Fastener_World_Magazine_No.210_Global Version by Fastener-World

10-year Program to Meet Customer Needs FANG SHENG SCREWS- More Carbon Reduction Certificates

With the CBAM to be fully implemented on 01/01/2026, Taiwanese leading socket screws and special products manufacturer, Fang Sheng Screws, has been making staged achievements in corporate organization and carbon reduction in product manufacturing with proactive and forward-looking pace and management in recent years.

After obtaining the ISO14067 product carbon footprint certification issued by French AFNOR International, Fang Sheng further completed the audit of ISO14064-1 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory certification in Nov. 2024, which is expected that a formal certificate will be issued upon completion of the final review by the verification unit. After the introduction and implementation of ISO14064-1 and ISO14067, Fang Sheng will start the application for ISO14068-1 carbon neutrality certification in the future. Through the full implementation of CBAM-related int’l standards, Fang Sheng will demonstrate to global partners and customers its capability of achieving the goal of carbon neutrality and enhance its competitiveness together with customers, hopefully gaining more advantages and opportunities for itself in response to the reshuffling effect that may be triggered by CBAM in the future market.

Real ISO14064-1 and ISO14067 Carbon Management

“Net Zero & Carbon Reduction” is not a vague slogan to tell customers, but a concrete practice to be implemented within the organization and product manufacturing for Fang Sheng. Since the EU CBAM declaration places special emphasis on the verification and management of carbon emissions data of manufacturers, Fang Sheng has focused on the introduction and implementation of the ISO14067 carbon footprint and ISO14064-1 GHG inventory standards from the very beginning. For the part of carbon footprint, it first introduced the ISO14067 standards to fully understand the entire product life cycle from raw material, manufacturing, packaging, transportation to waste disposal, and the carbon emissions data at each stage, and then further appoint various departments to implement specific carbon management. After that, for the part of GHG inventory, the ISO14064-1 is introduced to understand the carbon emissions within the organization in order to quantify, monitor and report the data to ensure their transparency and consistency. In addition, Fang Sheng also maintains close cooperation with external organizations to assist in solving difficulties encountered in carbon reduction management. Moreover, the company conducts regular carbon emission audits to ensure the effectiveness of carbon management measures.

“The emergence of CBAM has clearly pointed out that carbon reduction is the future direction of the fastener industry, which is why Fang Sheng has been actively involved in the ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14067 certifications. At this stage, we have already grasped the carbon emission data inside and outside the organization, and we are working hard to implement internal carbon management. In the future, we will further introduce the ISO 14068 carbon neutrality standard to verify whether we have achieved our carbon neutrality goal in the medium and long term,” says Jess Tsai, General Manager of Fang Sheng, responsible for coordinating and planning the overall direction of carbon management.

“From the perspective of energy consumption in production, the introduction of ISO14067 and ISO14064-1 not only allows us to better understand whether the carbon emissions and energy consumption data of our production lines are normal, but also helps us optimize the management process, and at the same time, allows us to be more meticulous in carbon management.” says Ben Tsai, Vice Factory Director, who is on the front line of production line management.

▲ Fang Sheng has obtained the ISO 14067 carbon footprint certificate.

Installing Solar Panels and Replacing High-Energy-Consuming Equipment as Priorities

Fang Sheng's 10-year carbon reduction plan integrates many sub-projects, among which the addition of self-generated and selfconsumed solar panels and the upgrade and replacement of heat treating and spheroidizing furnaces are priorities in the next few years. It is known that the installation of solar panels in Plant no.2 is divided into two phases. The first phase has already been completed and the second phase is expected to be completed no later than Q1 2025. It is estimated that the installation of solar panels alone will help Fong Sang reduce carbon emissions by at least 15-20% annually. As for the replacement of heat treating and spheroidizing furnaces and improvement of energy consumption, it is expected to be promoted gradually in the next few years. In addition, by prioritizing the improvement of energyconsumption in power and heat treatment, Fang Sheng expects to accelerate the achievement of significant results in carbon reduction. In the future, it does not rule out the possibility of more diversified carbon reduction in areas such as energy storage equipment and hydrogen reuse.

Preparations for ISO 14068-1 in 2025

Although Fang Sheng has already obtained the ISO14067 certification and the procedure for getting the ISO14064-1 certification has been almost done, Fang Sheng's effort on getting more CBAM certificates is still ongoing. In 2025 the preparations for the ISO14068-1 certification will be commenced, including the education and training of relevant personnel, and further development of medium- and long-term carbon reduction planning based on the ISO14064-1 (Scopes 1 & 2) and the ISO14067. It is hoped that through prior education and training, relevant personnel will be able to deeply understand the actual meaning of the regulations and review whether the actions taken based on ISO14064-1 and ISO14067 are correct and appropriate, and will set specific carbon reduction targets and implementation directions based on the training results to ensure that the future carbon reduction strategy is more systematic and forward-looking. It is expected that in a few years external organizations will be invited to successively provide specialized counseling to accelerate the certification process through professional resources, shorten the time to achieve carbon neutrality, and move towards the goal of sustainable development in a comprehensive manner.

“We hope to reduce our carbon emissions by 15-20% between 2026 and 2027, with a further 10% reduction after 2028, and a 30% reduction in total by 2030 as the first phase target.” says G. M. Tsai.

Carbon Reduction Plan is the Key

CBAM will definitely become a benchmark for customers to select suppliers. It is expected that the verification criteria will be finalized in Q3 2025, which will enable manufacturers to comply with the law in the declaration process. Fang Sheng is not worried about this and says that they are well prepared, as they have a complete understanding of the declaration details, fully understand what information is required by CBAM, and more importantly, have drawn up a complete medium and long-term plan for their future carbon reduction targets.

“While CBAM declaration is decisive for our customers' ability to obtain lower tariffs, our customers are more concerned about whether or not their suppliers have a long-term carbon reduction plan, which is also a key factor in evaluating if their suppliers have a future. Considering the budget of carbon reduction programs, large companies like Fang Sheng are definitely more qualified to do so. In anticipation of future CBAM-like regulations and carbon reduction requirements in various countries, customers are likely to demand more from their suppliers. We will do our best to keep our customers informed of Fang Sheng's future

carbon reduction plans, so that they can be assured that we will be a longterm strategic partner,” says Jason Tsai, Vice General Manager.

“What EU importers really need is a stable supplier with a longterm plan for carbon reduction. Many large European distributors have internal mechanisms to evaluate suppliers and are actively consulting Fang Sheng on future plans and production capacity. Therefore, being on the front line of production, Fang Sheng has advantages such as understanding carbon management and having a complete medium- and long-term carbon reduction plan, which will definitely help our customers comply with regulatory requirements and be competitive in the right way,” says G. M. Tsai.

CBAM is going to influence the industries from all aspects, and apart from Europe, other countries are also likely to introduce more carbon reduction requirements. Fang Sheng, which has a comprehensive plan for CBAM certification and carbon reduction programs, is ready to meet the challenges that may arise in the future.

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

Fang Sheng's contact: Vice General Manager Jason Tsai / Email: jason@mail.yfs.com.tw

Hall 1, No. 1281

304 310EXPRESS COMPANY (Japan)

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

232 A-PLUS SCREWS INC.

Chipboard Screws, Customized Special Screws / Bolts...

303 A. JATE STEEL CO., LTD. 正楓

All Kinds of Nuts, All Kinds of Screws, Automotive Screws...

322 ABC FASTENERS CO., LTD. 寧波聯欣

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

97 ACHILLES SEIBERT GMBH (Germany)

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

229 ADVANCED GLOBAL SOURCING LTD. 金永佳 Screw, Nut, Bolt, Machining/Stamping/Spring Parts...

100 AEH FASTEN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. 鉞昌

Clevis Pins, Dowel Pins, Hollow Rivets...

67 ALEX SCREW INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 禾億

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

86 AMBROVIT S.P.A. (Italy)

Chipboard Screws, Combined Screws, Machine Screws...

68 AMPLE LONG INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

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

332 ANCHOR FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

ETA Series, Anchor Bolts, Anchor Nuts, Automotive Parts...

51 APEX FASTENER INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 嵿峰

Nuts, Wing Nuts & Bolts, Turning Parts, Stamping Parts

61 ARUN CO., LTD.

Bi-metal Screws, Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws...

120 AUTOLINK INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 浤爵

Automotive Screws, Machine Bolts, Flange Nuts...

88 BCR INC.

Automotive Screws, Piston Pins, Weld Bolts (Studs)...

225 BEAR FASTENING SOLUTIONS, INC. 雄益

IFI, DIN, ISO, JIS standard, Drywall Screws, Decking Screws

289 BEST VIEW CO., LTD. 崇曜

Bolt Former, Bolt Parts Former, Nut Former, Nut Parts Former…

BI-MIRTH CORP. 吉瞬

Stainless Steel Screws, Chipboard Screws, Timber Screws...

