you were looking for? Were there any products/stands that caught your eye?

We are interested in everybody’s feedback so please send your thoughts to editor@fastenerandfixing.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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EXHIBITIONS

FERROFORMA 70% booked 70% of the space available at the upcoming FERROFORMA show, which will take place from 26th – 29th May at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain, has already been booked – with over 250 companies confirming that they will be exhibiting at the show.

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he number of foreign exhibitors has already exceeded the final figure for 2013, and the organisers say the reaction to the new sectoral breakdown into two areas – Industry and Home – has been very positive.

The industrial side of the show has been reinforced with the addition of locksmithery products, fasteners, fixings, hand tools, personal protection equipment, industrial supplies, construction supplies and automotive supplies.

For the first time, FERROFORMA will also be staging B2B meetings, involving private meetings in which all the delegations of hosted foreign buyers and VIP visitors will meet with exhibitors on request.

The campaign to attract visitors is currently ongoing in more than 20 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Russia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Turkey, Canada, Algeria, Morocco and Mexico. It also includes a new profile: Trade users of the major industries in the aeronautics, automotive, railway and ancillary industry sectors.

Four more industrial trade shows are also taking place at the same time as FERROFORMA, which will turn the exhibition centre into a major platform for industrial products, technologies and services. The other trade shows include SUBCONTRATACIÓN – an international fair for manufacturing processes and equipment; FITMAQ – an international fair for used machinery; PUMPS & VALVES – an international trade show for pump systems, valves and equipment for industrial processes; and MAINTENANCE – a trade show for industrial maintenance, shutdown technology, asset management and production reliability.

Record BAU: Over 250,000 visitors BAU, the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems – which took place from 19 th – 24th January 2015 – broke through the 250,000 visitor barrier for the first time in its 50 year history.

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he six days of BAU, in which all the exhibition space had long been fully booked, attracted 251,200 visitors – over 16,000 more than in 2013. The number of visitors from Germany increased, but most of the increase in overall numbers was due to visitors from outside Germany. Around 72,000 people came from abroad – 20% more than last time. In its role as an ‘architects´ trade event’, BAU once again consolidated its reputation. Around 65,000 of the total number of visitors were from architectural and planning offices, which was another increase on the figures for 2013.

For Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer, deputy CEO of Messe München International, BAU has considerably exceeded the expectations of exhibitors and visitors. “With these new record figures, BAU has now clearly proven itself to be the leading trade fair even beyond the EU. That is shown in the strong increase in visitor numbers from countries such as Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia.”

Dieter Schäfer, chairman of the advisory board of BAU and chairman of the board of management of Deutsche Steinzeug Cremer & Breuer AG, also thinks that BAU “has put in an impressive demonstration of why it bears the title – ‘world´s leading trade fair’. The quality and international spectrum among the visitors have once again increased.”

The next BAU will takes place from 16th – 21st January 2017 at Messe München, Germany.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

UAE fastener show announced for 2016 Organisers of SteelFab, an exhibition in the United Arab Emirates for metal working, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication, has announced it is planning to introduce a new fastener show to run alongside SteelFab at the Expo Centre Sharjah in 2016.

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r Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO at the Expo Centre Sharjah, commented: “SteelFab is now an established regional show. Over the years, we have introduced certain verticals within the show, which we are now looking to develop into concurrent and stand-alone shows. Fasteners and stainless steel are two such segments and as a result we are launching Fastener World Middle East alongside SteelFab next year.”

Fastener World Middle East will be a dedicated trade fair for the fastener and fixing industry, and provide an opportunity for international manufacturers to demonstrate both typical and specialised fasteners to regional buyers.

“SteelFab now encompasses a trade fair, a series of special focus areas, special pavilions, new segments, live displays, technical seminars and product presentations.

The addition of Fastener World ME will help it cover more segments and increase its profile,” added Mr Midfa.

SteelFab 2015, which took place in January, featured almost 350 direct exhibitors, representing nearly 900 brands, across six halls of the Expo Centre Sharjah.

Dates for Fastener World ME and SteelFab 2016 are yet to be announced.

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Troy means business

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Troy (UK) Ltd, a UK membership trade organisation for the industrial sector, will be staging the 2015 Troy Means Business event at the iconic ‘Wing’ at the world famous Silverstone circuit on the 23rd April 2015.

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ow in its fourth successive year, the event has become a highlight in the calendar for many of the UK’s industrial brands and businesses. Bigger than ever, and with a 30% increase in members in the last 12 months, this year’s event will attract over 800 attendees with many being high-level decision makers, including CEOs, managing directors and purchasing directors – representing globally GB£3 billion worth of business.

Previous years’ attendees have been privileged to presentations from guest speakers including Martin Vander Weyer, business editor of The Spectator, who commentated on the budget in 2012, and, also in 2012, a Ministerial video address from the Business Secretary Vince Cable MP. Commenting on the event, Paul Kilbride, chief executive of Troy (UK) Ltd, said: “This is now a key date in the year for our members and suppliers. The event includes an exhibitors’ arena of 200 brands doing business with our members, as well as a driving experience session followed by a gala dinner. As with previous years there will be a few surprises and we have a great high profile guest comedian who will provide the evening’s entertainment.”

INSIGHT

Sharing a confidence

by Phil Matten, executive editor It’s little more than two weeks since Anixter announced the impending sale of its OEM Supply – Fasteners business. Ian Clarke sits alongside Dan Jack in the company’s main UK location in Gloucester. Despite a hectic schedule since the announcement a palpable sense of excitement and energy exudes from both men.

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here are the barest of hints of the strain of the last two weeks, and the months of preparation prior to the announcement on 12 th February, on the face of Ian Clarke. However, his seemingly inexhaustible wellspring of positivity is as strong as ever – and clearly with justification.

Clarke still has a few more days in Europe before returning to the USA. The weeklong visit has been rammed full of personal contact with major customers and suppliers and, for Clarke unquestionably as important, presentations and face-to-face sessions with all levels of ‘Fasteners’ European team.

As the two men describe the whirlwind of the last couple of weeks it is evident that major resource and systematic planning has been invested in ensuring that all stakeholders in the impending transaction have not only received a detailed explanation of what is happening, but also why, and how it affects their futures.

That process started with senior representatives of ‘Fasteners’ five biggest customers participating directly in discussions with new investors, American Industrial Partners (AIP). It was a two-way process, says Ian Clarke. On one hand it assured the new investors of the dynamics and trajectories of the key OEM businesses into which ‘Fasteners’ future is irrevocably woven. On the other it provided a direct opportunity for those customers to critically assess the capabilities, intent and personalities within AIP. Reactions? “On both sides incredibly, almost surprisingly, positive,” says Ian Clarke. “Both at this meeting and subsequently, customers welcomed how we were sharing information about our future and were comprehensively supportive. We know this development presents massive opportunities to enhance the support we provide our customers – but to hear them talking in glowing terms about the performance, the delivery, the quality, the relationship, was outstanding.”

The announcement day was inevitably intensive. “Within 24 hours, either by audio or face-to-face, we were in direct contact with about 90% of our OEM partners,” explained Dan Jack, responsible for European sales and operations. “We have a lot of programme business, which allowed us to capture big segments in one call, but we mobilised the senior sales force to ensure there was nobody missed out and that customers had ample opportunity to raise questions.”

“Later we did a round up, where we insisted on hearing

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the reality – good, bad or indifferent. The overwhelming response was very positive.”

It was also crucially important that the more than 1,800 worldwide employees directly affected by the transition – simultaneously which is the real challenge – understood the basis for the decision and the implications for the future of their business. Anixter Group CEO, Bob Eck, and Ian Clarke mastered a joint video presentation to ensure an immediate message, which members of the ‘Fasteners’ senior management followed up at sites throughout the world. “We have tremendous depth of knowledge and experience in this business, which is what has allowed us to deliver such high-levels of service,” says Ian Clarke. “So our strongest asset, globally, is our people.”

On the supply chain side, Mike Tuffy, responsible for global procurement, hosted a global webinar, into which more than two hundred strategic suppliers connected – via phone link from the US. He explained: “It was a first for this business and a unique opportunity to give a presentation and share the excitement we have for the future of our business. It meant we could answer many of the questions in their minds before they came to us to ask them. Above all it allowed us to be clear that one of the crucial pathways to growth in our five year plan is providing a stronger route to market for our key vendor partners.”

“ …our strongest asset, globally, is our people.”

There will be a further webinar for Asian suppliers unable to participate because of the Chinese New Year. Additionally, Mike Tuffy said: “We are staging a conference alongside Fastener Fair Stuttgart to update on progress and for vendors to meet our key decision makers.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Also linking from the US, head of sales and operations in the Americas, Marc Abbagnaro, affirmed: “The customer response was overwhelmingly positive. They were really appreciative that we were reaching out to tell them what was transpiring, rather than just reading about it. You cannot put enough significance on the importance of making those calls and giving people the opportunity to interact with us.”

Why harp on about the quality of communication? Because it demonstrates a level of commitment and effectiveness in which, not that many years ago, this business would have surely been found wanting. It is one of a number of clear indications of the transformation that Anixter ownership, and the restructuring of the senior management team, has wrought on what could once be seen as a fairly incoherent conglomerate of eleven acquired businesses.

That Ian Clarke recognises the significance to the business he is leading into a new phase of development is evidenced by his intention to ensure Anixter’s core business principles, crystallised in its ‘Blue Book’, are carried through into the new company. The importance placed on that continuity underlines the stability and coherence engendered in ‘Fasteners’ over the last two years. Ian Clarke is clear: “Without Anixter this business would most definitely not be where it is today, or have the future it now eagerly faces. We will take the great experiences and best practices we have learned forward with us.

We could not be more proud to have been a part of Anixter.”

So why is all this happening? The simple answer is that ‘Fasteners’ really did not fit with Anixter in the long pull.

Although close to a billion dollar business, it was nevertheless dwarfed by Anixter’s core activities in enterprise cabling, security and wire and cable – together generating some six times more revenue. Competing for investment in that environment was tough, and more significantly was going to stay that way. As the ‘Fasteners’ business coalesced and stabilised, it demonstrated it could generate quarter on quarter financial improvements. However, maintaining impetus solely through organic growth in a rapidly changing OEM supply environment was going to be tantamount to running up a down escalator. The senior management team last year developed a detailed five year strategic plan. Reflecting on it, Clarke and Anixter CEO, Bob Eck, concluded it would be best for ‘Fasteners’ to become a standalone business under new ownership – so Goldman Sachs was brought into facilitate finding the right ‘partner’.

Among the many potential buyers, Clarke says, AIP stood out head and shoulders. Why? The first thing, Ian Clarke points to, is that three-quarters of the partners in AIP are engineers.

“AIP understands our business and it understands our customers’ businesses. It is operationally oriented and deeply rooted in the industrial economy.” AIP has made very clear, says Clarke, “its commitment to supporting talented management teams in building their businesses. It prefers

“ AIP is fully supportive of our long-term strategic plan, and importantly, shares our focus on building long-term value with our customers.”

Also notable is the strength and diversity of senior management ability that Ian Clarke has drawn together.

Familiar names carry with them authentic knowledge of fasteners and their markets – Ian Clarke himself; Dan Jack; Mike Tuffy; and Terry Carbonara, responsible for global quality and engineering.

The senior team transferring to the new company, though, also includes managers with distinctive backgrounds, abilities and qualifications acquired not in the fastener sector but from other Anixter businesses: Marc Abbagnaro heading the Americas; Al Dicristofano, who leads finance; Tom Perozzi leading stratigic development; Harmony Merwitz, who leads marketing; Bill Dillon, who becomes head of global operations; Eric Gilbert responsible for IT; and Grant Ford, recently appointed as head of manufacturing.

That is particularly significant for the health and effectiveness of the new management board. In a market as dynamic as this has become and amidst a rapidly reshaping competitive environment, that diversity of ability, its intellectual capabilities to create, contribute and challenge, will be critical attributes.

not to play a role in the daily operations of its portfolio companies, but forms a true partnership with management to drive growth”.

There are significant parallels and potential synergies with existing AIP investments, several of which operate in sectors in which ‘Fasteners’ already has significant OEM supply market share.

Ian Clarke reiterates: “AIP is fully supportive of our long-term strategic plan, and importantly, shares our focus on building long-term value with ‘Fasteners’ customers.” He is tight-lipped on what that means but the ebullience level notches rapidly upscale when he looks to the days following completion of the deal.

When will completion be? Ian Clarke expects Q2 2015. The constraints on timing are operational. The ‘Fasteners’ business will remain in its current headquarters, part of the Anixter campus in Glenview, Illinois. One of the main issues, says Ian Clarke, is to clone the operating system and thoroughly test it before cutting the link with Anixter.

It’s really not difficult to read in Ian Clarke’s eyes: “Roll on the first day of a new and exciting future.”

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

No intention of topping out We invited Group Director Jun Xu to bring us up to date with developments at Brighton-Best International Inc (BBI). Here he provides an overview of the group’s development in the last seven years and its plans for 2015 – initially for its North American operations, later for its international operations including in Europe. Mike Churchill, branch manager at BBI’s UK facility, appends a ‘local perspective’.

O

ne of the elementary truths of all our lives is that if we are in a state of discomfort, we will always struggle to find a state of comfort. However, such a state of comfort can also become the greatest enemy of our own progress. Our mentality transitions from one of offense to one of defense. Instead of looking for opportunities to grow, we look for opportunities to protect against changes that might topple our newfound state of comfort. Such topping is then inevitable, and only a matter of time given our age of rapid innovation.

Seven years ago, Brighton-Best Socket Screw, the predecessor to Brighton-Best International, embarked on a new journey. The previous owner looked to sell the business that he built to a new ownership team that pledged to keep the company intact, and invest to grow and expand the platform.

In 2008, the company was purchased by a consortium of investors lead by Mr Robert Shieh of the Ta Chen Group.

Ta Chen International was a group started by Mr Shieh in 1986, and has since become a US$1.5 billion business with over 4,000 employees globally – focused on the wholesale distribution of stainless steel and aluminium products.

and types. We’ve expanded from roughly 12,000 SKUs to over 60,000 SKUs worldwide.

So, what’s next? There are still obvious steps we will take to improve our operational efficiencies, to grow our fastener business organically, and to grow through strategic acquisitions.

However, as we look at our evolution from 10 metric tonne coils of stainless steel sheets and 6 metre pipes, to 0.5kg boxes of fasteners, we realise that we are not limited by the product categories we sell. We are wholesaler distributors of industrial products and bring a value proposition of: • Improving our distributors’ cash flow by providing a greater mix of products with lower minimum purchases per SKU and eliminating the need to carry large inventories.

• Mitigating the risk of commodity cost fluctuations.

• Ensuring the highest quality of products from factories we direct source from.

• Carrying the operational cost of warehouses, people, and systems from importing directly.

• Providing exceptional service with competitive pricing you would expect from BBI.

“ BBI began a radical transformation, which eventually saw the company jump from US$48 million in sales to US$400 million in sales through both organic growth and acquisitions.”

For BBI, the acquisition also meant an infusion of resources.

Hundreds of millions of dollars were invested to modernise BBI, from increasing warehouse space under roof by 500%, increasing the range of our SKUs by 400%, and building an online trading platform with existing distributors that would eventually generate 75% of BBI’s sales. BBI began a radical transformation, which eventually saw the company jump from US$48 million in sales to US$400 million in sales through both organic growth and acquisitions. We have become the largest wholesale distributor of fasteners in the United States, and arguably the world, selling a wide range of commodity fasteners from sockets to hex heads, nuts, washers, screws, anchors and threaded rods, in all different material grades

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Nowhere in our value proposition do we say we should only sell fasteners. We have expanded over the past six years by increasing the range and depth of our inventory. We will continue to expand by increasing the range and depth of our products categories outside of fasteners. As we continue to expand into these other product categories, our distributors will benefit by: • Having the highest quality of products at the most competitive prices.

• Having access to new product categories previously inaccessible or with limited access for fastener distributors.

• Provide new opportunities for growth and margin expansion to our distributors.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Already, BBI has placed millions of dollars worth of purchase orders to expand into the hand tool product category with an expected launch of 1st June 2015. We have made it a focus to purchase hand tools from Taiwan where the manufacturers have access to better quality steel and have better controls over manufacturing processes than from cheaper countries of origin.

This will cost BBI sometimes 50% more in product procurement cost; however, we will make the product accessible at a lower price than what the cheaper product will sell for in the market.

BBI will provide to our distributors the best quality and most innovative hand tool products, at the lowest cost, period.

Our initial range of products will cover: • Socket sets – 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch drive sets with rails, individual socket and ratcheting accessories.

• Adjustable wrenches – standard, plumbing and mining focused products, ratcheting adjustable wrench, slide and quick release wrench.

• Aviation snips – straight, left, right, notch, long pattern cut snips.

• Pliers – diagonal cutting, long nose, heavy-duty linemen’s, straight jaw grove, slip joint pliers.

• Screwdrivers – acetate cushion grip, Go-Thru, 1,000V insulated, precision, hollow nut, and an assortment of screwdriver sets and interchangeable bit screwdrivers.

• Staplers – staple gun and hammer tacker.

• Hammers – framing, ripping, curved claw, drywall, rubber mallet, club hammer.

• Riveters – hand and long-arm riveter.

• Utility knives.

• Tape measurer.

• Hex keys.

Any BBI distributor that did not sell hand tools because they could not or did not previously consider the opportunity can now carry the full range. After the product is introduced in the US market, we will begin to expand the opportunity to our international branches.

Six years ago, would hand tools have been the most obvious choice to expand into? The answer would surely be no. Today however, as we survey the opportunities in our landscape, we see hand tools as one of the many steps to our evolution.

Another elementary truth, is that the higher you climb, the more you see. Stuck in a valley, you can only see the walls of the mountains around you. Climb higher and you begin to see the mountain range. Manage to fly, and you see entire fields and pastures. This is true of life, as it is for business. As we grow, we will begin to see a wider expanse of opportunities.

The constant push to grasp those opportunities, even when we don’t need to, is our attempt to fight comfort and to ensure our continued success.

From the UK perspective BBI have many global locations, one of which is based in Cradley Heath, in the UK’s West Midlands. At present the UK operation is responsible for distributing to the domestic UK market and other European markets. BBI’s philosophy is to have the same ethos and best working practices throughout its international operations. The UK facility is no different.

BBI UK has seen its own sales turnover increase by 168%.

Warehouse capacity has been increased six fold. Inventory control/audit reached 100% and recent customer survey results show record levels of customer service.

As Jun Xu has described ever increasing ranges are being made available to the US market. Our European customers will continue to see the benefit of these developments as they begin to filter through and are made available via our UK hub.

We clearly recognise that to service our customers effectively and efficiently, continuous investment and development is required. That is why new investment has already been provided to fill a second UK warehouse with Grade 8.8 hex bolts/sets (DIN 931/933) zinc-blue so that the range can be made available in substantial volume. This new inventory will be supplied in full pallet quantities at competitive pricing. www.brightonbest.org

“ Nowhere in our value proposition do we say we should only sell fasteners.” www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

Don Quichotte – standing on two legs However irrepressibly fun-loving its face to the market, Don Quichotte B.V takes the business of nail, and now electric fixings, very seriously indeed – as Will Lowry rapidly discovered when he visited the company’s custom designed plant in Helmond, the Netherlands.

D

on Quichotte, part of the De Wit Group, has been supplying performance assured products for more than 90 years. The company’s commitment to production of high grade hardened nails, produced efficiently and on a large scale, has led it to become one of the leading high-quality nail manufacturers in the world – satisfying the demanding requirements of customers in more than 75 countries.

“There are not too many nail manufacturers left in Europe that are able to globally supply the range that we are able to offer,” points out Jan-Willem van der Wijngaart, vice president at Don Quichotte. “To be an efficient and successful nail manufacturer it is critical to achieve high and consistent volumes.

At Don Quichotte we are able to handle very high volumes thanks to our vast and versatile range of machinery. Building on long tradition within the company and with an unequivocal commitment to quality, we have established ourselves as a premium brand with a ‘Made in Holland’ guarantee.”

The company credits its ability to produce large volumes of top quality products to a combination of factors, starting with its custom-built factory in Helmond. “Our factory has allowed us to optimise our production process,” says Willem Van Zantvoort, general manager at Don Quichotte. “We have three banks of nail making machinery – all encased in sound reducing and fume extracting units – which are organised according to the different lengths and sizes of products being produced.

Our machinery assures we have the capability to increase production as and when necessary, which means we can react effectively to market demands and be certain we can always deliver what the customer needs.”

When it comes to guaranteeing the quality of the products,

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Don Quichotte proudly highlights that 95% of tooling is made in-house. Direct control over one of the critical elements of production accuracy ensures production quality is maintained at the very highest level. It also means that whenever a customer presents a new requirement, Don Quichotte is able to adapt or develop the appropriate tooling and respond with enviably rapid response times.

Don Quichotte is equally serious about its demands for the highest quality wire to feed its machines. “It is vital that we use only the highest quality materials for our products,” emphatically states Willem. “There is no point in having invested in high grade tooling and accurate, modern production equipment if you have not first demanded the very best components.”

A recent development that has enabled Don Quichotte to extend its capacity, as well as further improving the quality of its heat treatment, is the installation of an additional heat treatment line.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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Don Quichotte B.V. P.O. Box 60, 5700 AB Helmond Industrial Zone 9081 Gerstdijk 17, 5704 RG Helmond The Netherlands Phone: +31 492 74 50 00 Fax: +31 492 74 50 99 info@don-quichotte.nl www.don-quichotte.nl

Don Quichotte

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INSIGHT “The new heat treatment line has helped extend the possibilities available to us,” explains Jan-Willem. “It was a huge operation to install the heat treatment line because as much as 70% of the line is under floor level. We installed the line ourselves, which involved the preparation and installation of a lot of connectors, cables, pipes, and tubes.”

Willem adds: “There are also many regulations that you are required to follow, which made it a very big project – but it was definitely worth all the hard work. Having an additional heat treatment line has improved efficiency and productivity, as well as extending the heat treatment options we have available.”

Nail manufacturing is clearly the heartbeat of the company and the commitment to quality underlines Don Quichotte’s passion to be a clear leader in the sector. Whilst the company has always and will always focus on nails, it recognised it needed to develop broader and complementary product ranges.

“When you only manufacture one range of products, you are dependent on that range – which always presents challenges and risks,” explains Willem. “With nails your business is easily affected by fluctuations in material prices and exchange rates, which can affect the profit margins. While we always want to be a major player in the nails industry, we decided – around the time the crisis hit Europe – we needed to grow a ‘second leg’ to stand on.”

“We realised that many of our nails were used by manufacturers of electrical fixings,” mentions Jan-Willem.

“So we decided to start producing the electrical fixings ourselves. We don’t manufacture the electrical parts here, but we have the tooling, the designs and the products – including some patents. Since we have focused on the electrical fixings we have doubled our range. When customers look at our catalogue they will see that the nail part of the business, which used to be 80% of our catalogue, now only represents 20% of our range – the rest comprises of electrical fixings.”

