Mid-West Fastener Association | Spring 2026 Newsletter
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS COMMITMENT TO THE FASTENER INDUSTRY SPRING 2026
The MWFA is thrilled to announce the 5th Annual FSTNR Week, featuring the 44th MWFA Fastener Show and the 73rd MWFA Golf Outing. This year, we’re going big. In honor of our 80th Anniversary, we’re celebrating in style at Navy Pier in Chicago. Building on the momentum of past years, this highly anticipated week will offer outstanding opportunities to bring the fastener industry together— and promises to be our largest event yet. Join us as we celebrate 80 years in style!
NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Jill Lewis
Happy Spring MWFA Members!!
As we move through another exciting year of our 80th Anniversary celebration, the energy across our association continues to build. From networking events to new opportunities for engagement, this season is all about connection, momentum, and looking ahead to an incredible summer. One of the highlights coming up is our MWFA Screwed Up Open on May 21, one of the most anticipated networking events of the year. This outing continues to bring our members together in the best way possible—great conversations, great camaraderie, and of course a little friendly competition on the course. Events like this remind us that some of the strongest business relationships in our industry are built outside.
We’re also thrilled about our MWFA & NCFA Summer Baseball Outing on June 24, where the Chicago vs. Cleveland rivalry comes to life at the White Sox vs. Guardians game. This joint event is a fantastic way to strengthen relationships across associations while enjoying one of summer’s favorite traditions—baseball, networking, and industry friends all in one place. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable afternoon, and I
hope to see many of you there cheering on your favorite team!
Another major milestone for MWFA this quarter is the launch of our brand-new website: Mid-West Fastener Association. Go check it out! www.mwfa.org
This new platform reflects who we are today: modern, growing, and focused on delivering more value to our members. With improved event registration, easier access to resources, updated member benefits, and a fresh new look, the site was designed to better serve our community and showcase the strength of the MWFA.
And of course, all roads are leading toward what has become one of the signature experiences of our industry—FSTNR Week, August 29 through September 2. This will be our biggest one yet!
This flagship week brings together education, networking, 1 day trade show, and unforgettable experiences that truly define what makes our association special. From the Tough Mudder to our bed build, several networking events and industry education, FSTNR Week continues to grow into one of the most impactful weeks of the year for our members and attendees.
As always, thank you for your continued support, participation, and commitment to the MWFA. Our strength comes from our members, and this year continues to prove how powerful this community truly is.
I look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events and making this summer one to remember.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Jill Lewis - Integrated Packaging & Fastener
Vice President Bobby Wegner - Beacon Fasteners and Components
Treasurer George Hunt III - Brighton-Best International
Secretary Sam Lang - Certified Fastener
Directors
Jake Davis - BTM Manufacturing
Glen Brin - DarLoc Corporation
Cory Wing - Wing-Hamlin Co. Inc.
Matt Delawder - SWD Inc.
Ignacy Paprocki - Blue Ribbon Fastener
Alternates Jeff Kempka - GF&D Systems
Steve Payne - Parker Fasteners
Michael Naidenovich - AFI Industries
Executive Director Francesca Lewis
2026 MWFA PRESIDENT
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
The MWFA Scholarship Program has been phenomenally successful due to our many generous members and supporters in the fastener industry. Several companies have committed to a named scholarship. A donation of $1,000 or more is automatically set up as a company named scholarship. Those indicated in bold below had named scholarships awarded in last year.
» AFI Industries Inc.
» Abbott-Interfast
» All American Systems
» Brighton-Best International
» Brikksen Stainless
» Brynolf Manufacturing
» BTM Manufacturing
» Buckeye Fastener Company
» Certified Fastener & Industrial Supply
» Fastron Company
» Hanger Bolt & Stud Company
» ISSCO Inc.
» Kanebridge Corporation
» Ken Forging
» Komar Screw Corporation
» Lindfast Solutions Group
» Metric & Multistandard
» National Bolt & Nut
Anyone wishing to donate to this year’s scholarship fund may do so at any time by sending in a check marked scholarship fund or going online (click QR code) and donating.