4 BOLTUN CORPORATION

Automotive Screws, Bushes, Conical Washer Nuts...

249 CANATEX INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Nuts, Turning Parts, Bolts, Plastic Injection Parts...

225 CHANG BING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Hook Bolts, Holders / Hooks / Rings, Dowel Screws...

261 CHARNG JIH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Bonded Washers, Cotter Pins, Quick Release Pins...

84 CHIAN YUNG CORPORATION

SEMS Screws

185 CHIEH LING SCREWS ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Screws, Nuts, Hexagon Keys, Lug Wrenches, Rivets...

239 CHIH FU MECHANICS CO., LTD.

Special Screws, Open Die Products...

38 CHONG CHENG FASTENER CORP.

Cap Nuts, Coupling Nuts, Conical Washer Nuts...

163 CONTINENTAL PARAFUSOS S.A. 巴西商友暉

Automotive Part & Nut, Home Appliance Screws, Sems...

CPC FASTENERS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 冠誠

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

36 DA YANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

102

CHIN LIH HSING PRECISION ENTERPRISE

Automotive Nuts, Brass Inserts, Bushes, Bushings...

CHIREK FASTENER CORPORATION

Stainless Steel Fasteners, Self-Drilling Screws, Washers...

恒耀工業

Special Automotive Nuts, Special Weld Nuts...

DAR YU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, Screw Nails...

89 DE HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 德慧

Drywall Screws, Decking Screws, Self-drilling Screws, Roofing Screws...

DIING SEN FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Chipboard Screws, Corrosion Resistant Screws...

45 DIN LING CORP.

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, Furniture Screws...

DRAGON IRON FACTORY CO., LTD.

Bi-metal Self-drilling Screws, Sheet Metal Screws... 85

DRA-GOON FASTENERS CO., LTD.

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

DUNFA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

Bushes, Spacers, Automotive Parts, Tubes, Turning Parts...

EASON TECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Spring Pins, Cage Nuts, Clip Nuts, Retaining Rings...

72 FAITHFUL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

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

FALCON FASTENER CO., LTD.

Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts...

FANG SHENG SCREW CO., LTD.

Shoulder Bolts, Button Head Socket Cap Screws..

FASTENER JAMHER TAIWAN INC.

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

FASTNET CORP.

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

FONG PREAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

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

FORTUNE BRIGHT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

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

FU HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts...

305 FU KAI FASTENER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Precision Electronic Screws, Special Screws, Weld Screws...

195 FUJI SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD. (Japan)

Fuji Double Lock Nuts, Fuji Quick Nuts...

98 FUSHANG CO., LTD.

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

301 GELA & COMPANY

Expansion Anchors, Eye Bolts, Hanger Bolts...

243 GINFA WORLD CO., LTD.

Chipboard Screws, Countersunk Screws, Drywall Screws...

213 GOFAST CO., LTD.

Open Die Parts, Stamping Parts, Assembly Parts...

103

187

HAO CHENG PLASTIC CO., LTD.

PP Boxes, PET Jars, ABS Boxes, PC Boxes...

HARVILLE FASTENERS LTD. 豪威爾

Special Screws and Bolts, Sems Screws, Stainless Steel Fasteners...

223 HAUR FUNG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 豪舫

234

237

177

258

297

245

External Tooth Washers, Long Carriage Bolts, Roofing Bolts...

HEADER PLAN CO. INC.

Chipboard Screws, Collated Screws, Deck Screws...

HEY YO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. 恆勇

Precision Pins, Rollers, Dowel Pins...

HISENER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

海迅

Wood Construction Screws, Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws...

HOME SOON ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 宏舜

Bit, Bit Holder, Magnetic Nut Setter, Spring Nut Driver...

HOMEYU FASTENERS CO., LTD. 宏宇鑫

Cold Forging Stage, Machine Molds, Lathe, CNC Machining...

HOSHENG PRECISION HARDWARE CO., LTD. 和昇

Auto Parts, CNC Machined Parts, Bolts...

313 HSIEN SUN INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 憲順

Hexagon Nuts, Tubular Nuts, Spacers, All Kinds of Screws...

111 HSIN CHANG HARDWARE INDUSTRIAL CORP. 欣彰

Anchor Bolts, Anchors, Plastic Fasteners...

71 HSIN JUI HARDWARE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 欣瑞

Bushes, Construction Bolts, Special Cold / Hot Forming Parts...

208 HSIN YU SCREW ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 新雨

Acme Screws, Hexagon Head Cap Screws...

47 HU PAO INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. 如保

Automotive Nuts, Flange Nuts, Hexagon Nuts...

127 HWALLY PRODUCTS CO., LTD. 樺麟

Drop-in Anchors, Chipboard Screws, Anchors...

161 HWEI NEN CO., LTD. 輝能

Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts...

96 INMETCH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 恆鉅

Flanged Head Bolts, Locking Bolts, Stud Bolts...

73 INNTECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 建豪

All Kinds of Nuts, All Kinds of Screws, Automotive Special Screws...

193 ISSHIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. (Japan) 一心工業

182 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...

27 JAU YEOU INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 朝友

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

37 JET FAST COMPANY LIMITED 捷禾

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

75 JIEN KUEN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

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

214 JINGFONG INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

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

109 JOKER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 久可

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

230 JUNG SHEN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. 榮燊

Bi-metal Screws, Automatic Welding & Automatic Inspection...

219 KAN GOOD ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Fastener, Hardware, Plastic, Instruction Booklet Package in Bags...

260 KAO WAN BOLT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

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

113 KATSUHANA FASTENERS CORP.

高旺

濱井 Collated Screws, Drywall Screws, Roofing Screws...

122 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...

58 KWANTEX RESEARCH INC. 寬仕 Chipboard Screws, Wood Construction Screws, Deck Screws...

108 L & W FASTENERS COMPANY 金大鼎 Construction Fasteners, Flat Washers, Heavy Nuts...

132 LIAN CHUAN SHING INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 連全興 Weld Nuts, Special Parts, Special Washers, Flat Washers...

200 LIANG YING FASTENERS INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 展揚 CNC Machining, CNC Milling, Turned Parts ...

334 LINKWELL INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 順承 All Kinds of Screws, Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws... 今湛

Custom Washers, Flat Washers, Automotive Screws...

79 LONG THREAD FASTENERS CORP. 長隆順

Bi-metal Self-drilling Screws, Chipboard Screws...

81 MAC PRECISION HARDWARE CO.

Turning Parts, Precision Metal Parts, Cold Forged Nuts...

49 MASTER UNITED CORP.

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws, Furniture Screws...

157 MASTERPIECE HARDWARE INDUSTRIAL

鑫瑞

永傑

金全益

Brass Screws, Chipboard Screws, Deck Screws, Double End Screws...

50 MAUDLE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Button Head Socket Cap Screws, Flange Washer Head Screws...

茂異

211 MAXTOOL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 系格

Plastic Screws, Drop-in Anchors, Expansion Anchors...

116 METAL FASTENERS CO., LTD. 法斯訥

Thread Inserts, Self-Clinching Fasteners...

16 MIN HWEI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 明徽

Button Head Socket Cap Screws, Chipboard Screws...

257 MIT INDUSTRIAL ACCESSORIES CORP. 侑威

Stamping Hardware, Bolts, Nuts, CNC Screw Machine Parts...

153 MOUNTFASCO INC.

All Kinds of Screws, Alloy Steel Screws, Automotive Screws...

114 NCG TOOLS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Tools for Fastening Anchors, Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts...

77 ND INDUSTRIES ASIA INC.

ND Pre-Applied Processes, Advanced Sealing Technologies...

128 NOVA. FASTENER CO., LTD.

Hexagon Nuts, Square Nuts, Wood Screws, Chipboard Screws...

133 PAKWELL CORPORATION

Bi-metal Screws

76 PENGTEH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

SEMs Screws, Special Screws, Binder Screws, PT Screws...

112 PPG INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL INC.

Chromium-free Coating, ED Coating...

183 PRO POWER CO., LTD.

Screws, Bolts...

253 PRO-PATH INDUSTRIAL COMPANY, LTD.

Window Screws, Self-drilling Screws, Drywall Screws, Sems Screws...

107 PS FASTENERS PTE LTD. (Singapore)

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

126 Q-NUTS INDUSTRIAL CORP.

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

92 QST INTERNATIONAL CORP. 恒耀國際

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

93 RAY FU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Construction Screws, Automotive Parts, Special Fasteners...

12 REXLEN CORP.

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

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

SAN SHING FASTECH CORP.

Automotive Nuts,

135 SANKO TECHNO CO., LTD. (Japan)

Anchors and Fasteners, Techno Tester, Handy Puncher... 83

326

SCREWTECH INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Machined Parts, Thumb Screws, Micro Screws...

SEN CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

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

320 SHANGHAI FAST-FIX RIVET CORP. 上海飛可斯

Blind Rivets, High Shear Rivets, Closed End Rivets...

