Fastener-World Magazine No.202_Global Version

163 310EXPRESS COMPANY (Japan)

Security, Tamper Proof, Anti-theft Screws...

179 A & M PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Automotive Fasteners...

280 A-PLUS SCREWS INC.

Chipboard Screws, Customized Special Screws / Bolts...

159 A-STAINLESS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

Chipboard Screws, Concrete Screws, Deck Screws...

350 ABC FASTENERS CO., LTD.

Drop-in Anchors, Expansion Anchors, Wire Anchors...

129 ABS METAL INDUSTRY CORP.

Elevator Bolts, Flanged Head Bolts, Floorboard Screws...

147 ACHILLES SEIBERT GMBH (Germany)

Tapping Screws, Drilling Screws, Thread Rolling Screws...

170 ADVANCED GLOBAL SOURCING LTD.

Screw, Nut, Bolt, Machining/Stamping/Spring Parts..

82 AEH FASTEN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

Clevis Pins, Dowel Pins, Hollow Rivets...

35 ALEX SCREW INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Button Head Cap Screws, Button Head Socket Cap Screws...

128 ALISHAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD.

Fastener Tools, Bolts, Screws, Nuts, Stamping Parts...

235 AL-PRO METALS CO., LTD.

Special Screws, Clinching Screws, Micro Screws...

80 AMBROVIT S.P.A. (Italy)

Chipboard Screws, Combined Screws, Machine Screws...

58 AMPLE LONG INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Hollow Rivets, Drive Rivets, Semi-tubular Rivets...

364 ANCHOR FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

276 CHANG BING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 彰濱 Hook Bolts, Holders / Hooks / Rings, Dowel Screws...

106 CHANG YI BOLT CO., LTD. 長益 6 Cuts/ 8 Cuts Self Drilling Screws, A2 Cap Screws...

330 CHAO JING PRECISE MACHINES ENTERPRISE 朝璟 Cold Forging Bolt Formers, Thread Rolling Machines...

187 CHI NING COMPANY LTD. 旗林 Machine, Nuts, Tooling...

51 CHIAN YUNG CORPORATION 將運 SEMS Screws

120 CHIAO CHANG PNEUMATIC TOOL CORP. 喬章 Riveter Tools, Rivet Nut Tools, Cutting Tools, Engraving Pen...

181 CHIEH LING SCREWS ENTERPRISE CO., LTD 捷領 Screws, Nuts, Hexagon Keys, Lug Wrenches, Rivets...

219 CHIEN TSAI MACHINERY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 鍵財 Thread Rolling Machines

94 CHIN LIH HSING PRECISION ENTERPRISE 金利興 Automotive Nuts, Brass Inserts, Bushes, Bushings...

316 CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. 精湛 Eddy Current Sorting Machines, Fastener Makers...

169 CHIREK FASTENER CORPORATION 錡瑞 Stainless Steel Fasteners, Self-Drilling Screws, Washers...

36 CHONG CHENG FASTENER CORP. 宗鉦 Cap Nuts, Coupling Nuts, Conical Washer Nuts...

118 CHUN YU WORKS & CO., LTD. 春雨 Drywall Screws, Socket Head Cap Screws , TC Bolt Sets...

318 CHUN ZU MACHINERY INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 春日 Cold Headers, Header Toolings, Heading Machines...

205 CHUNG HO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 鍾和 Customized Fasteners, Multi-Forming Screws, CNC Turning Parts…

239 CONTINENTAL PARAFUSOS S.A. 巴西商友暉 Automotive Part & Nut, Home Appliance Screws, Sems...

285 COPA FLANGE FASTENERS CORP. 國鵬 Hex Nuts, Hex Flange Nuts, Combi Nuts, Weld Nuts...

275 CO-WEALTH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 竟丞 Spring Pins, Flange Washers, Sems Washers...

98 CPC FASTENERS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 冠誠

Stainless Steel, Bi-metal Self-drilling Screws...

31 DA YANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 大楊

Special Automotive Nuts, Special Weld Nuts...

203 DAGAN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 美達斯 Nut Former, Thread Rolling Machine, Cold Forging Tooling…

338 DAH-LIAN MACHINE CO., LTD 大連

Fastener Maker, Thread Rolling Machines, Heading Machines...

96 DAR YU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 達宇 Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, Screw Nails…

122 DE HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 德慧 Drywall Screws, Decking Screws, Self-drilling Screws, Roofing Screws... DIING SEN FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 鼎昇 Chipboard Screws, Corrosion Resistant Screws...

13 DIN LING CORP. 登琳

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, Furniture Screws...

105 DRAGON IRON FACTORY CO., LTD. 龍昌

Bi-metal Self-drilling Screws, Sheet Metal Screws...

121 DRA-GOON FASTENERS INC. 丞曜

Chipboard Screws, Phillips Head Screws, TEK Screws...

276

149

Bolts, Plastic Injection Parts...

320 CHAN CHANGE MACHINERY CO., LTD. 長薔 Screw Head Machines, Bolt Former, High Performance Former...

134

258 EMEK FASTENERS CO. LTD. (Turkey)

Rivet Nuts, Spacers & Round Nuts, Tubular Rivets, Special Screws...

334 E-UNION FASTENER CO., LTD.

Conveyors, Thread Rolling Machines, Heading Machines...

171 EXCEL COMPONENTS MFG CO., LTD.

Turning Parts, CNC Parts, Forged and Stamped Parts...

117 FAITHFUL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Anchors, Box Nails, Door/Window Accessories...

78 FALCON FASTENER CO., LTD.

Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts...

4 FANG SHENG SCREW CO., LTD.

Shoulder Bolts, Button Head Socket Cap Screws..

45 FASTENER JAMHER TAIWAN INC.

Automotive Nuts, Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts, Bushings...

40 FASTNET CORP.

Dowel Pins, Flange Nuts, Weld Nuts, 4 Pronged T Nuts...

157 FIXI SRL. (Italy)

Rivet Nuts, Blind Rivets, Self-clinching, Welding Studs...

83 FONG PREAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Automotive Screws, Bi-metal Screws, Brass & Bronze Screws...

54 FORTUNE BRIGHT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Cap Nuts, Dome Nuts, Nylon Cap Insert Lock Nuts...

201 FRATOM FASTECH CO., LTD.

Hot Forming Tools, Punches & Sleeves, Dies, Machinery Accssories...

76 FU HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts...

221 FU KAI FASTENER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Precision Electronic Screws, Special Screws, Weld Screws... 114 FUSHANG CO., LTD.

Carbon Steel Screws, Chipboard Screws, Concrete Screws...

324 GIAN-YEH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Rivet Dies, Self-drilling Screw Dies, Screw Tip Dies...

162 GINFA WORLD CO., LTD.

Chipboard Screws, Countersunk Screws, Drywall Screws...

161 HSIN YU SCREW ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 新雨

Acme Screws, Hexagon Head Cap Screws...

41 HU PAO INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. 如保

Automotive Nuts, Flange Nuts, Hexagon Nuts...

353 HUANG JING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 皇晉 Custom Washers, Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws...

293 HWEI NEN CO., LTD. 輝能 Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts...

329 INFINIX PRECISION CORP. 英飛凌 Customized Punches and Dies

107 INMETCH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 恆鉅 Flanged Head Bolts, Locking Bolts, Stud Bolts...

100 INNTECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 建豪 All Kinds of Nuts, All Kinds of Screws, Automotive Special Screws...

190 iTAC LABORATORY CO., LTD. 鼎誠 Independent laboratory services for fastener tests

231 J. T. FASTENERS SUPPLY CO., LTD. 金祐昇 Drop-in Anchors, Floating Nuts, Connecting Nuts...

10 J.C. GRAND CORPORATION 俊良

All Kinds of Screws, Chipboard Screws...

59 JAU YEOU INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 朝友

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, High Low Thread Screws...

223 JENG YUH CO., LTD. 政毓

Plastic Injection Products, Plastic Mold R&D…

362 JERN YAO ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. 正曜

Multi-station Cold Forming, Parts Forming Machines...

49 JET FAST COMPANY LIMITED 捷禾

Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts, Aircraft & Aerospace Washers...

341 JIE LE MACHINERY CO., LTD. 捷仂

Consolidation of Artificial Intelligence Equipment

104 JIEN KUEN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 健坤

Hexagon Nuts, Nylon Cap Insert Lock Nuts, Square Nuts...

333 JIENG BEEING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 精斌

Forming Tool for Nut and Bolt, Dies, Molds...

336 JIN CHI HARDWARE MACHINERY LIMITED 金騏

Heading and Threading Machines / Whole-plant Equipment Planning

164 JINGFONG INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 璟鋒

Hex Nylon Insert Lock Nuts, Wing Nuts with Nylon Insert...

151 JIN-YINGS ENTERPRISE CO.,LTD. 晉營

Special Custom Fasteners, Auto/Motorcycle Fasteners, Special Screws…

303 JOINTECH FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 群創

Customized Parts, Bolts, Screws, Nuts, Automotive Parts...

27 JOKER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 久可

Hollow Wall Anchors, Concrete Screws, Jack Nuts...

295 KAN GOOD ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 鋼固 Fastener, Hardware, Plastic, Instruction Booklet Package in Bags...

348 KAO WAN BOLT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 高旺

Hex Head Cap Screws, Carriage Bolts, Hex Lag Bolts...

142 KATSUHANA FASTENERS CORP. 濱井

Collated Screws, Drywall Screws, Roofing Screws...

166 KEY-USE INDUSTRIAL WORKS CO., LTD. 凱雍

Flanged Head Bolts, Milled Bolts, Rim Bolts, Round Head Bolts...

101 KING CENTURY GROUP CO., LTD. 慶宇

Drop-in Anchors, Self-drilling Anchors, Sleeve Anchors...

335 KING YUAN DAR METAL ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 金元達

Continuous Type Heat Treating Furnace

337 KUANG TAI METAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 廣泰

HONG TENG HARDWARE CO., LTD. 鋐騰

Bi-metal Screws, Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel Screws...

136 HOSHENG PRECISION HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Auto Parts, CNC Machined Parts, Bolts...

241 HSIANG HSING SCREW BOLT CO., LTD.

Ball Screws, Brass & Bronze Screws, Cap Screws, Combined Screws...

172 HSIN CHANG HARDWARE INDUSTRIAL CORP. 欣彰

Anchor Bolts, Anchors, Plastic Fasteners...

46 HSIN JUI HARDWARE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 欣瑞 Bushes, Construction Bolts, Special Cold / Hot Forming Parts...

Stainless Steel Cold Heading Wire

74 KWANTEX RESEARCH INC. 寬仕

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, Furniture Screws...

124 L & W FASTENERS COMPANY 金大鼎

Construction Fasteners, Flat Washers, Heavy Nuts...

251 LAIEN CO., LTD. 高昱

Screws, Multi-stroke Forming Screws, CNC Machined Parts...

185 LI YOU SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 立侑

Automotive / Sems / Nylock / CNC Machined Screws…

Self-drilling Screws, Stainless Steel Screws, Furniture Screws...

123 PS FASTENERS PTE LTD. (Singapore)

Washers, Socket Set Screws, U Bolts, Alloy Steel Screws...

130 Q-NUTS INDUSTRIAL CORP.

Flange Nuts, Weld Nuts, Special Nuts, Spacers...

48 QST INTERNATIONAL CORP.

Hexagon Head Bolts, Square Head Bolts, Weld Bolts (Studs)...

140 RAY FU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Construction Screws, Automotive Parts, Special Fasteners...

14 REXLEN CORP.

Clinch Nuts, Clinch Studs, CNC Parts, Stamped Parts...

349 S&T FASTENING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 順通

Carbon Steel Screws, Bi-metal Screws, Stainless Steel Screws...

6 SAN SHING FASTECH CORP. 三星

Automotive Nuts, Automotive Parts, Carbide Dies...

79 SCREWTECH INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 銳禾

Machined Parts, Thumb Screws, Micro Screws...

237 SCT FASTENERS CO., LTD. 鑫成星

Decking Screws, Security Screws, Machine Screws, Chipboard Screws

358 SEN CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 昇錩

Customized Special Screws / Bolts, Socket Head Cap Screws...

354 SHANGHAI FAST-FIX RIVET CORP. 飛可斯 Blind Rivets, High Shear Rivets, Closed End Rivets...

191 SHAW GUANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 紹光 Cap Nuts, Conical Washer Nuts, Flange Nuts...

328 SHEEN TZAR CO., LTD. 新讚 Self-Drilling Screw Machines & Dies

246 SHEH FUNG SCREWS CO., LTD. 世豐 Chipboard Screws, Countersunk Screws, Wood Screws...

248 SHEH KAI PRECISION CO., LTD. 世鎧 Bi-metal Concrete Screw Anchors, Bi-metal Screws...

113 SHEN CHOU FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 神洲 Button Head Cap Screws, Chipboard Screws...

56 SHIH HSANG YWA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 新倡發 Flange Nuts, Flange Nylon Nuts With Washers...

168 SHIN CHUN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 昕群 Automotive Screws, Chipboard Screws, Customized Screws...

265 SHIN JAAN WORKS CO., LTD. 新展 Flanged Head Bolts, Long Carriage Bolts, Round Head Bolts...

131 SHUENN CHANG FA ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 舜倡發 Long Construction Fasteners and Other Modified Fasteners...

322 SHUN HSIN TA CORP. 順興達 Punches, Tungsten Carbide Nut Forming Dies, Special Dies…

263 SIN HONG HARDWARE PTE. LTD. (Singapore) 新豐 Hexagon Nuts, Hexagon Head Bolts, Blind Rivets...

155 SINGHANIA INTERNATIONAL LTD (India) Standard & Custom Fasteners

233 SOON PORT INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 鴻錡 Collated Screws, Drywall Screws, Self-Drillig Screws...

28 SPEC PRODUCTS CORP. 友鋮 Lincensee Fasteners, Turned/Machined Parts...

8 SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. 恆昭 Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts, Blind Rivets, Air Riveters...

240 STRONG JOHNNY INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 駿愷 Automotive & Special Parts, Cold-Forged Fasteners...

34 SUN CHEN FASTENERS INC., 展鴻鑫 Cup Washers, Flanged Head Bolts, T-head or T-slot Bolts...

143 SUNCO INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. (Japan) Distributor Specializing in Fasteners

116 SUPER DPD CO., LTD. 三御 All Kinds of Screws, Bi-metal Screws, Carbon Steel Screws...

44 SUPERIOR QUALITY FASTENER CO., LTD. 鑫程椿 Weld Nuts, Turning Parts, Long Screws, Spring Nuts...

339 TAIEAG CORPORATION 順基軒

Designed peripheral equipment suitable for fastener packaging

244 TAIWAN FASTENERS INTEGRATED SERVICE 全聯鑫 Bolts, Screws, Nuts, Precise Mechanical Parts, Stampings...

206 TAIWAN PRECISION FASTENER CO., LTD.

Drywall Screws, Wood Construction Screws, Roofing Screws...

88 TAIWAN SELF-LOCKING CO., LTD. 台灣耐落 Nylok®, Precote®, Nycote®, Nyplas®, Loctite®...

175 TAIWAN SHAN YIN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 慶達 Bi-metal Self-drilling Screws, Chipboard Screws...

141 TANG AN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 鏜安

Customized Automotive Parts and Special Fasteners

12 THREAD INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 英德

Chipboard Screws, Flange Nuts, Heavy Nuts...

109 THUNDERBOLT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Combined Screws, Customized Special Screws/Bolts...

60 TONG HEER FASTENERS (THAILAND) CO., LTD.

Hex Bolts, Stud Bolts, Socket Cap Screws, Hex Nuts…

60 TONG HEER FASTENERS CO., SDN. BHD (Malaysia)

Stainless Steel Metric Screws, Stainless Steel Screws…

271 TONG HO SHING INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD.

Hex Washer Head Screws, Indent Hex Head Screws...

18 TONG HWEI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

A2 Cap Screws, Button Head Socket Cap Screws...

61 TONG MING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Stainless Steel Fasteners, Wire Rods...

112 TSAE FARN SCREWS HARDWARE CO., LTD.

2 Cap Screws, Aircraft Nails, All Kinds of Screws...

194 TSIN YING METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Stainless Steel Cold Heading Wire, Oxalate Coating Wire...

325 TZE PING PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD.

Open Die Machines, Cold Headers, Cold Forming Machines...

301 U-JUNE-INSTRUMENT CO., LTD.

Hot Mounting Machine, Grinding & Polishing Machine...

257 UNI-PROTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Slotted Nuts, Construction Fasteners, Automotive Parts…

243 UNIVERSAL PRECISION SCREWS (India)

Dowel Pins and Shoulder Bolts...

50 VERTEX PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CORP.

6 Cuts/

The E.I.F.I. has a New President Interview with Paolo Pozzi

What can we expect from your Presidency?

It is safe to say that Paolo Pozzi has earned his credentials in the field.

With a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Politecnico Institute of Milan, he joined the Agrati Group in 1995, where he held various positions until becoming General Manager of the parent company "Agrati SpA" and then a member of the Board of Directors. He was appointed Managing Director of the Group in 2008 and CEO in 2016.

Under his leadership and in line with the Presidency, the Agrati Group has undergone a transformation that is clearly visible today through the achievement of important goals. These successes can be summarised by an annual turnover exceeding 680 million euros and a staff of more than 2400 employees operating across 12 manufacturing establishments situated in Europe, the United States and China.

Paolo Pozzi’s innate talent for diplomacy, coupled with his engaging personality, has garnered him recognition and respect within the social sphere of his profession, both nationally and internationally. He has carried out and continues to carry out intense professional and membership activities. Therefore, it came as no surprise when he was unanimously elected as EIFI President for the period of 2023-2027 during the EIFI General Shareholders’ Meeting held on 12 May 2023 in Meissen (Germany).

Thanks to his willingness to make time for us, we (referring to Italian Fasteners Magazine, the same goes hereinafter) had the privilege of meeting the recently appointed President. Here is the interview that followed.

Firstly, I would once again like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the EIFI Members who elected me as their President. It is with great honour and happiness that I assume this position, particularly as the EIFI is undergoing a significant period of transformation. My hope is to make a significant impact in shaping a new era for the EIFI and facilitating its adaptation to the challenges and profound changes currently affecting all industrial sectors

I believe that it will become increasingly crucial to address these new challenges at the European level in order to effectively represent and safeguard the fasteners industry and its unique characteristics in the years to come.

by Marco A. Guerritore Editor in Chief Italian Fasteners Magazine

This will necessitate an organisation capable of collaborating closely with national associations, while simultaneously expanding its operations and prominence at a European level. This can be accomplished by cultivating partnerships with institutions in Brussels (EC and Parliament), as well as other trade associations (AEGIS, CLEPA, EUROFER etc.). The present challenges cannot be addressed using the same approaches employed in the past.

What is the current organisational structure of the EIFI?

The current structure consists of a Board, which includes a President, two Vice-Presidents, six members representing the national associations and a General Manager. The term of office for the President and Board has been extended to four years and can be renewed for an additional term. There are three Market Groups:

• Automotive

• General Industry/Distribution

• Aerospace

There are three Operating Committees:

• Public Affairs, Legal, TDI and Membership Development

• Technical, Quality and Innovation

• Marketing and Communication

Two new categories have been introduced within the category of fastener manufacturers:

• Affiliated Members, comprising companies in the fasteners supply chain

• Associated Members, consisting mainly of service and consulting companies

What are your objectives as President during your term?

The objectives include:

1. Enhancing the recognition and visibility of the EIFI throughout Europe

2. Broadening the membership base

3. Strengthening the organisation

However, the fundamental objective remains the same: to effectively represent and protect the interests and unique characteristics of the European fasteners industry.

Is there still a valid role for a European trade association in today’s highly globalised world?

I would argue that because we have been living in a globalised world for more than 30 years, it is crucial to embrace the European dimension in order to tackle new challenges. This principle is applicable not only to trade associations but also to all EU Member States, who sometimes overlook the fact that they are part of a geographic region that represents the world’s largest market, renowned for excellence across all industrial sectors.

Even in the case of fasteners, Europe maintains its position as the world’s largest market, representing 26% of the total value of 90 billion dollars, surpassing the Asia Pacific region, North America and China. I believe it is worthwhile trying to defend and support this market as well as the European companies operating within it.

Are European nuts and bolts competitive at a global level? What potential risks does this sector face in the future?

I would say that European nuts and bolts are indeed competitive globally, particularly when we compare ourselves to countries operating under similar regulations and conditions. Unfortunately, we are well aware that this level playing field is not always guaranteed.

I think that Europe’s position as the world’s leading fastener market can be attributed to the efforts of European manufacturers, and also to the supply chain, which over the years has adapted and evolved alongside market demands, offering manufacturers high-quality materials and services at competitive prices. Let us not forget that the competitiveness and expertise of European fastener manufacturers have allowed them to develop global champions who have also successfully invested in other regions worldwide. In fact, at least five European manufacturers rank among the world’s top ten fastener manufacturers.

The potential risks are partly known and partly new. The known risks include imbalances in relation to WTO regulations, which have led to the imposition of import duties to rebalance the system. The new risks stem from the disparities in the speed and approaches adopted by different regions worldwide to address sustainability concerns.

These concerns primarily revolve around the environment, with the first test case being the implementation of the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism). However, this issue extends beyond environmental considerations and encompasses broader decisions linked to ESG issues, with each country adopting different approaches in this regard.

What can the EIFI do, particularly for small and medium-sized European companies in the fasteners sector?

In my view, small and medium-sized companies need to be part of an organisation that can effectively represent, defend and guide them in navigating the immense challenges of today. Consider the three major transformations currently taking place in Europe: sustainability, digitisation and the electrification of the automotive sector, which remains a key market for fastener manufacturers. These profound changes are having a significant impact on organisations, and the fact that they are all happening at the same time makes their management very complex and burdensome for large companies, while posing an unsustainable challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises. By sharing these epochal transitions with associations that can provide valuable information, support and guidance on addressing these challenges, I believe we can foster more cohesive and harmonious growth throughout the entire supply chain. This

collaboration can help prevent disruptions and discontinuities that could potentially lead to significant issues, as demonstrated during the pandemic.

Currently,

I do not think that growth is the only way to survive, but it is evident that stagnant or diminished corporate stature does not foster the development of champions capable of competing in a global and rapidly evolving environment such as the one we face today. Without growth, there is no investment and without investment, there is no innovation and no job creation.

Europe stands at the forefront in the battle against pollution in general, but this inevitably means placing limitations on economic and production activities. How do you propose reconciling this contradiction in a positive manner?

I believe that Europe’s environmental choices are correct, and no one, including companies, wants to oppose the transition. However, it appears that there has been an excessive focus on regulation, leaving little room for the development of a comprehensive strategy. While deadlines and potential sanctions have been set, the competitive landscape with American and Chinese companies seems to have been overlooked. The risk we face is that we are creating new rules for the game with highly skilled referees, only to find that others have taken the field ahead of us. This is true not only in the transition to electric vehicles, where Europe trails behind China, Korea and Japan in terms of accumulated battery technology, but also in the high-tech sector, where Europe faces a technological gap and lacks key players compared to countries like the United States and China. This contradiction could be resolved by greater collaboration between the European Commission and trade associations. Together they can work towards defining more comprehensive strategies that take into account the speed of transition and the negative effects it may bring in the short term. A prime example is the new regulations on car emissions with Euro 7 engines scheduled for July 2025. These regulations entail significantly higher costs than those initially estimated by the Commission, while providing limited environmental benefits.

may have seemed implausible a few years ago, has become more feasible. Since 2019 we have seen exponential growth in the market share of electrified vehicles, reaching 21% in 2022, with 9% being fully electric (BEV). Some Northern European countries, such as Norway, have already achieved an impressive 80% penetration rate. Evaluating how these countries have been able to reach such levels today will provide insights into the 2035 sustainability target for the whole of Europe. Uncertainty persists in the short term regarding the overall demand for cars, which will undoubtedly be negatively impacted by reduced credit availability, higher costs, the effects of a potential recession and relatively high price levels of electric vehicles, particularly in segments A and B.

When it comes to the evolution of the car, the EIFI will need to collaborate closely with other national and European automotive trade associations to address industry-specific challenges that may arise during this complex phase. One key challenge lies in effectively managing larger quantities and varieties of products, particularly for fastener manufacturers. This will necessitate diverse skills and the development of new processes to create new materials, coatings and components. Additionally, broader knowledge in areas beyond mechanics and metal materials will be essential. The demand for more diversified products will also lead to greater complexity in logistics management and distribution of products, as well as the need to converge towards standards that have yet to be defined. Lastly, over the coming years, components dedicated solely to internal combustion vehicles will gradually decline in volume, adversely affecting production costs due to diminished economies of scale, following a logic similar to what we have already seen for components used exclusively for diesel powertrains.

In the aftermath of a pandemic

is it possible to maintain optimism and confidence in the future?

Unfortunately, wars and pandemics have always existed in the world and are part of human history and nature. Our generation has been fortunate enough to have avoided experiencing them directly. In particular, in the Western world, we have managed not to have wars for over 70 years, with the exception of the Balkan War in the 1990s. However, we now have one in the heart of Europe that increasingly involves us and seems to be taking on the form of a clash between the West and the rest of the world. This situation is disconcerting and fills us with unease and uncertainty, but I believe that maintaining a healthy balance of realism and optimism is the most prudent approach.

For quite some time now, I have believed that the transition to electric vehicles is irreversible. There is no turning back given the massive investments made by car manufacturers in Europe and globally. Recent growth figures have shown unexpected advancements not only in China but also in Europe, albeit at varying rates between northern and southern countries. The goal of achieving full electric private mobility in Europe by 2035, which

How would you like to conclude this interview?

With a closing remark that carries both a cautionary message and a ray of hope for companies of all sizes.

The world is changing fast. It is no longer a question of big overpowering small, but rather of the fast outpacing the slow.

there is the prevailing belief that growth is the sole means to guarantee a company’s survival. In your opinion, what does this growth actually mean and how should it be achieved?

We are currently witnessing a period of significant change and uncertainty, particularly in the automotive industry. What are your predictions in this regard? What role should the EIFI play in this context?

and with ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world,

Is Requiring Extra Overseas Plants on Taiwanese Fastener Owners Truly Necessary?

First and Foremost is to Pinpoint Impact Range and Gain Buyers’ Confidence

Are You Tensed up About the Taiwan Strait Tension?

In our interaction with fastener associations, business owners and global exhibitors, we observed that a number of overseas buyers are worried about one thing: "If there is a war in the Taiwan Strait, will the supply chain of Taiwan fasteners be cut off?". These buyers are beginning to hope for Taiwanese owners to establish factories in Southeast Asia or other regions (which forms the concept dubbed as "Taiwan +1", where the plus mark denotes “extra” and “+1” denotes “an extra location”). They expect Taiwanese owners to build production lines in other countries to avoid broken supply chains. The Russian-Ukrainian war has lasted for more than 500 days, leading to global inflation, rising interest rates, soaring prices and public inconvenience. The Global Misery Index pushed up by this war has been deeply felt by everyone. If China starts a war against Taiwan, the index will undoubtedly exceed that of the Russian-Ukrainian war by several times, and it will lead to global chaos. Undeniably, the tension between Taiwan and China is largely influenced by the rivalry and friction between the United States and China, which indirectly leads to the need for Taiwan to make policy choices. China's military and political moves have undisputably added up to the heating up of the "+1" trend. Nevertheless, it is worth clarifying whether this trend affects Taiwan fastener industry. Therefore, this article will share our experiences and a few points for thought through the following different perspectives.

Taiwan Has No Intention and Prerequisites to Provoke China

Taiwan has never wanted a war, nor will it initiate one. Taiwan's status quo is influenced by geopolitics and historical burdens. The people of Taiwan know in their hearts that they do not want to go to war to achieve some kind of goals.

Taiwan has had a very close relationship with China. Over the past 30 years, Taiwan has invested more than US$200 billion in China, and more than 10,000 Taiwanese companies have set up factories in China. There are more than 100 Taiwanese fastener companies operating in China. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance, Taiwan's exports in 2021 reached a record high of about US$446.4 billion, of which 42% (US$187.4 billion) were exported to China, and the trade surplus for Taiwan was nearly US$60 billion, which shows quite a large China's economic contribution to Taiwan.

There are more than 500,000 Taiwanese people working in China and more than 10,000 Chinese people working and studying in Taiwan. According to Taiwanese government’s statistics, there are more than 100,000 registerations of intermarriage between Taiwanese and Chinese people, so a war would only result in the separation of family and bitterness on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. There is complicated sentiment between Taiwan and China, and the economic development they have built together has been very successful, so Taiwan will not make up a reason to go to war. Leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should have the wisdom to choose a way of life that is mutually acceptable and allows for coexistence, rather than destroy decades of development on the spur of the moment.

The Price of War is High

If China were to attack Taiwan, it would first have to face the world's largest maritime war in history. The Taiwan Strait separating the two sides is 77 to 140 kilometers wide, and for those with a military background, it is not difficult to understand the difficulty of such a landing operation. According to official figures, Taiwan currently has 700,000 reservists who can respond immediately in the event of a war. Taiwan has also acquired many fine weapons through the supply of semiconductors and procurement of military weapons, and it is believed that Taiwan has enough power to defend itself. As a saying goes, the winner takes the throne as the king (a hero in history) and the loser rots in the river of history. Many overseas experts have warned of the risks and consequences of a cross-strait war. In the event of a war, Taiwan and China's respective economies would be destroyed, and it would take decades to rebuild. Who can afford such a heavy burden?

Fig. 1. Taiwan’s Global Fastener Export Value in the Past 20 Years

Fig. 2. Taiwan’s Global Fastener Export Volume in the Past 20 Years

If There is a War Across the Taiwan Strait, Will it Affect the Development of Fastener Industry?

Which Part of Taiwan Fasteners is Replaceable and Which Part is Not?

The global fastener production and sales market size is US$85 billion (20 million tons of fasteners produced), of which Taiwan's size is about US$5 billion (1.5 million tons). Compared to Taiwan's semiconductors which take up 90% of global market share, Taiwan's share of fasteners in the global market is relatively small. Taiwan's fasteners fall in the middle of the price range on average, and in the event of a war, it would not be difficult to find other countries to buy the same level of products as Taiwan. However, it is necessary to point out that, although Taiwan fasteners can be replaced in terms of price, Taiwan’s R&D capability, production management, credibility, its supply chain which is the most complete in the world, as well as high valueadded products and service satisfaction, are Taiwan's unique and irreplaceable features.