Due to the success of the electrical fixings range, and continued steady development of the nail production, Don Quichotte has achieved significant growth over recent years.

Such were the increases in throughput that the company decided to invest over 4 million euros in a new high bay warehouse.

“The size of our previous warehouse meant it was not possible to stock the necessary amount of products,” explains Jan-Willem.

“We had over 5,000 pallets stored at different external locations.

This made it a long process to use the system to identify at which warehouse the product was located, and then bring that product to the central warehouse for distribution. To eliminate these inefficiencies, and improve our future productivity, we decided to build a new 2,000m2 high bay warehouse.”

Construction of the high bay warehouse started in April 2014 and was completed by October the same year. “We now have an additional 10,000 pallet spaces across seven aisles,” says Willem proudly. “We have also invested in new forklift trucks that can reach the top of the new 20m high racking. At the moment we have staff operating the trucks because there are still some inconsistencies in the size of some of our pallets, which means we still need to be personally involved in the process. However, in the future there is the option to run the high bay warehouse as a fully automatic facility.”

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“Thanks to the new warehouse we now have 95% of the products back on one site and are in the process of moving the remaining products over,” mentions Jan-Willem. “In addition to the new warehouse we have also invested in a new IT system, and internal logistics, so that we can handle more stock. Having all the pallets in one location, coupled with the new IT system, means that picking orders is a lot more efficient, and stock accuracy and location is higher – meaning that we can complete an order much more quickly.”

The investment in the new high bay warehouse is clear evidence of the successful development of the electrical fixings programme as Don Quichotte’s ‘second leg’. However, the company is not resting on its laurels – as Willem points out: “To be able to produce in Holland efficiently and cost-effectively requires everybody within the company to work together. We are currently participating in a management development programme that zeros-in on our manufacturing and involves everybody – from the managers to the machinery operators. All employees take part, focusing on their own department and how they can improve their processes. It is an eighteen month programme that has demanded a change of mind-set for some employees.

It is not a revolution, it is simply that every day you take small steps, which will enable us to take a big step in production and ensure that we are realising our production potential.”

Don Quichotte is undoubtedly a key manufacturer of high-quality nails at the top of its game. The addition of the electrical fixings range, as well as the newly built high bay warehouse, clearly demonstrates its seriousness in developing and adapting to the demands of the market.

“When we moved to the factory in Helmond in 2004, we were an old fashioned manufacturer in a ‘new house’,” says Willem with a smile. “Now we are a streamlined and effective manufacturer, with a future-proofed logistics operation, that it is able to supply products to customers – as and when they need them. We now have two legs to stand on and will use them to continue to grow – step-by-step.” www.don-quichotte.nl

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you.

INSIGHT

Hexstone on the fast track to meet demand In recent months, Hexstone – the UK’s largest wholesale supplier of fasteners, fixings, hardware, ironmongery, and associated items to the engineering and merchant trade – has been pulling out all the stops to meet ever-growing customer demand.

A

s the parent company behind leading fasteners and fixings experts Galaxy Fasteners, Icon Fasteners, JCP Fixings, Owlett-Jaton, Stainless Threaded Fasteners and Unifix, effective stock management is an integral factor in servicing its European customer base.

Size is everything Boasting warehouse space of 250,000 square feet (23,226m2) – the equivalent of approximately three football pitches – and capacity to hold up to GB£18 million worth of stock, the company is well equipped to serve multiple industries across the UK. Headquartered in Stone, Staffordshire, the facilities hold 10,000 tonnes of products, with 50,000 different lines – enabling Hexstone to offer a ‘one-stop’ solution. The products cover: Fasteners and fixings, agriculture and building products, locks and accessories, hardware, ironmongery, abrasives, sealants, and adhesives.

Not only does the product range cover a diverse range of usages, the majority is available to order 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via next day delivery, ordered through the sales office network or online.

Cutting-edge warehouse technology In addition, Hexstone also recently invested GB£250,000 into a warehouse picking system in order to manage product lines efficiently. The new system enables orders to be picked both reliably and cost-effectively – a necessity for a company that processes approximately 2,500 orders per day. The handheld terminals work through wireless barcode reading, and are voice activated.

Nick Simpson, logistics director at Hexstone, commented: “Accuracy and efficiency have significantly improved since the introduction of the picking system.

Instructions are given through the

58

headset to the operator, informing them of which location to go to, the quantity to pick, the weight, and number of boxes. The operator confirms each instruction by voice, as well as the last four digits of the barcode. The system then informs the operator which location to go to next, and the process repeats.”

People: The driving force The warehouse workforce comprises of 145 members of staff, operating on a 24 hour shift system; 23 of whom are dedicated to the packaging department. There is a dedicated purchasing department that monitors the stock levels at Hexstone and purchasing from 25 countries around the world.

In addition, all sales staff have access to live stock levels listed by individual product, and can then check this against all orders as they are processed.

With an average of 10,000 lines per day, it is important that the team at Hexstone are fully dedicated to their role in order to meet demand. Monthly KPIs are kept to manage stock availability by product, with staff analysing the statistics regularly. The company ships over 1,200 deliveries per day.

Hexstone has implemented a variety of processes to ensure its customers can remain confident in stock availability.

“The benefit of having good stock availability is customers having the confidence to place orders and know they will get the product the next day,” commented John Barker, purchasing director at Hexstone. “Our staff understand that they need to preserve stock levels and that customer confidence is actually more valuable than the sale itself.”

When asked why he believes stock availability is important to its customer base, John responded: “Knowing we are able to meet demand and have a consistent stock holding gives our customers continued confidence. In fact, our customers are even starting to keep less stock themselves because they feel they can rely on us more, which highlights that loyalty.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

The six faces of Hexstone Galaxy Fasteners – established in 2001, the company has grown to become a leading supplier within the structural, engineering, agricultural and steel framed building sectors.

The growing product range features assembled bolting, square hexagon bolts, cladding screws, and allied products.

The range is available with Galaxy head markings – covering requirements for the initial fabrication stage, through to the fully cladded structure. Galaxy can deliver across mainland UK with a next day delivery service, and with full product traceability for customer confidence.

Icon Fasteners – a specialist in the supply of standard and non-standard products to a wide range of markets including automotive, agricultural, structural, energy, white goods, furniture, windows, and general engineering. Icon is a leading stockist of high grade alloy fasteners, socket screws, and hexagon fasteners in Grades 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 and 14.9 – available in self-colour, zinc, and galvanised finishes. Icon also offers a wide range of other finishes and patches as required, and is able to supply PPAP parts. The in-house specials team can source and manufacture parts to specification and quality approved to BS EN ISO 9001 – 2000.

JCP Fixings – a specialist supplier of construction fixings to distributors. Since its launch in 2000, JCP has grown to become a leading force in the UK fixings market. All products are supplied with a full technical specification, and in a number of cases European Technical Approval (ETAG). JCP offers on-site testing of products, via an external technical sales team, and in-house anchor load calculations. JCP also has an Anchor Calculation Programme which is available as a free download.

Owlett-Jaton – a leading supplier of fastenings, fixings, hardware, ironmongery, and associated products to the merchant and distributor trade. Owlett-Jaton has an enviable reputation for high-quality products, and an unbeatable customer service. With over 30,000 lines in stock and next day delivery to most of the UK, Owlett-Jaton offers consistency of supply and customer confidence. With a network of sales offices throughout the UK, customers have access to experienced staff, whilst the online ordering website OJ Trade gives customers access to prices, stock availability, and more.

Stainless Threaded Fasteners (STF) – one of Europe’s largest distributors of stainless steel and brass fasteners. STF offers in excess of 10,000 items of A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel and brass fasteners, and can supply distributors on a next day delivery across mainland UK. Additionally, STF carry a range of A2 (304) stainless steel security screws, A4 (316) marine fittings, the REDtip™ solar mounting system, Action Can industrial aerosol products, and Ace hose clips. STF also has a dedicated export and marine division, and can source non-standard products manufactured to specification.

Unifix – the company has a long and established history as a quality fittings brand. The strong portfolio of products such as: Thunderbolt, Vortex screws, and Kliplok pipe clips has an enviable reputation for consistent quality. The uniquely designed collection of cable clips is recognised as a brand leader in the fixings market. The new Unifix range is bigger and better than ever with the introduction of associated products from the Hexstone portfolio.

Hexstone will also be attending the Torque-Expo exhibition at the Silverstone Circuit in October, where all six companies will be showcasing their diverse range of products. www.hexstone.co.uk

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

Providing the ‘total solution’ Scratch the surface of Stafa Group – the Dutch distributor that has been supplying a wide range of fasteners and fixings for nearly 40 years – and you will discover an abundance of specialities that are brought together by a single focus – to provide the ‘total solution’.

S

tafa Group consists of four key divisions – Stafa Trading, Stafa Assembly, Stafa Industry and Stafa Direct. All of which, when combined, provide the group with a stronger connection to its customers, suppliers and the global market.

“As a European fastener distributor it is vital that you make your company stand out compared to your competition if you are to win new customers, as well as retain current customers,” explains Ivo Van Gool, sales director at Stafa Group. “Thanks to the different sides of the business we are able to offer customers the ‘total solution’. Whether we are efficiently taking care of all your logistics for fasteners; delivering a complete package of premium quality standard fasteners and special components – manufactured according to customer specification; ensuring the best packaging method; or arranging your imports at the best conditions; you are always guaranteed high-quality and service.”

“ Stafa connects high-quality to low costs, with the ability to source products from around the world…”

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Stafa Group gives a distinctive advantage when customers are looking for a distributor. The company provides a comprehensive stock range, with a delivery programme of over 75,000 items – including screws, nuts, bolts, washers, plugs, threaded rods and anchoring materials to DIN and ISO standards. Stafa specialises in high-quality zinc plated and hot dip galvanised fasteners.

Ensuring that it is supplying the demands of the market is a key strategy for Stafa, with the company also using changes in regulations as opportunities. In July 2014 it became a legal requirement under EN 1090-1 for all parts of a bearing steel structure to have CE marking. Non-preloaded structural bolts therefore had to meet all of the regulations under EN 15048.

“We knew that the new regulations were coming into force, so we introduced an entire range of SB bolts – available from stock – which met the regulation,” says Carla van de Bunt, marketing and communications manager. “This means that we can supply a complete range of non-preloaded structural bolts that conform to EN 15048.”

Adjusting its stock to the needs of the market has enabled the company to grow its range and led to a 1,500m2 expansion in 2013 – taking the size of Stafa’s warehouse to 20,000 pallet spaces. Coupled with an advanced management warehouse system that ensures paperless order picking, the company is able to provide efficient and quick picking of orders.

“Stafa connects high-quality to low costs, with the ability to source products from around the world,” emphasises Ivo. “We have a high-level of flexibility and can offer competitive prices.

We are also pro-active when it comes to quality and carry out random quality checks, when the goods are delivered, in our own laboratory – including tensile testing, hardness measurements, microscopic surface controls and salt spray testing.”

In addition to its range of products to DIN and ISO standards, Stafa can also supply special items, according to customers’ requests. “Besides stockists, distributors and DIY, we also supply industrial end users in numerous branches,” continues Ivo. “We deliver a complete package of premium quality standard fasteners and have special components manufactured according to customer specification. This includes complete project deliveries, logistical supply concepts and specific surface treatments. Our advisors have all the knowledge of the sector needed to provide the right products and support under the best possible conditions.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Heavy-duty clamps – when the pressure is on NORMACLAMP® GBS® Now able l avai also th solid s wi nion trun

With its three-fold improved band tensile force and greatly enhanced failure torque, NORMACLAMP® GBS® takes on the toughest clamping jobs. Fastening hardened or reinforced suction and pressure hoses, for example.

The clamp’s mechanical lock has no welds, which means greater strength and no contact corrosion. Rounded, reinforced band loops boost safety and the hollow trunnion avoids band or bolt deformation, so the clamps are easy to re-use. To suit the requirements of all markets, NORMACLAMP® GBS® is also now available with solid trunnions.

What’s more, NORMACLAMP® GBS® is extremely easy to install using standard tools.

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INSIGHT To add extra services and added value, Stafa is also specialised in the efficient packaging of components under customers’ private label; just-in-time deliveries; as well as automated high-speed bagging and kitting.

“Lots of customers buy fasteners and fixings from us, but do not realise the packaging solutions that we are able to offer them,” points out Carla. “We have very high-tech machinery and can offer a range of packaging services, such as kitting of sets and private label packaging, for as little as twenty boxes.

We can even take over the entire purchasing process of our customers. Not only when it concerns fasteners, but also for related products. In this way we really try to relieve our customers of their concerns.”

Stafa is able to pack various sized kits on its fully automated bagging lines, which include two lines with twelve feed stations, one line with four feed stations and one line with two feed stations. All four lines can be operated by as few as two staff members.

The bagging process involves parts being fed from vibratory bowls, through a weight count gate, onto a central conveyor of metal trays. Reaching the end of the line each completed kit tray is tipped into a bagging system, where a final weight check ensures the kit is correct. In addition to the fully automatic lines, Stafa also has several semi-automatic packing machines for bagging and kitting – with counting and weighing integrated.

Stafa guarantees a 100% check on the composition, content, and weight, and offers the highest level of accuracy possible.

“Our packaging service is a big advantage to customers working with us and is something that we are very proud to offer,” says Ivo. “We can take control of the whole process, whether it is ordering the packaging for a customer or using packaging that they supply. We can offer private labelling, exactly to customers’ requirements, and can keep stock for as and when the customer needs the products. We invite customers to send us their requirements to see how we can work with them – whatever the packaging requirements: Blister packs, cardboard or plastic and foil packaging. We also offer steel or plastic assortment boxes if customers require a selection of different products.”

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“The range and depth of our packaging service is something that I think is unique to us,” adds Carla. “There are a lot of suppliers in the market, but at Stafa we try and make ourselves different by offering these different ranges of unique services – so that we can offer added value to the customer.”

Finally, Stafa also connects customers with carefully selected European and Asiatic factories. This is based on Stafa’s knowledge and experience of both its customers and the manufacturers, enabling it to oversee the entire import process – including the import and transfer from the port to a customer’s delivery address.

“Having your procurement carried out via Stafa enables you to buy products according to your specifications and under the best conditions,” states Carla. “You gain an immediate price benefit, without having to compromise on quality. Directly importing means that your order is produced in one of our selected factories and can be sent immediately by container to your warehouse or anywhere else in the world. We can take care of the entire import process, including all customs formalities – as we take care of the paperwork. The customer simply sends in an enquiry and we take care of the rest.”

All the different sides of the group give Stafa the ability to supply a complete service to its customers – supported by a commitment and desire to deliver a wide range of quality products.

“We take the worry out of ordering for our customers, whatever the request may be,” says Ivo confidently. “Our customers see us as a good and reliable partner and thanks to the experience and knowledge we have at Stafa, we can deliver the ‘total solution’.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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ONE

ONE

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

G&B Group celebrating 35 years of quality G&B Group is celebrating 35 years of certified quality, experience and innovation, as well as continuous communication with its customers.

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&B Group started as a manufacturer of nylon anchors and from the very beginning decided that it should focus on product quality, the selection of raw materials, and on the reliability and seriousness of its suppliers.

“Even today, when the purchase price is certainly important, we still need to focus on quality and certified products,” comments Mr Enrico Galeasso, CEO of G&B Group. “It is an important commitment that can add great value in terms of competitiveness, and is the only way to provide a reliable product to customers – a choice that in the long-term has always rewarded our company policy.”

The initial strong specialisation, and the experience the company gained within the market, enabled G&B to rapidly expand its penetration within the whole of the European market – offering products of the highest quality with certified performance.

Due to the flexibility of its production programme, G&B Fissaggi Srl is now a manufacturer of nylon fixing systems, as well as steel and chemical anchors, for ironmongery, hardware, building, industry, electric, thermo-hydraulics and self-service stores.

“In addition to our awareness and experience there is another element that should never be overlooked – the constant communication and dialogue with the customer,” mentions Enrico Galeasso.

“Over time we have realised that listening to the market is the first step in offering effective responses and being able to adapt to each specific local situation. This is why we constantly invest in training, both with our sales teams and network of our customers, and offer customer engagement at stages where selection of the new products and market launches are made.”

An example of G&B Group’s constant communication and dialogue with its customers, was its participation at Fastener Fair Stuttgart. “We can report good overall results from the Stuttgart show,” comments Enrico Galeasso. “We received positive impressions on the demanding market trend, both from the regulatory and product quality point of view.”

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Reaching further G&B Group has commercial offices in Germany, Spain, Belgium and the UK. The UK office includes a warehouse, which was opened in Sheffield in February 2013, as well as a sales office and a large storage area that includes the complete range of products in-line with the Italian headquarters. The G&B UK team of technical and commercial staff is available for distributors’ every need related to sales and service.

Derek Henchley, general manager at G&B UK, was able to establish the UK branch thanks to his professionalism, knowledge and experience of the UK market – leading to a strong presence in the market with great potential for even more achievements. “Thanks to a direct relationship with head office, and the short chain of distribution, we can now offer to the UK market a wide range of products from our catalogue, many of them with CE marking, at a competitive price and very high performance, which are also always tested in G&B laboratories,” says Derek Henchley.

The distribution channels in the UK are those traditional B2B companies and involve the distributors and the wholesalers of building materials and hardware. With the new office in Sheffield, G&B UK says it can now offer several competitive advantages to its customers including: • A full range of the entire production of G&B always available from stock.

• High-quality products with CE marking.

• Sales of product can also be obtained directly from the head office in Italy.

• Very competitive quotations will be offered.

• Service and delivery of product within 24 hours for the UK mainland.

• Technical assistance and customer care always available.

• Store and training support can be provided. www.gebfissaggi.com

“ …listening to the market is the first step in offering effective responses…”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

s l a n o i s s e f o r P e h t f o e c i o h C Th e Our formular : Innovation Quality Experience Service Delivery Training

...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ......................

continuous certified from over 35 years always with you we arrive before all our Knowhow to improve your teamwork

Just to be tested!

G&B UK warehouse Quality products with a service to match available for next day delivery direct from our branch in Sheffield (UK mainland only).

G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia Corso Savona, 22 - 10029 Villastellone (TO) tel. +39 011 961 94 33 - fax +39 011 961 96 39 info@gebfissaggi.com

www.gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi UK warehouse Unit 16 Riverside Court Don Road - Sheffield - S9 2TJ (UK) tel. 0114 242 0074 fax 0114 242 0075 uksales@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland johnengebfissaggi@gmail.com G&B Fissaggi IbĂŠrica gbiberica@gebfissaggi.com G&B Benelux p.brok@gebfissaggi.com

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

ECAP and wood connectors Barbara Sorgato is secretary general of the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP), a role in which she consistently demonstrates why SMEs should be involved in European standards development, and how they can make a difference by doing so. Here she makes a characteristically impassioned argument for full and balanced participation in the revision of EN 14592 to provide a comprehensive, integrated and effective standard for wood connectors used in structural timber applications.

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onnectors for structural timber are one of those fields where national solutions – or EOTA based CE markings mirroring national approaches – still overwhelm a European solution. Wood is the oldest building material used by man, so no wonder structural wood building rules are very regional.

Romans were masters in timber centrings, the temporary structures upon which the stones of an arch or vault were laid during construction, and spread the technology everywhere in their empire – creating a common approach for bridges and roofs. Besides that, though, every European region developed its own style and traditions for urban and rural timber buildings, so today every Member State can claim to have its own system and safety level.

London’s Globe Theatre builders probably didn’t compare their design and products with their Scandinavian colleagues, nor with the German builders of the seven-storey half-timbered Knochenhaueramtshaus, nor with the Russian builders of

“ Why did Member States vote positively for a standard that did not reflect economic and market reality, and that lacks compatibility with the related design standard, Eurocode 5?”

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the up to 37 metre high Russian wooden churches on the island of Kizhi.

No Eurocodes existed at that time, no CE marking, and, finally, no metal wood connectors.

Today we have all that is needed to reach a comprehensive European approach on wood connectors. Let’s look at how things are going.

ECAP members produce dowel type fasteners, such as wood screws, and three-dimensional nailing plates made of steel or aluminium – some of them with specified fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts, pins and dowels – for use as connections in load-bearing timber structures and their supports.

For dowel type fasteners the obstacle so far has been a European standard that does not work.

The majority of European wood connector producers rightly considered the European Standard EN 14592 on dowel type fasteners for timber structures as non-applicable. An interesting question now would be: Why did Member States vote positively for a standard that did not reflect economic and market reality, and that lacks compatibility with the related design standard, Eurocode 5?

Once these problems were detected and denounced, and in order to have a comprehensive European approach for a product such as wood screws (which surely cannot be called ‘innovative’) the standard should have been redrafted urgently.

This should have involved all interested parties and taken into account all topics and problems raised by the industry and by the Member States, so that the standard could work and could be accepted all across Europe. This process needs on average two to four years.

Instead, the EOTA route offered an immediate way out.

A group of manufacturers simply decided not to use the standard, and opened through EOTA a parallel CE marking route according to their own needs. This route allows de facto, without losing time in too many discussions, to transfer the content of national certifications into a European CE marking scheme. In this way, things went smoother and the level of the CE marking was raised. As a consequence, though, today the European market experiences a duplication of CE markings, ‘Class A’ being the EOTA one. Now manufacturers that previously

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

OUR TECHNICAL APPROVALS FOR YOUR SAFETY!

Schäfer + Peters GmbH ● Zeilbaumweg 32 ● DE-74613 Öhringen Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0 ● info@schaefer-peters.com ● www.schaefer-peters.com

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S marked their products according to the European standard have to defend the validity of their CE marking, discredited by the EOTA CE marking.

All this undermines the reputation of European CE marking and is generally negative for Europe.

Three years ago ECAP members voted to co-finance the revision of EN 14592, with the aim of raising the level of the standard and to update it with all product characteristics consolidated by the wood connectors’ practice. In this way, the standard could also cover products with a high degree of innovation, the evaluation of which is nowadays done outside of the standardisation system.

“ ECAP members… consider a shared and transparent participation at the technical tables as a precondition for CE marking of products.”

The Working Group is facing several technical issues and ECAP members are contributing particularly in the drafting of the chapters on wood screws and on bolts.

When the standard is published, it will be the only legal basis for the CE marking of wood connectors with characteristics covered by the standard. That is why it was and it is important that producers are involved in the definition of the technical requirements and related discussions, and not just in the drafting of general position papers. Sitting at the standardisation table today means to see their know-how reflected in the forthcoming CE marking.

Parallel work is ongoing at the related design level, which in this case is covered by the so-called ‘Eurocode 5’ (EN 1995 ‘Design of timber structures’). Eurocodes are under revision, so ECAP is there to ensure that all work done in the standard on wood connectors will be consistent with the revised content of Eurocode 5.

