Mid-West Fastener Association | Summer 2023 Newsletter

Mid-West Fastener Association

THE BEST WEEK IN THE INDUSTRY

Meet us in the heart of the Fastener Industry for a week of awesome events. There’s the saying “Something for everyone” but this is the case of “Lots for everyone!”

August 20th - the week will open with a Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build. Abbott Interfast , in Wheeling, IL will be hosting this event. The goal is to build 90 beds helping local children who currently do not have a bed. The first bed build was held last year and proved to be a fun and gratifying experience for everyone participating. After a morning of building Brighton-Best Int’l will sponsor Cheesie’s Food Truck providing lunch and BTM Mfg. will sponsor Kona Shave Ice.

August 21st - industry personnel will have the chance to visit local fastener companies offering Open Houses and Plant Tours. This is not only a great time to meet the staff at these companies, but it can also be used as an education tool. Bring your new employees, let them see how the industry operates.

The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort will host many of the events including on August 22nd, a Basic Print Reading Seminar (a must if you want to be more knowledgeable on your job), the 41st MWFA Fastener Show (you’ll meet new suppliers, revisit your current suppliers, meet buyers, source new products and more all in one afternoon-in one place), Retro 80s Fastener Bash Dress the part and you may win a prize! »»

CELEBRATING 77 YEARS COMMITMENT TO THE FASTENER INDUSTRY SUMMER 2023

If only I had some topics to discuss with you all…just kidding!

Before I dive into what lies ahead for the MWFA, let’s take a quick minute and reflect on our past six months together: Joint Meeting with NASF at Putt Shack, Fascination with Fasteners, Wine Tasting, Essentials of Metallurgy and our annual Screwed Up Open Golf Outing. Heck, I did not even mention our new traveling pop-up happy hours, rightfully named “Nuts and Brews”. All the while, the board pressed on with its search to find a new executive

MWFA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

MWFA would like to welcome the following new members to the Association, we thank you for your support.

» Packer Fastener, Green Bay, WI

» Carver Engineering & Mfg. and Carver Labs, El Cajon, CA

» Chicago Industrial Fasteners, West Chicago, IL

» Davies Molding, C arol Stream, IL

director, which I can proudly say resulted in the MWFA board hiring Francesca Lewis!

Our Board is looking forward to working with Francesca and I know she will benefit immensely from working side by side with Nancy for the reminder of the year. Francesca is very excited to get started and our board is equally as excited to introduce her to all of our members. Be on the lookout for Francesca and give her a warm welcome to the MWFA! I would be remiss if I did not mention the board’s search committee during this entire process. There were many additional hours dedicated to finding the right fit for our association, and I am very grateful to all of the committee members for their hard work.

Finally, our signature event, FSTNR Week 2023, is only weeks away. In my opinion, our MWFA FSTNR week has become the “can’t miss event” within our entire fastener industry. From the unofficial

start with the Rugged Maniac race on Saturday, August 19th to the MWFA Mixer on Thursday, August 24th, the entire week is jam packed with excellent opportunities for both distributors and suppliers. I hope you will make note of all that the MWFA has planned for the week and schedule some time to come hang out with your fastener friends. Also, don’t forget your Members Only jacket for our Retro 80’s Fastener Bash! As you can see, the MWFA has been very busy so far and we are not even thinking about slowing down. I know the entire board is very excited about what we have coming up for the second half of 2023. I cannot wait to see all of you during FSTNR week and, as always, I thank you for your continued support of the MWFA!

God Bless,

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Directors

Jake Davis - BTM Manufacturing

Jill Lewis - Integrated Packaging

Bob Baer - Abbott Interfast Inc.

Bobby Wegner - Beacon Fasteners and Components

Glen Brin - Innovative Components Inc.

Rich Cavoto - Metric & Multistandard Components

Matt Delawder - SWD Inc.

David Gawlik - Stelfast, Inc.

George Hunt III - Brighton Best International Alternates

Administrator

Executive Director

Tabitha Herbst - Burlington Graphic Systems

Jen Kushnir - DLP Coatings

Steve Urhausen - All American Systems

Wayne Wishnew - XL Screw Corporation

Nancy Rich

Francesca Lewis

2023 MWFA PRESIDENT

Jake Davis

BTM MANUFACTURING

WEEK-AUGUST 20th-24th - SAVE THE DATES!