Fasteners are Not a Critical Tactical Asset

Fasteners are not an extremely critical and tactical material like semiconductors. If a war breaks out, the possibility of Taiwanese fastener factories being attacked is not high. Taiwan already has experience in establishing a complete supply chain; in addition, many Taiwanese fastener companies have set up bases overseas which have the ability to supply goods, so even if there is a war, they can quickly resume production of fasteners. On the whole, if there is a war, it won’t amount to a nuclear level of destruction on Taiwanese fasteners, and it is less likely to cause a major global panic and a major shortage of goods.

Taiwan's Fastener Trend Line Remains Unaffected

Taiwan's political ground, economic development and social security is very stable. For the past three years this had never been affected by war concerns and COVID. Even in the past 20 years, Taiwan's fastener exports have shown a 20-degree upward trend line (see Figure 1 and 2), which will only be subject to the global economic climate, but not to political and war factors.

Will Adding Overseas Locations Necessarily Translate to Lower Price Offer?

It is undeniable that some of the Taiwanese owners has cooperated with buyers' requests by going to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and other places to build factories in order to diversify the risk. However, Taiwan fastener industry mostly consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which don’t have a high level of manpower, material resources and capital. The global fastener market climate lately is not as good as expected, and this comes with the upcoming carbon tax and costs for environmental protection, so going overseas to set up factories would mean a lot of pressure. In fact, as far as the current situation, the cost of setting up production lines in other countries is no less than the cost of production in Taiwan, which may obstruct Taiwanese owners from providing buyers with better prices and service satisfaction.

Considering all the above factors, there is no longer any requisite for direct friction between Taiwan and China. Taiwan has nothing to gain by starting a war, and furthermore China as the world's largest market is very much in line with Taiwan's economic development needs.

In the Face of Asia-Pacific Tensions, We Need Everyone on Board to Have More Confidence in Taiwanese Fasteners

After clarifying the scope of impact of Taiwan Strait tensions on Taiwan's fastener industry, we believe that buyers don't necessarily need to ask Taiwanese owners to keep up with the "+1" trend because, as already mentioned, doing so won't necessarily lead to better pricing for buyers. That said, it is not unreasonable for buyers to be concerned, and this underscores the many ways in which Taiwanese companies must make buyers feel more confident in the safety, stability and strength of Taiwan's fastener supply. As a medium for communication, Fastener World Magazine takes the responsibility to analyze the scope of impact for suppliers and buyers, hoping to open up more room for communication.

We believe buyers who have visited Taiwan would be aware that there is no war atmosphere in Taiwan. What's more, the New Taiwan Dollar and the US Dollar have become two of the world's most appreciated currencies. The price of land in Taiwan has tripled, and there has been no surge of emigration. In addition, on July 11 the U.S. Department of State maintained Taiwan's Travel Alert Risk at the safest level. Fastener World would like to urge global buyers that Taiwan fasteners are one of the most resilient, endurable and reboundable industries in the world, and we have cited Figures 1 and 2 as evidence of this. Taiwan is stepping out into the world in a way that it never could before, and because of this, we need buyers around the world to see the strengths of Taiwan fasteners and have more confidence in them, so that all of us can together continue to create mutual benefits for Taiwan and the rest of the world.

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Copyright owned by Fastener World

Fastener World News

compiled by Fastener World

Jim Degnan Elected NFDA President for 2023-2024

Jim Degnan of S. W. Anderson has been elected as the 2023-2024 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association. Scott McDaniel of TR Fastenings will serve as vice president, Mike Robinson of LindFast Solutions Group will serve as associate chair, and Nick Ruetz of AIS will remain on the Board as immediate past president.

Steve Andrasik of Brighton Best International, Alex Goldberg of AMPG, Scott Longfellow of Huyett, and Ed Smith of Wurth Revcar have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors effective June 13, 2023. Continuing on the NFDA Board are Gigi Calfee of Copper State Bolt & Nut, Jake Glaser of Sherex Fastening Solutions, and Melissa Patel of Field.

Recognition was paid during the meeting to retiring Board members Kelly Charles of Sems & Specials, Jon Queenin of Specialty Bolt & Screw, and Kevin Godin of AFC Industries. A special tribute was made in memory of Marc Somers of Mid-States Bolt & Screw.

Becomes Associate Member of BIAFD, British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors

EazyStock, a leading inventory optimisation software provider, is pleased to announce its recent partnership with the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors (BIAFD) as an associate member. This collaboration aims to support the BIAFD’s efforts in keeping their members informed on fastener-related issues and helping the fastener industry streamline operations and increase profitability.

The BIAFD is a well-respected organisation dedicated to promoting the interests of fastener distributors throughout the UK and Ireland. As an associate member, EazyStock is excited to contribute to the association’s mission to enhance the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness.

As inventory optimisation specialists, EazyStock’s experts provide fastener industry professionals with advanced tools and techniques to set the right stock levels, manage stock replenishment, and forecast demand accurately. The result is efficient supply chain management, ensuring crucial components reach their destinations on time.

// Industry Development

U.S. DoC Launches AntiCircumvention Investigation on Carbon Alloy Steel Threaded Rods

On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the initiation of an anticircumvention investigation of steel threaded rods and carbon and alloy steel threaded rods imported from China in response to a petition filed by U.S. firm Vulcan Threaded Products Inc. The investigation was initiated to examine whether carbon and alloy steel threaded rods made from unthreaded pins imported from China and produced in the United States circumvented existing anti-dumping and countervailing measures.

On March 26, 2008, the U.S. initiated an antidumping investigation of steel threaded rods originating in China, and on April 14, 2009, the U.S. formally imposed anti-dumping duties on China's steel threaded rods. Since then, the U.S. has conducted two sunset review investigations, issued two affirmative rulings, and extended the duty period, and the products involved in the case are listed under U.S. tariff numbers 7318.15.5051, 7318.15.5056, 7318.15.5090, and 7318.15.2095.

On March 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated an anti-dumping investigation of carbon alloy steel screw rods imported from China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand, and also initiated a countervailing investigation of the products involved and imported from China and India. On February 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued affirmative final anti-dumping and countervailing determinations of carbon alloy steel threaded rods imported from China and India. On April 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued an affirmative final anti-dumping determination of carbon alloy steel threaded rods imported from India, and an affirmative final countervailing determination of carbon alloy steel threaded rods imported from India. The U.S. formally imposed anti-dumping duties on China's carbon alloy steel threaded rods and, at the same time, imposed countervailing duties on China's and India's carbon alloy steel threaded rods, which involved the products under U.S. Tariff codes 7318.15.5051, 7318.15.5056, 7318.15.5090, and some of the products under Tariff codes 7318.15.2095, 7318.19.0000, and the products under tariff codes 7318.15.2095, 7318.19.0000, and 7318.19.0000 products.

UK Signs Agreement to Join CPTPP, Effective as Soon as H2 2014

After nearly two years of negotiations, the British Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, officially signed to join on July 16th in New Zealand when participating in the ministerial meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

This is the largest trade agreement since UK left the European Union. In the future, more than 99% of UK exports to CPTPP countries will be exempt from tariffs, and together with UK, the combined GDP of CPTPP countries will reach 12 trillion pounds, accounting for 15% of the global GDP. The agreement is expected to come into effect in the second half of next year after it passes the review and legislation of the British Parliament. Meanwhile, the CPTPP member countries are gathering information on other applicant countries, such as Taiwan and China, to determine whether they meet the high standards for membership.

Taiwan Climate Change Agency: EU Must Adjust Free Allocations in CBAM or It Will Create Trade Barrier

CBAM will be launched on a trial basis in October. Initially, no fee will be charged, but importers will be required to submit carbon emission data. The Deputy Director of Preparatory Office of Climate Change Agency (Taiwan) said that CBAM is mostly based on a free allocation system which will be turned into an auction-based system starting in 2034. The price is about 100 euros per ton which is high, but because of the adoption of free allocation for most of the emitted carbon, only a small fraction of about 2 to 3% of the carbon emissions need to pay a carbon fee, which is different from Taiwan which charges a fee on every ton of carbon. Therefore, when CBAM is officially on the road in 2026, the European Union must adjust the free allocation method and integrate with the calculation method of every country, otherwise it will form a different trade barrier.

South Africa Extends Fastener Safeguard Measures for 3 Years

South African International Trade Administration Committee (ITAC) decided, from July 24 this year, to extend the three-year hightariff defense measures on steel or iron screws, bolts and hexagonal nuts. The measure is divided into three phases to respectively levy 48.04%, 46.04% and 44.04% defense duty.

SAFMA's provided information to apply for the extension of the measure includes initial recognition that the South African fastener industry in the original defense measures (August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2023) has carried out industrial adjustment, but if the defense measures are terminated, the South African industry will suffer from the reduction in sales, shrinkage of production capacity, declined market share and labor employment, and reduction in equipment utilization and revenue, among other damages; therefore, it was decided to extend the defense measures and finally a decision on the extension of the defense measures was made.

Malaysian Government Develops Strategic Roadmap to Accelerate Energy Transformation

Malaysia has revised its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce greenhouse gases by 45% by 2030, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in his keynote speech at the Asian Energy Congress 2023. The country's efforts to realize the NDC have been incorporated into the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the National Energy Policy 2022-2040 (NEP 2040).

The Malaysian government is in the process of developing several strategic roadmaps, including the National Energy Transformation Roadmap (NETR) and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap. The most important of these is the National Energy Transformation Roadmap, which will be supported by the hydrogen economy and the Technology Roadmap and will pave the way for Malaysia to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term energy security through technological innovation. Both roadmaps are expected to be launched in the second half of 2023.

Meanwhile, Malaysia continues to recognize that natural gas plays an important role in the energy mix and is one of the cleanest hydrocarbons for the transition to a low-carbon economy. At the same time, the Malaysian government is committed to joining the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

Vietnam to Start Construction of 5 Major Transportation Projects by the End of 2023

Uong Viet Dung, Director of the Office of the Ministry of Transportation of Vietnam, said on July 10, 2023 at a meeting on the Ministry's first-half results and secondhalf work plan, that by the end of this year, the ministry will start five major transportation projects, including the crossroads connecting Cho Chu and Trung Son, a road connecting Rach Soi and Ben Nhat, a road connecting Go Giao and Vinh Thuan, an expressway connecting Hoa Lien and Tuy Loan, and Dai Ngai Bridge, which pass through the roads of Ho Chi Minh City.

Director Uong said that in the first half of the year, the ministry has completed and started operating a number of major transportation projects to meet the demand for usage, including the expressway connecting Phan Thiet to Dau Giay, Vinh Hao to Phan Thiet, and Nha Trang to Cam Lam. In addition, the upgrade of the railroads from Hanoi to Vinh City and from Vinh City to Nha Trang City has been completed.

Not Just the Next China! India to Become a Superpower Economy According to Research

Due to the U.S.-China technology war that continues to push India's position in the international market, the U.S. research institute Riedel pointed out that India is not the new China, that it will be in accordance with its own rhythm and pace forward. The institute is optimistic that India will be able to achieve high growth as a super emerging power.

CNBC reported that David Riedel, CEO of Riedel, prefers and is very optimistic about India over China because the Indian economy is much larger than China's. In addition, he believes that India's economy is likely to exceed expectations over the next six months to two years, and he emphasized that "India, whether in the past or the future, is a very different country from China".

However, India also has some problems to solve. India's economy has long been stagnant in the middle-income level, and has not yet entered the ranks of high-income countries, but David Riedel

believes that India will have the opportunity to achieve higher economic growth than expected in the future.

On the other hand, the economic outlook for China is a little bleaker. David Riedel predicts that China will not be as strong in the next five years as it has been in the past five years, as more and more foreign companies decide to move their supply chains and factories out of the country, resulting in more and more young people being unemployed in China, with the unemployment rate of young people between the ages of 16 and 24 climbing to a record high of 20.8% in May, according to statistics.

In addition, China recently released a series of lower-thanexpected economic data, from which we can see that its economic growth trend is gradually slowing down. In addition, China's factory activity has been in contraction for the third consecutive month. China's manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) was 49 in June and non-manufacturing PMI was 53.2, both a record low this year.

Indian Steelmakers May be Mandated to Use Partial Capacity for Green Steel Manufacturing

Green steel refers to the production of steel without relying on any fossil fuels. Union Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hinted that the Indian government may make it mandatory for steelmakers to devote a part of their capacity to green steel manufacturing in the future. The government may also look at ways to ensure greater usage of the green steel in government projects as well, he added.

Scindia said the private sector steel users in India are actually moving towards committing to more and more green steel in their projects and also noted that some manufacturers have already launched branded green steel products. The minister said breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations like hydrogen-based steelmaking coupled with carbon capture, utilisation and store (CCUS) hold huge promise for the future.

He said India has emerged as the epicentre for the evolution and growth of the steel sector globally and has been able to achieve landmarks like production touching 125 million tonnes and consumption growing over 11 percent in the last nine years. In 2022, even as the global finished steel production declined by 4.2 percent, India could post a 6 percent growth, he said, adding that the per capita steel consumption has now increased to 78 kgs from 57 kgs in 2014.

The overall growth has made investors interested in the sector and the government in March, signed 57 pacts with 27 companies under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which will add 25 million tonnes to the steel capacity, he said. The capacity addition will see investments of Rs 30,000 crore and also create 60,000 jobs, he added.

New Zealand Subsidizes Green Electricity Steelmaking, Equivalent to Reducing Carbon Emission of 300,000 Cars

On May 21st, 2023, New Zealand announced the implementation of the largest carbon reduction program in the country's history. The government will spend US$140 million to subsidize the steel giant NZ Steel, which expects the steel mill in Glenbrook to switch from coal-based steelmaking to renewable electricity, a policy that the government says is equivalent to cutting carbon emissions from 300,000 running cars.

"The grant program demonstrates the importance the New Zealand Government places on reducing carbon emissions as quickly as possible, and working with NZ Steel on this program will have significant environmental benefits and accelerate New Zealand's decarbonization process. This partnership is only possible because of government funding," said Prime Minister Higgins.

The New Zealand government mentioned that the US$140 million subsidy to NZ Steel was drawn from the Government's Carbon Reduction and Transformation Industry Fund (GIDI).

With a total amount of US$650 million, GIDI not only assists New Zealand's R&D in carbon reduction technology, but also works with industry and government to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the establishment of a zero-carbon energy system.

If this carbon reduction program runs smoothly, it is estimated that New Zealand's carbon emissions will be reduced by 800,000 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing the carbon emissions of all cars in Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island.

NZ Steel accounts for 2% of New Zealand's annual greenhouse gas emissions. However, once this decarbonization program is achieved, it will reduce New Zealand's total carbon dioxide emissions by 1%, help New Zealand achieve its Net Zero goal by 2050, and move towards the vision of "limiting global warming to be within 1.5 degrees Celsius".

Climate Change Minister James Shaw believes the program will help the government reduce its carbon tax bill in the long term, saying, "This program will reduce New Zealand's carbon emissions by about 5.3% in the second phase of the carbon budget from 2026 to 2030, and by about 3.4% in the third phase of the carbon budget from 2031 to 2035."

China Sold 3.74 Million New Energy Vehicles in H1 2023

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's automobile production reached 13.248 million units and sales reached 13.239 million units in January-June 2023, up 9.3% and 9.8% respectively. Among them, new energy vehicles continued to grow rapidly, with production reaching 3.788 million units and sales reaching 3.747 million units, up 42.4% and 44.1% respectively.

In terms of vehicle types, from January to June, the production of passenger cars reached 11.281 million units, and sales reached 11.268 million units, an increase of 8.1% and 8.8% respectively. During the same period, the production of new energy vehicles reached 3.788 million units and sales reached 3.747 million units, an increase of 42.4% and 44.1% respectively.

China's vehicle exports also increased, reaching 2.14 million units in January-June, up 75.7%. In terms of vehicle types, 1.78 million passenger cars were exported, an increase of 88.4%, while 361 thousand commercial vehicles were exported, an increase of 31.9%. Exports of new energy vehicles amounted to 534 thousand units, an increase of 1.6%.

// Companies Development

Bossard (Shanghai) Introduces a Simulated Assembly Workstation to Increase Test Torque to 350 Nm

NAFCO Orderbook Full Through 2024

Demand in the aerospace market has increased dramatically following the end of the pandemic, boosting sales of fasteners for NAFCO. NAFCO said the shortage of materials has been alleviated, and orderbook is full through next year. In 2022, NAFCO's revenue recovered to 75% to 80% of its pre-epidemic level. It is still difficult to estimate the growth rate of the whole 2023. We will have to wait and see how the market fluctuates.

NAFCO specializes in aerospace and automotive fasteners, with fasteners for aerospace engines in particular being the mainstay. Last year, aerospace fasteners and machined parts accounted for 83.43% of the company's total revenue, while industrial fasteners accounted for 16.57%.

This assembly simulation system is equipped with a robotic arm that simulates actual assembly conditions to obtain the torque and angle relationships of the assembly setup, thus verifying the accuracy of the assembly process.

"The accuracy of the high torque assembly process is important for critical applications in industries such as rail transportation and automotive. The introduction of the simulated assembly workstation means that we are in a position to help these customers solve the problems they may encounter in high torque threaded connection applications by helping them to find and validate suitable solutions," said the engineering department of Bossard Fastening Solutions (Shanghai).

In addition, when coupled with ultrasonic equipment, the simulated assembly system can also obtain fastening parameters such as torque, angle, axis force, coefficient of friction, coefficient of torque, and a variety of assembly parameter curves of the threaded connection during the fastening process, which is conducive to a more detailed analysis of threaded connection.

Altenloh, Brinck & Co. Celebrates 200 Year Anniversary

ALTENLOH, BRINCK & CO (ABC) is celebrating an unbelievable milestone of two centuries of existence! Founded in 1823 in the town now known as Ennepetal, Germany, ABC was the first in that country to produce screws on an industrial scale and looks back on a long tradition dedicated to innovative progress. The most well-known product manufactured by the global, family-run company is the SPAX screw, which revolutionized the fastener sector and continues to be one of the most innovative fasteners in the marketplace today.

BUMAX Selected for Demanding Ultrasonic Welding Application

Swedish fastener manufacturer BUMAX has been selected to provide fasteners to be used in machines for ultrasonic metal welding. The client is Schunk Sonosystems, a global leading specialist in the field of ultrasonic metal welding.

German specialist machine maker Schunk Sonosystems has decided to use BUMAX DX 129 screws for all its ultrasonic welding flexure sonotrode products to further improve quality and reliability. The machines are mainly used in the automobile industry.

Vossloh Secures Another Major Contract for the Delivery of Rail Fastening Systems in China

Vossloh has again received a major order to supply rail fastening systems for the construction of a high-speed line in China. The line connects the two cities of Xiong'an in Hebei Province in the north and Shangqiu in the central Chinese province of Henan. The order has a sales volume equivalent to almost €50 million and underlines Vossloh's continued strong market position in the important Chinese market.

With a planned route length of over 600 kilometers and speeds of up to 350 km/h, this line will make a significant contribution to improving the mobility of the population and to the economic development of the region. The deliveries of the rail fastening systems will mostly take place in 2024.

"The contract is further proof of the trust and recognition we enjoy in China," says Oliver Schuster, CEO of Vossloh AG, adding: "This order confirms our technological excellence and our ability to provide innovative and reliable fastening solutions that can withstand the highest loads. Vossloh has been making a significant contribution to the development of modern and sustainable transport infrastructure in China for 17 years now."

The Chinese high-speed network currently covers just over 40,000 kilometers and is set to grow significantly further. By 2035 it is expected to have been extended to over 70,000 kilometers. The Vossloh Group is represented in China, among others, by its subsidiary Vossloh Fastening Systems China Co. Ltd. based in Kunshan. The company employs around 120 employees and is one of the leading local suppliers of rail fastening systems, especially for highly demanding applications on high-speed lines.

Tesla in Talks with India to Locally Produce 500,000 EVs a Year

"Standard steel bolts simply cannot cope with the extreme pulling and bending forces of ultrasonic vibration, so we had to find a bolt that does,” said Stefan Mueller, Head of R&D at Schunk Sonosystems. “Of all the screws we tested, only BUMAX met all our needs. Not only are BUMAX consistent in how they perform and do not break, they last the lifetime of the sonotrode without problem, are not creating abrasion dust on the screw head and do not require rust protection.”

The BUMAX DX 129 (Duplex stainless steel) offers very high tensile strengths of minimum 1,200 MPa and excellent fatigue resistance properties. It deals successfully with extreme forces during the ultrasonic welding process, such as 20,000 vibrations per second.

Tesla is in close discussion with the Indian government on an investment plan, and there is hope for a Tesla plant in India to manufacture electric vehicles, with an estimated annual production capacity of 500,000 units. Tesla intends to expand the electric vehicle market in the IndoPacific region by using India as an export base. Since the automotive industry's supply chain was disrupted by the China's lockdown during the pandemic, many car manufacturers have begun to look for alternative production bases in Asia, favoring India.

Craig Irwin, Managing Director of Roth Capital Partners, said, "Tesla will need to penetrate all regional markets if it is to realize its long-term growth goals. The challenges that Tesla faces in China emphasize the fact that India is the answer to all of Tesla's problems. Tesla needs India."

But Tesla's plan to enter the Indian market has had many twists and turns. Tesla has been planning to sell electric cars in India since a few years ago, but the Indian government has imposed a 100% tax on imported electric cars. Tesla has repeatedly asked India to reduce the import tax, but last year the Indian government rejected the request,

which led to a deadlock between the two sides. Tesla was originally reluctant to take the risk of manufacturing electric vehicles in India, hoping to export electric vehicles to India to test the waters before considering it. In May this year, India's commerce and industry ministers returned to the negotiating table with Tesla representatives, revealing that the Indian government intends to provide subsidies and tax breaks to allow Tesla to reconsider investing in its India plant.

According to insiders, what Tesla cares most about is not only government subsidies and tax breaks, but also bringing its own supply chain to India, but the Indian government wants Tesla to use the existing supply chain of the local automobile industry in India. "We asked Tesla about their specific needs for parts and tried to convince them to source parts from the Indian EV supply chain, but they already have long-standing suppliers," an Indian official said. We are hoping for a breakthrough in the initial negotiations."

Tong Ming Enterprise Launches Online Tong Ming Plaza

On June 20, 203, Tong Ming Enterprise has put up and officially launched a new platform called Tong Ming Plaza which displays customized fasteners. This trading platform is designed for buyers who need to purchase non-standard fasteners. Buyers and sellers can communicate with each other instantly and conduct transactions online. There are thousands of suppliers on the platform offering customized products, allowing buyers to enjoy one-stop purchase through this platform.

Finework (Hunan) Now Listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange

On June 15, 2023, Finework (Hunan) New Energy Technology got listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Over the past 11 years, Finework has grown into an enterprise specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of high-end fasteners. Their pre-embedded screws used on wind turbine blades have gained the highest market share in the world, and they have become the world's leading enterprise in fasteners for wind power, with an output value of RMB 1.34 billion in 2022. It is estimated that Finework has already accounted for 15% of the global wind power fastener market. Meanwhile, Finework is rapidly expanding its business to high-end equipment fields such as aerospace, gas turbines and oil, and has made great progress.

Commercial Metals Company Acquires EDSCO Fasteners LLC

Commercial Metals Company ("CMC") announced the purchase of EDSCO Fasteners LLC ("EDSCO"), a leading provider of anchoring solutions for the electrical transmission market, from MiddleGround Capital. EDSCO's custom engineered line of anchor cages, bolts, and fasteners are manufactured principally from rebar and used primarily to secure high voltage electrical transmission poles to concrete foundations. EDSCO serves the North American market from four manufacturing plants located in Texas, Utah, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Since its founding in 1985, the company has grown to become the nation's largest provider of anchor cages for concrete reinforcement and has developed a strong reputation for customer service and reliability.

"This acquisition further advances CMC's leadership position in construction reinforcement and extends our capabilities to new and growing applications," said Barbara R. Smith, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "EDSCO's innovative reinforcement solutions are well-positioned to benefit from the long-term transition to renewable energy, which will require extensive investment in electrical transmission capacity and wind power installations."

Bulten Enters into Agreement to Acquire Exim & Mfr Holdings Pte Ltd

Bulten has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares in Exim & Mfr Holdings Pte Ltd “Exim”, an Asian, Singapore-based distributor of fasteners and other components, for a purchase sum of approximately SGD 66.3 million (SEK 530 million) on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The acquisition affords Bulten a good platform to grow in new sectors, where the distribution stage is a pivotal sales channel.

The acquisition is expected to contribute to Bulten’s development and earnings, and to increase earnings per share. Exim gives Bulten access to a large, broad customer base in growth sectors in a dynamic region. The acquisition is an important part of Bulten’s strategy, which aims for growth outside of the company’s primary customer group of automotive, and to improve risk diversification, as well as margins.

Anders Nyström, President and CEO of Bulten Group, comments: “Our strategy sets out a clear focus on balancing our sales through growth in customer groups beyond the automotive industry. The aim is for these to account for at least 20% of sales by 2025. The acquisition of Exim takes us into the distribution stage, which is a key to profitable growth in new sectors. Exim is a well-managed company with an international customer base and developed processes for distribution and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), which is suitable for industries with completely different purchasing patterns than Bulten has historically been used to. Exim’s base in Singapore is also highly attractive. It enables us to take advantage of the strong growth in that region, and we also see potential in using Exim’s sales network to increase sales for our factories in China and Taiwan. Exim will, together with Bulten's rapidly growing business to consumer electronics customers, constitute the beginning of a new industrial segment.”

Nedschroef Machinery Announces Joint Venture in China

In recognition of the growing opportunity to introduce the Nedschroef brand to more customers worldwide, Nedschroef Machinery has announced a joint venture with PMC in China to serve its business for the East Asia region.

PMC is an industrial group engaged in the design, manufacturing and sale of advanced machinery parts and components. Nedschroef explains that the joint venture is part of that transformation and confirmation that Nedschroef Machinery is committed to fulfilling its strategic growth plans. The company expects that sales and services outside Europe will exceed 65% of the total by 2030 and growth in the markets that make up East Asia region are a key part of achieving that goal.

"This joint venture will help us better and more quickly respond to our East Asia customer's needs,” explains Cees Sistermans, managing director at Nedschroef Machinery. “Our increased focus on customers outside Europe is an exciting time for us, since many East Asian countries have a well-established cold and warm metal forming industry".

The East Asia operation will be based in China and all Nedschroef Machinery functions critical to developing and supporting the East Asia region are represented, including procurement, sub-assembly, marketing, sales, service, and others.

Nedschroef Machinery Announces Distributor in India

Nedschroef Machinery has announced Kriti Tools as its distributor for machine sales and after-sale services in India. A leading provider of cold and warm forming multi-stage horizontal metal presses and services, Nedschroef Machinery chose Kriti Tools Pvt Ltd due to its broad experience in the metal forming industry. The distributor agreement with Kriti Tools is for Nedschroef Machinery products and services and will commence immediately.

With after-sales service an essential component for customers, Kriti Group personnel are being trained to handle customer service related to spare parts and filed service throughout May and June. Field service and spare parts fulfilment will be initiated by Kriti Group after training has been successfully completed.

Further, Kriti Group will store Nedschroef Machinery spare parts inventory in Delhi to provide timely services to our customers. Sadeesh Premananth, managing director at Kriti Group, commented: “We see good opportunities to cooperate and to team up to offer the best service possible to our customers.” Cees Sistermans, managing director at Nedschroef Machinery, added: “We believe with a local presence we can get closer to our customers and respond quickly to their needs – satisfying customers and engaging them over the long-term”.

New CEO of Rivit

Rivit Srl, a specialist in blind rivets and riveting tools and part of FERVI Group, has appointed Francesco Montanari as its new CEO. Francesco joined FERVI Group in November 2022, initially serving as general manager of Rivit. Francesco has a vast experience within international markets, graduating in electronic engineering from the University of Bologna – with several postgraduate executive programs. He began his work at Andersen Consulting, now Accenture, with periods in the USA, Italy and France, dealing with marketing information systems.

Francesco then joined Datalogic in 1993 as product manager, then moved on to sales management, marketing management, and was then appointed director of marketing & communication. From 2002 to 2005, he was president and general manager of Datalogic France (Paris office), returning then to Bologna in 2005 as director of the mobile computer business unit.

Following the incorporation with PSC Inc, and the subsequent reorganisation of the Datalogic Group in April 2007, he was first appointed general manager and then product and services vice-president of Datalogic Mobile. From 2012 to 2016, he was vice-president and general manager of the mobile computing business unit of Datalogic ADC, after the incorporation between Datalogic Mobile and Datalogic Scanning. Within the reorganisation of the group, he was

appointed chief marketing officer of Datalogic Spa, with responsibility for all corporate marketing and communications activities of the Datalogic Group.

"It is with great pleasure that I intend to make my experience available to consolidate Rivit's positions on the global market, with the aim of both optimising the approach to the domestic market and to strengthen Rivit’s presence worldwide,” states Francesco Montanari. “We already operate with the two Rivit's subsidiaries in India and Morocco, but we also want to organise a consistent approach to the local needs in all other countries, starting from those already served by Rivit. We start from a company that has been on the market for half a century, already a leader in some sectors, and which we are going to strengthen by working on a mix of products and services, also with external partnerships. The goal is to be even more of a reference point for fastening."

Concrete Screws with Wider Applications

Combining ease of installation with safety when introducing high loads into concrete, the UltraCut FBS II screws from fischer are now suited to a wider set of applications, as a result of latest tech developments to the range.

For instance, the FBS II 6-10 versions can now also be used in masonry, in accordance with the European Technical Assessment (ETA) certification. In addition, the new FSW adjustment disk, in conjunction with the FBS II 10 US gvz, enables sleepers and beams to be adjusted and aligned quickly and easily. This whole range of concrete screws combines maximum load bearing capacity with quick installation and comes in both steel and stainless steel versions, both meeting ETA standards covering their use in cracked and non-cracked concrete, indoors and outdoors, as well as with seismic loads of performance categories C1 and C2. They are also rated to fire resistance level, FRL R120.

Further advantages of using the UltraCut FBS II include its reliable power transmission and installations free of expansion pressure, due to its precise fit. Patented thread geometry and its large core diameter introduce very high tensile and shear forces into the concrete, which means fewer fastening points are needed than was previously the case.

The UltraCut FBS II can also be re-used under certain conditions and allows small edge and centre distances, and offers power-saving, safe assembly. As for loads, the concrete screw allows maximum flexibility, depending on the diameter, with up to three approved screwing or anchoring depths. Using the screw is also very simple, the user simply screws the UltraCut FBS II concrete screw into the drill hole using push-through installation, with no further drill hole cleaning required for vertical drilling in floor and ceiling areas or when using hollow drills with a suction function.