Three-dimensional nailing plates are covered by EOTA Guideline ETAG 015. ECAP members are holders of European Technical Approvals, which will expire at the latest in about 3½ years, and of European Technical Assessments, with no expiry date, according to the CPR. That’s why ECAP is committed to the revision of ETAG 015 – but here, again, we have to address the changes caused by the CPR. To follow the technical evolution of the products, ETAG 015 will need to be reassessed. The CPR requires that, to be revised,

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ETAG 015 is first transformed into an EAD. However, on one side, EOTA does not seem to consider the transfer of ETAG 015 into the related EAD as a priority. On the other side, the legal rules of the CPR are restrictive about the participation of more than one manufacturer in the drafting of a European Assessment Document. EOTA is not considered anymore as an institution giving approvals, but as an institution issuing assessments.

If the CPR defines that EOTA is simply to give a kind of snapshot of a product in a certain moment of its evolution, and for a single manufacturer, what need is there for shared participation of the industry and continuous update of what is not even anymore called a guideline but an assessment document (EAD)? This is the legal burden placed on EOTA by the CPR. ECAP members are aware of that and want to work within the legal framework of the CPR, but consider a shared and transparent participation at the technical tables as a precondition for CE marking of products. If this is not possible anymore under the EOTA route, an alternative solution must be found, because ECAP members are no longer used to just being informed. They have learned to influence.

The difference between these two concepts is well known by multinationals, a little less so by other SMEs. SMEs are used to receiving reports, possibly in their own language, about what happens ‘in Europe’. In the best case they take part in standardisation in their national mirror groups.

Sometimes they are even allowed to participate a few times in the European Working group. The real game, though, is played by technical, bureaucratic and political actors of different nationalities at several European levels – and good results are achieved only with a continuous and constant presence in all these levels. That’s why ECAP supports the work of its members, carried out at national level, by taking part in all standardisation working groups, task groups, technical committees, as well as in EOTA’s technical board, as a European organisation.

The standardisation work is still ongoing. At the end, after a lot of technical discussions and compromises (do we still remember that democratic processes require both?), ECAP SMEs will bring home the following results: Increase of their technical knowledge; assessment in real time of their products with the requirements of the standards and guidelines; development of technical researches with European universities by sharing costs; constructive relationship with their national standardisation bodies; a precious network with European colleagues. In one word, they will be ready for CE marking.

Representing European SMEs in several institutions of the construction sector, I try to give the following message: National solutions, as well as a standardisation system based on a conservative national approach, is negative for Europe, and particularly for European SMEs. To play an active role, SMEs should group in European, sector specific consortia, and invest in long-term European projects.

Ultimately the economical return is much higher than the efforts they invest. www.ecap-sme.org

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Fastener + Fixing Magazine: What are your views? On the specific issues raised in this article? On the CPR and CE Marking as a whole? On the development of standards for fasteners and fixing products?

Email editor@fastenerandfixing.com

PECOL GROUP Established in 1983 in Águeda (Aveiro) the Portuguese group PECOL has earned the reputation of being one of the major Iberian leader’s in the fixing industry. Currently occupies a prominent place at the European level and it is present worldwide, providing a global range of services and fastening products for all types of industries. Along with an internationalization strategy and investment in products of high complexity, the focus in product quality and the provision of an excellent customer service reflect the group’s fundamental principles.

RETSACOAT – Tratamento de Superfícies Metálicas, Lda (2001) Created in 2001, RETSACOAT is a services company specialized in the appliance of surface treatments providing final clients with the best solutions in accordance to their needs.

Counting with electrolytic surface treatment lines (Zn / ZnNi / Phosphate) and licensed

by NOF METAL COATINGS for GEOMET®, DACROMET® and GEOBLACK® coating, this company assumes a complementary role to other production units of the group.

INDUSTRIAL PARK IN ÁGUEDA - PORTUGAL The group throughout its 30 year history has grown especially with the establishment and acquisition of several complementary companies to its industrial origin - the production of metallic fixing parts by cold forming.

The group currently consists of five production centers in Portugal (150.000m2) and Spain (5.000m2), adding commercial headquarters and logistics platforms in different parts of the world, as well as other business areas.

www.retsacoat.pt

retsacoat@retsacoat.pt

INKATOR, S.A (2012)

PECOL – Sistemas de Fixação, S.A. (1983)

The extensive knowledge of the Spanish market has made possible for PECOL Group the selective acquisition of several companies of the same sector – cold stamping of metallic fixing elements, making real its internationalization strategy. With 40 years’ experience in the production of technical pieces and with an area of 5.000m2, INKATOR is a reference company in this activity sector and works with big automotive industry groups, stating that it was a well-placed bet in this strategy.

This company was the basis of the group origin and it is currently a successful business unity with an effective international projection supplying fixing solutions to several activity sectors such as construction, engineering, carpentry, industrial maintenance, installers and auto repairing.With a wide sales network with more than 100 commercials to act worldwide and various subsidiaries, PECOL is an expert and leader in fastening systems. Offering an extensive range of products, with more than 35,000 references and 30,000 pallets in stock, distributed to several categories - Fastening, Chemicals, Cutting, Manual and Electrical Tools, Personal Protective Equipment, Wood Products, Soldering and Maintenance – ensure our customer’s satisfaction.

Implanted in Barcelona, this company allows a high level of technical and logistical support to PECOL AUTOMOTIVE and a vast exchange of knowledge and experiences between companies of the same trade.

www.pecol.pt

www.inkator.com

pecol.sa@pecol.pt

comercial@inkator.com

PECOL AUTOMOTIVE, S.A. (2001)

SERMOCOL, Lda (2013)

Globalization and competitive markets, the increasing quality requirements of product and customer service, combined with the need to focus on a single plant all the expertise and know-how accumulated over years, were determining factors for the establishment of PECOL AUTOMOTIVE,SA. Beginning its activity in 2001,it is currently the largest manufacturer of cold forming components in the Iberian Peninsula, with unique equipments enabling the production of parts up to 32mm in diameter and 325mm in length.

Nowadays, a mainly exporting company dedicated to work in the automotive industry; Pecol Automotive is equipped with modern production resources and endowed with the best technology, allowing providing high quality service to customers with a tight and rigorous profile.

Sermocol develops a high variety of tools and technical pieces in steel and carbide, using advanced manufacturing processes in order to obtain a better performance of its products.

The investment in the developing of new machines and CNC equipment, achieving innovative solutions through formulation of specific algorithms for their equipment have optimised their processes. The usage of CAD/CAM systems is widespread in all the processes pertaining to the production of special tools.

This company was paramount in the conclusion of the all process in-house strategy.

Establishing a difference to many competitors through an integrated production process, PECOL AUTOMOTIVE integrates in the same place cold forging, threading, cells of second operations, continuous heat treatment furnaces and 100% sorting machines.

RETSACOAT (Surface Treatments) and SERMOCOL (development and production of tools) were created in order to complement this production unit, thus concluding the implementation of the integrated process design in a single industrial park.

The high investments and product quality, coupled with a consistent commercial strategy, make PECOL AUTOMOTIVE a reference supplier in the automotive industry, currently supplying to the main TIER1 globally. www.pecolautomotive.pt

info@pecolautomotive.pt

www.sermocol.pt

geral@sermocol.pt

The group’s composition and its strategy allow PECOL’s current clients to see us not only as a common supplier but as a business partner worth of keeping and enhancing.

GLOBAL FASTENERS SOLUTIONS

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Investing in SMART

®

pgb-Polska, the polish production plant of pgb-Europe, tells us it constantly invests in its SMART® range to offer its customers the best products and technical approvals.

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MART® offers an extensive range of anchor products for a wide variety of applications – supported by European Technical Approvals and Assessments.

The products in pgb-Polska’s range include:

SMART® through bolts pgb-Polska is also able to offer through bolt anchors with European Technical Approval (ETA – 11/0474) Option 7 for applications in non-cracked concrete. Offering fast installation through fixing in concrete and natural stone, the anchor also offers high pull-out loads and comes in zinc plated (SMK) and stainless steel versions (SMKI). It has two approved setting depths that offer the user great versatility.

Moreover it features a chamfered head that protects the thread when the anchor is set, and an anti-rotation expansion sleeve with type marking.

There is also the S-KA heavy-duty expansion anchor, which has an ETA (ETA – 10/0472) according to Option 1 for use in cracked concrete. It is specially designed for applications where the highest safety is required.

The SMART through bolts come in zinc plated (S-KA), hot-dip galvanised (S-KAK), stainless steel A4 (S-KAH) and high corrosion resistant steel 1.4529 (S-KAH HCR).

SMART® expansion anchors The SMART metal expansion anchors have an ETA (ETA – 14/0239) according to Option 8 and are available as an anchor shield (Type H), shield with screw (Type B) and shield with threaded rod and nut (Type T). They are commonly used for renovations in old constructions, and lower quality base materials, due to their extra wide four-sided expansion.

The expansion anchors are also suitable for prepositioned, push through and distance installations.

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SMART® drop-in anchors SMART drop-in anchors are available in zinc plated (Type IA) and a stainless steel versions (Type IAI). There is also a version with a lip (Type IAL) that prevents the anchor slipping in the drill hole. For core drilling machines, pgb-Polska also offers the Type IAD with reinforced shell.

SMART® concrete screws pgb-Polska states that its SMART® concrete screws are the fastest high performance anchor on the market. The screws tap their own way into the drill hole and there is no lateral tension in the base material, which allows the screws to be used in small spaces and close to the edge of materials. There are three versions available: Hexagon head (Type MZK), hexagon head with pressed-on washer (Type MZF) and countersunk head for a flush finish (Type MVK).

SMART® high performance anchors SMART® high performance anchors offer a high grade of safety. The perfect expansion guarantees suitability in cracked concrete, where the plastic compression ring ensures the clamping of the mounted piece to the base material.

The high performance anchors offer very high shear loads.

There are a variety of different head shapes available including hexagon head (Type ZAK), threaded rod with nut (Type ZAT) and a countersunk head (Type ZAV).

SMART® anchor calculation software pgb-polska is also able to offer its own anchor calculation program for SMART metal and chemical anchors in concrete.

The program offers a lot of features for planners and designers and is easy to use. The designs are according to European Technical Assesments/Approvals, European Guideline ETAG 001 Annex C and Technical Report TR 029. The calculation reports are generated as a comprehensive PDF document. www.pgb-europe.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

- Standard fasteners - DIN - EN - ISO - Special parts

- Professional wood screws - CE/EN 14592

INTELLIGENT FIXING SOLUTIONS pgb-Europe has over 25.000 SKU of fasteners, fixings and tools in stock.

With focus on high product quality and optimal product presentation we are one of the leading suppliers of fasteners in the Benelux.

Modern warehousing, uniform packaging, flexible order processing and many years of experience are just a few of our assets that makes this 100% family-owned company a trustful partner.

- Complete anchor program - Calculation software

QUALITY

in-house checking facility

CE READY uniform packaging

LOGISTIC

automatic warehouse

E-SHOP

online orders and follow-up

member of

pgb-Europe nv | Gontrode Heirweg 170 | 9090 Melle | Belgium Tel.: +32 9 272 70 70 | Fax: +32 9 272 70 99 info@pgb-europe.com | www.pgb-europe.com

ISO 9001

BUREAU VERITAS Certification

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Vorpa increases its approval portfolio With the addition of the VHS-C middle duty anchor, Vorpa says it has added another fast, safe and simple fixing to its wide range – certifying, once again, the quality of its products to help fulfil customers’ requirements.

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nown for quality, reliability and innovation, Vorpa’s state of the art design capability and technological experience is evident across its products range – from medium duty anchors, general light fixings, resin bonded anchors, through to sanitary fixings, electrical material fixings and self-service DIY products.

Vorpa has several products that have received European Technical Assessments, all issued by prestigious European Institutes in accordance to ETAG guidelines. The latest star to enter into the family is the torque controlled middle duty anchor VHS-C with 8.8 hex head bolt for use in non-cracked concrete (ETA – 14/0403). Smooth expansion of the VHS-C anchor is ensured thanks to transverse slots punched into the body and knurled expansion cone. The anchor is suitable for use in concrete, is available with numerous accessories, and guarantees remarkably quick installation and high performance. The expansion is soft and smooth, ideal for anchor frames, plates, profiles and plant engineering.

The extensive range embraces various types of anchors – including A2/A4 stainless steel – and is assembled with a wide selection of accessories.

The VHS steel anchors can also be used as body expanders in a variety of fixing products for security applications – such as window grilles, gates and barriers, shelters, railings, as well

as outdoor furniture. The VHS anchors are also available with shear nuts or safety permanent/removable nuts both in the steel version and the A2 stainless steel version.

Vorpa is currently working to obtain the update to ETA Option 1, suitable for cracked and non-cracked concrete applications, for its high load through anchor VS-P in three versions – with hex head screw, hex head nut plus rebar and countersunk head screw.

Last but not least Vorpa is able to offer customers a new and improved version of its Vorpa Calcul Anchor 2.0 – a calculation software that includes a variety of updates such as the possibility to design installation of chemical anchors according to EOTA’s TR029. www.vorpa.com

“ The latest star to enter into the family is the torque controlled middle duty anchor VHS-C.” 72

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

1974-2014

40 YEARS MANUFACTURE

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Tecfi: Producing quality fixings 2014 was a very important year for Tecfi SpA in terms of achievements, as the company received a European Technical Assessment in C2 Category, for use in high seismic hazard zones, on two heavy-duty anchors: AJE wedge anchors and SWE dual component epoxy resin.

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talian-based Tecfi specialises in the design, production and sale of fixing systems, with its range of products covering a wide variety of fixings – heavy-duty, lighting, roofing, wood, as well as window/frame/façade fixings.

In addition to its C2 Category accreditation, Tecfi has already received European Technical approvals for a selection of products, such as:

The company also has a fully equipped laboratory, provided with the best SIT certified facilities, where skilled technicians daily test the entire product process – from raw material to finished products. Tests that Tecfi can carry out in its laboratory include mechanical, metallurgical and corrosion. With the new C2 Category accreditation, Tecfi is also planning to introduce a seismic testing facility in the future.

• ETA-CE Option 1 on HXE concrete screws (ETA – 11/0336), AJE wedge anchors (ETA – 11/0319), HVE high performance steel anchors (ETA – 10/0060), SWE dual component epoxy resin (ETA – 12/0253) and DGE 02 and DGE 12 styrene free dual component vinylester resin (ETA – 10/0102).

• ETA-CE Option 7 on DSE sleeve anchors (ETA – 08/0058), DXE sleeve anchors with connected nut for pre-positioned fixings (ETA – 10/0453) and ZJE wedge anchors (ETA – 13/1012).

• ETA-CE category A, B and C on VS-HANDYPLUG universal nylon anchors for façades and frames (ETA – 13/0135).

• ETA-CE category B and C on DGE 01 styrene free polyester chemical anchors (ETA – 11/0533).

• ETA-CE according to ETAG 015 on KW and KT connections for wooden beams (ETA – 12/0237).

Tecfi can also boast a very wide assortment of products that have CE marking such as wood and chipboard screws, nylon cables ties and sealants, as well as a wide range of screws and accessories for fixing roofing on steel, wood and concrete.

The company explains that these achievements – in terms of very strict product certifications and patents – are the result of a business philosophy that, since 1997, has driven the company to continually invest.

This sustained period of investment has enabled Tecfi to provide suitable and supervised production capacity, with fully automatic machines for cold forming of metal sheet and for nylon and rubber injection, as well as cold heading and rolling machines.

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A highly qualified technical team is divided into a technical department – for product inspection – and a R&D department in which engineers develop new, safer and easier solutions for installation and try to get the highest certifications according to standard guidelines. This team of engineers, together with Tecfi sales managers, travel the world offering their distributors technical training and support, tests on job sites and consultancy on projects. This is all coupled with an advanced quality control system that ensures all Tecfi’s procedures are followed in the correct way.

The company has also recently opened a new 7,000m2 production site, which has been developed to empower internal production capacity, offer a suitable space for the technical area and maintain the high-level of service that Tecfi offers to its customers.

“Tecfi has always been a customer oriented company.

In 2014, thanks to our huge stock, we were able to deliver about 96% of requested items in the first shipment. Our structured and quick logistic organisation, coupled with our friendly and skilled sales, promotion and customer care teams, also ensures that 97% of orders are shipped within 24 hours.

These are the strongholds that allow Tecfi to achieve total customer satisfaction. In addition, a professional and very easy to use ACP – anchor design software – has been developed to help engineers and craftsman in designing and fulfilling their projects.” www.tecfi.it

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

LIEBIG® anchors – safe and reliable fixing LIEBIG® heavy-duty anchors are designed to provide a safe and reliable fixing in concrete and its name has long been recognised as a reference for heavy-duty anchors.

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ormat acquired the business of LIEBIG® mechanical heavy-duty anchors in 2013 and supplies a full programme of LIEBIG heavy-duty anchors as part of its extensive range of fixing products.

For Sormat the LIEBIG® Superplus is simply the best heavy-duty self-undercutting anchor in the world. Installation does not require any special undercut tools or drill bits.

The Superplus is available in zinc, HDG and A4 versions for pre-set or through installation in M8, M12 and M16. The Superplus is fast, economical, strong, and reliable, and has an ETA (ETA – 01/0011) according to Option 1, which means it may be used for nuclear power plant applications.

Special versions of the Superplus include the Step Iron Anchor with 40mm embedment, which is the only ETA Option 1 anchor for this application. Other versions include a lightning protection type for retrofitting grounding systems and the LS type with M8 inner thread.

The LIEBIG® Safety Bolt is the legendary twin cone heavy-duty anchor for high power performance in all conditions – thanks to optimal friction resistance and cylindrical, wide expansion of the sleeve over the entire length.

The Safety Bolt is available in zinc and A4 versions with stud, hexagonal head or countersunk head in M6, M8, M10, M12 and M16. It has an ETA (ETA – 06/0108) according to Option 1 and has been approved for power plants applications in many countries. With its domed washer, Safety Bolt offers a visual control that the correct torque has been applied.

The LIEBIG® Anchor is an economical version of the heavy-duty anchor with a single expansion cone. LIEBIG Anchor is available in zinc with stud and hexagonal head in M8, M10, M12 and M16. The anchor also has an ETA (ETA – 06/0123) according to Option 1 and can be used in a variety of industries.

Similar to the Safety Bolt it offers visual confirmation that the correct torque has been applied.

First ETA for rear fixed façade anchor KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH has received the first ETA (ETA – 03/0055) for an undercut anchor for fixing façade panels from the rear.

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he European Technical Assessment applies to the attachment of all stoneware panels according to EN 14411 (Ceramic tiles. Definitions, classification, characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking) and means that panel manufacturers no longer need to obtain their own costly assessments. KEIL explains: “A lot of effort is required just to obtain a European evaluation for anchors in accordance with a guideline. Even more manpower and effort has to be invested to obtain an assessment on the basis of an EAD which at the beginning did not exist.”

KEIL was already a pioneer in this application, applying for a European approval in 1998 and, in 2004, receiving the first ETA for such fixing devices. Since then a CUAP developed by the Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik was introduced to ETAG 034 (Kits for external wall claddings) on which manufacturers of parts for ventilated façades could apply for an ETA.

Under the Construction Products Regulation a European Assessment Document is now required, so the DIBt handled the ETA application from KEIL according to the EU regulation.

After much coordination with Brussels the EAD was adopted and the new ETA granted.

The assessment of the usability of the KH undercut anchor for the purpose intended and on the requirements for safe use was developed on the following tests: 1. Pull-out tests along the line of the anchor.

2. Pull-out tests at right angles to the anchor.

3. Pull-out tests at an angle.

4. Component tests.

5. Tests regarding performance under repeated loading.

6. Tests regarding performance under continuous loading.

7. Tests regarding performance under alternating freezing/ thawing conditions.

8. Tests regarding performance under absorption of water.

KEIL has now been granted the first ETA (ETA – 03/0055) for the special anchor for the rear fixing of façade panels made of ceramic plates (stoneware) according to EN 14411.

Keil says the rear attachment of panels with positive fit anchors in an undercut hole has created new opportunities for ventilated facades. “With the KEIL KH undercut anchor, a superior product is available in the market, which has already extended its reach to many applications – including one of the famous crane houses in Cologne and the Liverpool Museum in the UK.” The ETA for the most widely used type of ceramic façade panel gives additional impetus to this groundbreaking technology.

About 600 ceramic panel manufacturers no longer need to obtain their own assessments. The designer has the whole range at their disposal based on defined application conditions and capabilities.

The building owner can trust an attachment method, the reliability of which has been proven in an extensive procedure.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Think Bossong for extreme temperatures BOSSONG SpA says that its BCR V-PLUS Winter, a vinylester styrene-free chemical anchor – which is CE marked for fixing in concrete with threaded rods and for post-installed rebar connections, gives users the perfect solution for fixing at low temperature.

B

CR V-PLUS Winter is especially formulated for low temperature applications, guaranteeing a fast curing time at a low base material temperature of -20°C. The performance and quality of BCR V-PLUS Winter is the same as the well-known BCR V-PLUS. The BCR V-PLUS Winter is a product with a very high technical level according to ETAG – 001 Part 5. It has also received an ETA (ETA – 09/0140) for threaded rod and an ETA (ETA – 09/0246) for post-installed rebar connections.

The chemical anchor can be used in cracked or non-cracked concrete and is suitable for applications in dry/wet and flooded hole conditions, as well as being approved for applications in overhead positions.

The BCR V-PLUS Winter has a flexible setting depth according to EOTA TR029, as well as a reduced minimum setting depth for post installed rebar connections.

The product is available in 400ml coaxial cartridge.

“With BCR V-PLUS Winter we are reinforcing the suitability of our V-PLUS range for extreme temperature conditions and for a very wide range of user’s technical and practical requirements.” www.bossong.com

SITA CE 7 provides high-quality installation G&B Fissaggi, based in Turin, Italy, expects its SITA CE 7 heavy-duty anchor to provide users with a variety of benefits – including high-quality installation.

S

ITA CE 7 holds an ETA (ETA – 12/0594) according to Option 7 for non-cracked concrete. The anchor is cold formed and features an extra long multi-expansion clip. Information data is engraved on the fully threaded body of the SITA CE 7 with two installation depth marks also included.

SITA CE 7 is available in a large range of approved diameters, from 6mm to 20mm, and lengths – all offering high strength tensile and shear loads, as well as quick and easy installation, with minimum insertion effort required. www.gebfissaggi.com

blumorgana.it

The new catalogue!

1962 fastening systems

2012

速

w w w . b o s s o n g . c o m BOSSONG S.p.A. Sistemi di Fissaggio e Consolidamento 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

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Quick and hidden fastening of decking boards Screw manufacturer HECO Schrauben GmbH & Co KG has expanded its range of decking screws. From now on, the company will offer a decking glider with special screw for quick and hidden fastening of decking.