203 SHAW GUANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 紹光

140

Cap Nuts, Conical Washer Nuts, Flange Nuts...

SHEH FUNG SCREWS CO., LTD. 世豐

Chipboard Screws, Countersunk Screws, Wood Screws...

142 SHEH KAI PRECISION CO., LTD. 世鎧

131

168

218

Bi-metal Concrete Screw Anchors, Bi-metal Screws...

SHEN CHOU FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 神洲

Button Head Cap Screws, Chipboard Screws...

SHIH HSANG YWA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 新倡發

Flange Nuts, Flange Nylon Nuts With Washers...

SHIN CHUN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Automotive Screws, Chipboard Screws, Customized Screws...

SHIN JAAN WORKS CO., LTD.

Flanged Head Bolts, Long Carriage Bolts, Round Head Bolts... 78

SHUENN CHANG FA ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Long Construction Fasteners and Other Modified Fasteners... 70 SIN HONG HARDWARE PTE. LTD. (Singapore) 新豐

Hexagon Nuts, Hexagon Head Bolts, Blind Rivets...

24 SPEC PRODUCTS CORP.

130

Lincensee Fasteners, Turned/Machined Parts...

SPECIAL RIVETS CORP.

Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts, Blind Rivets, Air Riveters...

恆昭

SPRING LAKE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 春澤

Chipboard Screws, Thread Forming Screws...

207 STRONG JOHNNY INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 駿愷

Automotive & Special Parts, Cold-Forged Fasteners...

SUN CHEN FASTENERS INC., 展鴻鑫

Cup Washers, Flanged Head Bolts, T-head or T-slot Bolts...

191 SUNCO INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. (Japan)

154

Distributor Specializing in Fasteners

SUPER DPD CO., LTD.

All Kinds of Screws, Bi-metal Screws, Carbon Steel Screws...

SUPERIOR QUALITY FASTENER CO., LTD. 鑫程椿

Weld Nuts, Turning Parts, Long Screws, Spring Nuts...

255 SUPREME FASTENER CORP.

Bolt & Screw, Special Fastener, Sems, Copper Bolt...

151 TAIWAN PRECISION FASTENER CO., LTD.

110

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

TANG AN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Customized Automotive Parts and Special Fasteners

22 THREAD INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 英德

152

Chipboard Screws, Flange Nuts, Heavy Nuts...

THUNDERBOLT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 雷霆

Turning Parts, SEMs Screws, Micro Screws, Electronic Fasteners...

TONG HEER FASTENERS (THAILAND) CO., LTD.

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

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

Stainless Steel Metric Screws, Stainless Steel Screws...

175 TONG HO SHING INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. 桐和興

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

TONG HWEI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

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

TONG MING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Stainless Steel Fasteners, Wire Rods...

221 TSAE FARN SCREWS HARDWARE CO., LTD. 采凡

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

124 TSIN YING METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

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

259 TSUNG YAD ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Rivet (Blind) Nuts, Hex, SQ STL (Brass) Nuts...

106 UNISTRONG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Retaining Nuts, Sleeve Nuts, Weld Nuts, Automotive Screws...

211 UNIVERSAL PRECISION SCREWS (India)

Dowel Pins and Shoulder Bolts...

40 VERTEX PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CORP.

6 Cuts/ 8 Cuts Self Drilling Screws, Barrel Nuts, Cap Screws

34 WE POWER INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Chipboard Screws, Concrete Screws, Drywall Screws...

178 WEIMENG METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Standard / Customized Parts, Machining Parts, Stamping Parts...

209 WEI-SHEN INDUSTRIAL FACTORY

Split Rivets, Bifurcated Rivets...

95 WINLINK FASTENERS CO., LTD.

Stainless Steel Screws, Flange Bolts, Security Bolts, SEMS Screws... 20 WYSER INTERNATIONAL CORP.

Open-Die Parts, Automotive Parts...

32 YI CHUN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Cap Screws, Socket Set Screws, Cage Nuts, Automotive Parts... 136 YI HUNG WASHER CO., LTD.

Rubber Washers, Plastic Screws, Custom Washers...

YING MING INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Automotive & Motorcycle Special Screws / Bolts... 309 YING YI CO., LTD.

Sems Parts, Special Nuts, Pressed Parts...

46 YOUR CHOICE FASTENERS & TOOLS CO.,

Cap Screws, Bits & Bit Sets, Chipboard Screws...

Flanged Head Bolts, Chipboard Screws, Floorboard Screws...

Machines & Equipment

274 AN CHEN FA MACHINERY CO., LTD. 安全發

Straight Line Wire Drawing Machines with Computer Control...

271 BIING FENG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 秉鋒

Blind Nut Formers, Multi-station Cold Forming Machines...

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

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

282 E-UNION FASTENER CO., LTD. 奕盟 Conveyors, Thread Rolling Machines, Heading Machines...

330 JERN YAO ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. 正曜 Multi-station Cold Forming, Parts Forming Machines...

280 JIE LE MACHINERY CO., LTD. 捷仂 Consolidation of Artificial Intelligence Equipment

278 KING SHANG YUAN MACHINERY CO., LTD. 金上源 Hydraulic Press for Lock Nut, Assembly

291 KUANG TAI METAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Stainless Steel Cold Heading Wire

324 LIAN SHYANG INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

Nut Formers, Nut Tapping Machines

295 SUN FAME MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.

Shank Slotting Machines, Screw Point Cutting Machine... 276 TAIEAG CORPORATION

Designed peripheral equipment suitable for fastener packaging

272 TZE PING PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD.

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

325 YESWIN MACHINERY CO., LTD.

Bolt Formers, Multi-station Cold Forming Machines...

251 Z & D PLATING CO., LTD.

Precision Barrel Plating Finishes, Zinc & Zinc-Nickel Alloy...

CHI NING CO., LTD.

Machine, Nuts, Tooling... 227 DEXIN PRECISION FIXTURE CO., LTD.

Screw & Nut Fixtures and Related Accessories And Tools... 283 FRATOM FASTECH CO., LTD.

Hot Forming Tools, Punches & Sleeves, Dies, Machinery Accssories... 279 GIAN-YEH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Rivet Dies, Self-drilling Screw Dies, Screw Tip Dies... 273 INFINIX PRECISION CORP.

Customized Punches and Dies 270 JIENG BEEING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Forming Tools for Nut and Bolt, Dies, Molds... 205 WAN IUAN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Punches/Dies of Various Nuts, Screws, Sleeves and Socket Boxes

281 YUH HER PRECISION CO., LTD.

Drill-Point Dies

Kwantex Research Inc. Continuous Innovation and Focus on ESG

Kwantex Research Inc. is an R&D-oriented company since 1996. In recent years, the company has continuously developed new products, applied for new patents as well as safety certifications in different countries. It hopes that through the functions and performance of new products, it can help customers increase market share and ensure it stays competitive within the global market.

The latest innovative products are as follows:

(1) TTX® Drive and Bit

TTX® Drive features a special six hook design that helps avoid cam-out and offers superior fit quality with TTX® Bit and maximize torque transmission. TTX® Bit fits all 6-lobe drives, and all 6-lobe bits fit TTX® Drive.

(2) Archimedes' Secret® (AS'/XAS')

Thread

AS'/XAS' Thread can fast grab the wood surface and ream the hole without cutting the wood fiber, so the thread root can connect with the wood thus increase the tightness. AS’/XAS’ Thread also reduces the driving torque, anti-split, anti-loose and remains the pull out value, a great design to replace regular TY-17 or two cuts on thread.

(3) KTX-Convex (VK) Head & VN Nut

Screws or bolts with KTX-Convex (VK) Head offers stable and high torque transmission, no wear out, no overdrive, and no slippage during installation. The special shape design of VK head and VN nut enables them to be held firmly by hand.

In order to go on meeting of its customers’ requirements around the world, it provides additional supports and services to enhance their satisfaction.

• R&D capability: Professional R&D and sales teams to jointly discuss and develop new products together with customers, offering many patented designs for ODM. 100 R&D product developments and at least 5 domestic and international patents owned per year.

• Marketing support: Sponsor samples and marketing resources to help customers promote its patented products.

• Quality assurance: With ISO certification, strict production and packaging control, and quality inspection process.

• Prompt service: Customers can check order status, shipping information, quality reports downloading at any time through Production Online Service.

• After-sales service: In case of customer complaints, it always keeps a positive and responsible attitude to find out the root cause, effective solutions, and continue to improve.

Investing in ESG, Kwantex has established an environmental management and greenhouse gas investigation team and a sustainable development team to provide employees with a safe, healthy and friendly environment, implementing local care, social participation, and environmental sustainability (education, culture, assistance, and environmental protection).

Kwantex also obtained ISO 14064-1:2018 (Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement) in 2022 and ISO 14067:2018 (Product Carbon Footprint Verification Statement) in 2023. Kwantex’ ESG sustainability report was also completed at the end of 2024, with the company also committing itself to green electricity in 2025 as a practical manifestation of its investment in corporate governance, environmental sustainability and social care.

