In the midst of rapid global industrial development, Hisener is keeping pace with trends by embedding ESG (Environmental protection, Social responsibility, and Corporate governance) principles into every aspect of its operations. As a specialized fastener manufacturer and a big and experienced international trader, Hisener not only prioritizes sustainable development but also continually expands its product offerings to deliver higher value and cost-effective solutions for customers, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes in niche markets.
New Capacity of 300 Tons by 2025!
Recently, Hisener has focused on developing stainless steel (S.S.) screws and bi-metal screws to meet the increasing demands of the global market. To achieve a one-stop purchase experience, the company launched an automated smart factory in 2022 and plans to add a dedicated production area for stainless steel products by April 2025. This new area will be equipped with 50 units of production equipment, targeting an additional capacity of around 300 tons. Once completed, the total monthly production capacity for stainless steel products at the entire factory level will exceed 500 tons, while carbon steel products will remain around 1,500 tons, and bi-metal screws will be at 150 tons per month— ensuring a swift response to customer needs.
EU Structural Certifications Achieved
Hisener uses high-quality stainless steel of grades 304, 316, and 410 to manufacture a variety of products including screws, bi-metal screws, threaded rods, bolts, nuts, washers, anchor bolts, pins, and fastening components for solar panels. Among these, stainless steel deck screws and wood screws have passed EU’s CE and ETA 22/0584 building-related certifications. In 2023, the company successfully developed bi-metal screws made from stainless steel and alloy steel that exhibit a maximum penetration force of 12.5mm along with impressive pull-out strength. These products have excellent performance that attracts clients from the architecture, solar energy, and machinery sectors.
Rigorous Testing, Quality Guarantee
To satisfy customers that expect stainless steel products to withstand extreme climates and corrosive environments, General Manager Simon Liang says: "Our product test data must meet industry standards 100% without exception. We use salt spray and acid rain testing equipment to conduct rigorous tests on every batch of products for 24 hours non-stop to ensure the corrosion resistance meets required standards."
Exceptional Value Delivered Through CostEffectiveness
The company leverages advanced processing techniques and effective cost control to provide customers with solutions that are worth every penny spent. Simon recognizes that during economic downturns, delivering the most cost-effective solutions is what matters most to customers. He states: “In the future, we will increase our investment in R&D and actively recruit top talents to create greater product experience. We also plan to exhibit in more international trade shows and anticipate engaging directly with our global clients this year.”
“We firmly believe that highly cost-effective products are the ones that the market demands. Whenever there is demand, Hisener’s team will be there to respond. We are committed to excellence in every product we manufacture and aim to provide outstanding service to all our customers as we work together toward a bright future!"
Hisener's contact: Simon Liang, General Manager
Email: simon@hisener.com
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
Bi-Metal Screws
CHINA
NEWS Fastener World
Association
Tri-Regional Fastener Exchange Conference 2024 Held in Hong Kong 2024三地域螺絲交流大會在香港圓滿舉行
On November 2, 2024, the Tri-Regional Fastener Exchange Conference was held in Hong Kong, marking the first gathering of fastener industry professionals from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in five years. The conference began with opening remarks from regional representatives: Mr. Ping-Fai Tsui, Chairman of Hong Kong Screw & Fastener Council; Mr. Xue Kang Sheng, President of CMCA Fastener Subdivision; and Mr. Gray Hu from Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute. They shared insights into the development of the fastener industry in their respective regions, highlighting the crises and difficulties faced, and emphasized the importance of strengthening industry exchanges to jointly explore future opportunities.
Following these speeches, Mr. Zhixian Zhou, an engineer from the Hong Kong Productivity Council, delivered a keynote presentation on the "EU Carbon Border Adjustment Tax Policy." He provided a clear overview of the current EU carbon tariff policies and conducted a professional analysis in relation to the fastener industry, offering several practical recommendations. He also addressed questions from attendees regarding the implications of these policies.
Next, Mr. Junhua Jiao from Dongfeng Motor Fasteners presented on fastener technologies related to new energy vehicles, explaining the new requirements for fastener products arising from the current development of new energy vehicles. These presentations not only offered valuable insights into internal industry dynamics but also enhanced participants' understanding of future technological trends. This conference not only fostered communication among the three regions but also laid a solid foundation for the future development of the fastener industry.
Latest on CBAM & Carbon Price
European Think Tank Calls on the EU to Direct Revenues from CBAM to International Climate Finance
歐洲智庫呼籲歐盟將CBAM的收入用於國際氣候融資
The European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition (ERCST) has issued a declaration urging the European Union (EU) to allocate revenues from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) towards international climate finance. The declaration emphasizes the need to support developing countries that are most affected by climate change and least equipped to adapt. It argues that directing these funds can enhance the implementation of the Paris Agreement and demonstrate that the CBAM is an environmental, not protectionist, measure. This initiative aligns with EU commitments to increase climate finance and address the significant funding gap faced by developing nations, estimated at nearly USD 6 trillion by 2030. ERCST is an independent think-tank registered under Belgium law.
Italy, Poland Among Other Nations Submit an Informal Document for CBAM Amendment to EU
義大利、波蘭等向歐盟提出建議修訂CBAM之「非正式文件」
To maintain Europe's competitiveness in key manufacturing sectors, support the green transition of energy-intensive industries, and achieve strategic autonomy while preventing industry exodus, Italy and Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, among others, have submitted an "informal document" proposing amendments to CBAM to the EU. This informal document was jointly promoted by Adolfo Urso, Minister of MIMIT (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy), and Gilberto Pichetto, Minister of Environment and Energy Security. It suggests that the European Commission advance the clause review to 2025 to allow for improvements before the full implementation of CBAM in 2026. The document addresses four key areas: simplifying administrative burdens, strengthening measures against carbon leakage and dumping practices, avoiding the inclusion of indirect emissions in CBAM—which could lead to increased electricity costs in decarbonization—and introducing mechanisms to protect European exporters to ensure fair competition in markets without a similar "EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)." Additionally, it proposes delaying the gradual elimination of free ETS allowances for energy-intensive industries to mitigate uncertainties and risks associated with the implementation of CBAM. The proposed amendments by the Italian government are also part of a strategy to protect the domestic steel industry, focusing on revitalizing four major steel production bases: Taranto, Terni, Piombino, and Acciaierie del Nord. Italy is now seen as a successful model in Europe, as 85% of its domestic steel production is generated through electric arc furnaces using recycled scrap steel—significantly higher than the European average of less than 50%.
European People’s Party Calls for Two-year CBAM Freeze
歐洲人民黨呼籲將CBAM凍結兩 年
The European People's Party (EPP) has called for a two-year delay on the implementation of CBAM in a statement seen by Kallanish, following its recent leadership summit. It also called for the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive to be paused for the same length of time. It argues these measures impose excessive burdens on SMEs, hinder competitiveness, and risk deindustrialization.
“The EU has decided on ambitious climate targets and policies to achieve them. When implementing them, we must make sure that they do not lead to deindustrialization. If climate policy becomes an obstacle for competitiveness and growth, it will not only fail to have
FASTENER WORLD NEWS
the support of European citizens, but it will also risk increasing global emissions because products will be produced in other regions of the world with higher emissions,” it said.
The EPP proposes limiting such regulations to large companies (1,000+ employees), reducing overlap, and cutting reporting obligations by 50%. It also calls for measures to protect the European automotive industry and allocate more ETS revenues to energy-intensive sectors.
In contrast to the EPP’s call, CEMBUREAU (The European Cement Association) calls for timely CBAM start: “CEMBUREAU agrees that some targeted improvements could be brought to CBAM, in particular to minimize the risks of fraud and circumvention, find a solution for exports, and simplify the mechanism where possible. These points are important and deserve a strong focus from policymakers. However, a twoyear delay in CBAM implementation would only cause major risks for ongoing EU decarbonization investments, and for the broader competitiveness of the cement sector, which has been confronted with rising imports in recent years,” said CEMBUREAU in a statement.
CEMBUREAU also points out that CBAM does not add bureaucratic constraints on European cement producers as it mirrors the requirements of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, to which all European producers of CBAM goods are subject today, to ensure a level playing field between goods produced in the EU and outside of the EU.
Due to CBAM, Ukraine May Lose 6.4% of GDP by 2030 CBAM可能使烏克蘭的GDP在 2030年下降6.4%
Ukraine could face significant economic challenges due to the EU's CBAM, potentially losing 6.4% of its GDP by 2030, according to a recent report from CMD-Ukraine. The export decline may reach 6.3%, with exports to the EU dropping by 9.8%. The steel industry, which constitutes a large portion of Ukraine's exports, will be particularly affected, as CBAM applies to 15-17% of these exports. In the first year of full CBAM implementation in 2026, export losses could amount to US$202 million, escalating to
US$1.4 billion by 2030. The report highlights that the financial burden from CBAM could hinder Ukraine's recovery and integration into the European economy, especially as it struggles with ongoing war-related challenges. Ukrainian businesses are calling for government support, including staff training and access to low-interest loans, to navigate these new regulations effectively.
UN Warns Countries' Carbon Pledges Fall Short of 2030 Climate Goals
聯合國警告當前各國碳排放承諾遠未達到2030氣 候目標
As many countries are drawing measures for CBAM and carbon reduction, the United Nations has issued a warning that global carbon-cutting commitments are significantly inadequate to combat climate change. In 2023, greenhouse gas concentrations reached record highs, with carbon dioxide levels soaring. Current national pledges are projected to reduce emissions by only 2.6% by 2030 compared to 2019, far below the necessary 43% reduction outlined in the Paris Agreement.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell stressed the urgency for "bolder" plans to address the crisis ahead of the COP29 climate summit. The World Meteorological Organization reported a more than 10% increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past two decades. Experts emphasize that immediate action is essential to close the emissions gap and achieve climate goals, warning that failing to do so could lead to devastating consequences for economies and lives worldwide.
Industry Development
Australia Initiates Anti-dumping and Anti-subsidy Investigation into Chinese Friction Bolts
澳洲對中國製摩擦螺栓發起反傾銷反補貼調查
On December 19, 2024, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission initiated an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into friction bolts imported from China. The investigation period spans from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, with a harm assessment period starting from October 1, 2020. The products under investigation are hollow steel bolts used for ground support in mining, tunnel, and civil engineering projects. These friction bolts, made from hot-rolled coil steel (HRC), have specific dimensions: an outer diameter between 44 mm and 48 mm, lengths between 2.2 m and 2.5 m, and a base metal thickness between 2.8 mm and 3.4 mm. They may include a welded ring and are designed to expand slightly when inserted into rock holes, creating friction to stabilize rock structures. Australian manufacturers claim their products are functionally equivalent and can fully replace Chinese imports. However, bolts with solid core reinforcement and locking systems, known as mechanical anchor bolts, are excluded from this investigation.
Handan City Launches Fastener Industry FullChain Smart City Industry-Academia Integration Alliance
In China, Handan City has officially launched the Fastener Industry Full-Chain Smart City Industry-Academia Integration Alliance. This initiative aims to accelerate the industry's smart digital transformation, deepen industry-academia integration, and promote innovation across the supply chain. The alliance is supported by the Hebei Provincial Education Department and Handan City Government. It will integrate resources from the government, industry, and academia to create a collaborative platform, enhancing talent development and driving regional and social economic growth. The alliance is expected to boost the competitiveness of Handan's fastener industry through smart technologies and collaborative innovation.
CAAM Reveals Chinese Automotive Production and Sales Performance in 2024
中汽協會公佈2024年汽車工業產銷情況
According to an analysis by China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), in 2024, the cumulative production and sales of automobiles reached 31.28 million and 31.44 million units, respectively, representing year-on-year growths of 3.7% and 4.5%. This marks a new record, maintaining production and sales above the 30 million unit threshold. Among these figures, passenger vehicle production and sales continued to grow, playing a positive role in stabilizing the automotive consumption base. However, the commercial vehicle market showed weak performance, with production and sales failing to meet the expected 4 million units. The new energy vehicle (NEV) sector experienced rapid growth, with annual production and sales surpassing 10 million units for the first time, accounting for over 40% of total sales, thus entering a new phase of high-quality development.
Companies Development
Guangdong Kuabiao Construction Technology Celebrates 10th Anniversary
廣東跨標舉行十周年慶典
Guangdong Kaibiao Building Technology Co., Ltd. celebrated its 10th anniversary with a grand ceremony. The attendees included company staff, distinguished guests, and industry peers. The event featured a tour of the factory's production facilities, showcasing organized equipment and clean environments. Originally established as Dongguan Kaibiao Stainless Steel Fasteners Co., the company has focused on high-quality carbon and stainless steel fasteners since 2005. It expanded its product line to include dual-metal composite screws in 2013. The company relocated to Yangjiang in 2020 and began operation in a new 10,000-square-meter facility in 2021.
Hip Hing Screw Industrial (Dongguan) Celebrates 30 Years
協興螺絲30周年慶典
On December 18, 2024, Hip Hing Screw Industrial (Dongguan, China) celebrated its 30th anniversary and the completion of its Shaoguan base. Founded in 1994, the company specializes in producing precision screws and other hardware components, with a daily output of 10 million pieces and an annual revenue exceeding HK$100 million. The company adheres to international standards like JIS, ISO, and ANSI, offering customized services. It has strong partnerships with over 200 enterprises globally. The ceremony honored long-serving employees and showcased the company's achievements, reinforcing its industry leadership. In the future, the company will continue to pursue excellence and make greater contributions to the development of the industry and the local economy.
Shanghai Hongji Metal Products to Build a Special Fastener Production Base
上海鴻基投資5億人民幣建設異形緊固件生產 基地
Shanghai Hongji Metal Products has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Malu Town to establish an R&D headquarters and a high-value special fastener production base at No. 2151 Kemao Road. The project is expected to have a total investment of RMB 500 million and may begin construction in 2025. The project includes the group's R&D office building, advanced R&D trial centers, and modern production workshops. In the future, this site will not only become the operational core of the group's headquarters but also accelerate the development of high-tech new products by leveraging the group's R&D centers and laboratories. The establishment of intelligent production workshops will enable the company to independently develop, design, and manufacture high-precision cold forging and deep drawing molds and products, further enhancing its core competitiveness. Shanghai Hongji Metal Products is a multinational manufacturing company founded in Malu Town of Jiading District, with five production bases globally. It focuses on providing fasteners, stamping parts, and stretching parts for industries like automotive and security. This project demonstrates the company's commitment to local roots and global vision, driving technological innovation and industrial upgrade. It will also positively impact the local economy by promoting industrial clustering and injecting new vitality into Jiading's high-quality development.
Northeast Light Alloy Succeeds in Producing Rod Products for Fasteners
The company successfully produced rod products for fasteners, further enhancing its market competitiveness and laying the foundation for increased production of rod materials. These rods are high-end products in rivet manufacturing, and this is the first time they have been produced since the establishment of the fastener production line.
Despite the lack of prior experience, the production team overcame uncertainties by thoroughly analyzing product characteristics, production risks, and operational challenges. They developed a comprehensive plan to ensure efficient production. Before production, the fastener production area organized key personnel to analyze product features, production risks, and operational difficulties, listing precautions and handling methods to ensure thorough preparation and guaranteed production efficiency. Due to the strict requirements for craftsmanship during production, operational and technical staff worked together closely. Technical personnel monitored the site to ensure timely resolution of any issues.
In terms of equipment operation, the fastener production area collaborated with equipment and electrical system specialists to adjust the continuous rolling machine's frames, optimize the flying shear cutting parameters, and meticulously design modification plans. They completed the hydraulic cutting modification for the combined drawing machine's outlet, effectively reducing personnel deployment and revitalizing the equipment, thereby enhancing production efficiency.
Zhejiang Huayuan Aims at Producing 28,500 tons of High-strength Fasteners Annually
Zhejiang Huayuan Auto Technology specializes in the research, production, and sales of customized automotive system connectors. From 2021 to June 2024, the company's main business revenue each year reached RMB 439 million, RMB 482 million, RMB 542 million, and RMB 281 million, respectively. Zhejiang Huayuan has established partnerships with major automakers and parts suppliers. The company is a first-tier supplier for brands like Volkswagen China and Honda, providing specialized fasteners and seat locks widely used in various automotive systems. Currently, Zhejiang Huayuan is advancing a project aimed at producing 28,500 tons of high-strength fasteners annually. This initiative will enhance the company's competitiveness and optimize its product structure while continuously improving technology and product offerings.
