Torque April 2018

issue 023 / April 2018

fasteners

tools

distribution

magazine

STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS Large range of Metric and Unified Fasteners A2, A4 and Bumax Material Din and ISO standard parts Fast delivery

Tel +44 (0)1342 410 758

Fax +44 (0)1342 311 464

Email info@pts-uk.com

www.pts-uk.com

All of Rivit’s universe with just one click

rivit.it FASTENERS&TOOLS FOR SHEET METAL ASSEMBLY Visit www.rivit.it from PC, tablet and mobile and surf the product’s catalog. You will find full range lines of products dedicated to the fastening of sheet metal, product details, videos, sector information.

Rivit Industry Division is production and distribution of fasteners and tools for the industrial sectors: automotive, industrial body shop, households appliances, light carpentry, electronics.

RIVIT Srl ITALIA Bologna / Italy T. +39 0514171111 rivit@rivit.it / rivit.it

SINCE 1973

RIVIT INDIA Pvt Ltd Chennai / India T. +91 44 428 50 250 rivitindia@rivit.in / rivit.in

Where there is metal, there is Rivit.it

RIVIT MAROC Sarl Au Temara / Maroc T. +212 661 379 765 rivit@rivit.ma / rivit.it

INSIDE THIS ISSUE issue 023 / April 2018

fasteners

tools

distribution

magazine

STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS

fasteners

tools

distribution

magazine

Large range of Metric and Unified Fasteners A2, A4 and Bumax Material Din and ISO standard parts Fast delivery

04 News 08 Profile: Precision Technology Supplies

Tel +44 (0)1342 410 758

Fax +44 (0)1342 311 464

Email info@pts-uk.com

www.pts-uk.com

The stainless steel distributor talks expansion, tariffs and the changing industry.

12 FOCUS: Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@torque-expo.com Editor Jonathon Harker jonathon@torque-expo.com Sales Manager - UK Claire Warman claire@torque-expo.com Sales Manager - International Harry Whyte harry.whyte@torque-expo.com

Stainless steel fixings and fasteners.

14 Torque Special: Women in fasteners and tools Poor diversity and a skills crisis face the construction industry.

18 UNIFIX Case Study: MORGANS How do merchants decide which fastener brands to stock?

Sales Manager - Tools Lloyd Ramsdale lloyd@torque-expo.com

20 Show Preview:

Circulation Tracy Howell tracy@torque-expo.com

22 Show Review: International Hardware

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@torque-expo.com Designers Dan Bennett dan.bennett@torque-expo.com Tina Ries tina@torque-expo.com Web Designer Dan Desta daniel@torque-expo.com

Published by Stag Publications Ltd 18 Alban Park Hatfield Road St Albans Herts AL4 0JJ tel: +44 (0)1727 739160 fax: +44 (0)1727 739169 Email: info@torque-expo.com Web: www.torque-expo.com To subscribe to Torque Magazine visit: torque-expo.com/magazine Disclaimer Although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained herein is accurate and up to date, 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. 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 of Stag Publications Ltd. Proud member of:

Automechanika Birmingham 2018

Fair – Cologne 2018

28 FOCUS: Drills, drill bits & cutting tools 30 BHETA 32 FOCUS: Impact drivers & bits 34 FOCUS: Olympic Fixings 36 Insight: FEIN on angle grinders 38 Territory Report: France Bülte, pgb-Europe and Titanox provide the insights.

42 Spotlight: Titgemeyer 44 Insight: The rising risk of recalls 48 FOCUS: Adhesives, tapes, sealants & fillers

The automotive market’s commitment to a ‘no defect’ philosophy has inevitably affected all of its suppliers, not least fastener manufacturers and wholesalers, who now have to jump through a number of certification and inspection ‘hoops’ to continue to serve the sector.

ISO technical specifications like TS16949 are among the formal markers that indicate an industry-wide move to raise standards, continually improve the supply chain, reduce waste and iron those defects out of production.

It borders on the inanely obvious to say that these standards affect the tool brands serving the automotive market too. Raising benchmarks (a new hand torque calibration standard comes into force this September) and an emphasis on connected tools and systems that audit and spot errors long before they leave the production halls are now par for the course.

The automotive industry has been a driver (pun intended) in raising standards and has arguably led the way for other sectors, getting better on reducing defects despite producing a high volume of product.

Speaking of the automotive market, Torque is media partner to June’s Automechanika Birmingham, which runs at the NEC, Birmingham and we’ve got a fair chunk of automotive relevant content across this edition – from our feature on product recalls (p44), plenty of relevant tools from the Cologne Hardware Fair (p22) and of course our feature on Automechanika Birmingham (p20). We hope you enjoy and do remember to subscribe via www.torque-expo.com/subscribe

50 Merlin Case Study: Bideford Tools 52 FOCUS: IT services, software & e-business

57 Tech: Steel and concrete connections 58 Tech: Cut your calibration downtime

Jonathon Harker Editor

60 Insight: Southco on Industry 4.0

jonathon@torque-expo.com

63 Cargo, Freight & Logistics 64 Community 66 Events

Copyright Entire contents copyright © 2018 Stag Publications. 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.

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NEWS All the latest news from the distribution industry...

OX TOOLS PUTS THE BOOT IN

H

oodies, gilets, polo shirts and even boots feature in a brand new work‐ wear line‐up from Ox Tools. The brand provided a preview of the range at last month's Cologne‐set International Hardware Fair.

Previously, the brand has released a limited range of safety wear, including high‐ vis vests and coveralls. The new Ox Work‐ wear clothing range represents a significant step up for the firm into a competitive marketplace. Merchandising display stands will be made available to trade counters and stockists, including the set up pictured right as well as more compact rails. Turn to page 22 for more news from the Cologne show.

Bossard’s now in 3D

B

ossard Group has teamed up with three partners for a move into the emerging market of 3D printing. Working with TRUMPF (laser metal fusion), German RepRap (fused filament fabrication) and Henkel (stereolithography), Bossard will sell 3D industrial printers and related consumables such as metal powder, filaments, etc as well as acting as a consulting partner for customers designing complex parts for 3D printing.

Barton Cold-Form drives ahead with IATF

C

old forging expert Barton Cold‐Form, part of Optimas Solutions’ manufacturing division, is now accredited to IATF16949:2016 certification by BSI, ahead of schedule. The firm is reportedly one of the first fastener businesses in the region to attain the soon‐to‐be mandatory standard.

IATF 16949:2016 builds on the outgoing stan‐ dard TS16949:2009 and acts as a governing quality management standard for OEM and Tier manufac‐ turers in the automotive industry. The standard will soon become mandatory for suppliers and manu‐ facturers in the industry, but Barton has taken the initiative by adopting the new standard well ahead of the 14 September 2018 deadline. There’s more on the automotive sector on page 20.

Stainless steel fasteners.

EdelstahlVerbindungselemente.

Normed and standardized parts Norm- und Standardteile DIN, ISO, EN and others / und andere Special parts and special materials Sonderteile / Sonderwerkstoffe

Lederer GmbH Katzbachstr. 4 · D-58256 Ennepetal · Germany Fon +49 (0)2333 8309-0 · Fax -50 · www.lederer-online.com m

om

er-shop.c

er www.led

www.torque-expo.com

PEOPLE NEWS Sundram founding MD retires after 54 years

NORMA Chair stands in

S

J

ohn Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer of NORMA Group, left the company at his own request on 31 January. Bernd Klein‐ hens (pictured), Chairman of the Manage‐ ment Board, will take the reins while the hunt is on for Stephenson’s successor.

Pic credit: SIDDARTH

ri Suresh Krishna is to retire as Managing Director of Sundram Fasteners Limited this month, with Ms Arathi Krishna taking on the MD role.

Sri Suresh Krishna – who will continue as a Director and Chairman of the Board – founded Sundram Fasteners in the year 1964. He has been at the helm of the business since inception, guiding the company for more than five decades.

New MD Ms Arathi Krishna served as Joint MD since 2011 and has been on the Board since 2006. Ms Arun‐ dathi Krishna, meanwhile, has been appointed as Joint MD, having previously served as the Deputy MD of Sundram since 2013, and has been on the Board since 2008. She oversees the operations of the domestic and international subsidiaries in China and England.

ERA secures new head of marketing

Messe Frankfurt UK MD now in the driving seat

W

F

ormer Event Director off Forest Exhibitions Ltd, Simon Albert, is to become Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt’s new UK subsidiary.

Messe Frankfurt – the ownerr ddl East, East of Automechanika and Hardware + Tools Middle among others – acquired Forest Exhibitions Ltd last month, including Automechanika Birmingham, which was established by Forest Exhibitions as a licensee. For more, turn to page 21.

Selco 400 Job bonanza S

est Midlands‐based home security specialist ERA has promoted Tania Tams to the role of Head of Marketing to oversee communications and marketing activity across the company’s distribution channels.

Having previously p y held h the position of Marketing Manager, Tams will work closely with Group Marketing and Innovation Director Will Butler to help develop the ERA brand, as the company paves the way for modern home security solutions.

Butler said: "Tania is a real asset to our company and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that ERA maintains its status as a leading voice in home security.”

elco, which opened its 60th branch this February in York, is to create 400 jobs this year. The national builders’ merchant has a major branch expansion programme in 2018, with new outlets in Solihull, York and Milton Keynes already and launches in St Albans, Leicester, Chelmsford, Leeds and Bristol to follow. Each new branch opening creates 50 jobs. A combination of management, in‐branch and delivery positions will be created as Selco continues the fastest period of expansion in the company’s history.

Kingfisher job woes

F

ollowing the news that B&Q is to cull 200 jobs at its head office in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, fellow Kingfisher brand Brico Dépôt is reportedly set to cut more roles in France. News agency Reuters has reported 409 jobs to be cut by Kingfisher in its Brico Dépôt and Castorama shops, while 102 jobs will be created and 164 positions will be transferred (page 38).

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NEWS News from the distribution industry

Did you have a ‘Home Depot’ or a ‘Bunnings’ year?

2

017 was a strong year for plenty of businesses in the fastener, tool and related businesses, according to a recent glut of financial reports from the industry.

Product sales in the tools and the timber & joinery categories grew for UK builders merchants in 2017. According to the BMF’s Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI), timber and joinery product sales grew 5.4%, while tool sales were up 6%.

BUFAB saw net sales rise 12% (8% organic) to SEK 3,201 million. Order intake outstripped net sales and the firm expects further positive results in 2018, despite those higher raw material prices squeezing margins.

GESIPA owner SFS Group saw strong 7.4% organic growth, with its fastening segment recording “good momentum” and 8% growth. fischer UK saw 33% growth at the start of 2018, thanks to an expanding marketplace and some key projects falling into place in January – not tradi‐ tionally a month famous for delivering strong construction growth.

Window and door fastener specialist Rapierstar saw year‐on‐year sales growth of 10% in the UK and Irish market in 2017.

Merchant chain Selco saw double digit growth in Ireland, with owner Grafton recording an overall 9% revenue rise and operating profit up

17%, to £160.9 million.

The world’s largest home improve‐ ment retailer, US‐based Home Depot, saw sales reach a whopping $101 billion in 2017, up 6.7% on 2016.

Bunnings did not see such a positive performance, however. For the first half of FY 2018, Bunnings announced an underlying loss of £97 million ($165m), reflecting Homebase’s poor trading performance. Owner Wesfarmer’s MD Rob Scott admitted that “the Homebase acquisition has been below our expec‐ tations”. Rival B&Q, owned by King‐ fisher, saw a more modest sales decline of 5.3% in Q4.

For up-to-the-minute headlines visit www.torque-expo.com

... back on n ! o i t i s o p e l o p

w e n e h T . e u g o l a t a c r e r Lede00 stainless steel fasteners Over 20,0

r now at e d r o r u o y Place nline.com -o r e r e d le @ katalog

www.torque-expo.com

Coventry on course to host the biggest Torque-Expo yet

New and returning exhibitors from the UK and overseas are snapping up space at Torque-Expo’s debut at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

T

he third UK‐based Torque‐Expo is on course to become the largest edition of the show yet, bringing together fasteners, tools and related industries all under one roof.

More tool companies will join fastener manufacturers and wholesalers at the show than ever before, with many first‐ time exhibitors joining Torque‐Expo, including FEIN, Gedore and AW Tools.

The new central location of Coventry’s Ricoh Arena is not only within a two hour drive of 75% of England’s population, but it’s also handily placed for international visitors, with Birm‐ ingham Airport just 20 minutes by road or 25 by rail. It’s not just overseas visitors being welcomed, with prominent inter‐

national exhibitors Bralo, FAR Srl and FIXI Srl among the growing numbers showcasing their product ranges at Torque‐ Expo Coventry.

Following feedback from the last Torque‐Expo at Silverstone, the show will now take place in one busy hall at the Ricoh Arena.

Networking opportunities have also been ramped up, with a new and exclusive exhibitor drinks reception; tabled for the evening before the show begins, joining the already well‐estab‐ lished and popular Gala Dinner.

Show organiser Jerry Ramsdale said: “A number of elements have come together to make Torque‐Expo Coventry our strongest show yet. We’re working with a number of leading industry associations – which we will be able to announce soon – and we’re seeing increasing interest from the tool distribution market now that the Torque‐Expo name is more mature. We’ve had more enquiries from abroad and we’ve got the brand new venue, which is on the doorstep of many businesses in the sector. We’ve even had one new exhibitor sign up who’s making their trade show debut!

“We’re all really excited about the show. It’s going to be our biggest Torque‐Expo yet and I’d urge any businesses interested in coming along to enquire sooner rather than later, not only because exhibitors will receive marketing support in the build up to October, but it won’t be long before we run out of space!”

Exhibitor enquiries should be directed to your usual contact or through info@torque‐expo.com +44 (0) 1727 739160.

Connect to the fastener, tool and related industries with Torque-Expo Coventry, 3-4 October 2018, at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

torque-expo.com

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PROFILE PRECISION TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES

Precision Technology Supplies is probably the UK’s second largest Stainless Steel fastener distributor, with a quality reputation that is seeing it do increasing business with distributors in a diverse range of sectors. Torque quizzed Sales Director Andy Knight for the latest on this significant market player…

P

recision Technology Supplies is easily one of the biggest Stainless Steel distributors in the business.

Supplying quality product to the UK, Europe and rest of world – including nuts, bolts, screws, washers and much more besides ‐ this year the firm is cele‐ brating 30 years in the business, as well as many years of consecutive growth.

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When we last spoke to the business, Precision Technology Supplies was in the middle of renovating a neighbour‐ ing unit for some much‐needed ware‐ house space as well as working hard preparing to launch a brand new website. Sales Director Andy Knight then told us the company was working flat out to keep up with orders and at

the time of this update, things were still reassuringly busy at the East Grinstead‐ based company. Nevertheless, we secured time with the PTS Sales Direc‐ tor to quiz him on how the warehouse and website were coming along, what he made of Trump’s 25% steel tariff and the state of the Stainless Steel fastener market…

When we last spoke to you, Precision Technology Supplies was in the middle of renovating a new building to extend your warehouse space – how is that progressing?

It’s all up and running now and the new building has been in use since the end of January. We’ve started to fill it with product and we’ve got room for plenty more. In fact there is more on the way as we speak.

What square footage increase has the new warehouse given you and what kind of difference has it made to the business?

It has given us around an extra 9,000 square feet. It’s not made a massive impact in the short term, but long term it will allow us to have a lot more prod‐ uct and more depth in what we can offer our customers.

Precision Technology Supplies also has a new website in the works. How is that progressing and what benefits will it bring?

It’s set to launch shortly and we expect it to go live at the start of May. Phase one is all about enhancing the look and feel of the website. The design is much improved and it will be responsive, so the site will look good whether you view it

on a desktop PC, laptop, smartphone, iPad or whatever. There is more technical information available and there will be 3D drawings as well – that is why it has been so long in the making!

The site will have more search function‐ ality to make it easier for customers to find exactly what they are after. There will be further changes down the line too – a later phase will see certificates for prod‐ ucts online that customers will be able to access quickly.

The Stainless Steel market and the prices thereof are obviously key for the Precision Technology Supplies business. What’s your view on its relative strength as a sector at the moment? Is it healthy or facing any particular challenges?