Front-Runner of Mechanical Expansion Anchors in Japan

SANKO TECHNO has been centered on post-installed anchors and extended to manufacture and sales of drill bits, assorted fasteners, electric/hydraulic tools, composite materials, including trading these products and managing constructions. One of the highlighted products is its self-developed metal expansion anchor called “All Anchor” for driving a core rod into a substrate and enabling visual confirmation of correct installation. Today, the company has taken a market share up to 40% in Japan. Recently, it has been co-developing products and construction methods with industry partners, government, and academia to solve the aging of infrastructure.

It has branched out overseas to Taipei where it primarily engages in facilitating goods import and discovering new products to be sold in Taiwan. In Vietnam, it mainly develops and sells post-installed anchors locally. In Thailand, it manufactures post-installed anchor products for Japan and conducts local and international sales. Currently it has 11 sales locations, 3 production facilities, 1 R&D center, and 2 logistics hubs across Japan.

Story Behind the Signature Product “All Anchor”

“Starting from All Anchor, we have repeatedly developed products in response to user requests and given birth to various types and sizes of products, and from there we have achieved a whopping 40% share in the Japanese post-installed anchor market. All Anchor marks our significant milestone. Shortly after our establishment in 1964, we received customer requests for a safe concrete anchor. Then we saw and were inspired by the movie "Moby Dick" characterized by a scene where the lead character strikes a whale with a harpoon. The tip of the harpoon expands to prevent coming loose from the whale, which gave us the idea to make the driven anchor expand to fasten securely,” said SANKO TECHNO.

More Than Just Anchors

Creating All Anchor was far from easy. “The challenge was managing heat treatment to enable this anchor to be secured in hard concrete. We struggled for more than just a year or two to find a breakthrough, but we persevered, creating hundreds of prototypes and testing each one. Ultimately, the final product that emerged from this effort continues to be a long-selling success even now,” said the company.

Apart from anchors, "Techno Tester Series" is a self-designed and developed non-destructive tensile strength tester to easily verify the strength of postinstalled anchors on-site, tailored to meet diverse requirements found in various test occasions for equipment, seismic resistance, and civil engineering.

SANKO TECHNO, 60 Years of Glory and Beyond

The Japanese market is challenged by higher material and distribution cost, higher energy price, shortage of skilled labor and less equipment investment, but the company believes that public investment based on Japan’s National Resilience Plan and similar initiatives is progressing steadily. In response, the company will aim for an annual 3% increase in labor costs and is focusing on recruitment to enhance sales capabilities of regional offices. It will achieve stable supply through establishing and renovating automated warehouses. It will also pursue mergers and acquisitions to expand and diversify existing businesses, striving for further growth. Overseas, the company is eyeing global (especially in emerging nations) infrastructure demand which requires high strength and highly durable anchors. SANKO TECHNO concludes: "As a creative proposal-driven company that shares inspiration with our customers, we will continue to strive to contribute to the society."

▲ President Hideto Horage

▼ Tensile test at that time

Grand Opening of Sheh Fung Screws Vietnam For

▲ Taipei Exchange presented Sheh Fung with a sculpture of a golden ox, wishing it a prosperous business and expecting its future development to be as tenacious as the golden ox.

Higher Global Market Share

Positioned to produce high value-added fasteners and aiming to be an important fastener manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia as well as expand the global market reach, Sheh Fung Screws invested NT$1.2 billion in 2022 to set up a new factory in Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam, and held its official inauguration on Dec. 9, 2024.

Under the gracious invitation of President Terry Tu and General Manager Kent Chen, two of Sheh Fung Screws' top management helmsmen, important VIPs such as partner companies and official reps from Taiwan and Vietnam (incl. President Tu-Chin Tsai of Sun Beam Tech, President Winnie Lee & Vice President Wu Ming Ying of VPIC, General Manager Lai Kim of Bita’s, Deputy Director Hsiao-Feng Tseng of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City, General Manager Li-Ching Chen of Taipei Exchange, Vice Chairman Nguyễn Hồng Hải of People's Committee of Binh Thuan Province, retired Director Ông Phùng Hữu Cư and new Director Ông Lâm Văn Quý of KCN, Chairman Trần Duy Thanh of the Labor Union of Binh Thuan Province, Vice General Manager Li-Chuan Huang of Taipei Fubon Bank, etc.) attended the event. With a wonderful opening dance, a magnificent drum show, and lion dance performance, the management and invited guests witnessed the significant official inauguration of the first overseas factory of Sheh Fung, which has been established for more than 50 years.

First Overseas Base

Targeting High Value-added Items

Unlike its Taiwan headquarters as an order-taking center, Sheh Fung Screws Vietnam, with a usable area of 20 hectares and a workforce of around 150 employees in the 1st phase, is positioned as a manufacturing base. Currently, the average capacity per month of the 1st phase reaches 600800 tons, and the factory is equipped with about 80 sets of screw formers and advanced heat treating/plating/painting/QC/packaging equipment, and especially focuses on the production of wood screws, self-drilling screws, and other high-volume & low-variety items. In the 2nd

and 3rd phases, Sheh Fung is also planning to expand its capacity by utilizing more factory space to meet the demand of global customers from different fields, gradually broadening its product portfolio to include wire drawn products, automotive fasteners, and even other higher value-added products. It will also introduce the concepts of unmanned factory and AGVs in order to make its Vietnam factory much more differentiated from its Southeast Asian counterparts and stay ahead of the market.

In addition, Sheh Fung Screws Vietnam has the full capability to provide global customers with superior-quality products and full service at an excellent value, thanks to its proximity to Formosa Ha Tinh Steel (a supplier of high-quality wire), Vietnam's larger production hinterland, young and energetic local workforce, the EVFTA, as well as the concerns about geopolitical risks of “requiring Chinese and Taiwanese suppliers to set up factories overseas and possible tariff barriers imposed by more countries＂

In the opening speech Sheh Fung President Terry Tu said, “It has taken 2 years for us to complete the construction of the Vietnam factory in 2024 since the groundbreaking in 2022. Thanks to the efforts of Sheh Fung's executives and the whole team, the construction went smooth and the result was better than we expected. We are grateful for the help and support from Deputy Governor of Bình Thuận Province, the directors of relevant authorities, many officials & guests, and the efforts of General Manager Kent Chen, who had flied between Taiwan and Vietnam for times for selecting the location before the construction was started, making Sheh Fung's construction on the best location smooth and complete. Thus far, we have utilized 5 hectares of land in the first phase and expect to complete the development of 20 hectares of land within the next 5 years. We are confident that we will have more investment plans in the future.”

General Manager Kent Chen of Sheh Fung Screws said, “Spending 2 years building the factory was really a tough job, but today I’m thrilled to see the opening of the new Vietnam factory. Thank a few Taiwanese colleagues staying with me in a container house during the construction period and many local Vietnamese colleagues for their support, so our Vietnam factory could be completed in such a short time. I am very optimistic about the future development of our Vietnam factory and look forward to welcoming more guests from Taiwan to invest Vietnam with Sheh Fung.”

More Advantages for Better Growth

In order to enable the guests to experience the scale and environment of the new factory in Vietnam, Sheh Fung even opened the factory area, which is normally not open to the public, for the guests to visit. Through the detailed explanation and introduction by the staffs on the spot, Sheh Fung hoped that the industry would understand more about its efforts in expanding the capacity and striving for the global market share, and attract more enterprises to invest in Vietnam.

▲ As the opening day happened to be the birthday of General Manager Kent Chen, Sheh Fung President Tu and the staff arranged a special birthday celebration before the dinner to make the event more joyful.

▲ (Left to right) President Terry Tu and General Manager Kent Chen

TIFI

Honorary Chairman Tu-Chin Tsai, who was invited to attend the event, praised: “As a market leader in painting technology, Taiwanbased Sheh Fung's macro perspective and global vision supported by stable supply of high quality wire rod all help create promising prospects for its development in Vietnam. Convenient land/ sea/air transportation, modern factory, one-stop Industry 4.0 intelligent production lines, and the FTAs signed between Vietnam and ASEAN and many other countries will help Sheh Fung become the hub of fastener production in Southeast Asia and lead Taiwanese fastener industry to a new milestone in Vietnam”.

Taipei Fubon Bank Vice President Li-Chuan Huang also noted: “The beautiful & futuristic administration building, bright and polished floors of the new workshop, the new and complete equipment, and energetic Vietnamese employees give a good impression of the dedication and expectations of Sheh Fung Group for its new factory. I believe that when customers visit the factory in the future, they will also feel Sheh Fung's international vision. Wishing Sheh Fung a full order.”