FASTENER WORLD NEWS
Bossard Fastening Solutions (Guangdong) Now Officially Established
柏中緊固件（廣東）有限公司正式成立
Bossard Fastening Solutions (Guangdong) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Swiss Bossard Group established in China, located in Shenzhen. It is the latest addition following the establishment of Bossard Fastening Solutions (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Bossard Fastening Solutions (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. Serving as the regional headquarters for South and West China, it integrates customer service, warehousing and logistics, engineering applications, and quality testing laboratories into a comprehensive provider of fastening and assembly technologies. The establishment of Bossard Fastening Solutions (Guangdong) marks a significant step for the Bossard Group in the Chinese market, aiming to offer localized product solutions and professional technical services to customers in South and West China more effectively. This move reflects Bossard's commitment to enhancing its presence in the region and improving service delivery to meet the specific needs of local clients.
BYD Expands Global Footprint with New EV Plant in Indonesia
BYD, the world's largest EV manufacturer, is set to expand its international presence with the construction of a new EV plant in Indonesia by the end of 2025. This facility will have a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, reinforcing BYD's commitment to overseas manufacturing after achieving record sales of over 4.27 million new energy vehicles in 2024. Despite Tesla narrowly beating BYD in global EV sales in 2024, BYD outpaced Tesla in production, securing its title as the largest EV maker.
The US$1 billion investment in the Indonesian plant aligns with the country's goal to produce 600,000 EVs domestically by 2030. BYD already holds a significant market share in Indonesia, accounting for 36% of EV sales last year. The company plans to utilize this new facility primarily for exports while continuing to introduce popular models such as the Seal and Atto 3. BYD's rapid expansion into Southeast Asia is prompting traditional automakers like Honda and Nissan to reevaluate their strategies as they face increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Swiss Automotive Giant Feintool to Close German Factory, Lay Off 200 Employees
電動汽車需求疲軟，瑞士汽配巨頭Feintool擬關閉德國工廠裁員200人
On December 4, 2024, Swiss automotive supplier Feintool announced plans to close one of its factories in Germany and lay off up to 200 employees. This decision comes amid weak demand for electric vehicles and uncertainty surrounding the transition to renewable energy. According to Reuters, German automakers and suppliers are facing challenges such as soft demand, high production costs, competition from Chinese manufacturers, and slower-than-expected electric vehicle adoption. Feintool noted that this restructuring would primarily impact its earnings in 2024. The company reported a net loss of CHF 3.2 million for the first half of 2024. Feintool, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Switzerland, has grown into a leading global fineblanking and tool manufacturing company. It operates 17 production facilities and technical centers across 7 countries on 3 continents, employing approximately 3,500 people worldwide.
Acquisitions
Bossard Completes Acquisition of Ferdinand Gross in Germany
Bossard集團完成對德國Ferdinand Gross集團的收購
On January 7, 2025, the Bossard Group completed its acquisition of the German Ferdinand Gross Group. Headquartered in LeinfeldenEchterdingen, Ferdinand Gross had been expected to achieve net sales of approximately €80 million for the 2024 fiscal
FASTENER WORLD NEWS
year and currently employs around 260 people. The company is one of Germany's leading distributors of fastening technology and has branches in Hungary and Poland. Through this acquisition, Bossard aims to further increase its market share in Germany and Eastern Europe, solidifying its global presence in the industrial fastening technology sector. The integration of Ferdinand Gross with Bossard Germany will enable the combined entity to offer a more comprehensive range of customized fastening technologies and solutions to customers in Germany and Eastern Europe. This strategic move enhances Bossard's ability to serve its existing customers more effectively while expanding its offerings in the region.
LISI AUTOMOTIVE Has Entered into Negotiations
with ZeroBaseInvest with a View to Selling LISI AUTOMOTIVE NOMEL SAS LISI Automotive與ZeroBaseInvest就出售LISI Automotive Nomel
ZeroBaseInvest GmbH submitted a firm offer to LISI AUTOMOTIVE with a view to acquiring 100% of the shares in its subsidiary LISI AUTOMOTIVE NOMEL, which specializes in the manufacture of nuts by cold heading and washers by vertical cutting, notably for the automotive and industrial/distribution markets. This subsidiary, located in La Ferté Fresnel (61) in France, will achieve sales of around €35 million in 2024, drawing on significant positions with automotive manufacturers (Stellantis, Renault, VW, Nissan), industrial distributors and manufacturers of screws and cage nuts. LISI AUTOMOTIVE's subsidiaries will continue to purchase washers and nuts for its customers' automotive applications.
This acquisition project completes the range of nuts produced by ZerobaseInvest GmbH through its subsidiary ZB M+F, acquired from LISI AUTOMOTIVE FORMER in 2020. This disposal will enable LISI AUTOMOTIVE to continue refocusing its activities on high value-added fastening solutions and mechanical components for its automotive customers. This transaction is subject to satisfying certain conditions and obtaining the usual required authorizations. It should be completed by the end of February 2025.
CHINFAST: Pioneering Fastener Innovation and Global Market Expansion
Development History
Founded in 2005, CHINFAST boasts two wholly-owned factories, namely Joystart Automotive Parts (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. and Haiyan Yousun Enterprise Co., Ltd., with an export volume of 8,000 containers in 2023. Deeply rooted in the fastener industry, CHINFAST has established business relationships with more than 500 enterprises worldwide. To further strengthen its connection with the demands of first-tier retailers and distributors in Europe and the United States, CHINFAST Co., Ltd., which has been specializing in industrial fastener production for nearly 20 years, has actively expanded its business over the past five years. It has extended its business from the original focus on the manufacturing of multi-purpose wood screws, timber screw and decking screws to DIY fastener packaging services, aiming to create a new milestone for the sustainable development of the enterprise in the ever-changing global market.
Product Highlights
The main products of CHINFAST are multi-purpose wood screws, trumpet head wood screws, and various window fastener series. Its patented pointed tail design offers superior speed performance compared to ordinary screws. Meeting the 1,200-hour salt spray requirement allows customers with anti-corrosion and rust-proof requirements to use them with greater peace of mind. CHINFAST is currently developing a product with a double-cut tail, which is in the trial production stage. The patented double-cut tail design elevates the product's performance
to a new level. This product combines the advantages of wood screws, self-tapping screws, and self-drilling screws, providing customers with a brand-new and efficient user experience.
Quality Control System
The ERP smart factory management system ensures the traceability of all products from production to packaging. CHINFAST is equipped with double first-class laboratories, and the production process strictly follows the ISO9001 system. With 15 QC personnel, each batch of products must undergo initial inspection, process inspection, warehousing inspection, packaging inspection and final inspection, with records kept online for each step to ensure traceability. The responsibility of CHINFAST's QC team is to prevent any defective products reaching customers. CHINFAST is equipped with advanced cold heading equipment imported from Taiwan, China, which has more stable performance. At the same time, the workshop is equipped with automatic high-rise warehouses, automatic packaging lines and AGV robots, which play an important role in the company's production and packaging of high-quality fasteners.
Overseas Market
Europe is one of the main markets of CHINFAST. In the future, CHINFAST will continue to develop deeply in Europe and expand into the South American and Australian markets. It is believed that with the expansion of these markets, CHINFAST's export volume will reach a new high.
Future Development
As the president of Jiaxing Fastener Import and Export Association, General Manager Yu Fengming has spared no effort to develop the fastener export business. CHINFAST is an enterprise with 20 years of experience in fastener exports, holding ETA and CE certifications, as well as SMETA and BSCI reports. The automated production and packaging standards of JOYSTART also provide a guarantee for CHINFAST to explore
emerging markets. At the same time, as a factory with an average antidumping tax rate in Europe, YOUSUN benefits a larger number of European customers. CHINFAST is familiar to the needs of various markets and can quickly and accurately meet customer requirements, providing customers with high-quality after-sales service. In addition, CHINFAST has an experienced DIY packaging team, which has unparalleled competitiveness in terms of both financial strength and product professionality.
Contact: Mr. George Yu
Email: george@chinfast.com
Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World
Copyright owned by Fastener World
Jiaxing Voda FastenerAchiever of Excellence in Customized Fasteners
Vodafast has over 15 years of professional experience in the industry, supplying standard and customized fasteners to more than 125 clients worldwide, with an annual shipment volume exceeding 10,000 tons. With its high-quality range of fasteners (both standard and non-standard), Vodafast has rapidly risen to become an outstanding performer in the industry. They don’t limit themselves to fasteners and extend outward to provide various rigging, stamped parts, and strut accessories for clients. As a fastener expert in the competitive fastener market, Vodafast outshines by going beyond fastener products, embodying innovation and quality.
Starting Point: “Our Excellence Comes from Our Passion!”
15 years ago, a group of young ambitious salespeople, driven by their passion for fasteners, came together to form Vodafast's sales team. They are all highly educated and have gained comprehensive knowledge of fasteners through their work after graduation. Not only do they possess advantages in trade experience, but they are also able to manufacture bolts, nuts, screws, washers and other products from their factories, with a focus on the export of fasteners. Over the years, they have continuously expanded market presence, earning praise from clients for Vodafast's quality and service. This trust is the driving force behind Vodafast's progression.
In an exclusive interview with Fastener World, General Manager Gavin Yuan stated that Vodafast's greatest advantage lies in its outstanding service. The company always thinks from the customer's perspective and addresses their issues. Whether it is customized products or timely deliveries, Vodafast ensures that clients can rest assured, achieving a true win-win situation.
Exquisite Craftsmanship for Customized Products
Vodafast specializes in producing customized products according to clients’ drawings or samples, employing manufacturing processes that include cold heading, hot forging, stamping, and machining to meet clients' high-quality requirements. Flexibility and professionalism are key factors that set Vodafast apart in the market. They implement strict quality control measures and are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Their inspection team can provide test reports to ensure that every batch of products meets standards. From tensile testers to hardness testers, they utilize various advanced equipment to safeguard quality.
Europe Brims with Potential— Vodafast to Exhibit in Germany
Gavin revealed that Vodafast's clients are primarily from Europe and South America. These regions not only have reputable clients but also facilitate smooth communication; He views the European market as fertile ground. Fastener Fair Global 2025 in Stuttgart will be a significant event for Vodafast as it marks their fifth appearance at this show. Their participation will not only deepen relationships with existing clients but also serve as an important opportunity to showcase products and services to new clients.
Although anti-dumping policies pose certain challenges for suppliers from China, Vodafast focuses on stainless steel fasteners that are unaffected by these policies to seize future opportunities. Looking ahead to 2025, Vodafast aims to continue serving existing clients while expanding into the North American, Australian, and Southeast Asian markets to enhance global competitiveness. They hope that peers will put more focus on product quality and collectively promote healthy competition rather than engage in detrimental price wars. Gavin believes that through everyone's joint efforts, the fastener industry will embrace a brighter future!
Largest Stainless Steel Flat Washer Exporter!
Shanghai Delta Metal Product
不銹鋼平墊片最大出口商！上海舜昶國際貿易
100% Export Across 60 Nations
Established in 1994, Shanghai Delta Metal Product specializes in fastener manufacturing. Initially focusing on Europe as the primary export market, they gained recognition for their stainless steel flat washers, becoming the largest exporter in this product category in China. Later on, they expanded the facilities and ventured into the U.S., Canada, and Australia, emerging as the largest supplier of stainless steel flat washers and threaded rods in North America. In 2006, they invested in a new factory dedicated to machining and turning copper, aluminum and stainless steel products, and began exporting to European and American markets. Following the imposition of anti-dumping duties by the EU in 2008, they diversified their export destinations to include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Japan, and Russia, now reaching more than 60 nations worldwide.
Over the past 30 years, they have integrated trade and manufacturing to offer one-stop and all-in-one fastener purchasing services, maintaining a competitive edge in pricing, delivery, and customer service. Their clientele includes internationally recognized purchasers and major importers which are also qualified suppliers for GE in the U.S. and IKEA in Sweden.
Their stamped parts factory can handle raw material thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 15 mm. The fully automated production line employs laser positioning technology to effectively eliminate issues with missing corners. The machining factory also has fully automated production lines with up to 13 workstations operating simultaneously, achieving 0.02 mm precision. Products can be customized according to samples or drawings. The factory is equipped with fully automated inspection equipment capable of laser sorting based on thickness, missing corners, dimensions, burrs, and more, ensuring zero defects in products. The products are widely used across various sectors including solar power generation, wind energy, new energy vehicles, paper manufacturing, chemicals, oil extraction, yachts, and shipping.
By combining manufacturing with the processing capabilities of other factories, they have effectively expanded supply capacity. Notably, they offer hot casting and hot forging capabilities that allow them to take large orders for turned products made from copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Collaborating with multiple material suppliers allows them to provide products in standard stainless steels such as 301, 302, 303, 304, 316, and 321 as well as special duplex stainless steel 2205. The available copper materials include C27200, C36000, C26000 brass; C10100, C10200, C11000 red copper; along with ASTM1199 aluminum. Copper and aluminum products can be customized based on clients' requirements for specific composition, hardness, and physicalchemical properties. For instance, they have previously produced customized stainless steel spring washers with a yield strength exceeding 3,000 pounds for clients.
Quality Certifications & Innovative Advancement!
Back in 2008 they obtained the ISO9001 quality control certificate which encompasses all aspects of operations including raw materials sourcing, production, inventory, export, and transaction. For customized products and products intended for special application fields, they also provide proof of EN10204 3.1 and PPAP certification.
With a commitment to exceptional quality and cutting-edge technology combined with a global perspective, Shanghai Delta Metal Product has been established as a flagship enterprise in the fastener industry. Standing at a new starting point and looking toward the future, they are poised to continue driving innovation while deepening their market presence and collaborating with global partners to write a new chapter of success!
Shanghai Delta Metal Product’s contact: Felix Xu, President Email: export@shanghai-deltametal.com
Aspee&Yihai Group Supplies the Largest Capacity of Circlip/Pin Globally
Aspee&Yihai was established in 2011 in a backdrop of increasing global trade and has quickly risen to become a high-quality product supplier combining manufacturing and trade. The company focuses on producing stamped parts such as circlips, spring pins, as well as coldformed and machined solid pins, dedicated to meeting the global market's demand for high-quality automotive components. Today, it is one of the largest manufacturers of circlips and pins in China.
products meets safety standards. With experiences in more than a decade of export, Yihai has consistently received positive feedback from clients for outstanding quality.
Targeting Europe and South Asia, Expanding the Global Automotive Market
General Manager Andy Zhu of Aspee&Yihai revealed that his company primarily exports to Europe and India, both regions with mature automotive manufacturing industries and a strong demand for his products. He said in confidence that his company has multiple advantages in export, including superior product quality, stable and prompt lead time, and competitive pricing, which have earned high praise from customers in various countries overseas.
Professional Customized Production, Quality Certification Assurance
The company boasts advanced equipment and an experienced technical team. Whether standard parts or custom-made products based on client specifications, it can respond quickly. Additionally, it maintains sufficient inventory of regular products to promptly cater to urgent customer orders. Andy mentioned that overseas buyers have been increasingly demanding higher product quality and Aspee&Yihai remains uncompromising in quality control. The company has obtained ISO9001 certification and strictly adheres to quality system requirements throughout the production process. A dedicated quality and testing department ensures that every batch of
Fastener Fair Global + Southeast Asia + Middle East, Key Strategies for Future Opportunities
Looking ahead, Aspee&Yihai will exhibit in Fastener Fair Global (Stuttgart) 2025. Andy stated that his purpose is to develop new clients, meet new buyers, and exchange market intelligence with existing clients. He hopes to showcase a more diverse product line at the show, in addition to various samples and detailed introductions, while gaining insights into current market trends. Regarding the European market, he said he will continue strengthening ties with primary countries like Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic while actively making strides in other countries as a necessary addition. For 2025, he plans to further open up business opportunities, particularly seeking new prospects in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Andy emphasized that the global market continues to evolve and he will strive to provide high-quality automotive parts to meet customer needs and drive business growth: "Aspee&Yihai products are quality guaranteed! We look forward to your high interest in our products and services! Together, let’s witness Aspee&Yihai's remarkable performance in the future!"