The Stainless Steel market has always been governed by raw material prices, it has been ever since I’ve been a part of the industry. Stainless steel prices have now gone up for a couple of months in a row, which has been a change, but price changes affect every company in the market, whether they go up or down.

Sometimes a customer might question if prices go up. They’ll go away and look into it, but they usually come back 10 minutes later and say, yes of course it’s all down to the cost of the raw materials.

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→

PROFILE PRECISION TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES

// Essentially, we want to be a one-stop-shop for Stainless Steel. //

→

What’s your take on the recent talk of tariffs on steel, which has been making headlines thanks to the US President?

We’ve seen all kinds of dumping duties, surveillance measures and more over the years, and it can get a bit tit‐for‐tat.

Everyone will do the same thing and the prices will go up for the whole market.

Once again, it affects everyone – it’s a bit like the price of raw materials – there’s not a lot you can do about it, you have to get on with it.

How many products does Precision Technology Supplies now stock, approximately?

Around 46,000 parts – hence the new warehouse! We are always working on expanding the ranges and investigating what is out there, what’s new and what may benefit our customers. Essentially, we want to be a one‐stop‐shop for Stain‐ less Steel.

How does that compare to when you started out?

It’s a far cry from those days. PTS is 30 years old this year and when we started we had a handful of product and there was just the three of us. Now we have to have significant quantities of stock – so that when a customer turns to you and asks for 100,000 nuts then you can supply them from stock.

How large a part of the business is producing tailored precision turned parts? Is that something that is growing or is a steady performer for you?

We can make modifications to parts – some customers want special lengths or have parts with smaller heads, for exam‐ ple. Some want different finishes on prod‐ ucts… It’s not a big part of the business but it is steady. It is part of the whole pack‐ age at PTS and it taps into that one‐stop‐ shop offering again. But you can’t put all these parts on the website – the variety is staggering. You can easily get to 30 differ‐ ent versions of a single product.

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And what about PTS’ plating offering?

We offer the specialist ‘Touch‐Dry’ Chemi‐ Black process – it’s great for customers that don’t want a reflective finish but still want the anti‐corrosive qualities of stain‐ less steel. Some customers also want it for the looks, so it blends into the material it is fastening together.

How large a part of PTS’ business is in the petrochemical industry?

We work in almost every industry you can think of. We do supply product to distrib‐ utors that work in the petro chemical industry, although in that particular sector we only really offer fringe parts.

What have been some of the biggest changes in the lifetime of Precision Technology Supplies?

I have been in the business for almost 40 years. There has been a lot of change – when fax machines came in they had a big impact. Before then, if someone wanted a custom part they would send you a draw‐ ing and you would post it off to a factory in Europe or the Far East, then they’d work on it and send you a telex – the whole process could take three to five weeks! Faxes changed all that. Emails have changed it all again – now people expect a reply within half an hour! So there is the speed aspect and there’s also the point that the internet and email have opened up the market to everyone.

Nowadays, it is next day delivery, virtually everywhere in the world. I can

get product to the majority of Europe by tomorrow morning and the same time to most other places in the world or the day after. It has shifted things – we now deal with customers in every country you can think of.

Product‐wise, there’s new ranges all the time, there’s ISO replacing DIN which has been a bit of fun, but you adapt to the market and we have covered both ISO and DIN for a long time and are ready to provide both, whatever the customer wants.

Does PTS have targets to grow in particular markets?

I can’t point to a single market where we want to grow solely. There is such a diver‐ sified set of industries out there, we have fingers in all of those pies and we want to grow in all of them. The bulk of our busi‐ ness is supplying other distributors, in the UK and all over the world. And we want to grow with all of them, whichever industry they serve.

Looking ahead, what kind of growth is PTS looking to achieve over 2018?

2018 is going well – we’re extraordinar‐ ily busy. Over the last 15‐20 years we have achieved healthy growth every year and while it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen, we’re aiming to do betterthan last year and then better again the year after. www.pts-uk.com

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TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS & FASTENERS

RUST BUSTERS From machine screws to dowels, duplex and super screws, Torque rounds up some of the stainless steel fixing and fastener ranges available from STF, WASI, Technifast and BS Fixings.

WASI

STF Stainless Threaded Fasteners, a division of Hexstone Ltd, is a specialist in stain‐ less steel fasteners. Listening and responding to its customer’s needs, STF has recently introduced the following products to its growing range: Torx Socket Caps Torx Machine Screws Torx Chipboard Screws Torx Socket Buttons Torx Socket Flange Buttons STF said: “Providing dedicated points of contact for customers within our sales office, our teams are ready to take your orders today ‐ for delivery tomorrow ‐ nationwide. Our Specials team can provide quotations for non‐standard products in a range of materials.”

STF’s Export team distributes the entire Hexstone product range to customers around the world. For more details, call 01902 490490, fax 01902 496583 or email: sales@stf-fasteners.co.uk

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To meeting changing market demands and customer requirements, WASI expands and adapts its product range. In that vein, WASI is now complementing its standard range with duplex steel (1.4462) products that offer customers plenty of benefits.

The duplex grade includes corrosion and acid resistant steels. Characterised by a balanced dual‐phase microstructure of austenite and ferrite (1:1), duplex steels combine the best properties of both. As a result they exhibit a high mechanical strength compa‐ rable with higher strength structural steels, WASI explains.

Due to their high chromium content compared to pure austenitic steels and the low nickel content at the same time, duplex steels are more stable compared to nickel‐ containing products. A high number of applications are possible thanks to the high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties, e.g. construction or chemical industry, petrochemicals or marine technologies.

A selection of duplex products is already in stock at WASI and we’re told the range is being expanded continuously. Visit the WASI webshop or contact the sales department to find out more.

TECHNIFAST Technifast provides a specialist dowel‐pin service, now offering dowels with longer lengths up to 120mm on diameters below 5mm. Technifast’s machining capabilities allow for the production of dowels up to 32mm diameter, giving the option to add features such as flats and Circlip grooves, or internal/external threads. The company specialises in production of stainless steel dowels to grades A2 and A4, and also has vast experience working with through‐hardened steel and mild steel unhardened.

Not all standard dowel pins are appro‐ priate for demanding applications or specialist projects, and it can be difficult to source the exact dowel for specific appli‐ cations. Technifast recognises this and its

custom‐made dowels have already formed an integral part of diverse products from toy trains and surgical instruments, through to audio visual technology and marine leisure appliances.

MD Louis Speed said: “The ability to provide customers with a custom‐ made dowel pin solution is one of the reasons we consider ourselves to be at the forefront of this specialist service. There is no ‘fit‐all’ solution for fasteners, so it is impor‐ tant we are able to offer our customers a product tailored to

their unique requirements. The continued investment in our machining capabilities is allowing us to produce a greater field of dowel pin solutions.”

BS FIXINGS BS Stainless recently celebrated its 20th successful year in the business. It’s the parent company of BS Fixings, which hit the scene a mere three years ago.

BS Fixings was originally conceived as a type of online shop for customers who needed stainless steel fixings and acces‐ sories in slightly smaller quantities than the industrial amounts purchased by major buyers such as those who build and maintain skyscrapers, aeroplanes and oil and gas plants all over the world.

Clearly, not everyone can find a use for a thousand miles of welding wire or five tons of washers. When much smaller quantities were requested, BS Stainless fulfilled the orders for some time until BS Fixings was conceived and, quite quickly after, soon become a fully‐fledged company in its own right.

As well as selling smaller quantities of the products in the BS Stainless portfolio, BS Fixings also sells a range of other

items. Its best‐selling products are, in no particular order, stainless steel wire of various types (from welding to tying with a bit of arty sculpting in the mix too), sign fixing clamps and good old stainless steel nails and screws. BS Fixings also supplies the popular Bandfix family of stainless steel banding, banding tools and acces‐ sories that was created by BS Stainless; these stand side‐by‐side with banding products from Tamtorque.

The firm proudly supplies stainless steel Super Screws, designed to make light work of applications where the two‐ screw method would otherwise be used.

Features and benefits include a choice of grades to suit any application – as well as 316/A4 and 304/A2, BS Fixings also provides immediate access to Duplex 318L/UNS s31803 Super Screws, designed to withstand the intense rigours of exposure to highly‐corrosive salt water.

Super Screws are a full three times harder than their traditional counterparts – stan‐ dard stainless steel self‐tapping screws, says BS, meaning no other screw is neces‐ sary. All components stay free of any hidden corrosion and Super Screws can be removed and reinserted without worrying about the threads getting worn or the heads breaking. All Super Screws can be quickly supplied by BS Fixings with matching EPDM or polyamide wash‐ ers as required.

Standard Listed - you know who’s best!

But contact us for all the rest...

• 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...

Tel: +44 (0) 117 - 972 8560 Fax: +44 (0) 117 - 972 8570 Email: sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED,31 UK. torque-expo.com

TORQUE SPECIAL WOMEN IN FASTENERS & TOOLS

WOMEN ON THE TOOLS Poor diversity and a significant skills shortage are among the challenges facing the construction sector.

Charity Women on the Tools (WotT) is aiming to tackle these head on, by making construction an appealing option for women early in their career development…

I

t will be news to none of Torque Magazine’s readers that gender diversity in the construction indus‐ try is spectacularly poor.

But perhaps you’ve not been fully aware of just how severe the situation is: According to construction training and registration body CITB, only 14.5% of workers in the construction world are female – and a paltry 2% of manual workers are women.

At least things are changing in the modern era? Sadly no. Since the mid‐ 1970s, there has been almost no increase in the percentage of women at work in the skilled trades ‘on the tools’, when just under 1% of tradespeople were female.

White collar/blue collar Whilst women at the more ‘white collar’ end of the continuum of careers in the construction/building industries (engi‐ neering, architecture, surveying, etc) are beginning to improve their positions, with their percentage of their overall workforce currently around 11‐12%, change for women at the ‘blue collar’ end of the continuum is obstinately slow.

With the UK construction industry already facing a skills shortage that is “holding back building work just at a time when the country needs more houses and infrastructure” (The Daily Telegraph, 16th Nov 2017), the reality is that companies must harness the power and skills of women to avoid inflaming that skills crisis still further.

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Women on the Tools Women on the Tools (WotT) is dedi‐ cated to getting more women ‘onto the tools’. In order to do this, WotT aims to start working with building trades and construction industry employers, to help them recruit and retain tradeswomen as a response to the current serious skills shortage, and in order to achieve a better gender balance between their employees working in construction.

WotT recently joined the Procure Plus (PPH) family by becoming a subsidiary of the group. PPH invests back into communities, training and developing people who find them‐ selves far from the employment market. Together, they will be targeting a significant increase in the represen‐ tation of women in PPH’s training and development programmes for 2018.

The longer term solution lies in how society influences women much earlier in their career development, to ensure construction is an option when they are considering their careers as young teenagers. To that end, PPH will focus on the education sector as a route to influence and inform young women of the career opportunities within the construction sector. This will have ‘down the line’ impact, but of course things need to change things more quickly than that, and that is why WotT and PPH are working closely with their current supply chain and training providers to open up opportunities for

the limited number of women out there now, that have already decided that construction is for them.

“Gender stereotypes need to change” Last year, WotT provided evidence to the Women and Work All Party Parlia‐ mentary Group outlining some of the issues faced by women who work or who want to work in the sector. Those issues included: “Typically schools consistently fail to encourage girls to consider careers within the construction/building services worlds; even those girls who say they are interested in working with their hands.

“Our current culture continues to allow gender stereotypes to run riot in the construction and building worlds of work, and cultural attitudes show little sign of significant change in the key areas of careers advising, teaching, training and employing.

“Our experience suggests that until attitudes around ‘appropriate gender’ start to change significantly, in the main only very confident, older women are going to even consider working ‘on the tools’. In any significant number.”

If you’d like to get involved in work which WotT and PPH are doing, please contact WotT at info@womenonthetools.org.uk

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TORQUE SPECIAL WOMEN IN FASTENERS & TOOLS

GETTING TECHNICAL OUT IN THE FIELD Mirka Valovicova, Technical Manager at fischer fixings, leads a team of seven and clocks up hours on construction sites across the country.

Torque quizzes Valovicova on her experiences in the fixings business…

How did you get into the industry in the first place?

By pure chance. From an early age I preferred activities requiring logical thinking instead of humanities subjects, but I didn’t have a very clear idea what I want to do. Even at the age of 18 when I was choosing my univer‐ sity course, it wasn’t very clear to me what I really wanted to do. The last two options I was considering were either Medical School or Technical University.

In the end the technical subject prevailed. The prospect of doing a course where the larger proportion of students would be male wasn’t daunt‐ ing to me, quite the opposite. In the end I selected a Civil Engineering course, with the idea of being a building designer.

In the first year we had a compul‐ sory module at the Faculty of Mechan‐ ical Engineering about Anchors and Fasteners Technology. The irony was, I really didn’t like the module! I found the subject somehow irrelevant to my

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studies. If somebody at that point told me my future job will be related to this topic and I would actually enjoy it, I am not sure I would have believed them!

What kind of work does fischer’s Technical Department do?

Any technical back up support for fischer’s customers: distributors, end users (installers), colleagues (sales force) and also the general public (DIY enthusiasts).

We provide an advisory service via a technical helpline. People can contact us to discuss various challenges they may have, related to our products or their application. This is done via telephone, e‐mails and also utilising technology like Skype and Facetime using iPad or smartphones. This offers more personal face‐to‐face consulta‐ tion and customers are also able to show us directly what they are looking at, making it easier and much more user‐friendly.

Part of our technical support is also design assistance, training, site support... and we have our fantastic design software Fixperience [visit www.fischer.co.uk for more details].

What does your day-to-day role involve?

The beauty of my job is that it is varied and two days are not the same. I am office‐based, but often I am required to work out in the field, so it is a perfect balance. Of course being in charge of the Technical Department and a team of seven people, certain administration tasks must be completed if not every day then at least weekly. The more exciting part of my job is to solve vari‐ ous application enquiries, supporting our customers with various project solutions. I love going out meeting vari‐ ous people, promoting the fischer brand out in the field. This is done via various customer visits, meetings and also via training.

// Projects are constantly evolving, bringing new opportunities for us. //

It’s such a pleasure to be invited by various companies and present CPD seminars. It is a great chance for us to share our expertise and our passion, demonstrate fischer’s product range, the latest developments, design rules of anchor technology following the latest state of the art design principles and latest design codes.

It’s not only theoretical training that I provide. It’s vital to also offer practi‐ cal hands‐on demonstrations which is often the preferred way of learning for our customers. So yes, I have to take that big hammer drill and demon‐ strate to often male dominated train‐ ing groups how our anchors are installed correctly.

What are the best things about working in the industry?

It is never boring and doesn’t stay still. If you have just an office job doing, for example, design, you are in front of the laptop most of the time.

Working with customers involved in various construction projects, you have an opportunity to go out and about quite a lot, meeting various people in different roles and solving the challenges they face. Projects are constantly evolving, bringing new opportunities for us.

The scope of applications on construction projects is vast, which makes it even more interesting for us.

Do you have any advice for other women thinking of stepping into the industry and/or construction world?

Go for it, it is an exciting world out there. It is constantly changing... How many people can walk around our towns and cities pointing out ‘look, this is what I was involved with, that’s where I worked, that’s what I delivered’? It is so nice seeing some‐ thing on the screen and then seeing it built in the real world. It’s nice to know you contributed to something being created, whatever small part you played.

On construction projects, you are exposed to people from different back‐ grounds and cultures, which I find quite fascinating. You have to adjust how you communicate, depending on the level of expertise of the other parties. Even though it’s not always easy, it’s often good fun!

What would you say to anyone put off the industry by that stereotype of a male-orientated culture?

Construction is a male‐dominated industry which poses certain chal‐

lenges for us females. But certainly it is changing in recent years, more and more female engineers are entering the market. For sure, the fixing indus‐ try is so male dominated but I take it as a nice challenge and sometimes even an advantage. As a female engineer, you may be challenged more and you may have to prove you know what you are talking about. However on the other hand, when you demon‐ strate your expertise and your competence, people remember you more! I also find that if you provide good support, customers are impressed and may appreciate you even more than if the same advice was given by the male colleague.

Any final thoughts for us?

Don’t be put off by any negative feedback you may get. Follow what you believe in, trust your judgment, believe in yourself, it will be recog‐ nised and rewards will come.