NORMA Grows in Q1 of 2023

NORMA Group reported moderate growth in the first quarter of 2023 with group sales up 3.5% over the same period in 2022 to €315 million (Q1 2022: €304.4 million). Organically, the company grew by 2.1% in the first three months of 2023. NORMA attributes this growth primarily to higher selling prices to compensate for inflation related cost increases. Positive currency effects in connection with the US dollar contributed 1.3% to sales growth.

In the EMEA region, sales increased by 10.9% in the first quarter of 2023 to €138.2 million (Q1 2022: €124.6 million). Strong organic growth of 11.8% was diminished slightly by 0.9% due to negative currency effects. The primary growth driver was a significant upswing in customer demand in the European automotive sector. Business with standardised joining technology for industry applications also developed well.

In the Americas region, NORMA Group increased sales moderately in the first quarter of 2023 by 2.5% year-on-year to €137.6 million (Q1 2022: €134.3 million). In addition to positive currency effects of 4.6%, price increases were the main contributors to this growth. Volume related sales in the region fell 2.1% organically in the period from January to March 2023. While business with joining solutions for general industry applications, and for vehicles, both developed positively, business with water management products declined in the wake of extremely strong growth in the prior-year quarter. This business is, for the most part, driven by end users who have been reluctant to buy due to the prolonged severe flooding in California earlier in the year.

In the Asia-Pacific region, sales in the first quarter were €39.1 million, which represent a decrease of 14% compared to the same period in the previous year (Q1 2022: €45.5 million). Organically, sales were down 11.8%; negative currency effects reduced sales growth by an additional 2.3%. Compared with the prior-year quarter, demand from the Chinese automotive industry in particular was significantly lower – an after-effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions in China. In the business with joining solutions for industry applications, the sales level of the previous year was also not achieved.

Hilti Group Remains on Growth Track

Hilti Group increased sales by 5.4% over the first four months of 2023, reaching CHF 2.142 billion (€2.198 billion). In local currencies, growth amounted to 9.7%. Hilti continued on its growth path and posted a sales growth of 10.3% in local currencies in Europe. An increase of 13.7% was recorded in the Americas region, with double-digit growth in both North and Latin America. In the Asia/Pacific region sales grew by 17%, led by strong results in South Asia and the Pacific region. On the other hand, the recovery in China was sluggish because of a delayed project business resumption after the Covid-19 lockdowns. Sales growth in the Eastern Europe / Middle East / Africa region was at -15.1%, which was expected due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Swiss franc remained strong against the euro, US dollar and other currencies, resulting in -4.3% points sales impact from January to April. “Interest rate hikes, continued inflation and geopolitical tensions still have a negative impact on the global construction market. However, we observe geographic differences with a negative sentiment in Europe, a mixed picture in the Americas and positive signals from Asia. We are adapting to this situation and our growth level for the first four months is in line with our expectations,” explained CEO Jahangir Doongaji.

The Hilti Group continues to expect a high-single digit sales growth in local currencies for the full year 2023.

Double Digits Sales Again for Würth

Würth Group has once again reported double-digit annual sales growth, with sales for the financial year 2022 reaching €19.9 billion, well above the previous year, when they were € 17.1 billion, corresponding to growth of 16.8%.

Germany remains the most important single market in the group, with a sales share of 39.4%. The group’s German companies achieved a sales increase of 13.1%, due to both the stability of individual business models and very high product availability. The company’s Electrical Wholesale Unit and Würth Elektronik Group were particularly successful, but with a 21.4% sales increase, Division Wood achieved the highest growth among the divisions of the Würth Line, with Division Industry a close second at 20.9%. The group’s parent and largest single company, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG, increased its sales volume by 10.5%, including intra-group sales. The companies outside Germany also reported a successful year with an overall sales increase of 19.4% from top performing markets in the Americas, as well as southern and eastern Europe.

Jeveka B.V to be Renamed Bossard Nederland

Jeveka B.V will be renamed to Bossard Nederland B.V in the course of 2023 as part of a rebranding process that better aligns Jeveka with Bossard’s brand identity and values.

Acquired by Bossard in October 2021, Jeveka has been recognised as a quality leader in technical fastening products, and it remains committed to delivering exceptional products that meet high-quality standards. Through its alignment with Bossard, the company will leverage the group's global network and expertise, making more products and services available to its customers in the Benelux market. These solutions will help Jeveka’s customers and partners optimise processes, while increasing efficiency and productivity in a sustainable way.

“Over the coming weeks and months we will introduce our customers to Bossard products and services, including updates on our website, social media channels, and hopefully during a visit to our premises in Almere, in the Netherlands,” mentions Jeveka. “We want to assure customers that our core values and principles will remain unchanged, and we will continue to deliver exceptional products and services, build strong relationships with our stakeholders, and create value for all.”

Besides its 43,000+ sales force, and over 2,500 pickup shops worldwide, e-business is one of the strategic growth areas of the group, with digital procurement channels having become an integral part of the company’s customer order routine during the Covid-19 pandemic. This trend is reflected in sales, where Würth’s e-business accounts for €4.1 billion of sales across the group.

With all this strong growth requiring similarly strong logistics processes, Würth Group’s strategy is set on exploiting the full potential of digitalisation and automation, which will also help meet social challenges, such as demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers. Commenting on this, Robert Friedmann said: “On the one hand, our logistics robots improve productivity. On the other hand, they relieve our employees of physically demanding tasks. Automated processes enable us to supply our customers quickly and reliably.” Würth Group actually has a Logistics 2030 Vision, which specifies an automation strategy for the development of logistics, with a group goal of achieving an automation level of 75% by 2030 in those companies with the highest sales volumes.

Penetrating into the Electric Scooter Supply Chain with High-Precision Screws

Headquartered in Hwa Ya Technology Park (Guishan, Taoyuan), Li You Screw Industry Co., Ltd. has been established for almost 40 years. At its inception, Li You was primarily an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of screws for various distributors. With decades of experience and ever-advancing technology, it has gradually transformed its business into a professional fastener manufacturer and is now mainly engaged in the production of various high-precision screws that are utilized in many different industries: automotive screws, springs, gaskets, and lathed hardware. In addition to the existing factory in Northern Taiwan, it also has a production plant in Penang, Malaysia, and its business has expanded to many important fastener demand markets in Asia.

A Wide Variety of Products, Customized Services, and Flexible MOQs

Based on the needs of customers from different industries, Li You provides a wide variety of screws and hardware made of low or medium carbon steel, free cutting steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, low-leaded brass, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc., with dimension sizes ranging from 0.8mm to 12mm. In addition, Li You is also able to create an advantageous customized service through its highly flexible production management system and product delivery schedule to work in collaboration with its customers. Although Li You’s monthly production can amount to hundreds of millions of pieces, it respects each customer’s needs and works with each of them effectively and efficiently regardless of quantity, which sets it apart from its competitors.

"In the domestic market, we have been working steadily with customers from many industries. Our products are used in the Industrial Control System (ICS), industrial PCs, and automotive electronics. Internationally, we are also gaining markets. In September 2007, we had set up a new production base in Penang, Malaysia - Jiu Ji Guang Precision (Malaysia Co., Ltd.) - to serve customers in the neighboring Asian countries and to provide the same high-quality products that the Taiwan market has been using," said Li You.

Contact: Ms. Candy Shih candy@liyouscrew.com

Triple ISO Certification: ISO9001, ISO14001, and IATF16949

Li You aims to produce high precision products. It has been continuously investing its capital in upgrading its equipment and technology over the years to ensure the quality, tolerance, and inspection of its products meet international standards. Additionally, it has also purchased glass dial inspection machines, salt spray testing machines, universal testing machines, environmental testing chamber, X-Ray coating thickness testing machines, and XRF Spectrometer automated material analysis device, etc., to be used to carry out the relevant testing procedures prior to each shipment as a good gatekeeper for the quality inspection. In terms of process, Li You strives for excellence and is in strict compliance with a number of international quality management systems. It has obtained 3 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications in just 4 years: ISO9001 - Quality Management System, ISO14001 - Environmental Management System, and IATF16949 - Quality Management System for the Automotive Industry. Li You also plans to obtain other certifications such as ESG and ISO 14067 carbon footprint of products.

As far as accelerating product upgrade and increasing the added value of products are concerned, Li You states, "Our fasteners for automobiles have successfully entered the domestic electric scooter manufacturing supply chain. In order to enhance quality and product services, we will continue to add the necessary testing and production equipment to meet our customer needs. We also plan to expand our existing product line to include more components (e.g., automotive fasteners), to collaborate with customers in the medical industry to develop related products, and to provide high-quality products and services to a wider range of customers across various industries."

Fastener Innovation Alley

compiled by Fastener World

Oxidation Colored Stainless Steel Screws

Japanese Ikeda Metal Industrial has developed stainless steel screws colored blue, yellow or red by oxidation coloring treatment. These screws are designed to help operators detect foreign substance contamination at the food production site at an early stage and to prevent shipment in a contaminated state. Stainless steel screws are commonly used in the assembly of food manufacturing machinery because of their corrosion resistance, but they can be difficult to locate if they become loose and fall off and get mixed with milk, mayonnaise or other white colored foods. In fact, there have been cases where packaging has been mixed with screws and shipped unknowingly.

To solve this problem, Ikeda Metal Industrial designed a special surface treatment called “stainless steel oxidation coloring” for coloring stainless steel screws to comply with the Food Sanitation Law. By easily identifying the color of the screws, even if it is mixed with food, it is possible to detect foreign substance contamination at an early stage and prevent shipment in a mixed state.

New Acutrak 3 Headless Compression Screw System

Acumed, a medical device company, announced the release of its next generation Acutrak 3 Headless Screw System. Since 1994, this first-of-akind screw has been trusted by surgeons over 5 million times, successfully benefitting patients worldwide.

Acutrak compression headless screws embody simplicity, versatility, and ease of use for fracture fixation. Building on Acutrak 2’s proven track record, Acutrak 3 advances prior design features with an industry-leading novel thread pitch design to elevate surgical performance to new standards.

The launch of Acutrak 3 now includes a new 2.0 mm diameter Nano screw, and extensions to the current portfolio of Micro, Mini, and Standard screws. These additional size offerings will allow for further surgical options among Acutrak’s approved indications.

Best Quality Wire’s New Product Tackles Bi-metal Screw Pain Points

New Patent & Breakthrough!

Contact: Mr. Hsiang Wu

Email: hsiang@bqw.com.tw

Cross-Over Genius Inventing Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw

Mr. Hsiang Wu, president of Best Quality Wire, is one of the classic Taiwanese figures breaking industry boundaries for innovation. He is a Taiwanese wire rod maker by profession, with a strong curiosity to learn about screws. He asked for advice from a fastener friend, who was touched by him, supported his creative concept and allowed him to learn about screw manufacturing. The opportunity led him to understand the pain points of certain screw products during production. In his decade-long journey of learning, he had moments of being looked down upon, but always believed he could contribute to the fastener industry. Eventually he was able to create a patented revolutionary technique called “Forming Method for Stainless Steel Screw Capable of Direct Drilling and Fastening”.

Hsiang Wu found bi-metal screw production requires multiple procedures and is lower in speed and output capacity compared to stainless steel screw production. The pain point, he discovered, is the inability to form bi-metal screws in one piece. His new patent was born to tackle this pain point. Using his forming method, he successfully manufactured “Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw”— a new product from Best Quality Wire.

Patented Technique— Rust-Prevention Level Above S.S. 304/316 & Replacing Complicated Bi-metal Screw Procedures

The biggest feature of this stainless steel screw is the ability to be formed in a single process, not requiring dual-material welding, turning, threading, cleaning, surface treatment and other processes pertaining to bi-metal screws. Compared with bi-metal screws, “Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw” has surface hardness up to 550HV, core hardness over 520HV, tension coefficient at 173kgf/mm 2, resisting corrosion for over 3,000 hours and acid rain for over 50 cycles. The screw itself is rust proof and corrosion resistant, not requiring surface treatment.

With this patent, “Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw” can replace bi-metal screws, with an added value of significant cost production reduction for clients, faster production, higher production volume, shorter lead time, energy saving and lower carbon emission. “I can guarantee the use of this screw for 20 to 30 years without rust. I hope to extend its use to yacht, wind/solar power, construction and automobiles. With global inflation and EU carbon tax pressing on, I hope this screw can help clients face the carbon tax challenge and be more cost-competitive, thereby contributing to environmental protection”, said the president.

This technique has earned patents in Taiwan, Europe and the U.S. “Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw” has officially appeared at Taiwan International Fastener Show this year, gaining many inquiries and acclaims from domestic and overseas buyers. The potential is not to be overlooked.

3 Pillars to Go Along the Carbon Reduction Era

The president has been long focused on environmental protection. He previously invented the “Auto Sludge Discharging & Oil Recycling Machine” which separates oil and water sludge from production line. Following “Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw”, his next step is to focus on the revolutionary optimization of wire rod manufacturing process. He will develop a production line that integrates wire drawing, pickling, roughing and finishing, and phosphoric acid coating into a single process. In other words, his future production line will be able to form wire rods in one process. Additionally, he has been preparing for carbon inventory since five years ago. An inventor, Hsiang Wu has the new patent bolstering Green Manufacturing, the “Ultra S.S. Anti-Corrosion Screw”, and a future optimized manufacturing processes, altogether ready to face the carbon reduction era!

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Copyright owned by Fastener World

foreign@fastener-world.com.tw

The current year is undoubtedly a period full of challenges for the fastener industry. The complicated political and economic situation, problems related to supply chains and the progressive slowdown on the construction market mean that entrepreneurs once again have to face various challenges. However, industry reports show that despite the difficulties, the industry has a chance for further development, and in the long run, entrepreneurs will be able to turn the current turmoil into profit. It is worth remembering and planning participation in the 6th edition of the FASTENER POLAND ® International Trade Fair for Fastener and Fixing Technology, which will take place on October 18-19, invariably at EXPO Krakow.

Exhibitors and visitors from over a dozen of countries, industry news and premieres, many hours of talks, expert conferences, B2B meetings - this is what the FASTENER POLAND ® Trade Fair in Krakow looked like last year. As many as 65% of the Exhibitors came from abroad. This year's edition promises to be equally good, as the participation of Exhibitors has already been confirmed, e.g. from: Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, Malta, Italy, Hungary, China, Vietnam and Taiwan. The international nature of the event only emphasizes how important trade fair meetings are for the entire industry. And although the fair is an investment, which, especially in difficult times, may seem like a significant burden on the

company's budget, its effects are often visible several months after the end of the event. We know this from our regular Exhibitors who return to EXPO Krakow every year to present their offer. Therefore, we encourage you to plan your participation in this year's edition of FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair now. This gives you the opportunity to choose an attractive booth location and take advantage of additional, free forms of promotion.

The FASTENER POLAND ® Trade Fair is the only international fair of fasteners organized in Central and Eastern Europe. The scope of the exhibition includes, among others: the most modern industrial fasteners and fixing (from bolts to nuts, clamps and rings); building fasteners (anchors, concrete screws, fastening of facades and insulation); advanced assembly and installation systems, as well as technologies for the production of fasteners and devices for their storage and distribution.

6th edition of the FASTENER POLAND ® Trade Fair promises to be very good. After 3 years of travel difficulties, this year's participation in the fair is confirmed by Exhibitors and guests from the farthest corners of the world. The list of Exhibitors is now available at www.fastenerpoland. pl/en. We also invite you to follow the trade fair profiles in social media, where we publish industry news on an ongoing basis and reveal what our Exhibitors will present at their stands this year. For those interested in visiting the fair, we have prepared a pool of free admission tickets. To receive them, just complete a short form available on the fair website.

Preview of Fastener Poland Taiwan Exhibitors

D100 FASTENER WORLD INC.  sales@fastener-world.com.tw  www.fastener-world.com

D93 Chite Enterprises Co., Ltd. chite@chite.com.tw www.chite.com.tw

D94 Celebrite Fasteners Co., Ltd.  jcsales@celebritefasteners.com www.celebritefasteners.com

D95 Longhwa Screw Works Co., Ltd. longhwa.putz@msa.hinet.net www.long-hwa.com.tw

D96 Chung Ho Enterprise Co., Ltd.  jensonyeh@chungho.com.tw  www.chungho.com.tw

D97 Boltun Corporation sales@boltun.com.tw www.boltun.com

D98 Tsung Yang International Co., Ltd. tsung-yang@hibox.hinet.net www.tsung-yang.com.tw

D99 Joker Industrial Co., Ltd.  info@joker.com.tw www.joker-fastener.com

D101 Shinn Rung Co., Ltd. sr@shinnrung.com www.shinnrung.com

D102  Hoplite Industry Co., Ltd.  hoplite.ind@msa.hinet.net www.hoplite.com.tw

D103 Ja Den Enterprise Corp., Ltd. yuding6285336@gmail.com www.fastener-world.com/en/supplier/jaden

D104 Yeswin Machinery Co., Ltd. yeswin@twyeswin.com www.twyeswin.com

D105 Dagan International Co., Ltd. dagannet@ms8.hinet.net  www.dagan.com.tw

D106 Mao Chuan Industrial Co., Ltd.  maochuan@maochuan.com.tw  www.maochuan.com.tw

D107 Amis Enterprise Co., Ltd.  service@amis-world.com www.amis-world.com

D108 Orange Fasteners dennis.chou@orangefasteners.com.tw www.orangefasteners.com.tw

D108a RJW International Co., Ltd. teacbow@gmail.com  www.rjwfastener.com

TIFI JA

DEN SHINN RUNG

exclusive agent Fastener World are listed.

D109 Chao Jing Precise Machines Enterprise Co., Ltd.  jw.zw@msa.hinet.net www.chaojing.com.tw

D129 Chien Tsai Machinery Enterprise Co., Ltd.  jiancai@jiancai.com.tw  www.jiancai.com.tw

D130 Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI) tifi.tw@msa.hinet.net  www.fasteners.org.tw

D131 Key-Use Industrial Works Co., Ltd.  sales@keyuse.com.tw  www.keyuse.com.tw

D132 Vertigo Forming Solutions Co., Ltd.

vfs.amychang@gmail.com  www.vertigoformingsolutions.com

D133 Tai Huei Screw Industry Co., Ltd.  taihuei.screw@msa.hinet.net  www.taihuei.com

D134 Yangzhou Canaan Electro-Thermo Machine Co., Ltd. r88chung@163.com www.canaetm.com

為了方便統計準確，上述台灣扣件展團名單以有向本展台灣總代理商匯達公司報名為準。

Fratom FastechDurable Fastener Punches & Dies Improve Forging Quality

Specializing in the production and export of high quality precision metal cold/hot forging punches and dies, Fratom Fastech is one of the most professional and comprehensive punches & dies suppliers in Taiwan. Its long term cooperation with internationally well-known fastener manufacturers and punches & dies distributors gives it the ability and technology to satisfy customers' needs for punches & dies for all kinds of fasteners.

In order to meet the needs of different customers, Fratom Fastech offers a wide range of products, including not only the production of punches (round/hex/six lobes/12-point/carbide/ braze carbide), but also pipe fittings (sleeves, transport fingers), machine spare parts, trimming dies, die cases and inserts, etc. Fratom Fastech's professional team can take care of any punches and dies needed in the fastener forging process.

"We accept customization and can assist in production as long as customers provide us with complete drawings. We can even suggest improvements to the tool design based on past experience and, if necessary, suggest modifications to the tool design in order to improve the durability of products. We are also happy to assist customers in solving practical problems in the use of our products. Superior product technology and efficient service quality are our features and strengths, and we are now ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certified," said Fratom Fastech.

Successful Expansion in European Market

Aiming to Develop More Users in Central and Eastern Europe

In 2023, Fratom Fastech reports good sales in Poland again due to increased customer demand. It hopes to take advantage of Fastener Poland this year to communicate with more potential local customers (e.g. end users and fastener manufacturers, etc.), so that it can deepen sales in Poland on the one hand, and further extend the market layout to the neighboring Central and Eastern European markets on the other hand.

“Construction and automotive/motorcycle fasteners are the mainstay of many customer inquiries. The cheaper but more durable welded tungsten carbide, PVD coated round/ square/hexagonal trimming dies and HSS/powdered steel/ tungsten carbide hexagonal/Torx/dodecagonal punches are very suitable for the Central and Eastern European market. This is the 1st time for us to exhibit in Poland after 5 years of hiatus, and we welcome interested buyers to visit our booth and experience our products and services," said Fratom Fastech.

Contact: Thomas Liu

Email: info@fratom-fastech.com

Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World Copyright

owned by Fastener World

Dagan InternationalProfessional Export & Sales of Taiwan's High Quality Fastener Machines and Dies

Dagan International is mainly engaged in the agency of Taiwanese fastener and cold/hot forging related equipment, die design and development, and sales of equipment peripherals according to customers' needs. After 28 years of growth, it has been one of the most important channels for overseas customers to look for Taiwan's high-quality, highly efficient, high-performance and durable fastener equipment and dies.

High C/P Ratio and Diversified Equipment Supply; Ready to Make Its Debut at Fastener Poland

Multi-station bolts/nuts forming machines, high-speed headers, nail making machines, heat treatment furnaces, plating equipment, automatic thread rolling machines, wire drawing machines, pneumatic microcomputer control lathes, automatic packaging equipment, and cold/hot forging dies are all bestsellers of Dagan. Nearly 50% of these products are sold to emerging markets in South America, such as Brazil, Argentina and Chile, while North America and Europe are also its important sales targets, such as Portugal, Spain and Turkey, which are the main sources of many die orders and are the markets Dagan would like to actively develop in the future.

"We have been deeply rooted in South America for years and have successfully sold thousands of sets of Taiwanese equipment to the customers. There with the increasing competition in the market, we also plan to develop more markets for Taiwan's increasingly advanced equipment, and have determined to exhibit at Fastener Poland this October to test the waters. Poland with a population of about 38 million is located in the heart of Central Europe and is Europe's 6th largest automotive industry heartland with a strong potential for export of spare parts or complete vehicles, which is expected to drive a huge demand for fasteners and indirectly lead to purchase of more forging equipment," said Dagan General Manager Dean Chao.

Rich Experience in Collaboration with European & American Customers; Helping Taiwanese Equipment Manufacturers Expand Global Market Share

Dagan used to work as a sales agent for Belgium Nedschroef Machinery and an Italian heater manufacturer in the early days, so it deeply understands the actual needs of European and American customers for fastener processing. In addition, since machines in Europe and the U.S. are mostly designed to manufacture high-end products, those for production of other medium-to-low-end products need to be imported, which is a market worth developing.

"Europe has high labor and R&D costs and expensive equipment, but Taiwan's high-precision, high-efficiency, high-durability and hightechnology equipment for medium-to-highend products is a perfect complement to the shortcomings of our customers in Europe and the U.S. In addition to equipment, Taiwan's mature die development technology, which is at the forefront of the global fastener industry, also serves as a solid backup for the company. We not only maintain longterm collaboration with a number of Taiwan's first-class equipment manufacturers with stable machine export and help them upgrade simultaneously to meet customers’ demand, but also assist customers in die R&D, which has won high opinions from the world's leading manufacturers such as Sacma, Nedschroef, Hyodong, Sakamura, Nakashimada, etc. We can also assist our customers in making corrections through remote control commands or by direct videocalls with technicians for perfect after-sales service. The dies of these products will also be presented at this year's Fastener Poland in anticipation of discovering more potential local customers,” said GM Chao.

There are not many equipment manufacturers in Taiwan, but they have good quality and technical expertise. Through Dagan's understanding of markets and customers and the good reputation accumulated in the past, Taiwan's innovative equipment and dies suppliers are definitely able to open up a new niche market of their own.

Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World Copyright owned by Fastener World

Contact: General Manager Dean Chao Email:

Chungho Fastener

Article by Dean Tseng Copyright owned by Fastener World

Toyota Management Based Premium Fastener Service

CHUNGHO rose as a solid support for many assembly factories and machine companies since the 80’s and 90’s when Taiwan economy was booming. They have deep experience in fasteners ranging from manufacturing to design. Back in a time when many businesses branched out from Taiwan, CHUNGHO stayed rooted in Taiwan and progressed with the advancement of Taiwanese manufacturing. They introduced Toyota Production System and accurate management, providing clients with high-quality hexagon socket screws, self-tapping screws, machine screws, washers, nuts, keys, pins, stamping fasteners, and machine parts.

Lately they have been focused on developing safetydemanding fasteners for medical aids and sports equipment. The core strengths are their stringent requirements for precision, strength, and rust resistance, as well as their stability and solution capabilities. Many clients trust them for the dedication to resolving issues from hydrogen-embrittlement, and for the fact that they always discuss with clients and improve themselves to secure quality and safety.

Advantage in Customization and Quality Assurance

Upon clients’ special request, CHUNGHO’s top priority is to search existing standard fasteners and determine if they are compliant with the request. If not, the next is to consider utilizing machining, milling or punching to meet the target and prevent unnecessary spending on making dies. If none of these work, creating dedicated dies comes in as the next option. Take M8X485—a high tensile strength long screw manufactured for a Swiss client, the assessed development cost was excessively high, and the answer to lower cost, client satisfaction and uninterrupted mass-production was through a combination of optimized manufacturing process, machining, welding and heat treatment.

They have specialized personnel inspecting every step of screw manufacturing, using 2.5D projectors for dimensional accuracy. For product strength, they use tensile and hydrogen embrittlement endurance tests as well as metallurgical analysis. Corrosion resistance is secured through salt spray and acid rain tests. If any problems occur, they follow ISO 9001 preventive and corrective measures for quick response and solutions. Besides, each issue is documented and reviewed to fulfill the quality target of not repeating the same error.

Locked on Poland and Exploring Business Opportunities in Greater Europe

CHUNGHO eyes Poland as the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe and sees it as a new driving force in European manufacturing. Taiwan is working ever closer with Poland in EVs, and CHUNGHO has many clients needing fasteners for electric scooters and postal vans. With over 30 years of experience in the bike industry since the 80’s, CHUNGHO sees the potential for more business opportunities in Poland and they will find local traders and representative firms as key partners to expand their markets, while establishing direct collaboration with local assembly plants. Their booth will highlight customizability featuring their strength in multi-process custom fasteners, and various advanced surface and heat treatment options to produce color-abundant, highly rustresistant, durable, and safe fasteners that clients can feel safe to use on waterways or snowy places.

The CHUNGHO Way — Need Fasteners? CHUNGHO Can Help

They have witnessed countless clients troubled by small screws which seem trivial but critical to structure stability and safety. "Our greatest achievement is to solve clients’ problems using knowhow and experience. Count on us to fix your fastener issues.” They hope to save clients from supply chain hassles and make a win-win together.

Returns to Las Vegas for Their 2023 Show

The International Fastener Expo (IFE), the largest North American B2B Expo focused on the Fastener industry, will be hosting their annual event October 9-11, 2023, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Attendees and exhibitors from around the world will come together under one roof to build new relationships and connect with peers, discover the latest products and solutions, and learn from experts about trends and newest technologies being used in the industry. IFE 2023 is expected to bring 650+ exhibitors to the Expo Floor representing a strong global fastener footprint; the 2022 show had exhibitors from 37 different countries.

This year’s show will feature special events like the always popular golf tournament at the Bali Hai Golf Club, the fun-filled Welcome Reception at Mandalay Bay’s Daylight Pool, and the honorary tradition of inducting the Hall of Fame award winners and Young Fastener Professional of the Year. IFE 2023 will once again be partnering with Fastener Training Institute to provide a full-day class “Fastener Fundamentals – The Nuts and Bolts for Fastener Professionals,” led by FTI instructor, Carmen Vertullo.

An energizing keynote speaker will take to the stage to kick off the show presenting a highly relevant speech. Additional educational opportunities will take place throughout October 10 and 11 on the Expo Hall Session Stage, offering attendees strategic, forward-thinking knowledge on topics that included risk management, technology and digitalization, succession planning, fastener finishings, and more. A new educational format will be introduced at IFE 2023, Fireside Chats. These microlearning sessions will provide the audience with engaging and interactive interview-style discussions.

IFE 2023 will also provide attendees and exhibitors with the official mobile event app and “smart” matchmaking technology, IFE Match.

Registration is open from Thursday, June 1. Visit https://fastenershows.com/you-cant-miss-ife-2023-fti/ for updates and complete details.

649

AEH FASTEN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. sales@aeh.com.tw www.aeh.com.tw

Rivets, Screws, Barrel Nuts And Other Cold Forming Items Made From Steel, Stainless Steel , Brass , Copper And Aluminum.

779

AIMREACH ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. sales@aimreachfasteners.com www.aimreachfasteners.com

All Kinds Of Screws Related Items. Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Bi-Metal Screws. Special Parts, According To Drawing Fasteners, Automotive Parts.

1676

AL-PRO METALS CO., LTD. alpro.metals@msa.hinet.net www.alpro-metals.com

Bolt. Stainless Steel Bolt. Open Die Fastener. Weld Bolt. Hex Bolt.

711

A-PLUS SCREWS INC. annesheng@a-plusscrewsinc.com.tw www.a-plusscrewsinc.com.tw

Decking Screws, Sems Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Collated Screws, Custom Screws, Which Are Made Of 302, 304, 305, 316, Xm7, 410.

663

A-STAINLESS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

astainless@hibox.hinet.net www.a-stainless.com.tw

Window Screws In 410ss /18-8ss Materials , Patented Design For Hard Wood Application

869

BEST QUALITY WIRE CO., LTD. sales@bqw.com.tw www.bqw.com.tw

B.Q.W. Ultra S.S. Screw, Is Researched, Developed, And Marketed By Best Quality Wire CO. Ultra S.S. Screw Can Improve Efficiency Of Production By Shortening Original TimeCostly Procedure.

715

BI-MIRTH CORP. sales@bimirth.com.tw www.bi-mirth.com

669

CHAEN WEI CORPORATION cwc@chaenwei.com.tw www.chaenwei.com.tw

Patented, Customized Construction/Industrial Screw & Standard Screw Production. Manual & Semi-Auto Packaging Lines In House To Support Diversified Small Packaging Needs.

765

B -M RTH Corporation

Our Company Specializes In Self-Drilling, Self-Tapping, Wood Construction, And Concrete Screws From Diameters #8 To 1/2 Inch And Up To 20 Inches In Length. We Also Have Our Own ICC Certification.

868

BROADEN WORLDWIDE CO., LTD. info@broadenal.com.tw www.bdngroup.com.tw

BDN Fasteners® offer a full range of self-drilling and self-tapping screws that drill, tap threads, and fasten in one swift process.