Work Together to “Fasten

Our Future”

Echoing the theme of “Fasten Our Future” for the new factory opening, Sheh Fung also held the annual employee tour together with the inauguration, inviting all employees of Sheh Fung Screws and Sheh Kai Precision to participate in this important chapter of Sheh Fung's history, hoping that after letting the company's employees clearly understand the scale of the new Vietnam factory and the Group's potential and plans for future development, they can also work together to create a future of cohesion and

growth with the fastener industry. In addition, as Sheh Fung Screws Vietnam received the support of many companies in the process of establishing the factory, Sheh Fung also took this rare opportunity to invite a few reps of these companies to come up to the stage to receive public praise.

Sheh Fung said: “We would like to thank all of our partners for their hard work and professional support during the construction process, from investment, design, planning to completion. The Vietnam factory is not only an expansion of our business, but also the starting point of a new milestone. We hope to grow together with all of you in the future and create a great success!”

Sheh Fung contact: Frank Lee, Assistant Sales Manager Email: shehfung@shehfung.com

▲ Inside the Factory

FASTENER FAIR GLOBAL Innovation at the Heart of

rom 25 - 27 March, industry professionals will meet in Stuttgart for the 10th edition of Fastener Fair Global – the international flagship event for the worldwide fastener and fixing industry. After a record attendance in 2023, visitors can look forward to another transformative event full of networking and business opportunities, with premier access to top-tier suppliers from across the globe. 2025 will see the launch of two focus pavilions, promoting specialist solutions for a fast-changing industry.

Nearly three months ahead of the show, more than 900 companies from 44 countries have already confirmed their participation at Fastener Fair Global 2025, covering a gross exhibition space of well over 52,000 square metres. Visitors can expect a stellar line-up on the show floor, presenting the full supply chain for fastener and fixing elements in manufacturing, construction, and other industrial applications.

Over three days, there will be numerous opportunities to personally engage with innovation leaders like: Ambrovit, Böllhoff, Chavesbao, Eurobolt, Fastbolt, Index, Inox Mare, Lederer, Norm Fasteners, Obel Civata, Paal, Pasvahl, Reyher, Sacma, Schäfer+Peters, Tecfi, WASI, Würth, and many more. Filling four expansive halls, they provide a unique cross-section of the global fastener and fixings sector, with significant participation from Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan, India, Turkey, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France.

With its unmatched coverage of fastener and fixing products and related equipment, Fastener Fair Global 2025 is expected to attract widespread interest from diverse markets. In 2023, key visitor sectors included metal production, automotive, distribution, construction, mechanical engineering, hardware & DIY retailing, and electronics. Nearly three in four visitors came from outside Germany, pointing towards the increasing global reach of the show.

5-2621 FASTENER WORLD INC.

5-2624 AIMREACH ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.

5-2843 ALEX SCREW INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2772 AL-PRO METALS CO., LTD.

5-2763 AMIS ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2734 ANCHOR FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2821 A-PLUS SCREWS INC.

5-2748 A-STAINLESS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

5-2540 BEST QUALITY WIRE CO., LTD.

5-2731 BI-MIRTH CORP.

5-2888 BOLTUN CORPORATION

5-2661 BRILLIANT ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

5-2812 BROADEN WORLDWIDE CO., LTD.

5-2652 BUDSTECH CO., LTD.

5-2771 CANATEX INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2838 CHAEN WEI CORPORATION

5-2560 CHANG YI BOLT CO., LTD.

5-2785 CHANNG CHIN INDUSTRY CORP.

5-2678 CHIAN YUNG CORPORATION

5-2732 CHIAO CHANG PNEUMATIC TOOL CORP.

5-2668 CHIEH LING SCREWS ENTERPRISE CO., LTD

5-2626 CHIN LIH HSING PRECISION ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2608 CHIREK FASTENER CORPORATION

5-2663 CHONG CHENG FASTENER CORP.

5-2641 CHU WU INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2674 CHUN YU WORKS & CO., LTD.

5-2788 CHUN ZU MACHINERY INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2858 CORNWALL ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2826 CPC FASTENERS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

5-2810 DAR YU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2542 DE HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD

5-2822 EASYLINK INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2768 ESSENCE METHOD REFINE CO., LTD. 5-2672 EVEREON INDUSTRIES, INC.

5-2657 KAO WEIN PRECISION CO., LTD.

5-2537 KARAT INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION

5-2665 KATSUHANA FASTENERS CORP.

5-2638 KCS ENTERPRISE COMPANY LIMITED

5-2743 KOT UNIONTEK CO., LTD.

5-2602 KWANTEX RESEARCH INC.

5-2751 L & W FASTENERS COMPANY

5-2784 LEADERWING HARDWARE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2512 LOCKSURE INC.

5-2886 LONG G CO., LTD.

5-2648 LONG I INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2864 LOYAL & BIRCH CO., LTD.

5-2636 MAC PRECISION HARDWARE CO.

5-2724 MAO CHUAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2766 MAUDLE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2782 MEENG GANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2836 METAL FASTENERS CO., LTD.

5-2685 MOLS CORPORATION

5-2832 NCG TOOLS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2514 NOVA. FASTENER CO., LTD.

5-2990 OFCO INDUSTRIAL CORP.

5-2860 ORIENTAL MULTIPLE VIETNAM CO, LTD.

5-2522 PANTHER T&H INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2520 PRO-PATH INDUSTRIAL COMPANY, LTD.

5-2746 RAY FU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2861 RENETSAF CO., LTD.

5-2874 REXSON FASTENERS INC.

5-2802 RODEX FASTENERS CORP

5-2783 RONG YIH JIANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2557 ROST GROUP & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

5-2769 S&T FASTENING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2740 SAN YUNG ELECTRIC HEAT MACHINE CO., LTD.

5-2868 SCREWTECH INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2758 SEN CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2884 SHAW GUANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2660 SHEN CHOU FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2865 SHIANG GING METAL ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2722 SHIN CHUN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2645 SHIN GUANG YIN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2848 SHIN JAAN WORKS CO., LTD.

5-2881 SHYANG SHENG PRECISE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2869 SOON PORT INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

5-2640 SPEC PRODUCTS CORP.

5-2632 SPECIAL RIVETS CORP.

5-2854 SPRING LAKE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2765 STANDING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2666 SUN THROUGH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2892 SUPER DPD CO., LTD.

5-2683 SUPER NUT INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2562 TAIWAN FASTENER TRADING ASSOCIATIONTFTA

5-2754 TAIWAN INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE

5-2856 TAIWAN PRECISION FASTENER CO., LTD.

5-2651 TAIWAN SHAN YIN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

5-2831 TANG AN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2654 TSUNG YANG INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

5-2824 TUNG FANG ACCURACY CO., LTD.

5-2774 UNIPACK EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.

5-2656 UNI-PROTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2851 VERTEX PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CORP.

5-2511 WA TAI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2669 WAN IUAN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2680 WE POWER INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2676 WEI IN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2781 WHIRLPOWER ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2840 WINGTONE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2721 WYSER INTERNATIONAL CORP.

5-2744 Y.Y. CABLE ACCESSORIES CO., LTD.

5-2684 YANG YI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

5-2634 YI CHUN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

5-2859 YICISCREW CO., LTD.

5-2834 YOANG MING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

5-2880 YOUR CHOICE FASTENERS & TOOLS CO., LTD.

5-2752 YOW CHERN CO., LTD.

5-2872 YUN CHAN INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

5-2610 ZI EA FACTORY COMPANY LIMITED

Ground-breaking & Innovative

Masterpiece Hardware Industrial Embodies

Smart Industry 4.0

Innovative Thinking Breaks Conventional Industry Bounds

Masterpiece Hardware Industrial (also known as JCY) is an iconic quality fastener supplier in Lukang, Changhua City in Taiwan, producing screws, nuts, plastic, and zinc alloy fasteners for the global market. Aware of manpower shortage in the fastener industry and the trend towards low-volume, diverse and customized production, JCY invested in and introduced an automated intelligent factory in 2017 which has enhanced production efficiency and product quality, breaking away from messy environmental impression of traditional industries and attracting people from the new generation. Digital transformation has positioned JCY as a preferred supplier for European and Americans clients. President Rick Wang stated that this smart factory transformation is not about reducing manpower but rather about placing people where they can provide real value and productivity.

Accelerate Product R&D + Expansive High-Value Patent Products

JCY boasts a strong team of specialized engineers without having to rely on veteran craftsmen’s experience in die manufacturing. By combining equipment, sensors and software to analyze big data, they can calculate optimal parameter settings to shorten product development timelines and enhance design precision. JCY is devoted to developing high-value patent products by modularizing and parameterizing dies to reduce tooling setup time by 65%, allowing employees more time to focus on such products. They are also set to obtain IATF 16949 certification and expand high-value products into various industries.

Lean Production, Shorter Lead Time

They integrate automated equipment with systems to gain optimal and the most stable production parameters and automatically generate traceable production histories, reducing quality anomalies and downtime. The sensors on the equipment effectively monitor tooling status in use, predicting wear and enabling preemptive maintenance to extend tooling’s life by 40%, significantly lowering waste and production costs. An online reporting system allows real-time monitoring and optimizes production

processes, quickly catering to client inquiries about production progress and lead time while flexibly adjusting production schedules based on client needs.