Sometimes it’s hard work but very enjoyable too!

I have no regrets following this career path and I would encourage others doing the same if they have the passion and interest in technical subjects and like interacting with various people.

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UNIFIX CASE STUDY MORGANS GROUP

SERVICE, BRAND STRENGTH & LOOKS What are the deciding factors for merchants when choosing which fastener brand to stock? Torque asks Gemma Cap, Owner of Morgans Group, for the stockist perspective.

H

eadquartered in Oswestry, Shropshire, family business Morgans Builders Merchants has been in the merchant‐ ing business for over 60 years. The agricultural, DIY and builders merchant stocks everything from construction supplies to bespoke sheds across its five branches, at Oswestry, Aberystwyth, Deeside, Newtown & Ruthin.

Each of those branches has recently taken on the UNIFIX range from Owlett‐Jaton. Featuring the fresh packaging solution launched by the firm last year, the UNIFIX branded range covers popular products and sizes from a wide selection of fasteners and fixings and ironmongery. The ‘trade bag’ packaging is robust, re‐sealable, drop‐proof, water resistant and an ideal size to carry. The ‘retail’ bags follow a similar offering to the trade bag range, conveniently packed in small packed quantities. The ‘ironmongery’ range covers a comprehensive selection, includ‐ ing door, gate and lock furniture, and accessories. What’s more, all of the packaging has been designed so that customers can quickly see what’s inside before they even read the label.

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So what are the factors influencing merchants and stockists when they are choosing which fastener, fixing, and ironmon‐ gery brands to take on?

“Because fasteners, fixings, and ironmongery are a fairly generic product offering, the decision really is made funda‐ mentally on the level of service provided by brand, its perceived brand strength and how the supplier displays their product to the market,” explains Morgans Owner Gemma Cap to Torque Magazine. “There doesn’t seem to be a huge price differential, but easy and quick accessibility of the product is also a deal‐maker and breaker.”

And it seems Owlett‐Jaton and its UNIFIX branded range of products fitted the bill. In fact, Morgans is no stranger to UNIFIX, having stocked the brand years ago. Cap takes up the story: “Recently, I picked up the phone to Tony Williams [Owlett‐Jaton Sales Director] who I’ve known for over many years, and we had some really productive discussions. I was really impressed with the UNIFIX livery and as a result, all of

our branches have been fully kitted out with the brand and we are pleased to be doing even more business with Owlett‐ Jaton. I must say the service so far has been very efficient and Owlett‐Jaton is keen to offer its support wherever possible.”

“As all five Morgans branches have a similar customer clien‐ tele that require fasteners, fixings, and ironmongery, we have listened to what our customers require and have put in place the most desired product range and replicated it from branch‐ to‐branch. If something slightly more obscure is required, we liaise with Owlett‐Jaton to arrange this.”

Every inch of a merchants’ shop floor has to pay its way, and significant range changes can be off‐putting for business owners keen not to have any selling space off limits while stock is being transitioned in. Happily, disruption was kept to a minimum, as Gemma Cap explains: “It happened in a flash in all honesty. The decisions were made between myself and Tony and shortly afterwards the team were liaising with us about dates to rebrand and kit out the branches. It took a couple of days per branch and we were kept abreast of progress the whole way through. It has been a very smooth transition and headache‐free! There is a lot to be said for efficiency and managing customer expectations, and I would say Tony and his team have executed it perfectly so far. We have a complete range of screws, nails and bolts in‐ store, and the display is nothing short of high‐impact.”

For Morgans, the benefits of stocking the UNIFIX range are simple: “In essence, it is a one‐stop‐shop for us that offers next day delivery, which is great customer service for us that we can in turn pass on to our customers. Also, the uniformity of the packaging looks great.”

The introduction of UNIFIX has been timely. Thanks to eye catching packaging and a quick turnaround on enquiries from Owlett‐Jaton, the range is well suited to modern customer expectations.

“Most customers now want everything yesterday, if not immediately. We live in a digital world now where access to goods is at the click of a button. Of course this means more price comparisons are more readily available too.

“Working with Owlett‐Jaton though has been great for us – queries from us get answered straight away and we can get next day delivery on products, which, if something obscure is being requested, is ideal and most customers are happy with a 24 hour turnaround!

“The UNIFIX packaging is impressive and high impact and they take into account that builders and joiners no longer require 25kg boxes as they are deemed wasteful – the 1kg resealable trade bags are great for all fixings.”

Now all the branches have their UNIFIX ranges in place, what’s next for Morgans?

“We very much aspire to provide the best level of customer service so that remains focal to our approach in 2018. We have just overhauled our website www.morgansltd.com and in turn are working hard on our marketing approach which is exciting for us.

“Our Morgans of Newtown branch is relocating this year to a bigger, brand new premises and we hope to see large devel‐ opments at Morgans of Aberystwyth too, whilst our Deeside branch has expanded this year as well with the introduction of a Joinery Department.

“We want to ensure that all growth is organic and in a timely‐manner so that it is sustainable and that the customer remains at the forefront of everything we do.”

Contact Owlett-Jaton today, to find out more about the comprehensive range of UNIFIX branded products.

// It was a very smooth transition to UNIFIX and headache-free! //

torque-expo.com

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SHOW PREVIEW AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM 2018

TOP GEAR

Automechanika Birmingham is driving back to the big Midlands city for a triumphant third lap this June.

Torque sets the sat nav and checks ahead for the 2018 highlights…

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his summer, Birmingham will again become a hub for the UK’s automotive industry as it hosts Automechanika Birmingham, bringing thousands of visitors to the region.

For the third year running, this trade exhibition for the auto‐ motive industry will return to Birmingham NEC, over 5‐7 June, where an increase in visitors is anticipated thanks to a raft of new initiatives, networking opportunities and extended open‐ ing hours for automotive repair garages.

This year’s show is also arriving off a very successful trip to the AEO Awards. Automechanika Birmingham walked home with four prizes from the events industry awards, including “Best Trade Show”.

The show takes place in the heart of the UK’s manufacturing hotbed, powering the engine of the West Midlands (£17.5 billion) and East Midlands (£15.9 billion), with their strength across the aerospace and automotive sectors.

With this in mind, Automechanika Birmingham is pitching itself as the ideal vehicle to continue to support this growing market in a central, accessible and relevant location, also bring‐ ing the sector to a city synonymous with the motor trade with the region’s heritage immersed in automotive growth and

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success. Global brands Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC, MG Rover Group and more recently Aston Martin all have a signifi‐ cant presence in the West Midlands.

To help leverage this global economic potential, this year’s event is launching a facilitated meetings programme to allow visitors to pre‐arrange meetings with exhibitors, ensuring that visitors maximise their time and an increase of business conversations are held on exhibitor stands.

More than 500 exhibitors are due to attend for 2018, with 85% of 2017 visitors intending to return to the exhibition, which will house a newly improved layout.

What’s more, organisers at this year’s show have widened the appeal across the aftermarket sector, including a new dedi‐ cated Garage Quarter to host tools and garage equipment suppliers looking to meet the growing number of independent garages attending the event.

Simon Albert, event director of Automechanika Birmingham, said: “After last year’s success with a turnout of around 12,000 visitors, we’ve no doubt that this year’s event will cement Automechanika Birmingham’s position as the UK’s most valu‐ able meeting place for the automotive industry, uniting compa‐

BRUM SHOW JOINS THE MESSE FRANKFURT FLEET In 1971, back when Ford Cortinas and Vauxhall Vivas were all the rage, Messe Frankfurt launched Automechanika Frankfurt. Since then, the show has since put many miles on the clock, with Automechanika shows arriving in Istanbul, Dubai, Johannesburg, Shanghai and many more.

The UK had to wait until 2016 to get its own Automechanika, which proved a hit at the NEC right from the off. Forest Exhibitions launched Automechanika Birmingham as a licensee and brought in over 500 exhibitors on a net exhibition space of 10,000 square metres.

In March this year, Messe Frankfurt acquired Forest Exhibitions Ltd, effectively setting up a UK subsidiary. The move also saw Messe Frankfurt acquire 100% of the NEC-set show in the package. The previous owner of Forest Exhibitions, Rob Sherwood, will continue to represent Messe Frankfurt in international sales with his company Sherwood Event Services Ltd. Former Event Director of Forest Exhibitions Ltd, Simon Albert, is to be Managing Director of the new Messe Frankfurt subsidiary.

nies in the UK aftermarket and vehicle production sector.

“The importance of the UK automotive industry to the econ‐ omy is evident, particularly now more than ever. As we believe the sector will provide a key role in our global economic stand‐ ing, we’re now calling on regional businesses to get behind the event and support the UK automotive industry.”

Aftermarket issues: MOTs & GDPR Automechanika Birmingham will tackle all the major issues affecting businesses in the automotive aftermarket, according to Event Director Simon Albert.

“Automechanika Birmingham 2018 is an event for every company in the aftermarket to come together, share ideas and express opinions on how to move business forward. With so much happening in the trade, the event has become a ‘must attend’ for automotive personnel looking to develop their busi‐ ness now and in the future.

The event is specifically geared towards meeting the needs of end users including garages, body shops, tyre fitters, motor factors, retailers and franchised dealerships, not just in terms of highlighting new products, but with advice and support on

running an automotive business, both now and in the future.”

With an exhibitor base set to be the most proactive yet, visitors will also benefit from the event’s thriving seminar programme with issues such as GDPR and MOT changes set to dominate.

This year’s event at the NEC Birmingham, running from 5‐7 June 2018, will welcome vehicle production exhibitors in Hall 6, aftermarket suppliers in Hall 20 and a dedicated Garage Quarter in Hall 19.

Networking is usually high on the agenda and Automechnika Birmingham will extend the show’s opening hours to allow visitors to stay longer to that end.

Motorsport Valley Innovation will interactively showcase cutting edge tech and foster closer collaboration between OEM automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers, while future technology will be showcased in a special area, featuring autonomous vehicles, electrification and vehicle manufacturer mobility initiatives.

Torque is an official media partner to Automechanika Birmingham, which runs 5-7 June 2018 at the NEC. Visitors looking to sign up can register for their free ticket at www.automechanika-birmingham.com

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SHOW REPORT COLOGNE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR

WHAT’S IN YOUR TOOLBOX? Everything from workbenches and plier wrenches to high-end torque wrench calibrators and virtual reality-guided torque applications – Cologne wasn’t short of highlights for the industry this March.

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his year, visitors to Cologne’s International Hardware Fair will have felt at home even before they stepped foot inside the halls of Koelnmesse. At the time of the show, there was (and probably still is) a huge building site between the Köln Messe/Deutz station and the venue’s south entrance, packed with cranes, scaffolding and high vis‐wearing work‐ ers who were doubtless experienced in handling the power tools, fixings and related products being displayed in the show halls mere metres away.

You’ll know by now that Cologne’s biennial International Hardware Fair had another strong showing when it took place over four days in March. 47,000 trade visitors (up 9% on 2016) came from 143 countries (19 more than in 2016) and visited 2,770 exhibitors in the busy halls of the show. But what about the product highlights?

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NORBAR IS 75 YEARS YOUNG Post Snap‐On acquisition, it’s business‐ as‐usual for Norbar’s customers, but the move has given the Banbury‐headquar‐ tered tool business a handy leg‐up when it comes to new products. Now the firm can tap into Snap‐On’s wider infrastruc‐ ture and a representative told Torque at the show that Norbar now expects to get fresh products out to the market quicker.

Norbar was celebrating its 75th birth‐ day out in Cologne, doing so with its largest range of torque wrenches, torque multipliers and torque measurement devices on display.

The Torque Wrench Calibrator was among the highlights, designed to perform accurate calibrations of Click, Cam, Dial and Electronic torque wrench designs in accordance to the newly revised ISO 6789‐2:2017 standard. The new launch also allows torque wrenches to be calibrated or tested in

accordance to BS EN 26789:2003.

Norbar’s popular EvoTorque 2 was also showcased, using the latest in joint sens‐ ing technology, a patented motor design and market leading control software to produce exactly the right amount of torque required to tighten a specific joint.

GEDORE GALORE Taking its customary large stand at the show, GEDORE had a wealth of new prod‐ uct to show off, including its new larger mobile workbench, the 1507XL. It features five extra wide drawers that fits even the more unusual tools, like the TorcoTronic electronic torque wrench.

Drawers lock centrally and close reassur‐ ingly slow, much like drawers in a new kitchen. Compatible with the GEDORE modular system, it can take a maximum load of 700kg. The 30mm thick multiplex beech wood worktop has an extra layer of protection thanks to linseed oil varnish,

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while the workbench body is corrosion‐ resistant and scratch‐proof powder‐ coated. And all in GEDORE blue, of course.

Also new from GEDORE is the Plier Wrench (SB 183 10 JC) with extra adjust.

Working like a socket and pliers in one tool, this adjustable universal tool is ideal for bolting tasks including the careful assembly of bolt connections with deli‐ cate surfaces, like chrome‐plated fittings.

GEDORE also showcased a new colour‐coded hexagon socket key set.

Designed for in‐hex screws and featuring extra‐long lengths, the ball end aids bolt‐ ing in hard‐to‐access areas. Powercoat‐ ing will help keep those colours fully visible which have been included to make choosing the right socket key a cinch. The set covers a spanner gap from 1.5mm to 10mm.

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STAHLWILLE: WORK, CHECK AND STORE STAHLWILLE caused a stir when it first used augmented reality at a show last year. Cologne was the first chance for many to see what all the fuss was about first‐hand, which actually proved to be a demonstration of what is possible with STAHLWILLE’s new DAPTIQ solution.

STAHLWILLE was keen to impress that it is not a software developer but is instead eager to adapt its DAPTIQ system to customers’ existing systems to improve production workflow to their own specifications.

DAPTIQ can be implemented in ways like intelligent worker guidance, giving workers insight into whether he or she has applied the correct torque to a nut via alerts on smart glasses, minimising

errors, helping inexperienced workers get the job done and all while storing data to help with audits. But that’s really the tip of the iceberg – DAPTIQ is designed to improve the efficiency and dependability of workflows and STAHLWILLE is keen to talk with customers on what is possible.

Aside from new product, the Cologne show also produced some company news, with Trescal Ltd (UK), an interna‐ tional specialist in calibration services, revealed that it is extending its invest‐ ment in STAHLWILLE measuring equipment. During the show, Trescal confirmed the purchase of the fifth perfectControl, an additional seven laboratory transducers, a mechanical loader and a laboratory transducer with a capacityup to 3000 Nm.

Back to product and STAHLWILLE launched what it says is a world first – a patented electromechanical screwdriver.

Coming soon, this electronic torque screwdriver has the click of a genuine mechanical trigger mechanism, giving the user a tactile stop signal when the digi‐ tally set target torque has been reached.

At the same time, an acoustic ‘stop signal’ sounds with this ‘best of both’ product.

This compact tool is ideal for all screw tightening when maximum accuracy and logging functions are required.

FA S T E N E R S & F I X I N G T E C H N O L O G FA GY Y

Wiith 1130 With W 30 yyears’ ea ars’ rs’ s’’ experience experience, p perience, REYHER iis o ne e of o Europe’s Europe’s ope’s ’ leading le lead l ading distributors di ributors dist one o faste ene e s and a and fixing fiixing technolo technology te hnol gy off fasteners supplying su ppl ing customers pply mers e wo wor worldwide. worldwi d ide. dw de 2 d J3 se stan Mes r e 18 nov Han 7 A pril 20 23–2

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KNIPEX GETS A GRIP WITH NEW LAUNCHES Knipex has reinvented a 25‐year favourite Pliers Wrench. Now with an increased gripping capacity thanks to two addi‐ tional setting positions, it replaces a whole set of spanners. Now 15% lighter, a laser‐cut scale allows the wrench open‐ ing to be set before gripping. Sitting flush on the nut, it is available in June.

The new strong wire rope cutter is a compact, low weight and high perfor‐ mance cutter. Featuring a user‐friendly locking device and opening spring, the high transmission joint design makes cutting 20% easier, while cutting is particularly precise thanks to the box joint fitted with an additional stabilisa‐ tion plate.