Opportunities & Challenges for Chinese Fasteners
川普上任!
中國扣件的機會挑戰
Introduction
After Trump’s Inauguration
Copyright owned by Fastener World Article by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani
Historical Context: Trump’s First Presidency and Trade Policies
The political and economic landscape in the United States is poised for significant changes following the re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. As Trump assumes office in January 2025, industries across the globe are assessing the potential ramifications of his administration’s policies. The Chinese fastener industry, which plays a critical role in the global supply chain, is no exception. This article delves into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Chinese fastener manufacturers and exporters in the wake of Trump's inauguration. U.S. remains one of the largest markets for fasteners, driven by sectors such as construction, automotive, and aerospace.
Donald Trump's first term in office (2017–2021) was marked by a series of aggressive trade policies aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit with China. Key measures included imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, initiating a trade war, and pushing for the decoupling of U.S. supply chains from China. The fastener industry, integral to sectors such as automotive, construction, and electronics, was among those affected.
During this period, U.S. tariffs on imported Chinese fasteners significantly increased production costs for American companies reliant on these imports. While some U.S. manufacturers sought alternative suppliers, others were compelled to pay higher prices. For Chinese fastener exporters, the increased tariffs meant shrinking profit margins and a need to diversify their customer base.
Current Landscape of the Fastener Industry
As 2025 comes, the global fastener market is recovering from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain stability has improved, and demand is growing due to the resurgence of manufacturing activities and infrastructure projects worldwide. According to recent industry reports, the
Export Values for Fasteners (HS Code 7318) from China to the U.S. in 2017-2024
For Chinese fastener manufacturers, the U.S. is a key market, accounting for a significant portion of exports. The export values for fasteners (HS Code 7318) from China to the U.S. illustrate fluctuating trends over recent years:
The export values reflect a notable decline during Trump’s first term compared to the recovery and growth seen during Joe Biden’s administration. The highest export value was recorded in 2022, at US$11.18 billion. The decline to US$9.18 billion in 2023 reflects a combination of factors, including global economic uncertainties and residual trade tensions. For 2024, exports were expected to reach approximately US$9.3 billion, highlighting steady demand but also ongoing challenges in maintaining peak levels.
Opportunities for Chinese Fasteners
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Trump’s trade policies, several opportunities exist for Chinese fastener manufacturers:
•Infrastructure Development in the
U.S.
Trump has reiterated his commitment to rebuilding America’s infrastructure, promising significant investments in roads, bridges, and public buildings. These projects will drive demand for construction materials, including fasteners. Chinese manufacturers with competitive pricing and large production capacities could find opportunities to supply these projects, provided they navigate trade barriers effectively.
•Technological Advancements and Product Diversification
Chinese fastener manufacturers have been investing in technology to improve product quality and meet stringent international standards. High-performance fasteners, such as those used in aerospace and automotive applications, present opportunities for growth. By focusing on innovation and quality, Chinese companies can strengthen their competitive position.
•Diversification
of Export Markets
Over the past decade, Chinese manufacturers have sought to reduce dependence on the U.S. market by expanding into Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. This diversification strategy not only mitigates risks associated with U.S. trade policies but also opens new revenue streams.
•Collaboration with U.S. Distributors
Establishing partnerships with U.S.-based distributors and industry stakeholders can help Chinese manufacturers better understand market needs and navigate regulatory challenges. Such collaborations could also facilitate the entry of Chinese products into niche markets.
Challenges Facing the Industry
While opportunities abound, the Chinese fastener industry must also contend with several challenges under Trump’s administration:
•Potential Tariff Increases
One of Trump’s hallmark strategies during his first term was the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports. If similar measures are reintroduced, Chinese fastener exporters could face increased costs, making their products less competitive in the U.S. market. To offset these tariffs, manufacturers may need to either absorb the costs or pass them on to consumers, risking reduced demand.
•Reshoring and Domestic Manufacturing Initiatives
Trump’s “Make America Great Again” policy emphasizes reshoring manufacturing activities to the U.S. Incentives for domestic production and the development of local supply chains could reduce reliance on Chinese imports, directly impacting Chinese fastener exporters. Additionally, increased investment in U.S. manufacturing technology could enhance the competitiveness of domestic fastener producers.
•Stricter Trade Regulations
Non-tariff barriers, such as stricter quality standards and regulatory requirements, could pose additional challenges for Chinese exporters. Compliance with these regulations often requires significant investment in product testing and certification, which could strain smaller manufacturers.
•Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Risks
The U.S.-China relationship remains fraught with geopolitical tensions, including disputes over technology, intellectual property, and human rights. These tensions could lead to supply chain disruptions, impacting the timely delivery of Chinese fasteners to the U.S. market.
Strategies for Navigating the New Landscape
To thrive in the evolving U.S. market, Chinese fastener manufacturers must adopt proactive strategies:
•Strengthening Innovation and R&D
Investing in research and development to create high-value, specialized fasteners can help Chinese manufacturers differentiate themselves. Products tailored to specific industries, such as aerospace or renewable energy, can command higher prices and reduce reliance on low-cost, high-volume sales.
•Building Resilient Supply Chains
Diversifying raw material sources and establishing regional manufacturing hubs can help mitigate supply chain risks. Additionally, leveraging digital tools for supply chain management can enhance efficiency and transparency.
•Enhancing Branding and Customer Relationships
Building strong brand recognition and fostering direct relationships with customers can reduce reliance on intermediaries. By offering exceptional customer service and technical support, Chinese manufacturers can build trust and loyalty in the U.S. market.
•Advocating
for Fair Trade Practices
Collaborating with industry associations and trade organizations to advocate fair trade policies can help address unjust trade barriers. Engaging in dialogue with U.S. stakeholders can also foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
Conclusion
As Donald Trump’s administration takes office in January 2025, the Chinese fastener industry faces a mixed landscape of opportunities and challenges. While infrastructure development and technological advancements present growth prospects, potential tariffs, reshoring efforts, and geopolitical tensions could pose significant hurdles.
To succeed in this environment, Chinese manufacturers must adopt a multifaceted approach, emphasizing innovation, supply chain resilience, and market diversification. By navigating these complexities effectively, the Chinese fastener industry can not only weather the impact of Trump’s policies but also emerge stronger in the global market.
Sources
ITC Trade Map, Trade statistics for international business development The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC)
Taiwan Fastener- related Manufacturers Visit TOOL-KING And Chinese
Counterparts
Last October, at the kind invitation of President Chin-Man Chang of Zhejiang Tool-King Hardware & Tools, 8 Taiwan-based companies including Maw Yow Industrial, Shaw Guang Enterprise, Lien Shin Screw Works, Gente Young Enterprise, Yul Lay Enterprise, Sen Hung Screws, Master Head Information, Uni-Protech Fasteners (Suzhou), and Yau Jin International organized a tour group to visit factories in China.
▲ Zhejiang Tool-King
In just a few days, they visited 12 Taiwanese and non-Taiwanese manufacturers of hardware tools, fasteners, molds, machinery & equipment one after another, incl. Zhejiang Tool-King, Ningbo Anchor Fasteners, Sanrong Plastic, Eagle Metalware, Taiya RDP Mould Jiaxing, Zhejiang Yeswin Machinery, Zhejiang Jiancai Machinery, Hungyi Machinery, Jingyong Jingduan Machinery, Chengda Model Set, Cowin Fastech, and Taicang Shaocheng. Through the unique opportunity, they hoped to gain an in-depth understanding of the development and current status of these successful Taiwanese enterprises in China and observe the efforts of other market-leading Chinese enterprises, in responding to the changes and challenges of today's global market.
It is understood that the visited enterprises included the most representative Taiwanese-invested fastener-related enterprises in the Chinese market and the largest high-strength bolts manufacturer in China.
“I had mentioned to my friends in the industry that I’d like to go to China to see the development of Chinese fastener industry, and Tool-King's President Chang invited me to visit his company and the parent group, Ningbo Anchor Fasteners as it happens, which not only gave me a chance to understand Ningbo Anchor Fasteners' business expansion from fastener manufacturing to hand tools, but also allowed me to visit lots of worth-visiting local enterprises,” said Hank Chen, VP of Maw Yow Industrial, also one of the visiting group.
Tool-King Hardware & Tools' 66,600 sq. m factory in Shaoxing specializes in the production of sockets, extension bars, tool sets, and other hand tools. It is not only one of the leaders in the drafting and revision of national standards such as “Hand Socket Wrenches” and “Hexagonal Wrenches” in China, but also participated in the revision of the standard of “Ratchet Wrenches Technology for Screw and Nut Assembly Tools” led by the Chinese Government in 2018. In recent years, it has been actively investing in equipment and intelligent logistics to enhance the industrial competitiveness; Ningbo Anchor Fasteners' 72,600 sq. m factory in Yuyao specializes in the production of high-end building hardware, precision automotive parts, and non-standard hardware, as well as the sale of “ToolKing” branded tool sets, which is also the driving force behind the establishment of Tool-King Hardware & Tools.
Manymembers of the visiting group said that the visit enabled them to fully understand the way of survival of Taiwanese enterprises in the Chinese market, as well as the one-stop production mode and the trend of smart manufacturing application in Chinese enterprises.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief
Eagle Metalware
Zhejiang Jiancai Machinery
Taiya RDP Mould Jiaxing
Zhejiang Yeswin Machinery
Fastener Innovation Alley
扣件新品大道
Innovative Hot-dip Galvanized Screw for Solar Structures
The hot-dip galvanized ground screw by Elementos de Sujeción Galvanizados is an innovative solution designed specifically for the renewable energy sector, providing robust and efficient support for the solar structures.
It is a metal structure with propellers and can be installed directly in the ground without the need for hole drilling or concrete foundations. The screw nails easily into the ground. This considerably reduces installation time and cost. Thanks to its design, it offers maximum stability and strength ideal for supporting solar panels and other light infrastructure.
“AI-Powered Similar Drawing Search”
Applicable to Fasteners
Features:
• Hot dip galvanizing: It is coated by a hot-dip galvanization process, which guarantees durability, corrosion protection even in extreme climatic conditions, prolonging service life.
• Quick and easy installation: No heavy machinery or complex processes required. This makes it an ideal choice for solar energy projects looking for agile installation.
• Environmentally friendly: No traditional foundations are required, thus avoiding the use of concrete and reducing environmental impact.
• High strength and durability: Designed to withstand heavy loads, providing long-term security and stability for solar structures.
• Versatility in the field: It works efficiently on different types of soils, from soft to more compacted soils.
A customer sends in the drawings. If a similar product has been manufactured in the past, past drawings are referenced. However, it is difficult to search for the desired drawings among many drawings. If you rely on employees' vague memories to submit quotes, sometimes you would get complaints from customers. If past drawings cannot be found, a quote must be made from scratch. Japanese Technoa's "AI-powered Similar Drawing Search" is designed to solve this problem.
Features:
1. AI will automatically choose which shape to search for.
2. Showing similarities in easy-to-understand colors and numbers.
3. Reference the material costs and processing costs of past products and use them effectively when making quotes.
4. Use OCR to import text messages as additional messages.
5. No need for high-performance servers.
6. Easily compare drawing changes and manage drawing versions.
7. Can reference the production management system and extract various data related to drawings.
More Heat-resistant Decorative
Screws
Japanese Daimaru Byoura Seisakusho started rolling out a new product called "Polycarbonate Decorative Screw" from its original products. The head material is made of polycarbonate, which has higher heat resistance and weather resistance over conventional nylon decorative screws. The head part can be made of resin, and the threaded part can be made of metal. Plus, both parts can be made of polycarbonate. Available in various colors.
Anti-rotation and Nonentangling Washer
This product from Japanese Plarad completely prevents hex bolts from co-rotating. It is available in M12 to M72 sizes and patent pending. It does not use jagged knurled surface irregularities to generate friction, instead it has a special structure that changes the equivalent friction diameter to ensure that the bolts do not corotate. Eliminating the use of tools which prevent bolt rotation, and reducing the number of workers required from two to one, which can significantly reduce the time required to tighten bolts.
Strength level: 8.8 / Material: S45C
Surface treatment: trivalent chromate
The Shallowest C2 Seismic Concrete Bolt in Australia
Seismic design adds complexity and cost. ICCONS® has developed the shallowest C2 seismic concrete ScrewBolt in Australia, making installation easier for engineers and contractors alike.
● 8 x 55mm Bolt: Significantly lower cost than other typical C2 approved anchors
● 60mm Drill Depth: Reduced drill-time and incidence of hitting reinforced bars resulting in less machine and accessory wear
● 50mm Embedment: Labor saving through rapid installation
A clinching bolt is a fastener that achieves integration by pressing its head into materials such as steel plates, and it is widely used in the automotive industry and various other fields. As product functionalities improve and the number of parts increases, there is an urgent need to arrange components efficiently within limited spaces, leading to demands for miniaturization and space-saving designs for these bolts.
Additionally, the currently available low-head clinching bolts on the market may produce issues such as deformation or sinking of the head when subjected to high torque fastening or external forces. In response to this, Japanese Nitto Seiko has developed a high-safety head-embedded JOISTUD-FH clinching bolt. This bolt can be simply pressed into the fastening material, effectively preventing the head from protruding and
reducing the risk of sinking due to axial forces during fastening, thereby providing strong support for customer needs.
"JOISTUD-FH" minimizes the thickness of the head to its absolute limit, allowing the entire outer circumference of the head to be pressed into the fastened material. Additionally, the load bearing area is designed with nine circular recesses, which enable the fastened material to fill these recesses during pressing, resulting in an effective anti-rotation effect. Furthermore, because the recesses have a partially open design, air can easily escape during pressing, facilitating the flow of the fastened material into the recesses. By incorporating a very thin head shape and these recesses, the head can be fully embedded within the fastened material, effectively preventing it from protruding after pressing and thereby achieving a space-saving effect.
Anti-loosening NC Grip
Japanese Nitto Seiko has developed an adhesive-type anti-loosening screw called "NC Grip". It features a coating of micro-encapsulated epoxy resin on the threaded section, which breaks the capsules during installation, causing the resin to harden and providing a strong anti-loosening effect.
Features:
• An adhesive-type anti-loosening screw coated with micro-encapsulated epoxy resin on the threaded section.
• During installation, the micro-capsules break, allowing the epoxy resin to seep out and harden, preventing loosening.
• Coating is possible for all types of screws, including small screws and tapping screws.
compiled by Fastener World
FASTENER FAIR GLOBAL Innovation at the Heart of
From 25 - 27 March, industry professionals will meet in Stuttgart for the 10th edition of Fastener Fair Global – the international flagship event for the worldwide fastener and fixing industry. After a record attendance in 2023, visitors can look forward to another transformative event full of networking and business opportunities, with premier access to top-tier suppliers from across the globe. 2025 will see the launch of two focus pavilions, promoting specialist solutions for a fast-changing industry.
Nearly one month ahead of the show, more than 900 companies from 44 countries have already confirmed their participation at Fastener Fair Global 2025, covering a gross exhibition space of well over 52,000 square metres. Visitors can expect a stellar line-up on the show floor, presenting the full supply chain for fastener and fixing elements in manufacturing, construction, and other industrial applications.
Over three days, there will be numerous opportunities to personally engage with innovation leaders like: Ambrovit, Böllhoff, Chavesbao, Eurobolt, Fastbolt, Index, Inox Mare, Lederer, Norm Fasteners, Obel Civata, Paal, Pasvahl, Reyher, Sacma, Schäfer+Peters, Tecfi, WASI, Würth, and many more. Filling four expansive halls, they provide a unique cross-section of the global fastener and fixings sector, with significant participation from Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan, India, Turkey, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France.
With its unmatched coverage of fastener and fixing products and related equipment, Fastener Fair Global 2025 is expected to attract widespread interest from diverse markets. In 2023, key visitor sectors included metal production, automotive, distribution, construction, mechanical engineering, hardware & DIY retailing, and electronics. Nearly three in four visitors came from outside Germany, pointing towards the increasing global reach of the show.