Visually attractive decking in just a few steps The HECO decking glider is inserted into the groove of the decking board and screwed to the substructure with just one HECO-TOPIX® decking glider screw. Thus, glider-by-glider, installers can lay the boards in just a few steps and using very few mounting points. The decking surface remains unscathed and the fastening is barely visible in the decking gaps. The plastic gliders eliminate the need for additional spacers as they automatically space the boards. This gives the decking surface an even appearance. Another advantage is that the decking gliders create distance between the boards and the substructure, which keeps the timber structure back-vented and enhances durability.

The decking glider screw can be driven without predrilling The HECO-TOPIX decking glider screw is an A2 stainless steel part-threaded screw with a diameter of 4.5mm and cheese head. It was developed especially for the HECO decking set.

It has the patented HECO-TOPIX point with ribs, thus reducing splitting of the substructure during driving – so there is no need to predrill the wood. A special coating ensures low driving torques and thus longer battery life.

HECO states that the screw gives users an incomparable advantage with its newly developed stick-fit effect. The perfectly coordinated interplay of bit – the HECO-Drive (HD-20) – and drive makes installation immensely user-friendly, since the stainless steel screw sits securely on the bit and it can be screwed in effortlessly with one hand without falling out.

Installation set packed in a practical box The HECO decking gliders are available in sets (plastic gliders and screw) in practical plastic boxes. The centrepiece versions are available in pack sizes of 30 or 80 units. The edge pieces are available in packs of 30. To ensure flawless installation, a self-explanatory step-by-step guide is enclosed with each pack.

INDEX presents new packaging lines at Stuttgart At Fastener Fair Stuttgart, INDEX Fixings Systems – the Spanish manufacturer and industrial supplier of fixing systems – officially presented its new packaging lines of self-service and window boxes.

T

he new self-service boxes are a rethink of the range it already offered, while the window box is a brand new format.

Both have been adapted to current market requirements. The company explains that the new line has been designed and developed with the final customer in mind, such as self-employed professionals and DIY users.

Both the self-service and the window boxes offer more manageable quantities and sizes than the regular packaging.

In addition, their labelling offers the user the product’s basic information such as installation instructions and recommended uses in a graphic and clear way. The new labels also include a simple colour code according to the base material of installation, which facilitates the product’s identification.

“We are able to offer a whole new range of display solutions based on the new free service and window boxes, with a more recognisable appearance, and a more complete product description. The new packaging speeds reposition up and helps the product rotate, simplifies the stock control and improves overall presentation.” www.indexfix.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Professionals choose Tillex Made in Denmark since 1954...

Tillex is now searching for dealers & distributors.

Tillex ∙ Skelstedet 1A ∙ DK-2950 Vedbæk ∙ Tel. +45 45 89 12 66 ∙ tillex@tillex.dk ∙ www.tillex.com

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Convenience and choice with the new C2 Trade Case T.I. Midwood & Co Ltd (TIMco) has launched the C2 Classic Trade Case to store nine of the most popular sizes of C2 screws, as well as five V5 impact bits.

D

esigned specifically to house the popular C2 screw, the new handy metal case contains more than 1,800 screws ranging from 3.5mm x 16mm to 5mm x 100mm.

The new case will not only aid end users looking for a specific screw size but will also be extremely practical in helping users to remain organised at work or when looking to renew their stock of screws.

“The C2 is one of our most popular screws so we sought to provide end users with a robust case to house a range of the screws,” commented Simon Midwood, managing director of TIMco. “We understand how hard it is for tradesmen on-site to keep materials organised, so strive to offer innovative products such as the trade case and TIMbag to solve these problems. We’re delighted to see how popular the product is proving to be.”

The C2 screw is a multipurpose screw using patented twin cut technology that TIMco says achieves a 43% quicker screw time and half the torque of other screws – bringing time and energy savings to users. The screw is manufactured using state of the art machinery to create a screw that gives precise and positive drive control on every screw. TIMco also points out that the C2 is coated with a high-molecular polymer lubricant that reduces insertion torque by 52% and offers protection against rust 20 times longer than a standard zinc plated screw.

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2KPS delivers confidence Delivering confidence in safety, quality and performance are the driving forces of the product approval programme at 2K Polymer Systems (2KPS) – a UK based manufacturer of chemical anchoring systems exclusively for private label.

H

aving received the first ETA for a bonded anchoring system in 2005, 2KPS has been proactive in approving its product range ever since. Today, nine bonded anchoring systems are benefiting from a total of 16 ETAs that 2KPS is confident will cater for even the most challenging projects and requirements.

The latest additions to the ETA portfolio are focused on rebar applications. 2014 marked the completion of the approval programme of 2KPS’ EX1 anchoring system with the receipt of the ETA according to TR 023 (ETA – 14/0237) for post installed rebar connections.

At the same time, ETAs according to TR 023 were granted for EX3 (ETA – 14/0236) and EX2 (ETA – 14/0377). EX1, EX2 and EX3 are 2KPS’ 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 ratio pure epoxy based anchoring systems, and combined with the 10:1 ratio EASF-V, the product group can satisfy all rebar application or market requirements around the world.

The 3:1 ratio EX3 anchoring system stands out by its red colour, making the product easily recognisable on the jobsites. It is approved for use with large diameter rebars and diamond core drilling, and the curing time of EX3 is relatively fast – allowing increased on-site efficiency.

“Our company has accumulated an excellent experience in formulating and manufacturing high performance two component resin systems. Service, quality and relationships with our clients are at the core of our business,” concludes Paul Devonport, sales director at 2K Polymer Systems.

Inox Mare introduces new wedge anchor range Inox Mare Srl has introduced A4 and AISI 316 stainless steel wedge anchors, manufactured in Europe with a European Technical Approval/Assessment and CE marking.

T

he wedge anchors can be used for structural applications such as connections between concrete elements (not holed) and bearing structures of buildings, heavy framings, constructions, industrial fastenings, and installations. They can also be used for security anchorages – which are connections between concrete elements and basic security structures such as protections, hydraulic and conditioning systems, guides and lifting systems.

Inox Mare can also supply zinc plated wedge anchors and stainless steel versions for high corrosive environments, again with ETA assessment and CE Marking. The products have been selected from amongst the best European producers in the sector and Inox Mare says “as always, we are able to offer them at the best price”.

Every anchor is marked with ‘IM’ exclusively for Inox Mare – in order to ensure a unique product, guaranteed by the company’s 30 years experience in the stainless steel sector.

“In the constant search to enhance our already extensive range, we were conscious of the many requests for this type of item,” says Inox-Mare. “As always in the past, we have listened to our customers’ requirements and tried to respond with the best possible answer.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

March 2015

Decking + wood screws

Joseph Dresselhaus GmbH & Co. KG JDplus Multipurpose and Decking screws JDplus Multipurpose Screws are suitable for most applications, hard wood, soft wood, chipboard, PVC and many other materials. The JDplus can be driven into all types of wood without the use of a pilot hole and without splitting the wood, even close to the edge. The angle of the head has been designed with a double countersunk to allow for extra deep bit engagement to provide safe and secure driving of the screw. The self countersinking bags of the I-Star recess version forms a perfect countersunk with a tidy burr free finish.

Universalschrauben Multipurpose Screws

Dielenschrauben Floorboard Screws

ETA – 13/0674

Konstruktionsschrauben Timber Construction Screws

Terrassenschrauben Decking Screws

Fensterrahmenschrauben Window Frame Anchors

Sortimentskästen Assortment Cases

This issue’s Focus On is dedicated to Decking + wood screws.

Suppliers of products within this market sector have provided details of their capabilities along with up to date contact and product information.

Coming up in the next issue…

Socket + hexagon bolts Contact Jamie Mitchell Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 508 email: jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com

JDPLUS_Katalog_030914.indd 1

The patented thread design along with unique lubricant provides faster screw insertion times, coupled with a superior pull out resistance than standard screws. No pre-drilling required.

The ultimate Timber Decking Screw for use in all decking applications. Made from A2 stainless steel makes the JDplus ideal for all exterior environments and will not react with tanalised timber. The reverse locking thread underneath the head ensures both the deck and timber frame are securely fixed.

The I-Star recess provides optimal torque transmission whilst the optimized thread cutting tip ensures speedy insertion. Using this innovative product avoids the splitting of the wood.

However pre-drilling is recommended. email: info@dresselhaus.de

E.U.R.O Tec GmbH

pgb-Europe

E.u.r.o.Tec – Hardwood Decking – and Wood Screws are created to offer the most possible benefits to the professional user, which are guaranteed by the main characteristics as:

pgb-Europe professional wood and decking screws

A special tip to cut the fibre immediately for easy grip. An optimized thread geometry to reduce the screwing time by approx. 40%.

A milling thread between thread and shank to reduce screwing torque for stressless and fatigue-proof working. Ribs under the head to avoid splitting and to guarantee a flush countersinking. A unique hardening to offer a bending angle of more than 40° to follow movement of the wood. Available also with a high end surface treatment, that offers a corrosion protection enduring more than 1,000h saltspray.

Hardwood Decking Screws with the same characteristics and available in hardened inox A2 as well as A4 (acid resistant).

“Terrassotec” screw types with cylindrical head design to pull the hardwood fibre into the drill hole to have a clean surface without supplementary operation.

Hidden fastening systems for timber and composite deckings in weatherproof made of glass fibre reinforced polyamides for easy fastening without special tooling.

• • • •

Wood/hardwood decks Composite decks Timber construction Designing stone patios

Tel: + 49 2331 6245 0

• • • •

Screens Garden fences Play areas Garden house, sheds www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

04.09.14 14:40

www.dresselhaus.de

pfs+ chipboard screws are high end wood screws, offering efficient solutions to professional users. Thanks to the special cut point, the screws are very easy to set without pilot drilling.

The wax improves the screwing and the ribs under the head guarantee a flush countersinking. Available in full thread and partial thread, PZ or TX recess and white or yellow zinc plating as well as in A2. Dimensions Ø 3.0 -6.0mm and length 25-200mm. CE/EN 14592. pfs+ hardwood screws are specially developed for outdoor decking installations. Specific characteristics are a small head, coarse thread for swift fastening and a milling segment on the shank to reduce the driving torque. Available in AISI 410, A2 and A4.

CE/EN 14592. pfs+ wood construction screws for timber frame constructions, with flange head and countersunk head in Ø 6.8 and 10mm and length up to 400mm. CE/EN 14592. pfs+ special screws, such as MDF panel screws with a patented green lubricant, reducing the friction and saving energy. Now available: MDF screw with Tx recess! CE/EN 14592.

For a full scope of our products, please visit our website or call us! email: frederik.pennoit@pgb-europe.com

www.pgb-europe.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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FO C U S O N D E C K I N G + W O O D S C R E W S Lederer GmbH Decking screws made of particularly resilient stainless steel, with CUT point, friction part and cutting ribs

The 4-edged-thread geometry... with staggered flank alignment reduces the tightening torque by up to 40% compared with conventional screws and reduces screwing-in times.

The CUT point with chamfer... can be screwed in quickly, accurately and with precision. It is ideal for wood/wood fastenings and simultaneously reduces the danger of cracks and fissures appearing.

The friction part at the end of the thread... reduces the tightening torque and means that your work need not be tiring. The danger of cracks and fissures developing is reduced.

Six cutting ribs under the head... make it possible to fully countersink the screw and ensure that the screw head sits in a clean and level position, without countersinking, the small head gives a visually attractive appearance.

Decking screws L-9064 from Lederer, the specialist for stainless steel fasteners, are ideally suited for the fastening of wooden decks, boardings and coverings. They are also suitable for screwing work on balconies, fences, exteriors, carports. Ask for an offer and samples!

Dimensions currently available: 5x40 – 5x50 – 5x60 – 5x70 – 5x80 Other items deliverable on specified enquiry!

Particularly resilient stainless steel... (nickel-free martensitic material 1.4006) ensures considerably greater strength than conventional A2/A4 materials.

The proven T25-drive... guarantees optimum power transmission from the placement of the screw to the countersinking of the head.

email: info@lederer-online.com

www.lederer-online.com

Schäfer + Peters GmbH

Shin Chun Enterprise Co., Ltd.

Company Schäfer + Peters GmbH was founded in 1982. S+P is the specialist for stainless steel in fasteners. S+P has more than 30,000 articles from the field DIN and standard parts that you can access.

New at S+P, timber wood screw / terrace screw from martensitic stainless steel. Screws from martensitic stainless steel have the quality that they show mechanical qualities like carbon screws by an additional thermal treatment. With this material higher break torques can be generated, than with austenitic stainless steel. We have improved this range with an European Technical Approval ETA 11/0283 as well as the CE 14592 certification. Ideal for all companies involved in wood processing (carpenters, timber construction) and all horticulturists and landscapers for fastening timbers and landing stages. Also the ideal solution for hardwoods such as Bankirai, Massaranduba, and many more.

Winer Screw® – With special design on thread – Diamond type with jag, the drilling torque is easily reduced but no obvious change to fastening function like pull-out strength etc. Compared with normal chipboard screw, the reduction of drilling torque can be around 30% (Test by Asia Technical Services by using Schatz VE Germany. Samples specification: 5X80/50mm, double flat head.)

The timber wood screws have a partial thread and a TX drive, which enable an easy and safe working procedure of setting and countersink of the screws. The terrace screws are available with sizes Ø 3.2mm – 6.0mm and lengths from 20mm – 160mm.

Winer Screw® can be applied on the usage for various kinds of wood construction. Especially for long screws and hard wood, the longer the screw is or the harder the wood is, the better you can feel the difference. With lower drilling-torque, screw-drilling work becomes easier, quicker, and less power.

ColorGuard® – A perfect solution for surface treatment, applicable widely for fasteners. With non-Chrome Zinc coating, high-grade Polymer Organic binder and top coat, ColorGuard® offers strong surface protection against corrosion (S.S.T., Kesternich test, etc.) but no harm to environment. Furthermore, we offer you many colors, with which you can easily make sure you drilled right-sized screws, and also makes the work more beautiful and interesting.

Please visit our web shop to get a general survey of our range on the martensitic stainless steel screws and our full range on stainless steel fasteners. email: info@schaefer-peters.com

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www.schaefer-peters.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

email: paul@sce.com.tw

www.sce.com.tw

SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH

T. I. Midwood & Co Ltd

SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH – Devision Production (SWG), based in Waldenburg, Germany, is a developer and manufacturer of a very wide variety of products for furniture construction, wood structures and especially for timber engineering.

TIMCO READY FOR STRONG DECKING SEASON TIMco, one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of screws, fastener and fixings, has geared up for a busy spring season by stocking high levels of its In-Dex Decking Screws. The range proved hugely popular last year during the ‘decking season’ as merchants sought the screws as they are specifically designed for the construction of decking platforms.

Due to decades of experience and cooperation with clients worldwide, SWG-Production specializes in the development and production of top quality wood construction screws for a multitude of differing applications.

SWG-Production states that its extremely high level of quality, combined with the sustainable and careful handling of the resources available, are ensured by its quality and energy management systems.

In addition, thanks to its modular technology building block system, which allows the combination of various head, thread and point geometries, SWG can cover a broad and comprehensive CE product range with its own ETA. In 2013 we had already received Canadian approval “CCMC 13677-R” for our screws used in wood construction. The approval for US American market has now been awarded. With the “ESR-3178” and “ESR-3179” approvals, the screws can be used for wood constructions in the entire North American region with immediate effect.

TIMco’s In-Dex Decking Screws are available in a range of discreet colours including organic green, brown and stainless steel. The screw has a reduced head diameter to fit in the decking grooves, while its plating helps protect it against the elements. To enhance its ease of use, the screw has a deep thread and Type 17 Slash point to offer users greater accuracy and hold.

As a further incentive, for every tub of green Decking Screws sold until 30th September, TIMco will also be donating 25p to a breast cancer charity.

Since January 2014 a seven man SWG engineering team has been supporting the company and its clients in the planning and implementation of client construction projects.

Later in the Spring, TIMco will also be launching a new range of heavy duty In-Dex Timber screws that can be inserted into most wood types with a standard power tool up to 20 times faster than standard coach screws. With no need for a pilot hole when working, the new heavy duty In-Dex Timber Screw’s 50° thread also helps provide a more secure fixing with high pull out resistance. The screw’s type 17 slash and sharpened point also help accuracy and penetration into all wood types. The screws also have a patented multi-layer corrosion resistant plating and a molecular lubrication to further improve insertion speed.

email: orders@swg-produktion.de

Tel: +44 (0) 1829 261 111

www.swg-produktion.de

www.timco.co.uk

Next issue: Focus on…

Socket + Hexagon Bolts Contact Jamie Mitchell e: jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com t: +44 (0) 1727 814 506 www.fastenerandfixing.com

85

FASTENER SORTING EXPERT FASTENER SORTING FASTENER SORTING EXPERT EXPERT

PSG Series PSG Series

Expansion reservation upto 7 inspection stations Expansion reservation upto 7 inspection stations Expansion reservation upto 7 inspection stationschine with customized features. achine with customized features. gm n i t r with customized features. m o hine s rting ma c l a a i d ss dial so Glla orting s s s l a a i Glass d G Features:

Features: Features: 1. Glass Dial design, applicable for micro fasteners (M1.0~

1. Glass Dial design, applicable for micro fasteners (M1.0~ 1. Glass design, applicable for micro fasteners (M1.0~ M3), Dial automotive and aerospace fasteners (M3~M12), M3), automotive and aerospace fasteners (M3~M12), M3), automotive and aerospace fasteners (M3~M12), and machining / turning parts. and machining / turning parts. and machining / turning parts.

2. Sorting Speed: 100~900 PPM (depended on size of parts) 2. Sorting Speed: 100~900 PPM (depended on size of parts) 2. Optical: Sorting Speed: 100~900 PPM (depended size or of heatparts) 3.

Eddy current system for material on mixup 3. Optical: Eddy current system for material mixup or heat3. Optical: Eddy current system for material mixup or heattreatment or not. treatment or not. treatment or not.

4. Optical: Prism system to inspect thread damage of bolts 4. Optical: Prism system to inspect thread damage of bolts 4. Optical: Prism system to inspect thread damage of bolts and screws. and screws. and screws.

5. Optical: External/internal 360゜lens to inspect thread 5. Optical: External/internal 360゜lens to inspect thread 5. damage, Optical: External/internal 360゜lens to inspect thread feature or surface defects. damage, feature or surface defects. damage, feature or surface defects.

6. Customized machine for bigger objects is also available.

6. Customized machine for bigger objects is also available.

6. Customized machine for bigger objects is also available.

For pin roller For pin roller For pin roller OK OK OK

NG NG NG

For screws For screws For screws

For nuts For nuts For nuts 360° external & internal inspection 360° external & internal inspection 360° external & internal inspection

CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. No. 58, Lane 110, Zhongxiao St., Hu-Nei Dist., CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. No. 58, Lane 110, Zhongxiao St., Hu-Nei Dist., Kaohsiung City 829, Taiwan St., Hu-Nei Dist., No. 58, Lane 110, Zhongxiao Kaohsiung City 829, Taiwan Tel: +886-7-693-7937 Kaohsiung City 829, Taiwan Tel: +886-7-693-7937 Fax: +886-7-693-7017 Tel: +886-7-693-7937 Fax: +886-7-693-7017 E-mail: sales@ccm3s.com Fax: +886-7-693-7017 E-mail: sales@ccm3s.com E-mail: sales@ccm3s.com

http://www.ccm3s.com http://www.ccm3s.com http://www.ccm3s.com

Contact in Europe Contact in Europe BRUNE GmbH Maschinen fuer Drahtumformung Contact in Europe BRUNE GmbH Maschinen fuer Drahtumformung In der Delle 10, D - 57462 Olpe, Germany BRUNE GmbH Maschinen fuer Drahtumformung In der Delle 10, D - 57462 Olpe, Germany TEL: +49 27 61 In der Delle 10,837 D -378 57462 Olpe, Germany TEL: +49 27 61 837 378 FAX: +49 27 61 837 031 TEL: +49 27 FAX: +49 2761 61837 837378 031 E-Mail: brune@brune-machinery.de FAX: +49 27 61 837 031 E-Mail: brune@brune-machinery.de E-Mail: brune@brune-machinery.de

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

New header model 248 E Carlo Salvi SpA has developed a new motorised header model – 248 E – which it says is an enhanced version of the model 248 machine. The machine is complete with an electro-pneumatic clutch that allows maximum heading tonnage to be applied even when jogging.

C

arlo Salvi specialises in manufacturing 2-die 4-blow machines, which can manufacture parts with complex shapes, and are able to handle wire diameters from 1.2mm to 12mm. The machines are particularly suitable for components with very large volume heads, as well as components where two dies are sufficient but at least three blows are needed, such as Allen screws or trimmed components.

A great advantage of these machines is that the third blow can very often be used as an introduction punch if parts with large heads, and a very short shank, have to be transferred.

The new machine has been specially developed in order to minimise changeover times. Its technology and speed is such that it can be run profitably for not only large volumes but also small batches.

The main features of this 248 E machine include: • Linear wire feed, without rolls or wire-stop.

• K.O die side and punch side.

• Motorised lifting/lowering of transfer unit.

• Conveyor.

• Bad part divert.

• Transfer fingers.

The header model 248 E can be supplied with additional items, such as a quick change kit that includes: Punch block unit, transfer unit, cutter holder unit, cutter centring jig, punch centring jig, and transfer centring jig.

To handle materials such as titanium and super alloys, which can not be formed with the cold heading system, the header can be equipped with a pre-heating system.

“Customers also have the option of which heating system to install on the header model 248 E – with coil housed on the die holder or the resin bonded inductor positioned into the bedframe. In the event of special production needs, it is also possible to install both kind of inductors.” www.carlosalvi.it

Set up and changeover times of the header model 248 E

Technical data of the header model 248 E

K.O length adjustment first die

30 seconds

4mm – 12.5mm (steel)

K.O length adjustment second die

30 seconds

Minimum and maximum wire diameter

Cutoff length adjustment

30 seconds

Maximum shank length

82mm

Adjustment of opening and closing cams

5 minutes

Maximum head diameter

20mm

Assembly of dies

5 minutes

Maximum cutting tonnage

6,500 daN

Assembly of punch block unit

5 minutes

Maximum heading tonnage

55,000 daN

Assembly of cutter unit

1 minute

Stroke of P.K.Os

20mm

Assembly of transfer fingers

1 minute

Assembly of transfer fingers

1 minute

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

4mm – 10 mm (titanium)

Model 248E

innovation of 2015!

248E

warm series

min and max wire diameter induction heater max shank length max head diameter max cutting tonnage max heading tonnage stroke of P.K.O.’s

mm kW mm mm daN daN mm

4 - 12,5 50 82 20 6500 55000 20

Italian Style

Advanced Forming Technologies

Carlo Salvi S.p.A.

Carlo Salvi USA inc. carlosalvi@frontier.com

Carlo Salvi UK Ltd. sales.uk@carlosalvi.com

Carlo Salvi (Guangzhou)

Carlo Salvi ISTANBUL

Machinery and Equipment Ltd.