On August 23rd, the 70th MWFA Golf Outing will be held at Crane’s Landing located at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The Mid-West Fastener Association cordially invites all Distributors, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Fastener Industry Services and Friends to attend our 70th Annual Golf Outing. Be part of the largest industry golf outing! Crane’s Landing Golf Club is the center-piece of Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The 18-hole golf course features 110 acres of preserved woodlands with stunning views of the Des Plaines River. At just over 6,300 yards, it offers some formidable challenges. You have the option to submit your own foursome or we can pair you with one on the day of the event. Register early -

participation is limited to just 144 golfers in order to keep play moving.

The fun doesn’t end after golf! On August 24th the MWFA Mixer will be held at Real Time Sports in Elk Grove, IL. Complimentary appetizers, drinks, raffle prizes-come enjoy a super casual event

closing out the great week.

Registration for any of the FSTNR WEEK events can be found at www.mwfa.net

Some attendees will be spending their week (August 21st-25th) expanding their fastener knowledge by attending Fastener Training Week sponsored by Fastener Training Institute. This weeklong class offers a combination of intense education and plant tours. Students may then take a final exam to be eligible for the Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CCFS) designation.

Registration for Fastener Training Week is available online at www.fastenertrainingevents. com/fastener-training-chicago.htm.

THANKS TO OUR FSTNR WEEK SPONSORS

FSTNR Week is fast approaching and we would like to take a moment to recognize the generosity of our FSTNR Week sponsors. We offer our thanks!

DIAMOND SPONSORS

» Abbott-Interfast

» All American Systems

» Beacon Fasteners

» Brighton-Best International

PLATINUM SPONSORS

» Avante Imports Inc.

» Buckeye Fasteners

» Cavanaugh Governement Group

» Crescent Manufacturing

» XL Screw Corporation

SILVER SPONSORS

» Delta Secondary

» FPM Heat Treating

» Nord-Lock

» Three J’s Industries

» BTM Manufacturing

» Cable Tie Express

» Goebel Fasteners Inc.

» Integrated Packaging & Fastener

GOLD SPONSORS

» American Ring

» Brikksen

» Brynolf Manufacturing

» Continental-Aero

» EWMenn

BRONZE SPONSORS

» Angor-Intools

» Computer Insights Inc.

» Formed Fastener

» Metric & Multistandard

» Kanebridge Corporation

» Morgan Ohare

» SWD Inc.

» Fascomp

» Sacma Group

» Star Stainless Screw

» Volt Industrial Plastics

» Rick Rudolph Associates

» Sems and Specials

» Stelfast

» Wafios

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 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 will have named scholarships awarded in 2023. 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.

» 3Q Inc.

» Abbott-Interfast LLC

» AFC Industries

» All American Systems

» Angor-Intools

» Arlington Fastener

» Auto Bolt Co.

» Avante Imports

» B&D Cold Heading

» Barbara and Kevin Booth

» Brighton-Best International

» BTM Manufacturing

» Brico Industries

» Central Wire

» Certified Fastener & Industrial Supply

» Chicago Hardware & Fixture Co.

» Clarcorp Industrial Sales

» Continental-Aero

» Crescent Manufacturing

» Crown Screw and Bolt Corporation

» Crystal Engineering Chicago

» Daco Precision Inc.

» Darling Bolt Co.

» EFC International

» Endries International

» Eurolink FSS

» Fall River Manufacturing Co.

» Field Fastener Supply

» Gateway Screw & Rivet Inc.

» Goebel Fasteners, Inc.

» Greenslade & Company

» Hi-Tech Fastener Corp.

» Incom Distribution Supply

» J&M Plating, Inc.

» Kanebridge Corporation

» Ken Forging

» Kevin Booth Sales

» Liberty Fastener Company

» Metric & Multistandard Components

» Mike and Carol O’Connor

» North East Fasteners Corp.

» R. K. Precision Products, LLC

» Screws Industries Inc.

» Sems and Specials, Inc.

» Solution Industries

» South Holland Metal Finishing

» Star Stainless Screw

» SWD Inc.

» Stelfast Inc.

» The Olander Co., Inc.

» Wafios Machinery Corporation

» Wing-Hamlin Co., Inc.

» Wrought Washer Mfg., Inc

» XL Screw Corporation

* Bold indicates a company or personal sponsorship

FASTENER SHOW 2023 - EXHIBITOR LISTING

FRANCESCA LEWIS JOINS MWFA AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Mid-West Fastener Association is excited to announce the addition of Francesca Lewis, as Executive Director, to their staff. Francesca will be joining us in July to work along side Nancy Rich before her retirement at the end of the year. We look forward to her sharing her exemplary communication and leadership skills to assist in the continued growth and success of the MWFA.