In addition to the versions of VDE‐tested pliers previously available, KNIPEX also now provides a range that enables the pliers to be secured to a tether, cutting the considerable hazard of falling tools when working at height. As there are clear risks associated with heights and live voltage working, KNIPEX has 16 different models of VDE pliers corresponding to DIN EN/IEC 60900 in a Tethered Tools version. These are equipped with a very strong tether attachment welded tightly to the handle.

WIHA LAUNCHES FIRST ‘E-SCREWDRIVER’ You wait for one new screwdriver cate‐ gory to come along and at Cologne, two came along at once. Aside from the afore‐ mentioned torque electromechanical screwdriver from STAHWILLE, Wiha used the show to launch its first ‘e‐screw‐ driver’ which is believed to have also launched a new category.

The speedE is VDE‐tested (1,000V approved), featuring interchangeable blades and capable of turning 800 screws

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SHOW REPORT COLOGNE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR

one charge. Pitched as an ideal tool → with for panel builders and any other repeti‐ tive electric‐based screwdriving tasks, the speedE has a robust metal motor and three wheel clutch. The speedE is lightweight and features vibration welded joints and users can finish tight‐ ening by hand, if they so wish. It also features 0.4Nm automatic material protection and is fully compatible with Wiha’s slimBit system. According to our source at the Cologne show, it will be available in the UK very soon.

Wiha also showcased its new system for easier, faster and more intuitive bit selection. The bit range is now divided into just three categories and all bits are now suitable for normal screwdriving tasks and impact screwdrivers.

For screws with a 90‐degree angle at the screw head, which tend to lie against

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the material, there are the new blue T bits. For screws with angles of more than 90 degrees, with a more countersunk shape, the yellow Y bits are ideal. If the user wants to fasten both types of screws, the red all‐rounder TY bits do the busi‐ ness. UV coatings make selection even easier, not only in low light work areas but also in discotheques, and lifespans have been extended.

WERA ZYKLOP VDE Wera’s new VDE ratchet set contains 17 pieces in a robust textile box that can easily attach to a wall, shelf, workshop trolley and Wera’s own 2go tool trans‐ port system, via the hook and look fastener system. The fully insulated sockets and extensions cleverly incorpo‐ rate two component isolation, with a yellow insulation core under a red insu‐

lation outer layer, which also makes it clear if they become damaged or worn.

The ball lock ensures sockets are securely fitted and the release button provides fast tool changes.

Wera also has an expansive range of new Click‐Torque wrenches. The eight new models all feature reversible ratchets and feature an audible and tactile mech‐ anism trigger when the torque value is set. The extensive new launches also included All‐in Zyklop Speed Ratchet Sets and socket sets featuring the all‐new smooth turning mechanism that Wera says guarantees both secure and rattle‐ free storage, despite allowing for easy removal of the tool.

This feature only scratches the surface of the vast Cologne show. For more info, pictures and video, head to www.torque-expo.com

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ISO 4014 4017 4032 7089 7090 7093 7380 10642 DIN 125 127 912 931 933 934 976 980 1587 7349 7991 9021 and more There are literally hundreds of different screws but they are not all of the same quality. ity. Ad Adve Adverse v rse cond conditions nditio ions ons take th their heir to toll toll. l.

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? We are looking forward to your call.

In the course of the harmonisation of standards the category of corrosion resistance classes (CRC) has been regulated by the Eurocode 3/DIN EN 1993-1-4, annex A. Many European countries are therefore encouraged to consider these newly determined stainless steel grades for the calculation and construction of steel structures.

TOBSTEEL is the only stockholder for fasteners who covers all corrosion resistance classes (CRC) I to V according to Eurocode 3 – annex A.

TOBSTEEL GmbH

Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 8 | D-74613 Öhringen T: +49 7941 6073-0 | F: +49 7941 6073-500 info@tobsteel.com | www.tobsteel.com

TORQUE FOCUS DRILLS, BITS & CUTTERS

MAKING THE CUT Hole saws, the next generation of cordless power drills, cable cutters and mag drills…Torque bores down into the detail with its focus on drills, drill bits and cutting tools.

FEIN Magnetic core drills, or mag drills for short, are an important tool for anyone involved in the production and installation of structural steel. They can also be a handy addition to the tool kit of anybody looking to drill larger diameter holes. Core drilling is an extremely efficient process which is faster, quieter and more accurate than twist drilling. Core drilling requires no predrilling or switching over of the tooling, and so drilling times can be reduced by over 50%, with minimal physical effort by the user.

Users likely choose a drill based on the size of hole and material thickness, but there may be some other criteria to look at. Most mag drills are fixed speed and manufactured in order to keep costs down; designed to drill a hole into steel. Fein invests more into most of its mag drills allowing the motor to deliver variable speed (except the KBB range).

Variable speed and reverse functions are important if you have varying diameter holes to drill or are looking for a mag drill which can tap, ream or countersink.

There are many standard providers of mag drill in the market and Fein offers a number of models, including Economical, Universal and Automatic. Fein launched two new classes of mag drill in late 2017, ‘Cordless’ and ‘Compact’. The brand new AKBU 35 (Cordless) helps end‐

users who lack mains power on‐site or who need to work at heights. If working in confined spaces a specialist right‐ angled mag drill would be needed, with a minimum head clearance of 169mm. The new ‘compact’ KBC 35 would assist, small enough to help get into tight spots. fein.com/en_uk/drilling/metal-core-drilling/

MILWAUKEE Milwaukee Tool’s cordless range has grown with the next gener‐ ation of its M12 FUEL Drilling and Driving solutions. Aimed at raising the bar for 12V performance, the completely redesigned

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M12 FUEL Drill Driver, M12 FUEL Percussion Drill and M12 FUEL 1/4” Hex Impact Driver are capable of performing a wide range of applications in the tightest of spaces.

Milwaukee claims that the M12 FUEL Drill Driver and M12 FUEL Percussion Drill are the most capable, lightest and most compact tools in their class. The brand adds that these are also the only 12V tools on the market with an all‐metal 13mm chuck, giving them the power to perform a wide range of applications. Each features a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor that delivers up to 1,700 rpm’s and 44Nm of peak torque. Weighing in at only 1.2kg with battery and 167.6mm in length, both tools are extremely portable and ideal for overhead applications and offering improved access in tight spaces – aimed at mechanical, electrical, plumbing, remodelers and maintenance workers looking to carry a more compact, portable solution.

MANDREX New to the UK, the Mandrex One‐Click Hole Saw System is pitched as the first‐ever multi‐purpose arbor. Developed and manufactured in Holland, the Mandrex One‐Click is distributed in the UK by APEX UK Co. This uniquely designed arbor fits almost all hole saws on the market today, Torque is told. Using the threaded adapter supplied with the saws, the unique One‐Click Hole Saw System means that whether it is a standard bi‐metal or 8% cobalt saw or TCT Multi Purpose or Diamond DryXcut, changing the arbor takes seconds. These saws are deeper cut, enabling one pass in 47mm timber. Find out more directly from APEX UK Co.

BESSEY BESSEY released a brand new catalogue at the start of this month. Now available in 11 languages, the new edition includes fresh products, including a first of its kind in the world, the GearKlamp GK, which conveniently masters clamping applica‐ tions in a perfect way, even in the tightest spaces.

With an overview of the entire product range, the new cata‐ logue leads users, dealers and buyers quickly and specifically to the right tool, with an illustrated table of contents and an alphabetical register. Individual clamping and cutting tools are clearly categorised into product groups, with technical data and images of the tools in a working environment, providing dealers with illustrative examples from the craftsmen's practice and thus support precise purchase advice. Also informative and helpful is the cutting technology dictionary at the beginning of the Erdi tin snips chapter: It offers everything you need to know for choosing the right cutting tool. The catalogue is avail‐ able as a printed version and can also be downloaded as a PDF from www.bessey.de in the download area.

XURON Maine, USA’s A’ Xuron Corp has introduced an ergonomic flush cutter specifically designed for cutting cable ties close to the head and making them safer to handle by preventing harmful spikes. The Xuron Model 2275 Cable Tie Cutter provides full cutting access along the entire length of its blades for unre‐ stricted cutting surfaces and fast operation. Especially designed to leave smooth flat ends when cutting cable ties, it uses Micro‐Shear bypass cutting action rather than compres‐ sion cutting which often produces sharp spikes that can create a potential hazard.

Comfortable to hold in either hand to quickly and cleanly cut cable ties up to 7mm W, soft plastics and wire up to 2mm W, the Xuron Model 2275 Cable Tie Cutter features soft Xuro‐ Rubber hand grips, a Light‐Touch return spring and no cumbersome finger loops. In addition to wire harness making and assembly, other cable tie applications include totes, signage, and general repair.

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market

SELLING SUCCESS How does cutting-edge technology fit into a market based on quality and dependable service? BHETA Home Enhancement Director Paul Grinsell shares his views…

S

elling tools is probably not viewed as one of the most go‐ ahead markets. Tools are, after all, things we’ve always needed rather than an optional indulgence so experi‐ menting with the tried and tested ways of buying and selling has never seemed necessary or appealing. It’s a market where predictable quality and dependable service really are essential.

So, it’s been interesting in the last few weeks to see what’s new and whether there really is anything to be said for looking afresh at what and how we buy and sell. Last month the ‘Inter‐ nationale Eisenwarenmesse’, the leading global trade fair for the hardware industry, took place. It is held every two years in Cologne and having recently returned to the UK from ‘walking the halls’, I can report crowded aisles full of 47,000 trade visi‐ tors and a stimulating event programme. Tools are one of four

main areas of interest and one of the most obvious trends was digitalisation from cordless and charging commonality to smart home technology to 3D printing, as well as the role of digital in attracting customers and converting interest into sales.

Not every new product and new technique is immediately suitable for every UK tool business, but denying its existence is not the answer either. Shortly after returning to the UK, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) held one of its many supplier forums with one of the guest compa‐ nies being Toolstation. Not generally cited as one of the leading tool retailers, Toolstation with its targeting of professional users and to a lesser extent seasoned DIYers is nevertheless one of the fastest growing.

I mention Toolstation because its phenomenal growth seems to me to be based squarely on an appreciation of those tradi‐ tionally vital qualities of precise performance, reliable quality, and convenient, efficient service with an appreciation of the latest in digital technology to communicate that proposition to its target customers. Its use of customer data to understand how best to reach them through everything from newspapers and radio to social media and web browsing and how that changes literally through every hour of the day is revelatory.

I do not imagine that the core values involved in selecting, buying, and using the tools of the trade will ever really change, but that should not mean the industry not engaging with inno‐ vative products and cutting‐edge technology. Used well, its impact can increase sales.

BHETA, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association is an organisation for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors in the DIY, housewares, garden and home improvement markets. For more information about BHETA membership call 0121 237 1130. www.bheta.co.uk.

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www.anomaliecreative.it

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TORQUE FOCUS IMPACT DRIVERS & BITS

MAKING AN IMPACT DART’s premium impact driver bits and Makita’s LXT DTD155 18V brushless impact driver both feature in our latest product focus.

DART DART’S Premium Impact Driver Bits are making their mark in the industry as wholesalers and end users realise the benefit of them, DART says. At a compet‐ itive price, they offer quality and durabil‐ ity, and are extremely tough and impact resistant. They are specifically designed for use with impact drivers and have a Magnesium Phosphate coating which gives them their excellent wear resis‐ tance. DART says regular user feedback says they offer a very tight fit with the screw, which enables increased accuracy for the tradesman.

The range has also been augmented with the addition of Slotted, Torx, Hex and Square – all with their own colour coding for easy identification. DART has also been implementing new packaging and all these Premium Impact Bits are avail‐ able in a range of different packaging options – from ‘Tic‐Tac’ box sizes for the packs of ten, to jars of a hundred and multiple counter top options, with the packs of ten coming in an attractive box that takes 30 boxes.

DART has also supplied us with a genuine quote from an end‐user: “I bought some DART PZ3 bits as an add‐on item and didn’t expect much for the price – how wrong was I? Best bits I’ve had and I use them every day with the impact driver and they last much longer than any

others I’ve tried. Only problem is the other guys on site keep asking for one when they break theirs!”

Readers can catch up with DART at Torque-Expo Coventry at the Ricoh Arena, 3-4 October 2018.

MAKITA Makita’s popular, high performance range of LXT power tools now includes the new DTD155 18V Brushless Impact Driver, a compact (equalling the size of Makita’s 10.8V machines) and powerful machine.

This model runs up to 3,000rpm in high mode, delivers 3,900 impacts per minute and generates 140Nm maximum tightening torque. Weighing a comfortable 1.4kg, this smart impact driver with slim motor hous‐ ing, will drive home a high strength M12 bolt, a M14 standard bolt, M8 machine screw and 90mm coarse thread screw.

The new DTD155 impact driver features

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Makita’s Brushless motor technology which – according to Makita ‐ substantially enhances the performance and longevity of the tool while reducing friction within the motor, so releasing greater power from the ‘engine’. This also extends the runtime of the battery and generates less heat, which in turn reduces maintenance.

Featuring a variable speed trigger, elec‐ tric brake, and forward/reverse rotation selection, this model has low vibration and sound qualities, a 2‐speed impact power selection, LED job light and comfortable soft grip handle.

The DTD155 also offers the new A‐ Mode (Assist‐Mode) facility, helping elim‐ inate screw cam‐out and cross‐threading thanks to rotation starting slowing, allow‐ ing maximum control of the screw as it starts to bite into the material.

CHOOSE THE ALTERNATIVE! SOLID AND SEMITUBULAR RIVETS ADDED VALUE INCLUDED!

• Technical and economic alternative v to screw connections • Ideally suited for highly-loaded constructions o s ruct ons • Significant saving in terms of costs t and nd weight • Optionally available with long-term o t r corrosion protection Shera Black®

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TORQUE FOCUS COMPANY NEWS

OLYMPIC FIXINGS APPOINTS NEW MD AND FD Olympic Fixings Group, which supplies hardware products to the merchant trade throughout the UK and Ireland, has made two senior appointments as it continues to strengthen its management team.

P

aul Gordon has been appointed as Managing Director of the company, which employs over 60 staff in Altham, Lancashire and Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Paul has over 25 years’ experience in senior management roles in the indus‐ try including as Managing Director of building products supplier SIG Distribu‐ tion and of Wolseley UK’s Drain and Build Centre.

Meanwhile Gareth Wiliams has joined as Finance Director. He has over 15 years’ experience in finance, having trained as an accountant at KPMG and most recently was Finance Director of the Fast & Fresh group, which operates over 200 Subway stores in the North West.

The £10m turnover company has also recently welcomed Ade Solomon as UK Sales Director and Noel Hynes as Sales Director for Ireland. Ade previously worked for publishing and exhibition company Torque while Noel was a direc‐ tor for HSS Hire PLC and Speedy Hire PLC spanning 19 years.

Their appointments are part Olympic Fixings’ growth strategy following the £6m investment in the business by PHD Equity Partners and Secure Trust Bank last year.

Andy Dodd, who leads PHD Equity Partners, said the appointments were in line with PHD’s policy of investing in high‐calibre management, and would also allow for the partial retirement of former director Cliff Yates. “We are delighted to welcome the new management team on board,” he said. “All of them are highly experienced professionals with an impressive track record in the industry.

Olympic Fixings is a sound business with potential to expand in the UK and Europe and these new appointments mean it is now ideally placed to pursue the growth opportunities.” www.olympicfixings.co.uk

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About PHD Equity Partners PHD Equity Partners LLP was established in 2008 as the fund management arm of the DSW Group. PHD Equity Partners LLP raised its maiden £5 million private equity fund (“Fund 1”) in December 2008, followed by its first high yield debt fund in 2011. In December 2015 its second private equity fund, PHD Equity Partners Fund No. 2 LP (“Fund 2”), reached a final close of £20 million. The investment in Hylomar is the fourth invest‐ ment from Fund 2. www.phdequitypartners.com

Turning the screws on crime HEICO FASTENING SYSTEMS

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HEICO-LOCK® WEDGE LOCKING SYSTEMS The best value to secure bolts.

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Offering much more than just nuts & bolts!

Products for all major markets & industry sectors fwb offers fasteners & ironmongery for all applications, with material and coating options including Rilsan, Sheraplex, Xylan, galvanised, self-colour, stainless, high-carbon and others, as well as a full range of high-performance adhesives, fillers and sealants.