Fastener Fair Global is the world's most popular and largest exhibition for fastener professionals. Europe has always been a very important market for Chinese fastener industry, and this year more than 200 Chinese fastener-related companies will travel to Stuttgart (Germany) to participate in the show. Hisener Industrial, Dongguan Grand Metal, Shanghai Fast-Fix, Ningbo ABC, Jiaxing Kinfast, Sailuk Rivet, Haiyan Weishi, Ningbo Weifeng, Beijing Jinzhaobo, Chinfast, Handan Xiaojun, Jiangsu Yongyi, Jiaxing Goodway, Jingle-Tech, SSF Industrial, Yuyao AKF, etc., which emphasize on quality, service and delivery, will be all present to strive for more orders from European customers.
As one of the major overseas exhibitors groups this year, professional manufacturers and suppliers from fastener manufacturing heartlands across China will also take advantage of the biennial exhibition to showcase their wide range of finished/semi-finished standard fasteners, production machinery/equipment, tooling, power/ pneumatic/manual tools for architectural, automotive, industrial and other applications, as well as customized non-standard products with OEM services to professional buyers.
Serving European Buyers,
200+ Chinese Suppliers will Exhibit
Chinese fastener manufacturing industry has continued to progress towards automation and intelligence of production lines in recent years with the introduction of more modern equipment and new technologies, and it has also continued to enhance its technology and capacity through the establishment of new plants or different forms of cooperation with foreign customers, in the hope that it can serve more customers with huge demand.
2025 年鑑名錄 BUYERS’ GUIDE
Making Your Purchase Effective. Materials, Fasteners, Dies, Equipment, and more……
Looking for suppliers with high quality, excellent service, or quick lead time to meet your customers’ demand?
The Buyers’ Guide 2025 has all that best fits your sourcing requirements.
Scan the QR codes to stay connected with our select suppliers of the year.
AD page: 51
ASPEE&YIHAI GROUP
Automotive Forming Parts, Automotive Stamping Parts, Standard Parts, Automotive Parts, Dowel Pins, Spring Pins & Retaining Rings www.yihaiindustrial.com andy@yihaiinternation.com
上海壹海國際貿易有限公司
AD page: 135
BEIJING JINZHAOBO HIGH STRENGTH FASTENER CO., LTD.
Self Drilling Screws, Drywall Screws, Decking Screws, Chipboard Screws, Tapping Screws, Concrete Screws, Machine Set Screws, Other Types of Customized Products www.lizhan-hardware.net gm@lizhan-hardware.net
杭州力展五金有限公司 ISO-9001:2015
HEBEI CHAISHI NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Thread Rod, Stud Bolts, J Bolts, U Bolts, Anchor Bolts, Hex Bolt, L Bolt, Carriage Bolt, Hex Flange Bolt, Screw, Hex Nut, Washer, OEM service www.tiancongfastener.com tc.lisa@tian-cong.com
河北柴氏新能源科技有限公司 CE, ISO-9001, ISO-14001, ISO-45001
AD page: 62
HEBEI DELONG FASTENER MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
Hex Head Self Drilling Screw, Truss Head Self Drilling Screw, Flat Head Self Drilling Screw, Pan Head Self Drilling Screw, Drywall Screw, High Strength Spring Washer, High Strength Flat Washer www.delongfastener.com cally@delongfastener.com
Turning Parts / Die Casting Parts / Stamped Parts / Special Parts / Special Cold & Hot Forming Parts / Fastener Kits / Drawing Parts / Assembly Parts / Laser Cutting Parts www.goodway-fastener.com info@goodway-fastener.com
嘉興市固威貿易有限公司 ISO-9001
JIAXING HAINA FASTENER CO., LTD.
Screw, Washer, Solar Hanger Bolt, Roof Hook, and Aluminum Fitting for Solar www.hainafastener.com tony@hainafastener.com
FORMING DIES & ACCESSORIES www.ksdatong.com ksdatong@163.com
昆山大同精密模具有限公司 ISO-9001:2015
AD page: 97
LANGXI LONGWEI METAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
According to customers' drawings. Carbon and Stainless Steel Eye Bolts, Hooks, U-bolts, Pipe Clamps, and Non-standard Stamping Parts for Construction, Shipbuilding, Railway, Machinery, etc. www.longweimetal.com
INDONESIA's Only Event Dedicated to FASTENER & FIXING TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION The 8th edition of INAFASTENER 2025 which will be held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta is a trade show exclusively dedicated to fastener and fixing technologies, and will be held in conjunction with INAPA, INABIKE, and TYRE & RUBBER INDONESIA.
INAFASTENER 2025 is a part of INAPA show that targets trade exhibition for the fastener and fixing industry. It covers a wide product range of industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage and logistics services. Both buyers and sellers can take this opportunity to network the potential buyers, learn and source new technology, to grow together with the industry and to reach new heights in business status.
Pneumatic/Hydraulic Riveters / Rivet Nut Tools / Hand Rivet Tools / Hand Rivet Nut / Rivet Bolt Tools / Air Hydraulic Rivet www.sweet-tool.com tone@sweet-tool.com
上海托恩機械有限公司
CE
International Fastener Show China
International Fastener Show China is the meeting place of fastener peers to share the latest and leading products and solutions, and strengthen competitive powers in the fastener industry. IFS China offers an exclusive showcase and networking platform in one of world's leading industrial economies. From common parts to high-tech applications in the industries of automobile, aerospace and construction, fastener and fixing systems are vital components in various manufacturing sectors.
With an exhibition area of 42,000 square meters, there were breakthroughs in the scale and level for International Fastener Show China 2024. IFS China gathered 1,000+ renowned enterprises and set up 2,020 booths, attracting 19,080 visitors including 982 overseas visitors from 55 countries and regions in 2024.
As a three-day exhibition planned to be held at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center during May 22-24, 2025, IFS China aims to enhance the technological and commercial communion between China Fastener Industry and global colleagues.
Exhibitors at IFS China present products and services from the following industry sectors:
Manufacturers of Industrial Products, Fasteners, and Fastener Related Products / Manufacturers and Suppliers of Wire Materials / Industrial Fasteners and Fixings / Construction Fixings / Assembly and Installation Systems / Fastener Manufacturing Technology / Storage, Distribution, Factory Equipment / Information, Communication and Services
IFS China targets distributors, suppliers, engineers and other industry professionals that source and trade fasteners and fixings from the following industry sectors:
Communication Technology / Automotive / Energy and Power Generation / Construction / Rail Transportation /Aerospace / Marine / Electronic and Electrical Goods / General Engineering - light/heavy /HVAC, Air Conditioning Services / Metal Products / Furniture Manufacturing / Installation / International Trade and Commerce
SHAW GUANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
Nylon Nuts With Conical Washers / Kep Nuts / Conical Washer Nuts / Hex Nuts With Conical Washers
www.shawguang.com.tw tom.huang@shawguang.com.tw
紹光實業有限公司 IATF16949, ISO-9001:2015
AD page: 2
SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. (SRC)
Blind Rivets / Hand Riveters / Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts / Closed End Rivets / Hand Rivet Tools / Hand Rivet Nut/Rivet Bolt Tools / Air Hydraulic Rivet / Multigrip Rivets / Painted Rivets / High Strength Rivets / Rivet Nut Tools / Structural Rivets / Nickel & Nickel Alloy Rivets / Pneumatic/Hydraulic Riveters www.srcrivet.com srcrivet@ms12.hinet.net
Building on the success of its 2024 edition in New Delhi, Fastener Fair India continues to solidify its position as the premier networking platform for the fastening and fixing industry. The 2024 edition delivered outstanding opportunities for distributors, suppliers, engineers, and industry professionals, reflecting the strong growth of key sectors such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing in India. As the industry gears up for another dynamic edition, Fastener Fair India 2025 is set to take place from 8-10 May 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better with the introduction of a brand-new segment – India Hardware.
What’s New in This Edition?
Unveiling India Hardware: Fastener Fair India 2025 proudly introduces India Hardware, a dedicated segment showcasing India’s flourishing hardware manufacturing industry. Powered by the Make in India initiative, this segment will highlight cutting-edge tools, machinery, and technological advancements, reinforcing India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. Visitors can expect to explore the latest innovations, network with key players, and stay at the forefront of industry developments.
Why You Can’t Miss It
For Visitors: Gain direct access to a diverse range of fastening and hardware solutions, meet top suppliers, and experience live product demonstrations. Stay ahead of industry trends and source high-quality products from leading manufacturers. For Exhibitors: Engage with decision-makers, buyers, and distributors actively seeking new solutions. Showcase your latest innovations, expand your brand presence, and generate high-value business leads.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Build valuable connections with industry leaders, suppliers, and potential partners across various sectors, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Live Demonstrations & Product Launches: Witness the latest advancements firsthand through interactive showcases and live product demonstrations from top brands in the industry. Stay Ahead of the Competition: Gain insights into emerging market trends, technological advancements, and new business opportunities shaping the fastener and hardware sector.
A Must-Attend Event for Industry Professionals
Fastener Fair India 2025 is the ultimate platform to explore innovations, forge new business partnerships, and stay updated on industry trends. Whether you are a visitor looking to source high-quality products or an exhibitor aiming to showcase groundbreaking solutions, this event is your gateway to unparalleled opportunities in the fastener and hardware industry.
Join us at Fastener Fair India 2025 and be a part of the future of fastening and hardware technology!
AD page: 6
TAIWAN SELF-LOCKING CO., LTD. Screws and Nuts Locking And Sealing Process
www.tslg.com.tw tslg.kh@tslg.com.tw 台灣耐落股份有限公司 ISO-9001, ISO-14001, IATF16949, ISO 14064-1
AD page: 48
TZE PING PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
Open Die Machine / Cold Header / Multi-station Cold Forming Machine www.tze-ping.com tpp.machine@msa.hinet.net 智品精密機械有限公司 CE
WEI LIANG CORPORATION
Pumps / Filters For Hydraulic Systems / Lubricators / Pipe Fittings For Hydraulic Systems / Hydraulic Pumps / Hydraulic Piping Systems (Tube and Hose Assembly) / Hydraulic Motors / Centralized Lubrication Systems
www.zenloon.com.tw peja741017@gmail.com
維良企業股份有限公司 CE
AD page: 65
WUXI ANSHIDA HARDWARE CO., LTD.
Blind Rivets / Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts
www.anshida.com service@anshida.com
無錫安士達五金有限公司 AS-9100B, IATF16949, ISO-14001
AD page: 87
XILIDE HARDWARE & DD SCREW
Thread Rod, Washer, Stainless Steel Screws, Special Custom Screw, Screws, Rivets, High Strength Bolts & Nuts, Anchors www.ddfasteners.com
Garage Door Hardware, Auto Fasteners, Furniture Screws, Self-drilling Screws, Building Fasteners, Household Appliance Screws, Rivets, Non-standard Fasteners
www.msscrew.com
fanny@chn-ms.com
浙江猛士科技股份有限公司
IATF16949, ISO-9001, ISO-14001
AD page: 83
ZHEJIANG RUIZHAO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
All Kinds of Screws / Automotive Screws / Clip Nuts / All Kinds Of Nuts / Flange Nuts / Square Nuts / Wheel Nuts / Cap Screws / Chipboard Screws / Split Pins / U Nuts / Automotive Nuts
www.wzsnlon.com
snlon@wz-snlon.com
浙江瑞昭科技股份有限公司 IATF16949, OHSAS-18001, ISO-14001
ZHEJIANG YICHEN HARDWARE CORP.
Carriage Bolts, Anchor Bolts, Hex Lag Screws, Hex Bolts, Hex Nuts, Washers & Nuts, Wood Screws, Hanger Screws, Eye Screws, Hot Embroidery Bolts, L Bolts, Hanger Bolts, Nuts, Fasten the Screw Nuts, Rivet Nuts, Gaskets
www.yichenhardware.com jessie@yichenhardware.com
浙江亦宸五金科技股份有限公司 ISO-9001:2015
ZHONG SHAN CITY CHEHAN HARDWARE
PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
Semi-tubular Rivets / SEMS Screws / Socket Set Screws / Multi-strokes Special Screws/Bolts / Forged and Stamped Parts
www.chfastener.com
james@chfastener.com
中山市澄翰五金制品有限公司 ISO-9001
Research on Steel for Lock Washers and Bainite Transformation (Part 2)
防松墊圈用鋼和貝氏体轉變的研究(下)
Bainite Processes and Properties
It is well known that there are two ways to obtain bainite in structural steels. One is isothermal quenching; the other is alloying, where different alloying elements are added to enhance the properties of the steel in order to obtain a bainite structure. Isothermal quenching results in washers with less deformation and internal stress than single medium quenching. Isothermal quenching reduces the deformation and the surface notch sensitivity of washers, improving the plastic toughness of steel. The role of alloys in spring steels, when applied to washers, results in a strong and tough bainite structure. After the isothermal quenching process, the spring steel is tempered to further homogenize the structure and reduce the internal stress; Differences in tempering temperatures also affect the strength, fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance of washers. Due to the addition of Cr and V, 51CrV4 steel has high strength and fatigue resistance. In the past 10 years, the research on the heat treatment technology of bainite isothermal quenching mainly focuses on the temperature and time in the quenching and isothermal process.
The difference between conventional quenching & tempering and isothermal quenching is that the conventional quenching & tempering process will cool to the room temperature during quenching and results in a quenched martensite, whereas in the isothermal quenching process there is no quenching to room temperature and the amount of martensite obtained is small. Because the small amount of martensite is mostly of large-angle grain boundaries, which is not conducive to the enhancement of steel strength, large angle grain boundaries can prevent crack expansion in the tensile impact process, improving the toughness and plasticity to a certain extent. In the conventional process, the bainite steel structure changes according to the tempering temperature, which usually results in the medium tempered troostite. It is the transformed product of martensite after medium temperature tempering at about 400°C. Tempered troostite has a higher elastic limit, yield strength and fatigue strength, and has a certain degree of toughness. The nature of its structure is composed of carbide and ferrite mechanical mixture. In order to distinguish it from the troostite transformed from overcooling austenite, it is called tempered troostite.
By comparing the structural properties with those of the conventional process, it provides a reference for the application of the lower bainitic in the heat treatment of washers. In order to better compare with the real process and exclude more interferences from external factors, the spring steel used was sampled in the finished washers. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the conventional heat treatment process for 51CrV4 steel.
Figure 2. The Conventional Heat Treatment Process for 51CrV4 Steel
Figure 3(a) shows the metallographic structure of 51CrV4 after quenching and tempering heat treatment, which is a single tempered troostite. From the tempered troostite we can see that, after tempering the structure is obviously refined, uniform and small, and the slat feature is also obvious. When martensite quenched at high temperatures is tempered at medium temperatures, its martensitic characteristics still cannot be eliminated. Tempered troostite, as a result of tempering, has a similar structure to slat martensite.
Figure 3(b) shows the metallographic structure of 51CrV4 after isothermal quenching heat treatment, which is mainly a complex phase structure composed of bainite, martensite and residual austenite. After the isothermal process maintains a warm temperature for a sufficiently long period of time in the bainite transformation area, the bainite transformation is complete and the bainite structure appears. After etching, you will see obvious lower bainite features such as needle-like plates and stripes, and most of the area is the bainite structure; The picture shows the presence of areas that are not corroded and are recognized as martensite/austenite. Due to the high carbon content of the steel, the enrichment was retained until room temperature and a small amount of residual austenite appeared. A complex phase structure consisting of lower bainite, martensite, and residual austenite was finally obtained.
Fig. 4 shows the microstructures of the specimens: 4a shows it is mainly lower bainite + martensite + upper bainite + residual austenite, while 4b shows it is mainly lower bainite + tempered troostite + a small amount of tempered martensite.