With an impressive career spanning over 20 years. Francesca has thrived in the fields of sales and account management. Her strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and remarkable ability to build and maintain relationships have been instrumental in her professional success. Through her expertise and dedication, she has consistently delivered outstanding results and fostered long-

term partnerships with clients. Her experience in event planning, growth and development of education, and client relationships will serve the association well.

Francesca is very excited about her new role, “I can’t contain my excitement. This opportunity has me buzzing with

anticipation and a sense of adventure. I’m ready to hit the ground running and make a positive impact.”

Francesca is a dedicated business professional with a passion for fitness and a love for family. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, she embarked on her educational journey at Oakton Community College, where she studied business. Eager to further expand her knowledge and skills, she later pursued her studies at DePaul’s School for New Learning (SNL) in downtown Chicago.

Currently residing in Park Ridge with her husband Jeff and their two beautiful daughters, Francesca cherishes every moment spent with her family. As a devoted wife and mother, she finds immense joy in nurturing her children and creating lasting memories together.

PAUL

REILLY TO PRESENT VALUE-ADDED SELLING SEMINAR TO MWFA MEMBERS

MWFA Members will receive a special membership benefit on November 2nd. They will have the opportunity to attend Paul Reilly’s Selling Seminar complimentary, only paying a fee for lunch and presentation materials (includes a copy of Value-Added Selling and a full-day workbook).

Today’s sellers face familiar challenges at unprecedented levels. Markets are flooded with tough competitors selling similar products and services. With the commoditization of products and services, customers become increasingly price sensitive. Technology has created even more

competition and pricing transparency. It’s no wonder that selling value remains one of the greatest challenges facing today’s sales professional. This tone-setting presentation introduces you to Value-Added Selling. You’ll learn several ideas that will help you implement this go-to-market strategy.

In a competitive market, differentiation is key. What sets you apart from your competitors? Why should customers buy from you? How can you get them to return to you again and again?

What if I told you that you can compete aggressively and outsell the competition

while maintaining your profitability? It’s possible through Value-Added Selling. Value-Added Selling continues to be a content-rich message of hope. You can compete aggressively and profitably based on your total value and not on price. The need for this message has never been greater.

When participants embrace the value-added message, they will compete aggressively on the total value of their solution.

For more information viait MWFA online at www.mwfa.net.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS

Would you like to be part of a very active Board of Directors assisting with the growth and success of the MWFA?

At the November 2nd dinner meeting the Board of Directors elections will be

held. The Board meets about ten times a year (in person and virtual) and works closely with the Executive Director coordinating the many programs that keep the MWFA serving their members

and the industry.

If you are interested in running for the Board or would like to nominate someone, please email Nancy Rich at mwfa@ ameritech.net.

READER’S CORNER

AFC INDUSTRIES HAS ACQUIRED MANCHESTER, ENGLAND BASED EAP INDUSTRIES

AFC Industries has acquired EAP International Limited, a leading distributor of rubber sealing products, including O-rings, gaskets, and associated technical products, based in Greater Manchester, UK. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

EAP will be combined with AFC’s European business, TFC and will strengthens TFC’s position as a leading provider of technical engineering products. The two businesses have a clear synergy in customer base and commitment to delivering quality products supported by customer service excellence. There has always been strong demand for sealing products across UK manufacturers. Bringing EAP under TFC will help us better serve our UK manufacturing customers, supplying seals directly from an in-house UK source.

AFC INDUSTRIES HAS ACQUIRED SOUTH HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY BASED FASTBOLT

AFC Industries has acquired South Hackensack New Jersey based Fastbolt. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1974 by Albert Zaukas, the company has continued to evolve and is now a quality-driven global supply chain management company meeting the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and diversified customer base.

Fastbolt owner and CEO Glenn Zaukas said, “We have worked hard through the years to build on our father’s legacy of taking excellent care of our customers through real

partnerships with our employees.

It was important to our family that we found a partner that would respect that and build on it. We are excited that Fastbolt will continue to be in the hands of owners who are committed to growing the business the ‘right’ way.”

AFC CEO Kevin Godin explained, “We have wanted Fastbolt as part of the AFC family for several years. They were one of the first businesses we reached out to when we launched our acquisition strategy. We are glad that when the time was right for the family to sell the business, they chose us. Our responsibility to be good stewards of these businesses is important to us and we are confident that together, the future is bright. Bringing these two businesses together makes both stronger in several ways and we look forward to working together to continue to build a legacy of excellence.”