Makina Ve Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi

gm.china@carlosalvi.com

sales.tr@carlosalvi.com

Via Ponte Rotto, 67 23852 Garlate (LC) - Italy Tel. +39 0341 654 611 Fax +39 0341 682 869 carlosalvi@carlosalvi.it

www.carlosalvi.it

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

SACMA Group upgrades its Winning Technologies® SACMA Group constantly aims to guarantee the production of its customers, which is why its manufacturing facilities utilise fully integrated machinery – producing its Winning Technologies® on the concept of common platforms.

As a result SACMA Group ensures a unique level of worldwide reliability supported by immediate spare parts availability for every machine.

I

n 1960, SACMA was the first cold forming technology producer to use numerical controlled machines in manufacturing. Today the company is proud of its many flexible machining lines. Even though it supplies specialised products in small volumes, to a niche market, SACMA utilises highly productive machining centres.

The production cycle is carefully defined and reflects a manufacturing process of more than two years for each new machine model, with all its mechanical parts produced inhouse. In response to globalisation and the need to reduce lead times, SACMA Group – in February 2015 – made a major investment to acquire new machinery to speed up its manufacturing process and satisfy the high-level of orders arriving from the worldwide fastener market. For example, SACMA Limbiate SpA installed a large additional flexible machining line with three large horizontal milling machines, one vertical milling machine and one vertical turning machine.

Aiming always to provide complete and timely support to its customers, so that it can rapidly commence production of new products or enter new markets, SACMA Limbiate SpA has enlarged its assembly division by 2,500m2. This expansion was neccessary due to the major success of its complete range of headers and increased the assembly division capacity to a total of 17,500m2.

Ingramatic SpA uses the same concept as SACMA and has invested in turning, milling and grinding machines to produce its components and spare parts. Since 2014, Ingramatic has introduced production to stock its own warehouse, enabling it to contain supplies from SACMA and from O.B.M. – the group’s production facility for small and medium sized parts.

The warehouse storage is a crucial point to which many

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important investments have been dedicated, including a newly built hall – demonstrating its strategic role in the group’s infrastructure. The many different models produced by SACMA and its numerous individual components require the group to maintain substantial inventory of high-quality products and to utilise the highest standards of efficiency and logistics. For SACMA, proper management of capacity and speed of service to the customer are the key words for excellence in warehouse operation.

At any given time SACMA has more than 40 machines on its assembly lines and Ingramatic has more than 20.

“For SACMA Group, quality means reliability. Quality is the winning idea, the perfect manufacturing, the proper assembly.

We inspect the compliance of each component to the strictest quality regulations, applying severe standards to each production procedure. We believe quality is a way of thinking and organising workspaces, production processes, materials, machines and services. Quality is our competitiveness amongst the world’s industrialised areas.”

There is an easy and quick way to gain an impression of the industrialisation level in SACMA Group’s factories. The company invites existing and potential customers to visit its website. On the website customers can see demonstrative videos of the machines during the production process. They will also find a presentation of SACMA’s trademark: Winning Technologies® – which the company says represents machines that provide the most competitive production system worldwide – with the lowest operating costs on the market.

The extraordinary dynamism and synergy created by the R&D operations of both SACMA and Ingramatic companies allow the group to present news machine models and many innovative technological solutions.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Motorized DM

CNC Starter units

New Ingramatic CNC threaders          ►

Exclusive design and reinforced bed frame Motorized die match adjustment Patented servomotor control for the Single and Double Starter units Double starter unit with self-learning adjustment Motorized adjustment in height / width of the feeding rails and vibratory feeders Quick diameter change with spacers set Electronic handwheel for slow motion jog and all machine adjustments New stand alone washer assembly units with QTC ability New vertical elevator for parts loading New models including RP720 (CNC W50), RP820 (CNC W60), and Touch Rolling machines

CNC motorized die match

Single starter unit with servomotor W10 - W20 / M2 - M12

Double starter unit with servomotors W30 - W70 / M12 - M36

www.sacmagroup.com Single or dual washer assembly unit

Integrated inspection system

Fully motorized adjustments

Visit our web site - www.sacmagroup.com New : Touch Rolling machine line

Ingramatic S.p.A. Viale Europa s/n Zona Ind. 15053 Castelnuovo Scrivia (AL) ITALY Tel+39 0131 87161 - www.sacmagroup.com

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y New SACMA headers

New Ingramatic CNC threaders

Features of new SACMA headers include: • Solid cast iron monoblock mainframe.

• Patented wire feeder ‘S-Feed’, wire and bar feeding, alternate blow.

• Desmodrive transfer, new driving system and hydraulic camshaft, transfer assistance package.

• Heading slide made of NiCrMo alloy steel casting heat treated with an exclusive taper slide.

• New quick changeover with hydraulic clamping.

• Fully motorised adjustments, touch screen command panel and clamping.

• SC-Loadmatic for part quality management.

• Electronic handwheel for slow motion jog control.

Features of new Ingramatic CNC threaders: • Exclusive design and reinforced bed frame.

• Motorised die match adjustment.

• Patented servomotor control for the single and double starter units.

• Double starter unit with self-learning adjustment.

• Motorised adjustment in height/width of the feeding rails and vibratory feeder.

• Quick diameter change with spacers set.

• Electronic handwheel for slow motion jog and all machine adjustments.

• New standalone QTC washer assembly units.

• New vertical elevator for parts loading.

SACMA offers a special series for automotive bolts and net shape parts, as well as sixteen warm former models. Current new models include SP570C (360 tonnes, diameter from 25mm/27mm cut off); SP451EL (diameter 22mm, 5 dies, 300mm dko); SP360SL Super Long (diameter 12mm, 160mm dko).

For the most demanding customers, in addition to these new models, SACMA supplies specific solutions to increase the quality of parts made by cold forming or warm forming, such as the thermoregulation of the die box. A cold header or a warm forming header equipped with a thermoregulation system has the capability to improve finished part precision, tooling life and the production efficiency of the machine.

This technology addresses the well known issue that, when starting a production run it takes several minutes to achieve dimensionally correct and stable parts. This issue is even more evident with parts requiring internal extrusion operations, especially with high area reductions.

To extend the deforming capacity of the material, SACMA also supplies a refeeding system allowing the machine to feed slugs in the first or next station. In this way the slugs can be preformed and annealed before their introduction to the header. This process allows the material to be deformed in the best way, exceeding the normal capability of the material to be deformed and preserving its mechanical characteristics. Another advantage of the refeeding system is the possibility to feed blanks with a diameter exceeding the capacity of the machine.

Ingramatic is integrating its complete range of CNC threading machines through the introduction of the new RP720 (W59) and RP820 (W60). This revolutionary line of thread rolling machines is now available from W10 to W60. To complete its whole range, Ingramatic has also developed the new ‘TR’ (Touch Rolling) models, in order to support customers looking to clean the parts immediately before the packaging machine.

“This is the best warranty for final customers to receive clean parts without thread damage. This requirement is becoming increasingly important, especially when the fasteners are destined to assemble aluminium components.”

Completing the innovation solutions presented by SACMA, is its successful programme of warm formers now running everywhere in the world. SACMA is responding to the trend of increased demand for these machines; enlarging its progressive header range – in order to produce more complex and critical dimension parts. An important contributor to this situation is the requirement from the aerospace industry to reduce the process and material wastage involved in rapid manufacture of net-shape parts. SACMA proudly claims to have the only proven and fully integrated warm former.

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Ingramatic has also introduced its new standalone washer assembly unit. The washer assembly unit is designed and built to be completely adaptable to every Ingramatic thread rolling machine and also with most thread rolling machines on the market. The new washer assembly unit, with a quick change tool system, is also available for the most demanding users.

Ingramatic can supply this system as an option in order to save time during production changeover. The QTC washer assembly unit allows the operator to set up the tools in the tool room and to save time on board the machine. The touch screen panel allows the operator to control the unit easily and quickly. The system allows continuous diagnosis of the washer unit’s operation.

“Increasing development and substantial growth has made the name of SACMA Group well known by manufacturers of fasteners and special parts throughout the world. Everyday more than 11,000 SACMA Group machines are operative throughout the world, in hundreds of factories, transforming thousands of tonnes into high-quality fasteners and special parts, used in many different industrial applications. The best warranty for the customer is the world renowned label ‘Winning Technologies®’.” www.sacmagroup.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Our products provide solutions for locking, sealing, assembly and disassembly. Especially designed with our unique microencapsulation technology for the pre-coating of threads our products offer many advantages compared to field applied adhesives. Constant product development due to extreme motorsport conditions guarantees the highest possible performance. Successfully tested on the race track our products show the same benefits in many other industries.

Locking • Sealing • Assembly • Disassembly

omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH · Munich · Tel +49 89 1433810 · precote.com

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

CAN-ENG commissions system CAN-ENG Furnaces International Limited has commissioned a 1,500lb/hr continuous mesh belt atmosphere hardening furnace system for a North American fastener manufacturer.

T

he system is designed to provide atmosphere hardening and tempering of high volume fasteners and includes a computerised loading system, mesh belt controlled atmosphere hardening furnace, oil quench system, pre and post wash systems, and enhanced part tracking. CAN-ENG also included its ERS ™ technology to reduce the overall energy requirements, while maintaining the systems output capacity and product quality.

CAN-ENG explains that the state of the art combustion system integrates new self-recuperative burner technology that provides significant benefits in heating efficiency over conventional recuperative burner technology. To complement the self-recuperative burner technology, this system is fitted with a modern radiant tube heating system, which provides improved system efficiencies and reduced emissions.

Along with this enhancement, CAN-ENG’s atmosphere reduction technologies were included as a secondary means of reducing energy consumption. The system has been integrated with CAN-ENG’s computerised part tracking, recipe control and data archiving system, for process control.

The continuous mesh belt atmosphere furnace system is fully compliant to meet the requirements of AIAG CQI-9 Heat Treatment System guidelines.

“CAN-ENG’s continuous mesh belt atmosphere heat treatment systems are recognised worldwide and meet or exceed stringent quality code requirements.” www.can-eng.com

INDUSTRY LEADERS Continuous Mesh Belt Atmosphere Furnace Systems for Fasteners

Continuous Heat Treating Systems for Fasteners

Proven Field Reliability • Maximum Fuel Efficiency • Carburizing and Austemper Capabilities • Superior Quality Sizes from 100 kg/hr to 3400 kg/hr Reduce Part Damage and Foreign Part Occurrence

Can-Eng introduces its New Energy Recovery System (ERS™) for Continuous Mesh Belt Furnace Systems Reduction in Atmosphere Consumption 25% • Lower Carbon Emissions Reduction in Natural Gas Consumption Faster Part Heat Up To learn more about CAN-ENG Furnaces Engineering, Design and Manufacturing capabilities please visit CAN-ENG at www.can-eng.com or email Tim Donofrio at tdonofrio@can-eng.com.

P.O. Box 235, Niagara Falls, New York 14302-0235 www.can-eng.com | T: 905.356.1327 | F: 905.356.1817

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

WAFIOS Umformtechnik: In-house exhibition 2015 The WAFIOS in-house exhibition – an established international platform for customers and people interested in cold forming technology – will once again be taking place from 6th – 9th May 2015, and promises innovative technologies and interesting presentations.

O

ne of the highlights will be the Forming Centre SMR, which is made for the production of micro parts M0.6 – M3 with an output of 400 pieces per minute.

With the SMR, WAFIOS Umformtechnik has integrated an automatic solution for the production of screws

and small parts. The concept of this machine is unique, because of the combination of cold forming and secondary operations.

At the end of the operation finished parts, which have already been headed, slotted, and threaded, exit the machine. No washing operation and re-feeding between cold forming, slotting and thread rolling is required.

The machine concept is characterised by low consumption of electricity and compressed air, low space requirements, minimum oil consumption, and a high degree of automation.

All the workstations are controlled and the float-free guidance of the dies, with ejectors on the die side, ensures high repetition accuracy and allows the parts to be produced within very narrow tolerances. The hydrostatic rotary bed with 8 dies ensures maximum precision. Furthermore the programmable charging system allows unmanned operation over a whole shift and high productivity.

Visitors to WAFIOS’ in-house exhibition will also find the HC5FT – a 2-die 3-blow cold former with induction heating – as well as a comprehensive range of additional machinery.

Technical presentations of current topics will also be given.

Guest speakers and WAFIOS Umformtechnik experts will inform visitors about the latest trends and give a deeper insight into new technology. www.wafios-umformtechnik.com

Manassero appointed Nakashimada agent Manassero & C Srl was recently appointed as exclusive agent for Croatia and Slovenia for Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd.

T

hese two territories are added to the ones already covered by Manassero in Europe – Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Czech Republic.

Nakashimada hot formers are developed as a total solution equipped with induction heating system and thermo control to produce precision aircraft parts of hard to work materials on cold forging such as titanium, Inconel 718, Waspaloy, etc. The induction heating system is a non-contact, energy saving heating system for heating electrically conductive material – only at the zone to be heated.

Manassero also exhibited at the recent Fastener Fair Stuttgart. Personnel on its stand included Savino, Marco and Filippo Manassero. Also on the stand were Masahiro Nakashimada and Narumi Fukui from Nakashimada – who were there to help introduce the newly released hot forming header on the market.

“Nakashimada’s world renowned quality, coupled with a favourable Yen/Euro exchange rate, has seen a boost in European sales recently. The outcome has been several 2-die 3-blow, double stroke headers, as well as six and seven die machines, sold in recent months.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

HILGELAND

Thread Rolling Dies Thread rolling dies designed for complex and special threads with variable shape of pins, milled with high quality Fast and cost-effective reaction to customer requests Precise fabrication with high and steady quality

Hilgeland Thread Rolling dies

Support in design and development of innovations, dimensioning of thread-diameters

Made in germany WAFIOS Umformtechnik Visit our in-house exhibition in Wuppertal, Germany on 06 th - 09 th May 2015

1_Anz GWB_Fastener+Fixing_92x135mm_2015-03_RZ 1

IN-LINE WIRE DRAWING MACHINES For calibrating wire from 2,0 to 35,0 m, in-line with cold headers and machines for chains.

WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH Im Rehsiepen 35 42369 Wuppertal Telefon +49 (202) 46 68-0 Telefax +49 (202) 46 68-225 sales@wafios-umformtechnik.de www.wafios-umformtechnik.com

16.02.2015

FOR YOUR IN-LINE AND OFF-LINE WIRE DRAWING NEEDS

HORIZONTAL WIRE DRAWING BULLBLOCKS For coil-to-coil wire drawing of cold heading wire from 5,0 to 32,0 mm.

Our lines are supplied complete with uncoilers, wire pointers, take-up units, coil compactors.

Tel. +39 0341.604801 Fax +39 0341.604289 www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Lazpiur signs contract in India for high-tech forging tools Lazpiur has gained a stronger foothold in the Asian market with the signing of a contract with Indian-based Kriti Group for the supply of forging tooling – helping to further strengthen Lazpiur’s position in Asia as a manufacturer of standard tooling for all types of automatic presses for cold, warm and hot forging.

L

azpiur puts the signing of the agreement partly down to its presence at the International Forging Congress (IFC), held in Berlin, Germany, last July. The Basque company was invited to speak at the congress and was the only representative in its category, at an international level. The presentation set out the latest machining trends for forging tooling.

Lazpiur was already working with a number of companies in India supplying wear tooling. Thanks to the new contract with Kriti Group, the company is now growing in the market of standard tooling – opening up a whole new opportunity for the future.

Lazpiur is able to supply a wide range of products, including wear tooling (punches, dies, ejectors, drop forging tools, shear

knives, etc) as well as larger standard tooling such as wedges, blocks, holders and die plates.

“Over the last few years we have been gaining an increasingly strong foothold in Asia. To add to India we also export tooling to China, Thailand, as well as the United States, Europe and South America.”

Lazpiur’s drive for innovation translates not only into the company’s products but also into the purchase of state of the art machinery, in order to offer alternatives for the machining of parts of this type. The company recently invested in a machining centre manufactured by the German company Hermle AG, making it possible for Lazpiur to move towards the automation of its machining products based on the manufacturing 4.0 concept – adding a whole new dimension to Lazpiur’s business.

GLOBAL TOOLING SUPPLY

www.ctr-uk.com

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

New multicolour warning light shows current machine status Warning lights on load monitoring systems typically show when a heading or thread rolling machine has been stopped due to an error such as a broken tool. The red light simply switches on. Such a warning light is a useful tool for the machine operator to tell them when one or more machines in their group need attention.

S

chwer + Kopka GmbH & Co KG has developed the new BALED multicolour warning light, which can offer much more. The modern LED technology used inside BALED is capable of showing virtually any desired colour. When the machine runs in full production mode, the light will be green.

A yellow colour indicates set-up mode, a blue light says the machine is running in unmanned shift mode, and a red light tells the operator that the machine is down. Other colour combinations or flashing colours can be used to identify problems such as lack of material, filled part bins, overdue inspection intervals or similar situations.

The LED lights are very bright and easily visible even from remote distances. The integrated magnetic foot allows the user to place the warning light in different locations such as on top of the monitor itself, the machine housing, or any other iron surface. The lighting body can be individually labelled, with a company logo or with the machine number as shown in the picture.

Made in Germany

Headed – Slotted – Threaded Finished parts exit the machine

WAFIOS Umformtechnik Visit our in-house exhibition in Wuppertal, Germany on 06 th - 09 th May 2015

14 - 17 April 2015 Tuesday - Friday Singapore Expo www.mta-asia.com

Hilgeland Kieserling MRP Nutap

Forming Center SMR for the production of micro-parts M0,6 – M3 Output of 400 pcs./min Unique concept because of the combination of cold forming and secondary operations (fully automatic process) No washing operation and re-feeding between cold forming, slotting and thread rolling Hydrostatic bedded rotor with 8 dies for maximum precision

Manufacturer WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH Im Rehsiepen 35 42369 Wuppertal Phone +49 (202) 46 68-0 sales@wafios-umformtechnik.de www.wafios-umformtechnik.com

Precision Parts Forming Machinery

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Innovation.

Quality.

Reliability.

Thread Rolling Technology Ltd, established in 2010, is a UK-based family business that focuses on servicing, repairing and selling thread rolling machines. Claire Edwards, deputy editor, visited the Rotherham based business to find out how the company has managed to establish itself within the market and what steps it has taken to ensure it delivers a first class service.

A

fter leaving a specialist tool manufacturer in 2010, Brian McEnery used his 15 years experience – along with the help of his son Ricky, electronics engineer, and Karen Pickering, administrative director – to create a company with three fundamental principles: Price, quality and service.

“I’ve been repairing and fixing machines for 35 years now, and have specialised in thread rolling machines for the last 20 years,” explains Brian. “I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to help support thread rolling customers, which is why I set up Thread Rolling Technology. As a company we operate in a climate of trust, honesty and openness and we strive to create a community of knowledge and understanding for our customers.”

Thread Rolling Technology is able to offer a range of services, including: New and used thread rolling machine sales, in-house rebuilding, technical support, service and repair, as well as customer training. It is also a stockist for all thread rolling machines parts, consumables – rolls, roller supports and workrest blades, as well as general machine tools.

“We are able to service all thread rolling machines and by working with the customer we can diagnose any issues that may occur on a machine and offer a solution,” comments Brian.

“We pride ourselves on our service. We never simply hand over a piece of paper to the customer with the problem. We explain what the problem was, why it occurred, and how to combat against it in the future.”

Despite his role as a managing director, Brian still gets involved with the servicing of machines and is always on hand to offer support to customers. “We once had a brand new customer, based over 300 miles away, ring on a Friday evening with a problem with their machine,” mentions Brian.

“The customer needed the machine to be working by Monday morning, but we were fully booked with services all day Saturday. I therefore visited the customer’s facility personally at 7am Sunday morning and had the machine working again at 9am. This shows the extra steps that we are able to take as a family business, and underlines our commitment to our customers.”

In addition to visiting customers’ sites, Thread Rolling Technology is also able to use modern technology to ensure that customers’ needs are answered. “We supply a fastener company in Scotland and they had a problem with one of their machines,” explains Brian. “They couldn’t wait for us to travel to their factory, as they had to meet a deadline. We therefore used a video link to inspect the machine. We were able to highlight the problem and instruct the customer what steps needed be taken to resolve the issue. The whole process was completed within 2 hours and the customer was able to continue production.”

Using modern technology has also enabled the company to offer its quality services to companies overseas – with Thread Rolling Technology now supplying Australia. “Once again we were able to work with the customer to resolve a problem they were having with their machinery. Thanks to our customer service we have been able to build a strong relationship based on trust and understanding, and earlier this year we sold the customer one of our own machines,” comments Brian.

Thread Rolling Technology builds thread rolling machines to customer specifications. The machine bases are bought in and the electrics, spindles, bushings, bearings, as well as the safety guards, are all built on-site. The company is also able to provide the tooling for machines thanks to the purchase of UK tooling company, GM 2012 Ltd, two years ago.

102 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

“We have the facilities to manufacturer any part for any machine,” explains Brian. “Our state of the art facilities include CNC turning, 4 CNC lathes, 2 CNC milling machines, as well as grinding and broaching equipment. We’re offering our customers more than a lump of steel with a couple of flashing lights. We’re offering them back up, service and a good honest full package – with a 12 month guarantee.”

To ensure its procedures are safe and reliable, and to adhere to all customer work practices, Thread Rolling Technology’s engineers attend regular safety and refresher courses to keep up to date with all current legislation. “The cornerstone of our business is operational safety and customer satisfaction and so it is paramount all machines we supply are safe and reliable,” points out Brian. These procedures have also allowed the company to target specialist fastener manufacturers across Europe. Including UK-based Howells Railway Products Ltd (pictured top right), which contacted Thread Rolling Technology for a recommendation for its new Network Rail product. “After our discussions with the customer they purchased their first machine from us. Due to the quality of the service they had received, they bought a second machine from us three months later.”

After 20 years working with thread rolling machines,

Brian’s passion for the technology is infectious and is reflected in the services Thread Rolling Technology offer its current customers. From selling a thread rolling machine, to educating the customer, Thread Rolling Technology Ltd will go the extra mile to ensure each machine sold, serviced and repaired is done so to the highest quality – no matter where a company is based.

“Due to our 20 years of experience we’ve yet to come across a hurdle we can’t face, whether it’s time, location or even language barriers. The company has never been faced with a thread rolling machine that it has been unable to repair,” proudly states Brian. www.threadrollingtechnologyltd.co.uk

INNOVATION. QUALITY. RELIABILITY. Thread Rolling Technology Ltd. Unit 2 Central Business Park, Masborough Street, Rotherham, S60 1EW, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1709 208 077 Email: info@threadrollingtechnologyltd.co.uk

www.threadrollingtechnologyltd.co.uk

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Big data isn’t just for big companies anymore

By Jason Bader, managing partner, The Distribution Team We have all heard the expression ‘big data’ in the context of retailers studying the buying habits of their customers. The premise is fairly simple. Gather data about the buying habits of your customers, look for patterns, then present products in a manner that makes them more attractive. While this tactic was once thought to be available to only large organisations with sophisticated software, the reality is that strategic data analysis is available to even the smallest of companies. You just have to know where to look.