To see the tempered troostite from the SEM structure of 51CrV4 steel after quenching and tempering, the structure is mainly composed of ferrite and short rods or grains of cementite, and the needle-like form of ferrite has gradually disappeared. Most of the ferrite maintains the slate-like status, and the cementite structure is widely dispersed around the ferrite. The SEM structure of 51CrV4 steel after isothermal quenching treatment shows that the lower bainite in the microstructure is in the form of black bundles, and the bainite in the microstructure is in the form of black slats, which is a mechanical mixture of ferrite and carbides with high strength and toughness. In the process of bainite transformation, the first transformation of the lower bainite can split and refine the overcooling austenite grains that have not yet been transformed. At the end of the isothermal air-cooling stage, a small amount of martensitic phase transformation occurs. The martensite structure is less abundant and fine needle-like, making it difficult to be distinguished from the bainite structure, because martensite is less susceptible to corrosion than bainite, and lighter in color in the microstructure, with uncorroded areas of martensite/austenite, and residual austenite dispersed as a thin film between the lower bainite and martensite.
During the isothermal quenching process, a portion of the overcooling austenite is retained by the compressive force formed by the volume expansion due to the structure change, and eventually lower bainite + martensite + residual austenite + particulate dispersed carbides are obtained, as shown in Fig. 4a. If we temper the small amount of martensite formed in the isothermal process at 300°C~350°C, the formation of tempered martensite will only account for a small portion because the tempering time is not long. The final isothermal quenched and tempered structure is the carbide composed of lower bainite, tempered troostite, and a small amount of tempered martensite in the form of particles, as shown in Fig. 4b.
According to the case study of early failure of washers, the hardness of washers should be controlled at 42 to 47 HRC, which can reduce the risk of hydrogen delayed fracture during use. For this purpose, the isothermal temperature should be 300°C~350°C. The isothermal time should be at least 60 ~ 70min. If the isothermal time is not enough, a larger number of austenite won't get enough time to change into lower bainite. When taken out for air cooling, it will turn into a certain amount of martensite and a small amount of residual austenite, and produce a certain amount of structural stress.
5 Metallographic Structure Composed of Lower Bainite, Tempered Troostite, and a Small Amount of Tempered Martensite
Fig. 3 Microstructure of 51CrV4 Steel by Heat Treatment：(a) Quenching and Tempering Process；(b) Isothermal Quenching Process
Fig.
For this reason, a proper extension of the isothermal time can fully transform austenite into lower bainite, which is an important measure to reduce martensite and internal stress. Because washers are subjected to axial reciprocating or alternating stresses, and are used under conditions of vibration and shock, the residual austenite content of the steel is required to be appropriate to ensure the required mechanical properties. More importantly, the percentage of residual austenite that will undergo transformation in practice should be as low as possible to avoid the generation of brittle martensite. Therefore, the final heat treatment technique was determined to be isothermal quenching with medium temperature tempering, as shown in Table 2.
The microstructure of bainite washers after isothermal quenching is a complex phase structure composed of lower bainite, tempered troostite, a small amount of tempered martensite, and granular dispersion of carbides, which features higher impact toughness and wear resistance.
Conclusion
The heat treatment of bainite as an important part of isothermal quenching has an important effect on the structure and mechanical properties of bainite. Temperature has a dominant effect on microstructure, which plays an important role in the properties of steel. Isothermal heat treatment is a common process for toughening steel. The quenching temperature determines to a certain extent the amount of primary martensite and unaltered austenite, which has great potential and room for development.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Hsien-Ming Chang
Table 2. Washer Heat Treating Process
2024 Update: Global Fastener Leaders’ Carbon Reduction Progress
This article focuses on carbon emission statistics and carbon reduction strategies. First, it examines carbon emissions from prominent public companies in the fastener industry across the United States, Europe, Japan, and India. It gathers carbon emission data from their latest published ESG reports and organizes the data into separate tables to provide insights into their emission volumes and target-setting efforts. These tables categorize emissions as follows: Scope 1 includes direct emissions from a company’s manufacturing processes, facilities, and transportation; Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy; Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions throughout the external supply chain, including those from business travel and product life cycles. It also presents the total carbon emissions for each company.
Furthermore, it outlines various carbon reduction measures implemented by these companies, with an emphasis on unique approaches. This focus on distinctive methods aims to inspire readers to brainstorm and foster discussions on innovative solutions for carbon reduction.
U.S.
• In-house transportation network (movement of goods from one location to the other of the same company) allows to control the movement of materials across much of the supply chain.
• Invest in the latest vehicle technology and by working to optimize routes, loads, and efficiency at every mile.
• Regularly review the latest fuel efficiency and safety options. Sell and replace a large portion of fleet annually. Ordering vehicles equipped with embedded telematics, which will provide local managers with visibility to the vehicles’ fuel consumption and related data such as idling time, speed, and acceleration.
• Use geographic information systems (GIS) to map the most efficient truck routes. Analyze departure and arrival schedules to minimize delays caused by traffic in metro areas. Optimize load configuration to minimize nonutilized capacity. Back-haul freight from suppliers and also customers to minimize one-way or "deadhead" loads.
• Its Lacey, Washington distribution center used 100% wind energy in 2023.
• Participate in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership to purchase and use solar and wind energy within its distribution centers and manufacturing locations.
INDUSTRY FOCUS
• 11 of its 15 North American distribution centers are equipped with ASRS (high-density automated storage and retrieval systems) to increase throughput while optimizing space, maximizing 'Sales Per Square Foot'.
• Remove standardized (non-market-specific) inventory, reduce or remove walk-in shopping space, and use that square-footage to install high density vertical shelving. Implement "pick modules" to create a second floor of warehousing space, supporting thousands of additional products within the existing building.
• Create a less packaging-intensive distribution system, reduce the use of cardboard, wood, plastic, and other shipping/packaging materials, reduce unnecessary packaging.
• Partner with Trex to recycle used plastic wrap from distribution centers, transforming it into composite decking and preventing over 600,000 pounds of plastic waste from ending up in landfills in the first year of the program.
• Through EcoLum™, EcoSource™ and EcoDura™ products, it supplies lower carbon aluminum, lower carbon alumina and recycled aluminum made of pre-consumer scrap to customers.
• Engaged with Science-based Target initiative (SBTi) in defining decarbonization related disclosures and targets and will seek to join a SBTi’s expert advisory group.
• Purchased approximately 292 terajoules of natural gas per day and supplemented self-generated power with 3.1 gigawatts of purchased electricity.
• Construct alkaline water impoundments using a compositebase high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner or geosynthetic
Achieve a 30 percent reduction by 2025 and a 50 percent reduction by 2030 compared to 2015 baseline. Net zero by 2050.
(or natural) clay, and install a second HDPE layer above the geosynthetic clay, as well as an underdrain piping system, which removes water from the bauxite residue more efficiently and reduces water pressure on the liner. This reduces the risk of alkaline water leaking into the groundwater.
• At sites where its mines operate within forest ecosystems, rehabilitation is focused on returning native vegetation to the habitat.
• The smelter in Deschambault has adopted a zero-water discharge system by recycling the water used in its processes and relying only on collected rainwater and snowmelt for the remainder of its water needs.
Alcoa Emission
• 100% of its locations that have industrial discharges have pretreatment systems to minimize pollutants sent to publicly owned treatment plants.
• Design products with recyclability and disassembly in mind, facilitating the recovery and reuse of valuable materials.
• 100% of its locations operate to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard.
• Promote the use of the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems standard. Seek to operate to the ISO 50001 Energy Management System standard in its locations over time.
• Utilize injection carbon in steelmaking operations to provide additional energy for melting materials in electric arc furnaces. Investigate supersonic injection methods to enhance the efficiency of this process, aiming to reduce the quantity of carbon material required per ton of steel.
• Partner with Helion Energy to develop a groundbreaking 500 MW fusion power plant that will supply zero-carbon electricity directly to one of Nucor's steelmaking facilities.
• Partner with NuScale Power to explore using small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as a clean energy source for its electric arc furnace steel mills.
EUROPE
GHG reduction target for 2030, aiming for 975 kg GHGs per metric ton of steel, inclusive of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
• Bossard Germany’s new film packaging is made 80 percent from recycled material. Stretch film optimization was successful, reducing packaging costs and cutting annual carbon emissions by approximately 2,530 kg.
• Suppliers are required to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and to focus on recycling and reusing materials, as well as to provide environmentally relevant certificates.
• Discussions are underway regarding the introduction of sustainable product lines to reduce the emissions of purchased products. These products would be made from green steel.
• Retrofit the headquarters building in 2024 and enlarge the percentage of renewable electricity.
• Prepare factsheets for warehouse managers containing information on the selection of suitable materials. Packaging should increasingly consist of reusable or biodegradable materials. When adding new products to the catalog in the future, a stronger focus will be placed on waste and recyclable materials.
• A survey was conducted among warehouse managers to determine the most frequently used packaging and the share of recycled base materials. The results of this survey will be used to develop a packaging factsheet designed to promote the selection of environmentally friendly packaging materials.
• Bossard’s Supplier Code of Conduct requires suppliers to reduce emissions by recycling and reusing materials and products and by using environmentally friendly technologies. Suppliers also commit to handling waste responsibly. Regarding the handling, storage, disposal and transportation of chemicals, Bossard’s suppliers are required to comply with international laws and keep the use of chemicals and hazardous substances to a minimum.
Nucor Emission
Unit: Million Metric Ton CO2e
Bossard Emission
• Focus on a climate strategy centered around the countries with the highest emissions to mitigate the risks of climate change.
• Self-develop Corporate Carbon Footprint tool (CCF tool), a group-wide Excel tool for calculating climate footprint. Build a groupwide “climate management” digital training program for employees, broken down into five modules: climate basics, historical development, difference between CO2 and CO2e, climate footprints calculation, three scopes of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol in detail and how to calculate them using the CCF tool.
• Introduce climate round table “Let's talk about CLIMATE” where around 100 climate experts from Würth Group companies around the world meet here every six weeks to deepen their knowledge of climate management and clear up any unresolved questions in an open discussion.
• Install 810 solar panels with a capacity of 375 kWp, delivering an annual output of up to 320,000 kWh.
• Products have to be designed so that they can be separated easily into their individual components in order to ensure various possibilities for reuse. Reduce the use of primary materials and increase the use of secondary materials to reduce the climate footprint. Reroute products and materials away from the landfill so that they can be reused as secondary raw materials.
• Create material passport which ensures that product data remains transparent. It contains information about material, social, and technical compliance, discloses the product components and their material properties up and down the supply chain, and includes indicators such as origin, toxicity of ingredients, and share of recycled materials.
• Würth Austria decided to establish a reuseable box system. The folding boxes can be palletized automatically, and the lids of the boxes can also be used as wrap-around packaging that, when combined with a securing strap, replaces the film wrapping of pallets.
• Potential future suppliers are checked for potential risks before a business relationship is established. The supplier auditor network audits and develops suppliers across the globe.
• Acquired 86.18 points in ESG rating (Top 10%).
• Submitted the first of the quarterly reports required by the initial phase of the regulation during FY24, relating to the quarter ended 31 December 2023.
• Waste and water continue to be managed through the ISO 14001 certification. Water consumption across the group has reduced 12% compared to the previous year. Commitment to reach global coverage by FY26.
• Total energy use in FY24 was 18,769,707 kWh. Electricity makes up just over half of this, with the remainder being natural gas, oil, LPG used for space heating and transport fuel.
• Supply fastenings to customers in reusable plastic totes to reduce waste generation.
• Invest in product development and work with automotive customers
Scopes 1 and 2 emissions: 2,676 tCO2e, down 67.20% from 2019 baseline.
to meet or exceed the proposed ELV (end of life vehicles) Directive which will require all plastic components in motor vehicles to contain a minimum of 25% recycled content by 2030.
• Use lead-free machining steels and materials which do not need heat treatment or coating to reduce carbon footprint and water usage. Enable manufacture through cold forming instead of machining to reduce the amount of waste of material from 60% to 5%.
• Require Approved Vendor List suppliers to implement Quality & Sustainability Agreement and Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement and provide declarations of compliance as part of the assessment process.
• No environmental controversies and no direct or accidental oil spillages in FY24.
Würth Emission
Trifast Emission
Unit: Metric Ton CO2e
• Joined the “Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)”.
• Increased the share of self-generated electricity in the year under review and installed two new photovoltaic systems. Increased the share of self-generated electricity groupwide by 26.9% compared with the previous year.
• A wind turbine is to be built on SFS’s premises which should generate 5 GWh of electricity per year, which is roughly equivalent to the consumption of 1,300 households.
• Products are evaluated according to whether their materials are recyclable, whether the design is as light as possible and whether they take environmental requirements, such as those relating to hazardous substances, into account.
• As of December 31, 2023, 92% (23 of 25) of its manufacturing sites were certified according to ISO 14001, audited regularly every three years by external specialists.
• Develop quick connectors and thermal management systems
SFS Group Emission
Reduce Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by ≥90% by 2030. Reduce Scope 3 emissions by at least 90% by 2040.
• Employees in Hungary have insulated 20 pieces of machinery to utilize heat produced during the machinery’s uptime. The thermal insulation blanket now enveloping the machine has been able to shorten the machine’s warm-up period and cut energy consumption for each insulated machine by around 10%.
• Many forklifts still run on acid batteries or fossil fuels. At the Türkiye site, decision-makers opted to switch to newer models with lithium-ion batteries.
• All production halls at the Switzerland location have switched to energy-efficient LED lighting.
Norma Emission
Reduce Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by at least around 19.5% by 2024 compared to 2017.
which optimize the cooling and heating of batteries, as well as the complex power electronics, the drivetrain and other subsystems of EVs.
• Purchase “Energy Attribute Certificates”. For each megawatt hour consumed at each production site, a certificate is available which proves that the electricity was obtained from renewable energies.
• Solar panels were installed in China to reduce energy consumption and Group-wide ESG software has been introduced for general energy consumption management. Energy consumption is monitored on a monthly basis.
• Install water meters to monitor water consumption and modify certain production machines to reduce water consumption.
• Plastic waste is reintroduced into the manufacturing process as far as possible, depending on the type of plastic and reasonable costs. A certain portion of the resulting plastic waste is regranulated. Uses recycled and bio-based plastic materials in series production.
Vossloh
• Used water is reprocessed in its own plants and returned to the operating process, particularly in production areas that require a substantial amount of water. In some cases, the production units work with closed water circuits.
• Steel scrap and plastic are recycled at all sites. Use reusable transport containers.
• Use separate, safe disposal channels for each type of waste. The selected disposal companies are regularly audited. Where technically possible and sensible, closed cycles and reprocessing plants reduce the consumption of valuable new raw materials to a minimum.
INDIA
• Maintain vast green belt areas of about 132 acres with more than 34,000 trees and more than 120 varieties of trees and plant species.
• Conduct annual supplier audits whose scope covers quality issues, system adherence, and manufacturing process.
• A well-established supplier rating system that provides ratings to its suppliers based on the criteria such as delivery and quality performance. Suppliers are classified at levels based on the scoring obtained.
• Currently developing a Supplier code of conduct based on the UNGC (United Nations Global Compact) principles.
• Implement use of electric forklifts instead of diesel counterparts to reduce diesel consumption.
JAPAN
• Nearly halved the number of commercial vehicles in its possession, which was 237 in 2009, to 111 in March 2024 by reviewing surplus vehicles, sharing company-owned vehicles, using rental cars or car-sharing, and promoting the use of public transportation.
• Reuse cardboard boxes for packaging and use returnable boxes.
• Set a final landfill rate target of 1.2% or less and switched to industrial waste disposal contractors with higher recycling capabilities.
• Boost sales of eco-products. Currently developing products that use activated carbon (a material with countless minute holes) from bamboo as odor filters to contribute to the social problem of bamboo damage and CO2 emissions reduction. The process of making activated carbon from bamboo utilizes the CO2 thermal energy, resulting in zero CO2 emissions.
• Planning to enhance the percentage of renewable energy consumption by solar power through rooftop solar plants and wind power.
• Implemented Zero Liquid Discharge across most of its business units, able to maximize recovery of water, reducing water withdrawal.
• Used oil is reclaimed from the processes and centrifuged to separate the residue and the oil. The oil is used back in the processes.
• Adopted the ISO 14001 environment management system. Certified across all the business units.
• Introduce “Renewable Energy ECO Plan” that makes use of Kansai Electric Power Company's renewable non-fossil fuel certificates for electricity consumption (about 1,050 MWh per year), reducing CO2 emissions by 396 tons per year.