Whatever your requirements,we offer a suitable and competitive solution with the very best product and technical expertise.

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TORQUE INSIGHT

THE RIGHT ANGLE GRINDER Paul Kitchin, National Applications Manager at FEIN gives a practical guide on features to look out for when buying an angle grinder.

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A

ngle grinders are a staple of the UK tradesperson’s tool collection across a wide range of disciplines and they are extremely useful to cut, polish and grind a wide variety of materials. However, finding the best one for your requirements can be difficult, as there appears to be almost infinite variations available. Here are some features to look out for: SIZE AND POWER The most common sizes for electric grinders are 4.5” and 9”. If you’re mainly going to be carrying out heavy steel grinding, large steel cutting, cutting slabs or mortar, then a 9” grinder is best as you’ll be able cover larger surface areas more quickly. If however, you need more precision and are working with more intricate stone or metal work then a 4.5” grinder is best.

Importantly, size must be matched by power and this is usually indicated by the wattage of the machine. For a 9” grinder I would recommend getting a machine with a 2,000W motor as a minimum. For a 4.5” grinder I suggest a minimum motor of 750W. SPEED The speed of an angle grinder determines the quality of the cutting or grinding action. This is measured by no‐load speeds, which means ‘how fast the disc will rotate before it makes contact with the work piece’. In my experience, how the machine then copes under load is crucial because if the grinder has a high no‐load speed but its motor is underpowered or of poor quality, it will not maintain a high speed throughout the task. I advise that you look for grinders with all‐metal gear‐ boxes, advanced electronics and high quality carbon brushes to ensure maximum efficiency.

SAFETY Accidents involving angle grinders can be nasty. The good news is that manufacturers work extremely hard to update machines with the best safety features available. Some of the most bene‐ ficial include adjustable guard wheels, soft start mechanisms and reduced kickback (turns machine off if snags).

COMFORT AND EASE-OF-USE One of the final things to compare is what it feels like in the hand and what it’s like to operate day‐to‐day. Unfortunately you’ll never get a full picture just picking a machine up in a shop but there are a few things you can look out for that are good indicators: 1. Firstly, do pick it up and check how comfortable the handles are, the positions of the switches (are they easily reachable) and wear your work gloves to see if the switches are still easy to operate.

2. Secondly, do a bit of research beforehand. Check things like the vibrations class and the weight of the different machines you’re considering, particularly the balance when you pick it up.

3. Thirdly, changing the discs can sometimes be a real headache on poor quality machines so ensure you can deliver a tool‐ less disc change.

By asking how angle grinders stack up in terms of power, size, speed, safety and comfort, tradespeople can quickly and easily sift the best from the rest. Fein offers a large range of compact, quality angle grinders, known as the WSG range. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/Fein-WSG

Fein is currently offering a free angle grinder worth £71.95 (WSG 7) when bought with its bigger brother the WSG 17.

There are various models to choose from. Find out more at http://bit.ly/Fein-Promotion

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TERRITORY FOCUS

FRANCE

FRANC TALKING Famously, there are approximately 2.5 million rivets holding the Eiffel Tower together. Growth for the French fastener industry may not be quite as spectacular as the famous Paris landmark, but there are plenty of positive signs for the sector, as Torque discovered…

B

usiness is brisk in France’s fastener market, having recorded a strong 2017 and an improving start to 2018.

According to pgb‐Europe, which has recently set up a sales office in the territory, France’s fastener market is now looking so promising for 2018 that other companies are investing in the region. It’s a view backed by Bülte, which has had a base in France since the 1980s. Bülte President Stefan Bülte told Torque that turnover in France has steadily increased since the worldwide global economic dip in 2008, with France now representing almost half of Bülte’s total turnover (see overleaf). Another indication of the market strength is the launch of Fastener Fair in Paris later this year.

France is also proving attractive for tool businesses, with at least one UK firm eagerly eyeing the territory for expansion.

Toolstation MD James MacKenzie recently revealed at BHETA’s spring meeting that he had “high hopes” for the supplier’s expansion into France. The retailer, which has over 300 branches in the UK and now six in France, is looking to launch more in the country before it officially reviews its performance there.

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The ties between the UK and France were bound closer together last year in the tool and general maintenance supply world, when Paris headquartered IPH Group and London’s Brammer joined forces to become IPH Brammer. These industrial distributors have close to £1.9bn (€2.2bn) in combined revenues and more than 8,000 employees, with operations in 23 European countries.

But all that positivity is not to paint an unrealistic picture of the challenges in the French market. With a population of approximately 67 million stretched over 643,801km², some big names in the DIY and retail world are currently struggling.

Despite an “encouraging market back‐ drop”, Kingfisher – owner of Screwfix and B&Q – is reportedly looking to cut 409 jobs from its Castorama & Brico Dépôt DIY chains (Reuters reports that 102 jobs will also be created and 164 transferred).

Despite that bad news, compounded by sales drops of 1.9% (for Castorama) and 4.2% (for Brico Dépôt), Kingfisher said the market backdrop in France is encouraging, “although it is volatile”.

→

FOR MORE THAN

60 Y E A R S

®

BÜLTE GmbH - Kunststofferzeugnisse D 59348 Lüdinghausen - Germany Te l : ( + 4 9 ) 0 2 5 9 1 / 9 1 9 4 - 0 Fax : (+ 49) 02591 / 5977 bulte@bulte.com - www.bulte.com

TERRITORY FOCUS →

FRANCE

BÜLTE FRANCE Mr Stefan Bülte, President of Bülte in France and Bülte Group, speaks with Torque Magazine…

screws also did not yet exist in the world of plastic fixing parts, so it was important to create it, as this shape offers a lot of advantages to users. The washer faced hex screws were developed because there was a real demand for it on the market.

How is business?

Business is quite good, turnover is a little bit stronger than last year.

Some raw materials like PVDF are sometimes difficult to purchase, but things are going well anyway thanks to our organisation as a Group and a centralised purchasing policy.

How many countries to you export to now?

We are exporting our products to more than 40 countries around the world. The main turnover is done within Europe, but Australia for example is one of the main coun‐ tries to which we are exporting. Our key export markets in Europe are Germany, Italy, UK and the Netherlands, followed by Australia.

What industries does Bülte serve and which are strongest at the moment?

That’s the main particularity of our business, and also a great advantage, as we are working with every industrial sector: furnishing, automotive, toy‐industry, chemicals, food, electronics and many more.

Our product range is very large and we work mainly with distributors. The sector of the sub‐contractor for the car industry is running quite well at the moment.

How long has Bülte been established in France and what departments do you have there?

Bülte has existed in France since 1986. The company in France is the head office of the Group. It includes adminis‐ tration, the commercial department, purchasing depart‐ ment, distribution and R&D.

You are expanding your product range in 2018 - can you tell us a bit about the new products you’ve launched, like the TORX grub screws, Plastilocknut and Washer faced hex screws with TORX? The three products you are talking about should be launched by the end of the summer at the latest. We are trying to launch new products as often as we can. We create new products either because they do not yet exist in plastic or because there is a real demand and need on the market.

The Plastilocknut is already available and was made because such a safety nut did not yet exist in plastic. We think that this product could be particularly useful in the toy industry, as plastics parts are often used. The TORX grub

How is business in France for Bülte?

Business is doing quite good. Turnover in France represents 45% of the whole turnover of the Group. Turnover in France has been consistently increasing since 2009. 2008 was quite hard because of the general economic crisis.

Are you seeing any trends in the French market?

Not really. It is difficult to talk about trends as we are working with every industrial sector. Customers are more and more demanding every day and we do our best daily to remain a supplier of the best calibre.

Bülte seems to pride itself on its responsive technical advisors and customer support – is that fair to say?

Yes, absolutely. In comparison with our competitors, we place a real importance on the direct relationship with our

TITANOX Headquartered in Paris, Titanox Fastening Technologies was founded 66 years ago by the Fodor family. Still family‐owned, Titanox has subsidiaries in China, India and Turkey, with a manufacturing facility in Asia for its own brand RIVELIT, which includes a wide range of quality speed rivets.

RIVELIT speed rivets have been developed for rapid and blind‐sided installations, ideal for fastening different materials and thicknesses (metals, plastics, composites, fibre glass).

RIVELIT Speed rivet is a semi‐automatic fastening system, where rivets are loaded on a needle and introduced into the nose of the riveting machine, allowing continuous fastening of 70 rivets per minute.

“With the speed rivets product family, TITANOX has become the only alternative of full range riveting solutions worldwide, to the market leader,” says Chairwoman and CEO Caroline Fodor. “It allows our customers to improve quality and safety, reduce time setting and obviously increase productivity.”

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RIVELIT installation tools for Speed rivets have been designed for medium to high volume applications. They can be pneumatic or hydro‐pneumatic, standard or customised, hand‐held or integrated into a workstation.

RIVELIT Speed rivets are available in different types: with high assembly strength (TOPRIV), multigrip (MULTIRIV), grooved for electronic applications (RIVTRONIC), threaded (SCREWRIV), flush type on both sides of the sheet (FLUSHRIV) or used as a pivot point (AXIRIV). Available in a wide range of materials, different diameters, head shapes and body lengths, they can be delivered on paper pod or preloaded on one‐way needles. Main application areas are the sheet metal industry, automotive, telecommunications, industry, aerospace, new energies, machinery equipment, lighting, enclosures, HVAC and many others.

Titanox recently exhibited at MIDEST 2018.

// Bülte’s turnover in France has consistently grown since 2009. //

PGB-EUROPE

customers. That is why our prices are not on our website, for example. It allows us to have a direct conversation with our customers and to build a strong and reliable relationship with them, thanks to our advice, expertise and reactivity.

What are Bülte’s ambitions for 2018 and beyond?

To go on increasing our turnover and remain a first class supplier thanks to our dynamic commercial team.

We have just finished implementing the new computer system (ERP trade software package) to the third company within the Group. We first changed the software system in France almost three years ago, then in Germany and now in the UK, which means that the whole Group is now working with the same computer system.

We will take part in the first edition of Fastener Fair France, in Paris in November 2018, as an exhibitor. Our website will soon be available [in April] in two new languages: Spanish and Italian, so that will be five languages in total (French, German, English, Spanish and Italian). Finally, we are working on the development of a 3D catalogue.

pgb‐Europe is growing worldwide, with locations in Belgium, Poland, Asia and now in France, where it runs a six‐person sales office.

The firm tells Torque: “The French fastener market has been reviving for several years. 2017 was one of the best years and 2018 looks promising, so many specialists in the field have felt able to increase their investment in the area to fulfil their ambitions in France.

“This economic sector represents more than 11,000 jobs in France and more than £0.87bn (€1bn) in turnover (screws and bolts). “pgb‐Europe has travelled only a few kilometres [from its Belgium HQ in Melle] with the intention to grow the brand and reputation in Europe, particularly on French soil.

“There is much development potential for pgb, based on performance, technical solutions, the quality of product and the various services offered to customers.

“The hexagon bolt market is very competitive and attracts many European companies, which is a sign of the steady economic recovery, both in the industrial sector and the building sector – the most important sectors for our business.”

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TORQUE SPOTLIGHT '

TITGEMEYER

STARLOCK: Push it on – DONE! Titgemeyer's ingeniously simple quick-connect fastening system is a winner with trade and industry. Here the firm takes us through the benefits.

A

n increasing number of companies in trade and industry are discovering a system for fixing or securing compo‐ nents to metal or plastic axles, shafts or cylindrical pins that is as simple as it is compelling. Just push it on and it’s done – this is what Titgemeyer promises with its extensive range of Starlock push‐on fasteners. Once fixed in position to prevent it from slipping or falling off, it takes a significant amount of force to remove the fastener. Push‐on fasteners were designed to fit over round and square axles and shafts. The various products are available in metric diameters ranging between 1.5mm and 25mm or imperial sizes from 1/16” to 1”. All Star‐ lock products are manufactured in‐house at the Titgemeyer site in Birmingham by our subsidiary Baker & Finnemore.

Ingenious technology saves time and money The large selection of push‐ on fasteners is in keeping with the broad‐ranging applications they fulfil.

Starlock fasteners have long since become the stan‐ dard in the automotive industry. Whether car seats, parcel shelves or trim, Star‐ lock push‐on fasteners can be found in any number of components and provide a secure grip in next to no time. In medical equipment, such as hospital beds, Starlock push‐on fasteners are used to fasten slatted bed bases and struts. They are equally indispensable in conveyor systems, or transport aids such as wheelbarrows and hand trucks. In air‐conditioning and ventilation systems, they secure the fins; in heating systems, these little helpers make sure the pressure relief valves sit firmly in place. The list of industries employing Starlocks as a more economical alter‐ native is growing all the time. These include the electronics and electrical industries, air‐conditioning and insulation tech‐ nology, the aviation and aerospace industries, as well as the household appliances, leisure and toy industries.

Lastingly secure with a flick of the wrist As they are easy and especially quick to install, Starlock push‐ on fasteners offer significant advantages compared to other fastening systems. The installation is performed using a basic hand tool and requires minimal application of force. By contrast, the force required to remove these fasteners is many times higher, thus guaranteeing that the components in ques‐

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tion remain permanently fixed. The resulting time savings ensure that the production process is more efficient and conse‐ quently that production overall becomes more economical.

Machine‐based solutions are also utilised, because Starlock push‐on fasteners are not only held in high regard by the trades but by industry as well. Here, cycle times, feed and precision need to maintain the same levels of quality throughout. To satisfy this need, the TIOS APS was developed, an installation workstation that offers a consistently uniform insertion force at a supply capacity of some 10,000 Starlock fasteners of 5mm in diameter to deliver smooth, high‐speed production runs.

A matching push-on fastener for every task The range is extensive, with new items constantly being added.

Standard push‐on fasteners are supplied in spring steel with either zinc plating or a varnished coating. Stainless steel versions are available if a high level of corrosion resistance is required. Push‐on fasteners can also be supplied with decora‐ tive caps and a large number of bespoke special‐purpose solu‐ tions. The highly flexible production set‐up means that other customer requirements can be met, such as very high‐strength designs, special geometric variants, or options such as coloured plastic caps or even products printed or stamped with a company or brand logo. Titgemeyer’s experts are on hand to provide personalised advice.

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TORQUE INSIGHT RECALLS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BIZ

“RECALL RISKS ARE GROWING” The automotive industry is the most impacted by product recalls, finds a new report from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).

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faulty pedal causes a car to inadvertently acceler‐ ate. An outbreak of contaminated peanuts results in a 25% industry‐wide reduction in sales.

Each of these incidents triggered major product recalls, resulting in billion dollar losses. Product‐related risk is one of the biggest perils facing businesses today, with recall exposures having increased significantly over the past decade, bringing the potential for larger and more complex losses than ever before, warns insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) in a new report. It highlights the automotive industry as being the most impacted by product recalls, followed by the food and beverage sector, based on analysis of insurance claims.

“Product recalls have risen steadily in the past decade.

We are seeing record levels of recall activity in size and cost today,” says Christof Bentele, Head of Global Crisis Manage‐ ment at AGCS. “Tougher regulation and harsher penalties, the rise of large multi‐national corporations and complex global supply chains, growing consumer awareness, impact of economic pressures in research and development (R&D) and production and even growth of social media are just some of the contributing factors behind this.”

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Defective products not only pose a serious safety risk to the public but can also cause significant financial damage to the companies responsible. Defective prod‐ uct/work‐related incidents have caused insured losses in excess of US$2 billion over the past five years, making them the largest generator of liability losses, according to analysis of over 100,000 insurance industry claims by AGCS. Recall claims are a major contributor to this total, alongside product liability claims.

The report “Product Recall: Managing The Impact of the New Risk Landscape” analyses 367 insurance indus‐ try product recall claims from 28 countries across 12 industry sectors between 2012 and the first half of 2017.

Overall defective product or work is the major cause of recall claims, followed by product contamination. The average cost of a ‘significant incident’ (product recall claims equal to or greater than €5m) is in excess of US$12 million (€10.5 million), with the costs from the largest events far exceeding this total. Over 50% of losses arose from ten incidents. The IT/electronics sector is the third most affected industry after automotive and food and beverage, according to the claims analysis.