Around-the-Clock Autoinspection Comes Up Next

They adopt a fully automated inspection system that replaces conventional machines which require manual dimension input. They have also developed an automatic optical inspection machine with 100% measurement accuracy that can determine product compliance in 3 seconds and generate visual data to eliminate human error in inspection and data transcription. They will even introduce auto-sampling equipment for 24hour auto-inspection!

Masterpiece Hardware Industrial Pioneers Green Manufacturing

Set for trial production in 2026, their new plant in Zhangbin Industrial Park covers 40,000m2 and will utilize wastewater recycling, oil filtration, thermal energy recovery and storage systems to achieve energy savings and carbon reduction. While incorporating the aforementioned smart manufacturing system to become one-stop production operating around the clock. Once completed, production capacity will more than double with a product yield rate of 99%. Further, from 2023, they have been able to use software to auto input carbon emission data and generate CBAM compliance reports for clients. Following the whole plant reform, JCY aims to shorten lead time, accelerate development, lower production cost and increase added value to be your strongest low-carbon procurement partner!

Statistics in Visual Graphs— EU’s & Taiwan’s Fastener Trade

Updated on Dec. 17, 2024; Statistics data in descending order by weight in 2023

This article collects statistical data released by the European Union and Taiwan customs, converted into visual graphs and charts. The analysis will be divided into two main sections: import and export data from EU and Taiwanese customs, with further subdivisions for specific analytical target. The first target focuses on the statistical data derived from inputting code HS 7318 (all fasteners as a whole) into the customs database. The second target delves deeper, examining the subcategories of HS 7318, specifically HS 731811 to HS 731829 (which represent each fastener subcategory) for their corresponding statistical data obtained from the customs databases. The resulting graphs and charts are presented below, with some accompanied by brief explanations to help readers grasp the main points.

EU’s Customs Data (Data Sampling Range: 2018-2023)

EU Import Statistics

EU Import Analytical Target ① : Category HS 7318, All Fasteners

Let’s dive in the changes in demand for fasteners imported by the EU from around the world in 20182023 (Figure 1). The EU's fastener import demand reversed downwards after 2022 and was returning sharply to the normal level. The drop margin in 2023 was close to half of the growth rate ranging from 2020 to 2022, so we can speculate that the import demand may completely return to the normal level starting from the end of 2024 to the first half of 2025.

Fig 1. EU's Total Fastener Import Value (Euro) & Weight (Kg) with the World in 2018-2023

Figure 2. EU's Fastene

Value (Euro) &

Fig 1.

Narrowing the scope to 2021 to 2023, let’s look at EU's top ten fastener import sources (Table 1). The top five sources were China, Taiwan, Turkey, India, and Vietnam. China and Taiwan remained each other's main rivals in the European market. India and Vietnam were among the top five in the rankings, and Thailand was the sixth, and these three countries are currently highly potential markets for fastener investment.

(Kg)

8,057,686,959

5,989,693,891

Figure 2. EU's Fastener Import Weight in 2021-2023

784,372,985

Figure 3 shows the top three imported fastener products in the EU were HS 731815 (accounting for up to 48%), 731816 (16%), and 731814 (11%). The products with the highest average import prices were HS 731821 (€11.29) and 731829 (€10.02), while the lowest was 731811 (€1.99). 452,379

Figure 2 shows EU's demand for fasteners from Taiwan and China declined significantly in 2023, and its demand for fasteners from Vietnam, India, Turkey, S. Korea, Switzerland, Malaysia also declined, but the demand for fasteners from Thailand steadily increased.

2022 2023 Year

EU Import Analytical Target ② : Subcategories HS 731811 to 731829, Each Sub-items, in 2023

63,365,545, 73%

UK, 1,472,361, 2%

4,335,853, 5%

Liechtenstein, 3,052,574, 3%

UK, 1,472,361, 2% Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, 3,052,574, 3%

Turkey, 4,335,853, 5%

INDUSTRY FOCUS

Turkey, 4,335,853, 5%

Taiwan, 6,506,021, 7% India, 5,551,635, 6%

Turkey, 4,335,853, 5%

India, 5,551,635, 6%

Taiwan, 6,506,021, 7%

Thailand, 823,136, 1%

UK, 826,116, 2%

Thailand, 823,136, 1%

South Korea, 676,551, 1%

Thailand, 823,136, 1%

South Korea, 676,551, 1%

Thailand, 823,136, 1%

South Korea, 676,551, 1%

United

South

United

Fig. 12. 731822-Other washers

South Korea, 676,551, 1%

United States, 837,282, 2%

UK, 826,116, 2%

United States, 837,282, 2%

UK, 826,116, 2%

United States, 837,282, 2%

Japan, 1,281,650, 2%

United States, 837,282, 2%

Japan, 1,281,650, 2%

Vietnam, 1,623,522, 3%

Japan, 1,281,650, 2%

Vietnam, 1,623,522, 3%

Taiwan, 2,632,215, 5%

Vietnam, 1,623,522, 3%

Taiwan, 2,632,215, 5%

Turkey, 2,871,273, 5%

Taiwan, 2,632,215, 5%

Turkey, 2,871,273, 5%

China, 36,292,151, 65%

India, 8,047,217, 14%

Turkey, 2,871,273, 5%

India, 8,047,217, 14%

Turkey, 2,871,273, 5%

India, 8,047,217, 14%

Fig. 14. 731824-Co�ers and co�er pins

Switzerland, 243,236, 3%

243,236, 3%

Switzerland, 243,236, 3%

243,236, 3%

Japan, 319,417, 4%

Taiwan, 356,385, 4%

Japan, 319,417, 4%

Taiwan, 356,385, 4%

Turkey, 558,961, 7%

India, 76,195, 1%

1,070,605, 13% Turkey, 558,961, 7%

1,675,561, 20%

1,070,605, 13% Turkey, 558,961, 7%

India, 1,070,605, 13%

Turkey, 558,961, 7%

Brazil, 38,783, 0%

UK, 1,675,561, 20%

UK, 1,675,561, 20% India, 1,070,605, 13%

Fig. 13. 731823-Rive

Fig. 13. 731823-Rivets

Fig. 13. 731823-Rivet

Fig. 13. 731823-Rivets

Fig. 13. 731823-Rivet

Switzerlan

India, 76,195, 1%

Brazil, 38,783, 0%

India, 76,195, 1%

United States, 129,848, 1%

Brazil, 38,783, 0%

China, 4,031,928, 35%

United States, 129,848, 1%

Japan, 144,706, 1%

China, 4,031,928, 35%

Switzerland, 2,960,494, 26%

South Korea, 541,114, 5%

Japan, 144,706, 1%

South Korea, 541,114, 5%

Switzerland, 2,960,494, 26%

South Korea, 541,114, 5%

UK, 850,874, 8%

Turkey, 1,273,325, 11%

Taiwan, 1,415,925, 12%

Switzerland, 2,960,494, 26% Taiwan, 1,415,925, 12%

Taiwan, 1,415,925, 12%

Vietnam, 29,270, 0%

Fig. 14. 731824-Co�ers and co�er pins

Fig. 15. 731829-Other iron and steel nonthreaded products

Fig. 15. 731829-Other iron and steel non threaded products

Fig. 15. 731829-Other iron and steel no threaded products

Fig. 15. 731829-Other iron and steel nonthreaded products

Switzerland, 52,906, 1%

Vietnam, 29,270, 0%

Switzerland, 52,906, 1%

China, 4,864,399, 48%

South Korea, 1,007,685, 2%

Fig. 15. 731829-Other iron and steel non threaded products

China

South Korea, 1,007,685, 2%

South Korea, 214,401, 2%

Taiwan, 368,676, 4%

Turkey, 523,262, 5%

UK, 553,986, 6%

Japan, 872,745, 9%

China, 4,864,399, 48%

India, 1,517,266, 15%

China, 4,864,399, 48% India, 1,517,266, 15%

India, 1,517,266, 15%

United States, 1,028,803, 10%

EU Export Statistics

EU Export Analytical Target ① : Category HS 7318, All Fasteners

Changes in EU's global exports of fasteners in 2018-2023 ( Figure 16 ) show that the export value in 2023 far exceeded the level in 2019 before the pandemic. It is worth noting whether EU's fastener export value will reach a new high in 2024. The export weight continued to swing between the 5.6 billion and 6.5 billion euro mark. Overall, the changes in export weight were not significant, and not much affected by dramatic changes such as the pandemic.