» Chicago Hardware & Fixture Co.
» Clarcorp Industrial Sales
» Component Technologies International
» Crescent Manufacturing
» Darling Bolt Company
» Engineered Components Company
» Eurolink FSS
» Fall River Manufacturing
» Sems and Specials, Inc.
» South Holland Metal Finishing
» SWD Inc.
» WAFIOS
» Wing-Hamlin Company, Inc.
» XL Screw Corporation
» ZMG Fasteners Plus
* Bold indicates a company or personal sponsorship
MWFA, IFI AND NASF HOST JOINT GOLFZON EVENT
The Midwest Fasteners Association (MWFA) recently joined forces with the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) and the Chicago Midwest Chapter of the National Association of Surface Finishers (NASF) for a joint meeting at GolfZon Social in Oak Brook, Illinois. The event combined education, networking, and friendly competition while tackling one of the most important issues facing our industry—developing the next generation of skilled talent.
Featured speaker Carol Howerton, Director of Workforce Development Programs at the Marshall Advanced
Manufacturing Center (MAMC), shared how her free-of-charge workforce development and internship programs are helping manufacturers nationwide create sustainable talent pipelines. These programs—funded by the U.S. Department of Labor—offer hands-on, customized apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways that help companies engage new talent without major financial commitments.
MAMC recently partnered with IFI to develop the Fastener Technologist Apprenticeship Program, the first U.S. Department of Labor recognized
apprenticeship model tailored to the fastener manufacturing industry. This partnership directly supports members and the broader industry by helping employers train, certify, and retain skilled machine operators through standardized, no-cost training resources.
Following Howerton’s engaging presentation, attendees enjoyed appetizers, beverages, and some friendly competition in GolfZon’s simulators—an ideal setting to continue the conversation about workforce development while connecting with peers. This event marked a meaningful first MWFA event of the year!
MWFA SERVES UP FUN AT NET GAME PICKLEBALL NIGHT
The MWFA community hit the courts for an evening of pickleball, laughs, and great company at Net Game in Westmont. Players of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned pros — came out for some friendly competition and a whole lot of fun in what proved to be an amazing night!
In between match sets, guests enjoyed food, drinks, and plenty of conversation, turning the night into a perfect blend of activity and networking. The courts were buzzing with energy, cheers, and maybe a few playful rivalries, all in the spirit of connecting and having a good time.
It was more than just pickleball — it was a chance to catch up with friends, meet new faces, and unwind after a busy week.
Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fantastic evening. We can’t wait to do it again!
FASTENER EDUCATION FOUNDATION: HELP FASTEN THE FUTURE
Every bridge, car, and innovation depends on one thing: how it is fastened together. The same is true for our industry. Our future depends on the next generation of skilled professionals.
Your donation to the Fastener Education Foundation will fund scholarship and training programs that connect students and emerging professionals to rewarding careers in the fastener industry. And, it can be considered a tax deduction, so both you and the fastener industry benefit!
Across North America, skilled trades are facing a growing challenge: a shortage of trained workers and technical experts. As experienced professionals retire, fewer young
people enter the field; not because of lack of interest, but because of lack of awareness, access, and training opportunities.
To secure the next generation of talent, we must invest today in education, handson training, and professional development that connect students and emerging professionals to rewarding careers in the fastener industry.
At the Fastener Education Foundation, we are committed to closing the skills gap by identifying, cultivating and delivering financial resources for training, education, and professional development in the North American fastener industry. Your support will help fund scholarships for critical online
and in-person training programs with the Fastener Training Institute and other providers of fastener technology training.
Together, we can close the skills gap, strengthen local communities, and ensure the fastener industry remains a foundation of innovation and stability for years to come!
Help us build a stronger, more sustainable future for the fastener industry and for skilled trades. Together, we can create pathways to opportunity, strengthen local communities, and ensure that the fastener industry and skilled trades remain a foundation of innovation and stability for generations to come. Donate today at www.fastenerfoundation.org/donate.