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Achilles Seibert GmbH · Philipp-Reis-StraÃ&#x;e 3 · D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg · Fon: +49 4193 89 55 Fax: +49 4193 89 56 99 · sales@achill-fasteners.com · www.achill-fasteners.com

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TORQUE INSIGHT RECALLS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BIZ

→

46

Automotive recalls most expensive and large-scale due to “ripple effect” Automotive recalls account for over 70% of the value of all losses analysed, which is unsurprising given recent record levels of activity in both the US and Europe. A record 53.2 million vehicles returned in 2016 in the US according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin‐ istration. In Europe, automotive recalls jumped 76% year‐on‐year in 2016, the highest since the EU’s rapid alert system (RAPEX) began, according to Stericycle Expert Solutions.

“We see an increasing number of recalls with higher units in the automotive industry,” says Carsten Krieglstein, Regional Head of Liability, Central & Eastern Europe, AGCS. “This is driven by factors such as more complex engineering, reduced product testing times, outsourcing of R&D and increasing cost pressures. The technological shift in the automotive industry towards electric and autonomous mobility will create further recall risks.”

One of the largest recalls to hit the auto industry to date, involving defective airbags, is expected to result in some 60 to 70 million units across at least 19 manufac‐ turers being recalled worldwide. Costs have been esti‐ mated at close to US$25 billion. This incident exemplifies the growing “ripple effect” which impacts the automotive sector, but also other industries. Given the use of many common components, a single recall can impact a whole industry.

Food and beverage is the second most impacted sector, accounting for 16% of analysed losses with the average cost of a significant product recall claim almost US$9.5 million (€8 million). Undeclared allergens (including

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mislabelling incidents) and pathogens are a major issue, as is contamination from glass, plastic and metal parts.

Malicious tampering and even extortion incidents pose an increasing threat, as well as the growth of “food fraud”, which has become a major issue, resulting in reputational damage and major losses, as seen in the horse meat scan‐ dal in Europe four years ago.

The report also notes that products from Asia continue to account for a disproportionate number of recalls in the US and Europe, reflecting the eastwards shift in global supply chains and historically weaker quality controls in some countries. Yet increasing safety regulation and consumer awareness is ensuring recall activity is also rising across Asia.

Technology to prevent and drive future recall risks The report also identifies emerging recall triggers that will drive future risks and claims, largely stemming from new technologies. Advances in product testing such as genome‐ sequencing technology will make it easier for regulators and manufacturers to trace contaminated products in future, potentially saving lives, but also potentially spiking litigation activity, as liable parties can be more easily identified.

Cyber recalls may become an increasing reality. Hackers could change or contaminate a product by controlling machinery in automated production plants. “Cyber is currently an underestimated risk,” says Bentele. “We have already seen recalls due to cyber security vulnerabilities in cars and cameras.” Innovative but untested technologies such as artificial intelligence and nanotechnology could also transform recall risk.

Social media is a fast and effective way of communicat‐ ing with customers but can also exacerbate recall risk if

// The shift in the automotive industry towards electric and autonomous mobility will create further recall risks. // not well‐managed. “Social media is a real game‐changer for product recall,” says Stewart Eaton, Head of Product Recall, UK, AGCS. “An erroneous post or tweet can cause reputa‐ tional damage and directly impact the size of a recall, mean‐ ing companies need to react faster than before.”

Recalls for ethical and reputational, rather than safety, reasons are also on the rise, such as in cases where child or slave labour has been used in the supply chain or where food such as halal or vegan has been mislabelled or coun‐ terfeited. “There will be incidents when there is no legal requirement to recall but it is the right thing to do. This is a genuine business risk which companies have to be prepared for,” Bentele says.

Pre-event crisis management as part of corporate DNA Pre‐event planning and preparation can have a big impact on the size of a recall and the financial and reputational damage sustained. As part of a holistic risk management programme, specialised product recall insurance can help businesses recover faster by covering the costs of a recall, including business interruption. It also provides access to crisis management services, and consultants, which can test a company’s procedures and offer global support in areas such as regulatory liaison, communications, product

traceability and tampering investigations and even genome sequencing and DNA testing to understand a prod‐ uct contamination.

“There is now much more attention on how companies deal with defective or contaminated products, how respon‐ sive they are and how resilient their safety systems are.

More than ever consumers are also part of the agenda and are driving company behaviour by making their choices subject to how companies deal with crises. A company that embraces crisis management, and makes it part of its DNA, is far less likely to suffer a major incidence,” says Bentele.

ABOUT ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE & SPECIALTY Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) is the Allianz Group's dedicated carrier for corporate and specialty insurance business. AGCS provides insur‐ ance and risk consultancy across the whole spectrum of specialty, alternative risk transfer and corporate business: Marine, Aviation (incl. Space), Energy, Engi‐ neering, Entertainment, Financial Lines (incl. D&O), Liability, Mid‐Corporate and Property insurance (incl.

International Insurance Programmes).

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TORQUE FOCUS ADHESIVES, TAPES, SEALANTS & FILLERS

Why structural bonding tapes are a welcome addition to the fixings industry Ultratape Commercial Manager Craig Laing gives his opinion on the place for tapes in the fixings business

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crews, staples, nails and clips were once the bread and butter of the fixings industry. Couple the advancement of manufacturing and building processes, with technological and design improve‐ ments in all manners of construction and we now have an abundance of mechanical fixings and fastenings for every purpose and possibility.

However, are they always suitable? The answer is no.

The adhesive market continues to develop new gun/pressure‐ applied adhesives for all manner of substrates.

These have become the go‐to solution for many in the last 20 years but do they suit all applica‐ tions? The answer is no.

The adhesive tape has a niche in the fixings industry and is fast becoming the answer for many.

Commercial coach builders and the caravan manufacturing

industry, amongst a plethora of other industries, are increas‐ ing their usage of tapes, particularly structural bonding tapes.

Cost must be balanced with time. Unlike applied adhesives, a quality structural bonding tape can be applied cleanly and quickly, takes no time to cure and therefore allows the next assembly process to progress swiftly.

The benefits of using tape carry on beyond the assembly process by reducing the final weight of a caravan therefore reducing fuel consumption. For the sceptics, many of these products are used to hold 20‐plus kilo steel panels on moving vehicles. (now consider most UK roads) Tapes, like all fasteners, have specific tech‐ nical applications. For specialist knowledge and a tailored solution for your customer’s needs, contact us.

OPINION: TALKING TAPES – WHY ADHESIVE TAPES ARE A PERFECT FIT FOR ALL FIXINGS SUPPLIERS A high quality range of adhesive tapes is an essential addi‐ tion for all self‐respecting fixings and fastenings compa‐ nies in the UK today. Here are three reasons why you should be stocking them and why Ultratape should be your supply partner.

1) Customer loyalty: If you sell fixings, hardware, ironmon‐ gery, tools or PPE your customers will expect you to stock a staple range of adhesive tapes. More and more customers want their suppliers to be a one‐stop‐shop for all their industrial requirements. With 120,000ft2 of warehousing, 42 years specialising in tape, 3,500 stocked products and more, we specialise in consolidating this product range and only ever supply though distribution channels.

2) Profitability from add-on sales: Adhesive tapes are seen as a commodity product. However, increasingly challenging trading conditions where rising raw material costs are pushing prices up on staple metal products like screws, nuts and bolts, not to mention the spiralling costs of silicones and

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sealants, profit margins continue to be squeezed like never before. By having a solid range of good quality adhesive tapes available you are increasing the opportunity of addi‐ tional sales with the potential for higher profitability.

3) Suitability: A good quality range of adhesive tapes is an excellent alternative to other more messy, expensive and time consuming fixing systems. Whether your customer needs a compressed foam tape, double sided or a structural bonding tape we will make sure the correct product is selected and delivered for your customer’s job.

Why Ultratape? It is essential that you find the right supplier who can offer advice, technical help and support when it comes to more specialist applications. Drawing on our vast experience gained in the demanding industrial market, we bring together a fully comprehensive range of products which complement all industries ranging from construction, engineering, electrical, DIY, HVAC and more. Ultratape can guarantee the right level of technical expertise, knowledge and support, price and of course, deliver on time.

Sticker collection We round-up products from Vibra-Tite, Bond It and Sika Everbuild plus opinion from Ultratape in our focus on adhesives, tapes, sealants and ďŹ llers VIBRA-TITE MMAs

BOND IT

Bond It’s Glue Monster range includes the Glue Monster Wood Adhesive and ‘The Beast’. The Glue Monster Wood Adhesive is a one part, ready�to�use PVA timber adhesive with an EN 204 D3 rating, suitable for a variety of general purpose joinery applications and on hard and softwoods, decorative laminates and chipboard blockwood as well as other types of engineered timber panels. It’s ideal for wherever long�term resistance to moisture is required. The Beast is a one part polyurethane super strength adhesive with an EN 204 D4 rating.

Vibra�Tite acrylic (methyl methacrylate) adhesives are a room temperature curing, non� sagging, two�part system comprised of resin and activator.

Our adhesives respond well to dissimilar materials and a wide range of temperatures. They form a bond on: ďŹ breglass, steel, aluminium, stainless steel, composite, ABS, PVC, plastic, wood, ceramic, glass, and more.

Vibra�Tite MMAs can be applied either manually or with bulk dispensing equipment. Available container sizes are 50ml and 400ml cartridges, as well as 10 gallon kits and 40 gallon drum packs.

To see the full range of Vibra�Tite MMA formulas, visit www.vibra-tite.com

EVERBUILD The sealants and adhesive range from Everbuild – A Sika Company is growing with the launch of Sika PRO Select, a new sealant aimed at the trade user.

This extensive new range consists of ten products includâ€? ing Sika MaxTack Super Charged, an extremely fast setting adhesive with a ďŹ xing time of just 20 minutes and the abilâ€? ity to bond to a variety of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors and even underwater.

A specialist run company with over 18 years of experience providing aerosols and related products for all types of industries.

We provide top quality products manufactured to the highest VSHFLÂż FDWLRQV XVLQJ FXWWLQJ HGJH technology, reliable production methods, and most of all, top quality materials.

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CASE STUDY MERLIN BUSINESS SOFTWARE

BIDEFORD TOOLS MAKES MAGIC WITH MERLIN

With growth plans firmly in place, Bideford Tools turned to an experienced e-commerce and data management solution provider to help it get ready for a vibrant future…

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ounded in the 1960s, Devon‐based Bideford Tools has established itself as a supplier of cutting and hand tools as well as clamping systems, measuring equipment, abra‐ sives and soldering and welding equipment.

“Bideford Tools largely supplies factories,” Troy CEO Paul Kilbride tells Torque Magazine. “We have vending solutions which dispense tools to customers on‐site and we work mainly with blue chip businesses.”

Two years ago, independent buying group Troy – headquar‐ tered 10 miles away in Barnstaple – bought Bideford Tools. The former owner Bill Cater stayed on as MD at Bideford, which was already a member of the Troy group.

The past couple of years have seen a number of milestones for Bideford Tools, not just thanks to the change in ownership, but also in the form of a leading e‐commerce and data manage‐ ment system in the Tools sector, Merlin Business Software, which Bideford Tools originally implemented in 2013.

“Bideford Tools obviously had a choice to make on which provider to use,” Kilbride explains. “Often there is a specialist in different industries. Merlin was found to be the best solu‐ tion on offer and our experience and knowledge of them had been very positive.”

It goes without saying that the more straightforward and manageable a system is, the better and Merlin scores well in this department, according to Bideford Tools: “It is very easy to use and there’s also good support behind the system. The functionality of the software is fantastic too – it can do more than we will ever need it to.”

Versatility was also a deciding factor, the Troy boss

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explained: “Scalability is important to us as we look to grow the business in the years to come. We’ve seen the Merlin soft‐ ware working with larger businesses, so we know it will be fine for scaling up.”

Ashley Jones, Merlin’s Sales and Marketing Director commented: “We were delighted when Bideford Tools came on board as another user within the Troy Group as we knew from our considerable experience in the tools sector that it would be an excellent fit, and we were subsequently delighted when Paul Kilbride and the team at DHS Tools elected to expand Bideford Tools’ Merlin system across their business too, within the United Tooling Solutions (UTS) Group.

“Having worked closely with Paul and his team at UTS, we’ve also been able to plan out a road map of the way in which the flexible optional modules in Merlin will be able to accommo‐ date their planned growth. Solutions such as our Trade e‐ commerce tools, EDI solutions and Apps for Android will play an important part.”

We asked Paul Kilbride about his thoughts on the newly released Merlin Analytics solution, providing crucial business intelligence. “Information is important, especially if you can get it at that higher overview level to really provide you with an insight into how the business is developing.”

Merlin Analytics provides a dynamic management Dash‐ board tool as standard, which provides a real time “at‐a‐ glance” view of the business and allows the user to drill down into the detail with a click of the mouse. Merlin Analytics, which is powered by Phocas Software, is also accessible to users on the move via tablets or smartphones, giving them

the information they need quickly and helping them to unlock opportunities in their data that they otherwise would not have known about.

“And it works straight out of the box,” Kilbride adds.

So, would the company recommend Merlin Business Soft‐ ware to other similar businesses? “Yes, for sure,” Kilbride says.

Bideford Tools plans to develop on the 15% growth it saw in 2017, planning to continue that upwards trend this year and beyond. Thanks to the behaviour of some national players, there are some interesting opportunities ahead for Bideford Tools this year and Paul Kilbride believes that, “the prospects are particularly strong this year.”

The upcoming 12 months will also see Troy bring together a number of the businesses it has an interest in. “We have a stake in DHS Tools and Eurogrind Cutting Tool Solutions and they have all been brought together under the umbrella of United Tooling Solutions, as a subsidiary of Troy.”

Merlin’s software will no doubt assist in bringing together those experienced industrial distributors as United Tooling Solutions (UTS), to become one of the biggest industrial suppliers in the South West.

“We see growth of up to £25 million in the next three years.”

Find out more at: www.bidefordtool.com and www.merlinbusinesssoftware.com

// Scalability is important to us as we look to grow the business in the years to come. //

Fully integrated ERP software specifically designed for Stockists, Distributors, Wholesalers, Merchants & Manufacturers With a range of modules available including:

“Merlin’s SOP for Android™ application has saved us a salary” Extratec Progressive Limited For further information or to book a demonstration, contact us: e: info@merlinbusinesssoftware.com t: 01246 457150 w. www.merlinbusinesssoftware.com

SOP & POP Financials CRM Stock Control Android™ Applications Business Intelligence and many more...

See how Merlin can help your business

TORQUE FOCUS IT SERVICES, SOFTWARE & E-BUSINESS

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE E-BUSINESS Getting the right software to help you run your business can be an intimidating task.

These companies promise to make that process easier and some offer you software that will keep you on top of your business whether you’re in the office or on the road.

SPRUCE COMPUTER SYSTEMS

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pruce Computer Systems, a division of ECi Software Solu‐ tions, is a relatively new entrant to the fastener and fixings industry. Having created a multi‐branch cloud software solution for plumbers’ merchants and distributors with all that industry’s complex and complicated customer pricing, Spruce is now targeting what it considers an equally sophisticated market.

ECi has operations in the United States, Australia, the Netherlands and the UK employing over 800 people worldwide. The Spruce division alone employs twenty dedicated programmers, ensuring on‐going development and enhancement of one of the industry’s leading products.

The software is capable of handling up to five different units of measure for each product i.e. each, box, pack, pair etc, with differ‐ ent pricing that may or may not be pro rata. In addition the system has sophisticated customer pricing, potentially allowing thou‐ sands of customers to each have unique pricing.

Many ECi Spruce customers already operate a totally paperless

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environment using the built in document management system, capturing customer signatures at point of sale and on delivery attaching supplier and third party paperwork to Spruce virtual documents. Everyone within the organisation can view documen‐ tation and relevant linked paperwork from their desks, retrieving information in just seconds.

The system includes a delivery module that can be used to create a virtual clipboard for scheduled deliveries through to managing a transport fleet allocating routes, vehicles, drivers and delivery slots. Other modules within the system include a full accounts system with sales and purchase ledgers with nominal, sales and point of sale, purchasing and stock control modules and a comprehensive reporting system.