615

BUDSTECH CO., LTD. sales@budstech.com www.budstech.com

Steel Stainless Screws, Machining Parts, Sheet Metal Stamping Parts, Sub Assembly 1078

BULLS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. jordan23@bullstech.com.tw www.bullstech.com.tw

Cold Forming Fasteners Per Prints, Including T-Sleeve Nuts, Weld Nuts, Weld Bolts, T-Bolts, Shoulder Bolts, Tapping Screws And Studs

CHANNG CHIN INDUSTRY CORP. service@channg-chin.com www.channg-chin.com.tw

Screws, Bolts, Welding Parts, Double End Parts Applied At Automotive, Machine, Tapping And Taptite Used. Sized M3 To M12 And Length Up To 150mm. Product Certified By IATF16949 And QMS Has ISO17025 Authentication.

769

CHIA YI FASTENER CO., LTD. gaescrew@ms19.hinet.net www.chiayifastener.com.tw

Screws, Nuts, Bolts....All The Fastening Parts

879

CHIAN YUNG CORPORATION sales@chianyungco.com.tw www.chianyungco.com.tw

SEMS Screws (Screws Assembled With Washers)

1774

CHIAO CHANG PNEUMATIC TOOL CORP. info@ccp-tw.com.tw www.ccptool.com

40 Years Of Experience And Passed The ISO 9001-2015 Quality System Certification In June 1995 , All Products 100% Taiwan Design, Manufacturing, R&D And Production.

2141

CHIEN TSAI MACHINERY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. Jinna@jiancai.com.tw www.jiancai.com.tw

Automatic Thread Rolling Machine, Screw Heading Machine, Head Slotting Machine.

874

CHIN LIH HSING PRECISION ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. clh@clh.com.tw www.clh.com.tw

Our Products Are Threaded Inserts, High Quality CNC Parts And A Variety Of Turning Parts / Fasteners.

647

CHIREK FASTENER CORPORATION kai@chirek.com.tw www.chirek.com.tw

Construction Fasteners Used In Roofing, Sandwich Panels, Steel Structures, Interior Decoration And Wood Structures

873

CHITE ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. chite@chite.com.tw www.chite.com.tw

Chite Group Is Professional In The Various Fasteners, Not Only Can Finish The Parts By Standard Spec., We Also Can Produce The Good Per Blue Print, Per Customer Requirements.

979

CPC FASTENERS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. sales@cpc-fasteners.com www.cpc-fasteners.com

Zinc Die Cast Capped Screws , Stainless Steel Capped Screws, Bimetal Screws, Roofing Screws, Self Drilling Screws, HVAC Screws

728

DAR YU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

daryu@ms25.hinet.net

www.dar-yu.com.tw

Standard Fasteners For DIY Market

613

EVEREON INDUSTRIES, INC. hoseclamp@evereon.com.tw www.ydsevereon.com

Stainless Steel Hose Clamps

665

DE HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD. dehui@dehuiscrew.com www.dehuiscrew.com

Screws for Construction - Drywall screws, Selfdrilling screws, Roofing screws, Decking screws.

623

DRAGON IRON FACTORY CO., LTD. dragonco@ms9.hinet.net www.dragoniron.com.tw

Self-Drilling Screws, Self-Tapping Screws, Roofing Screws, Construction Screws.

973

E CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. joan@ech.com.tw www.sqf.com.tw

We Provide Customized Products To Customers Around The World And Focus On The Development Of Automotive Products. In Addition To The Certificate Of IATF 16949, We Got CE 14566 And CE 14592 Certification In 2016.

625

ERAY TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE CO., LTD.

sales@e-ray.tw www.e-ray.com.tw

772

FENG YI TITANIUM FASTENERS fengyi.ti@msa.hinet.net www.fengyi-ti.com

Professional In Titanium Fasteners. Through Our Forging Technology, We Offer You Stronger And Safety Titanium Screws!

978

FONG PREAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. export1@ms.fongprean.com.tw www.fongprean.com

Drywall Screws, Wood Screws, Decking Screws, Framing Screws, Fiber Cement Board Screws, Roofing Screws, SelfDrilling Screws, Self-Tapping Screws, Tek Screws, Stainless Steel Screws, Collated Screws And Custom Screws.

746

FONG YIEN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. fongyien@ms43.hinet.net www.fongyien.com

ASME B18.15 Industrial Grade Heavy Duty Lifting Eye Bolt / Material: Carbon Steel/ Stainless Steel

778

FONTEC SCREWS CO., LTD.

fontec.twn@msa.hinet.net www.fontec.com.tw

ISO 9001:2000

Multi-Station Cold Forging Hardware Development And Customized Part Mass Production. Mechanical Size Ranges From 3mm To 36mm For OR And Ranges From 5mm To 152mm For Length.

Fontec Is One Of The Leading Screws & Rivets Manufacturers, Suppliers, And Exporters. At Fontec, We Provide You With A Wide Range Of Products Including Bolts, Rivets, And Screws.

977

FU KAI FASTENER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. fukai.ht@msa.hinet.net www.fkfastener.com.tw

We Provide High Quality ,Best Service And Solutions Of Screws Fittings. We Are Also Good At Customized Products. Our Quality Have Established Solid Trust With Each Customer.

655 GOFAST CO., LTD. fastener@gofast.com.tw www.gofast.com.tw

External/Internal/Open

Die Threading Parts, Available With Extra Machined, Pressed And Other Processes; Stamping; CNC; Wire Form Assembled Parts.

877

GREAT PEAK HARDWARE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. info@great-peak.com www.great-peak.com

Self-Tapping/Self-Drilling Screw, Machine Screw, Chipboard Screw, Wood Screw, Coarse Thread Screw, Concrete Screw, Hex Socket Cap Screw, Security Screw, SEMS, CNC/Special Screw.

713

HEADER PLAN CO. INC. master@headerplan.com.tw www.headerplan.com.tw

Stainless Steel Decking Screws, Stainless Steel Self-Drilling Screws, Stainless Steel SelfTapping Screws, Stainless Steel Machine Screws, Stainless Steel Special Screws Per Customer's Sample Or Drawing.

1675

HOMN REEN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. homnreen@mail.homnreen.com.tw www.homnreen.com

Our Taiwan And Vietnam Plants Offer Size #2 -3/8" (M2-M8) Fasteners Up To 15" (380mm) In Length. Categories Include Self-Drilling, Self-Tapping, Chipboard, Drywall, Thread Rolling (Trilobular), Concrete, Machine, Sems/ Combi In Both Inch And Metric Screws.

776

HOME SOON ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. home.soon@msa.hinet.net www.homesoon.com.tw

Screwdriver Bit, Nut Setter, Hex Key, Impact Socket, Socket Bit, Ratchet, Bit Holder

677

HU PAO INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. hupaobill@hupao.com.tw www.hupao.com.tw

Range: Nuts, Rollers

Dimensions: M5~M20 (#8 ~ 7/8). Materials: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper. Standards: DIN, JIS, ISO, ANSI/ASME, IFI, SAE, ASTM, UNI, And Customized Items As Per Customer’s Request.

750

INNTECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. inntech.tw@msa.hinet.net www.inntech.com.tw

1. OEM Quality Fasteners 2. Precision Turning Parts 3. Metal Stamping 4. Patent Fasteners ( Delta PT / TAPTITE / MAT thread...) 4. Open die parts 5. Plastic Injection Molding 6. Wire form 7. Powder Metal

714

J. T. FASTENERS SUPPLY CO., LTD. jimmy@jtfasteners.com.tw www.jtfasteners.com.tw

Our Company Is Specialized In Supplying Various Fasteners. Rivet Nuts/Stamping Parts/Customized Parts Are Our Main Products. And We Also Supply Different Materials For These Products To Satisfy Our Customers' Requirement.

866

JACKWAY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. johnnycheng@jackway.com.tw www.jackway.com.tw

Fastening Tools Such As Bits, Screwdrivers, Sockets, Impact Sockets And Other Hand Tools And Power Tools ...

742 J.C. GRAND CORPORATION sales@jcgrand.com www.jcgrand.com

Products: Timber, Deck & Drywall, Tapping, Drilling, Bolts, SEMS. Coating: ZNK+ Duplex Coating System.

1677

JCGC

JENG YUH PLASTICS CO., LTD. jeng.yuh@msa.hinet.net www.plastic-packagingbox.com

Plastic Container

814

JI LI DENG FASTENERS CO., LTD. sales@jldfasteners.com.tw www.jldfasteners.com.tw

Specialized In Manufacturing Fasteners For Auto Parts, Appliances, Electronics And Others. Tapping Screw/ Machine Screw/ Trilobular Thread/ Screw For Plastic/ Hi-Lo Thread/ Double End Stud/ Ball Stud/ Weld Stud/ Special & Customized Parts.

1777

JINN HER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. sales@jinnher.com.tw www.jinnher.com.tw

Common Products, Such As Hex Bolt, Hex Flange Bolt, TC Bolt, Etc. Products Per Customer's Drawing As Well.

724

KU FU FASTENERS CO., LTD. k4662.com@msa.hinet.net www.kffcom.com

Major Products/Service:

1. Customized Special Parts

2. Shafts / Flange Bolts

3. Welding Bolts / Nuts

4. SEMS / Braking System Parts 5. Rivets / Pins

637

KWANTEX RESEARCH INC. kwantex@ms18.hinet.net www.kwantex.com.tw

KTX-Archemides' Secret Screw, KTXHidden Decking Screw System, KTX-Torpedo Plastic Decking Screw And More Innovative Screws

629

L&W FASTENERS COMPANY king-lin@lwfasteners.com.tw www.lwfasteners.com.tw

Professional Fasteners Supplier Of Building, Mechanical Engineering, Heavy Industry, Furniture Fastening.

864

LINK UPON ADVANCED MATERIAL CORPORATION maggie.lee@linkupon.com www.linkupon.com

Advanced Engineering

Plastic Fasteners, Screws, Bolts, Nuts, Washers, And Made-To-Print Parts.

974

LOYAL & BIRCH CO., LTD. sales@loyalbirch.com www.loyalbirch.com

Our products are used in construction, including, drywall screws, chipboard screws, selfdrilling screws, tapping screws and concrete screws.

773

LUNA'S LIGHT INTERNATIONAL SOURCING CORPORATION info@visdomsupply.com visdomsupply.com/index.html

CNC Turning Parts, CNC Milling Parts, Metal Parts, OEM Parts.

736

MAO CHUAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. maochuan@maochuan.com.tw www.maochuan.com.tw

Stamping Part: Spring Nuts & Clips - U-Nuts, J-Nuts, Trim Clip; Nut- Welding Nut, Hex Nut, Grille Nut & Panel Nut, Cage Nut; Bushing; Washer; Deep Drawn Part; Hose Clamp; Snap On Button; Bracket; Assemble Parts

1076

METAL FASTENERS CO., LTD. sales@fasteners.com.tw www.fasteners.com.tw

Self-Clinching Fasteners For Sheet Metal Enclosures And Thread Inserts For Plastic Injection Parts.

718

MOLS CORPORATION sabrina@molscorp.com.tw www.molscorp.com.tw

Self Tapping Screw, Roofing Screw, Self Drilling Screw, RV Screw, Triangular Thread Screw, Gutter Screw, Home Appliance Screw

878

OFCO INDUSTRIAL CORP. ofco@ofco.com.tw www.ofco.com.tw

ASME B18.2.1 Hex Head Cap Screws & Metric Fasteners In Grade 5, Grade 8 Or Class 8.8, 10.9 For Metric Fasteners.

748

PRO-PATH INDUSTRIAL COMPANY, LTD. arky-t-l-kuo@propathindustrial.com.tw www.propathindustrial.com.tw

★ Bi-Metal Screws

★ Window Srcews

★ Patent Screws ★ Self Drilling Screws ★ Self Tapping Screws ★ Tiny Screws ★ Terrace Screws

★ Roofing Screws ★ Sems Screws ★ Security Screws

643

REXLEN CORP. marketing@rexlen.com.tw www.rexlen.com.tw

★ Automotive Parts ★ Screws, Bolts & Nuts, MAThread Parts ★ Washers & Stampings ★ Machined Screws & CNC Parts ★ Plastic Injection & Rubber Parts Custom-Made Specials

766

REXSON FASTENERS INC. sales@rexson.com.tw www.rexson.com.tw

Major Products: Stainless Steel Screws / Automotive Parts / Self-drilling Screws / Concrete Screws / Special Screws / Wood Screws ...Production Range: Diameter: M1.2~M12 Length : 3~200mm Material: Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Brass , Copper

774

SCT FASTENERS CO., LTD. sct.screws@msa.hinet.net www.sct-fasteners.com

Stainless Steel Fasteners

675

SE FA ENTERPRISE CO., LTD sefa.screw@msa.hinet.net www.sefascrew.com.tw

We Have Implemented A Strict And Complete Quality Control System, Which Ensures That Each Product Can Meet The Quality Requirements Of Customers. Our products have attained ISO9001 certification.

754

SEN CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. sc337@ms6.hinet.net www.senchang.com

Material: 18-8, 305, 316, 410, 410C, 420, 430 Screw Diameter: #00~#5/8 Length: 18/""~12""

Screw As Per IFI, DIN, ISO & Customers' Drawing

Entrance & Exit

976

SHAW GUANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

shawguang@yahoo.com.tw www.shawguang.com.tw

Kep Nuts, Conical Washer Nuts, Nylong Conical Washer Nuts, Flange Conical Nuts, Combi Nuts

651

SHEH FUNG SCREWS CO., LTD. shehfung@shehfung.com www.shehfung.com

Self Drilling Screws, Self Tapping Screws, Wood Screws, Deck Screws, Roofing Screws, Drywall Screws,Stainless Steel Screws, Automotive Screws, Non-Standard Screws. Etc..

740

SHIANG GING METAL ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. sgcarbide@sgcarbide.com.tw www.sgmetal.com.tw

Shiang Ging Has Maintained A Focus And Commitment To Providing Customers With Manufacturing Specialist Carbide Dies For Cold Forming And Cold Heading Industries.

764 SHYANG SHENG PRECISE INDUSTRY CO., LTD. shyang.her@msa.hinet.net www.splasticinjectionmold.com

Plastic Fastener, Plastic Washer, Automotive Plastic Fastener, Plastic Anchor

777

SIN FU SHAN INTERNATIONAL CORP. phil_huang@sfshan.com.tw www.sfshan.com.tw

Licensed Screw Products Such As TORX, REMINC Thread System For Automobile And Screws Of Other Industry Fields

762

SINTEC CO., LTD. sales@sintecmetal.com www.sintecmetal.com

Decking, Wood, Roof, Drywall Screws, Concrete Bolts, Collated Drywall Screws……Etc.

619

SOON PORT INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. info@soonport.com www.soonport.com

Soon Port International Co., Ltd. Was Founded In 1962, And Started As A Producer And Processor Of Hardware Wires, Screw Wires, Steel Wires, Etc.

810

SPEC PRODUCTS CORP. sean.chang@spec.com.tw www.spec.com.tw

Bolt For Automotive, Special Screw, Sems, Screw & Sleeve Assembly, Clinch Stud, Double End Stud, Mathread, Rivet, Nut

611

SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. srcrivet@ms12.hinet.net www.srcrivet.com

Blind Rivets, Blind Rivet Nuts, Riveting Tools

627

STANDING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

stddco@ms13.hinet.net www.stddco.com

Micro, Miniature & Small Fasteners For Automotive, Electric, Computer, Communication, Consumer Electronics, Etc.

767

SUNNY BEAM INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

sb6667@ms14.hinet.net www.sunnybeam.com.tw

Standard And OEM Fastener Products Including Screws, Bolts, Nuts, CNC Parts, Washers, SEMs, Studs, Rivets, Pins, Automotive Parts, Anchors, Rings, Hooks, Clips, Bits, Nails, Stamping Parts And Hand Tools

975

SUPERIOR QUALITY FASTENER CO., LTD. sqf@sqf.com.tw www.sqf.com.tw

Special Screws, Bolts, Nuts, Self-Drilling Screws, Drywall Screws Turning Parts, Closed Dies Parts

657

TAIWAN FASTENER TRADING ASSOCIATION - TFTA

tfta_org@yahoo.com.tw www.tftatw.org

Advertising Literature And Brochures

1074

SPRING LAKE ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. info@springlake.com.tw www.springlake.com.tw

With More Than 40 Years Of Fastening Experiences, Spring Lake Provides A Comprehensive Range Of Standard Fasteners That Meet All Commonly Used Standards On The Market.

722

TAIWAN INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE - TIFI tifi.tw@msa.hinet.net www.fasteners.org.tw

Advertising Literature And Brochures

758

TAIWAN PRECISION FASTENER CO., LTD.

sales@taiwan-precision-fastener.com www.taiwan-precision-fastener.com

Wood Screw, Deck Screw, Self-Drilling Screw, Self-Tapping Screw, Patented Wood Screw, Special Screw Point Cutting

972

TAIWAN SHAN YIN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. ma_dept@shanyin.com.tw www.shanyin.com.tw

Patented Screws, Construction Screws, Special Screws, Automotive Screws, Patented Coating Screws

876

TONE DAR SEEN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. tdstds.chiao1029@gmail.com tonedarseen.com/en/home/

We Have More Than 30 Years Of Experience In Producing Various Types Of Screws, Specializing In Semi-Tubular Rivets, Shoulder Rivets And Custom / Special Designed Parts.

726

TZONG JI METALS CO., LTD. tzji@ms15.hinet.net www.Tzji.com.tw

Retaining Rings (External & Internal) / Inverted Retaining Rings / E-Rings / Crescent Rings / Spring Pins / Speed Nuts / Push Nuts / Cage Nuts / U-Nuts / Curve Washers / Toothed Lock Washers / Wave Washers

679

U-WEEN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. alex@u-ween.com.tw www.u-ween.com.tw

Specializing In Precision Parts Processing. Full Of Experiences In Cold Heading, Automobile Components, Mechanical And Electrical Products, Bike Components, Sports Equipment, Medical Equipment, Hardware Appliances.

756

WA TAI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. watai001@w-atai.com www.w-atai.com

We Are ISO9001, IATF 16949 And ISO14001 Accredited.

659

WITEC PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

nina@witecsp.com

www.witecsp.com/en

Springs, Fasteners, Wire Forming, Stamping, Welding, Assembly

667

WATTSON FASTENER GROUP INC. wattsonbell@gmail.com www.fastener-world.com/en/supplier/ wattson

Drywall Screw / Self Drilling Screw / Chip Board Screw

1974

WAYNETEL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. waynetel@ms11.hinet.net www.waynetel.com.tw

Specialist Of “Standard & Non-Standard” Fasteners. Customized Bolts, Pins, Rivets, And CNC Turning Parts.

673

WIN FEATURES INDUSTRY CO., LTD. everwin@winfeatures.com www.winfeatures.com

Screwdriver Bit, Adapter, Bit Holder, Nut Setter, Screwdriver Bit Set

641

YOANG MING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

ymscrew@ms23.hinet.net

www.yoangming.com.tw

Our Main Products Are Self Drilling Screw, Self Tapping Screw, Machine Screw, Special Screw, Long Length Screw, Chipboard And Drywall Screws, And We Have Customized Services And Production.

1674

YOUR CHOICE FASTENERS & TOOLS CO., LTD.

taitzu.taitzu@msa.hinet.net

www.ycs.com.tw

Self Drilling/Tapping Screw, Farmer Screw/ Roofing Screw, Sandwich Panel Screw, Window Screw, Decking Screw, Drywall Screw, Chipbaord Screw, Concrere Screw, Screws

768

ZI EA FACTORY COMPANY LIMITED sales@zi-ea.com

www.ziea.com.tw

Standard And Customized Screws, Bolts And Cold Heading Parts, Ranges From 1/4” X 5/8” To 1” X 8”.

Only Taiwanese exhibitors exhibiting through Taiwan’s exclusive agent Fastener World are listed.

Rexlen CorporationOffering Various Fastening Solutions Compliant with ISO, IATF & A2LA Requirements

Booth No.

643

Rexlen Corporation is a Taiwan-based fasteners supplier with over 40-year experience since 1977 and headquartered in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Rexlen Corporation is able to offer a wide variety of fasteners and special parts according to customer drawings, including forged parts, casting parts, stamping parts as well as turning parts. It also produces SAFETY COMPONENTS related to the airbag inflator and automotive systems.

Over recent years Rexlen has experienced continuous growth in sales, which the company says is primarily down to its continuous improvement within its product quality, as well as the long-term relationships it has with its customers.

“We are dedicated to providing products that not only meet but exceed our global client’s requirements,” states Rexlen. “A key factor in ensuring this quality is our fully equipped quality control laboratory, which was certified in 2005 and has helped broaden our offering and services, while ensuring the highest products quality and meeting worldwide specifications.”

To ensure its laboratory being able to carry out all the necessary tests and procedures, Rexlen has increased its inspection equipment, with the introduction of a wide variety of machines including a spectrometer and a coordinate measuring machine.

A specialty of Rexlen is its ability to manufacture customized fasteners and work with customers from the North American and European markets, in a variety of industries. It creates an Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process for every order, with its engineers monitoring every production process to ensure the quality meeting all customer requirements. It also has a strong research and development team, who have a significant amount of experience within the fastener field, enabling it to develop new products and processes.”

It has been in the fastener sector for more than 40 years and has accumulated technical experience in a wide range of different end-use industries. Its relationship with customers is built on friendship, mutual trust and support, it is not just about business. It is ISO certified and its lab is TAF/ISO 17025 certified. Its factory is ISO & IATF 16949 and Lab A2LA certified. With its ISO and TAF accredited laboratory, it not only strictly monitors its own manufacturing, but the entire supply-chain, which means its customers can be confident that every product they receive from Rexlen is with excellent quality.

It also provides an innovation solution at process improvement to provide its customers with QUICK DELIVERY, HIGH QUALITY and VERY COMPETITIVE PRICE than they have ever procured. It is dedicated to providing products to meet or exceed its global clients’ requirements.

Jin Ta Trading- Cold Forging Technology Improves Product Safety

Contact:

Thedesign and manufacture of automobiles are changing day by day, and every year there is impressive performance. Although screws and nuts used in automobiles are small accessories, they also play a significant role and there is no room for compromise in quality requirements. Accordingly, Jin Ta has been pursuing newer and more stable production methods in order to meet customers’ requirements.

Although screws and nuts are only small parts of automobiles, they often have little stories behind them that you can't forget, and contain the wisdom and ideals of engineers that we deeply admire. Jin Ta would like to thank the engineers who participated in the development of these products and share the little stories of the development of these two products.

These two products were developed together with one of our European customers in 2015 and were originally produced by stamping. Although the samples were quickly confirmed, the quality condition of "chips" and "incomplete thread" occurred during mass production. In response to this condition, we had been improving our dies, but still could not effectively prevent the occurrence of chips and incomplete thread. Although manual sorting can sort out products with chips, according to our internal study on the relationship between chips and safety, we believe that chips and incomplete thread have a close relationship with product safety (if you are interested in this point, you can contact us to exchange and explore together). We also sought the help of European and Japanese makers to help us develop dies, but regrettably, the chips still could not be effectively improved.

These quality conditions had been bothering us for a long time, and every time we saw news about an accident caused by a faulty part, we felt sad, too. The products made by stamping were qualified and customers could accept the products we sorted out, but there were requirements for tensile strength, which was also related to safety, and there was no way to sort out whether products could be stable or not. After discussing with our customers and considering the safety of stamped products, we then "stopped" the production of these two products by stamping in 2021 and turned to develop them by "cold forging" with the use of 24B6 cold former, and at the same time, we had a series of discussions with European, Japanese and Taiwanese makers to design dies. Since there had never been any successful case of these two products in the nut production industry, making it a great burden in terms of time and money, but in March 2022, Jin Ta finally succeeded in developing the world's first cold forged nut.

We also conducted a series of tests on new samples and found that the problems of chips and incomplete thread could be 100% improved and the pulling force could be strengthened to over 100,000N, effectively improving the safety of products. After the tests were completed, it was found that the products using cold forging were more in line with the original designer's concept and requirements, so the mass production began in January 2023 and shipments began in February of the same year. So far, all customers who have used the new products have highly affirmed the safety of products. Cold forging is 100% effective in improving chips and increasing product safety, as there is no room for compromise on safety.

Although Jin Ta is a small factory in Taiwan, we have gained the trust of our European customers and work closely together to develop new ways of manufacturing products, which effectively improves product safety. To us, safety is something that "cannot be measured in money", i.e. "safety is priceless." As one of our customers once asked us, "If we continue to sell a product that we know has safety risks, can we sleep well at night?" With the new products we have developed so far, we are on the right track.

Comparing the new production method with the old one comes with a simple explanation. Although the pulling force is up to standard, the longer it is used, the higher the risk of safety. If you are interested in discussing this with us, please feel free to write to us. These two new and improved products (Nxxx228 and Nxxx911 T Nut) are currently selling well and should be ahead of other manufacturers in the market. We would like to invite all customers interested in these products, regardless of whether they purchase from us or not, to share their opinions and discuss with us, so that we can work together to provide safe products to the market and respect lives.

Article provided by Jin Ta Trading

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Chien Tsai High-Speed Thread Rolling Machine Upgraded Again Featuring Industry-Leading HMI

by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener

Chien

Tsai Machinery Enterprise Co., Ltd. is a leading brand in the design and production of fastener thread rolling machines in Taiwan, serving the industry for 50 years. Over the years, it has continued to penetrate into the main fastener production markets in Europe, America and Asia with its innovative design and customer-oriented service, and has obtained CE certification from the EU. During this year's Taiwan International Fastener Show, it also introduced a new automatic high-speed thread rolling machine, with brand new design and functions to show the world the soft strength of Taiwan manufacturers in fastener machinery design and development.

High-speed, Environmentally Friendly, and Human Machine Interface

In response to the future market trend, Chien Tsai has recently launched a new automatic thread rolling machine, which not only has the ability to roll 350 pcs of 8mm screws per min. (about 1.5 times faster than traditional models), but also is much cheaper than similar models from Europe and the U.S. And, in order to meet the increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements of industrial customers, the machine is designed to be fully covered and a fume extractor is installed to prevent fumes produced during the process from emitting. In addition, the servo motors used are power-saving and environmentally friendly, with power consumption only half that of the general models on the market, and because of the addition of a power meter, even the power consumption of a single screw can be calculated. What's more important, there is also an HMI, which is still rare in the industry. Customers can upload all production data to the cloud platform and synchronize them with the internal system, creating more efficient production and process control.

"7 years ago, we started to optimize our machines by adopting the latest Modbus communication mode. Compared with other machines still using the traditional RS-232 industrial communication mode and needing signal conversion, Chien Tsai's machines can reach the direct connection between HMI and computer systems. Which contact point should transfer data can also be customized according to customer requirements (e.g., production data), and a set of standard specifications has been written. In the near future, the ability to master AI technology will determine the competitiveness of manufacturers in the market, so the R&D team is also actively involved in auto machine tuning in order to develop more advanced thread rolling models," said Alex Chen, General Manager of Chien Tsai.

Taiwan and China Locations to Serve Customers; Targeting European and U.S. High-end Markets

Currently, Chien Tsai has factories in Taipei, Gangshan (Kaohsiung) and Jiashan (Zhejiang). Which has recently invested nearly NT$200 million to expand, in order to develop more highend machines and master the core spare parts technology in advance.

"Product R&D is our strength. In recent years, the industry has introduced 2-die 2-blow models, and we have been working hard to develop thread rolling machines that can match the speed of them to help customers improve their processing quality. At the same time, we have gradually shifted our focus from developing countries to Europe and the U.S. The U.S. automotive supply chain is also our focus. Last year we shipped more than 10 sets of large machines to the European and U.S. markets. Nevertheless, we still regard this year's new machine as a transitional product and have set a goal to make all parameter setups meet the requirements of European customers and match with all forming machines on the market within 3 years. Our R&D team of more than 10 people also continues to develop and collect data, and exchange and cooperate with domestic and foreign counterparts, customers and MIRDC in the hope that we can recommend our efficient and high-precision machines to more customers from high-end industries," GM Chen added.

GM Chen: "If You Want to Make 5-star Products, Please Provide a 5-star Workplace". New Italian Automated Warehousing Systems to be Ready Soon.

"There are good and bad times in the economy, but the demand for fasteners won’t disappear. Taiwan is the world’s most suitable place to produce fastener machines because of its complete industry cluster. We have started to install automatic warehousing systems in Taiwan and China. With the help of these systems, hopefully we can take a giant leap towards digital automation," said Chen.

Contact: Jinna Wu, Sales Manager / Kai Hsu, Sales Asst. Manager Email: jiancai@jiancai.com.tw

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Fu Kai Locks on Total Fastening Solutions

Scaling Up Office and Quality Control Personnel

Located in Daliao District of Kaohsiung City, Fu Kai Fastener Enterprise has been providing various high quality fasteners for 42 years. The owner Bruce Chen has a characteristic that successful entrepreneurs have in common—taking on tougher challenges. In a time of drastic changes, he doesn’t back off and intends to further improve quality and increase export proportion. He focuses on creating a market approach that is different from those taken by conventional fastener factories. He doesn’t just sell products but also provides solutions.

Quality Control Room Equipped with Highly Credible Testing Equipment

Fu Kai's quality control room gathers testing equipment from overseas, including 2.5D testing machines, optical sorting machines, hardness testers, and so on, that are trusted by clients. Bruce believes that overseas clients attach great importance to suppliers with high-quality testing equipment. Therefore, testing equipment is an indispensable investment to enter the overseas market. Fu Kai can provide various test certificates for customers.

In addition to purchasing additional testing equipment, he has expanded his office, and hired additional testing specialists, packaging quality controllers, manufacturing veterans, and conducted personnel training. Meanwhile, his product line is also expanding. He knows it's not easy to learn the ropes of the fastener industry, so he gets along and works with employees like a team, not holding back from passing on his fastener know-how.

One-stop Production Process from Forming to Packaging

Fu Kai's uses their own equipment for manufacturing, so they are not limited to specific types of products and can offer diversified fasteners, including micro screws, automotive screws, sheet metal screws, self-clinching fasteners, drywall screws, tapping screws and sems screws. They can also adjust packing methods and package sizes to meet customers' needs, providing highly customized services. Bruce pointed out that the main reason for covering the whole process is quality control. More importantly, he can find out the cause when a problem occurs, saving clients the hassle of waiting for him to communicate with outsourced contractors.