6,000,000,000

Japan, 1,100,327, 2%

Japan, 1,100,327, 2% South Korea, 1,007,685, 2%

Japan, 1,100,327, 2%

United States, 1,321,593, 2%

UK, 3,590,267, 6%

17,980,558, 31%

Japan, 1,100,327, 2%

China, 17,980,558, 31%

UK, 3,590,267, 6% United States, 1,321,593, 2%

UK, 3,590,267, 6%

Switzerland, 4,922,426, 9%

Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5,640,404, 10%

17,980,558, 31%

China, 17,980,558, 31% Taiwan, 8,858,459, 15%

China, 17,980,558, 31%

Taiwan, 8,858,459, 15%

8,858,459, 15% India, 7,001,296, 12%

Taiwan, 8,858,459, 15%

India, 7,001,296, 12%

Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5,640,404, 10%

8,858,459, 15% India, 7,001,296, 12%

India, 7,001,296, 12%

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Turkey, 6,303,665, 11%

Fig. 16. EU's Total Fastener Export Value (Euro) & Weight (Kg) with the World in 2018-2023

1,000,000,000 2,000,000,000

Turkey, 6,303,665, 11%

Fig. 16. EU's Total Fastener Export Value (Euro) & Weight (Kg) with the World in 2018-2023

Fastener Export Value (Unit: Euro)

Fastener Export Quan�ty (Unit: Kg)

Figure 17. EU's Fastener Export Weight in 2021-2023

and Herzegovina

5,571,931,622

and Herzego

and Herzegovin

Bosnia and Herzegovin Switzerland

565,215,559

As shown in Table 2, EU's top ten fastener export destinations in 2021-2023 were the U.S., China, UK, Mexico, and Turkey. The U.S and China were the primary competitors for each other in the European market. Besides exporting to advanced countries, quite a portion of EU fasteners were also exported to emerging countries such as Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and India.

Figure 17 shows that the weights of fasteners exported by the EU to the U.S., China, UK, Switzerland, Brazil, and Norway all decreased in 2023. On the contrary, a relatively larger increase for three consecutive years existed in the weights of exports to Mexico and Turkey, and a relatively smaller increase for three consecutive years existed in the weights of exports to India and Morocco.

EU Export Analytical Target ② : Subcategories HS 731811 to 731829, each sub-items, in 2023

Figure 18 shows that the top three exported fastener products from the EU were HS 731815 (accounting for up to 58%), 731816 (11%), and 731814 (8%), which was identical to EU’s top three import items. The products with the highest average export prices were HS 731821 (€25.36) and 731824 (€20.68), while the lowest was 731811 (€3.03).

2. EU's Fastener Export Value and Weight in 2021-2023

Fig. 16. EU's Total Fastener Export Value (Euro) & Weight (Kg) with

1,000,000,000

Figure 17. EU's Fastener Export Weight in 2021-2023

3,000,000,000

2,500,000,000

1,000,000,000 1,500,000,000 2,000,000,000 2,500,000,000 3,000,000,000

2,500,000,000

2,000,000,000

2,500,000,000 3,000,000,000

2,000,000,000

500,000,000 1,000,000,000 1,500,000,000

2,000,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,000,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,000,000,000

731815Other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers

731815Other screws and

731816Nuts

731816Nuts 731814Selftapping screws 731829Other iron and steel nonthreaded products 731819-

731816Nuts

731814Selftapping screws

731829Other iron and steel nonthreaded products

731819Other iron and steel threaded products

731812Other wood screws 731822Other washers

731811Coach screws

Coach screws

731821Spring washers and other lock washers

731821Spring washers and other lock washers 731823Rivets 731813Screw hooks and screw rings 731824Co

731823Rivets

Rivets

731823Rivets

Export Destinations for EU's Fastener Subcategories (kg)

731813Screw hooks and screw rings

Screw hooks and screw rings

731813Screw hooks and screw rings

731824Co�ers and co�er pins

ers and co

731824Co�ers and co�er pins

United States, 150,076, 2%

139,343, 2%

Cameroon, 139,343, 2%

United States, 150,076, 2%

Morocco, 165,435, 3%

Israel, 229,401, 3%

Turkey, 394,342, 6%

United States, 150,076, 2%

UK, 434,620, 6%

Morocco, 165,435, 3%

India, 512,469, 8%

Israel, 229,401, 3%

Tunisia,

India, 512,469, 8%

Turkey, 394,342, 6%

UK, 434,620, 6%

Tunisia, 61,243, 1%

Fig. 19. 731811-Coach screws

Cameroon, 139,343, 2%

139,343, 2%

Fig. 19. 731811-Coach

screws

Fig. 19. 731811-Coach screws

Mexico, 1,851,541, 27%

Moldova, 288,054, 2%

Bosnia and Herzegovina, 283,852, 2%

Fig. 20. 731812-Other wood screws

Bosnia and Herzegovina, 283,852, 2%

Fig. 20. 731812-Other wood screws

Fig. 19. 731811-Coach screws

Mexico, 1,851,541, 27%

Mexico, 1,851,541, 27% Ukraine, 1,476,750, 22% Switzerland, 1,426,031, 21% India, 512,469, 8%

22% Switzerland, 1,426,031, 21%

Mexico, 1,851,541, 27% Ukraine, 1,476,750, 22% Switzerland, 1,426,031, 21%

Ukraine, 1,476,750, 22% Switzerland, 1,426,031, 21%

Iceland, 311,078, 3%

Moldova, 288,054, 2%

Fig. 20. 731812-Other wood screws

United States, 335,860, 3%

342,494, 3% United States, 335,860, 3%

United States, 335,860, 3%

Canada, 501,929, 4% Australia, 342,494, 3%

and Herzegovina, 283,852, 2%

Australia, 342,494, 3%

United States, 335,860, 3% Iceland, 311,078, 3%

684,079, 6% Canada, 501,929, 4%

Canada, 501,929, 4%

Ukraine, 684,079, 6%

1,499,910, 12%

5,279,624, 43%

Switzerland, 5,279,624, 43%

1,499,910, 12% Ukraine, 684,079, 6%

2,759,947, 22%

5,279,624, 43%

43%

Switzerland, 5,279,624, 43% Norway, 2,759,947, 22%

and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fig. 21. 731813-Screw hooks and screw rings

India, 512,469, 8%

Tunisia, 61,243, 1%

Ukraine, 83,878, 2%

Fig. 21. 731813-Screw hooks and screw rings

Tunisia, 61,243, 1%

Ukraine, 83,878, 2%

Norway, 153,828, 4%

UK, 162,086, 4%

Morocco, 178,507, 5%

Tunisia, 61,243, 1%

South Africa, 187,234, 5%

Ukraine, 83,878, 2%

Fig. 21. 731813-Screw hooks and screw rings

Ukraine, 1,476,750, 22% Switzerland, 1,426,031, 21%

Fig. 21. 731813-Screw hooks and screw rings Mexico

Mexico

Mexico, 2,200,890, 6%

2,200,890, 6%

Mexico, 2,200,890, 6%

2,759,947, 22% UK, 1,499,910, 12% Ukraine, 684,079, 6% Canada, 501,929, 4% Australia, 342,494, 3%

Mexico, 946,756, 24%

946,756, 24%

Mexico, 946,756, 24%

Fig. 21. 731813-Screw hooks and screw rings

United States, 926,744, 24%

States, 926,744, 24%

United States, 926,744, 24%

South Africa, 187,234, 5%

Norway, 153,828, 4%

896,826, 23%

Switzerland, 305,303, 8%

UK, 162,086, 4%

946,756, 24%

China, 896,826, 23% Switzerland, 305,303, 8%

China, 896,826, 23%

United States, 926,744, 24% China, 896,826, 23% Switzerland, 305,303, 8%

Switzerland, 305,303, 8%

Fig. 23. 731815-Other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers

South

or not with their nuts or washers

Ukraine, 2,361,826, 7%

2,532,229, 7% Ukraine, 2,361,826, 7%

Turkey, 2,532,229, 7%

1,521,908, 5% Fig. 22. 731814-Self-tapping screws

Russia, 1,521,908, 5%

Ukraine, 2,361,826, 7%

Turkey, 2,532,229, 7%

1,521,908, 5%

2,200,890, 6%

Norway, 2,546,974, 8%

2,546,974, 8%

Norway, 2,546,974, 8%

2,361,826, 7%

UK, 6,893,236,

UK, 6,893,236, 20%

Norway, 2,546,974, 8% Turkey, 2,532,229, 7% Ukraine, 2,361,826, 7% Mexico, 2,200,890, 6% Russia, 1,521,908, 5% Fig. 22. 731814-Self-tapping screws UK

Fig. 22. 731814-Self-tapping screws

Liechtenstein

States, 4,684,159, 14%

United States, 4,684,159, 14%

Fig. 22. 731814-Self-tapping screws

3,515,799, 10%

China, 3,515,799, 10%

4,143,590, 12% Switzerland, 3,561,195, 11%

Liechtenstein, 4,143,590, 12%

Switzerland, 3,561,195, 11%

3,561,195, 11% China, 3,515,799, 10%

Fig. 31. Taiwan's Total Fastener Import Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) with the World

Taiwan’s Customs Data (Data Sampling Range: 2021 to the First 11 Months of 2024)

Taiwan Import Statistics

Taiwan Import Analytical Targe ① : Category HS 7318, All Fasteners

Figure 31 shows Taiwan's demand for imported fasteners remained steady at 20,000 tons from 2021 to 2023. In the first 11 months of 2024, it already reached 180,000 tons, indicating that overall fluctuations have been minimal.