MWFA’S FASCINATION WITH FASTENERS EVENT
The MWFA hosted its annual “Fascination with Fasteners” seminar at the Addison Village Town Board Room, bringing together industry professionals for a day of learning, collaboration, and connection.
Led by George Hunt III of Brighton Best International, MWFA’s Education Chair, the seminar featured an outstanding panel of instructors: Tom Blakley (Brighton Best International), Tom Tumbarello (Brico Industries), Matt Delawder (SWD Inc.), and
Jeff Adams (Wing-Hamlin). Together, they guided attendees through the fundamentals and finer details of the fastener world — sharing real-world experience, insight, and plenty of practical knowledge.
Before lunch, the class took a field trip to Brico Industries, where participants got a behind-the-scenes look at operations and saw firsthand how key processes come to life. The facility tour gave everyone a chance to connect theory to practice and gain a deeper
appreciation for the work that powers our industry.
“Fascination with Fasteners” has earned its reputation as one of MWFA’s most valuable educational programs — combining handson learning with opportunities to meet peers, share ideas, and strengthen professional relationships. Year after year, it continues to prove that education and collaboration are at the heart of what makes MWFA such a vibrant community.
MWFA GEARS UP FOR ANNUAL SPRING GOLF OUTING – THE SCREWED UP 2026 OPEN
The Mid-West Fastener Association is once again gearing up for its annual Spring Golf Outing — the MWFA Screwed Up 2026 Open — on Thursday, May 21st at White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville, Illinois. This popular spring tradition brings together industry members for a fun day of golf, connection, and friendly competition before the official August outing.
The event features an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start, and the $75 registration fee includes golf, cart, lunch, and beverages. Participants may register individually or as a foursome, with MWFA pairing single players to complete teams.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies looking to gain exposure and support the event, including
Refreshment Sponsorship ($250), Lunch Sponsorship ($500), and Giveaway Donations ($175 per golfer).
The MWFA Spring Golf Outing remains a highlight of the season — a perfect blend of networking, camaraderie, and time on the greens.
Registration is open now — visit www.mwfa.org to sign up.
MWFA & NCFA SUMMER BASEBALL OUTING: CHICAGO vs CLEVELAND
Get ready for a summer showdown as the Mid-West Fastener Association (MWFA) and the North Coast Fastener Association (NCFA) team up for a joint event at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The two associations will face off in a friendly Chicago vs. Cleveland rivalry as the White
Sox take on the Guardians at 1:10 p.m.
This fun, family-friendly outing is a great way to connect with industry friends while enjoying a day at the ballpark. Tickets are $80 for members and member guests and $100 for non-members, including a Lower Box seat in Section 111 and access to an all inclusive 2 hour Pre Game Patio Party featuring BBQ
favorites, sides, and unlimited beverages. The patio opens 90 minutes before the game and continues 30 minutes into the first inning, with entry through Gate 1.
Don’t miss this popular MWFA–NCFA tradition — a perfect blend of baseball, food, networking, and friendly rivalry. For tickets visit www.mwfa.org.
AFC Industries today announced the launch of Cline Tool Customs™, a refined brand focused on delivering custom engineered tooling solutions designed to solve complex manufacturing challenges with precision and speed.
Cline Tool Customs builds on the former Cline Tool’s long-standing reputation for technical expertise, application knowledge, and hands-on service. The new brand formalizes and sharpens the company’s custom capabilities, providing manufacturers with tailored tooling solutions that improve cycle times, increase consistency, and reduce operational risk.
“Cline Tool Customs represents the next
evolution of our commitment to customers who require more than off-the-shelf solutions,” said Joe Shoemaker, Vice President of Marketing, AFC Industries.