Based in the city of Lincoln, Spruce Computer Systems offers both free online and on‐site demonstrations to qualifying companies. www.sprucecomputer.co.uk

OGL COMPUTER

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aving complete visibility of your information in terms of sales, stock and revenue data can be a far off dream for some distribution businesses. If your stock count involves wandering around the warehouse, there is almost certainly a better way to do things – based on fact, historical data and seasonal trends. If your ware‐ house has stock idly sitting on shelves or you often find yourself placing urgent orders to replenish your fastest‐ moving items, you need to take control before serious problems occur that could tarnish your reputation.

Furthermore, your sales team needs the most up‐to‐date information available at their fingertips when out of the office, which can be impossible when using a paper‐based or unsynchronised system that is only accessible from a single location. Providing a value‐added service can become difficult when working remotely, as staff members can feel frustrated at the inability to access vital data needed to close a sale. In this information age, stumbling along with out‐of‐date or insufficient information on your vital processes will no longer suffice.

Having easy access to information such as sales analysis, stock turnover and company reports promotes better cash flow, helps you provide better customer service and will help you run a more efficient, profitable business. OGL’s fully integrated business software, called prof.ITplus, has 18 fully integrated modules that promise to revolutionise your business and is proven to enhance the efficiency, visi‐ bility and profitability of stockist and distribution busi‐ nesses thanks to the innovative sales analysis, remote ordering and warehouse management modules. prof.ITplus can not only provide access to automated sales reports, customer buying trends and KPIs while out visit‐ ing prospects, but you can also have instant access to company reports to help you effectively plan, strategise and manage your business while working remotely. prof.ITplus also supports a perpetual stock taking system, which helps you take control and achieve a lean operation system, elim‐ inating time consuming tasks and further increasing the efficiency of your business.

OGL Computer, based in Worcestershire, has over 250 employees and provides ERP software, IT solutions and cyber security services to over 1,200 businesses through‐ out the UK. With a company history spanning more than 40 years, companies large and small rely on OGL’s Computer as their strategic IT partner.

To find out more about OGL business software, call 01299 873 873 to speak to one of our Business Software Consultants or visit www.ogl.co.uk/software.

TORQUE FOCUS IT SERVICES, SOFTWARE & E-BUSINESS

SHARP-AX

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harp‐aX prides itself on its agile software development capability. Sharp‐aX Director Adam Smith explains: “I have been reading a lot of content, often from the second level competitors active in the wholesaler vertical that one of the main criteria when selecting a vendor should be the ability to react quickly to change and this is often flaunted as a primary feature of their software development capability.

“I find this strange and a little disconcerting as my understand‐ ing is completely the opposite and this is driven by the messages that comes from both existing clients and prospects.

// Sharp-Ax has a truly agile service model which begins with our approach to development. //

“Sharp‐aX is a UK organisation, based in Berkhamsted with 18‐ years experience dealing with the wholesale vertical. In this time we have developed a completely new core application code base written in MS C# in conjunction with the .NET and DevExpress development frameworks. This allows us the luxury of having a lightweight core code base with the majority of generic function‐ ality (additional device types, mobile platform screen re‐sizing, language interoperability, etcetera.) being supported by the devel‐ opment frameworks.

“Our lightweight core code base allows us the ability to identify problems quickly and easily but more importantly allows our development teams to react to change of requirement or scope rapidly – to quickly identify if the change impacts the core or the framework and react accordingly to the client requirement. This constitutes a truly agile approach to software development.

“However, this is only one of the components that allow Sharp‐aX to react to change in a nimble or agile manner. The other main contributor that supports this concept is the makeup of the service team itself – At Sharp‐aX we have three separated development teams: • In our Berkhamsted HQ and sitting as part of the service team we have a core code development team and a web develop‐ ment team with a complement of business analysts and QA personnel.

• These teams sit within the extended service team that also comprises technical support and training functions, in this way any inbound call is seen by all of the service team and any issues can be collaborated on at source.

• In addition to this ‘on‐shore’ capability for the local UK market, we also support a smaller development team based in Lithuania. This is ostensibly an overflow team that adds to our capability and allows us to flex in additional resources whenever necessary.

“To me this is a truly agile service model and is the reason behind our claim of being truly service centric in our approach to development, but agility does not end there…

“The Sharp‐aX solution itself lends itself to change with end‐ user configuration and customisation being fully supported by the system. The Sharp‐aX culture involves all team members being agents of change and this flows through to our philoso‐ phy in sales and marketing – we have a core solution to support your business model today and a flexible approach that under‐ pins your vision for tomorrow.”

Sharp-aX Director Adam Smith

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FIELDWIRE & HILTI

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n the construction site there are plans afoot to boost productivity thanks to a new partnership between Field‐ wire and Hilti that has seen the fixing, fastener and tool brand make an undisclosed strategic investment in the firm.

Fieldwire is a field management platform that powers over 200,000 construction projects in the world. With a simple mobile application, Fieldwire connects workers in the field with their counterparts in the office, enabling efficient task management and real‐time collaboration.

“Fieldwire's approach to jobsite productivity stands out in the construction tech scene and aligns very well with Hilti's mission,” said Joerg Kampmeyer, Member of the Executive Board and CFO at Hilti. “We were impressed by Fieldwire's leadership and our investment in the company is a first step in establishing a long‐ standing strategic partnership.”

In recent years, Hilti has made major efforts to digitise the construction industry with software solutions for applications including planning and designing fastening and firestop solu‐ tions, bringing BIM to the field or for asset management. Hilti is also connecting construction professionals with its experts through platforms like “Ask.Hilti.com”.

While digital has already revolutionised construction planning and design, the focus is now shifting towards disrupting the way people work on jobsites. Fieldwire’s partnership with Hilti will further shift focus to workers in the field with the goal of “empowering them to do their best work”.

// Hilti has made an undisclosed strategic investment in Fieldwire. // According to Fieldwire, the typical construction worker spends only 30% of their time on actual construction work, with the other 70% spent on coordination and communication. Field‐ wire’s construction management software aims to give that time back to those in the field by enabling them to capture, organise and access information, such as up‐to‐date drawings and files using a mobile device on and offline. Fieldwire claims it has saved its users an average of 20 hours a month on more than 200,000 projects worldwide.

However, the partnership with Hilti will combine Fieldwire’s digital offering with the tools used on the construction site, such as Hilti’s line of Rangemeters, making it more easily accessible and adding additional value for the user.

By integrating the digital frontier with the analogue tradition, the two companies seek to empower construction workers by “creating an end‐to‐end experience on the field”.

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ANCHOR ANALYSIS

tech Connections between steel and concrete

Figure 1: FEM model for the calculation of crack formations in the anchorage ground using eight anchors in a round anchor plate at the concrete edge

The ability to analyse anchoring situations has progressed rapidly in recent years.

Dr Ing Mirko Neumann of S&P Software Consulting + Solutions GmbH praises technological and research developments in the field…

I

n September 2017, the third interna‐ tional ConSC symposium took place.

The goal of this meeting was to bring experts from science and economy and from universities and industry, together to discuss research, development and applica‐ tion topics related to connections between steel and concrete.

The conference venue in Stuttgart was not selected coincidentally. The University of Stuttgart has been the international research centre in this field, not least because of the many years of work by renowned Professor Rolf Eligehausen’s team. Professor Eligehausen, whose 75th birthday was appreciated during the conference, still took an active part in many of the parallel lecture series.

There were numerous presentations on these topics: • Codes and Regulations • Certifications and Approvals • Cast-In Anchors • Bonded Anchors • Anchor Channels • Special Fastenings • Bonds between Reinforcement and Concrete • Retrofitting & Strengthening • Connections under Special Loadings The presentations are summarised in the comprehensive “Book of Abstracts”, which can be downloaded for free (https://goo.gl/23yPy7).

They include, for example, content regarding codes and regulations, which are to be introduced in the international design

practice. Interestingly, Australia, which had been pursuing an individual path concern‐ ing standardisation for decades, introduced the European design concepts based on EN1992‐4, even though it has not become compulsory in Europe yet.

Furthermore, universities and research institutes depict many topical research projects and show that theoretical exami‐ nations and investigations are no longer sufficient to describe complex technical issues such as connections between steel and concrete adequately. The new state of the art is to provide support to the theoret‐ ical considerations by FEM modelling first and to verify the results by a number of test series under different specific mounting conditions (see figure 1).

The attention to detail to which the anchoring situations can currently be analysed is an amazing achievement compared to the technical possibilities of not so many years ago.

Eventually, these research results may influence future standardisations and design codes.

Moreover, a variety of issues regarding daily planning processes are included.

Many of those application cases are not sufficiently elaborated in the available codes and verification procedures. This pertains, for example, to the fastening of timber sleepers to concrete using anchors.

Such structures do not behave as conserva‐ tively as is suggested using the strict read‐ ing of ETAG 001. Another example concerns anchor channels: The current codes for the verification of applications with anchor channels are largely conclusive and show very little potential for interpretation. Inter‐ estingly, two of the most common applica‐ tions, namely anchor channels positioned in parallel as well as longitudinal loads on

anchor channels, are not included. Possible calculation approaches for these applica‐ tion situations are shown in the above‐ mentioned abstract. Yet another topic is anchor plates of column footings. The theory of an infinitely rigid anchor plate, which is still the theoretical basis of all connections between steel and concrete, is no longer considered valid and may lead to results on the unsafe side. Interestingly, EN1993 suggests plasticising of the anchor plate at the column edges or in the axis of the fasteners, as opposed to EN1992‐4 that still assumes a completely rigid anchor plate.

It has to be pointed out that the correct application of existing design codes and suggested verification methods has a far bigger influence on the accuracy of whole verification procedures than the elaborate introduction of a new coefficient, which may lead to a marginally more precise calculation. If initial values do not even correspond with real assembly conditions and imprecise assumptions are applied, the calculation process will deliver faulty results no matter how accurate the calcula‐ tion method reflects reality. Design soft‐ ware solutions that are provided by nearly all manufacturers of fasteners take care of that issue. They are essential technical aids for planning engineers and provide anchor manufacturers with the opportunity to make sure their products are applied in compliance with the current state of the art, thus minimising their liability.

For more details, contact Dr.-Ing. Mirko Neumann, S&P Software Consulting + Solutions GmbH by email: m.neumann@sup-scs.de or via www.sup-scs.de

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TORQUE TECH TORQUE SENSORS

CUT YOUR CALIBRATION DOWNTIME Jeff Wei from Taiwan’s Prodrives & Motions discusses the benefits of the company’s own Accutoq torque sensor and the advantages it can bring to real-world applications, like the production line…

P

rodrives & Motions is a motion engineering company dedicated to the design and manufacture of transmission devices that make cost effective, high precision and reliable motions possible. Our innova‐ tions include the Accutoq torque sensor, patented self‐ locking O‐Cam speed reducer and Pancake gear motor which combines a torque sensor, speed reducer, BLDC motor and encoder, all in one package.

The Accutoq is a series of torque sensors utilising strain gauge technology with unique mechanical structure to attain high sensitivity. The Accutoq is designed for real world applications, so it can be customised to integrate with many devices such as torque power tools, automa‐ tion systems, robotic arm joints, electric bikes (pedelecs) and many other applications which require precision torque control. The Accutoq achieves a linearity of +‐1%, with a high level of reliability and durability because it is not a moving part.

The current focus of development at Prodrives is the application of Accutoq torque sensors in industrial grade fastening devices. With the ongoing trend of Industry 4.0 and higher requirements for precision and stability on the assembly line, there is a growing need for fastening devices which can provide high fastening precision and, more importantly, the capability to interact with other machines in the manufacturing system (M2M). Here, the Accutoq can play a vital role as the real‐time data receiver and transmit‐ ter. Thanks to that real‐time torque monitoring, the fasten‐ ing device will attain a high accuracy of achieving the target torque (±3%) and the torque data can be transmitted to the control system immediately for quality checking, data stor‐ TYPE Mechanical

Motor Current

age for traceability, data for analysis and predictive mainte‐ nance measure – all integral parts of Industry 4.0.

Prodrives has successfully integrated the Accutoq torque sensing structure with the planetary gearbox typically found in a fastening tool, like a screwdriver. Since it is combined with a non‐moving part of the planetary gear system and does not turn with the driver train, the Accutoq remains stationary, only receiving the counteracting force as other parts of the drive train move.

In terms of performance, the transducerised option is the best for its high precision and stability. What’s more, it doesn’t require frequent calibration like the mechanical type. Calibra‐ tion of the equipment on the assembly line means down time, and the longer you can operate without the need to stop for calibration, the better. The transducerised option is also more accurate than the current control type, since it measures the torque generated by the drive train directly, instead of measur‐ ing the amount of current flowing through the motor. The current control type is much like estimating the amount of horsepower of a car by measuring the amount of fuel that is going into the combustion chamber in the engine – it is prone to errors caused by efficiency loss through the drive train, operating temperature of the motor and many other factors.

Prodrives’ precision torque control fastening module is designed to be fitted with automation systems and robotics and it uses patented torque sensor design to ensure accurate fastening results (target torque within ±3%), the non‐linearity of the torque sensor itself is well within ±1%. Under controlled conditions in which the tip of the screwdriver is aligned prop‐ erly with the screw and all other condition adjusted correctly, an accuracy of less than ±0.5% is attainable.

CHARACTERISTICS • Using clutch or other types of friction design, once the torque exceeds the friction the drive train will be disengaged.

The accuracy of achieving target torque is the lowest • No electrical signal will be sent to control system, no real time fastening monitoring • Requires frequent calibration and maintenance • Monitoring the amount of current going through the motor to estimate the torque output, this is an indirect way of torque control, because the motor output will be affected by motor efficiency, operating temperature, drive train loss and other factors.

• Attains higher accuracy than the mechanical type • The amount of current at each fastening can be monitored on a real time basis and sent to a control system

Transducerised (torque sensor) • Real time torque monitoring and control • Doesn’t require frequent calibration and maintenance • The highest target torque accuracy of the types • Torque data can be sent to control system for recording, analysis, traceability and predictive maintenance purposes

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COVENTRY 2018

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3-4 October 2018 coventry.torque-expo.com

DON’T MISS OUT – CALL THE TORQUE-EXPO TEAM TODAY ON +44 (0) 1727 739160.

TORQUE INSIGHT CASE STUDY > INDUSTRY 4.0

Southco has been building its smart factory since 2007.

HOW SOUTHCO IS USING TECHNOLOGY TO CONNECT TO INDUSTRY 4.0 Is Industry 4.0 a daunting revolution, or can it be a gradual evolution? Southco balances both the concerns and perceived opportunities of implementing fourth industrial revolution tech into the manufacturing process…

I

In the age of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0, digital technologies are linking the physical and digital worlds, helping to create a new future of connectivity for manufacturers.

Manufacturers can take advantage of this new era of connectivity, which promises to deliver greater productivity, improved utilisation of assets and enhanced decision‐ making, by linking their operations data with smart manu‐ facturing technologies.

In order to fully leverage the value of operations informa‐

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tion, manufacturers will need to embrace Industry 4.0 and understand how the data gathered from their operations foot‐ print fits into the Internet of Things (IoT).

By implementing manufacturing executing software, oper‐ ations teams can seamlessly blend data and production, opti‐ mising every machine and production run to deliver superior products. At Southco, operations teams are transforming facil‐ ities into “smart” factories by connecting software with processes to increase efficiency whilst reducing defects, downtime and waste.

CONTINUAL PROGRESS One commonly held misconception of Industry 4.0 and of the IoT is that they are relatively new concepts in manufacturing. Southco, a leading manufacturer of engineered access hardware solutions, has actually been building its smart factory since 2007, when the company introduced the Epicor Mattec Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Epicor Software Corporation provides industry‐specific business software to support manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organisations. The Epicor Mattec MES system enables companies to monitor their production and process manufacturing operations in real‐time, allowing them to reduce scrap, waste and machine downtime, as well as improve cycle times, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), productivity and automatic part qualification.

The introduction of Epicor Mattec MES marked the beginning of Southco’s global transformation of the way that it manages production and process control through the use of smart technologies.

Originally, Epicor Mattec MES was introduced solely as production control software that was used to track the inputs and outputs of the injection moulding machines at Southco’s Worcester, UK manufacturing facility. Over time, the team worked closely with Epicor to further develop the system to incorporate improved functionality that has been tailored specifically to operation requirements.