AFC INDUSTRIES HAS ACQUIRED MUSCATINE, IOWA BASED WHITE DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPLY

AFC Industries has acquired Muscatine, Iowa based White Distribution and Supply. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

For over 26 years White Distribution and Supply (WDS) has been providing a broad range of products, inventory management, and LEAN solutions to a broad range of customers who are themselves leaders in

their respective markets.

WDS CEO John MacQuarrie said, “Over the past several years our team has continued to make investments that ensure we are positioned to supply excellent service to our customers and opportunities for our employees and supplier partners. We see this as a continuation of that strategy. AFC has the same commitment to excellence that has made us successful in the past, and together the businesses complement each other in ways that better align us to provide innovative solutions for our customers and growth opportunities for our stakeholders well into the future.”

AFC CEO Kevin Godin said, “We are always excited when we can partner with businesses that have the same core commitments we have, are managed by a team of industry professionals, and that add or strengthen our capabilities. WDS checks all those boxes, and together these businesses will be stronger and better positioned to grow and be successful.”

Headquartered in Fairfield OH, AFC Industries is a dynamic organization dedicated to providing supply chain management solutions on small components and tooling for a diverse base of manufacturers and assemblers across a broad range of industries. Through its experienced team and global resources, AFC excels at making customer manufacturing and assembly processes more efficient and cost-effective.

For more information cabout these acquisitions, products and services, ontact AFC Industries by Tel: 513-874-7456, Email: sales@afcind.com or visit www.afcind.com.

FASTENER FAIR USA NASHVILLE GOLF OUTING

The MWFA and North Coast Fastener Association cohosted a Golf Outing in Nashville in conjunction with Fastener Fair. Hermitage Golf Course, in Hickory, TN hosted the outing. The scenic course, along the banks of the Cumberland River, provided a pleasurable experience for the golfers. Attracting almost 80 golfers, his was the first outing associated with a Fastener Fair.

WINNERS OF THIS EVENT

» First Place Team

Mike Robinson, Bryan Wheeler, Rob Reynolds, Morgan Wilson

» Second Place Team

Steve Urhausen, Dee Ward, Rich Cavoto, Brian Prodoehl

» Longest Drive #2

Dee Ward

» Longest Drive #14

Rich Cavoto

» Closest to the Pin #3

Andreas Klutki

» Closest to the Pin #7

Anuj Singh

» Closest to the Pin #12

Big Country

» Closest to the Pin #5

Rich Cavoto

Congratulations to the winners!

CORNER

FORREST ROGERS, NEWLY APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF BRIKKSEN

We are proud to announce Forrest Rogers as the newly appointed General Manager of Brikksen. Forrest is a seasoned professional who started his fastener career 12 years ago in domestic and international procurement. Most recently, he served as the Packaged and Branded Parts Manager for a national OEM distributor. Forrest has also been instrumental in the development and growth of the firm’s e-commerce platform. He possesses a customer-centric approach to conducting business and is excited about establishing new customer relationships in his role as the General Manager of Brikksen.

Prior to joining the fastener industry, Forrest held several managerial positions

in the mortgage and financial planning industries. A Central Florida native, he recently celebrated 20-years of marriage. Forrest and his wife are proud parents of five children. Beyond the office, he enjoys playing golf, collecting sports cards, and attending his children’s sporting events. Forrest has a wealth of fastener experience and a strong passion for customer service. With his leadership skillset, Brikksen is positioned well for continued growth and future success.

» Forrest Rogers will assume General Manager responsibilities

» Emily Morrison will remain Business Operations Manager

» Continue to contact your Business Solutions representative for assistance or questions. Brikksen is a master distributor

of the highest quality stainless steel fasteners in the industry. We have been providing value-added service and topquality products to customers for over 15 years. Working with manufacturers worldwide and utilizing a state-of-theart inventory management system allows us the opportunity to provide distributors with industry leading customer service, exceptional quality control, and unequaled product delivery. At Brikksen, we are committed to providing ultra-fast purchase order turnaround, the highest quality stainless product line, and the most competitive pricing in the industry.

For more information contact Brikksen at 2152 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #1060, Sanford, FL 32771. Tel: 1-800-962-1614, Email: sales@brikksen.com or online at www.brikksen.com.

‘SCREWED UP OPEN’ GOLF OUTING

The MWFA held their 3rd Annual Screwed Up Open on May 25th 26th at White Pines in Bensenville, IL. This fun casual outing gives golfers a chance to start off the summer season and get together before August Golf Outing. Almost 60 golfers came out to enjoy the day and the networking. Thank you to Bee Clean Specialties for donating hats and ND Industries for donating golf balls to our

golfers.