• Established and released “TECHNO ASSOCIE Environmental Standards”. Request understanding and compliance from suppliers.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng Updated on Dec. 5, 2024
Techno Associe Emission
Latest Statistics on Chinese Fasteners, Cars and Wire Rods
In 2024, the global geopolitical landscape underwent significant changes, and China's manufacturing capacity experienced substantial fluctuations. The Chinese steel industry faced a challenging period. Specifically regarding fasteners as a type of steel product and wire rods as the material, what changes have occurred to their trade volume and production in China?
On another note, according to a report from the Automotive Research & Testing Center, from January to October 2024, a total of 72.89 million vehicles were sold worldwide, with China accounting for 18.41 million vehicles (25%). This surpassed the U.S. figure of 13.49 million vehicles (18%). China Automobile Dealers Association reported that in November 2024, China sold 8.18 million vehicles globally, reaching 41% of global sales and hitting a historical high once again.
This article is divided into 3 sections, providing visual charts and concise key analyses for fasteners, cars, and wire rods, and serves as a reference for readers to assess the current state of the Chinese market.
Fastener Trade Statistics
Figure 1 shows that the value of China's fastener exports to the world increased dramatically by 74% between 2019 and 2022, reaching USD 11.1 billion. Export declined by 18% in 2023 to USD 9.1 billion, but continued to rise in 2024,
Unit: USD
12,000,000,000
10,000,000,000
8,000,000,000
6,000,000,000
0 2,000,000,000 4,000,000,000
Source:
Fig 1. Values of China’s Fastener Imports from and Exports to the World
Unit: Ton
Fig 2. Weights of China’s Fastener Exports to the World
Source: Press release by General Administra�on of Customs of China
Note: The press release had yet to disclose import weight data
reaching USD 9.5 billion. We can say that China's fastener exports in 2024 established a trend of recovery and growth. Over the long term, China's fastener export value has been in an upward trend over the past six years, with export weight (Figure 2) also showing an uptrend.
In contrast, China's imports of fasteners from the world have generally decreased over the past six years, with a decline of 12% between 2019 and 2024. This indicates that the fastener exports of China far exceeded its imports.
Examining exports by country, Table 1 shows that the U.S. has consistently been the largest export destination for Chinese fasteners over the past four years, followed by Russia. This table reveals that Chinese fastener manufacturers have distributed their products across various regions, including Germany, Italy, and the UK in Europe; Japan and South Korea in Asia; Vietnam and Thailand in Southeast Asia; Mexico in Latin America; and the UAE in the Middle East. Notably, Vietnam surpassed Germany in 2024 to become the third-largest export market for Chinese fasteners.
Table 2 indicates that the structure of China's demand for foreign fasteners has remained consistent over the past four years. The top six import sources have remained unchanged, consisting of Japan, Germany, the U.S., Taiwan, Italy, and South Korea. It is evident that China continues to have a certain level of demand for mid-to-high-end fasteners from these countries. It is worth noting that the majority of these top ten import sources are located in Europe.
Table 1. Values of China's Fastener Exports to Top 10 Partners (USD)
Car Trade Statistics
Fig. 3. Values of China’s Car Imports from and Exports to the World
100,000,000,000
90,000,000,000
80,000,000,000
70,000,000,000
60,000,000,000
50,000,000,000
40,000,000,000
90,221,178,237
Fig 4. Numbers of China’s Car Imports and Exports to the World
Figure 3 highlights a noteworthy trend. China's car export value in 2022 began to surpass its import value, and over the following two years, the gap between the export and the import grew rapidly. The import values fluctuated between USD 38.2 billion and USD 47 billion, entering a downward trend over the past six years. In contrast, the export values skyrocketed starting in 2020, increasing dramatically to USD 90.2 billion by 2024. In just one year from 2023 to 2024, exports grew by USD 12.5 billion. Given this momentum, it seems possible that exports could exceed USD 100 billion in 2025. However, the impact of policy changes following Trump's presidency and future relations between European and Chinese governments on China's global car sales remains uncertain. As of mid-January 2025 when this article was written, the outlook was still unclear, making this topic worth readers' attention.
The number of vehicles exported versus imported (Figure 4) showed an even earlier shift, with exports significantly surpassing imports in 2021 and continuing to widen the gap thereafter.
Examining exports by country, Table 3 shows that over the past two years, Russia has been the largest destination for Chinese car manufacturers, followed by Belgium and the UAE in the Middle East. Although Thailand briefly entered the top ten chart at seventh in 2023, it is clear that the top ten export destinations for Chinese car manufacturers are primarily located outside of Asia and Southeast Asia.
Table 3. Values of China's Cars Exports to Top 10 Partners (USD)
Table 4. Values of China's Cars Imports from Top 10 Partners (USD)
Table 4 indicates that in the past 4 years, China predominantly imported cars from Germany, the US, and Japan. The top ten countries from which China imported vehicles are mostly located on the European continent.
Wire Rod Production and Export Statistics
Figure 5 shows that China's wire rod production has been in a downward trend over the past six years, declining by 13% between 2019 and 2024. In 2024, production fell by 2.3% compared to 2023, reaching 130 million tons. This reflects that the market demand for Chinese wire rods has not yet increased.
Fig. 5. Chinese Wire Rod Produc�on Capacity
Source: Na�onal Bureau of Sta�s�cs of China
Figure 6 indicates that China's stainless steel wire rod exports reached a sixyear high of 2.43 million tons in 2023. However, in the first eleven months of 2024, the export experienced a decline, dropping to 2.39 million tons. As the December 2024 export data for automobiles had not been released at the time of writing, it is worth readers' attention to see whether the full-year export weight will match or surpass that of 2023, which will determine whether the export momentum of China's stainless steel wire rods will reverse. On the other hand, after reaching a new high of USD 6 billion in 2022, the export value plummeted by 63% to USD 2.1 billion. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that Chinese steel export prices fell by 26.9% compared to the same period last year. It seems unlikely that the export values will recover to the 2022 level in 2025.
Fig. 6. Chinese Stainless Steel Wire Rod Export
Source: www.huaon.com
中國扣件廠東盟布局與挑戰
Chinese Fastener Manufacturers’ ASEAN Deployment & Challenges
Introduction
The fastener industry is integral to various sectors, including construction, automotive, and electronics, providing essential components that hold together machinery and structures. In recent years, Chinese fastener manufacturers have significantly expanded their presence in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a region comprising ten countries with a combined population exceeding 650 million and a GDP of over US$3 trillion.
China's Fastener Industry Overview
China's fastener industry has experienced remarkable growth, establishing the country as a global leader in both production and export. The industry's expansion is characterized by advancements in manufacturing technologies, economies of scale, and a focus on both quality and cost competitiveness.
Analysis of China's Fastener Exports:
The export data highlight significant trends in China's global and ASEAN fastener markets over the past five years (2019–2023).
• Global Exports: China’s fastener exports to the world grew steadily from 2019 to 2022, increasing from 6.4 billion USD in 2019 to a peak of 11.18 billion USD in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 74%. However, there was a noticeable decline in 2023, with exports falling to 9.18 billion USD —a decrease of 18% compared to the previous year. This drop could be attributed to global economic uncertainties, trade tensions, and supply chain disruptions caused by inflationary pressures and geopolitical factors.
• Exports to ASEAN: Exports to ASEAN countries followed a different trajectory. The volume of exports rose sharply between 2019 and 2020, from 952,116 million USD to 1.41 billion USD, an increase of nearly 48%. However, this momentum stagnated in 2021 with exports remaining relatively flat at 1.405 billion USD. In 2022, exports surged again to 1.79 billion USD, reflecting a 27% increase. Interestingly, ASEAN exports fell to 1.46 billion USD in 2023, mirroring the global trend but at a slightly lower rate of decline (19%).
• Proportional Contribution: The share of ASEAN in China’s total fastener exports fluctuated over the years. In 2019, ASEAN accounted for 14.8% of China’s global fastener exports, which grew to 20.3% in 2020. However, this percentage stabilized around 15.8–16.1% in 2021 and 2022 before slightly declining to 15.8% in 2023.
These data indicate that ASEAN has remained a crucial export market for Chinese fastener manufacturers, even amid global fluctuations. The initial growth suggests strong regional demand, likely fuelled by infrastructure projects and industrial development. However, the decline in 2023 might signal challenges such as rising competition from local manufacturers, trade barriers, or reduced demand due to economic slowdowns in some ASEAN countries.
Table 1.
Strategic Importance of ASEAN for Chinese Manufacturers
The ASEAN region holds strategic significance for Chinese fastener manufacturers due to several factors:
• Proximity and Trade Agreements: Geographical closeness facilitates efficient logistics and reduced transportation costs. Additionally, trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) enhance market accessibility by reducing tariffs and fostering economic integration between China and ASEAN member states.
• Economic Growth and Industrial Demand: ASEAN countries have demonstrated robust economic growth, leading to increased demand in sectors like automotive, construction, and electronics. This growth drives the need for industrial fasteners, presenting lucrative opportunities for suppliers. For instance, Indonesia's fastener industry is valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion, with an impressive annual growth rate of 5-7%.1
• Infrastructure Development: Significant investments in infrastructure projects across ASEAN nations contribute to the rising demand for fasteners. The region's focus on enhancing infrastructure aligns with the capabilities of Chinese manufacturers to supply the necessary components. In 2020, investment within the region grew by 5% to USD 23 billion, indicating strong intra-ASEAN economic activity. 2
Deployment Strategies of Chinese Manufacturers in ASEAN
Chinese fastener manufacturers have employed various strategies to establish and expand their presence in the ASEAN market:
• Establishing Manufacturing Facilities: Setting up production plants within ASEAN countries allows Chinese companies to circumvent trade barriers, reduce shipping costs, and respond swiftly to local market demands. This approach also enables them to benefit from local incentives and integrate into regional supply chains.
• Joint Ventures and Partnerships: Collaborating with local firms through joint ventures facilitates market entry by leveraging existing distribution networks and understanding of the local business environment. Such partnerships can enhance competitiveness and market reach.
• Direct Exports: Continuing to export products directly from China remains a viable strategy, especially for standardized fasteners. Advancements in logistics and the reduction of trade tariffs under agreements like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) have made direct exports more efficient and costeffective.
Impact on Local ASEAN
Manufacturers
The influx of Chinese fastener manufacturers into the ASEAN market has led to both opportunities and challenges for local producers:
• Increased Competition: Chinese manufacturers, known for their cost-effective production and large-scale operations, introduce heightened competition, potentially impacting the market share and pricing strategies of local firms.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Partnerships between Chinese and ASEAN companies can lead to technology transfer, improved production techniques, and enhanced product quality, benefiting the local industry.
• Market Pressure: Local manufacturers may face pressure to innovate and increase efficiency to maintain competitiveness against well-resourced Chinese entrants.
Challenges Faced by Chinese Manufacturers in ASEAN
Despite the strategic advantages, Chinese fastener manufacturers encounter several challenges in the ASEAN market:
• Regulatory Differences: Navigating varying regulatory environments, standards, and compliance requirements across different ASEAN countries can be complex and resource-intensive.
• Cultural and Market Dynamics: Understanding and adapting to diverse cultural preferences and business practices within ASEAN nations are crucial for successful market penetration.
• Infrastructure Variability : While some ASEAN countries boast advanced infrastructure, others may present logistical challenges that can affect supply chain efficiency.
Future Trends and Opportunities
The deployment of Chinese fastener manufacturers in ASEAN is poised to evolve with emerging trends:
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China's BRI is expected to further enhance connectivity and economic ties with ASEAN countries, creating more opportunities for Chinese fastener manufacturers. Improved infrastructure and logistics networks under the BRI will facilitate the seamless movement of goods, reducing costs and delivery times. For example, projects like the China-Laos Railway and the Kra Canal in Thailand could serve as key arteries for fastener exports to ASEAN.
• Technological Advancements: Chinese manufacturers are likely to continue leveraging automation, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies to improve
production efficiency and product quality. This will help meet the growing demand for high-performance fasteners in sectors such as automotive and aerospace, especially in developing ASEAN economies.
• Sustainability Initiatives : As global industries prioritize environmental sustainability, Chinese fastener manufacturers may adopt eco-friendly production methods and materials to align with ASEAN's increasing emphasis on green growth. Offering sustainable products could become a key differentiator for Chinese companies seeking to gain an edge in this competitive market.
• Expansion into High-Value Segments: Chinese fastener manufacturers are likely to explore high-value segments such as specialty fasteners used in advanced manufacturing industries. For example, the automotive industry's shift to electric vehicles (EVs) across ASEAN offers opportunities for fasteners designed for battery packs, lightweight materials, and EV-specific components.
Conclusion
Leading Chinese manufacturers have capitalized on the growing demand for fasteners by investing heavily in research and development, allowing them to produce high-quality products that meet international standards. Government policies that support industrial innovation and export-oriented growth have further enhanced the industry's global competitiveness. As a result, Chinese fastener manufacturers have become significant players in the international market, supplying a broad range of products to various industries worldwide.
The presence of Chinese fastener manufacturers in the ASEAN region highlights the strategic importance of ASEAN as both a key market for industrial goods and a hub for global operations. Chinese companies have effectively leveraged their strengths in production efficiency, cost competitiveness, and technological advancements to penetrate ASEAN markets. At the same time, ASEAN countries have gained from job creation, technology transfer, and increased industrial activities.
Looking forward, the relationship between Chinese manufacturers and ASEAN is expected to strengthen, supported by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP.
However, overcoming challenges such as regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and local competition will be essential for long-term success.
As Chinese fastener manufacturers continue to expand in ASEAN, the region's fastener industry is poised for further evolution, creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth. For both sides, this partnership represents a journey of mutual benefits and shared progress in an increasingly globalized economy.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by
Dr. Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani, UNITAR International University
Fastener Certification in India
印度市場緊固件認證(第二部分)：認證符合性評鑑程序
According to the Indian Quality Control Order (QCO), mandatory fastener products listed in Tables 1 and 2 must undergo product conformity assessment through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) via the ISI mark certification process. This process includes several evaluation procedures products must be tested by a third-party laboratory or tested in conjunction with a third-party laboratory at the manufacturing premises; on-site visits to assess the manufacturer's production premises, production processes, quality control, and testing capabilities of a manufacturer.
Applicants for ISI mark certification must first confirm the applicable standards for their products. They should complete Form-V from the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018, as well as a self-evaluation verification report for each standard, and submit these as part of their application. Forms and selfevaluation report formats can be obtained from the BIS official website for subsequent application processing.
1.
Two Options for Applying for ISI Mark License:
Option 1
���� Applicants must submit the aforementioned forms to BIS to apply for an ISI mark license certificate.
���� If an applicant previously held an ISI mark license certificate for the same product at the same location and it was canceled, made expired or returned due to non-compliance, such applications will only be processed under Option 1 during this period. Refer to Annex XI of the BIS guideline document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)."
���� Applicants’ factory visit fees must be paid to evaluate their production infrastructure, processes, quality control, and testing capabilities, along with sampling for third-party laboratory testing.
���� If only factory product testing is considered for granting the ISI mark license certificate, samples may not be taken. Factory testing is permitted for products listed in Annex II(A) of the BIS guideline document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)" (e.g., products that are large or difficult to transport). For new products requiring certification without third-party laboratories, granting ISI mark licenses may be considered based on factory testing.
���� However, if a third-party laboratory obtains any product certification at an appropriate time, each certification can be decided by the head of the BIS regional office/branch office (Head, BO as Enforcement Officer of BO), processing applications under either Option 1 or Option 2 until the product transitions to Option 2.
���� Products granted an ISI mark license certificate under Option 1 are limited to specific items listed in Annex II(B) of the BIS guideline document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)." Additionally, all cases involving foreign manufacturers obtaining an ISI mark license certificate will be processed under the principles of Option 1.
Option 2
���� Products eligible for an ISI mark license certificate should follow the principles outlined in Option 1 as listed in relevant BIS guideline documents.
(i) If there are no effective third-party laboratories available due to cancellation/suspension of accreditation or unimplemented revised standards for products listed in BIS guidelines, or if the third-party laboratory does not have inspection facilities/ approval for specific different types of products, then decisions can be made by BO (responsible officer). In such cases, licenses may be granted based on Option 1 principles but must be documented with reasons.