“Manufacturers today are under pressure to do more with less. Custom tooling, engineered correctly, can unlock productivity gains that standard products simply cannot deliver. This launch brings greater clarity to our capabilities and reinforces our focus on solving real operational challenges through a dedicated team of custom tooling specialists.” Cline Tool Customs offers engineered tooling solutions across a broad range of applications, including specialty cutting tools, modified standard tooling, fully custom-designed components developed in collaboration with customer engineering teams, and tool reconditioning services that extend tool life and
maximize performance. The brand emphasizes close partnership, technical consultation, and measurable performance improvements.
“Our customers come to us when precision matters and downtime isn’t an option,”said Jason Benson, Managing Director of Cline Tool Customs. “Cline Tool Customs allows us to go deeper into the application, understand the process at a detailed level, and deliver tooling solutions built specifically for the job. It’s about performance, reliability, and supporting our customers’ success on the production floor.”
The launch of Cline Tool Customs aligns with AFC Industries’ broader strategy to strengthen specialized capabilities across its portfolio while simplifying how customers engage with its businesses. Cline Tool Customs can serve customers nationwide.
READERS CORNER
S.W. Anderson Company, a specialty and class C component distributor, has acquired AeroSpace Computer Supplies (ASCS), a factory authorized stocking distributor in Minneapolis, MN.
“We’re excited to welcome the Aero-Space employees to the S.W. Anderson family,” stated Jim Degnan, President and CEO of S.W. Anderson. “Aero-Space’s reputation in the industry as customer-first technical experts aligns closely with S.W. Anderson’s value proposition. We look forward to working with our new team members to extend our combined products and services to our valued customers.”
Dan Babich, ASCS VP of Operations, said, “Our joining of the S.W. Anderson Company made a lot of sense for both companies. S.W. Anderson’s reputation for caring for their employees and customers is best-in-class. Bringing that level of care to our stakeholders was paramount when making our decision to sell. Combining our excellent products and services with S.W. Anderson’s manufacturer relationships and knowledge base will give ASCS customers a powerful partner — one with local, personalized service, and high-tech products from international manufacturers.”
Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, S.W. Anderson Company supplies specialty and standard fasteners, hardware, slides, and manufacturing components for the industrial manufacturing market. The company provides services to tier-1 manufacturers and OEMs in the automotive, commercial vehicle, consumer goods, aerospace, and food & beverage industries, among others, and has 9 sales offices/distribution centers and over 35 technical sales professionals throughout the US.
2026 EVENTS CALENDAR
May 5-6 Fastener Fair USA Charlotte, NC
May 21 7th Annual Screwed Up Open Bensenville, IL
June 24 A Day Out at the Park; White Sox vs. Guardians Chicago, IL
August 31 73rd Annual Golf Outing Cog Hill Golf Club, Lemont, IL
September 1 Educational Program Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
September 1 Welcome Mixer Spirit of Chicago, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
September 2 44th Tabletop Show Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
September 2 80th Anniversary Celebrations & Hall of Fame Dinner Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
October 7-9 International Fastener Expo Phoenix, AZ
December 10 Holiday Party
THE ASSOCIATION
A membership with connections that hold the world together, the Mid-West Fastener Association is one of the oldest fastener associations in the United States. For over 80 years, the association has expanded and evolved from a small local group, to the largest regional fastener association in the industry with members from coast to coast.
THE MISSION
The MWFA’s primary purpose is to serve and promote the fastener industry and the ever changing needs of its membership base. The MWFA is dedicated to representing all fastener industry segments: manufacturers, distributors, importers and industry suppliers.
THE BENEFIT
As a leader in the fastener industry, the MWFA continues to focus on educational programs. The association’s programs provide unsurpassed fastener industry training, utilizing industry experts with decades of industry experience, offering extensive knowledge and hands on training.
THE MEMBERSHIP
For membership opportunities, contact the association below or visit us online.
Mid-West Fastener Association PO Box 255 Park Ridge, IL 60068 Tel: 847-438-8338 Email: mwfa@mwfa.org www.mwfa.org
THE OPPORTUNITY
For advertising and press opportunities in the MWFA newsletter, contact the editor. Francesca Lewis Editor Email: mwfa@mwfa.org