Flexible and Customized Product Design

"Solving any problems" is the greatest feature of Fu Kai. For customized products, they do not shy away from challenges and discuss face-to-face with clients, assisting the clients in revising their drawings to jointly develop the final product. Bruce said it is no easy task but is much needed by clients. They once designed a knob screw with special dimensions and a buffer function for a client. They changed the design to match plastic injection, and managed to apply the screw to sports equipment.

Fu Kai’s has overseas clients from all over the world. Bruce flies to countries where clients are, hoping to learn their needs and provide solutions through talks. It is clear how much he values his clients.

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World / Copyright owned by Fastener World

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World / Copyright owned by Fastener World

Jeng Yuh —

Fast One-stop Manufacturing of Fastener Packaging Containers

Various Manufacturing Equipment at 200-Ton Monthly Capacity

Founded 35 years ago and ISO 9001 certified, Jeng Yuh is mainly engaged in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of plastic injection molded products. Their main manufacturing plant in Rende District of Tainan City (Taiwan) is equipped with various machines ranging from 100T to 350T, achieving an average monthly production capacity of 200 tons. They began sales from Taiwan and extended to other European and American countries.

Jeng Yuh’s plastic products, including packaging containers and tool boxes, are mainly supplied to the fastener and food industry. In addition, they also supply some household products. The raw materials they use are high quality and they offer stable, short lead times. From design and development to production and packaging, they provide a one-stop production process and complete after-sales service, taking care of the details from start to finish for their customers.

Customized Design, High Quality Raw Materials

With Jeng Yuh 's packaging containers being used by a large number of fastener companies, they are very experienced and have a deep knowledge of fastener customers' requirements on strength, design, and capacity. They can assist customers in designing appearance taking into account the customers’ production lines, and develop new container models as well as those with new functions; if customers require direct export, they can also cooperate and arrange for logistics.

Contact: Mr. Ting-Zhang Ko / Mr. Po-Chen Ko

Email: jeng.yuh@msa.hinet.net

Quality is what they stick to and it is the best thing that Jeng Yuh gives back to clients. The company's product quality meets and even exceeds customers' needs thanks to thorough quality control. The plastic materials they use in the production process are all quality-assured by SGS, and have passed RoHS, REACH, SVHC, and FDA standards. Jeng Yuh complies with environmental protection laws, and fulfills social responsibility as an enterprise. Only a good reputation paves the way for long business operation.

Creating a Win-win and Diversifying Development

High efficiency is strictly required in Jeng Yuh's management. Administrative operations in the office or production management in the field must be fast and precise. By adhering to the principles of integrity, quality, and efficiency, Jeng Yuh aims to create a win-win for both buyers and sellers by saving production time and costs for customers, and to achieve the goal of sustainable management.

In addition, Jeng Yuh is actively exploring overseas markets and extending beyond the fastener industry to include the food, toy, and stationery markets. They don’t put eggs in the same basket and strides on towards diversified development.

Copyright owned by Fastener World

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Being Optimistic about Business Opportunities, Mao Chuan Expands Aggressively into T1 Automotive Supply Chain

They export to Europe (50%), the Americas (33%), Asia (10%), South America (5%), and even Africa (2%). As an automotive Tier 2 supplier, their customers are mainly from the fuel and electric vehicle industries, including OEMs and the aftermarket. In addition to automotive products, they will also exhibit products for household appliances, construction, electronics, and medical industries this year.

Developing More Tier 1 Automotive Customers

Their automatic stamping machines have been networked and visualized to control the production line productivity in real time. They have also developed customized automatic assembly machines that combine AOI and automatic packaging lines to improve production efficiency and yield through "smart" manufacturing. The entire internal process follows ISO/IATF/VDA quality management standards, and the external process is in line with ISO/IATF/CQI heat treatment and electroplating manufacturers to meet customers’ PPM requirements.

For American & European automotive and related industries, the most eye-catching feature of Mao Chuan is that they have the ability to interface with automotive Tier 1 customers with digital applications, including WEB EDI - (RFQ, PO, material release, planning schedule, advance shipping notice, packing list, INV). In 2023, they will actively attend fastener exhibitions and deploy the global market in anticipation of successfully developing more Tier 1 automotive customers.

Years of Experience in Cooperation with T2 Automotive Supply Chain

As a professional stamping parts manufacturer, Mao Chuan Industrial, is a qualified manufacturer of Tier 2 automotive supply chain, and is also an IATF 16949 and VDA 6.1 certified manufacturer. They have a wide range of products, including automotive metal domes, clips, cable ties, washers, caps, weld nuts for seat belts, compression limiters and various customized component products. All raw materials are from non-conflict mining countries and comply with EU RoHS and REACH regulations. The products meet the mechanical characteristics in automotive regulations in tests of insertion force, pull-out force, load, torque, and prevailing torque, and also meet the automotive surface treatment regulations in tests of coating thickness, salt spray, aging, and friction of coefficient. The company has been a major brand with rich experience in European automotive supply chains.

With the end of the pandemic and countries opening their borders, they will exhibit again at IFE and Fastener Poland and are looking forward to working with existing customers and communicating the results of its sustainable development and digital transformation strategy to their customers to gain more new product development opportunities. With a long-standing, stable and high market share in the U.S. and Europe and an excellent reputation, they are actively exploring new customers to increase sales.

Contact: Joanne Lin, sales rep.

Email: joanneline@maochuan.com.tw

Valuing Industry Trends and Competitiveness to Build an ESGdriven Enterprise

To be a sustainable business and meet the international trend of ESG initiatives and automotive industry chain requirements, the company has completed its greenhouse gas inventory and has been ISO14061-1:2018 compliant. They will also pass ISO 14067 product carbon footprint certification by 2025 and become a green company. In addition, they are concerned about labor issues. According to a study, the global labor force will drop to 42% by 2030. In recent years, the global industry supply chain has been changing rapidly, and the demand for labor has increased greatly, but the problem of labor shortage is serious. Finding ways to solve labor shortage and quality problem is the most important task to maintain the competitiveness of enterprises.

Booth No.

Contact: Jordan Wang, General Manager

Bulls Technology

IATF-16949-certified Automotive Special Fastener Specialist

Located in Nanzi District of Kaohsiung City (Taiwan), Bulls Technology has over 15 years of experience in factory management, fastener product development, and quality system, and knows well about customers’ demand for special parts in all levels. Through OEM service, 99% of their products are supplied to the automotive and related industries in Europe and the U.S. Making “Bulls” a part of the company name, they want themselves to operate like a sports team, where all members demonstrate their strengths in each position and cooperate with each other. Communication, innovation and execution are the three core values of the company. In less than three years after establishment, Bulls was able to acquire IATF-16949 certification.

They have grown into a 30-people office along with a manufacturing and packaging plant. The manufacturing plant has 6 multi-stroke screw and bolt forming machines and 6 nut forming machines, producing M4-M12 shoulder bolts, T-tubes, rivets, welded screws and nuts with lengths up to 80mm; the packaging plant has eddy current and optical sorting machines to control quality and provide customized packaging and labeling.

Utilizing the technology by Data Systems Consulting (Taiwan), Bulls Technology is implementing “Industrial Internet of Things” (IIoT), connecting production data to smart phone applications. Operators are able to monitor equipment status in real time and continuously optimize production. Supervisors have access to equipment utilization rate for accurate production management, and schedule tool maintenance in advance. The ultimate goal is to reduce wasting. Additionally, they introduced plastic 3D printers

to generate product shapes and evaluate measurement methods to improve R&D success rates and provide preliminary samples for customers to review dimensions in the design phase.

Bulls Technology will be exhibiting at IFE (Las Vegas) this year, where they will be looking for customers needing special parts. They hope to attract customers to the modern management in Bulls Technology’s plants and their R&D capabilities, so that clients will think of Bulls Technology when they need special parts. They are committed to satisfying existing customers as well as increasing customer base through the show.

Engineers in Bulls are required to have 6 Sigma Green Belt certified. They are committed to nurturing talents and providing a complete pipeline for job promotion and growth. It doesn’t take a large company to nurture talents. It is after nurturing talents that provides the requisites to grow big. Their corporate spirit is to continue to improve and outperform themselves.

MOLS Group- Over 30 Years of Experience in Screw Manufacturing

MOLS Group has over 30 years of experience in screw manufacturing and operates a supply chain system with screw manufacturing, heat-treating and painting. MOLS group expanded the business scope step by step. The screw manufacturing factory was set up in 1991, heat treat factory in 2004 and painting factory in 2018. All of our production factories comply with the government’s environmental regulations as we care about the environment and do not want customers to worry about that the supply chain will be affected in the future. We hope that customers will never have concerns when choosing MOLS as a supplier.

With over 30 years of experience to focus on the supply in the US market, MOLS is familiar with what customers need. MOLS dedicates to quality improvement and treat customers’ comments as treasure. We listen to customers and respond to their needs at our best.

Introduction of Modern Painting Equipment

MOLS Group has worked out an achievement in the head painted screws in recent years, especially on our largest sales category - Roofing Screws, and we also paint any screws that are required to head painting. In order to offer our customers steady lead time and good quality on painted screws, MOLS invested millions of US dollars to establish the painting factory as well as modern painting equipment. The customized modern automatic painting equipment has sufficiently increased the painting capacity and also avoids hand racking screws causing the unstable lead times. To ensure our customers having the good quality products, MOLS made a lot of effort to improve the screw performance in regard to drilling time and paint adhesion. The paint adhesion on screw heads and EPDM bonded washers is critical, so MOLS not only conducts the performance test with the testing machine but also imitates the real-world testing that how customers use the screws in their applications.

The Roofing Screws are used under the sunshine exposure and have to have good protection against UV, the paint masterbatch and ingredients that MOLS uses are high class for outdoor durables. The painting colors are customized to meet customers’ needs, and we offer more than hundreds of colors to match customers’ applications.

Various Options to Maximize Customers’ Benefits

Like our company name reads, the 4 letters of MOLS stand for More Efficiency, Outstanding Quality, Less Cost and Speedy Service, which are our business philosophy that we want to do for all of our customers. MOLS is specialized in manufacturing various fasteners, such as Roofing Screw, Self-Tapping Screw, RV Screw, Gutter Screw, Self-Drilling Screw, Home Appliance Screw and Triangular Thread Screw that are used in various industries and received good feedback from the customers. MOLS is dedicated to providing our best to all of our customers and use our valuable resources to create maximum benefits for our customers. Article provided by MOLS Group

J. T. Fasteners Supply

Rolling out Special Material Plus Nuts

Withmore than 25 years of experience in fasteners, the team at J. T. Fasteners Supply manufactures, supplies and exports hardware parts and fasteners highly recognized by global customers for their customizability. As an exhibitor of IFE, they will display not only general products but also high quality rivet nuts, stamped parts and customized products at their booth. Their highlight is having developed rivet nuts in different materials using new technology & capability. Through continuous development, breaking through the limits, they make plus nuts not only in steel, but also in stainless steel, aluminum and copper.

Due to the pandemic in the past two years, they could only communicate with customers through emails and phone. Now by returning to IFE, they would come face to face and will establish heart-felt connections with customers. “We are looking for long-term customers, those who focus on the quality & service, to build a strong relationship.”

Contact:

Jimmy Tsai (jimmy@jtfasteners.com.tw)

Peggy Chang (peggy@jtfasteners.com.tw)

We want to explore the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries by exhibiting in this show. We’ll move forward to provide high quality and high unit price products.

They are working with more major companies to develop customized and challenging products, and strengthening internal technology and expertise. Currently they have obtained ISO 9001:2015 to meet customers’ quality requirements. "The world’s attention to environmental protection and air pollution has prompted many carmakers to design various models of EVs. We are looking forward to developing products for EVs with more customers in the future, and are also preparing for TS16949 certification,” said the company.

They focus on long term relationship with customers and provide immediate response and handling. Taiwan is globally known for its hardware parts and fasteners. More and more Taiwanese companies are setting up factories overseas. However, they remain based in Taiwan hoping to keep Taiwan's competitive edge, talents and technology, so that Taiwan’s hardware parts and fasteners can keep the reputation and high-quality image across the world.

Soon Port InternationalProfessional Fasteners Well Received in European and U.S. Markets

clearly grasp the production status and progress of orders, including: customer notification, production drawing setting values, the progress of each process delivery, quality assurance inspection and measurement data, EN10204 3.1 inspection report system output, and the complete production history of all items can be traced."

Soon Port International is a professional fastener manufacturer with a history of more than 6 decades. Since its establishment in 1962, the company has been adhering to the philosophy of "honesty and integrity", and through years of experience and growth, it has deeply cultivated its technology in the areas of wire rod, screws, and hardware processing and manufacturing, and has now become the leading manufacturer and exporter in the industry with two major business entities, namely, "Domestic Wires/ Fasteners Sales" and " Overseas Fasteners Sales".

One-stop Service from Materials, Production, Sale to Shipment; Factory-wide Implementation of ERP Process Control

Sonn Port is one of the few wire manufacturing predecessors in Taiwan that started its business with screws and hardware wires. With the excellent quality of its products and services, it gradually expanded into the domestic market by word of mouth among its customers.

In the 1990's, in order to satisfy the continuous demand from domestic customers, it started to manufacture threaded rods and nails. Due to the company's financial stability, it expanded its factory by adding several wire production lines and building a specialized factory for nails and threaded rod. At this time, the monthly production capacity has reached more than 5,500 tons.

In 2000, the senior management of the company decided to enter the international market to further promote the company's reputation and lay the foundation in the international market. The screw export department was then established to specialize in handling foreign orders for fasteners and related products. Combining the original diversified products with decades of manufacturing experience, Soon Port has established a strong international competitiveness.

In 2016, in order to provide customers with product design and development (ODM) services. The company hired experienced professionals in the industry to build a quality R&D team to further enhance product design and development capabilities.

In 2018, it developed a special patented YENTEK baking technology and established a unique brand. In the same year, it passed the C4 anti-corrosion test of foreign laboratories.

"Quality and customer satisfaction have always been our most important business philosophy in serving our customers," said Soon Port. “Under this business philosophy, Soon Port has constantly challenged ourselves to extend our product portfolio, expand our service market, and improve our technology and services. From purchasing raw materials for production to our own wire drawing/screws/paint/packaging factories, we have integrated new manufacturing technologies into operations. ERP has been fully implemented in the factory, and through the system connection, the relevant units can

Getting Multiple Int’l Certificates, Structural Screws are Well Received by European and U.S. Customers

Soon Port's insistence on quality has enabled its fasteners to be successfully used by construction customers in the U.S., Germany, Spain, Japan and other countries, with approximately 35% of the fasteners being sold to U.S. professional construction market, which has stringent quality requirements. In the past, it has stood out from many competitors and assisted its customers in obtaining the ICC certification in the US by virtue of its strong R&D capability. Currently, it is in the process of applying for ETA certification for long screws for the European market.

In response to the increasing quality standards of customers in the market, Soon Port has actively introduced various international quality management systems. In addition to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, CE 14566 and CE 14592, TAF laboratory certification and SA8000 certification are also under application, and it will begin to receive training on relevant regulations in mid-2023. Meanwhile, it is also improving the ESG-related issues, which are currently popular in the industry, in the hope of synchronizing with the international standards and bringing more added value and benefits to customers.

Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World / Copyright owned by Fastener World

AL-PRO Metals

CRM-based Fastener Post-processing for Client Niche

While the City of Kaohsiung never falls short of fastener supply for global demand, it wouldn’t be possible if not for the existence of top-notch post-processors like AL-PRO Metals, run by chief sales Arthur Tsai with a background in business administration. His service is locked on comprehensive and precise critical-processing fasteners—ranging from heat treatment, electroplating to sorting and packaging, all done in house.

Customizable, Price Competitive, Client Satisfaction

At an annual capacity of 200 tons for 316CU/304 stainless steel and monthly capacity of 300 tons for carbon steel products, the company has 90% of revenues originating from export to the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia and even India. The primary products that go through their hands are automotive and electromagnetic screws, as well as special screws and parts such as those for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, while the other products include concrete screws, furniture screws, clinching screws, weld screws, open-die fasteners and multiple former screws. That, in a nutshell, sets the company on track to pursue market differentiation and customizability for client satisfaction.

“We deliver products (M1.2-M30; lengths up to 1,000mm) on time. Our prices are negotiable and competitive. Send us your drawings and we will get right into discussing the angles, degrees and tolerances with you, even down to the point where we could find you a sweet spot to reduce the required number of molds and tooling to potentially save your cost! Not to mention that we go the extra mile delivering samples to you,” said Arthur on the features of his customizability that drives his company to reach client satisfaction.

The Marketing 7Ps to Power Business Forward

His management centers on Production, Place, Price, Promotion, Physical Evidence, People and Process— a corporate strategy that takes shape from McCarthy, termed “The Marketing Theory of 7Ps”. His company is largely supported by the satellite fastener

Contact: Arthur Tsai, Chief Sales

Email: arthur58@ms22.hinet.net

companies which work with him to provide top-quality and post-processed fasteners to overseas clients in the global supply chain. “I owe a big thanks to these companies and my clients. The last couple of years was a huge setback for many businesses in the fastener realm, but it wasn’t the case for ALPRO Metals. There was little to none impact to our business and we just kept the payrolls up and running and continued service for our clients. Our steps keep moving forward. This was made possible from the fact that we seek to keep profits for both our collaborators and clients as well as for ourselves.”

Meet Arthur at IFE

AL-PRO Metals will be appearing at the International Fastener Expo 2023. Arthur explained his motive was to gain exposure and present American buyers with an opportunity to see the products perfectly handled by him. Arthur concluded: “We’re not just there for existing clients who are already scheduled to meet, we’re also looking for new ones. We’re laser-focused on CRM-based satisfactory service and client niche to create profit return and a win-win for all parties. To live up to the entrusted task, ALPRO must take responsibility for everything.”

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World / Copyright owned by Fastener World

SCT FASTENERS Co., Ltd.

SCT Fasteners Co., Ltd. has engaged in manufacturing stainless steel fasteners in Taiwan for 20 years. Our motto is “Service”, “Creative”, and “Technique”. Furthermore, we expect to provide more professional technology and dedicate ourselves to offering the best service in the stainless steel field.

We are concentrating our efforts on integrating upstream and downstream industries. What we can do include the procedures of getting raw materials, manufacturing, surface processing, packing to shipping. In other words, we are an original manufacturer producing various goods to meet your requirements and providing you with diversified services.

Materials:

Stainless steel including 302HQ, XM7, 304J3, 305, 316CU, 410, 410C, 430, etc.

Technology:

Integrating the factory producing 1-die 2-blow to 6-die 6-blow. That's to say, we can produce the sizes from #2 x 1/8" to 1/2" x 8", which are produced very comprehensively. In addition to the products complying with the international standard specifications such as IFI, DIN, JIS, BS, we can also provide custommade products and meet your requirements to assist customers in developing unique products.

Products list:

• Carriage Bolts

• Chipboard Screws

• Coarse Thread Screws

• Decking Screws

• Drywall Screws

• Dual Thread Screws

• High-Low Screws

• High Strength Screws

• Machine Screws

• Particle Board Screws

• Plastic Screws

• Security Screws

• Self-Drilling Screws

• Self-Piercing Screws

• Self-Tapping Screws

• Sex Bolts

• Thread Cutting Screws

• Trilobular Thread Rolling Screws

• Wood Screws

• Head Painting/Coating/Plating Screws

• Nylon Patch Screws

• Customized Products

Article provided by SCT Fasteners

FINdex Gains Continue in Second Quarter

The FIN Fastener Stock Index continued its growth in the second quarter of 2023, rising 6.1% compared to a 5.2% gain by an index of industrial stocks. Double-digit gains were widespread among public companies with fastener businesses in Q2 despite an uneven economic performance that caused share value declines for four FINdex companies.

Park-Ohio Holding Corp. achieved the highest percentage gain during Q2, rising 58.3% during the period after recording a 1.2% stock value decline in the opening quarter of the year. Other FINdex companies achieving stock increases of 10% or more during Q2 included Carpenter Technology (up 25.4%), Grainger (up 14.3%), Howmet Aerospace (up 17%), MSC Industrial (up 13.1%), Simpson Mfg. (up 26.3%) and Stanley Black and Decker (up 16.3%). FINdex companies losing share value during Q2 included Chicago Rivet (down 13.4%), Dorman Products (down 8.6%), Tree Island Steel (down 1.9%) and TriMas Corp. (down 1.3%).

During the first six months of 2023, the FINdex grew 24.2%, more than doubling gains by an index of related industrial stocks. Three FINdex companies achieved 50% or more in share increases during the period. Simpson Mfg. topped the list with a 56.2% gain in stock price during the period, followed by Park Ohio (up 55.3%) and Carpenter Technology (up 52%)

Dr. Ruetz: Only 10% of Family Firms Survive To 3rd Generation

Few family businesses succeed in succession, Dr. Jim Ruetz told the National Fastener Distributors Association. Only 30% carry on to the second generation and 10% to third generation. “Leadership passion” is the key to succession, Ruetz said he found in his doctoral dissertation research.

Ruetz, who started in the fastener industry 45+ years ago with his family’s All Fasteners, retired in 2019 to seek a PhD in business administration from Oklahoma State University. Wisconsin-based All Tool Sales / All Fasteners became All Integrated Solutions and in 2018 was sold to MSC Industrial Supply. The key to succession is “family leadership passion” and family involvement, Ruetz told the NFDA. All Fasteners was a multi-generation family business and his generation involved five siblings. There are non-economic factors in business succession, such as “the family name on the building,” Ruetz noted.

Ruetz received responses from 118 companies, including 33 held by private equity. In his survey Ruetz found culture to be the top factor in succession, followed by generational experience. “Family businesses tend to have a stronger culture,” Ruetz said. “There is more at stake.” Family members have “signed on to more than a paycheck.”

Family culture is followed by generational active directors, ownership of shares, percent of company shares owned by family and participation on the company board by family. Private equity investors want to see passion, family culture and board participation, Ruetz said. “Culture and leadership are paramount” and “significant in driving succession interest.”

Before his doctorate, Ruetz experienced the vetting as eight potential buyers visited All Fasteners. The visits included going out to dinner, which was primarily the potential buyer measuring passion. Preparing to sell your company? “Focus on creating a culture of success,” Ruetz advised. “Separate business and family decisions. Develop a functional board.” Investors want a firm built for growth, passionate leadership, management and generational knowledge plus the family and business cultures “in sync.” The age of the CEO is a factor in succession. Ultimately, Ruetz advised “starting early” in succession planning. It shouldn’t be the CEO saying, “When I’m dead you can figure that out.”

A majority of companies participating in his survey were family owned and ranged from $4 million in annual sales to over $500 million, averaging $30 million. Ruetz previously earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and MBA from University of Chicago. Ruetz was the 2001 NFDA president and was named NFDA’s Fastener Professional of the Year for 2018.

Economist Tells NFDA: Post-Covid Let-Down Appears to Be Soft Landing

Yes, the U.S. economy is headed toward a recession, but “we can have a soft landing,” economist Patrick Lucas of ACI Economics told the National Fastener Distributors Association. One might expect a crash upon coming down from the “sugar rush” of massive government Covid spending, but the U.S. economy is going to be “more like a nap,” Lucas predicted. The U.S. economy is “headed toward normalization.”

Growth will be slow this year and “negative next year,” Lucas forecast. Expect margins to erode. To prepare for a slower economy, Lucas advised NFDA members at the association’s 2023 annual meeting to “lose the losers” among product lines. “Scale back,” he said. “Know what is driving your business.” Where are backlogs? Where are possible order cancellations? Budget for lower inventory. “Focus on ‘buy low, sell high’,” Lucas advised. Grow your share of the market and emphasize competitive advantages. Also “focus on talent retention” for growth in 2025. Inflation is “starting to ease,” ITR finds. “Federal Reserve tools take a long time to work,” Lucas explained. Producer prices are “flattening out” and steel scrap prices are declining, he noted.

The automotive industry is still recovering from supply chain problems which slowed production post-Covid, Lucas noted. There are “favorable trends in utilities,” he pointed out. However, new machinery orders will be down 3% in 2024, he predicted. Economists are watching Federal Reserve interest rate actions for clues. “Higher interest rates drag down the economy,” Lucas said. There is “angst” among those who went through the “Great Recession of 2008,” but Lucas termed the next “more mild.” ITR has pushed-back its forecast of a fullfledged depression from the late 2020s to a 2030 / 2036 period. Contributing factors include demographics, health care costs of an aging population, entitlements, inflation and the U.S. national debt. Lucas advised having cash available at the end of the decade.

The U.S. totals 25.4% of the world GDP, followed by China at 18.1%; Japan 4.2% and Germany 4.1%. Countries with higher economic potential include India and Mexico, which have younger populations, Lucas said. Factors boosting the U.S. include a strong infrastructure and political stability.

• Incomes “are doing ‘okay’ now,” ITR finds. Credit card debt is low. Company delinquencies and bankruptcies are low. Liquid assets are up.

• China is “becoming more of a problem going forward with mounting risks.” Conversely, Russia is “hallowed out,” Lucas said.

• U.S. nationalism presents “new business opportunities” with ‘Made in America’ products.

• Best chance to get loans when banks are tightening credit? Loans for investments in efficiency, Lucas said.

• The labor market traditionally lags the economy. Today unemployment is the lowest in 21 years.

The U.S. Infrastructure law is ramping up spending on roads and bridges, railroads, public transit, road safety PODs. The law will buffer other declines.

NFDA Panelists: 2022 Record Sales; Some Numbers Slipping This Year

Sales are strong even if off from 2022 records, but the elephant in the room is inventory, State of the Industry panelists told the National Fastener Distributors Association annual meeting. Lead times are starting to come down, panelist Dave Monti of Fall River Manufacturing Co. Inc., told the NFDA. Record 2022 sales topped “two years of unusually large lead times,” Monti said. Now lead times are starting to come down.

Part of that is staffing. “A year and a half ago, we couldn’t hire,” Monti said. About six months ago the labor supply turned around and today Fall River is fully staffed. Fall River raised wages for its 67 employees. However, Monti credits company culture for employees staying. Randy Hrdlicka, purchasing manager for master distributor LindFast Solutions Group, said they have also raised wages, but agreed that the team also “appreciates being appreciated.” Hrdlicka said the fastener industry is still feeling the residual from Covid. After the post-Covid sales boom, there have been “small drops per month since April,” Hrdlicka said. But is inventory a problem? Cory Wing of Wing-Hamlin Co., a manufacturers rep firm, asked. After the shortages, are distributors padding forecasts? “People have short memories,” Wing commented.

Ed Smith, director of sourcing for distributor Wurth Revcar Fasteners, said 2022 was record breaking fastener sales. Now customers are beginning to have time to look at domestic suppliers. “Buyers want more face-to-face time” and multiple approved sources, Smith said he finds. There is more price shopping. “The shelves are full,” Smith said. Important for steady supply is suppliers, distributors and customers “communicating and forecasting,” Hrdlicka said. A key number to forecasting prices are the steel costs from Taiwan’s China Steel, Hrdlicka said. There are “slight declines” in the metals markets, Hrdlicka noted. Other markets tend to be close to China Steel’s numbers. Monti termed domestic fasteners as an “opportunity.” “We are seeing domestic sourcing up,” Monti said. In addition to the actual fasteners, buyers are wanting domestic certifications, he added.

Smith said there is more talk about fasteners coming from India. Turkey and Poland are also increasing fastener manufacturing, especially for Europe. Buyers want less product from Asia, Smith said. “Our customers are splitting contingency plans.” Differentiating yourself as a supplier is important, Wing said. “Value-added is popular now.” Monti advised spending time training now. “It doesn’t help with current cost, but puts you in a better position for an uptick,” Monti said.

IFI Starting Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program

Würth Additive CEO Joining Global Task Force

Würth Additive Group CEO AJ Strandquist will join the internationally-recognized 3D Printing in Auto Collision Task Force.In April, IBIS Worldwide announced its launch of an industry-first group led by Harold Sears, who worked for Ford Motor 3D Printing Solutions for over two decades. The task force is a collaborative initiative comprising industry leaders, experts and organizations dedicated to advancing the integration of 3D printing technology within the automotive collision repair industry. The task force aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, develop standards and provide educational resources to empower collision repair professionals to embrace and leverage 3D printing for improved repair processes and enhanced outcomes.

The Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI), Independence, OH, USA, is starting the development of a new apprenticeship program for machine operators that will be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. This program aims to address the issue of workforce shortage in the fastener manufacturing industry. With an increasing number of skilled machine operators retiring, the need to transfer their knowledge and expertise to the next generation is critical. IFI has partnered on the program with the Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC), in West Virginia. The MAMC is well versed in developing apprenticeship programs, having successfully written and implemented multiple such programs in use across the country today.

Under the leadership of IFI Chairman, Gene Simpson of Semblex Corporation, the development of this program represents a significant collaborative effort. Simpson said, “An initiative as important as this needs to be driven by a group like the IFI. Many companies have their own programs that work well, but these are individual efforts with a heavy burden and mixed results. By leveraging IFI’s collective knowledge and resources with the help of the MAMC, the goal is to create a program that will create consistency and results for use by the entire industry.”

Unlike IFI’s current member training program, consisting mainly of webinars and day-long instructor-led training, the new apprenticeship program will provide a comprehensive framework for training machine operators. It will involve handson training in a company’s own facility, utilizing their equipment and personnel as mentors for the apprentices. The program will also incorporate on-line, selfpaced learning modules through a partnership with IFI and the Workforge on-line training system.

SFS Extends Market Presence in North American; Acquires CSS

On July 1, 2023, the SFS Group acquired the part of the business concerning fasteners and other products of Connective Systems & Supply, Inc. (CSS). This business area of CSS generated sales of US$15 million in 2022. The acquisition enables SFS to strengthen its market position in the United States in the fast-growing region surrounding Denver, CO, USA. Since it was founded in 1985, CSS has become a key partner for fasteners and other products for end users in the construction industry in the state of Colorado. The company employs 20 people in the acquired business area at two sites in the region surrounding Denver. -In organizational terms, the business will be incorporated into the SFS Group’s Triangle Fastener Corporation (TFC), which is part of the SFS Group. With 25 distribution sites in the USA, TFC acts as a supplier of fastening systems and other products for end users in the construction industry. Within the SFS Group, TFC is part of the Construction division in the Fastening Systems segment. The local presence that CSS has will remain, and all 20 employees in the business area will be taken on. The current managers will remain in post at both sites.

MWFA Names Francesca Lewis Executive Director

The Mid-West Fastener Association (MWFA), Lake Zurich, IL, USA, has named Francesca Lewis, as Executive Director, effective July 1, 2023. Francesca’s exemplary communication and leadership skills will assist in MWFA’s continued growth and success. With an impressive career spanning over 20 years, Lewis has thrived in sales and account management. Her strong work ethic, communication skills and remarkable ability to build/maintain relationships have supported her professional success. Through her expertise and dedication, she has consistently delivered outstanding results and fostered long-term partnerships with clients. Her experience in event planning, growth and development of education and client relationships will well serve the MWFA.