M

ining data for information is nothing new. I know several companies that were helping distributors extract data from their software in the 1990s.

I have a couple of friends that left their full time jobs to be data mining consultants. It was that powerful. I am not sure why the movement faded from our list of initiatives, but I do know that it is back with a vengeance. Companies are hungry for data and you should be too.

My consulting practice tends to take on themes. Right now, we are all talking about the analysis of data and how reporting can help us make better management decisions.

The beauty of this analysis is that the data is already being readily accumulated by your software package. It accumulates information about your customers’ buying habits 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trust me, there is no shortage of information to dig into. Think about this, every sales order is telling you something about the buying preferences of the customer. Do they prefer bulk or packaged quantities?

Do they prefer import versus domestic brands? Do they treat you as a one stop shop or a niche player for specialty items?

All of this can be gleaned by dipping your net in the data stream.

There are several ways to start your fishing expedition.

First, start by learning about the reporting capabilities built into the software package you already own. Reporting modules are one of the most underutilised tools in any software package.

I will freely admit that some of them are disappointing. The data is there, but the software manufacturer did not see the value in providing adequate tools for extraction. Let’s face it. These folks are not distributors. They understand the ‘how’, but not the ‘why’.

If the tools at your disposal are fairly inadequate, fear not.

There are several low cost solutions that can help you build management worthy documents. Crystal Reports has been an old standby used by IT professionals for the last two decades.

I am sure that there are several other basic, economical report writers that will allow you to extract information and put it into a meaningful format.

If you are ready to take on the challenge, there are several more sophisticated reporting packages out there. They are often referred to as ‘business intelligence’ software. Again, many of your ERP providers offer these packages as an optional module. This really isn’t a bad option. If the ERP owns the package, they will generally be able to support it and you will experience less arguing between two different software providers. Beyond this, there are many tried and true third party packages like MITS. These packages often provide sophisticated visual elements like dashboards or executive indicators. Could you build these yourself? Probably, but why reinvent the wheel? These companies have several users that contribute to the development of the product.

“ Reporting modules are one of the most underutilised tools in any software package.”

Behind every good data extraction program is someone who can manipulate the data. It is time to invest in a report writing guru. Rather than add one more purchasing agent to the staff as business increases, consider investing in a data analyst.

This person can be invaluable to your organisation. Not only can they create impressive reporting, they can actually make

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S business recommendations based on what they see. No longer do you have to pour through reports for critical information.

A good analyst can alert you to trends or anomalies so that you can shift gears faster. I have seen several clients make this mental shift to data analytics versus gut feel and intuition.

Now that we have covered the ‘how’, equally important is the ‘why’. What is the purpose behind investing in data analysis?

Getting a better return on your technology investment is one really good justification. Most distributors use less than 20% of the capability of their ERP. Compared to the percentage of that package they paid for, the maths isn’t really working out in their favour. Ultimately, I want distributors to use data analysis to make better investment decisions. We all have a finite amount of money to invest in the business. Given that reality, we should be doing everything in our power to maximise the return on that investment.

If you speak to any branch manager, they never have enough space in the warehouse. Chances are, they just have too much of the wrong product on the shelves. Studying data will help that manager adjust the stocking levels to be better in tune with the current needs of their customers. They will be able to spot products on the decline and be able to make better decisions when allocating space. The customers are telling you what they want you to stock. You just need the right instrument to hear them.

Many distributors have very low line counts per order.

The average is certainly lower than most sales people think.

For clarification, I am referring to the average lines on a typical sales order. Low line counts run up transactional costs for both the distributor and the customer. Frankly, customer service is diminished when a distributor fails to provide all the product a customer needs in an application. A simple study of data and pattern recognition will help the distributor bring this challenge to light. Once recognised, the company can set goals for improvement.

“ … the ability to extract transactional data and put it into a meaningful format is one of the best ways to drive net profit.”

I happen to be working on margin improvement with several clients. This would not be possible without solid access to sales data. In fact, I will go out on a limb and suggest that there is a strong correlation between the success of any margin enhancement programme and the access to solid reporting.

I can do a lot of work by just reminding sales people how valuable their services are; but it needs to be followed up with a programme designed to raise prices on less sensitive items.

While some folks claim to be dialled into the sensitivity of their product mix, I have a hard time believing that you can really know how high to set the bar on 5,000 active SKUs. I am an unabashed data junkie. I believe that the ability to extract transactional data and put it into a meaningful format is one of the best ways to drive net profit. Building reports is only the first step. Progress occurs when we analyse this information and take management action. Now get up, go walk down the hall and knock on the door of your IT manager.

Find out just how much your system could be telling you.

Remember, I am always here to help.

About the author Jason Bader is the managing partner of The Distribution Team, a firm that specialises in helping distributors become more profitable through strategic planning and operating efficiencies. The first 20 years of his career were spent working as a distribution executive. Today, he is a regular speaker at industry events and spends much of his time coaching individual distribution companies. For more information contact him by email at Jason@distributionteam.com. Also visit The Distribution Team’s website at www.thedistributionteam.com

106 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Mobile document scanner App now available DocuWare Corporation – a specialist of document management software solutions – has announced the latest version of its mobile document scanner, PaperScan, is now available for download.

P

aperScan 2.0 is a free App that enables the scanning of paper documents with any smartphone.

DocuWare points out that the latest version is easy to use and has an excellent scan quality to meet the highest demands of the business world.

The user simply needs to hold a smartphone over a document and the image will be automatically scanned. They can then scan any additional pages if necessary and then upload the pages into the DocuWare document management system, Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive, or send the images by email. PaperScan will extract the document from the photo, realign it, and generate a PDF file automatically. Even with poor light conditions DocuWare says that perfect results can be achieved with the help of a flash. The core components of DocuWare’s technology are pending patent approval.

Jürgen Biffar, DocuWare president, said: “We were facing the decision to ‘make or buy’ but really didn’t find a product on the market that offered the quality and comfort we were looking for. Occasional scanning of documents – whether on route, at home, or at your desk – is becoming an increasingly important application in the professional world. For this reason, we plan on further developing the App, particularly to support our DocuWare users.

Thanks to these strategic product benefits, we can offer PaperScan free of charge to all smartphone users.”

Available from Apple’s AppStore and Google Play, the first version of PaperScan was introduced just over a year ago and has already amassed 22,000 downloads. A list of supported devices for the App can be viewed online.

Call us on 01246 457150

www.merlinbusinesssoftware.com Fully integrated ERP software specifically designed for Stockists, Distributors, Wholesalers, Merchants and Manufacturers Now offering mobile solutions through its growing range of apps for Android™ tablets and smartphones.

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Navigating the manufacturing path between control, accuracy and productivity

By David Hallam, managing director of OrderWise Stock Control and Order Processing Software Manufacturing companies often have to manage a complex balancing act. On the one hand there is the importance of recording detailed information in order to obtain accurate costs, stock levels, production progress and other essential data needed for achieving effective management.

On the other hand companies want to ensure that staff aren’t overwhelmed by a seemingly endless amount of information needing to be logged, resulting in productivity or quality being affected.

I

n today’s highly competitive market, there is even greater pressure for companies to have tight control of business and manufacturing operations. With a global supplier base offering more options than ever to customers, there is a necessity to keep a tight grip on costs whilst ensuring the highest quality of product and customer service levels are provided. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the most critical investment manufacturers can make is the choice of software systems used to manage daily operations.

“ A ll too often companies discover that while the highly specialised software they invested in improves performance in specific areas, it created new problems elsewhere.”

When deciding on the right solution, companies need to ensure they consider the needs of the entire business in the long-term and not just the individual departments where the immediate issues lie. All too often companies discover that while the highly specialised software they invested in improves performance in specific areas, it created new problems elsewhere. By looking at the end-to-end solution required to meet both current and future operational requirements, from a vendor who has the experience to deliver, this will result in a successful implementation with a higher and faster return on investment.

However, it is not just how a software solution in its current form meets future requirements that needs to be considered.

With the rapid pace of technology innovation, ever changing business practices, and trading conditions, you need to be confident that the solution you choose is from a provider that is constantly investing, expanding and enhancing its product in order to keep you ahead of the competition. By choosing a scalable solution that can adapt with your needs and ambitions, companies are able to take advantage of cutting edge features that will help to promote business development for years to come.

So when choosing the right solution, manufacturers should consider a system that will not only provide the operational implementation to streamline processes and improve accuracy and efficiency across the entire business, but also one that will continue to deliver the very latest technology and software functionality to promote year-on-year growth. www.orderwise.co.uk

About OrderWise OrderWise has been providing software for stock control, order processing, warehouse management, manufacturing and much more for over 24 years.

Based in Lincoln, UK, it has over 7,500 users of its software across a whole range of industries and sectors – all throughout the UK and Ireland. Designed for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, merchants, web traders, resellers and more, its software provides a scalable solution fully tailored to meet the requirements of the company it is serving. As well as offering a comprehensive main software system that can be hosted locally or accessed remotely, it also supplies revolutionary barcode scanning mobile devices to manage everyday warehouse tasks and manufacturing activities. Continually developed with a new version released each month, its software and cutting edge functionality has emerged as a reliable solution for business operations.

108 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Take Control of Business Operations Cutting edge company wide software for Stock Control & Warehouse Management - Manufacturing Order Processing - eCommerce - Business Intelligence Supply Chain - CRM & Much more...

Reduce Costs & Optimise Stock Holdings Increase Profits & Productivity Improve Service Levels & Accuracy Revolutionise Warehouse Tasks & Manufacturing Activities

Global Inch - Fasteners

for more than 40 Years

Rugged barcode scanning Mobile Devices work wirelessly with the main OrderWise system.

Delivering scalable, modular solutions into the Fastener & Fixings industry for over 24 years Tel.: +49 (0) 71 32/99 60-0 • Fax.: +49 (0) 71 32/99 60-60

www.schroederschrauben.de

Hall 6 Booth B190

Designed for Wholesalers, Distributors 0845 5 199 299 Manufacturers, Resellers, www.orderwise.co.uk Web Traders, Stockists & More...

Friction Coefficient Testing Machines for Screws, Bolts and Nuts Friction Testing • Vibration Testing • Torsion Testing • Tension Testing

• • • •

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 KG • Bösch 63 • CH 6331 Hünenberg • +41 41 785601-0 • test@test-ag.ch • www.test-ag.ch

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Are manufacturers prepared for the worst?

UK and Ireland IT solutions provider, SolutionsPT, says many companies are still exposing their businesses to risk, as many do not have an effective IT infrastructure and recovery plan.

A

recent survey of key decision makers across engineering and IT directors, designed to unearth attitudes to business continuity amongst the manufacturing community, found that 60% of manufacturers have a traditional on-site infrastructure and the majority (65%) have no plans to migrate to the cloud because of fears over data security.

Further research from SolutionsPT has shown that the majority of manufacturing businesses are still reliant on locally based disk or tape backups; despite the fact they have a failure rate of between 41% – 72%.

SolutionsPT also found that 40% of manufacturing businesses admitted to losing critical business data after a major infrastructure failure.

Paul O’Connell, business continuity specialist at Solutions PT, said: “Manufacturing organisations are highly reliant on their industrial IT infrastructure but businesses are leaving themselves open to a range of risks by failing to protect their critical infrastructures. As a result, downtime can mean lost revenue, missed deadlines and damaged reputations. In some cases, loss of systems or data can bring production to a standstill.”

Paul continues: “Our findings show that there are businesses out there that have not yet planned an effective continuity solution in case of failure. An effective IT infrastructure and recovery plan is vital for businesses of every size, but the cost of IT failures are amplified in larger organisations – particularly in plant or manufacturing environments – where downtime resulting from IT failures can cost millions of pounds.”

“Organisations must continually challenge their infrastructure teams to determine if and how they could recover from an IT failure and, crucially, how long that recovery would take. In addition, it’s important to remember that in business continuity planning, it’s as much about nailing a process as the technology itself. Having a backup solution is not the same as having a business continuity strategy. Continual assessment is vital to ensure an organisation is protected.”

builds your city, builds everything

BULLONERIE E VITERIE BOLTS - SCREWS AND NUTS BOULONS - VIS ET ÈCROUS SCHRAUBEN - MUTTERN

VIPA S.p.A.

by

buy better

via Cantonazzo nº20/22 42047 Rolo -RE- Italy Tel: +39(0)522 658900 Fax: +39(0)522 658911/22 E-mail: info@vipaspa.it Website: www.vipaspa.it

C ATA LO G U E R A C K

March 2015 Italy

A.M.E.A. Srl

Fastener + Fixing Magazine provides a unique reference guide that offers the industry a fast and easy way to source both current and upcoming product Catalogues.

Use this convenient service to call, fax or email the companies to request a copy of their latest Catalogue and up to date product information.

RESEARCH+QUALITY+TECHNOLOGY Behind a great Product there is always a great Company and a great Job

www.catalog.ambrovit.it email: sales@ambrovit.it www.ambrovit.it

email: info@ameasrl.it www.ameasrl.it

Ambrovit

CABER Impianti Srl

The widest range of certified screws, available for the National and International market:

Our care is Your Products… since 1976

Hex lag screws, Chipboard screws, Carpentry screws, Drywall screws, Dome screws and Euro screws, Machine screws, Nuts, Washers, Bolts, Threaded rods, Self Tapping screws, Concrete screws, Self Drilling screws, PVC screws, S.S. A2 screws.

READY TO SHIP

• Internal engineering department.

• Production area.

• Electrical and software dept., after-selling online assist.

• Assembling Area.

• Internal Laboratory for cleaning tests. email: info@caberimpianti.it www.caberimpianti.com

Corbetta Srl

E.CO Srl

We have been producing high quality forming screws, rivets and pivots according to drawing for 40 years.

The recent generation change allows us to adapt our experience to the fast market changes.

Our mission: Highest quality and flexibility for a product entirely manufactured in Italy.

E.CO exact components founded in 1954 is specialized in the design and production of fasteners mainly for automotive, but also for other fields, manufacturing clips according to the specific customer’s need. E.CO checks all the stages of the manufacturing process, producing a wide range of high quality products.

email: corbettaviti@corbettaviti.it www.corbettaviti.it

email: info@eco-italia.com www.eco-italia.com

INOXMARE

Mavita

The best stainless steel fastening systems.

For over 50 years, Mavita is specialized in the development and manufacture of Standard and Special cold pressed fasteners.

In sectors such as the automotive industry, the household appliances and the electrical industry it plays a leading role on the international market owing to the good relationship “Quality/Price” of its products and to its ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 Quality Certifications.

Screws, nuts and bolts, marine hardware, fittings and fastening systems for photovoltaic installations.

Blister production for retail selling and from today also the best stainless steel Wedge anchors. email: info@inoxmare.it www.inoxmare.it

A.M.E.A. is a manufacturer of steel tooling for cold and hot forming, providing tools for the international market since the 1950s. We are focused on quality and customer service, and carefully select materials, treatments and coatings to ensure the longest lifetime to our tools. All our products are made according to the technical specifications provided by our customers.

Inox Mare: The new style of a great tradition.

112 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

email: sales@mavita.it www.mavita.it

C ATA LO G U E R A C K MECAVIT Srl MECAVIT, screw manufacturer with thirty years of activity and experience, is leader in the Italian market of special and standard screws in carbon and stainless steel. The range of production is highly specialized in both socket and 6 lobes small dimensioned screws in different kinds of high resistance carbon steel. Please contact us to find out more.

Tel: +39 0542 670 560 www.mecavit.it

MADE IN ITALY

2015

Tools for Fasteners edition 13/4

 

Our company has focused on the production of high precision components, using CNC machine and micro cold forming machine Our Products: Any particulars from Ø 0.4mm to Ø 32mm with a detail drawing.

Screws and nuts from M0.50, bolts, socket screw, washers, pivots, pins.

Eyeglasses particulars.

Medical and dental components.

Machined products: Stainless steel, Titanium, Nickel www.micrometalsrl.com silver, bronze, brass. email: infotec@micrometalsrl.com

Rivit Srl

Sala Punzoni Srl

Founded in 1973, Rivit is a European leader for fasteners and tools, proposing a complete programme of fastening systems, tools, machines and technical support for the whole sheet metal universe (automotive, electronics, household appliances, sheet metal working, air conditioning, building, roofing, metal door and windows frames, etc).

Founded in 1966, the Italian company Sala Punzoni can rely on more than 45 years of history and experience.

Sala Punzoni is specialized in the manufacturing of: • High speed steel and carbide punches according to customers’ drawing • Dies and tools in steel and carbide according to customers’ drawing • Thread rolling dies

email: rivit@rivit.it www.rivit.it

email: info@salapunzoni.it www.salapunzoni.com

S.I.V.E.M. SNC

Tecno Impianti Srl

Sivem produces cold former screws various item diameter from 1.5 to 13mm by former 2/4/5 stations in brass inox steel copper aluminum.

Tecno Impianti Srl is a European leader in the design and manufacturing of wire drawing machines for the fastener industry.

We supply both in-line wire drawing machines which can calibrate wire in-line with cold headers and off-line wire drawing bull-blocks for big productions of drawn wire for cold heading applications.

Brass screws DIN 933 963 964 84 at stock. We supply brass items produced by Gildemeister 8mm to 42mm and numerical control. email: cabis@tin.it www.sivem.it

Tel: + 39 0522 658 900 www.vipafasteners.com

Micrometal Srl

HIGH PRECISION COMPONENTS

email: info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com

Vipa SpA

Unifast Srl

Vipa SpA, leader in the business of fasteners; a reference company for its services and product quality. At the moment the head office ground lays over 130,000 sqm. The warehouse is the major part of it; with modern technology systems, software and hardware, to maximize the efficiency in the production and distribution of all products. New branch in Spain, Barcelona and in France, Lyon and in Germany, Hessen.

Unifast provides cost saving manufacturing quick acting fasteners which are essential where rapid assembly and disassembly are required, captive threaded fastening systems for sheet metal in addition to a wide range of special products bespoke developed in collaboration with the customers satisfying every demand.

Tel: +39 011 816 5511 www.unifast.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

113

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

One of the world’s leading manufacturers of clamps, connectors and fluid systems Not a claim to be made lightly but one that NORMA UK Ltd is justifiably proud to make, being the UK arm of NORMA Group – one of the biggest manufacturers and suppliers of connecting products worldwide.

N

ORMA UK Ltd has been established in the UK for over 30 years now and, since 2006, has been providing its market leading range of engineered joining technology solutions from its Greenham Business Park headquarters in Newbury.

As a key member of NORMA Group, the company acts as both a strategic manufacturing centre – specialising in the design and production of the NORMACONNECT® V range of precision engineered profile clamps, which are predominantly used in the automotive industry – as well as a national distribution centre for more than 35,000 products that are also produced within the Group.

The hose clamps, pipe connections, retaining products, quick connectors, fluid systems and plastic connectors of NORMA Group are accredited to all leading European and international quality standards and are vital parts of vehicles, aircraft, trains, ships, water pipelines, and of applications for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This combination of experience and market leading product portfolio, has enabled NORMA UK to maintain its position as a primary supplier to businesses ranging from large-scale multinationals through to local independent resellers.

A technological focus on automotive solutions With its many years of experience in manufacturing and developing a comprehensive range of engineering joining technologies in the clamp, connect and fluid sectors, the automotive industry is a key market for NORMA. As such, providing solutions that integrate stringent emission regulations, rapid installation times, consistent performance at temperature extremes and ever tightening space envelopes, is a discipline in which NORMA Group combines its expertise in both metal and plastic materials. One such product manufactured by NORMA that encompasses all these criteria is the VPP profile clamp. VPP (V-Pressed Profile) clamps have been produced at the NORMA UK facility since 2005 and through their innovative design, consistently high performance,

and engineering development, have now become a product of choice for many leading vehicle manufacturers – with demand for these clamps rising significantly to many millions of parts per year.

To satisfy both current and future production requirements, 2014 saw NORMA UK take delivery and commission two Aida 250 tonne ‘C’ frame presses with integrated transfer mechanism. Key to the success of the VPP production process is the transfer mechanism that is integrated into the new press machinery. This mechanism enables parts in the VPP manufacturing flow to be moved from one step to the next, in a sequential and automated process, until the finished forming has been achieved. This not only achieves the high volume production runs required, but crucially allows tool changing time to be drastically reduced – thus keeping down time to an absolute minimum. The Aida 250 tonne transfer presses, weighing approximately 29 tonnes and with an overall size of nearly 90 cubic metres each, represent a significant investment and milestone for NORMA UK. Commenting on the success of the new manufacturing capabilities, Mark Burnett, managing director at NORMA UK, said: “With this facility now in place, NORMA UK has considerably increased its competitive advantage. Through the efforts of many departments and people here, we now have a significantly enhanced ability to surpass the exacting specification, quality, deadline and volume requirements that our customers demand.”

Innovation is the key Innovation is also a vital element in all the solutions that NORMA provides, an aspect that is very well illustrated by the BREEZE Constant Torque hose clamps that the group manufactures. Constant Torque clamps or CT clamps, as they are often referred to, are used throughout the automotive, general industrial and marine industries and include a Belleville spring mechanism fitted to the clamp that enables it to maintain a constant seal, even when subjected to fluctuations in temperature.

These Belleville springs are specially shaped components that whilst resembling a washer, feature a spring characteristic, and when a series or stack of these are fitted to the clamp, it is allowed to thermally expand or contract without adversely affecting sealing performance. This unique design means that BREEZE Constant Torque clamps eliminate the problems of ‘cold flow’ and through their dynamic action are ideal for applications involving a thermal cycle.

114 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

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

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y The marine industry is also one of the many environments, where another well established NORMA connecting solution can be found, namely the FGR pipe coupling. The DIN 86128 accredited FGR range – thus called as it combines the FLEX, GRIP and REPAIR clamp solutions – offers a compact, economical and reliable means for connecting plain-ended pipes. The different combinations of anchoring ring, protection ring and seal material that is integrated into each clamp, means that FGR couplings are ideal for joining both plastic and metal pipes, especially stainless steel, throughout the mechanical engineering, construction, shipbuilding and hydro-technology industries.

Key to the technical superiority of FGR pipe couplings however, is its patented double lip sealing system. Firstly, the seal of each clamp – which could be either an EPDM or NBR rubber material – features a design that enables two sealing lips to be in contact with the pipe application at the same time. This double safety feature means that a highly reliable seal is delivered for each application, be it low pressure, vacuum or extreme load. Secondly, sealing performance is further enhanced by the profiled shape of the rubber material. This profile means that when internal pipe pressure increases, the double lip seal is compressed even further onto the pipe surface, thus delivering an even stronger sealing force.

Investments securing the future Significant investment in service levels and product development, such as the examples previously mentioned,

have led to many large-scale, long-term contract wins for NORMA UK. These successes in the manufacturing and distribution industries, plus an ongoing commitment to providing the very best in engineered joining technology solutions, are the key steps in satisfying the product demands forecasted for 2015 and beyond.

