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!

TURN TO PAGE 6 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT’S PLANNED FOR FSTNR WEEK 2026

NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT hope to see many of you there cheering on This flagship week brings together your favorite team! education, networking, 1 day trade show, Another major milestone for MWFA and unforgettable experiences that truly this quarter is the launch of our brand-new define what makes our association special. website: Mid-West Fastener Association. Go From the Tough Mudder to our bed build, check it out! www.mwfa.org several networking events and industry This new platform reflects who we are education, FSTNR Week continues to grow today: modern, growing, and focused on into one of the most impactful weeks of the delivering more value to our members. With year for our members and attendees. improved event registration, easier access to As always, thank you for your continued 2026 MWFA PRESIDENT resources, updated member benefits, and support, participation, and commitment a fresh new look, the site was designed to to the MWFA. Our strength comes from our better serve our community and showcase members, and this year continues to prove INTEGRATED PACKAGING & FASTENER the strength of the MWFA. how powerful this community truly is.

And of course, all roads are leading I look forward to seeing everyone at our Happy Spring MWFA Members!! toward what has become one of the signature upcoming events and making this summer As we move through another exciting experiences of our industry—FSTNR Week, one to remember. year of our 80th Anniversary celebration, August 29 through September 2. This will be the energy across our association continues our biggest one yet! 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 President Jill Lewis - Integrated Packaging & Fastener anticipated networking events of the year.

Vice President Bobby Wegner - Beacon Fasteners and Components This outing continues to bring our members together in the best way possible—great Treasurer George Hunt III - Brighton-Best International conversations, great camaraderie, and of Secretary Sam Lang - Certified Fastener course a little friendly competition on the Directors Jake Davis - BTM Manufacturing course. Events like this remind us that some of the strongest business relationships in our Glen Brin - DarLoc Corporation industry are built outside.

Cory Wing - Wing-Hamlin Co. Inc. We’re also thrilled about our MWFA & NCFA Summer Baseball Outing on June Matt Delawder - SWD Inc. 24, where the Chicago vs. Cleveland rivalry Ignacy Paprocki - Blue Ribbon Fastener comes to life at the White Sox vs. Guardians Alternates Jeff Kempka - GF&D Systems game. This joint event is a fantastic way to strengthen relationships across associations Steve Payne - Parker Fasteners while enjoying one of summer’s favorite Michael Naidenovich - AFI Industries traditions—baseball, networking, and Executive Director Francesca Lewis industry friends all in one place. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable afternoon, and I

Jill Lewis

2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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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.

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.

» AFI Industries Inc. » Abbott-Interfast » All American Systems » Brighton-Best International » Brikksen Stainless » Brynolf Manufacturing » BTM Manufacturing » Buckeye Fastener Company » Certified Fastener & Industrial Supply » Chicago Hardware & Fixture Co. » Clarcorp Industrial Sales » Component Technologies International » Crescent Manufacturing » Darling Bolt Company » Engineered Components Company » Eurolink FSS » Fall River Manufacturing

» Fastron Company » Hanger Bolt & Stud Company » ISSCO Inc. » Kanebridge Corporation » Ken Forging » Komar Screw Corporation » Lindfast Solutions Group » Metric & Multistandard » National Bolt & Nut » 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

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIPS

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: DAY 1 EVENTS

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: DAY 2 EVENTS

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: DAY 3 EVENTS

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: DAY 3 EVENTS

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: REGISTRATION

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MWFA, IFI AND NASF HOST JOINT GOLFZON EVENT The Midwest Fasteners Association

Manufacturing Center (MAMC), shared how

apprenticeship model tailored to the fastener

(MWFA) recently joined forces with the

her free-of-charge workforce development

manufacturing industry. This partnership

Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) and the

and internship programs are helping

directly supports members and the broader

Chicago Midwest Chapter of the National

manufacturers nationwide create sustainable

industry by helping employers train, certify,

Association of Surface Finishers (NASF) for a

talent pipelines. These programs—funded

and retain skilled machine operators through

joint meeting at GolfZon Social in Oak Brook,

by the U.S. Department of Labor—offer

standardized, no-cost training resources.

Illinois. The event combined education,

hands-on, customized apprenticeship and

networking, and friendly competition while

pre-apprenticeship pathways that help

presentation, attendees enjoyed appetizers,

tackling one of the most important issues

companies engage new talent without major

beverages, and some friendly competition

facing our industry—developing the next

financial commitments.

in GolfZon’s simulators—an ideal setting to

generation of skilled talent.

Featured speaker Carol Howerton, Director

of

Workforce

Development

Programs at the Marshall Advanced

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Following

Howerton’s

engaging

MAMC recently partnered with IFI

continue the conversation about workforce

to develop the Fastener Technologist

development while connecting with peers.

Apprenticeship

This event marked a meaningful first MWFA

Program,

the

first

U.S. Department of Labor recognized

event of the year!

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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!

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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

people enter the field; not because of lack of

and in-person training programs with

depends on one thing: how it is fastened

interest, but because of lack of awareness,

the Fastener Training Institute and other

together. The same is true for our industry.

access, and training opportunities.

providers of fastener technology training.

Our future depends on the next generation

To secure the next generation of talent,

Together, we can close the skills gap,

we must invest today in education, hands-

strengthen local communities, and ensure

Your donation to the Fastener Education

on training, and professional development

the fastener industry remains a foundation of

Foundation will fund scholarship and

that connect students and emerging

innovation and stability for years to come!

training programs that connect students

professionals to rewarding careers in the

and emerging professionals to rewarding

fastener industry.

of skilled professionals.

Help us build a stronger, more sustainable future for the fastener industry

careers in the fastener industry. And, it can

At the Fastener Education Foundation,

and for skilled trades. Together, we can

be considered a tax deduction, so both you

we are committed to closing the skills gap

create pathways to opportunity, strengthen

and the fastener industry benefit!

by identifying, cultivating and delivering

local communities, and ensure that the

Across North America, skilled trades

financial resources for training, education,

fastener industry and skilled trades remain

are facing a growing challenge: a shortage

and professional development in the North

a foundation of innovation and stability

of trained workers and technical experts. As

American fastener industry. Your support

for generations to come. Donate today at

experienced professionals retire, fewer young

will help fund scholarships for critical online

www.fastenerfoundation.org/donate.

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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

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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.

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FSTNR WEEK ‘26: ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

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READER’S CORNER CLINE TOOL CUSTOMS™ DELIVERS CUSTOM ENGINEERED TOOLING SOLUTIONS 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.

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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 May 21 June 24 July Aug 29 - Sept 2 August 29 August 30 August 31 September 1 September 1 September 2 September 2 October 7-9 December 10

Fastener Fair USA Charlotte, NC 7th Annual Screwed Up Open Bensenville, IL A Day Out at the Park; White Sox vs. Guardians Chicago, IL Summer Outings & Events FSTNR Week (Fastener Show, Training, Networking, Recreation) Tough Mudder Rockford, IL Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build 73rd Annual Golf Outing Cog Hill Golf Club, Lemont, IL Educational Program Navy Pier, Chicago, IL Welcome Mixer Spirit of Chicago, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 44th Tabletop Show Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 80th Anniversary Celebrations & Hall of Fame Dinner Navy Pier, Chicago, IL International Fastener Expo Phoenix, AZ Holiday Party

© 2026 Mid-West Fastener Association. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the copyright owner.

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 Upcoming Newsletter Deadline

June 15th, 2026