Francesca is excited about her new role, “I can’t contain my excitement. This opportunity has me buzzing with anticipation and a sense of adventure. I’m ready to hit the ground running and make a positive impact.”

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

Compiled by Fastener World; News provided by John Wolz, Editor of FIN (globalfastenernews.com) & Mike McNulty, FTI VP & Editor (www.fastenertech.com)

Orientation of“ Smart Manufacturing and Carbon Reduction Guidance Program for the Metal Industry"

With the upcoming implementation of carbon reduction regulations in Europe and the U.S., the Taiwanese fastener industry is increasingly concerned about the latest development on issues pertaining to carbon inventory. As soon as CBAM came out on the media, Fastener World inquired mainstream Taiwanese fastener owners about their views and response strategies. We have published a series of articles tracking the progress of carbon tax regulations in EU and Taiwan.

Given the trial run of CBAM coming up in October, attention to carbon reduction has reached new heights for Taiwanese fasteners and related industries. Fastener World held the "Orientation of Smart Manufacturing and Carbon Reduction Guidance Program for the Metal Industry" on August 23rd, 2023, where William Liao (General Manager of Fastener World) made an opening remark, and invited Mr. JrJung Lyu (Director of Research Center for Quality and Innovation of National Cheng Kung University), as well as Bill Wang (General manager of Hu Pao Industries) to share their experiences and knowledge of carbon inventory and carbon reduction.

Bill Wang, General Manager of Hu Pao Industries: Establish Cross-Department Carbon Emission Teams to Work on Structure, Process and System

The orientation started with Bill Wang sharing how Hu Pao Industries pushed for net-zero transformation and carbon inventory. His company began carbon inventory last February, and became the first among 1,800 Taiwanese fastener companies to pass the latest ISO 14064-1 carbon inventory certification. Bill reminded that net-zero transformation cannot just count on top managers of an enterprise, but rather, it will involve the entire corporate structure, and can only be implemented with the cooperation of all employees. There are three motives for companies to take on net-zero transformation. The first being the regulatory requirements (e.g. CBAM); the second being the need to meet customer requirements; the third being an active action to support ESG initiatives. Hu Pao Industries is driven by the third motive. Bill picked up the trend in development before the regulations were formally put on the table, and he laid out the net-zero transformation in advance. Recently, some Taiwanese suppliers have received requests for carbon inventories from overseas

clients. He suggested making "support for ESG initiatives" the primary motivation towards net-zero transformation, not just to meet regulations or clients’ requirements. It will make things much smoother for business owners and employees alike.

As an owner with past experiences, he explained that if a company's monthly electricity bill exceeds NTD$1 million, it is recommended to prioritize the introduction of ISO 50001 certification (energy management) to obtain a company's "maximum coefficient of electricity consumption," which is used to target the most energy-consuming equipment (electricity consumption rate up to 60% to 80%) and reduce electricity consumption. This is followed by ISO 14064-1 certification to conduct greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the whole organization, much of the data for which are available from ISO 50001. Finally, an ISO 14067 (product-specific) carbon footprint inventory can be performed, and the data can be used on an ongoing basis.

The challenges brought to enterprises by the net-zero challenge are: increased labor costs, increased burden of inventory operations, lack of ESG professionals (most of them need to learn by doing), lack of digital tools (paperwork is still done in Word/Excel; invoices generated by companies such as car refueling invoices need to be verified with auditors; calculating carbon emissions from employees' travel distance to work; calculating emissions from septic tanks, outsourced transportation and processing, etc.). He also reminded that auditors may not include ERP data as part of the audit due to the possibility of fake data, so all the paperwork has to be scanned and documented for verification. External challenges include: government agencies offering a wide range of carbon reduction options without the ability to identify applicability and therefore requiring personnel to acquire knowledge; unclear customer requirements which leave an organization less motivated to work for.

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World Copyright owned by Fastener World

Left： Bill Wang

Middle： JrJung Lyu

Right： William Liao

Hu Pao Industries has responded by establishing a crossdepartment net zero team and cultivating trainees to learn the certifications and regulatory requirements, implementing carbon inventory through establishing inventory procedures, collecting activity data, and managing data quality. Bill also shared that Hu Pao Industries will continue to push for ESG and net-zero sustainability development by building a smart power grid, purchasing green electricity, selecting low-carbon raw materials, and promoting green purchase and resource reuse.

Director JrJung Lyu of National Cheng Kung University: Carbon Reduction Always Precedes Carbon Inventory

JrJung made it straight that time has come for a shift from ESG (a soft requirement) to CBAM (a compulsory requirement based on the bill passed by EU). Don't wait until your customers demand it. The source is not your customers. It’s from EU.

"Carbon-reducing capability will precede cost reduction by 2030!” said JrJung. Not to mention the fact that EU has taken the first shot, and the U.S., China, and many other countries around the world will also introduce carbon taxes. He continued: "Don't be mistaken to think that you will not be affected because you are only engaged in domestic sales. The impact will extend from the export industry to the domestic sales industry, so the Taiwanese government has invested NTD 11 billion this year to cope with this.” He pointed out that ISO 14064 comes with a standardized calculation equation, and that EU will designate specific auditors to do the verification. Bear in mind that carbon reduction always precedes carbon inventory.

CBAM is Coming up and Time is Ripe for Carbon Reduction

Bill and JrJung shared a lot of tips and details in the orientation which cannot be summarized fully in this article. However, from the audience's active response, it is clear that carbon reduction and carbon tax is a major issue that Taiwan fastener industry is taking on. CBAM is impacting Taiwan's fastener business opportunity which is worth NTD 200 billion, and if the Taiwanese companies don't act now, the big loophole for mass expenditure will be their own carbon emissions!

Green Steel in the Frontline of Incoming CBAM

For many years, steel has been one of the industries with the highest carbon emissions, and it is also one of the first targets of EU’s Carbon Boundary Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The production of steel requires using large quantities of coal. Iron ore is put into a steel furnace, resulting in iron oxide, and then hot air is blown into the hightemperature furnace, where coke will melt iron and produce carbon dioxide. For every ton of steel produced, nearly two tons of carbon dioxide are emitted, making the steel industry responsible for 7-8% of the world's carbon emissions. Steel is the main material for fasteners. Although the research and development of green steel has already been explored since before 2010, the development of green steel has gained more attention in recent years as the EU carbon tax is approaching.

The automobile industry is a major user of steel. Volvo Cars said that steel is a major carbon emitting industry, accounting for 20% to 35% of the carbon footprint of each vehicle. The automotive industry is also concerned about the development of green steel in order to reduce carbon emissions and minimize carbon taxes. Volvo announced that it will use steel made from hydrogen to form automobiles’ body structure, making it the first automaker in the world to use green steel. Mercedes-Benz announced that it will use green steel in its cars by 2025.

Consulting firm McKinsey estimates that over the next 30 years, the global steel industry will need to invest an average of US$145 billion per year in order to "decarbonize" steel, which will increase the cost of steel production by 30%. The most urgent task of decarbonization for the steel industry is to solve the problem of technical cost. Many steelmakers still use coal-fired blast furnaces, which is doubly carbon-intensive (coking coal is used to absorb oxygen from iron ore, and air polluting energy is used to heat up the blast furnace); instead, a more environmentally friendly approach is to use DRI (direct reduced iron) as the fuel for electric arc furnaces.

Europe

Swedish steelmakers are now actively developing the use of hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels, and have succeeded in producing the world's first green steel, which will be the first to be launched globally. Hybrit— a joint venture between Swedish steelmaker SSAB, state-owned energy company Vattenfall, and state-owned mining company LKAB—aims to reduce the carbon footprint of steel production. Hybrit uses solar and wind power equipment to generate electricity which is then used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen, known as green hydrogen. The hydrogen reacts and only water vapor is produced, not carbon dioxide.

Instead of using coal, Hybrit uses hydrogen as a reducing agent in steel production. Hydrogen combines with the oxygen in iron ore to produce only iron and water vapor. The water vapor condenses during the process and can be recycled, thus eliminating the generation of carbon dioxide in the first place. Hybrit plans to expand the production of green hydrogen steel to commercial scale by 2026, by which time it will be ready to supply the market. This will reduce Sweden's total CO2 emissions by 10% and help Finland to reduce them by about 7 percent.

In addition, another Swedish steel start-up, H2 Green Steel, expects to start producing green steel in 2024 and to have an annual production capacity of 5 million tons by 2030.

Besides Sweden, German steel group Salzgitter expects to provide the first batch of green steel by the end of 2022; major steel maker ArcelorMittal plans to build a zero-carbon plant in Spain which will produce 1.6 million tons of green steel in 2025; and major steel maker ThyssenKrupp will invest US$1.9 billion in hydrogen direct reduction. ThyssenKrupp, a major steelmaker, has invested US$1.9 billion in a hydrogen direct reduction system to produce green steel without the

use of rare, high-grade iron, and will produce 2.5 million tons of low-carbon steel by 2026.

In Italy, the Danieli Group, Leonardo and Saipem have announced a partnership to transform the steel industry into a green one. The three companies have signed a framework agreement to participate in a sustainable transformation project for the steel industry's energy-intensive 1st-level factories, and will jointly provide technologies and services to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from steel production.

GravitHy, a joint venture between many European and American companies, announced that it will build the country's first green steel plant in the Fos region of France in 2024, with an investment of €2.2 billion and an estimated capacity of 2 million tons of direct reduced iron (DRI) iron per year. The plant will be fully operational by 2027.

The U.S.

Boston Metal in the U.S. is revolutionizing the steel industry by commercializing a patented molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) process to produce green steel, with a goal of producing 1 billion tons. The company's MOE process uses renewable electricity to convert all grades of iron ore into steel in an energy-efficient, single-step process. MOE produces no carbon dioxide and does not require the treatment of wastewater, hazardous chemicals or precious metal catalysts.

Asia

India's Tata Steel has begun its efforts to switch to green hydrogen-based steelmaking in order to massively reduce carbon emissions from steel. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, 75% by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050. The company has also launched a direct reduced iron (DRI) manufacturing facility, which will begin production in 2030 and will supply at least 200,000 tons of carbon-neutral-equivalent steel per year in the future. The company has also launched the Zeremis Carbon Lite series of low-carbon green steels, which reduce carbon emissions by 30%. For customers with higher carbon reduction targets, Tata Steel said it can be allocated additional carbon reduction certificates and that these low-carbon green steels are suitable for use in industries such as automotive, packaging and white goods.

In Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been discussing with automotive and steel industry groups to promote green steel manufacturing processes and carbon reduction. Initial estimates suggest that the overall investment in the steel industry will be about JPY 10 trillion. Nippon Steel has formed an alliance of hydrogen-based reduced iron in collaboration with JFE Steel and Kobe Steel, and is working to achieve Hydrogen Direct Reduction (H-DR), with trials to be launched in 2024-2025. This technology uses only hydrogen to extract iron from lowgrade iron ore which contains less iron, and then melts it in an electric furnace.

South Korean steel companies are also actively developing new furnaces. Dongkuk Steel has initiated research on ultra electric furnace, and plans to complete the research by 2028, focusing on

the development of energy-cycling ultra processing technology to improve the efficiency of electric furnaces. The key to a an ultra electric furnace is speed of operation and energy efficiency. By speeding up operation, electricity consumption can be reduced, thereby the reduction of carbon emission. Dongkuk Steel plans to improve the way it preheats and loads scrap steel, and to utilize the Eco-Arc electric furnaces, an environmentally friendly steelmaking facility, to improve power and energy efficiency, leading to the development of ultra electric furnaces, which can reduce power consumption by 30%.

Hyundai Steel has the largest electric arc furnace production capacity in Korea, at more than 10 million tons annually. The company is working on a carbon-neutral manufacturing system called Hy-Cube and introducing a hydrogen-based steel manufacturing system, a unique integrated manufacturing system based on hydrogen-based manufacturing process. HyCube is an advanced process that improves on the existing electric arc furnace, providing greater flexibility in terms of raw materials, manufacturing process, and products, and is capable of producing a full range of products, including rods and bars, that were originally produced in electric arc furnaces.

POSCO plans to invest US$462.9 million to build a new electric arc furnace with an annual capacity of 2.5 million tons at its Gwangyang plant in January 2024, which will be launched in 2026. The company will push on carbon reduction by introducing electric furnaces until hydrogen reduction refining becomes commercially viable to replace the current blast furnaces. Unlike Europe’s direct reduced iron manufacturing that uses high-grade pellets as feedstock, POSCO's HyREX hydrogen reduced steelmaking technology produces reduced iron directly from iron ore fines. POSCO's green hydrogen technology will be combined with HyREX to produce steel when it is ripe.

Taiwan CSC has collaborated with Jinn Her Enterprise, a major manufacturer in the fastener industry, and succeeded in developing and producing 150 tons of carbon-neutral steel, which is now actively going through various international certifications and is expected to pass by yearend, thereby relieving pressure on fastener export for Taiwan which has an annual output value of hundreds of billions of Taiwanese dollars.

In China, Baosteel and Schaeffler Group signed a tactical agreement on the sustainable development of green steel. The two companies will work together to create a green steel supply chain in the area of steel decarbonization based on a shared concept of sustainable development.

Green Steel May Help Downstream Business Owners Take Actions for CBAM

CBAM will impose a carbon tariff on steel and fasteners sold from other countries to the EU. In many countries fastener suppliers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which are relatively weak in terms of their ability to reduce carbon emission. If upstream steel manufacturers can provide green steel, it will help downstream suppliers calculate their carbon fees and reduce carbon emission.

Demand and Supply Trend of Steel Raw Material and Wire in Vietnam's Fastener Industry

Foreword

In recent years, Vietnam has maintained a very impressive growth rate. Even in 2020, the worst year of the epidemic, due to corporate supply chains moving out of China against the backdrop of the US-China trade war, it still maintained a 2.91% growth and was one of the major economies in addition to Taiwan that still maintained positive economic growth. As the impact of the epidemic subsided, Vietnam's GDP growth rate in 2022 was around 8.02%, the highest in 12 years. Compared to the ASEAN’s average GDP growth of 4-5% in 2022, Vietnam's growth rate was nearly two times higher. Although Vietnam's GDP per capita is still one of the lower GDP growth rates in the ASEAN (only higher than the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar), its overall trend of growth momentum remains unchanged and continues to support its position as an important ASEAN country. The geopolitical rivalry between the US and China (from the trade wars during the Trump administration to the sanctions and regulations during the Biden administration) has made Vietnam a winner. Many of China's laborintensive industries have been moving south, and Vietnam, because of its advantages, has often been the best "China plus one" option for many companies. Compared to many competing economies, Vietnam has signed numerous trade agreements with various countries/regions in just over 10 years after joining the WTO in 2007 and the signing of free trade agreements such as the Vietnam-EU EVFTA has also shown Vietnam's ambitions beyond the regional economy. For the fastener industry, with geopolitical considerations

and related industries to move as an inevitable trend, which is relatively low-margin labor-intensive fastener industry, moving into Vietnam is a very important advantage. The second advantage is the Vietnamese government’s investment in business and infrastructure development. Compared to many competing countries, the fastener industry’s logistics benefited by Vietnam's infrastructure are gradually improved

Before the epidemic in 2020, Taiwanese fastener industry gradually developed in Vietnam, forming different types of fastener industry clusters in North, Central, and South Vietnam. In North Vietnam are mostly fastener clusters for automobile/ motorcycle, electrical appliances, communications electronics, ships, and electronics fasteners are one of the main product categories supplied; in addition, Vietnam promotes the automobile and motorcycle manufacturers to set up large factories. Thus far, there are about 50 automobile assembly factories in Vietnam. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz and Isuzu setting up factories in Ho Chi Minh City, most of others in the province are located in Vinh Phuc (Vinh Phu), Quang Ninh, Hai Phong Province, and the northern region of the Province of Binh Ninh. Honda and Yamaha Motors have long been manufacturing in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. The Italian Piaggio plant is located in Vinh Phuoc province. The market demand for automobile and motorcycle fasteners forms the automobile and motorcycle fastener supply clusters. It mainly consists of Hanoi City as the supply center and the surrounding fastener manufacturing factories in the provinces of Bac Ninh, Phu Thuy, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Thanh An, and Taiping. Formosa Ha Tinh Steel is a major supplier of cold-heading steel wire and rod to the fastener industry. Hai Phong Port and Quang Ninh's Gai Nei Port are the two major ports in North Vietnam. Laixian International Gateway Port in Hai Phong is the first deep-water port in the region and started operation in 2018. With a water depth of 14 meters and a mooring area of 750

meters, Laixian Port can reliably berth large container ships of up to 100,000 DWT. The new deep-water port, equipped with comprehensive infrastructure and loading/unloading technology, will increase Hai Phong Port's throughput to 30 million metric tons per year and reduce the time required for shipping to Europe from 30 to 23 days, to the east coast of the U.S. from 35 to 27-30 days, and to the west coast of the U.S. from 20 to 1315 days, representing an advantage for seaborne transportation in the region. For steel that cannot be supplied by Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, it can be directly imported by sea transportation. Da Nang is the largest port in central Vietnam. Da Nang is located at the west coast of Han River estuary in the central coast of Vietnam, on the south side of Da Nang Bay, which is the end of the East-West Economic Corridor and the largest seafood export port in Vietnam. However; there is no obvious fastener industry cluster in central Vietnam, therefore, the demand for steel wire and rod is mainly for infrastructural use, such as rebar, spot welded wire mesh, bamboo welded wire mesh

In the early days, South Vietnam’s fastener cluster mainly supplied fasteners to meet the demand of local woodworking industry and daily DIY use. Later, Taiwanese companies and non-Taiwanese companies set up export-oriented fastener factories in Vietnam. In addition to Mercedes-Benz and Isuzu Automobile setting up factories in Ho Chi Minh City, Taiwan's Sanyang Motor and Kwang Yang Motor have also brought dozens of motor-related associates from Taiwan to Vietnam. Industries in the region have formed clusters, mainly in Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces that form a supply chain area,

with Binh Duong province gradually becoming the center of the fastener manufacturing industry. Considering the development of business, trade and transportation needs, the region has been expanded to Long An Province, Can Tho City, and recently to Tay Ninh Province. The Port of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon Port) was once the most important distribution center for steel wire and rod in South Vietnam. Due to urban plannings, the Port of Saigon will be relocated to Ba Di Tau Ton Province, 80 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Tau Ton Port is located in the south of Ho Chi Minh City and is the outer port of Ho Chi Minh City. With only 1-2 hours drive away from South Vietnam’s traditional fastener industry development area, Binh Duong Province and Dong Nai Province, it has convenient transportation and has successively attracted fastener companies to set up operations. Located in the vicinity of the existing port of Tou-Ton and the new port of Gai Mai Int’l Terminal, it is very convenient for river and sea transportation and companies setting up factories there to operate from the "factory’s point of view" to the “perspective of the entire city business”, which has been evaluated as the most suitable place for Taiwanese businesses to invest in steel and hardware products in a new world. (Source: Wei Ming Wang, 2020.11, The Development of Vietnamese Fastener Industry and the Impacts of EU-Vietnam FTA, Fastener World Magazine No.185 (Mandarin Version), (Fastener World Inc.), p.62~64。)

Inland waterway is also one of the main logistics and transportation ways in Vietnam. The development of inland waterway transportation is also a logistics way for steel wire and rod. 4 major inland waterway routes have been formed in North

Vietnam; in the central region, rivers are the main transportation routes, but most of them are short-distance routes of less than 100 kilometers in length, and only in the Quang Binh province, there is a port system. The southern region has six waterway transportation routes, of which the Dong Nai River system and the Mekong River system are the two main inland waterway transportation systems in the southern region. The river waterway transportation mainly handles most of the traditional cargoes, which are large in size and low in value and which is also suitable for steel wire and rod shipment, but less suitable for the export of finished fastener containers. However, the breakthrough in the development of Vietnam's coastal shipping routes and fleet has enabled it to participate in the container transportation activities in the southern region, and has also significantly reduced the pressure on the north-south road transportation of the steel wire and rod used for fasteners provided by Formosa Ha Tinh Steel.

Steel Market Demand and Supply in Vietnam

Iron & steel is a basic industry for national construction and a key industry that must be emphasized for economic development. It is called the “mother of all heavy industries,” as it is undoubtedly the foundation of transportation vehicles, machinery, shipbuilding, construction, and electrical machinery, and is highly related to other industries, such as automobiles, electronic components, chassis, machine tools, etc. The Vietnamese government has planned to become a major steel manufacturing country in ASEAN and supported the development of the steel industry. In addition to the establishment of the Vietnam Steel Corporation (VSC), it has also encouraged foreign companies to invest in Vietnam. Foreign investors from Japan, S. Korea, Singapore, and Australia have invested in the establishment of steel plants in Vietnam since around 1990. Driven by foreign investments, Vietnam has developed its own local steel industry, which can be categorized into three main types, including "VSC (a state-owned enterprise) and its direct subsidiaries", "steel plants jointly owned by VSC and foreign investors", and "state-owned steel plants belonging to other state-owned industries and privately-owned steel plants". They mainly produce steel for building materials and downstream products such as coils, rods, welded pipes, colored steel, galvanized steel, cold rolled steel, etc. China has not directly invested in steel plants in Vietnam, but Baosteel has built a blast furnace in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, on the border between Vietnam and China; WISCO (in talks with Baosteel for a merger) has invested in a blast furnace in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Province; and through the "ASEAN +1" tariff-free strategy, it has laid out a plan to expand into ASEAN's steel manufacturing industry, which is focused on the production of upstream steel mills' hot-rolled steel products and hot-rolled steel in plate and sheet, and rolled steel products.

Among these foreign investors, Japan, S. Korea and Taiwan play important roles. Japanese companies focus on "end-use products" and "steel raw materials" in the steel industry. For example, Japan's Honda and Yamaha dominate Vietnam's motorbike market and are major users of steel applications. With the national power to promote industrial cooperation with Vietnam, S. Korea's industrial deployment in Vietnam is mainly driven by industry-leading "POSCO" that facilitates "horizontal integration" and localized production. POSCO mainly supplies steel sheet and coil (mostly midstream steel products before end-use applications), such as POSCO-VN cold rolling mill, POSCO-VST stainless steel mill, POSMAC high-corrosion coated steel mill, POSCO-SS-VINA reinforcing bar and profiled steel mill, POSCO-VNPC steel mill for home appliances, and POSCO-VHPC steel mill for automobiles. Taiwanese manufacturers going to Vietnam to set up plants include Formosa Ha Tinh Steel and CSVC. Electric furnace plant Tung Ho Steel acquired Vietnam's Fuco Steel Corp in 2016. These companies mainly focus on Vietnam's domestic sales and expect to expand to the ASEAN market and then other areas in the future. In the case of Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, its products include flat steel billets, small steel billets, hot rolled steel sheets and wire & coils, etc., with domestic and export sales each accounting for about half of the total. CSVC, a cold rolling mill in Vietnam, mainly produces cold rolled steel, hot-dip galvanized steel, and electromagnetic steel sheets,

etc. Domestic sales are the mainstay of the mill, supplemented by external sales, with the proportion of domestic sales being around 60%, and the proportion of domestic and external sales being adjusted according to the price. Taiwan's steel supply in Vietnam is mainly for upstream steel mills and downstream industries, such as steel pipes, fasteners, automobile and motorcycle parts, etc. Upstream industries are mainly supplied to Vietnam's steel mills. The upstream industry is mainly supplied to the local market in Vietnam for intermediate processing in the midstream industry, and exported to ASEAN countries. For the downstream sector, if there is no suitable subcontracting plant for intermediate processing in the domestic market of Vietnam, or if it is not possible to supply suitable steel for intermediate processing, suitable steel must be imported or purchased directly from steel mills, and then processed in their own intermediate steel production lines or in the midstream industry plants, in order to facilitate the supply of suitable raw materials for the downstream finished products.

Taking the downstream fastener industry as an example, upstream steel mills mainly supply hot rolled wire coils from hot rolling small steel billets. The steel wire & coils required for forged,formed and thread rolled fasteners are the fine-drawn wire & coils featuring complete spheroidization or appropriate heat treatment. The process from hot rolling wire coils to fine-drawing wire & coils is the midstream process required for fastener production. At present, most Vietnamese fastener factories aiming at controlling the quality and cost of raw materials use hot rolled wire coils supplied by steel mills having their own production lines to control and adjust rough drawing, fine drawing and heat treatment and supplying wire coils for forged, formed, and thread rolled fasteners. For unavailable alloy steel wire coils or steel types where the production lines are not capable of controlling and adjusting their properties, fastener manufacturers always import wire coils with complete drawing and spheroidizing.

Based on the analysis of Vietnam's steel industry comprising more than 100 companies, of which the larger ones include Formosa Ha Tinh Steel,Hoa Sen, Hoa Phat Group, VSC, SMC Steel, VSC-POSCO (VPS), etc., it reads that the demand and supply of Vietnam's steel market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 10.1% from 14.67 million tons in 2022 to 34.76 million tons in 2031. ( Figure 1) According to the World Bank's 2021 statistics, Vietnam imported 5,910,120 kg of steel wire (HS code 732620). In 2021, Vietnam's steel wire in terms of quantity was mostly imported from China through the ASEAN+1 tariff-free framework, followed by Thailand and Indonesia, and there were also some imports from S. Korea, Japan, Australia, Europe, and the U.S. The World Bank statistics for 2021 are shown in Table 1

In 2017, Vietnam’s Prime Minister's Office put forward a draft of the "Master Plan for Steel Production by 2025 for 2035", which started to eliminate low-efficiency projects and move towards high-end products. Although the Vietnamese government has announced some conditions to make the domestic steel market attractive to investors, such as “listing steel as a priority industry for development,” "rewarding 100% foreign ownership", "eliminating tariffs within the ASEAN Economic Community", "eliminating AD and countervailing duties imposed by the US on Vietnam's steel products"... all of which have made Vietnam's steel market attractive. Although there are foreign investors entering Vietnam, the production capacity of high-grade steel is insufficient or lacking, and most of the high-grade steel still needs to rely on imports, which also reflects the demand for supply of high-grade wire coils for fastener production in Vietnam.

Source: https://wits.worldbank.org/trade/comtrade/en/country/ ALL/year/2021/tradeflow/Ixports/partner/WLD/product/732620

Table 1. World Bank Statistics on Vietnam’s Steel Wire Import in 2021

Figure 1. Vietnam Steel Market CAGR Analysis and Forecasts

(Source: Research Report on Vietnam's Steel Industry 2022-2031, ResearchAndMarkets.com)

Steel Wire Rod Supply Chain of Vietnam

Fastener Industry

Pickling, wire drawing, annealing and galvanizing are specific processes in the basic steel wire rod industry. Wire rod for fasteners is mainly a wire rod that is selected for the necessary alloying composition before entering the fastener process. In addition, the wire drawing and annealing processes are also subject to stringent specifications for the required quality characteristics. The supply of spheroidized wire is the major demand. Heat treatment is used to spheroidize the carbides in the coils or wires to improve ductility and reduce hardness for subsequent fastener forming process. The hot rolled coils are made of low, medium and high carbon steel or alloy steel, through the process of pickling, wire drawing, spheroidizing and fine drawing, with smooth surface and without coating treatment. The cross-section is rounded, and the scale can be processed later.

Take Taiwan's complete fastener supply chain as an example: upstream steel mills supply hot rolled coils of carbon steel or alloy steel; midstream wire and rod mills are in charge of rough drawing, fine drawing, tempering and spheroidizing, and other heat treatment of hot rolled coils, and downstream fastener manufacturers supply wire rod and coils for cold processing, such as Chun Yu, Quintain Steel, Yieh Hsing, Tycoons, Camellia Metal and so on, which are all professional spheroidized wire rod suppliers or subcontracting OEM factories; downstream factories are mostly for fastener forming and processing, and only a small number of fastener factories have spheroidized wire rod pickling and fine drawing processes, and very few of them do their own drawing, tempering, spheroidizing, or heat treatment. Since the upstream, midstream and

downstream have their own specialized division of labor, downstream fastener manufacturers can quickly obtain the wire coils with required dimensional accuracy and quality, without the problems of delay caused by self-drawing and reducing the quality risk of the wire heat treatment process, and enabling them to focus on product R&D and production.

In terms of the regional development of Vietnam fastener industry, since there was no steel refinery in Vietnam to provide wire and rod in the early days, the wire and rod required by Taiwanese fastener manufacturers in Vietnam were mainly imported from Taiwan to ensure the required dimensional accuracy and quality such as tempering and other heat treatment. In later days, in order to reduce the costs of raw materials and overseas shipments, they gradually purchased hot rolled wire from local refineries and draw and heat treat wire by themselves.

Based on the World Bank's 2021 statistics on Vietnam's trade of steel wire rod and the CAGR of Vietnam's steel market demand and supply, the total number of hot rolled wire rod supplied to Vietnam's steel market in 20232031 should be able to satisfy the actual demand, and Vietnam's own development of its domestic steelmaking industry can also meet the quantity of hot rolled wire rod supplied to satisfy the demand. However, from the point of view of actual demand, the main types of steel wire for industrial use in Vietnam are wire rod, galvanized steel wire, prestressed steel wire strand, cold drawn steel wire, and annealed steel wire. (Figure 2) Although the actual demand for wire rod for fastener manufacturing is mainly annealed cold drawn steel wire, the import statistics do not clearly distinguish the types of steel wire and there is no statistical analysis of the types of carbon steel alloy steel actually demanded. Based on the analysis of wire rod types Formosa Ha Tinh Steel can provide in 2023 (Table 2), Formosa Ha Tinh Steel’s current wire rod products have already obtained JIS, MS (Malaysia), and IS (Indonesia) certificates, and hot rolled coils have demonstrated int’l quality competitiveness. They can adjust the quantity and size of wire rod according to the market demand. For Vietnam fastener industry, Formosa Ha Tinh Steel is mainly supplying the fastener industry with commercial grade or general cold working grade, while the special cold forging grade SCWQ or heavy cold forging grade HCWQ for fasteners are mainly supplied to meet the demand for carbon and alloy steel categories, which also shows that the fastener industry in Vietnam has met the demand for the supply of the main steel types.