“2013 and 2014 have seen major developments and investment in the future of NORMA UK,” commented Mark Burnett. “We have expanded again with the opening of a new 1,850m2 building alongside the current 5,000m2 premises, which has enabled further manufacturing, warehousing and distribution amenities for the company. Our workforce has grown to the largest it has ever been – over 250 people are now directly employed by the company – and a highly successful apprenticeship scheme to accommodate future demand has also been implemented.”

Mark continued: “Annual sales, workforce numbers, product ranges and production capabilities have all seen significant increases this year, and everyone within NORMA UK has contributed to the success and growth of the company.

However, the opportunities ahead of us are even greater.

2015 will see a major roll out of the Nagara manufacturing principles we have already implemented, along with several other benchmark projects that will support our growth. We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and we plan a great many more of them in the following year.” www.normagroup.com

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Dow supplies aluminium bonding adhesives for Ford F-150 Dow Automotive Systems, a business unit of the Dow Chemical Company, is proud to be the structural adhesives supplier for the 2015 Ford F-150, which was recently launched.

W

ith a front end, cab, box and tailgate made out of aluminium alloy and a frame made out of high strength, lightweight steel, the F-150 utilises BETAMATE ™ structural adhesives for durability, weight reduction and improved manufacturing efficiencies. This technology demonstrates Dow’s commitment to supplying solutions that meet specific customer needs and product specifications.

“Dow Automotive Systems has worked closely with Ford to customise an adhesive solution for the F-150 that supports its specifications for design, manufacturing and sustainability,” said Steve Henderson, president, Dow Automotive Systems. “This type of collaboration delivers great results. We can tailor materials like adhesives to meet very specific targets and support a wide range of objectives across the entire vehicle platform. The Ford F-150 is an exciting demonstration of the strength of aluminium in meeting lightweight objectives and is an impressive industry milestone.”

In addition to supplying BETAMATE adhesives for use in structural applications in the Ford F-150, Dow Automotive is also the supplier of BETASEAL™ glass bonding adhesives, which is the windscreen bonding material in the F-150.

Bülte gives you wing grips Bülte Plastiques France SA has added two new wing grips – BPF 251 and BPF 252 – to its handwheel and knob range.

Successful Stuttgart for Bäcker

W

BPF 251

BPF 252

ing grips offer the user a good grip thanks to the ergonomic shape of the body and use of small raised strips. Bülte is able to supply two versions with either screws or nuts. For the screws, lengths are from 8mm to 50mm and are available in M4 and M5 x 28mm across the wings for BPF 251, and M5 and M6 x 31mm across the wings for BPF 252.

The standard material is polyamide, which is resistant to various chemical products. It also has excellent mechanical properties including wear resistance, low friction coefficient, a high melting point, good impact resistance, as well as being very light. The working temperature range is -30°C to +100°C. Thanks to its properties, polyamide is suitable for a wide variety of industries including medical, aerospace, railway, food, chemicals, electronics, electrical and building.

The standard material for the threads is ZPS (zinc plated steel) with other materials available including aluminium, brass, titanium, nylon, and stainless steel. Bülte also offers a range of colours including white, red, yellow and blue. www.bulte.com

118 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Bäcker Standard Plastic-Metal Elements reported a successful Fastener Fair Stuttgart, after the company presented its three main product groups.

B

äcker showcased its PlacoGrip® range – handle and operating elements; PlacoTec ® range – plastic screws, nuts and washers; as well as its PlacoCap® range – plastic protection elements.

Visitors to the show took the opportunity to find out more about the complete product programme and were keen to find more information about Bäcker and its advanced approach to plastic components.

“The name of Bäcker has been synonymous with innovative solutions and exacting applications in plastic for more than 35 years. Modern production facilities in Erndtebrück/Schameder are the guarantee of quality of the highest standard. A well established and certified QM system also provides support for ongoing processes.

Through new production ideas and innovations, we have been able to achieve sustained growth in recent years.”

In addition to the comprehensive standard programme, Bäcker is also able to develop and produce special individual plastic solutions to meet customers’ requirements. www.baecker.eu

Special Screws Fit bolts, plugs, knurled thumb screws, square head bolts, flat headed screws, hexagon set screws, brass screws and specials.

directly from stock!

< FIT BOLTS according to DIN 609, 610, ISO 7379, DIN 7968

Fon +49 (0) 40 532 852-0 Fax +49 (0) 40 532 852-52

150226_FF_E3_Pass rund_190x277.indd 1

info@pasvahl.de www.pasvahl.de

26.02.15 10:46

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

GEOMET® in-house coatings also on racks As an acknowledged licensee, GRAEWE Tadiv is able to provide the highest level of corrosion protection for fasteners – guaranteed by the GEOMET® trademark.

G

RAEWE explains that the chromium-free zinc-aluminium flake system ensures that the coating is applied without any risk of hydrogen embrittlement, even on fasteners of high-tensile strength, because it is a non-electrolytic process. By using topcoats it is also possible to adjust the desired coefficient of friction on threaded parts.

GEOMET® products are established worldwide for the coating of fasteners and many other metal parts. They are environmentally friendly and safe in handling and application due to their unique water based technology.

The thin layer of corrosion protection that is applied by GRAEWE Tadiv via an up-to-date coating line, was specially designed to meet the requirements of threaded fasteners. The installation is capable of coating bulk parts as well as rack parts – meaning that sensitive parts can be coated without any damage. In addition, the need to rework threaded areas after the coating process, potentially leading to a negative impact on corrosion resistance, is prevented by this flexible application technology.

The computerised coating process is continuously monitored, with the defined coating thickness checked regularly and the corrosion resistance frequently verified by salt spray testing. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction can also be measured on-site.

GRAEWE Tadiv applies GEOMET® 321, GEOMET® 500 and various top coats in drums for bulk parts and on racks for bigger and sensitive parts.

ION F A S T E NE R T C E T O PR

www.graewe.de

S TECHNICALLY PERFECT Standard Elements from Bäcker.

We are looking for distributors worldwide! www.bulte.com ®

BÜLTE GMBH - KUNSTSTOFFERZEUGNISSE Carl-Sonnenschein Str.22, D- 59348 Lüdinghausen - Germany Tel : 02591 / 91 94-0 - Fax : 02591 / 59 77 bulte@bulte.com - www.bulte.com

Bäcker GmbH & Co. KG Jägersgrund 8 D-57339 Erndtebrück T +49 2753 5950-0 I F +49 2753 5950-44 I info@baecker.eu

www.baecker.eu

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EXHIBITIONS

Exhibitors report successful Totally This year’s Totally DIY:Totally Tools show saw over 150 exhibitors – a 20% increase on 2014 – display all types of tools, hardware and ironmongery, decorating products, fasteners and fixings, and general building supplies, to visitors.

H

eld on 15th – 17th February at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, UK, exhibitors reported a positive show with good quality leads.

Simon Dearing, managing director at Eurobond Retail Adhesives Ltd, commented: “We launched our range of industrial high performance products – MultiFix® – at the show and the response was incredible. The exhibition exceeded all of our expectations and the volume and quality of enquiries were off the scale. We were very happy with the impact the show has had and the response it has generated.”

Also exhibiting was UK fastener and fixings distributor, Forgefix Ltd. Mike Smith, sales and marketing manager at Forgefix, said: “For us, the exhibition was successful.

We generated in excess of 60 new leads and our Lightning Bolt stand created a lot of interest with five stand deals being sold. All in all it was our best show in terms of the number of quality and genuine leads for years.”

Showcasing its range of professional solutions for building, renovating and decorating, tesa UK Ltd was a new exhibitor at the show.

Greg Perkins, key account manager, commented: “I had expectations the show would be busier than we found it. However, overall it was worth exhibiting as we have over 25 quality leads to follow up, including some big names like Tesco and Screwfix.

The proof will be in the next few months if we turn these leads into potentials and then into orders.”

Returning exhibitors this year included Abingdon King Dick, Everbuild Building Products, Polyseam, Chemfix Products, and Gorilla Glue – displaying its Guinness World Record Certificate proudly on its stand for the “Fastest time to duct tape a person to a wall” which was achieved in 28.53 seconds using Gorilla Tape at last year’s show.

Taking place again at the show this year was the ‘Best New Products Awards’ with over 100 products displayed in the ‘New Product Showcase Area’ – generating a lot of interest from visitors who were encouraged to vote in the new ‘Visitor Vote’ award.

Other awards included the Gold award for ‘Best Decorative Product’ for Chemfix Products Ltd for its Metolux Styrene Free Wood Filler range; a Gold award for ‘Best Tool Product’ to Condaco for its new Tilt Wrench; and a Silver award for ‘Best Tool Product’ to Dripless Inc for its Dripless Composite Caulking Gun. The Gold award for ‘Best DIY Product’ was awarded to new exhibitor Marxman Ltd for its Marxman Marking Tool.

The Marxman is easy to use with a user simply pushing the Marxman into planned fixing holes of various depths and diameters.

The Marxman will deliver a visible chalk mark on most surfaces to clearly show where a hole needs to be drilled. Martin Chard, director at Marxman, said: “After months of preparation we were proud to launch this new product at Totally, as we believe the Innovation Zone gave us a platform as a small start-up company to experience the type of buyers that come to the show. For the Marxman to be up against products from such large companies and take home the Gold award is a real honour.”

Alongside the show, a number of presentations from speakers in the DIY industry took place, including the latest news from Michael Weedon, deputy CEO and communications director of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), and Oliver Humi, key account manager at BIRA, presenting ‘20 business tips in 20 minutes’.

Next year’s Totally DIY:Totally Tools Show will once again take place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, but will be moving to a two-day format. Organisers explained: “After a thorough review of both the visitor and exhibitor market, and consultation with key independent retailer driven organisations and wholesalers, who best understand the sector and their members – together with leading exhibiting suppliers – it was concluded that a focused two-day event would best meet the needs of the UK market.” The show will be held on Tuesday 16th – Wednesday 17th February 2016.

122 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

OVER 6 000 PALLET PLACES FOUNDED IN 1994

STOCK INVENTORY OVER 40 000 ITEMS WIDE PRODUCT RANGE

www.mekrs.com

TO O L S

Direct fastening performance Hilti has launched the DX 2 powder-actuated fastening tool, which it says offers high productivity, versatility, and the cordless benefits of direct fastening – at a low entry cost.

W

hether fastening to concrete or steel, the DX 2 drives a wide range of nails with speed and ease and has been designed for maximum productivity, providing more than 1,000 fixings per day.

Compact, versatile and easy to use, it covers a wide variety of direct fastening jobs including, but not limited to, attaching kicker plates to concrete; fixing sill plates; fastening wall ties to steel or concrete; fastening electrical cable holders to concrete; attaching mesh to concrete; fastening wood to concrete and steel.

Hilti points out that the DX 2’s compact design allows easy access to narrow spaces and hard to reach corners, while its well designed grip and nose makes it comfortable to use. Durable metal housing ensures the tool is impact resistant and capable of handling the toughest on-site conditions.

The DX 2 also produces little dust, virtually no vibration and low noise compared to drilling.

Lynton Smith, northern Europe product manager (direct fastening) for Hilti, said: “The DX 2 powder-actuated tool is a versatile solution for a wide variety of jobs on-site. With no holes to drill, no cables dictating where you work, and no restrictions from the weather conditions, direct fastening allows our customers to take productivity to the next level. Its versatility and robust design means the DX 2 will outperform and outlast in a wide range of applications. From the first nail to the last, consistent, reliable direct fastening performance is now accessible.”

New 10.8V kit for high volume work Hitachi Power Tools has launched the KC10DFL2 two-piece 10.8V cordless tool kit, designed to give users tougher, faster and more advanced drill and impact driver options.

T

he kit includes the powerful DS10DFL2 drill/driver and WH10DFL2 impact driver, both of which are low in weight and feature a slim, soft grip handle for comfortable use.

Both power tools also feature an automatic trigger operated LED light, useful in tight, confined spaces and poor visibility.

To power the tools, Hitachi has provided two 1.5Ah lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion battery technology has a low memory effect and a very slow loss of charge when not in use. A UC10SL2 30 minute charger is included in the kit and everything comes in an all new carrying case.

“Weighing in at just 1kg, the DS10DFL2 drill/driver is ideal for high volume work, providing maximum torque of 36Nm (hard), with a drilling capacity in wood of 29mm and 10mm in metal. Meanwhile, the WH10DFL2 impact driver provides 108Nm (hard) maximum torque, with a bolt capacity between M6 and M12.

Just like the drill/driver, the impact driver weighs in at just 1kg and is ideal for high volume work in tight spaces.”

124 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

Not just a ratcheting screwdriver In August this year, SNA Europe will be launching a new Bahco product to add to its ratcheting screwdriver family – the 808060 insulated ratcheting screwdriver.

F

eaturing interchangeable slim blades, Bahco says that the new 808060 1,000V insulated ratcheting screwdriver is a completely new product on the market – offering a unique combination of insulation and ratcheting function. The 808060 also has a 48 tooth ratcheting mechanism, which is nonconductive, and is VDE certified. In addition, a patented blade release mechanism makes it easy and safe to change blades during the job.

“The blades are 30% slimmer than regular insulated screwdriver blades and give great accessibility when users need it on spring elements or sunken screws. With a wide range of loose blades with different profiles the 808060 is suitable for a variety of applications.”

BECK Fastener Group®, FASCO America®, SCRAIL® and "The Faster Fastener®" are registered trademarks of the BECK Fastener Group.

Same workforce.

Just eight times faster.

ailers N ic t a m u e n P en by Quickly Driv drivers w e r c S y b d e t Easily Adjus

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When the big jobs come along, hiring more skilled workers isn’t always an option. Maximize the potential of your existing labour force by switching to SCRAIL®, the faster fastener. Speed through projects up to eight times faster, and meet deadlines without compromising quality.

Coarse Threads for superior removal performance

• Twice as fast as collated screws • Eight times faster than bulk screws • Use almost anywhere ordinary screws are used

Scrailfasteners

www.beck-fastener.com

TO O L S

Innovative blind rivet nut technology In industrial production systems, GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH says it has been nearly impossible to set blind rivet nuts in a fully automated and economically feasible way – until now.

E

xisting technologies mainly failed because it was neither possible to achieve a precise drill-on or a correct hole location process. GESIPA has now found a way to connect its FireFox® blind rivet nut setting tool reliably to a robot application – creating the GESIPA® FireRex®.

This allows the setting of hexagonal blind rivet nuts into the respective workpiece in a reliable way at any angle.

First, the GESIPA FireRex drills on the supplied blind rivet nuts fully automatically – having first separated them. Then the robot arm moves to the workpiece and sets the blind rivet nut into the drilled holes that were programmed. In the case of a hexagonal blind rivet nut the tool rotates up to 90° degrees in each direction until the nut fits into the drilled hole. Then the blind rivet nut is set and the threaded mandrel drilled off. The robot is then ready to take the next blind rivet nut.

“With the GESIPA FireRex it is possible for the first time to set huge numbers of blind rivet nuts fast and fully automatically.

Since neither a camera nor any kind of optical device – which are usually dust-prone – are necessary to find the drilled hole, the system allows stable operation even in adverse production environments without requiring huge maintenance efforts.

The setting tool can also be integrated into already existing production systems without a problem, thus allowing the systems to be more economical.” www.gesipa.com

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

TO O L S

Ryobi’s 4 in 1 The new 18V ONE+™ System from Ryobi® is a compact, cordless 4 mode SDS+ hammer drill that is suitable for drilling into masonry and concrete.

R

yobi® explains that the 18V ONE+™ Cordless SDS+ Hammer drill has been designed to offer similar performance and capabilities to corded power tools, but with the added convenience and ergonomics of a cordless tool.

The first cordless 4 mode SDS+ in its class, the 18V ONE+ gives users the added versatility to hammer drill in brick and concrete or drill without hammer action in wood, metal or tile – whilst the chisel and chisel adjustment modes make it quick and easy to remove tiles.

The tool is compact, yet powerful with up to 1.3J impact energy (EPTA) and up to 5,000 beats per minute.

A pneumatic hammer mechanism also enables this tool to effortlessly drill holes up to 16mm in concrete.

The compact l-shape design is intended to allow the user to get closer to the work surface for better control, and the ergonomically designed handle comes with Ryobi’s GripZone+ micro texture for added comfort and control. Finally, a built in LED keeps the work piece illuminated and clearly visible.

Handy ratchet tap wrenches Laser Tools says its new range of handy ratchet tap wrenches makes cleaning dirty or damaged threads or cutting new internal threads much easier.

A

smooth ratchet drive makes one-handed operation easy, with forward and backward movement conveniently controlled by a thumb switch on the side. The removable sliding T-bar gives just the right amount of leverage.

Both lengths of tap wrench are particularly useful when access is difficult.

The wrenches are designed for a long service life with a plated finish and hardened jaws, which are replaceable.

Part No 6000 is 90mm in length and covers tap sizes 3mm – 6mm, part No 6001 is also 90mm and covers tap sizes 6mm – 12mm, 6002 and 6003 are both 250mm long and cover the tap sizes 3mm – 6mm and 6mm – 12mm respectively.

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

THANKS TO EVERYBODY WHO VISITED OUR STAND!

Self Clinching Studs Capacitor Discharge Studs Weld Bolts Bolt LokTM Multi Grip Pins Cup Square Bolts Silo Bolts Spline Bolts Specials

The Courtyard Reddicap Trading Estate Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B75 7BU Tel: 44(0)121 378 5960 Fax: 44(0)121 378 4291 Email: sales@clevtec.com www.clevtec.com

UK manufacturer supplying both OEMS and Distributors.

Extensive stock holding ensures quick delivery.

Stocked parts next day delivery.

ISO 9001:2008 & ISO 14001:2004.

PRODUCTS SHOWN FORMERLY PRODUCED AND SOLD BY BLAKEACRE LIMITED

Tlf: +34 948 827 121 - CP: 31500 Tudela (Navarra) SPAIN info@remachestudela.com - www.remachestudela.com

P R O D U CT S

Custom solutions for innovative applications For more than 40 years, Specialinsert Srl has been engaged in the production of fastening systems suitable for fixing all kinds of different materials and applications. The company has a vast experience in traditional mechanical fastening systems and now, through the design and manufacture of custom solutions, it has further extended its expertise into more innovative fields of applications.

S

pecialinsert is a lean organisation that is ready to meet all its customers’ needs, and prides itself on 100% ‘Made in Italy’ products manufactured at its Maerne (Venice) plant. The company’s R&D activities are carried out by laboratories and technical departments based in Turin, Milan and Venice. A particular focus for the R&D department is composites, with the department targeted at developing new fastening solutions dedicated to these innovative and versatile materials.

As a result of this work, Specialinsert has developed innovative product lines for the composite industry, specifically targeted at the buildings and construction sector.

Sandwich panel with fiberglass skin and foam internal material – thicknesses 20mm Used insert (Specialinsert)

Pull-out strength

TC/SC/M6/20/XZ without resin

686N

TC/SC/M6/20/XZ with resin

2,550N

Sandwich panel with aluminum skin and expanded internal material – thicknesses 20mm Used insert (Specialinsert)

Torque strength

Pull-out strength

TC/AM8XZI-M6/15

25/30Nm

3,600N

Screw break 12.9

1° – 3,320N / 2° – 4,158N

Specialinsert explains that the reported values are indicative and not binding since the results from laboratory tests might not be replicable for different applications.

MASTER-PLATE ™

DEFORM-NUT TC/SC/1 (insert for sandwich panels) The DEFORM-NUT TC/SC/1 is a threaded blind rivet nut, which achieves a double anchoring system – mechanical and chemical. The first is provided by the deformation and anchorage of the tubular rivet nut onto the skin of the material.

The second is assured by an adhesive dropped in the hole before the installation of the internal screw insert.

Specialinsert says that this kind of fastener guarantees flatness during insertion; avoids compression of the composite; works on the total thicknesses of the sandwich panel; and can be used and removed immediately – offering a unique advantage compared to other type of fasteners available on the market.

The company tested the DEFORM-NUT TC/SC/1 in its laboratory and recorded the following results:

MASTER-PLATE ™ is a simple system that takes advantage of appropriate adhesives for fixing on any kind of materials. It does not require any particular mechanical preparation. Assembly involves either embedding the base into an adhesive or into composite or resin materials during the moulding process.

There are several combinations between the base plates and fastening elements, which offer technicians and designers a wide range of possibilities.

MASTER-PLATE is made of a base plate – available in different shapes and dimensions (round, square, rectangular) – and a fastener element such as a threaded bush or stud. It can be manufactured in zinc plated steel or stainless steel AISI 316.

“MASTER-PLATE is 100% ‘Made in Italy’ and thanks to our ‘just in time’ production process it can be delivered in a very short time. We are also able to provide many other fastening solutions, standard or tailored on customer needs, and thanks to the knowledge and expertise of our technical sales agents, we are able to solve any problems on new fastening applications.”

130 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

MASTER-PLATETM BUSHES AND STUDS FOR BONDING

The flexible solution for every mounting need

• • • • • RESOURCES

SHORT DELIVERY TIME 100% MADE IN ITALY DIFFERENT SIZES AND SHAPES AVAILABLE ZINC PLATED STEEL AND AISI 316 STAINLESS STEEL AVAILABLE EASY APPLICATION WITH ADHESIVE •

KNOW HOW

•

DEVELOPMENT

•

RELIABILITY

•

QUALITY

FOR INFO: export@specialinsert.it - www.specialinsert.it

P R O D U CT S KEEP-NUT The KEEP-NUT is a press-in insert with mechanical anchoring that creates threaded seats on even thin panels – which can be made of marble, granite or other stones, as well as also composites, carbon, Corian, HPL, glass and other compact materials.

It is available in different lengths, with or without flange, to fit several different panel thicknesses.

KEEP-NUT is easy to install as the user simply needs to drill the material with the correct hole diameter and press-in the insert. Additionally, it can be customised with different versions and sizes, in order to match customers’ needs.

The KEEP-NUT insert is specifically developed for ventilated façades, wall coverings, décor and interiors, furniture, kitchen and sanitary elements fastening, funerary art, and a variety of other applications.

Specialinsert points out that laboratory tests have ensured high pull-out strength performances, highlighted in the table on the right:

Material

Type of KEEP-NUT

Average pull-out load on a single insert (kg)*

Granite 20mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

490

Marble 20mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

385

Travertine 20mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

225

Fibre cement (high density) 12mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

275

Fibre cement (high density) 10mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

239

Fibre cement (high density) 8mm

IM2S/M6/H6

125.5

HPL 12mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

541.5

HPL 10mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

611.5

HPL 8mm

IM2S/M6/H6

270.5

Ceramic/stoneware 10mm

IM2S/M6/H6

240

Ceramic/stoneware 10mm

IM2T/M6/H6

150

Ceramic/stoneware 8mm

IM2T/M6/H6

120

Corian 12mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

484.5

Corian 10mm

IM2S/M6/H6

295

DEKTON 20mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

312

Agglomerate stone 15mm

IM4S/M6/H8.5

305

Tempered glass 5mm

IM1T/M6/H5

75

*Note: results achieved at Specialinsert’s laboratory under optimal conditions

www.specialinsert.it

The Difference? Thinking ahead.