The first and second place teams received cash prizes. The two skilled teams were:

» First Place Team

Grand River Supply Team: Derek Kuhns, Ryan Kuhns (Ryno Mfg.), Scott Terill, Ben Mol

» Second Place Team

ND Industries Team: Mike Crouch,

Paul Sundstrom, John Sundstrom, and Scot Wickhham

Congratulations to the winners! The outing was followed by the 2nd MWFA Nuts & Bolts of the year at Church Street where several golfers along with other from the industry gathered to enjoy beverages while catching up with their industry friends.

THANK YOU TO OUR GOLF OUTING SPONSORS

ESSENTIALS OF METALLURGY SEMINAR

The best education is firsthand. Students attending the May 24th Essentials of Metallurgy Seminar had the opportunity to not only hear from industry experts regarding metallurgy, heat treating, and plating but also were able to tour facilities.

Morgan Ohare and SWD Inc. were

gracious enough to provide teachers and tours of their plants. Joan Sosinski and Ed Garcia spoke from Morgan Ohare discussing types of Heat Treating and their applications. Matt Delawder and Don Memecek spoke from SWD addressing the many types of Plating and their applications. Feedback

from students indicated that they really enjoyed the tours allowing them to see the processes in action creating a better understanding of what was taught. This popular class has become an annual class due to the demands of the industry for education.

CORNER

ACME MANUFACTURING ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN BARRETT AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ACME Manufacturing is announcing that John Barrett will lead the company as President and Chief Operating Officer effective on June 1st, 2023. Barrett will succeed Tim Broderick as he retires in June 2023.

Barrett’s most recent post was at Oribi Composites, where he was Chief Operating Officer for three years. John brings 28 years of experience in manufacturing to ACME. He earned a master’s degree in operations and manufacturing management from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Barrett’s experience extends into the United States military where he served as an Officer in the Army while deployed in Operation Desert Storm.

Barrett’s extensive knowledge in the manufacturing industry includes experience as:

» General Manager at Mitsubishi Power America

» VP of Operations at Wheeled Coach Ambulance

» Director of Operations at Textron Fastening Systems

“I am extremely excited to be taking over the President and COO role at Acme Manufacturing Company,” says John Barrett. “I look forward to bringing an operational excellence mindset to all four of our strong and well-established companies.”

“John comes with years of experience in manufacturing,” says Tim Broderick, retiring president and COO. “I think he will do an outstanding job as my successor.”

“I am genuinely excited to be working with John who brings with him a proven pedigree in manufacturing and Lean process strategies,” says Alan Bate of All America Threaded Products in Lancaster, PA. “His guidance and mentorship will allow us to continue to build on the exceptional revenue growth we have experienced in the last three years.”

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE

SEPT 1st

Pass the word to your employees/ coworkers to take advantage of the opportunity for students to apply for a MWFA Scholarship. Several scholarships will be awarded, minimum of $1,500. The son or daughter (natural or step or dependent child), as well as a spouse of an employee, or employee of a dues paid MWFA member are eligible to apply for a scholarship. This applies to all MWFA members who have been members for one calendar year or more. Dues must be current to apply.

All Scholarship Applications are due by September 1st, 2023. Scholarships to be Awarded November 2nd, 2023. Applications may be downloaded at www.mwfa.net.

2023 EVENTS CALENDAR

August 20-24

FSTNR Week

Fastener Show, Training, Networking, Recreation

August 20 Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build

Abbott Interfast, Wheeling, IL

August 21 Open Houses

August 22

Print Reading Seminar

41st Annual Table Top Show

The Retro 80s Fastener Bash

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire, IL

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 75 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.

August 23

70th Annual Golf Outing

Crane’s Landing, Lincolnshire, IL

August 24 MWFA Mixer

Real Time Sports, Elk Grove Village, IL

August 21-25

October 9-11

November 2

Fastener Training Week

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire, IL

International Fastener Expo

Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

Value Added Selling Class by Paul Reilly

Scholarship Awards, Hall of Fame Awards & Board Elections

Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL

December 14

Holiday Party

Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL

Mid-West Fastener Association PO Box 5, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 Tel: 847-438-8338 . Fax: 847-516-6728

Email: info@mwfa.net

www.mwfa.net

THE OPPORTUNITY

For advertising and press opportunities in the MWFA newsletter, contact the editor. Nancy Rich Editor

Email: mwfa@ameritech.net

September 1st, 2023