(ii) If applicants previously held licenses for the same products at the same manufacturing site that were canceled due to non-compliance or expiry or return, such applications cannot be processed under Option 2 but only under Option 1. Refer to Option 1(B) and Annex XI of BIS guideline document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)."
���� Applicants may apply to BIS for an ISI mark license certificate along with application forms and samples of products produced by them and compliance test reports issued by third-party laboratories (if applicable). The received application must comply with conditions specified in Option 2(C) through (M).
���� The applicant's factory visit fees must be paid to assess manufacturing infrastructure, processes, quality control, and testing capabilities while sampling for tests at a third-party laboratory. Testing reports from samples taken during factory visits will be used for review purposes.
���� When operating under Option 2, applicants must first register themselves on IT software and will receive a unique code. This code must be submitted to third-party laboratories when submitting samples for testing (see (E)), along with obtaining a corresponding receipt. After sending samples to laboratories, this receipt should be uploaded onto IT software. Sample testing should adhere to valid product group guidelines issued by BIS covering various types within the scope of license certificate grants.
���� Laboratory: Testing reports from the following laboratories should be accepted:
(i) Laboratories established, maintained, or accredited by BIS (including those designated as Group II laboratories under BIS laboratory accreditation schemes);
(ii) Government laboratories appointed by BIS;
(iii) Any other laboratory deemed appropriate by the BIS enforcement committee; testing reports must be current.
���� Testing reports must not exceed 90 days. The calculation period starts from the date of issue until received by BO. If multiple testing reports exist for a product, the latest report must not exceed 90 days while earlier reports must not exceed 180 days.
���� If BO determines that acceptance of designated period test reports is necessary based on valid reasons, such cases may
require approval from DDGR (Deputy Director General of Region), with appropriate justification. DDGR may permit acceptance of test reports not submitted within deadlines if justified.
���� Conformity of Raw Material
(i) If Indian raw material standards mentioned in Indian standards are merely references, evidence of raw material compliance should not be strictly required. The applicant is responsible for ensuring consistency in raw materials/components.
(ii) If ensuring raw material conformity is a mandatory requirement for certifying product standards, conformity can be confirmed as follows:
‧The raw materials are ISI marked products; Any laboratory-issued test report complies with item (E);
‧If A and B cannot be performed, then test certificates or reports from NABL accredited laboratories;
‧If A and B cannot be conducted, then in-house factory test reports.
(iii) When submission of inspection reports is required to determine raw material consistency, applicants should submit these reports with their applications applicable under both options. (iv) If any raw material test report is found missing during application processing, applicants will be advised to submit such reports. In cases under Option 1, these raw material samples can be collected during on-site inspections for testing at third-party laboratories.
���� Submission of Partial Test Reports
(i) Applicants are responsible for ensuring completeness and compliance with relevant Indian standards regarding submitted test reports. If submitting partial test reports, applicants must provide reasons and justifications acceptable to BO. Based on the received justifications/reasons, remaining tests may proceed at the applicants’ laboratory in accordance with procedures specified below under item (ii).
(ii) Remaining tests will take place during factory visits conducted by certifying officials but must comply with the following:
‧The applicant's laboratory has full testing facilities capable of conducting remaining tests.
‧Paying factory test fees.
‧Sufficient materials from the same control unit submitted with test reports must remain available for further tests. If materials from that control unit are unavailable, sufficient materials from two new control units should be provided.
������ For products requiring testing that takes 30 days (one month) or longer to obtain proof of compliance, evidence may be provided in the form of test reports from any laboratory, by the companies themselves (as mentioned in item (E)), or any testing agency. Annex X of the BIS guideline document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)" should be applicable to such tests. Applicants must also provide evidence that any laboratory specified in item (E) is conducting long-term tests and that the laboratory can issue a test report (TR) within the designated timeframe (as specified). This report must be submitted by the applicant to BIS.
(i) These provisions also apply to factory tests. Certifying officials will witness completion during factory visits and review cases afterward.
(ii) If applicants are located in India, regulations regarding long-term internal/external laboratory test report submissions can have relaxed terms if:
‧They are newly established and such tests last over six months; or
‧They recently began producing that product and such tests last over 6 months. Appropriate evidence regarding establishment or commencement should be provided.
���� The applicant must provide a written guarantee (refer to the on-site factory visit) that if samples taken by the certifying officer during the factory visit are found to be non-compliant after long-term testing or if the test report cannot be submitted immediately, but no later than 30 days from the date of confirmation of the test report by the laboratory, then the license certificate (if granted) shall be revoked.
���� The applicant must guarantee in writing (refer to on-site factory visit) that if the samples obtained during the factory visit by the certifying officer do not meet the standard requirements, the license certificate (if approved) will be suspended.
���� Consideration of pre-cancellations, expirations, or relinquishments of certificates should take into account the requirements outlined in Annex XI of the BIS announcement document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)."
2.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification
Foreign manufacturers with factories located outside India can apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). The FMCS differs from Indian manufacturers in the following ways:
(1) The applicant is required to submit two copies of the application form as per Option 1 and other necessary documents (currently, a paper copy is required).
(2) All foreign manufacturers are considered "large" enterprises under FMCS regulations.
(3) For foreign manufacturers (applicants and licensees), a nominated Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be designated. When nominating an AIR, it should be ensured that:
���� The AIR must be a resident of India.
���� The AIR represents only one manufacturing company and is not an AIR for other foreign manufacturers certified by BIS. However, this restriction does not apply if the foreign manufacturer belongs to the same corporate group and the importer (related to the foreign manufacturer) is designated as AIR.
���� The AIR(s) must not have any conflicts of interest. Their actions should be akin to those in third-party laboratory sample testing, and their conduct and roles should not present any conflicts of interest.
���� It is preferable that AIR(s) have at least qualification certification and understand the provisions of the BIS Act and its associated rules, regulations, and implications.
���� AIR(s) must declare their agreement to comply with the terms and conditions stipulated in the BIS Act, rules, regulations, as well as BIS licenses, agreements, commitments, etc., signed by the foreign manufacturer or a representative authorized by them concerning license certificate applications.
���� The name of the AIR must be noted in the license certificate.
(i) The applicant must confirm acceptance of inspection completeness and take necessary actions for officials, such as arranging tickets, issuing visas and insurance, and arranging transportation abroad for an early factory visit by certifying officials.
(ii) The manufacturing company is responsible for safely
delivering samples to laboratories and covering testing costs (if samples are sent to an external laboratory OSL, payment should be made directly to OSL; if sent to BIS Labs, payment should go to BIS accounts).
(iii) According to BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations
2018: After obtaining a license certificate, foreign manufacturers must immediately submit detailed information regarding goods marked with ISI labels (including details about Indian importers, distributors, resellers, retailers, final destinations, and expected dates of entry into Indian ports) online or via email to BIS.
(iv) Fees and charges
‧For countries outside the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), all payments are made in equivalent US dollars. For SAARC countries, payments can be made in Indian Rupees or equivalent US dollars.
‧Per-diem charges for travel.
‧Costs for factory visits: daily charges plus three days' expenses.
‧Contingency funds: applicants pay for each license certificate (calculated based on the number of certificates).
After granting a license certificate, signing agreements mentioned in the application forms regarding compensation guarantees and performance bank guarantees (PBG) is necessary. These guarantees must come from banks with RBI-approved branches in India, with a validity period extending six months beyond that of the certificate.
3.
Initial Application for Certificate
If applying for a product certificate that has not been previously obtained, it will be processed according to option 1. If there is no third-party laboratory available, the case will be determined via approval from BO or factory testing as per Annex X of BIS announcement document "Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)." In such cases, if a third-party laboratory is accredited at an appropriate time, BO may decide to further process applications under option 2 or option 1 procedures until products transition into option 2 procedures. Resources for third-party laboratory testing can be searched on the BIS website. https://lims.bis.gov.in/home/search_is_number/
4.
Factory Visit
���� For each certificate application, the factory visit duration is: one day for manufacturers within India; one day for foreign manufacturers. If additional days are needed, BO may decide.
���� If considering complete product testing at the factory to grant a license certificate, required working days can be assessed and approved by BO.
���� During a factory visit, activities should adhere to BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018 provisions. Factory visits must have details recorded as referenced in Annex Form – VII of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations 2018; under BIS authority, the following activities should be performed:
(i) Verification of documents submitted by the manufacturer;
(ii) Discuss whether control levels submitted by the manufacturer are appropriate, if applicable;
(iii) Verification of factory layout and operational control levels at various stages;
(iv) Verification of available infrastructure including manufacturing machinery, testing equipment, personnel capabilities (quality control, storage conditions, sanitation), if applicable;
(v) Verification of calibration status of testing equipment;
(vi) Factory testing and sampling sent to third-party laboratories, if applicable.
5.
Factory Testing
Factory tests should be conducted where possible. All subjective requirements such as product processing status, visual characteristics, surface defects, product descriptions, smell and taste should be checked at the factory.
If applicants submit partial test reports, remaining requirements will undergo factory testing. Additional working days required for such tests will incur inspection fees if applicable.
For large products that cannot be fully submitted for third-party laboratory testing: size measurements and other tests (for steel plates, boards and pipes, etc.) should take place during factory testing.
If any non-compliance issues are observed during factory testing, samples will not be sent to third-party laboratories. Applicants may be advised on improvements which will require another factory check and testing to verify results at their expense. (The applicant is responsible for paying the additional costs for the factory visit.) Verification regarding raw materials' compliance with product standards will refer to raw material conformity requirements.
6.
Labelling and Marking
After the review and confirmation of compliance with certification, the applicant being granted a certificate should:
���� Adhere to BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations 2018 and product standard requirements and use the label.
���� If specific product guidelines published by BIS permit it, labels beyond standard marks and certificate numbers can be shown on products or packaging in digital formats such as barcodes and QR codes.
Reference 1. ”Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)” released by BIS 2. BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
CBAM Practices of Asia’s Top 5 Wire Suppliers
亞洲5大線材廠減碳之道
Introduction
The Asian market for fastener wire rods is highly competitive. Identifying the top 5 manufacturers is crucial for understanding industry trends, assessing competitive landscapes, and making informed business decisions. This analysis will consider factors such as production capacity, market share, reputation, and pricing influence.
Production Capacity
As of 2023, the global crude steel production was approximately 1,888.2 million tonnes (Mt). Asia, being a dominant player in the steel industry, contributed significantly to this total. In November 2024, Asia and Oceania produced 111.3 Mt, indicating a substantial monthly output. In 2023, Asia's total crude steel production was approximately 1.367 billion tons, a slight increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year.
Focusing on the top five Asian steel manufacturers, here are their respective production capacities: ‧Top 5 Steel Manufacturers
1. China Baowu Group
in Asia: Key Statistics and Achievements
As the largest steel producer in Asia, China Baowu Group achieved a staggering crude steel output of 130.77 million tons in 2023. With operating revenue of 154 billion USD and a profit of 4.4 billion USD, Baowu leads the industry. Committed to sustainability, the group plans to reduce carbon emissions per tonne by 30% from 2020 to 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. China Baowu leverages its immense production capacity to supply markets globally, influencing pricing across Asia and Europe.
Ranking second in Asia, Ansteel Group produced 55.89 million tons of crude steel in 2023 following its merger with Benxi Steel, making it the world's third-largest steel manufacturer. The group aims for 70 million tons of steel output by 2025, with revenue projected at 46 billion USD. Ansteel is recognized for innovation, including advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) applications to enhance vehicle efficiency and reduce emissions. Ansteel has a robust export presence, particularly targeting Southeast Asia and expanding its reach through joint ventures and collaborations.
3. Nippon Steel Corporation
Producing 43.66 million tons of crude steel in 2023, Nippon Steel ranks as one of Asia's major players. The company has earned international recognition, including the Innovation of the Year Award from the World Steel Association. Focused on sustainability, Nippon Steel plans to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Nippon Steel is a key supplier of high-quality steel, especially wire rods used in automotive fasteners worldwide, contributing significantly to global industrial supply chains.
4. HBIS Group
With an output of 41.34 million tons, HBIS Group is a global leader in green steel initiatives. The group has expanded operations internationally, including projects in Serbia and partnerships with global companies. Named a "Sustainability Champion" in 2023, HBIS is at the forefront of hydrogen-based steel production and carbon reduction technologies. HBIS Group has expanded its footprint into Europe through its Serbian operations, enhancing its export capabilities.
5. Shagang Group
Jiangsu Shagang Group, a top private steel manufacturer, produced 41.45 million tons of crude steel in 2023. Despite a 7.6% revenue drop in 2022 to 27 billion USD, Shagang maintains its industry prominence. The group holds certifications such as API and CE, underscoring its product quality and adherence to global standards. Jiangsu Shagang excels in exports to Southeast Asia and Europe, known for its adaptability to diverse market demands.
These companies' ability to set regional price trends and command a strong export presence underscores their leadership in the steel industry.
Reputation for Innovation and Quality
In the competitive global steel industry, a select group of manufacturers has established a reputation for innovation, quality, and customerfocused strategies, setting themselves apart as leaders in their field.
These companies combine cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, catering to the evolving demands of modern industries while addressing environmental concerns.
1. China Baowu: Pioneers in Sustainable Steel Production
China Baowu and Ansteel have emerged as frontrunners in sustainable steelmaking by heavily investing in green technologies. China Baowu, the world’s largest steel producer, has been a driving force behind the green steel movement. The company’s commitment to carbon neutrality is reflected in its adoption of cutting-edge production methods, such as electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy. These innovations not only minimize environmental impact but also maintain the high quality that customers expect.
2. Ansteel: Pioneers in Sustainable Steel Production
Similarly, Ansteel has integrated sustainable practices into its operations, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. By leveraging advanced technologies, Ansteel has developed eco-friendly steel solutions without compromising durability or performance. Their dedication to green innovation positions them as a trusted partner for industries seeking environmentally responsible materials.
3. Nippon Steel: Excellence in High-Strength Steel
Nippon Steel, a leader in advanced steel technologies, has built a stellar reputation for producing high-strength steel that meets the rigorous
demands of industries like automotive, construction, and infrastructure. Renowned for its engineering excellence, the company has developed products such as ultra-hightensile steel sheets, which enhance vehicle safety and reduce weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Nippon Steel’s focus on research and development has earned the company numerous accolades, further solidifying its status as an industry innovator. Their ability to deliver cuttingedge solutions tailored to the needs of global markets demonstrates a commitment to both quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring long-term success in a competitive landscape.
4. HBIS Group: Leading the Hydrogen Revolution
As the steel industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, HBIS Group has positioned itself as a pioneer in hydrogenbased steelmaking. By launching innovative pilot projects, HBIS is setting new benchmarks for environmental sustainability in the sector. The company’s initiatives involve replacing traditional carbon-intensive methods with hydrogen, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This forward-thinking approach not only aligns with global climate goals but also enhances HBIS Group’s reputation as an environmentally responsible producer. Their leadership in green steelmaking serves as a model for the industry, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
5. Jiangsu Shagang: Reliability and Cost-Competitiveness
Jiangsu Shagang has earned a reputation for being a reliable and cost-competitive steel manufacturer. By maintaining efficient production processes and leveraging economies of scale, Shagang offers high-quality steel at competitive prices. This combination of affordability and reliability has attracted a diverse clientele across both domestic and international markets. Shagang’s ability to deliver consistent quality while remaining cost-effective has made it a preferred supplier for industries ranging from construction to manufacturing. Their customer-centric approach ensures that they continue to meet the evolving needs of their clients, strengthening their position in the global market.
Conclusion
China Baowu leverages its dominant production capacity to stabilize the fastener wire rod market by ensuring consistent availability of high-quality materials. Its investments in green steel technologies, such as electric arc furnaces, also make its wire rods more appealing to industries prioritizing sustainability, thus driving demand while maintaining competitive pricing. Ansteel, known for its advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) and innovation in lightweight yet durable materials, supplies wire rods tailored for high-performance fasteners used in automotive and aerospace applications, giving it a strategic edge in premium markets.