A decade later, Southco now uses the software to create a visual factory. Extracting data from a host of different sources, the Epicor Mattec MES system organises all of the information into a visual dashboard which helps to support the improvement in manufacturing processes through continuous analysis. By observing both produc‐ tion control and process control simultaneously, the busi‐ ness can constantly improve the quality of work.

The main driver behind implementing Industry 4.0 was to improve internal operations processes by developing them in line with market conditions and available tech‐ nologies. Building smart technology into the facility allowed Southco to better understand its products and processes while enabling the workforce to be more accu‐ rate with deliverables.

One example where smart technology has enhanced operations is through product quality evaluation: before a plastic injection mould opens, the system alerts the operator to whether the end product is good or bad. This translates into a better product for the customer, as qual‐ ity monitoring is built directly into the process (rather than having to manually inspect each batch). Having more efficient manufacturing production processes has enabled the business to improve all aspects of assembly and has given actionable insights from data analytics.

In contrast to commonly held perceptions, the introduc‐ tion of smart technologies and Industry 4.0 does not need to involve a revolutionary change to the business and its processes. As demonstrated by Southco, when working with a trusted supplier, businesses can take gradual steps towards creating a fully connected smart factory.

CENTRAL TO THE BUSINESS For many manufacturers, one of the greatest blocks to Indus‐ try 4.0 is the prospect of implementing it in the first place. Not surprisingly, the potential cost and the impact on efficiency during the implementation period are perceived as major obstacles. However, Southco has experienced a smooth progression towards Industry 4.0 by embedding its smart technology right at the heart of its manufacturing facility, rather than treating it as an add‐on. The system links with other businesses systems such as SAP, with the exchange of information between the two systems providing vital benefits.

By linking to an Enterprise Resource Planning system, like SAP, tooling can be allocated almost immediately, meaning new production can commence with limited down‐time.

Secondly, there is no human intervention, which in turn reduces the risk of human error. By building in Industry 4.0 alongside existing systems, manufacturers can streamline implementation, limit downtime and improve product accu‐ racy and quality.

BEYOND DATA The IoT goes hand in hand with data – having systems in place that work together allows internal teams to identify where operational inefficiencies lie. Being able to more easily locate and analyse the data helps senior management to develop strategies for continuing to meet the Overall Equipment Effec‐ tiveness (OEE) standard. With 85% OEE being the world‐class standard , Southco, which is currently operating at 75% OEE, has seen a marked improvement to their performance since implementing the Epicor Mattec MES system.

Gaining valuable insight through data isn’t the only advan‐ tage of Industry 4.0 for manufacturers. Moving towards the creation of a smart factory offers a host of other benefits. For instance, the Industry 4.0 evolution is enabling organisations to transform their facilities into paperless environments, allowing information on injection moulding machines, self‐ automated assembly, user guides and machine performance to be stored in the cloud. Storing data in a cloud‐based appli‐ cation helps to reduce the physical requirement needed to store information on‐site in large servers, thus freeing up space and reducing power requirements.

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY For many manufacturers, Industry 4.0 understandably brings up as many concerns as it does perceived opportunities. As Southco’s journey illustrates, rather than looking to imple‐ ment change all in one go, making gradual but focused changes on an on‐going basis offers many benefits.

Manufacturers can gain by looking at what Industry 4.0 can do for them and how it can support their goals, by adopting smart technology that enhances specific areas of their opera‐ tions business. In this way, manufacturers can build in tech‐ nologies that support their long‐term visions for process improvement and better quality products.

Industry 4.0 is often described as the fourth industrial revolution. However, as Southco’s experience shows, manu‐ facturers will benefit by seeing it instead as part of their continued evolution. www.southco.com

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TORQUE COMMENT CARGO, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

Self-development & fire ants Millennium Cargo Managing Director Chadd Blunt discusses the need to develop and the perils of stowaway species hitching a ride in containers.

L

ast year I had the great pleasure of meeting two incred‐ ible people, Sir Clive Woodward and Debra Searle.

They’re both hugely successful in their own right, with some of the most inspiring stories and invaluable advice.

I took two days out of my schedule to go and hear them speak. Now, if you know me then you’ll know that I’m a very busy man. My time is precious and I use it very carefully.

So why would I spend two days sitting in a conference, listening to a former rugby union coach and a woman who solo‐sailed across the Atlantic, when I’m in the cargo industry?

Am I taking up rugby? Perhaps I’m planning a solo‐sailing expedition? Nope. You see, I’m a big believer in self‐develop‐ ment. If you want to succeed in business or in life, you have to be prepared to change and to grow.

Over the years, I’ve regularly dedicated some of my time to working on me, learning new things, developing my skills, and honing my mindset and attitude. Without a doubt, this is the single biggest factor responsible for my success and for Millen‐ nium Cargo being where it is today.

I believe that in business (and in all aspects of life) you’re either growing or you’re dying. You have to be constantly push‐ ing and reaching for that next bit of progress, that next level, or you’ll stagnate and eventually start sliding backwards. This is true whether you’re a business owner or an employee, in both your career and your personal life. You have to keep learn‐ ing, growing and pushing forward.

So how can you do this? You don’t have to go to events like I do, just start reading 10 pages of a business or personal devel‐ opment book each day. Don’t like to read? No problem. Grab your headphones and get on Audible. By reading books, listen‐ ing to podcasts, attending courses, going to these events and listening to people’s stories I’m not only inspired, but I learn invaluable lessons that I can apply to my business too.

Self‐development really is for everyone. Here at Millennium it plays such an important role in our success that we even get our team involved too. By investing in my staff and supporting them in their own personal development, my team grows stronger and my business becomes more successful because of it. You can make your business, career, or life more successful too. So, what are you waiting for?

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Funny stories from the World of Freight The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan revealed that there’s been a persistent problem with some of the containers arriving there.

It seems they have been infiltrated by large colonies of fire ants desperate to get into the country. Whilst a few tiny ants may not seem like a big problem, it’s no small issue.

Fire ants are smart, organised and bad tempered. They nest in colonies as large as 250,000 and they have a bite that kills small animals. Whilst not usually deadly to humans, their sting is very unpleasant and poses a significant threat to health.

Allowing non‐native species into a country can have a devas‐ tating effect on the whole ecosystem too. Plants, animals and even water levels can be affected when you disrupt the local species in an area. It’s just not worth the risk.

It’s such a serious problem that there’s a whole Act that covers it (The Alien Species Act). Administered by Ministry of Environment (MOE) of Japan, the act states this species of ant poses such a threat that they must be promptly exterminated.

So, are the alien ants deliberately making their way to Japan?

Is there an alien ant invasion set to take over the world? I doubt it, but you never know!

ABOUT MILLENNIUM CARGO “At Millennium Cargo we’re dedicated to helping UK manufacturers like you find the very best freight solutions at competitive prices.

“Choose to work with us and you’ll get quick quotes, a swift turnaround on all your bookings, a choice of currencies and extended payment terms. With over 100 years’ experience between the team and fully accredited

by BIFA, Investor in People and ISO 9001, you can be sure that Millennium Cargo are the perfect choice for all your freight needs.

“Call us on 0121 311 0550 or visit us online www.millenniumcargo.com and fill in the form now for your FREE Freight Audit and to also find out how Millennium Cargo can help you!”

fasteners

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2018 FEATURES SEPTEMBER (print) • Fastener manufacturing special • Anchors • Torque tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc) • Architectural ironmongery & hardware • Trade displays, shopfittings & POS innovation • TERRITORY FOCUS: UK • SHOW PREVIEW: Troy Means Business 2017 • SHOW PREVIEW: Toolbank Autumn Trade Shows • EXTRA DISTRIBUTION: Torque-Expo Coventry issue

MAY (enhanced digital) • TORQUE FOCUS: Webshops • Wood & chipboard screws* • Automotive fasteners & tools* • Janitorial supplies: Wipes, cleaners, sprays, etc • SHOW REVIEW: Hardware + Tools Middle East 2018 • SHOW REVIEW: Taiwan International Fastener Show 2018 • SHOW PREVIEW: Automechanika Birmingham 2018

CONTACT Editor: Jonathon Harker Email: Jonathon@torque-expo.com Telephone: +44 (0) 1727 739160

JUNE (print) • Apprenticeships & young industry rising stars • Fastener distribution special • Nuts, washers & locking systems • Fastener drive tools & collated systems* • Workwear, PPE & safety* • Storage systems & racking JULY/AUGUST (enhanced digital) • Stainless steel fixings & fasteners* • Special fasteners • Lighting & torches • Anchor calculation apps & sites • Inspection, quality assurance & packaging • SHOW REVIEW: Automechanika Birmingham 2018 • SHOW REVIEW: Fastener Expo Shanghai 2018 • SHOW PREVIEW: Torque-Expo Coventry

OCTOBER (enhanced digital) • Nylon and plastic fixings & fasteners • Rivets, rivet tools, rivet technology* • Power tools & accessories • Anti-corrosion products • DIY consumables • TERRITORY FOCUS: USA • SHOW PREVIEW: NIFMSE 2018 NOVEMBER (print) • Automotive fasteners & tools* • C-parts, logistics and Kanban • Nails • Self-tapping, self-drilling & thread forming fasteners • Hand tools & accessories • Oils, sprays & lubricants • Coating & plating • TERRITORY FOCUS: Middle East • SHOW PREVIEW: The Big 5 Dubai • SHOW REVIEW: Torque-Expo Coventry • SHOW REVIEW: Troy Means Business 2018

www.torque-expo.com *Key features will run across print and digital in a combined package

COMMUNITY

What has the Torque Community been getting up to...?

Industry Q &A Ade Solomon Sales Director Olympic Fixings How long have you been in the industry? Almost 30 years.

What was your first job in the industry and how did you get started?

After I left college in 1989, I went into insurance, in claims negotiation. It was going well and I became team leader. I also worked a few shifts in a local pub, which happened to be close to N.A.F.F.S (the forerunner of BIAFD). I got to know the members and Darryl Wall, MD of I.M.S Socket Screw Products Ltd, kept offering me a job. In December 1989 I joined them for my first job in fasteners.

They started me in sales and while there I learnt the business of selling, ware‐ housing and distribution in the fastener world. I.M.S was bought by S.E.P and I moved to Icon Fasteners as Sales Director in 1995. Vic Waddison ran it before selling Icon to Owlett Jaton and I then joined Black Country Fasteners where I ended up from 2002 to 2015, during which time Harrison & Clough bought it.

Since then I have worked with Torque‐Expo and Magazine, K Engineering and I recently joined Olympic Fixing Products as Sales Director.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Chez – Andy Cheslin. He was a big influence. At I.M.S he was Sales Manager and we then worked together at Black Country Fasteners. He is a proper character – good fun, down to earth and he made things happen. He now owns Socket Fast. He was the man. Now people produce spreadsheets for the sake of it, but Chez always keeps it simple and he taught me the dark art of selling.

Vic Waddison was a big influence too. He’s super organised and very profes‐ sional with customers. He encouraged me to be myself. Vic brought me quality, he’s very knowledgeable and he’s interested in quality of product – he is class.

Thanks to those two, I can play both games.

What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry?

There are definitely less characters around now. The industry has also got perhaps too corporate, with meetings about meetings. I think it takes itself a bit too seriously and forgets what it is all about. I am just about old enough to remember the old fastener guys from the past and I’ve got a lot of time for them.

The trick is to keep learning and not be a dinosaur. My time at Torque was invalu‐ able. I learnt a lot about myself – that I have a creative side! It was great to get out there and talk to lots of different people. The industry has also seen lots of acquisitions of family businesses, especially where there’s no line of succession so the owner has sold up. That’s what brought me where I am now. Cliff Yates is looking to retire and he sold Olympic Fixings to an investment group.

What are you working on now?

I’m working for PHD Equity Partners, which has brought me in as Sales Director at Olympic Fixings. There’s a new management team in place and I’m developing Olympic Fixings in the business, looking at what we do, what opportunities are out there and expanding our market presence. We are looking to bring Olympic Fixings forwards and I’m looking at what has scope for development.

How can the industry get in touch? E Ade.Solomon@olympicfixings.co.uk

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ERA unlocks funds for air ambulance

W

olverhampton‐based home security expert ERA is supporting the local Midlands Air Ambulance Charity throughout 2018, as its chosen charity.

Money will be raised for the worthy cause throughout the year via a programme of activities and ERA kicked off its fundraising efforts with a Valentine’s raffle.

“We are responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances across six Midlands counties, namely Glouces‐ tershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands,” explained Jon Cottrell, Corporate Partnerships Coordinator for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. “With over 2,000 missions per year, we are one of the busiest air ambulances in the UK. “With each air ambulance mission costing £2,500 on average, and requir‐ ing a pilot, two paramedics or flight doctors, as well as full life support medical equipment, we are extremely grateful for the generous support that we receive from organisations such as ERA, which is essential to our life‐ saving operation.”

Darren Waters, CEO at ERA said: “We are proud to support the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity which was voted for by our employees and look forward to helping them to continue to provide this essential, life‐saving service. They receive no National Lottery or government funding so all the work they do is funded by corpo‐ rate and public donations, so anything we can do to help means they can continue to save lives.”

Goalie caught on camera

N

ews of goalies and fixing usually give football clubs the cold sweats, but thankfully this article concerns the other type of fixings, or fasteners, in fact. West Bromwich Albion goalie Ben Foster was snapped checking out the latest screw deals one weekend at NE Fasteners. The firm, just 20 minutes down the road from The Hawthorns, actually has a long‐standing relationship with the West Brom goalkeeper and craftily enlisted him for a photo opportunity. Let’s hope the big man wore protective gloves during his DIY activities to protect those precious ‘donnies’.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Achilles Seibert GmbH Aerosol Solutions Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co Avon Stainless Fasteners Berardi Bullonerie Srl Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari Bralo SA Bülte GmbH Dega Demir F Reyher Nchfg GmbH & Co KG fwb Products GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH Hafren Security Fasteners HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH Hexstone Group Lederer GmbH

45 49 33 13 15 43 47 39 43 25 35 33 35 35 68 4, 6

Merlin Business Software ND Industries pgb-Europe nv Peter Schröder GmbH Precision Technology Supplies Rivit Srl S & P Software Consulting & Solutions GmbH Schäfer + Peters GmbH Sheh Kai Precision Co Ltd Sipa Srl Smith Bullough Spruce Computer Systems The Insert Company (UK) Ltd Tobsteel GmbH Volt Industrial Plastics Inc

51 11 27 45 1 2 15 15 56 31 43 53 23 27 67

issue 023 / April 2018

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STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS Large range of Metric and Unified Fasteners A2, A4 and Bumax Material Din and ISO standard parts Fast delivery

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events Exhibitions, events and conferences...

What’s coming up, when and where.

2018

Event: Mach Date: 9-13 April 2018 Venue: NEC, Birmingham, UK Info: UK manufacturing technologies event.

URL: www.machexhibition.com

Event: Taiwan International Fastener Show Date: 10-12 April 2018 Venue: Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre, Taiwan Info: The third largest show of its type globally.

URL: www.fastenertaiwan.com.tw Event: Wire Date: 16-20 April 2018 Venue: Messe Dusseldorf, Germany Info: Long-running trade fair for the wire manufacturing and cable industry.

URL: www.wire.de Event: National Hardware Show Date: 8-10 May 2018 Venue: Las Vegas Convention Centre, USA Info: North America’s show for manufacturers and resellers in the hardware sector.

URL: www.nationalhardwareshow.com Event: Automechanika Birmingham Date: 5-7 June 2018 Venue: NEC, Birmingham Info: UK exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and vehicle production sector.

URL: www.automechanika-birmingham.com

Event: Safety & Health Expo Date: 19-21 June 2018 Venue: ExCeL London, UK Info: Six related shows run alongside each other, including the Professional Clothing Show.

URL: www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

COVENTRY 2018

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Event: Torque-Expo Coventry 2018 Date: : 3-4 October 2018 Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK Info: Bringing together global exhibitors from leading manufacturers and wholesalers selling products through distribution to the trade.

URL: www.torque-expo.com

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Event: M-TECH: Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo Date: 20-22 June 2018 Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan Info: Japan’s exhibition of mechanical parts, inc fasteners, bearings, metal processing tech and more.

URL: www.mtech-tokyo.jp

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