Since the fastener industry in Vietnam lacks large-scale wire tempering, spheroidizing, and heat treating supply chain in the midstream, both existing Vietnamese fastener manufacturers and subsequent fastener manufacturers in Vietnam need to consume more investment costs and management.If there are large-scale wire tempering, spheroidizing, and heat treating suppliers or OEM factories in the supply chain, fastener factories are able to use thee wire to produce fasteners, avoiding the risk caused by self wire drawing and heat treatment.

Wire materials that Vietnam fastener industry needs, whether imported or obtained from Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, are mainly supplied based on the supply chain

Cold drawn steel wire Φ≈1mm~20mm (alloy or non-alloy)

efficiency and convenient shipment from the upstream. Although the areas around Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnamese fastener clusters, such as Binh Duong and Long An, are developing rapidly, it is difficult to solve the risk of bottlenecks in the fastener wire material supply chain unless the government of Vietnam has appropriate solutions to alleviate the congestion of the transportation traffic or unless the clusters of fasteners transform or integrate on their own to form a large-scale midstream supply chain for fasteners. The areas around the Hoa Binh Steel Industrial Zone and the fastener clusters in Vietnam, such as Ba Dai Tau Ton, Dong Nai, and etc., can all be suitable areas for a sizable midstream supply chain of fasteners from the viewpoint of the trend of supply chain analysis. Despite the worsening global inflation, the supply of Vietnam's steel market from 2023 to 2031 is not yet in short supply, as Formosa Ha Tinh Steel and other steel mills are cooperating with the Vietnamese government to develop high-grade steel production or are still importing high-grade steel to meet the market demand. However, for Vietnam's fastener industry, the midstream supply chain will affect the final fastener production and the overall logistics bottleneck, which is still a hidden problem in Vietnam's fastener steel raw material supply chain, and whether or not it will cause a substantial obstacle in the future will be a new issue for Vietnam's fastener material demand and supply.

Table 2. Types of

Annealed steel wire (hot rolled or cold drawn)

Pre-stressed steel wire strand (alloy or non-alloy)

&

that

Ha Tinh Steel Puts into Mass Production in 2023

PQ HCWQ JIS G4051 S45C, SCM 435, 51B20

WQ JIS G3503 SWRY11

AWS A5.17 EM12K

WA AWS A5.18M ER70S-3、ER70S-6、 YGW11、YGW12、4Si1

MA TCCS 54:2021/ FHS 1030Cr、1033Cr、1035Cr

GB/T 24587 30MnSi

Note: Hot rolled wire dia.Φ5.5~19mm; hot rolled rod dia. Φ20~28, 30, 32mm

Wire rod Φ≈5mm~42mm (alloy or non-alloy)

Wire

Rod

Formosa

Figure 2. Major Steel Wire Types in Vietnam (Source: https://camasteel.com/steel-wire)

Galvanized steel wire Φ≈ 8 mm Max

Article by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani Copyright

2022-2023 Fastener Trade Analysis in

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan

Introduction

Central Asia, a region characterized by its diverse economic landscape and strategic location connecting Europe and Asia, has experienced significant growth in the fastener trade industry. Fasteners, including nuts, bolts, screws, and rivets, play a crucial role in the manufacturing and construction sectors, serving as essential components to hold various structures and machinery together.

In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive trade analysis of the fastener industry in Central Asia during the period of 2022-2023, with a specific focus on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, the three major economies in the region. We will explore the various aspects of the fastener trade landscape, examining market dynamics and opportunities that have influenced the industry's growth during this time frame.

Economic Growth and the Fastener Industry in Central Asia

Economic growth in Central Asia is projected to remain flat at 3.9 percent in 2023, dragged down by weak external demand, rising inflation and global supply chain disruptions, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report released in early 2022. The growth in 2022 reached 3.9 percent, down from 5.1 percent in 2021.

Central Asian economies have proven resilient to adverse geopolitical headwinds related to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Most economies in the region have strengthened their trade cooperation with Russia, serving as intermediaries and supplying their own products into the vacuum created by the withdrawal of international firms from the Russian market.

While specific statistics for the demand of fasteners in Central Asia in 2023 are not widely available, it is essential to highlight that the increased focus on infrastructure development in the region has indeed led to a substantial surge in demand for fasteners. Governments and private sectors in Central Asian countries have invested significant funds in various infrastructure projects, driving the need for quality fasteners in construction and transportation projects. The growing emphasis on building and modernizing transportation networks, bridges, roads, railways, and buildings has contributed to the rising demand for fasteners, making it a critical component in supporting the region's economic growth and development.

In Kazakhstan, the "Nurly Zhol" infrastructure program, for instance, has been a key driver of increased fastener demand. This comprehensive program focuses on enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity across the country. As a result, the demand for fasteners used in road and rail construction projects has experienced a substantial rise. The construction of new roads, bridges, and railways has necessitated a large quantity of fasteners to hold various structures together and ensure the safety and reliability of these transportation networks.

In Uzbekistan, government efforts to modernize transportation networks and invest USD 33 billion in the oil and gas sector by 2025 have spurred demand for fasteners. The construction market, valued at USD 13.1 billion in 2022, is projected to achieve over 4% AAGR during 2024-2027, sustaining the need for fasteners in various infrastructure projects and urbanization.

owned by Fastener World

Turkmenistan's ambitious development projects, including large-scale infrastructure initiatives, have generated substantial demand for fasteners. As the country focuses on improving its overall infrastructure, fasteners have become indispensable in the construction of various projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and industrial facilities. Arkadag, a newly built USD1.5 billion city, has been a major part of this initiative, requiring an increased supply of fasteners to secure various components and materials. Moreover, the development of industrial zones has also necessitated the use of fasteners in constructing factories and warehouses.

While specific data on the exact increase in fastener demand in each country may vary, it is evident that the emphasis on infrastructure development has played a significant role in boosting the fastener trade industry in Central Asia during the specified period.

Central Asian countries actively participated in trade initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). These initiatives facilitated trade and investment flows, enabling fastener manufacturers in the region to access broader markets and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.

Kazakhstan

As the largest economy in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has emerged as a key player in the fastener trade industry. The country's proactive approach to diversify its economy away from oil dependency has led to substantial investments in the manufacturing sector. Kazakhstan's manufacturing growth, particularly in automotive and construction industries, has boosted the demand for fasteners.

The total imported value of fasteners (HS Code 7318) in Kazakhstan increased by approximately 30.15% from 2021 to 2022. This growth reflects the country's continuous efforts to invest in infrastructure and construction projects, leading to an increased demand. Table 1 exhibits fastener imports (in USD Million) into Kazakhstan in 2021 and 2022.

The growth in fastener imports into Kazakhstan in 2022 signals the country's ongoing infrastructure and construction development efforts. China continues to be the dominant supplier, while Kazakhstan's diverse sourcing from countries like Italy, the United States, and Türkiye showcases its willingness to engage with global markets. The United Kingdom, France, and Sweden experienced declines in fastener imports to Kazakhstan in 2022 compared with 2021. This could be due to various factors, including changes in market demand, shifts in sourcing strategies, or economic conditions in both exporting and importing countries. Overall, the increasing import values of fasteners reflect the country's commitment to building a strong and sustainable infrastructure for its growing economy.

Kazakhstan's fastener exports experienced substantial growth from 2021 to 2022. In 2021, the export value was USD 2.6 million, which significantly increased to about USD 7.33 in 2022 (Fig. 1). This remarkable growth of approximately 181% indicates a surge in demand for Kazakhstan's fastener products in international markets during the specified period. The significant increase in exports highlights the country's competitiveness and ability to meet the fastener demands of various regions, making Kazakhstan a noteworthy player in the global fastener trade industry.

The significant export value of fasteners to Russia, amounting to USD 4.784 million, highlights the close economic ties between Kazakhstan and its neighbouring country. The geographic proximity and strong trade relations between the two nations contribute to this substantial export flow. Moreover, the considerable amounts of fasteners exported to other Central Asian countries, such as Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, indicate the region's collaborative efforts to meet fastener demands and foster economic integration. This intraregional trade underscores Kazakhstan's pivotal role in supplying fasteners to neighbouring countries, bolstering regional economic cooperation and development.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, with its sizable population and abundant resources, has been actively pursuing economic reforms to attract foreign investments and modernize its industries. As a result, the manufacturing sector experienced significant expansion during 2022-2023, leading to increased demand for fasteners.

The construction industry, in particular, witnessed considerable growth in Uzbekistan, with various infrastructure projects underway. This surge in construction activities fuelled the demand for fasteners, as they are essential components in building structures and machinery.

Uzbekistan's strategic position in Central Asia makes it an attractive trade partner for regional and international markets. The country's

Table 1. Fastener Imports (in USD Million) into Kazakhstan in 2021 and 2022

Fig. 2. Fastener Imports (in USD Million) from South Korea to Uzbekistan in 2023

Fig. 1. Kazakhstan - 2022 Fastener Export Value (in USD Million)

efforts to improve trade facilitation and engage in cross-border trade initiatives have presented opportunities for fastener manufacturers to tap into diverse markets. The table below shows the fastener imports to Uzbakistan (in USD Million) in 2021 and 2022.

Overall, the data indicates a surge in the demand for fasteners in Uzbekistan, as evidenced by the significant growth in fastener exports from various countries to the region. The substantial increase in exports from Mexico and the UAE highlights the growing engagement of emerging exporters in the Uzbekistan market. South Korea and China continue to hold dominant positions as major suppliers of fasteners to Uzbekistan, reflecting their strong presence in the Central Asian market.

Uzbekistan's fastener exports experienced substantial growth over the years. The export value increased from 844,000 USD in 2018 to 7,328,000 USD in 2022. This remarkable growth of approximately 770% indicates a significant expansion in the country's fastener trade. The years 2021 and 2022 witnessed accelerated growth in Uzbekistan's fastener exports. The export value nearly doubled in 2021 compared to 2020, reaching 4,596,000 USD. This growth trend continued in 2022, with the export value reaching 7,328,000 USD. Such rapid growth highlights Uzbekistan's successful efforts in expanding its fastener exports to meet the demands of global markets.

The data on fastener imports from South Korea (the top fastener exporter) to Uzbekistan in 2023 indicates fluctuating monthly values, with the highest import recorded in February and a sharp decline in May. The fluctuations in fastener import from Korea to Uzbekistan in 2023 may also be influenced by the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. Geopolitical tensions and disruptions in trade routes due to the conflict can impact the overall demand and supply dynamics in the region, including the import of fasteners. Instabilities in the global market caused by the war could lead to changes in procurement patterns and affect the timing and volume of imports, contributing to the observed variations in monthly import values.

In terms of the fastener exports, the data reflects the growing demand for Uzbekistan's fasteners in its neighbouring countries. The significant increase in exports to Russia presents an opportunity for Uzbekistan to further expand its presence in this key market. As Uzbekistan's fastener industry continues to grow, maintaining strong trade relationships with neighbouring countries and exploring new markets will be crucial for sustained export growth in the coming years. Table 3 below exhibits the fastener exports from Uzbekistan to the global market (in USD Million) in 2021 and 2022.

Turkmenistan, known for its vast natural gas reserves, has been actively diversifying its economy beyond the energy sector. During 20222023, the country focused on industrialization and infrastructure development, which led to an increased demand for fasteners.

The construction sector in Turkmenistan witnessed significant growth, with several large-scale infrastructure projects underway. These projects, including the construction of industrial facilities, bridges, and transportation networks, spurred the demand for fasteners in the country.

Turkmenistan's challenges in accessing international markets have been mitigated to some extent through cooperation with neighbouring countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Participating in regional trade initiatives and fostering bilateral agreements have opened avenues for Turkmenistan's fastener manufacturers to access broader markets and strengthen their presence in the industry.

Table 3. Fastener Exports (in USD Million) from Uzbekistan to the Global Market in 2021 and 2022

Table 2. Fastener Imports (in USD Million) into Uzbakistan in 2021 and 2022

Fig. 2. Fastener Imports (in USD Million) from South Korea to Uzbekistan in 2023

Fig. 1. Kazakhstan - 2022 Fastener Export Value (in USD Million)

Turkmenistan's fastener imports witnessed a substantial increase from 4.728 million USD in 2020 to 12.143 million USD in 2022. This remarkable growth of over 150% in just two years indicates a significant surge in the country's demand for fasteners.

China remains a major exporter of fasteners to Turkmenistan, showcasing its significant presence in the Central Asian market. The export value of 6.544 million USD in 2022 further solidifies China's position as a dominant player in supplying fasteners to Turkmenistan's construction and infrastructure projects.

Türkiye's fastener exports to Turkmenistan increased to 4,824 million USD in 2022 from 2,644 million USD in 2020 and 4,447 million USD in 2021. This growth indicates Türkiye's expanding market share and competitiveness in meeting Turkmenistan's fastener demands.

The data on fastener exports from Türkiye to Uzbekistan in 2023 shows fluctuations in values from January to April. January recorded the highest export value of 474,000 USD, followed by a steady decline in February, March, and April, reaching 242,000 USD, 214,000 USD, and 213,000 USD, respectively. These fluctuations highlight dynamic market conditions and potential seasonal factors influencing the demand for fasteners between the two countries. Businesses should consider these variations to effectively plan and adjust their export strategies to meet Uzbekistan's changing demands throughout the year.

Uzbekistan's fastener export data shows relatively modest figures and limited recorded data, indicating a smaller and less developed fastener manufacturing industry compared to major exporting nations. The sparse data may also suggest a greater reliance on importing fasteners to meet domestic demands, resulting in fewer opportunities for substantial exports. Geopolitical and economic factors, such as trade agreements and regional dynamics, could further influence Uzbekistan's position in the global fastener market.

Conclusion

The fastener trade analysis for Central Asia during 2022-2023 highlights the region's economic growth and the opportunities it presents for fastener manufacturers in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. As these countries strive to diversify their economies and participate in regional and international trade initiatives, the demand for fasteners is set to increase. However, challenges related to supply chain disruptions, technology adoption, and geopolitical factors must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global fastener market. By leveraging their strategic geographic locations, fostering regional cooperation, and investing in innovation, Central Asian fastener manufacturers can solidify their position in the industry and contribute to the region's overall economic development.

Sources:

ITC Trade Map, Trade statistics for international business development.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Central Asia remains resilient to geopolitical headwinds.

Global Data, Uzbekistan Construction Market

Strategies to Suppress the Variations in Axial Force

Q1.Is there an easy way to improve the accuracy of Torque Control Method?

The biggest cause of the variation in axial bolt force is the scatter in the coefficients of friction on the thread surface and the nut bearing surface. The mechanism was explained in the article "Reviewing Torque Control Method” before the previous one. As a measure to improve the accuracy of Torque Control Method, the author has proposed "the use of flat washers with the same surface treatment that is applied to bolts and nuts” in the relevant academic society. Since bolts and nuts have usually undergone the same surface treatment, the variations in the coefficient of friction on the thread surface are considered relatively small. In contrast, the coefficient of friction on the nut bearing surface varies greatly depending on the material and surface treatment of the fastened object in contact. Then, the use of a flat washer described above can reduce the variation because "the surfaces with the same surface treatment are in contact.” Experiments conducted by use of a large number of bolts and nuts have shown that the variation in axial force can be reduced to about 10%, as shown in Figure 1. Finite element analysis, shown in Figure 2, confirms that there are no particular problems with the loosening performance when flat washers are used, unless the fasteners are subjected to severe vibrations or impact loads.

Fig 2

Fig 1

Q2:Is

the

friction of

coefficient

the only factor that affects the accuracy of Torque Control Method?

Basically, the nut bearing surface and the bolt head bearing surface are "perfectly flat," so that they are closely in contact with the fastened plate surface. However, the nut bearing surface is sometimes slightly tapered inward and the bolt head bearing surface is tapered outward within the tolerance of the JIS standard. When the taper angle is large, the axial force may be reduced up to 10% in case of the torque being applied to the nut side, even if the friction of coefficient is the same. In contrast, the axial force may be increased up to 10% when tightening from the bolt head side, as shown in Figure 3. The reason for this is that the equivalent friction diameter changes due to the inclination of the bearing surface, and then the frictional work being consumed at the bearing surface changes. In addition, when a powered torque wrench is used and the tightening operation is performed from the bolt head side, the axial force may be low. This is because part of the torque is consumed by frictional work when the bolt body and bolt hole come into contact due to the effect of counter-torque.

Q3:Please explain why high tightening accuracy cannot be attained even with a hydraulic tensioner.

Including thin plates, when applying a hydraulic tensioner to bolted joints with short grip lengths, the tightening accuracy reduces. In the tightening operation with a hydraulic tensioner, the axial bolt force to be generated is lower than the tension initially applied, because the nut bearing surface deforms so that it sinks into the fastened part when the work is completed. If the grip length is short, the ratio of the deformation of the nut bearing surface to the bolt's elongation increases, resulting in a large reduction in axial force. At the same time, the variation of axial force also increases. Although it is difficult to give an exact figure, hydraulic tensioners should be used for bolted joints whose grip length is several times or more larger than the nominal diameter of the bolt.

Q4:What precautions should be taken when tightening by use of bolt heaters?

In order to ensure that the bolt, which has been elongated by heating, generates the target axial force by contraction during cooling, the snug torque of the nut bearing surface should be large enough so that the average surface contact pressure on the bearing surface is 10 MPa or higher. Another important point is that the bolt heater should be kept inserted in the hole until the snug operation is completed. If it is removed before that, the temperature of the bolt drops rapidly and the bolt will not have enough elongation, resulting in a decrease in the value of the final axial force.

Q5:What are the important points when tightening is performed using he nut rotation angle as an indicator?

Since Elastic Range Rotation Angle Method is used together with Torque Control Method, it should be applied to the bolted joints whose target axial bolt stress is above a certain level (e.g. 300 MPa). The amount of axial stress generated by the torque should be at least 50 MPa to 100 MPa. In addition, as with Tension Method and Thermal Expansion Method, it is not desirable to apply this method to bolted joints with short grip lengths.

Reference

1. Toshimichi Fukuoka, “The Mechanics of Threaded Fasteners and Bolted Joints for Engineering and Design”, pp.81-86, pp.93-96, pp.256-261, ELSEVIER. (2022)

Article by Toshimichi Fukuoka

Copyright

owned by Fastener World

Fig 3

Analysis on Russian Fastener Trade in

2021-2022

Introduction

Since Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU Council has adopted 10 packages of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The sanctions aim to weaken Russia’s ability to finance the war and specifically target the political, military and economic elite responsible for the invasion. Economic indicators are showing that the restrictive measures taken in Europe and elsewhere against Russia have had an impact on the Russian economy.

The Russian Economy is Shrinking

According to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 2022 was a bad year for the Russian economy. It was estimated that in 2022, Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) dropped by 2.1%. Russia’s economy may continue to shrink in 2023. Its GDP is forecast to decline by 2.5% in the worst-case scenario or by 0.2% according to the World Bank. The IMF, however, expects growth (0.7%) in 2023.

Declining Trade

The restrictive measures target the import of certain goods from Russia and the export of certain goods to Russia. The list of banned products is designed to maximise the negative impact of the sanctions on the Russian economy while limiting the consequences for EU businesses and citizens. Statistics are proving that the restrictive measures are yielding results. Both the World Bank and the IMF estimated that in 2022, Russia’s trade in goods and services was set to decline significantly.

Russia’s Fastener Export Data Before the War

There is no clear statistics in Russian fastener industry. The following table shows the statistics of fasteners exported from Russia before the war.

The World Market: The exports to the world market show some fluctuations throughout the year, peaking in March 2021 (11,679 thousand USD) and reaching the lowest point in January 2022 (6,769 thousand USD). Despite the fluctuations, there was a general upward trend until around October 2021, followed by a decline in exports in the last two months (December 2021 and January 2022).

Kazakhstan: Exports to Kazakhstan experienced growth in the first quarter of 2021, with the highest value in March (3,828 thousand USD). Afterward, there was a decline until around September 2021, followed by some recovery in the last few months.

Article by Behrooz Lotfian Copyright owned by Fastener World

Belarus: Exports to Belarus also saw a peak in March 2021 (2,168 thousand USD) and experienced some fluctuations throughout the year. Like the world market, there was a general upward trend in exports until October 2021, followed by a decline in the last two months.

Ukraine: Exports to Ukraine were relatively low and remained stable over the months, with the highest value in June 2021 (644 thousand USD). Ukraine's imports of fasteners from Russia did not show significant growth during the period of review.

Germany: Germany was a consistent importer of fasteners from Russia, with exports showing only minor fluctuations over the year. The highest export value to Germany was in October 2021 (674 thousand USD).

Key Observations: The first half of 2021 generally saw higher exports compared to the second half, indicating a possible seasonal pattern or other external factors influencing demand. Kazakhstan and Belarus were significant markets for Russian fasteners, with their demand peaking in March 2021. Germany, although a consistent importer, did not experience significant growth in demand during the period.

Russia’s Fastener Import Data Before the War

The World Market: Imports from the world market by Russia had shown a consistent upward trend before the war was started. The imports increased steadily from February 2021 to November 2021, and there was a significant surge in imports from November 2021 to January 2022, reaching the highest value of 123,872 thousand USD in January 2022. This suggests Russia’s growing demand for global fasteners, especially in the latter part of 2021 and early 2022.

China: China stands out as the largest import source of fasteners for Russia, accounting for a substantial share of Russia's imports. Despite some fluctuations, imports from China have generally increased over time, with the highest value in January 2022 (71,076 thousand USD). The consistent growth in imports from China indicates a strong demand for Chinese fasteners in the Russian market.

Germany: Germany is another significant fastener source for Russia, though on a smaller scale compared to China. Imports from Germany have shown relatively stable levels over the months, with a slight decline towards the end of the data period. The consistent imports from Germany suggest a steady demand for German fasteners in the Russian market.

Taiwan: Imports from Taiwan experienced fluctuations over the months, with the highest value in November 2021 (7,117 thousand USD). While the imports from Taiwan were not as substantial as those from China or Germany, the fluctuations indicate changes in demand or market conditions.

Key Observations: Global import sources, including China, Germany, and Taiwan, collectively show an increasing trend in imports by Russia, indicating a growing global market for Russian fasteners. China is the dominant market for Russian fastener imports, accounting for a significant portion of Russia's imports. Germany and Taiwan also present steady markets for Russian fastener import, with fluctuations possibly reflecting changes in local demand or economic conditions.

Conclusion

Russia has faced numerous challenges in this sector, affecting its global competitiveness and trade dynamics.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Russia's fastener trade has been significantly impacted by disruptions in the global supply chain. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and restrictions led to shortages of raw materials and workforce challenges, affecting production capabilities and causing delays in delivery timelines.

• Sanctions and Trade Restrictions: International sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine have restricted access to crucial technologies, materials, and financial resources. These sanctions have limited the ability of Russian fastener manufacturers to access global markets and have adversely affected their competitiveness.

• Dependence on Imports: Despite being a major producer of steel, Russia's fastener industry relies heavily on imports for essential raw materials and advanced technologies. Sanctions and geopolitical tensions have further complicated import processes, leading to uncertainties and higher costs for manufacturers.

• Quality and Standards Compliance: Ensuring adherence to international quality and safety standards is essential for gaining trust in the global market. Russia's fastener industry has faced challenges in meeting stringent international standards, impacting its reputation and market access.

2018-2023 Q1

Turkish Fastener Trade Analysis

Introduction1

Türkiye, a transcontinental country straddling both Europe and Asia, has witnessed remarkable economic growth in recent years. As a result of its strategic geographic location and booming manufacturing sector, the country has become a significant player in the global fastener trade. Based on World Bank’s report on 10 April 2023, Türkiye is the 19th largest economy in the world, with a GDP of roughly US$906 billion. It is a member of the OECD and the G20, and an increasingly important donor of Official Development Assistance. Türkiye pursued ambitious reforms and enjoyed high growth rates between 2006 and 2017 that propelled the country to the higher reaches of upper-middleincome status and reduced poverty. The share of people below the US$6.85 per day poverty line nearly halved to 9.8 percent between 2006 and 2020. However, productivity growth has slowed as reform momentum has waned over the past decade, and efforts have turned to supporting growth with credit booms and demand stimulus, intensifying internal and external vulnerabilities. High private sector debt, persistent current account deficits, high inflation, and high unemployment have been exacerbated by macrofinancial instability since August 2018. In an extension of the strong COVID-19 pandemic recovery, the economy grew at 5.6 percent in 2022. However, the economy has been losing momentum amidst a deteriorating external environment and heterodox monetary policies. Two devastating earthquakes struck on February 6th, 2023: beyond the human tragedy, physical damage in 11 provinces accounting for 16.4 percent of Türkiye’s population and 9.4 percent of its economy. Direct losses are estimated at US$34.2 billion, but the reconstruction needs could be double. The earthquakes

added pressures to an increasingly fragile macro-financial situation. Pre-election spending and reconstruction efforts are expected to support growth, which is forecast at 3.2 percent in 2023 and 4.3 percent in 2024.

Growing Fastener Industry in Türkiye

The fastener industry in Türkiye has experienced substantial growth in the past decade, driven by factors such as increased manufacturing activities, infrastructure development, and rising demand from domestic and international markets. The country's reputation for producing highquality fasteners at competitive prices has positioned it as a preferred supplier for various industries worldwide.

Over the past decade leading up to 2021, the fastener industry in Türkiye experienced substantial growth and development. Türkiye has a diverse manufacturing sector, which drives the demand for fasteners. Industries like automotive (With the industry recovering from the pandemic, the country's export value increased again in 2022 compared to the previous years and reached almost 31 billion U.S. dollars. In the same year, Ford Otosan became the leading motor vehicle manufacturer based on export quantity, with a volume of 198 thousand units.) 2 , construction (Türkiye's construction market size was US$103.9 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow at an AAGR of more than 2% during the period 2024-2027, supported by investments in transport, renewable energy, and housing infrastructure projects3.), and machinery (Machinery is the second largest sector in Türkiye's export. In 2022, Türkiye 's machinery exports reached $ 25.5 billion. The machinery sector contributed 10 percent of Turkey's total exports. 4), are among the key consumers of fasteners.

1 https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/turkey/overview

2 https://www.statista.com/topics/10619/automotive-industry-inturkey/#:~:text=With%20the%20industry%20recovering%20from,volume%20 of%20198%20thousand%20units.

3 https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/turkey-construction-marketanalysis/#:~:text=Turkey's%20construction%20market%20size%20 was,energy%2C%20and%20housing%20infrastructure%20projects.

Export and Trade Partnerships

Türkiye's participation in various trade agreements and partnerships has significantly contributed to its fastener trade growth. The country has signed preferential trade agreements with multiple countries, reducing trade barriers and facilitating smoother access to foreign markets. Moreover, its membership in the European Customs Union allows Turkish exporters to benefit from easier market access to European Union countries.

experienced a significant rebound in 2021 and 2022, reaching 282,830 thousand USD. The decline in exports in 2019 and 2020 might have been influenced by various factors, such as economic fluctuations, changes in market demand, or competitive challenges. However, the substantial increase in export in 2021 and 2022 indicates a strong recovery and a potential reinvigoration of trade ties between Turkey and Germany.

France: Fastener export to France showed a fluctuating pattern throughout the five years, with exports increasing from 16,641 in 2018 to 42,997 thousand USD in 2022. The average annual growth rate over this period was approximately 26.3%, showcasing significant growth in exports to the French market. Despite fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a positive and steady expansion of Turkey's fastener exports to France.

Italy: Exports to Italy remained relatively stable during the five-year period, with minor fluctuations. The growth rate was moderate, with an average annual increase of about 25.1%. The significant increase in 2022 (US$ 39,329,000) compared to 2018 (US$ 16,184,000) suggests that Turkish fasteners are gaining traction in the Italian market.

USA: Fastener export to the USA experienced remarkable and consistent growth throughout the five-year period. The exports increased from US$ 8,486,000 in 2018 to US$ 37,840,000 in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 46.5%. The rapid growth in exports to the USA indicates strong demand for Turkish fasteners in this market and successful penetration by Turkish manufacturers.

Conclusion

The quarterly analysis of fastener exports to the world indicates a dynamic and competitive industry in Türkiye. The positive growth in exports during most quarters suggests that Turkish fastener manufacturers are gaining prominence in the international market and meeting the global demand.

Note:

World: Türkiye's fastener export to the world witnessed substantial growth during the five-year period, increasing from 470,141 in 2018 to 803,915 thousand USD in 2022. The average annual growth rate over this period was approximately 14.4%, indicating a strong and consistent expansion of Turkey's fastener industry in the global market.

Germany: Fastener export to Germany started at 181,919 thousand USD in 2018, declined in 2019 and 2020, and then

Note: Numbers are in thousand USD.

The dip in exports observed in Q3 and Q4 of 2022 could be attributed to various factors, such as changes in market demand, economic fluctuations, or supply chain disruptions. The strong rebound in exports in Q1 2023 indicates the resilience of the industry and its ability to quickly recover from any temporary setbacks.

4 https://www.turkishmachinery.org/En/AboutTurkishMachineryIndustry#:~:text=Machine ry%20is%20the%20second%20largest,percent%20of%20Turkey's%20total%20exports.

Article by Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani Copyright owned by Fastener World

FEY: A New Era

The Brazilian fastener manufacturer reinforces market positioning and adopts a new visual identity

A Brazilian traditional and international fastener supplier, FEY announced actions involving a branding innovation. As one of the most important fastener manufacturers in South America, the company’s lineup includes bolts, screws, nuts, and similar items provided to industries of agricultural and road machinery, as well as the automotive sectors.

Almost completely under the management of the second generation, and with a focus on the future, especially on overseas operations, in July the board of the company announced a conclusion about a branding update.

"These actions are not just about the company's renovation of visual identity. It means going beyond, conveying what we believe as well as the proposals that move us forward. That means seeking solutions together, through cold and hot forming process, and achieving formidable results", said the marketing and new business manager, Bruno Maia, concluding: "The brand adaptability and our presence in several countries rising are reinforced through the slogan “Shaping what the world needs”.

The branding reinforcement is part of a series of investments that the company has been carrying out over the last four years, which adds up to more than R$ 80 million and includes areas of technology and our people’s preparation.

Another factor that drives the company’s intention to strengthen its market positioning are the three factors that mark its performance. The first is sustainable development. FEY is a partner of the UN (United Nations Organization) and signatory of the ODS Movement (Sustainable Development Goals). The second is its innovation movement, reinforced with development and its own laboratory for the creation of products and verticalized production. The third is the strength of the brand, which is characterized by being a family business, reinforced by the complement of professional leaders, investment in technology and sustainable growth.

With annual revenues of R$ 500 million, 8% of which coming from exports, FEY has a production capacity of 3,200 tons/month and has more than 750 employees. In addition to the already consolidated lineup, it also develops tailor-made projects, especially for customers such as large car manufacturers and agricultural implements, a strategy that aims to add even more value to its offering. It is also present in the distribution area, in the aftermarket and other sales channels.