Nippon Steel focuses on precision and strength, producing ultra-hightensile wire rods that meet the exacting standards of industries such as automotive and construction, where fasteners need to handle extreme stress and environmental conditions. HBIS Group’s leadership in hydrogen-based steelmaking brings an eco-friendly dimension to its wire rods, which are increasingly sought after by industries aiming to lower their carbon footprint. This innovative approach not only boosts its reputation but also allows HBIS to command a premium for its environmentally friendly products. Jiangsu Shagang, known for costefficiency and reliability, ensures that its wire rods are competitively priced, making it a go-to supplier for fastener manufacturers in cost-sensitive markets, especially in Southeast Asia and Europe. These companies collectively shape fastener wire rod trends by aligning their offerings with market demands for quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Lotfian
Copyright owned by Fastener World Article by Behrooz
Who is Right? Are Plastics Really Attractive?
Let's first note two diametrically different official statements:
1. Presentation of a company producing plastic fasteners:
“Non-metallic plastic fasteners can significantly reduce the weight, cost, and assembling complexities of your projects because of their lightweight, non-magnetic, non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-abrasive, non-conducting, and heatresistant properties. They are invaluable for applications where high tensile holding strength is not the primary requirement. ”
2. Vice-President of the European Commission for Sustainable Development once said:
“We must stop the penetration of plastic into our water, into our food and even into our organisms. The only long-term solution to reducing the volume of plastic waste is its more intense recycling and reuse.”
And continuing:
“Europeans produce 25 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, with just a little less than 30% collected for recycling. Plastics make up 85% of the world's waste in the world. Half of all plastics have become waste in as little as four years from the start of use. According to the new report of "Plastic and Climate", plastic will contribute greenhouse gases in the equivalent of 850 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere in 2019. ”
So who is right? This article will try to give an answer to this question.
■ About Plastics in General ■
According to Wikipedia, plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to its widespread use. Fasteners are no exception in this regard.
The success and dominance of plastics starting in the early 20th century has caused widespread environmental problems, due to their slow decomposition rate in natural ecosystems. Most plastic produced has not been reused, or is incapable of reuse, either being captured in landfills or persisting in the environment as plastic pollution and microplastics. Plastic pollution can be found in all the world's major water bodies, for example, creating garbage patches in all of the world's oceans and contaminating terrestrial ecosystems. Of all the plastic discarded so far, only some 10% has been recycled.
■ The Situation in the Area of Fasteners ■
In particular, we must distinguish between recyclable and non-recyclable plastic products. The first category includes fasteners made of plastic only (Fig. 1), which is without any combination with metal such as screws, nuts, washers, etc. In the following text, our focus will be oriented on combined fasteners. A typical representative of this category is a DIN 985 lock nut (Fig. 2 and 3).
(Fig. 1) (Fig. 2) (Fig. 3)
As shown in these Figures, the DIN 985 nut consists of two parts. The steel threaded nut and plastic retaining ring are pressed on the nut output part (Fig. 2).
The ring weight is about 4.8% of the weight of the nut, e.g., with M18 nut it is a ca. 0.002KG ring. Is it a lot or a little? Certainly most would say that this is a negligible amount and there is no point in dealing with it. But what is the reality?
The DIN 985 lock nut is one of the most widely used fasteners in construction and is produced on a mass scale. Accurate statistical data is not available, so we need to base the reasoning only on assumption
With a daily production of about 1 million DIN 985 nuts, then it means 2,000KG of plastics which is burned together with metal waste in the melting furnace. Compared with the Plastic and Climate report, it's the minimum, but must it be?
In practice a washer frequently used in boilers or sheet metal roofs in Fig. 4 cannot be ecologically recycled.
(Fig. 4a)
(Fig. 4b)
■ Solution Options ■
An equivalent replacement of DIN 985 lock nuts is their all-metal version. However, there are other options. One of them is the lock nut IstLock® with a replaceable locking plastic ring (Fig. 5 and 6) or in various metal versions (Fig. 7 for example).
■ Conclusion ■
The classic saying goes: “Every technical drawing is a compromise of functionality, price and ecological impacts on the environment.” This is also the case here. The given article is meant to be an attempt to evaluate
(Fig. 5) (Fig. 6)
the possible influences of the often used parts for mechanical joining on the environment. As mentioned above, not all fasteners are ecologically acceptable. Fortunately, they can be replaced. It is up to the designer to know the possibilities and limits.
The present article points out the current problem - disproportionate contamination of nature by plastic rubbish and suggesting possible solutions in the field of fasteners.
So what is the answer to the initial question? Both are right. Plastic products cannot currently be excluded from technical practice. However, the condition is the possibility of recycling!
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Jozef Dominik
(Fig. 7)
Current Development of (Part 2)
Japanese Fastener Industry _ Operational Strategy
Foreword
In the previous article, it was mentioned that Japanese fastener industry has been facing the impacts of global political & economic turmoil, rising costs and intensified market competition, and has been improving its average unit price and competitiveness through the strategy of high value-added products for years. Therefore, this article focuses on the analysis of changes in the unit prices of Japan's imports and exports in recent years, and the comparison of unit prices with those of its competing countries as a starting point for exploring the operation model of Japanese fastener industry, its potential application markets, and the strategies for dealing with the industry in the future.
Trend Analysis of Japan's Import and Export Unit Prices in the Global Fastener Market
a. Comparison of the Unit Price of Japan’s Fastener Imports with Other Countries
Table 1 is a comparison of Japan’s fastener imports with other countries in 2019-2023. In terms of the unit prices of the world's top 10 fastener importing countries, only Germany (US$5.21/kg), China (US$11.65/kg), France (US$6.10/kg), and the UK (US$5.58/kg) were higher than US$5.0/kg, and the imported unit prices of the rest were all under US$5.0/kg,
which can be used as a reference benchmark for defining the unit price level. Low-end fasteners were still the mainstream of market imports. China's import unit price was significantly higher than those of Germany, France and the UK, which could be translated into the fact that China still relied on imports fasteners with high unit prices. Germany, France, the UK maintained their unit prices of imports in a similar range, and the unit prices of imports of the U.S., Germany, the UK, France, Canada and many countries in recent years have also increased, except for the Netherlands, whose unit price of imports appeared a significant decline in 2023, which should be driven by its increased demand for low- and medium end construction fasteners.
Japan was the world's 17th largest fastener importer. The unit price of Japanese imports in 2023 was US$3.91/kg, close to Taiwan's export unit price (US$3.73/kg). The fastener supply and demand relationship between Taiwan and Japan was stable, and the average unit price of Japan’s imports was not high, mainly because Japan was self-sufficient in the domestic market of medium- and high-end fasteners, and should maintain the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing of medium- and high-end fasteners for selfproduction and self-sale; In addition, although the fastener import volume of Taiwan, the world's 40th largest importer, was not high, it is worth noting that the unit price of fasteners imported by Taiwan (US$9.76/kg) was close to that of China (US$11.65/kg). Compared with Europe and the US, there is still import demand for high-end fasteners in Taiwan. The import unit price of such level (US$9.76/kg) makes Taiwan still a market where Japanese fastener suppliers can strengthen economic & trade relations and technical cooperation with.
Table 1. Comparison of the Unit Price of Japan’s Fastener Imports with Other Countries in
Comparison
b. Comparison of the Unit Price of Japan’s Fastener with Other Countries
Table 2 is a comparison of the unit price of Japan’s fastener exports with other countries in 2019-2023. In terms of the unit prices of the top 10 fastener exporting countries, the export unit prices of the UK (US$20.36/kg), France (US$10.85/kg), Germany (US$8.84/kg), the US (US$8.72/kg), and Japan (US$7.99/kg) were on the high side, while China and Taiwan were ranked as the 1st and the 4th largest exporters in the world. However, the unit prices of fasteners exported from China and Taiwan were on the low side compared to the other top 10 exporting countries (US$2.36/kg from China and US$3.73/kg from Taiwan). The fasteners from China and Taiwan accounted for about 30% of the global fastener exports, indicating that China and Taiwan were still the main fastener suppliers at the unit price level of US$2.0~4.0/kg. Fasteners with the unit price level of US$7.0~9.0/kg accounted for more than 30% of the global exports, and fasteners with the unit price level of US$10.0~20.0/kg accounted for about 5.0~6.0% of the global exports. China and Taiwan in developing higher quality (value) of fasteners still showed a significant gap from Europe, the US, and Japan, a market where Japanese fastener industry can tap into.
In 2023, the unit price of Japan's fastener exports was US$7.99/kg, and the CAGR in recent years showed a slight decline. Japanese fastener industry is facing quality competition from high-end fasteners in Europe and the U.S., and low-price competition from medium-to-low-end fasteners in China and Taiwan, and is in urgent need of business strategy transformation; as the world's 4th largest exporter, Taiwan’s export unit price was about 3.73 US$/ kg, and the CAGR of its 5-year export unit prices was about 6.3%, which should be the effects of the U.S. shifting the original procurement of fasteners from China to Taiwan and the effectiveness of Taiwan's transformation and upgrading to high value-added fasteners.
Future Challenges to the Operation Model of Japanese Fastener Industry
a. Current Status of Japanese Fastener Industry
Japan was the world's 6th largest fastener exporter, with an export value of US$2.386 billion and an export volume of 298,400 tons in 2023. It demonstrates a market-leading position, especially in the areas of highend fasteners, covering automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics and other applications, which are greatly related to the Japanese manufacturing industry. In terms of production value and export, Japanese fastener industry has an annual production value of about 500 billion yens, with exports accounting for more than 30% of its production, mainly exported to China, Europe and N. America, and the remaining 70% sold to the domestic market; high-quality and precision are the core advantages of Japan's exported fasteners, especially in the aerospace and high-end automotive fields with strong demand.
b. Current
Operation Model of Japanese Fastener Manufacturers
As the market for Japanese fasteners is gradually being challenged by competitors, in response to the growing demand from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Japanese fastener manufacturers have stepped up their efforts to open up overseas markets by setting up production bases in Southeast Asia and other regions in order to reduce costs and respond to local customers’ needs. Japanese large fastener manufacturers still have the strength to dominate the market for high value-added products, and SMEs account for about 90% of the number of Japanese fastener manufacturers. The order flexibility and efficient production are their core competitive edges, and the division of labor in the supply chains is quite complete. Known for their durability, precision, and reliable quality, Japanese fasteners meet the stringent requirements of the global highend market. Their manufacturers are continuously investing in advanced technologies such as corrosion-resistant steels, lightweight materials, hightemperature-resistant fasteners, and high-strength structural fasteners.
In terms of digital transformation, Japanese fastener manufacturers have adopted the IIoT platform for real-time monitoring and maintenance of production equipment to reduce the risk of downtime, and are utilizing measures such as the introduction of AI into smart manufacturing for supply chain analyses and management.
In terms of energy saving and carbon reduction, Japanese fastener industry has been investing in green manufacturing for years in response to the global carbon reduction and environmental protection, such as adopting recyclable materials and low energy consuming manufacturing processes to reduce carbon emissions in order to comply with international environmental regulations, and utilizing water-based coatings and low-pollution technologies in manufacturing to realize environmental protection and carbon reduction.
c. Japanese Government's Support Policy for the Fastener Industry
Japanese government actively promotes fastener SMEs to carry out digital transformation, provides subsidies and technical support to help Japanese fastener industry enhance international competitiveness, supports R&D of innovative technologies, injects resources especially into material upgrading, intelligence, automation and other aspects. It also collaborates with Fastener Institute of Japan (FIJ) to provide a platform for fastener industry exchanges, promotes the industry standardization and international cooperation, and supports Japanese fastener companies to participate in international exhibitions to increase the global visibility of their brands.
d. Japanese Government's Support Strategy for Carbon Emission Trends and Fastener Industry Sectors
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan created a “Carbon Credit Market” in August 2021 and conducted a study in 2022 to set up a carbon trading market for encouraging enterprises to set voluntary emission reduction targets and promoting enterprises to make investments in carbon reduction. In addition, METI announced the goal of “Zero Carbon Emission by 2050” in December 2020, and selected 14 critical fields for “Carbon Neutral Green Growth Strategy”. Below are the industries involved with fastener demand:
i. Offshore Wind Power, Solar Energy, Geothermal: demand for fasteners used
in offshore wind turbines, solar energy, and geothermal related facilities.
ii. Nuclear Energy: Promote Japanese companies to become the main member of the Small Modular Range (SMR) International Collaboration Program, and promote the popularization of SMRs to generate the demand for fasteners.
iii. EV and Batteries: From 2035, Japan will restrict the sale of nonelectric small passenger vehicles, facilitating demand for fasteners for all types of small commercial EV, large commercial EV, automotive batteries (incl. multi-functional screws, sealers & nuts, washer assemblies, or smart fasteners with high torque and tear strength in carbon fiber materials), and fast charging stations and hydrogen charging stations.
iv. Marine: Requirements for fasteners related to LNG-fueled vessels and wind propulsion systems.
v. Infrastructure: demand for fasteners used in infrastructure (e.g., harbors) related to various foreign green energy imports.
vi. New Aircraft: Demand for fasteners for hydrogen-powered aircraft batteries & engines, hydrogen supply chains, and the construction of hydrogen refueling equipment.
vii. Green Building and New-Generation Solar Power: Demand for fasteners for green residential buildings, solar power generation facilities, and newgeneration solar (calcium titanium ore) power generation facilities.
Potential Markets and Strategies for Japanese Fastener Industry
a.
High-end Market Trends and Strategies
Since the low-end Japanese fastener industry could barely compete with the economy of scale in China, the development of high-end fasteners and stabilizing its position as the world's high-end fastener supplier has become an important issue. Japanese fasteners in the high-end market have already
gained a technological advantage, and the competitive edge of materials allows them to develop high-price superalloy fasteners. Superalloys refer to nickel-based, iron-based and cobalt-based alloys that contain Cr to increase resistance to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion, and other elements to increase high-temperature strength and age-hardening, etc. Nickel-based superalloys have the best high-temperature mechanical properties and high strength and oxidation-resistant properties at high temperatures.
Rivets, bolts, screws and nuts made of various superalloys are mainly used in: energy generation (bolts/blades/waste gas reheaters/discs/shafts/ rings), defense & aerospace (discs/bolts/shafts/housings/blades/wings/ combustion drums/afterburners/reverse thrust devices), automotive (exhaust valves/turbochargers/engine fasteners), electronics (casting molds/heat treatment molds), medical (dental fillings), metal processing (vacuum tubes/electronic components), etc.
b. Medium-to-low-end Market Trends and Strategies
Facing the competition from China, S. Korea and other countries, the situation of the markets of their medium-to-low-end fasteners being taken by competitors, coupled with the increased fluctuations in raw material costs (especially steel and alloy) which cannot be passed onto the sales prices of products as only about 30% of their customers are willing to accept price increase, Japanese fastener suppliers have reported sharp profit decline. Accordingly, manufacturers may evaluate the establishment of an industry-level team of multiple players supported by resources from the Japanese government to avoid the waste of resources, and also integrate the strengths of different industries and government resources to solve the current predicament of the medium- and low-end markets and consolidate the development of Japan's next-generation fastener industry.
In addition, various types of fasteners in the construction industry still account for a certain demand, and construction fasteners are the mainstream of the post-epidemic period, including steel structural bolts, wood screws, gypsum board screws, expansion anchor bolts, chemical anchor bolts, drop-in anchors, cut anchors, etc. Fasteners with CE certification are still competitive in the market; in terms of human resources, Japan is facing the problem of aging and labor shortage limiting the potential of industrial development, and the cultivation of its new-generation human resource needs more support.
Conclusion
The global green economy transformation has driven the demand for related fasteners, and there are considerable opportunities for Japanese fastener industry. In terms of products, it can seize the opportunity of the post-epidemic era and the replacement of fasteners caused by different consumption patterns, and lay the groundwork in advance to cut into the market for new products; in terms of trade, Japan can take advantage of its own tariff advantage in the CPTPP and RCEP systems to lay out its global position. In particular, in the RCEP led by China, the tariff removal rate averages about 91.5%, which will cause less impact on Japan due to the U.S.-China trade war; in terms of distribution, Japanese fastener industry can also learn from Taiwan's mergers and acquisitions of mature foreign sales channels. Through the advantage of the marketing network, Japanese suppliers can promote products to the global market, and cope with industrial challenges in the fast-changing global political and economic situation.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dr. Arthur Hsu