Our approach to offer you precise and practical solutions is the rollbending process. Missing stock types of our full product range can be manufactured according to your specifications. There are no limits to meet your demands: tension bushings in inch sizes / with grease grooves inside, outside, or both / with lubricating holes and cross-pattern grease grooves / with nose / with diamond-shaped surface dents as lubrication reservoirs of solid lubricants for lesser bearing loadings / with flanged rim / eccentric bushes ... > DIN 1498 Inner tension bushings for bearing bores > DIN 1499 Outer tension bushings for shaft bearings

arD y staND r o t c a New f 11-01 JV WN 2 Spannstiftstraße 2 fon: +49 2334 957-0 info@jvu.de D-58119 Hagen fax: +49 2334 957-269 www.jvu.de

Smith Bullough

Special

re nufactu c a M r e Metri Fasten

NF • UNC • U • W S B BSF •

From stock or blanks: •

Hexagon, Square

•

Cup Rd, Cup Sq & Nib

•

Csk Rd, Csk Sq & Nib

•

Special Head Shapes

Tel: 01942 520250

sales@smithbullough.com

•

In-house Forging

•

CNC Machining

•

Cut & Roll Threading

•

4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9

•

M/S, ‘R’, ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘V’

Fax: 01942 520251

www.smithbullough.com

P R O D U CT S

Lockbolts from Arpel Arpel Ltd has been providing specialist technical and engineering support for its lockbolt (pin and collar) product range to customers for over 20 years.

A

rpel’s lockbolt fastening system is a two-piece fastening system that is totally resistant to vibratory loosening and provides high strength and proven performance and reliability. The vibration resistance helps remove the costs involved in replacement or retightening, which is normally associated with the alternative ‘nut and bolt’ fastening solution.

The lockbolt system can be used in a variety of applications and industries including: Automotive, trucks and trailers, fencing, domestic appliances, railway rolling stock, general sheet metal fabrication, agriculture, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

“For any information regarding our range of lockbolts please contact us. We have technical and engineering specialists who will be happy to deal with any questions you may have and we can offer very competitive prices,” comments Matt Roden, commercial director at Arpel Ltd. “We can also advise you on the application of this product and recommend the FAR tool, FH U05, for installation – which we have available from stock.”

The lockbolt range is included in Arpel’s recently completed new product catalogue, which is now available in PDF and hard copy versions.

Washers for all applications Founded in 1950, Growermetal Srl specialises in the production of railway, security, spring and flat washers, as well as parts according to customers’ specifications.

P

roduction at Growermetal is divided into two main families of products – pressed parts and products made of wire.

In 2014, the company produced 3.5 billion pressed pieces – approximately 8,300 tonnes – and 320 million wire pieces – approximately 2,100 tonnes.

The product range includes over 1,500 standard washers according to DIN, ASME, NFE and other international standards, as well as more than 1,200 special products according to drawing. Available products include tooth lock washers with internal and external teeth, conical washers, contact washers, Sperrkant washers, spring lock washers, spring washers for railway applications, corrugated washers, terminal washers, flat washers, flat ribbed washers, as well as the wedge lock washers Grower Twin-Lock® – a securing system.

Products are available in steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, aluminium, copper, brass, Inconel and other alloys upon customers’ requests.

The company’s manufacturing and distributing processes are certified according to ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. www.growermetal.com

Success at Stuttgart for TR Fastenings TR Fastenings Ltd has reported a successful Fastener Fair Stuttgart – having used the show as an opportunity to meet with both existing European customers and introduce itself to new customers.

R

obert Hall, European distribution account manager at TR Fastenings, was part of the TR branded products team that attended this year’s show.

“Fastener Fair Stuttgart offered us the opportunity to promote TR’s products and services to many of our customers, face-to-face,” explained Robert. “Being an approachable company is a must for building a good relationship with our distributors and we pride ourselves on providing the best service we can. The greatest consideration for our customers is to receive a friendly, punctual and quality service at all times.”

Since the formation of the TR branded product team in 2010, it has provided expertise and technical support on application and engineering issues, as well as expanding its stock range on a wide range of TR branded fasteners.

TR Fastenings’ own brand range includes many products designed for the sheet metal industry, such as Hank self-clinching fasteners, the genuine Hank Rivet Bush, K-nuts, blind rivet nuts, blind rivets, swage nuts, weld studs and weld nuts.

The range also includes blind self-locking nuts, screws and brass inserts for plastic, security fasteners, micro-diameter and a variety of plastics products and spacers.

134 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

ALL ROADS LEAD TO

hexstone.co.uk

HEXSTONE PUT SIMPLY, NO-ONE DELIVERS MORE

» 50,000

» Next

» Branded

product lines and non-branded products » Non-standard products available to order » Consistent supply of products

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day delivery to mainland UK trading » Experienced internal and external staff » Strong commitment to customer service

DELO presents metal adhesive DELO Industrial Adhesives LLC has developed a new metal adhesive that combines a broad temperature range of use with fast and simple production processes.

D ALLTHREADS, MACHINE SCREWS, HEX HEADS AND CUP SQUARES • M3-M12 OR 5/32”-1/2” L10mm-180mm • METRIC, UNC, UNF, BA, BSW, BSF THREADS • BRASS, BRONZE, ALU, STEEL AND STAINLESS • CUSTOMER SPECIALS ON REQUEST ASK FOR A COPY OF OUR EXTENSIVE STOCK LIST Park Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 2QY, UK T: +44 (0)1384 569 832 E: sales@londonscrew.co.uk www.londonscrew.co.uk

ESTABLISHED 1870 Manufacturer of Quality Industrial Fasteners

ELO-ML DB154 adhesive is mainly designed for bonding tasks in electric motors, including bonding of buried magnets, rotor packages, and shafts to hubs.

When developing the product, DELO attached great importance to high temperature stability and resistance.

DELO-ML DB154 is suitable for temperatures up to +180°C, and DELO says achieves more than twice the shear strength values of other methacrylates at these temperatures – many other adhesives experience a strong power drop at temperatures above +150°C. In addition, the new adhesive retains its strength even at frequent contact with gear oil, motor oil and gasoline.

The product cures by exposure to UV or visible light.

Initial strength is achieved within 6 seconds, enabling the user to fix the components and continue processing promptly. The dual-curing adhesive achieves full strength under exclusion of oxygen.

Unlike one or two component epoxy resins, light curing methacrylates require shorter periods of time until processing can continue, and enable faster production processes. In addition, one process step can be omitted as mechanical fixing of the components prior to heat curing is not necessary. They also leave a smaller CO 2 footprint in production, as heat curing would consume more energy.

The medium viscous adhesive adheres to steel and aluminium, as well as to magnets made of rare earths – often consisting of an iron-neodymium mixture. If an activator is used, metals can also be joined to a component made of plastic.

Benzing retainingg elements....

... you can

rely on !

P R O D U CT S

Rivco – nuts included Rivco Ltd, the UK-based distributor of rivets, rivet nuts and Huck® products, has added rubber nuts, quad nuts and jack nuts to its product range – due to popular demand.

M

att Roden, commercial director at Rivco Ltd, explains: “Due to special requests and feedback from our customers we are now stocking rubber nuts, quad nuts and jack nuts, which are available to order for next day delivery.”

For the application of these products Rivco recommends the Rivit branded – RIV 916 pneumatic tool, which along with other selected Rivit tools, is currently available from Rivco on a special promotional offer.

Customers simply need to quote ‘RIV2015’ when enquiring on the phone or via Rivco’s new website.

“Thanks to our new website, customers are now able to enquire about all products online – making it easier for customers to communicate with us,” says Matt Roden. “In addition to the new website, we also have an updated product catalogue with our new range, which is available for download on the website. Existing customers will also be receiving a hard copy of the catalogue through the post.” www.rivco.co.uk

REYHER adds RIPP to range With RIPP flange screws/nuts and locking screws/nuts F. REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co KG has added high-value and form-lock fixing elements to its range.

T

he RIPP flange screws/nuts and locking screws/nuts are available for delivery in a variety of sizes with property classes 90 (~8.8) and 100 (~10.9), as well as with surface coatings, zinc laminated coating or galvanised zinc plating.

Reyher points out: “The surface coating with a clear advantage is the zinc laminated coating not only because of its considerably higher corrosion resistance. More importantly is that the hydrogen induced stress corrosion cracking (hydrogen embrittlement) is not possible.”

RIPP flange screws/nuts and locking screws/nuts have a minimum tensile strength of 900N/mm² or 1,000N/mm², and are case hardened so that they have a minimum surface hardness of 550 HV – enabling the flanges or locking teeth to fulfil their function. This is a considerable difference to the screws and nuts in line with DIN 6921/6923 with flanges that are also on the market.

“Even under dynamic load, the case hardened RIPP flange screws/nuts and locking screws/nuts also prevent self-loosening and maintain the preload force in the screw fastening above 80% of the assembly preload force. Contrary to, for example, adhesive screw locking devices these screwed fastenings can be reused, and readjusted as required later.”

Tightening torques and preloads In comparison to smooth support surfaces the flange or ribs on these screws and nuts affect the tightening torque and consequently the preloads considerably. This means that especially with weak contact material such as aluminium alloys or mating material, where the teeth bite into the metal, considerably higher friction values are to be expected. The tightening torque should be suitably estimated. The optimal tightening torque is calculated by tightening tests, which reflect the actual conditions. www.reyher.de

Flexible weather resistant adhesives Permabond Engineering Adhesives has added new modified epoxies with a 2:1 mix ratio formula that help absorb and distribute stress caused by thermal expansion, as well as broaden the range of material choices for engineers.

P

ermabond MT382 is a self-levelling epoxy and MT3821 is non-flowing epoxy – both of which cure to form durable, strong, flexible bonds that are weather resistant. Typical applications for the new modified epoxies include bonding and sealing a variety of substrates, with both products offering flexibility and low shrinkage – making them ideal for bonding thin panels, with no read through.

To suit the variety of manufacturing needs, Permabond also manufactures 10:1 modified epoxies, which it says are ideal for plastics and single component MS polymers for ease of application.

138 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 92 March 2015

P R O D U CT S

Integrity introduces new security screw UK-based Integrity Products has launched a brand new non-removable security screw.

I

ntegrity Products explains that the IP5-2 is the first permanent tamper resistant drive to be developed from ‘scratch’. It has its own bespoke drive bit to produce a perfectly matching river/recess fit.

The driver has five forward driving faces to facilitate improved torque where required, but importantly has no reverse driving faces and therefore there are no sharp edges on the driver in the anti-clockwise direction, which could be used to unscrew or remove – greatly improving it’s function as a one-way screw.

The IP5-2 includes a flange head with under head serrations and is case hardened to deter saw and drill attacks.

It is also coated with a 1,000 hour corrosion resistant surface finish.

Integrity Products is able to offer the IP5-2 in M8 x 40, 50 and 80 versions – to add to its existing range of machine screws, M8 x 35 and 45 thread forming screws and sleeve anchors 10mm (M8) x 50 and 80.

Enabling easier mating hole alignment PennEngineering® says that its PEM® floating self-clinching nuts for stainless steel assemblies enable easier mating hole alignment to promote design flexibility in relaxed tolerance applications.

P

EM® floating self-clinching nuts can be specified either with non-locking or self-locking threads and will permit up to 0.015 inches/0.38mm minimum float in all directions from the centre. PennEngineering® explains the unique engineering of the floating self-clinching nuts further imparts added strength and support in an assembly by permitting fastener threads to extend fully into their retainer shank.

This family of fasteners includes non-locking Type A4 nuts (with free running load-bearing threads) and self-locking Type LA4 nuts (with prevailing torque locking threads). PennEngineering says they will install and perform reliably in stainless sheets as thin as 0.038 inches/0.97mm and greater with hardness of HRB 88 or less on

the Rockwell ‘B’ scale. Available thread sizes for both types range from #4 – 40 through #10 – 32 and M3 through M5.

The nuts install easily and quickly by squeezing them into properly sized holes using a PEMSERTER® press or other standard equipment to develop sufficient force. The fasteners then clinch permanently into place with the side opposite the fastener remaining flush. Ultimately, they become an integral part of a stainless assembly, provide reusable load-bearing threads to accept mating hardware, and exhibit high torque-out and push-out resistances in service.

Detailed specifications, CAD models, and performance data (Bulletin ALA) for these RoHS-compliant nuts can be accessed online.

Standard Listed – you know who’s best!

But contact us for all the rest . . .

Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

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+44 (0) 117 – 972 8570

Email:

sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Non-preferred Metrics – Intermediate Sizes Short and Long Lengths – Slotted Grub Screws A4/80 Bolts & Socket Caps – 6 Lobe (TX) Drive Screws All Metal Self-Locking Nuts – Studding Connectors And many more . . .

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK

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High quality disc springs from the world market leader Lightweight construction technology by new processing methods for smart machine elements.

Innovation: ▪ The Mubea Generation II Disc Springs

▪ Significantly higher stresses allowable and high potential for space reduction Advantages: ▪ Multiplied lifetime (by factor 10 possible, depending on application) ▪ Reduction of outer diameter up to 10 % ▪ Optimization of travel up to 40 %

▪ Reduction of spring stack installation length up to 20 %

Your benefit: ▪ Reduction of system size and weight ▪ Decrease of system costs

▪ Reduction of maintenance rate Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH P.O. Box 120 57564 Daaden, Germany

Tel.: +49 2743 806 0 E-Mail: info@mubea-tellerfedern.de

www.mubea-disc-springs.com www.mubea.com

The new knowledge hub for fastening innovations, news, technology, and applications across every industry.

P R O D U CT S

United States patent application on blind rivet setting method published United States Patent Application No 14/121,773, titled ‘Blind Rivet Setting Method’, was published by the United States Patent & Trademark Office on 12th February 2015.

T

his application illustrates, describes, and claims a setting method for blind rivets with substantially shortened mandrels, as patented in US Patent No 8,449,234, and blind rivet tools equipped with either the replaceable and interchangeable blind rivet setting tool nosepieces, patented in US Patent No 8,893,363, or with standard prior art nosepieces.

This application brings a disruptive innovation in a blind rivet setting method to the market worldwide, and was first discussed in the article “New nosepiece and setting method aims to lower blind rivet installed cost” in the March 2008 issue of this magazine. This patent application supplements a family of innovative blind rivet, blind rivet tool and setting method patents granted in the US, China, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa and “Patent Pending” at the EPO and in India.

The disruptive blind rivet setting method described is an innovation that allows blind rivets to be more economically fed and set with a wide variety of blind rivet tools, and will prove especially beneficial to high volume, automated users of blind rivets looking for a reduction in total installed cost in the electronic, appliance, enclosure and automotive industries.

Those wishing for a copy of US Patent No 8,449,234 or 8,893,363 or US Patent Application Publication No US 2015/0040374 A1 may contact Harry Taylor at htaylor @mba1974.hbs.edu

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Over 150 Material Grades 10,000 Ton Inventory Over 250 Machines No Minimum Quantity www.GoASF.com Quick Global Delivery

Achilles Seibert GmbH

classic · system · automotive

Achilles Seibert GmbH Germany

Philipp-Reis-Straße 3 D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg

Fon: +49 4193 89 55 Fax: +49 4193 89 56 99

sales@achill-fasteners.com www.achill-fasteners.com

The fascination of advanced technology The fascination of

At first glance they appear to be a simple product, but Christian Bauer GmbH & Co KG explains that tolerance can be reduced down At first glance they appear to disc springs are in fact highly complex.

advanced technology

typical spring disc sp spring

to +/-2% – and this can be

be a simple product, but they

in aforce production run in fact highly complex: isc springs have aare vast amount of potential, achieved obtaining disc springs. They have a vast of just one spring, or several deflection curves, which are impossible with other springs. amount of potential, obtaining million. Good disc springs are In fact, the same force can be obtained points. harddeflection to manufacture, howevforce defl ection curves whichat two er, and tribology is complex are quite impossible Alternatively, a decreasing force orwith a force that changes inasteps, other springs. In fact, the same topic, especially where fretting is also possible. fatigue is concerned. cb has force can be obtained at two Christian Bauer points outdefl that the DIN Alternatively, 2093 Norm mastered is a wellthese known challenges, ection points. andand has lifecycle successfully increased a decreasing force, a force standard in the disc spring industry, and theortolerances which changes in steps, is also the number of lifecycles up to estimates based on it form the basis of numerous calculations. The force 10x times without changing possible. tolerance can actually be reduced down to +/-2% – thisthecan be achieved in a or number of springs, force spring dimensions.

This means The DIN 2093 norm is a wellproduction run of just one spring or several million. that a current disc spring known standard in the disc “Good disc springs are hard to manufacture and tribology is a complex stack can be changed without any spring industry, and the tolertopic, especially where fretting fatigue is concerned.

Christian Bauer adjustment to the rest of the ances and lifecycle estimates At construction – enabling based on itand formhave the basis of we have mastered these challenges successfully increased thefar longer service life.of Few number of lifecycles up to 10numerous times –calculations. without changing the number people realise that the force springs, force or spring dimensions. This means that a current disc spring stack can be changed withoutChristian any adjustment the Bauer GmbH to + Co. KGrest of the construction – Schorndorfer Straße 49 · 73642 Welzheim, Germany enabling far longer service life.”

displacement

spring force

D

spring force

P R O D U CT S

Telephone +49 (0) 71 82/ 12-0 · Telefax +49 (0) 71 82/ 12-315 E-mail: sales@christianbauer.com

tolerances DIN 2093 possible CB tolerances theoretical disc spring line possible CB tolerances tolerances DIN 2093

displacement

If you have a problem fIndIng specIalIst screws, If you can’t fInd them, If no one else can help, maybe you should hIre...

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T: +44 (0)1902 791880 F: +44 (0)1902 791884 09.12.14 E: info@actfasteners.co.uk W: www.actfasteners.co.uk Units 13 & 16, Four Ashes Industrial Estate, Station Road, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7DB, UK.

08:53

New ‘easy grab’ handle for large Sorta-Cases® Having produced Sorta-Cases® for organising and carrying fasteners and small components for many years, Sorta-Case Ltd is now introducing the ‘easy grab’ handle on its larger cases.

T

he ‘easy grab’ handles are aesthetically pleasing and are also robust and very comfortable to grip – making Sorta-Cases® even more appealing to the professional trade.

“Over the coming months the ‘easy grab’ handle will be added to all the larger steel cases in the current production range for fastener assortments.”

the specialist in security & tamper-resistant fasteners T: +44 (0)1686 621 300 E: info@hafrenfasteners.com W: hafrenfasteners.com

INDEX Abbey Clamps........................................ 15

Don Quichotte B.V................................. 55

Mustad Spa........................................... 47

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd................ 37

Achilles Seibert GmbH........................ 143

DS Fasteners Ltd................................ 128

Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd.... 35

Smith-Bullough Ltd............................. 133

ACT Fasteners & Components Ltd..... 144

E.U.R.O Tec GmbH .............................. 77

National Machinery............................... 27

Specialinsert Srl................................. 131

Acton................................................... 133

Fastbolt................................................... 2

ND Industries........................................ 29

Spirol Industries................................. 116

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co KG...................... 5

Fixi Srl................................................. 128

Ningbo Londex Industrials Co Ltd........ 21

Srubena-Unia S.A................................. 67

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co................. 119

Fontana Gruppo...................................... 9

Nord-Lock International....................... 45

Staytite Ltd.......................................... 127

Alca Fasteners...................................... 67

G & B Fissaggi Srl................................. 65

Norm Civata AS....................................... 4 Tecfi SpA................................................ 75

Alloy & Stainless................................. 143

GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH........... 63

NORMA Group....................................... 61 Tecno Impianti....................................... 97

Ambrovit............................................ 1, 13

Graewe GmbH & Co KG........................ 31

omniTechnik Mikroverkapselungs GmbH... 93

Arpel.................................................... 139

Hafren Fasteners Ltd.......................... 145

Pecol..................................................... 69 Thread Rolling Technology Ltd........... 103

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd.............. 140

Harrison & Clough Ltd......................... 25

Peter Schröder GmbH........................ 109 Tillex ..................................................... 81

Bäcker GmbH & Co KG....................... 120

HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH.... 121

PGB ...................................................... 71 Titibi....................................................... 81

Raimund Beck KG Wire-Staples-Company.... 125

Heinz Soyer........................................... 31

Pinstructure Ltd.................................... 15

Bendfast Ltd........................................ 146

Heng Chang Fasteners....................... 137

PMT....................................................... 81 Trojan................................................... 146

Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG............ 137

Hexstone Group.................................. 135

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd....... 15

UBK..................................................... 111

Berardi Bullonerie................................ 31

Index – Técnicas Expansivas S.L.......... 17

Ray Fu Enterprise Co Ltd.................... 142

UDIB...................................................... 23 Vipa SPA.............................................. 110

Test GmbH........................................... 109

TOBSTEEL GmbH.................................. 39

Berdan Bolt & Nut Co Ltd.................. 137 Johan Smit........................................... 126

Remaches Tudela............................... 129

Birlik Baglanti .................................... 143 Jubilee Clips........................................ 144

Rexlen Corp........................................ 145

Vogelsang GmbH & Co KG............ 63, 132

Bossong................................................ 79

Kingwin Precision Co Ltd...................... 97

Reyher................................................... 33

Volt Industrial Plastics Inc.................. 115

Bralo...................................................... 11

KOHLHAGE Fasteners GmbH............... 57

Rivco.................................................... 129

Vorpa..................................................... 73

Brighton-Best International............... 148

Lederer............................................ 22, 24

Rivelit ..................................................... 7

Wafios Umformtechnik GmbH.......97, 101

Bülte Plastiques SA............................ 120

London Screw Company..................... 136

Rivit Srl................................................ 147

Wan Iuan Ent Co Ltd........................... 100

Can-Eng Furnaces................................ 95

Mecavit Srl............................................ 19

Rotor Clip Ltd...................................... 117

Wilh. Lüsebrink GmbH........................ 133

Carlo Salvi............................................. 89

MEKR’S, s.r.o (Ltd) ............................. 123

Sacma................................................... 91

Wise Software..................................... 109

Chaves Bilbao......................................... 3

Merlin Business Software.................. 107

SAIMA Corporation............................. 136

WPI Services B.V................................... 94 Yi Tai Shen Co Ltd............................... 139

China Fastener Expo............................. 43

Messe Düsseldorf Asia Pte Ltd............ 49

San Shing Fastech Corp..................... 104

Ching Chan Optical Technology Co Ltd.... 86-87

Mitsutoyo Kiko Co Ltd........................... 99

Schäfer + Peters GmbH........................ 67

Clevedon Rivets & Tools..................... 129

MKT....................................................... 78

Schnorr GmbH...................................... 33

CTR Carbide Dies Ltd .......................... 98

Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH................. 141

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp.............. 127

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