Fastener

Exports and Imports Fall

Finishing the first half year, trends are pointing to a result below 2022 in Brazil

At the Brazilian harbours, the trade of bolts and screws, nuts and other kinds of fasteners are slightly less than in 2022. However, considering the fall of US dollar, and the local currency, the expectation could be so different, at least on imports which breached the US$ 1 billion barrier last year.

Comparing, US$ 1.00 costed R$ 5.7 and R$ 5.3 respectively in January 2022 and 2023; R$ 5.1 and R$ 4.8 in July 2022, and 2023.

Everybody is hoping for warm local economic activities during the second half year, especially with a probable drop in interest rate (currently are at 13.65% per year) by the Brazilian Central Bank.

The 2nd Metal Forming Conference

This technology conference had 65 lectures, predominantly divided between topics on hot and cold metal forming, everything that involves fastening systems using bolts, screws and similar items, in addition to welding process.

The newly created 2nd Metal Forming Conference (Congresso de Conformação Metálica - CCM) was held in June, after a hard debut due to the pandemic in 2022.

The event had around 150 professionals from industries and academics, to listen to lectures and discuss metallic technologies involving new industrial process on cold and hot forging, and about the fastener segment.

The venue was the same as in 2022, at Santo André Foundation University Center, in Santo André City, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Ciser has a New Commercial Director

Named to lead the sales operations for one of the most important fasteners brands in Brazil, Luiz Henrique Santos took the commercial director role to Ciser in June, in Joinville, SC, Brazil.

With a background in Civil engineering, business management, accounting and finance from the Federal University of Paraná, the executive has vast experience with important companies in Brazil, such as Votorantim Group (11 years) with a production business on cement, steel and other, and Docol (9 years), a metal bathroom fixtures manufacturer, which is the last one before Santos goes to Ciser, where he has the responsibility to manage marketing, sales, export, administration, pricing, also so market intelligence.

“Ciser has great market opportunities ahead, and my expectation is to add to the team, to work together and grow and deliver increasingly better results”, said Santos.

by Sergio Milatias, Editor Revista do Parafuso (The Fastener Brazil Magazine) milatias@revistadoparafuso.com.br; www.revistadoparafuso.com

Fastener Trade Statistics of in 2018-2022

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached approximately US$1.64 trillion in 2021, placing it 12th among the world’s major economies. Brazil is also one of the Latin American countries with relatively advanced development and particularly dynamic industrial activities. The booming development of the country’s automotive, steel, aerospace and other industries has also driven the demand for many fastener products.

According to the Brazilian Customs’ Trade Database, in terms of net import weight, Brazil imported a total of 192,700 metric tons of fastener products (HS code 7318) from the world in 2022, which amounted to about US$998 million in terms of import value; in terms of net export weight, Brazil exported about 30,800 metric tons of fastener products to the world in 2022, which amounted to about US$167 million in terms of export value. Although its import and export weight and value are not as high as those of major fastener importers and exporters such as Taiwan, Japan, S. Korea, and the United States, it is still a demand and supply market for fasteners that cannot be ignored in the Central and South American region.

Import

Table 1 shows that the import net weight of fasteners of Brazil declined from 138,500 tons in 2018 to 117,300 tons in 2020, but showed a significant growth in 2021-2022, and the net import weight in these two years was even much higher than the record in 2018-2020. The same trend is also observed in the import value ( Table 4), indicating that the demand for fasteners in Brazil was clearly picking up.

Table 2 shows Brazil’s top 20 sources of fastener imports in 2022. The top 5 in 2022 were China, Japan, Italy, the United States and Taiwan, with net import weights of 100,700 metric tons, 13,600 metric tons, 12,500 metric tons, 11,100 metric tons, and 9,700 metric tons, respectively. More than 50% of Brazil’s fasteners were imported from China, and in just two years from 2020-2022, the net weight of imports doubled, showing a heavy reliance on China’s supply chain. To observe from the import value ( Table 5) the ranking was slightly changed. The top 5 sources of imports in 2022 were China, the United States, Japan, Germany, and Italy, with the import values of US$ 271 million, US$ 171 million, US$ 93 million, US$ 90 million and US$ 74 million, respectively. Whether in terms of import weight or import value, 2021 is a significant turning point. Brazilian demand for Chinese fasteners doubled in that year and this trend continued through 2022.

To view from the imported fastener categories, in terms of net import weight ( Table 3), the top 3 imported fasteners of Brazil in 2022 were iron and steel screws & bolts (731815), iron and steel nuts (731816), and iron and steel selftapping screws (731814). In terms of import value ( Table 6), the top 3 fasteners imported into Brazil in the same year were iron and steel screws & bolts (731815), iron and steel nuts (731816), and iron and steel non-threaded articles (731829).

Table 1. Brazilian Fastener Import by Net Weight (KG)

Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)

Table 2. Top 20 Fastener Import Origins of Brazil by Net Weight (KG)

Table 3. Main Imported Fastener Categories by Net Weight (KG)

Screws, bolts, nuts,

screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins,

(including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)

Table 4. Brazilian Fastener Import by US$ FOB

coach

washers

Table 5. Top 20 Fastener Import Origins of Brazil by US$ FOB

Table 6. Main Imported Fastener Categories by US$ FOB

Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

Table 7. Brazilian Fastener Export by Net Weight (KG)

Table 8. Top 20 Fastener Export Destinations of Brazil by Net Weight (KG)

Table 9. Main Exported Fastener Categories by Net Weight (KG)

Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

Table 11. Top 20 Fastener Export Destinations of Brazil by US$ FOB

Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)

Table 10. Brazilian Fastener Export by US$ FOB

Table 12. Main Exported Fastener Categories by US$ FOB

Export

Table 7 shows that the annual weight of fastener products exported from Brazil to the world remained at about 22-25 thousand metric tons over the 2018-2022 period, but then suddenly doubled in 2021 to about 50 thousand metric tons, then stabilized and declined to about 30 thousand metric tons in 2022. To observe from the export value ( Table 10), the value of fasteners exported from Brazil to the world peaked at US$180 million in 2019, while the lowest point was at US$129 million in 2020 when the pandemic burst out. The record in 2022 outperformed that in 2021, and should slowly rebound to the 2019 level if the growth trend remains unchanged.

Table 8 shows the top 20 major export destinations of Brazil in 2022. The top 5 countries were Argentina, Paraguay, the United States, Uruguay, and Germany, with the export weights of 14.2 thousand tons, 4,600 tons, 4,100 tons, 1,200 tons, and 1,100 tons, respectively. Among them, about 46% were exported to Argentina. The data also show that Brazilian fasteners were mainly sold to the American market (especially South America). If we look at the export value ( Table 11), the ranking basically did not change a lot, and the top 5 rankings were Argentina, the United States, Paraguay, Germany, and France, with the export value of US$ 53 million, US$ 33 million, US$ 15 million, US$ 8 million, and US$ 7 million, respectively.

To view the exported fastener categories, in terms of net export weight ( Table 9), the top 3 major fastener products exported from Brazil to the world in 2022 were iron and steel screws & bolts (731815), iron and steel nuts (731816), and iron and steel nonthreaded articles (731819), and in terms of export value ( Table 12), the top 3 fastener products exported from Brazil to the world in the same year were iron and steel screws & bolts (731815), iron and steel nuts (731816), and iron and steel non-threaded articles (731829).

Summary

Brazil is currently Taiwan’s 2nd largest fastener export destination in Latin America, but its proportion in 2022 only accounted for less than 0.5% of Taiwan’s total fastener export. Compared to Mexico, which has accounted for more than 2% of Taiwan’s total exports of fasteners, there is still much room for Taiwan’s fastener export to Brazil. And, with the fact that Taiwan is still among Brazil’s top 5 fastener import sources, Brazilian buyers show a certain demand for Taiwanese fasteners. If Taiwanese fastener suppliers would like to enhance the development of Latin America, Brazil (in addition to Mexico) may also be a good approach and market worthy of strengthening the development.

Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World Copyright owned by Fastener World

Fastener Trade Partners of ASEAN Countries (2019-2022)

Over the past four years, the world has entered an era of restructuring economic entities, forming a global economic structure split into two camps. Against this background, Europe, the United States and Japan have recently shifted the focus of their political and economic collaboration to the South China Sea. In addition to India in South Asia, ASEAN as the world's fifth largest economy has become a hot spot for economic and trade collaboration as well as foreign investment. As the competition in Southeast Asia and ASEAN is turning white hot, what changes have occurred in the trade volume of local fasteners from 2019 to now? Let us dig in with this article.

This article begins with an overview of key economic indicators in ASEAN, followed by an analysis of fastener trade data for six of the ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore. It should be noted that the data taken from ASEANstats is currently up-to-date until 2022, while the data taken from the Customs offices of several countries have been updated until the first five months of 2023.

ASEAN Key Economic Indicators

Table 1. Basic ASEAN Indicators as of July 2023

ASEANstats)

To help fastener business owners evaluate the overall market size of ASEAN, a table of economic indicators for the region is presented (see Table 1). Last year, the population of ASEAN grew to 669.2 million, GDP grew by 7.7% to US$3.6 trillion, GDP per capita grew by 6.6% to US$5,419, and total trade in all commodities grew by 15% to US$3.8 trillion, of which total exports grew by 14% to US$1.9 trillion, total imports grew by 15% to US$1.8 trillion, and foreign investment grew by 5.5% to US$224.2 billion. Table 1 reveals that the ASEAN market shrank only in 2020, the year of COVID outbreak, but quickly achieved significant growth after the outbreak, making ASEAN an economy with strong momentum.

Fastener Trade Data of All ASEAN Countries

Next, we will look at ASEAN's overall fastener trade figures. Since the import and export of fasteners from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei are much lower, we are not going to elaborate on them.

In terms of imports ( Table 2), the value of fasteners imported by ASEAN from the world grew by 4.8% to US$3.81 billion last year. Demand was the highest in Thailand, where import fell by 3.6% to US$1.1 billion. The second highest was Vietnam, with import falling 3.2% to US$730 million. The third highest was Malaysia, with import growing by 17.2% to US$612 million. Indonesia's import grew by 22.7% to US$589 million. Singapore's import grew by 10.2% to US$481 million. The Philippines decreased by 2% to US$199 million. Thailand and Vietnam experienced small declines, while Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore all achieved double-digit growth. Comparing 2022 and 2019, most of the ASEAN countries, with the exception of Myanmar, Laos and Brunei, have already surpassed their pre-pandemic levels of imports after the end of the pandemic.

(Source:

Note: All countries in the Tables are ranked according to values in 2022

Thailand

(Source: Thai Customs)

In terms of exports ( Table 3 ), the value of fasteners exported from ASEAN to the world grew by 12.8% to US$2.34 billion last year. The highest demand was from Vietnam, with export growing by 26.5% to US$680 million. The second highest was Thailand, with export growing by 11.2% to US$672 million. The third highest was Singapore, with export increasing by 12.2% to US$368 million. Malaysia's export decreased by 0.8% to US$360 million. The Philippines' export decreased by 1.6% to US$140 million. Indonesia's export grew by 19.9% to US$116 million. Malaysia and the Philippines experienced small declines, while Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia all achieved double-digit growth. Comparing 2022 and 2019, most of the ASEAN countries, with the exception of the Philippines and Brunei, have already surpassed their pre-pandemic levels of exports after the end of the pandemic.

In 2022, Thailand's global imports of fasteners ( Table 4) grew by 12.7%, surpassing the 1 billion mark to reach US$1.12 billion, and reached US$434 million in the first five months of 2023. Thailand's top five sources of imports in 2022 were Japan (US$433 million, up 3.4%), China (US$260 million, up 32.6%), Taiwan (US$105 million, up 16.8%), Malaysia (US$69.48 million, up 2.1%), and the United States (US$64.28 million, up 58.9%). With the exception of S. Korea, Thailand's imports of fasteners from its top 10 sources are now higher than they were before the outbreak. The increase in Thailand's demand for Chinese and U.S.-made fasteners is noteworthy.

Thailand's global export of fasteners ( Table 5 ) jumped 30% to US$676 million last year and reached US$258 million in the first five months of this year. Thailand's top five export destinations in 2022 were the United States (US$148 million, exceeding the

Table 2. ASEAN Fastener Import Value in USD from the World (2019-2022)

Table 3. ASEAN Fastener Export Value in USD to the World (2019-2022)

(Source: ASEANstats)

Table 4. Thai Fastener Import Value in USD from the World

billion mark, up 34.8%), India (US$64.85 million, up 34.8%), Japan (US$47.91 million, up 12%), Indonesia (US$45.14 million, down 4.2%) and Germany (US$43.45 million, up 32.8%). Thailand's exports of fasteners to the top 10 destinations are all higher than they were before the outbreak. In addition to the surge in demand for U.S. fasteners, Thailand's export of fasteners to the U.S. has also increased significantly.

Malaysia

Malaysia's global import of fasteners ( Table 6 ) grew by 22.7% to US$558 million last year and reached US$218 million in the first five months of this year. Malaysia's top five sources of imports in 2022 were China (US$191 million, up 12.3%), Singapore (US$131 million, breaking the 100 million mark and surging 73.1%), Japan (US$61.32 million, up 6.3%), the United States (US$42.26 million, up 25.4%), and Taiwan (US$29.81 million, down 4.2%). Malaysia's imports of fasteners from the top 10 countries of origin are now higher than they were before the outbreak. The notable increase in Malaysia's demand for fasteners made in Singapore and the United States is noteworthy.

Malaysia's global export of fasteners ( Table 7 ) grew by 3.5% to US$327 million last year and reached US$115 million in the first five months of this year. Thailand's top five export destinations in 2022 were Singapore (US$57.77 million, down 10.5%), Thailand (US$51.71 million, down 32%), Germany (US$40.58 million, up 17.9%), the United States (US$32.67 million, up 70.8%) and Turkey (US$15.2 million, up 8.5%). With the exception of Thailand and Japan, Malaysia's exports of fasteners to the top 10 destinations are now higher than they were before the outbreak. The demand for fasteners exported from Malaysia to Singapore and Thailand declined significantly, while demand for fasteners exported to the United States increased significantly.

Table 5. Thai Fastener Export Value in USD to the World

(Source: Thai Customs)

Table 6. Malaysian Fastener Import Value in USD from the World

Table 7. Malaysian Fastener Export Value in USD to the World

Philippines

Philippine global imports of fasteners ( Table 8) grew by 4.3% to US$176 million last year and reached US$50.28 million in the first five months of this year. Philippine top five sources of imports in 2022 were China (US$52.79 million, up 5.2%), Japan (US$44.04 million, down 2.6%), Singapore (US$21.20 million, up 56.1%), Taiwan (US$10.23 million, down 14.8%), and Thailand (US$6.65 million, up 10.2%). With the exception of Taiwan and Hong Kong, Philippine imports of fasteners from the top 10 sources are now higher than they were before the outbreak. The notable increase in Philippine demand for Singapore-made fasteners is noteworthy, while the demand for Taiwan-made fasteners declined significantly.

Philippine global exports of fasteners ( Table 9) grew 26.3% to US$180 million last year and reached US$17.59 million in the first five months of this year. Philippine top five export destinations in 2022 were Japan (US$126 million, up 40.6%), the United States (US$13.93 million, down 2.7%), Germany (US$8.48 million, down 17.8%), South Korea (US$8.1 million, down 2.9%), and France (US$4.56 million, an 18-fold jump). With the exception of Germany and Italy, Philippine exports of fasteners to the top 10 destinations are now higher than they were before the outbreak. Over the past four years, the value of fasteners exported from the Philippines has fluctuated greatly, especially the exports to France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Notably, the value of fasteners exported from the Philippines to Italy declined for the fourth consecutive year.

Table 9. Philippine Fastener Export Value in USD to the World (Quantity in KG)

Table 8. Philippine Fastener Import Value in USD from the World (Quantity in KG)

Indonesia

Indonesia's global imports of fasteners ( Table 10 ) grew by 22.7% to USD 589 million last year. Indonesia's top five sources of imports in 2022 were Japan (US$233 million, up 12.6%), China (US$125 million, up 33.8%), Thailand (US$45.33 million, up 19.3%), Australia (US$31.63 million, up 9.4%), and South Korea (US$28.32 million, surging 124%). With the exception of Italy, Indonesia's imports of fasteners from the top 10 sources are now higher than they were before the outbreak. The notable increase in Indonesia's demand for fasteners made in S. Korea and China is noteworthy.

Indonesia's global exports of fasteners ( Table 11 ) grew by 20% last year to US$116 million. Indonesia's top five export destinations in 2022 were Germany (US$29.86 million, down 8.7%), Malaysia (US$14.31 million, up 424%), Thailand (US$11.03 million, up 27.2%), Japan (US$8.77 million, down 3.7%), and Singapore (US$7.51 million, a 147-fold jump). With the exception of Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden, Indonesia's exports of fasteners to the top 10 destinations are now higher than they were before the outbreak. India's exports of fasteners to the U.S. have increased eightfold comparing pre- and post-pandemic levels, and the demand for fasteners from Malaysia and Singapore has also soared last year.

Vietnam

Vietnam's global imports of fasteners ( Table 12 ) declined by 3.2% to US$730 million last year. Vietnam's top five sources of imports in 2022 were China (US$358 million, down 6%), Japan (US$120 million, down 4.4%), South Korea (US$88.26 million, down 3.2%), Taiwan (US$58.68 million, up 1.9%), and Thailand (US$22.6 million, down 3.7%). Vietnam's imports of fasteners from five of the top ten sources (Japan, Thailand, the United States, Malaysia, and Singapore) are lower than the level before the outbreak. The momentum of its imports is not stable enough.

Vietnam's global exports of fasteners ( Table 13 ) grew by 26.5% to USD 681 million last year. Vietnam's top five export destinations in 2022 were Germany (US$134 million, up 56.2%), the US (US$118 million, up 28.3%), Japan (US$74.71 million, up 4.1%), the Netherlands (US$70.05 million, up 24.6%) and Canada (US$32.99 million, up 18.9%). With the exception of the UK and

Table 10. Indonesian Fastener Import Value in USD from the World

Table 11. Indonesian Fastener Export Value in USD to the World

Table 12. Vietnamese Fastener Import Value in USD from the World

Thailand, Vietnam's exports of fasteners to the top 10 destinations are now higher than they were before the outbreak. Vietnam's exports of fasteners to Germany showed the largest increase.

Singapore

Singapore's global imports of fasteners ( Table 14 ) grew by 10.2% to US$482 million last year. Singapore's top five sources of imports in 2022 were China (US$123 million, up 5.7%), the United States (US$102 million, up 13.2%), Malaysia (US$64.76 million, up 14.9%), Taiwan (US$32.41 million, down 8.8%), and Indonesia (US$27.28 million, up 110%). With the exception of the United States, Singapore's imports of fasteners from its top 10 sources are now higher than they were before the outbreak. The notable increase in Singapore's demand for Indonesian-made fasteners is noteworthy, while exports of fasteners to China and Liechtenstein have grown considerably comparing the pre- and post-outbreak levels.

Singapore's global exports of fasteners ( Table 15 ) grew by 12.2% to US$368 million last year. Singapore's top five export destinations in 2022 were Malaysia (US$88.78 million, up 10.47%), Indonesia (US$68.99 million, up 1.2%), India (US$22.81 million, up 18.5%), Thailand (US$21.93 million, up 43.4%) and the United States (US$17.90 million, up 50.6%). With the exception of the Philippines and China, Singapore's exports of fasteners to the top 10 destinations have already exceeded their preoutbreak levels. Among them, Singapore's demand for fasteners from the United States and Thailand has increased significantly.

Era of Restructuring Economic Entities

ASEAN Fastener Trade Momentum is Strong and Promising

ASEAN fastener imports and exports have been on an upward trend over the past four years, generally in line with the "hot spot" trend in ASEAN. Although the momentum of Vietnam remains to be seen and the volume of fastener trade in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei is still low, the growth momentum of the other ASEAN countries is obvious, which can be a valuable region for fastener manufacturers to compete for business opportunities.

Table 13. Vietnamese Fastener Export Value in USD to the World

(Source: ASEANstats)

Table 14. Singaporean Fastener Import Value in USD from the World

(Source: ASEANstats)

Table 15. Singaporean Fastener Export Value in USD to the World

(Source: ASEANstats)

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World, Copyright owned by Fastener World Updated

India Implements Mandatory Norms for Nuts, Bolts, and Fasteners

The Indian Government has implemented mandatory quality norms for nuts, bolts, and fasteners to elevate local manufacturing and shield consumers from sub-par goods. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued a notification on July 21, announcing the Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order places a firm requirement: unless they bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark, these products can’t be manufactured, sold, traded, imported, or even stocked, and non-compliance with BIS certification is no light matter; it could mean imprisonment and hefty fines.

The Quality Control Order, 2023 is set to be effective six months from the date of publication of the notification and aims to fortify India’s quality ecosystem, prioritize consumer health and safety, and stimulate the growth of domestic micro and small industries. The order accommodates certain relaxations to ensure a smooth transition and uphold the ease of doing business in the country. Exemptions have been granted for domestically manufactured goods meant for export, items imported as part of finished products or components, and imports by domestic manufacturers for producing goods intended for export.

In a meaningful partnership, DPIIT and BIS together developed 64 new Quality Control Orders (QCOs), encompassing 317 product standards.

Indian Aerospace Suppliers Eye Growth in Parts-Making

Sundram Fasteners Achieves 47 Percent Returns

Sundram Fasteners Ltd (SFL), a key player in manufacturing components for various sectors, has showcased a remarkable performance, outperforming the Nifty50 index with a striking 47 percent yearon-year return. Analysts are now pointing towards a potential 10-22 percent upside for the stock, supported by a consensus view from most brokerages.

Producing a diverse range of critical components, including fasteners, powertrain components, and more, the company boasts a well-rounded revenue mix of domestic OEMs, aftermarket, and exports at 52 percent, 13 percent, and 35 percent, respectively.

With a positive outlook from both technical and fundamental viewpoints, the momentum for Sundram Fasteners stock seems to be riding high, capturing the attention of investors and analysts alike.

Indian aerospace suppliers are poised to benefit from a surge in orders for jets placed by major carriers Air India and IndiGo, boosting domestic parts manufacturing and aircraft repairs. The increasing air traffic, efforts to diversify sourcing away from China, and substantial orders for almost 1,000 jets have solidified India’s significance in the aerospace market.

Small and medium suppliers are attempting to capitalize on the demand for locally supplied parts, but they urge that the government provide more help to boost manufacturing.

The expansion of India’s civil aviation industry is predicted to boost maintenance and overhaul activity. Deloitte expects the industry to grow from US$ 1.7 billion in 2021 to US$ 4 billion in 2031. While the civil aviation ministry acknowledges the positive impact of these orders on aerospace manufacturing, local production requirements cannot be mandated as they are in defense deals.

The growing fleet of aircraft in India underscores the need for enhanced maintenance services, prompting suppliers to seek proximity to customers. Indian companies like PTC Industries aim to meet global demand for alternate sources of Russian-made titanium and Chinese production.

Expects 8 Percent Demand Growth in FY24

Despite global trends, India’s steel consumption is projected to rise by 7-8 percent, buoyed by government infrastructure spending and renewed private sector investments. Jayant Acharya, Joint Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer, JSW Steel, emphasized the positive impact of government spending on infrastructure and increased private capex, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and construction.

The strong demand growth of 13.3 percent in India for FY23 showcased the resilience of the industry in the country. The government’s push for infrastructure development and efforts to improve capacity utilization are driving this optimistic outlook.

The demand growth has led to a positive performance for JSW Steel, achieving record-high production and sales volumes. The company’s strategy focuses on adding capacity and improving product mix through downstream expansion, anticipating 8 percent demand growth in FY24. Acharya believes that India’s demand will drive consumption, contributing to an additional 10 MT of steel products.

Acharya also noted that JSW Steel’s export strategy remained focused on the domestic market, despite rising exports. In the last quarter, 85 percent of the company’s contributions came from domestic markets and 15 percent from exports. JSW Steel plans to increase to 37 million tones by FY24 after completing various projects.

He envisions JSW Steel becoming one of the world’s largest steel producers with a capacity of 50 million tonnes by the end of the decade. The company is committed to responsible expansion, sustainability, decarbonization, and innovation, aiming to deliver superior returns to shareholders through prudent financial management. news provided by Fasteners Association of India

LPD Bossard Supplies Nuts and Bolts for Chandrayaan-3

LPD Bossard Pvt Ltd, based in Rohtak, provided customized and about two to five lakh special nuts and bolts for the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission, which was successfully launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on July 14, 2023. This significant endeavor is part of India’s aspiration to elevate its space exploration prowess while unraveling the moon’s geology, mineralogy, and surface composition, placing the country in an exclusive club alongside the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union.

It’s not the first time LPD Bossard has teamed up with ISRO, as it has been consistently supplying nuts and bolts, contributing to the success of multiple missions.

Jieng Beeing

“Multi-patent Dies”

Surface Coarsening

Jieng Beeing Enterprise started business with a grinding machine redesigned and repurposed for flat thread rolling dies. After moving to Yongkang Industrial Park in Tainan City (Taiwan), they expanded their product line and introduced vacuum heat treatment furnaces from France to stabilize quality. They were the first in Taiwan introducing nitriding surface treatment technology for metal dies and setting up factories overseas (Zhejiang, Guangdong, Ho Chi Minh City). They have also obtained patents for many products which are exported globally, and their turnover is still growing. This December, Jieng Beeing will be celebrating its glorious 50 th anniversary, marking a new milestone in its history spanning half a century.

Sneak Peek at Their High-end Technology

They are promoting the "JP7" ultra-hard high-speed steel specially developed for 12.9 grade high-strength screws, increasing the life of dies by up to 30%! Additionally, they have developed a specialized 5-axis machine for "onestop production of pointed-end flat thread rolling dies", completing production and processing in one machine. Besides, they purchased a German form grinder to manufacture flat dies for patented automotive calibration screws.

Jieng Beeing Enterprise is the first dies maker in Taiwan fastener industry to have a legal patent license for WPC technology and the right to use the WPC process, which originated from a Japanese company specialized in sandblasting/shotblasting hardening equipment. This "metal surface modification technology" uses different material types of micro-particles for different purposes, which, when mixed with compressed gas, will impact the surface of metal dies at high speeds to produce extremely fine pits, reducing the adhesion and abrasion between metals, lowering the coefficient of friction, improving surface hardness of the parts, increasing residual compression stress and the life of dies. WPC is a very environmentally friendly process, which uses consumables, production equipment and achieves results in a way different from conventional shot peening.

(Nanocrystalline

threads of different lengths on the same screw. By designing the customer's desired various threads onto a single flat die, the customer was saved from the hassle of using special threading machines and installing various flat dies, significantly reducing production costs. Jieng Beeing Enterprise has also instructed a domestic client to use precision form grinders instead of round dies to produce trapezoidal threaded transmission screws, which successfully reduced the cost. They have also instructed a customer to develop anti-loosening screws by replacing special engineering resin coating with a special flat die.

Next Step: Optimized Manufacturing + Overseas Subsidiaries

In recent years, they have automated the manufacturing processes to reduce human error and production costs, and they have developed materials, structures and production techniques for dies. They optimized the management of materials to ensure there is no material shortage, no overstocking, and no unused material. Since the business in China and Southeast Asia is running smoothly, they plan to set up branches in Turkey and Eastern Europe when the time is ripe. They are a dies manufacturer and trader, not only selling their own products, but also supplying fastener dies and equipment. They are looking forward to working with and becoming long-term partners with European and American fastener companies.

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Creation by Two Design Experts, JIE LE Highly-efficient Multi-stroke Screw Forming Machine Unlocks Smart Manufacturing

Contact: Mr. Shih-Chin Yen

Email: jieletech@jiele.com.tw

Double Production Capacity, Smart Manufacturing Unlocked

Furthermore, he increased production capacity of his forming machine to output twice as fast as conventional machines, thus saving manpower and space, and reducing parts wear. The ergonomic design of the machine makes it easy for operators to work without bending over and avoid occupational injuries. Even better, the machine connects to a cloud-based smart monitoring system allowing users to get real-time machine parameters on their smart phones, making the equipment smart and establishing a fast, lowcost machine network and visualized interface to improve market competitiveness.

Anewblood in the industry founded in 2020, Jie Le Machinery grew within just 3 years against all odds despite the pandemic. The driving force behind this – Mr. Arne Chen and Mr. Shih-Chin Yen – teamed up and rolled out a new-generation highly-efficient multi-stroke screw forming machine. They adhere to “R&D, quality, and service first” and rise as a popular new star among major Taiwanese fastener companies and publicly listed companies.

After graduating from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Arne, the General Manager, worked in the machine manufacturing industry which Taiwan is renowned for and became a design expert of screw forming machines. Mr. Yen graduated from National United University and then Graduate School of Mechanical Engineering of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, and he has worked in the screw machine industry for 15 years. They were classmates from the same generation. Arne is calm and reserved; Mr. Yen is passionate and knows a lot of faces. They fill up each other's gap, sharing the same aspiration, and decided to jointly create a highly-efficient screw forming machine. Their success epitomizes the Taiwanese new-generation manufacturing sector.

Patented Weight Distribution

Arne with exceptional design skills invented the “forming machine optimized with weight distribution” which acquired a patent in November 2020. This turn of event built a reputation for Jie Le in the fastener industry. Unlike conventional forming machines that tend to shake at high speed resulting in worn dies, his highly-efficient multi-stroke screw forming machine significantly reduces vibration from high-speed machine run, and maintains a perfect balance of power utilizing the weight distribution mechanism to ensure long service life and precision performance of dies and parts.

Mr. Yen added that this machine integrates Al with automated manufacturing processes to achieve onestop service. This new-generation product from the two new entrepreneurs features "high efficiency, stability, quality and competitive price”, with innovative R&D and professional process integration. It integrates with unmanned vehicle system to meet customers’ need for full plant automation and smart production, improves production efficiency, saves space, manpower and energy, and reduces carbon emission to help build a smart factory. It has attracted many Taiwanese major fastener companies and gained praises.

Going Global

Trends shift after the pandemic has waned and orders flock to Jie Le and boost the sales this year. Their brand shined at Taiwan International Fastener Show this May and they sold to major European and American fastener companies, still expecting to continue growth. Jie Le has built a reputation in Taiwan, and now through Fastener World Magazine, this newly developed machine will go global and shine! (https://jieletech.com)

Article by Dean Tseng, Fastener World / Copyright owned by Fastener World