Table 3 shows Taiwan's top five sources of imports were Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines, with the highest import weight coming from China and Japan. Among the top ten import sources, Southeast Asian countries held quite a share.

Figure 32 shows that Taiwan's demand for imports from Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Germany, and the United States declined in 2023, while demand for China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia increased.

Fig. 33. Taiwan's Fastener Import Weight in Jan-Nov, 2024 (Unit: Kg)

Figure 33 shows that in the first 11 months of 2024, Japan and China remained Taiwan's largest sources of imports, but during this period, the imports from China surpassed that from Japan.

Taiwan Import Analytical Target

② :

Subcategories HS 731811 to 731829, each sub-items, in Jan. to Dec. 2024

Figure 34 shows that the top three imported fastener products in Taiwan were HS 731815 (accounting for up to 48%), 731819 (20%), and 731816 (18%). The product with the highest average import price was HS 731829 (USD 78.46), while the lowest was 731812 (USD 2.35).

Table 3. Taiwan's Fastener Import Value and Weight in 2021-2023

31.

(Kg)

Fig. 32. Taiwan's Fastener Import Weight in 2021-2023

Fig. 33. Taiwan's Fastener Import Weight in Jan-Nov, 2024 (Unit: Kg)

Subcategory

Indonesia , 6,174, 1%

S. Korea, 13,363, 2%

Indonesia , 6,174, 1%

S. Korea, 13,363, 2%

Fig. 43. 731822 - Other washers

Vietnam

Japan

, 37%

, 11,639, 5%

France , 461, 0%

Sweden , 1,171, 1%

France , 461, 0%

Fig. 44. 731823 - Rivets

United States, 16,535, 3%

S. Korea, 13,363, 2%

United States, 16,535, 3%

Belgium, 16,953, 3%

Vietnam, 233,552, 41%

China

United States, 16,535, 3%

Vietnam, 233,552, 41%

Belgium, 16,953, 3%

Malaysia , 18,315, 3%

Belgium, 16,953, 3%

Malaysia , 18,315, 3%

Germany , 19,925, 4%

Malaysia , 18,315, 3%

India

Germany , 19,925, 4%

Malaysia , 18,315, 3%

Japan , 153,255, 27%

Germany

Germany , 19,925, 4%

India , 22,135, 4%

Germany , 19,925, 4%

India , 22,135, 4%

China , 70,185, 12%

Japan , 153,255, 27%

Malaysia

Belgium

United States

Belgium

United

Fig. 45. 731824 - Cotters and cotter pins

Fig. 45.

Spain , 4,133, 1%

Italy , 4,752, 1%

Germany, 5,426, 1%

731824 -

Fig. 45. 731824 - Cotters and cotter pins

Cotters and cotter pins

France , 461, 0%

Sweden , 1,171, 1%

Germany, 1,900, 1%

Sweden , 1,171, 1%

Germany, 1,900, 1%

UK , 2,047, 1%

China, 49,044, 38%

Germany, 1,900, 1%

China, 49,044, 38%

UK , 2,047, 1%

S. Korea, 2,589, 2%

UK , 2,047, 1%

S. Korea, 2,589, 2%

UK , 2,047, 1%

United States, 5,965, 5%

S. Korea, 2,589, 2%

United States, 5,965, 5%

Malaysia , 8,736, 7%

United States, 5,965, 5%

Malaysia , 8,736, 7%

United States, 5,965, 5%

Malaysia , 8,736, 7%

Vietnam,

13,955, 11%

Japan , 43,906 , 34%

Vietnam,

13,955, 11%

Fig. 46. 731829 - Other iron and steel non - threaded products

Thailand, 3,576, 3%

Fig. 46. 731829 - Other iron and steel non - threaded products

China

Thailand, 3,576, 3%

Denmark

Italy , 4,752, 1%

Germany, 5,426, 1%

Italy , 4,752, 1%

Vietnam, 6,844, 2%

Germany, 5,426, 1%

Vietnam, 6,844, 2%

Portugal, 8,133, 2%

Vietnam, 6,844, 2%

UK , 3,586, 3%

Thailand, 3,576, 3%

UK , 3,586, 3%

Latvia , 5,051, 4%

UK , 3,586, 3%

Latvia , 5,051, 4%

China, 41,395, 30%

41,395, 30%

Germany

Japan

Vietnam, 6,844, 2%

Portugal, 8,133, 2%

United States, 11,712, 3%

Portugal, 8,133, 2%

United States, 11,712, 3%

Indonesia, 17,408, 4%

United States, 11,712, 3%

Indonesia, 17,408, 4%

China, 216,347, 52%

Vietnam, 5,376, 4%

Latvia , 5,051, 4%

Denmark, 23,918, 18%

Malaysia

Latvia , 5,051, 4%

United States, 5,786, 4%

United States, 5,786, 4% Vietnam, 5,376, 4%

Vietnam, 5,376, 4%

United States, 5,786, 4% Vietnam, 5,376, 4%

23,918, 18%

United

Vietnam

Latvia

Indonesia, 17,408, 4%

India , 19,971, 5%

Indonesia, 17,408, 4%

India , 19,971, 5%

Japan, 122,570, 29%

Japan, 122,570, 29% India , 19,971, 5%

India , 19,971, 5%

Japan, 122,570, 29%

Taiwan Export Statistics

Malaysia, 10,648, 8%

Taiwan Export Analytical Target ① : Category HS 7318, All Fasteners

Fig. 47. Taiwan's Total Fastener Export Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) with

Fig. 47. Taiwan's Total Fastener Export Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) with the World

Fig. 47. Taiwan's Total Fastener Export Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) with

Fig. 47. Taiwan's Total Fastener Export Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) with the World

5,319,398,407 6,140,678,189 4,600,052,512 3,989,020,824

1,610,697,606

Fig 49 Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in Jan-Nov, 2024 (Unit: Kg)

Fig. 49. Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in Jan-Nov, 2024 (Unit: Kg)

Italy, 26,767,198, 3% Poland, 26,086,752, 3%

Spain, 29,467,550, 3%

Mexico, 30,525,724, 3%

Spain, 29,467,550, 3%

Mexico, 30,525,724, 3%

Italy, 26,767,198, 3% Poland, 26,086,752, 3%

United States

Italy, 26,767,198, 3% Poland, 26,086,752, 3%

Spain, 29,467,550, 3%

Mexico, 30,525,724, 3%

United Kingdom, 31,541,434, 3%

Canada, 42,301,205, 5%

Japan, 47,745,022, 5%

J 47 745 022

42,301,205, 5%

Malaysia, 10,648, 8%

10,648, 8% United States, 5,786, 4%

Japan, 15,671, 11%

Germany, 20,103, 15%

20,103, 15%

23,918, 18% Germany, 20,103, 15% Japan, 15,671, 11%

15,671, 11%

Table 4. Taiwan's Fastener Export Value and Weight in 2021-2023

Thailand

Fig. 48. Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in 2021-2023 (By Country)

48 Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in 2021-2023 (By Country)

699,424,627

Table 4 shows that Taiwan's top five export destinations were the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada, with the highest export weight going to the United States. The share of exports to European countries was also significant.

United States, 520,224,402, 57%

Fig. 48. Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in 2021-2023 (By Country) United States, 520,224,402, 57%

China

Spain , 4,133, 1%

Italy , 4,752, 1%

Germany, 5,426, 1%

Fig. 46. 731829 - Other iron and steel non - threaded products

Vietnam, 6,844, 2%

Portugal, 8,133, 2%

Fig. 47. Taiwan's Total Fastener Export Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) w

Thailand, 3,576, 3%

7,000,000,000

UK , 3,586, 3%

6,000,000,000

Latvia , 5,051, 4%

5,000,000,000

Vietnam, 5,376, 4%

4,000,000,000

United States, 5,786, 4%

3,000,000,000

2,000,000,000

Malaysia, 10,648, 8%

1,000,000,000

China, 41,395, 30%

Denmark, 23,918, 18%

Germany, 20,103, 15%

Japan, 15,671, 11%

United States, 11,712, 3%

Indonesia, 17,408, 4%

India , 19,971, 5%

China, 216,347, 52%

Japan, 122,570, 29%

Fig. 48. Taiwan in

Figure 48 shows that in 2023, Taiwan's export to all of the top ten countries declined.

Fig. 47. Taiwan's Total Fastener Export Weight (Kg) & Value (USD) with the World

Figure 49 shows that in the first 11 months of 2024, the United States and Germany remained Taiwan's largest export destinations, but during this period, Poland replaced China as the tenth largest destination.

Fig. 48. Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in 2021-2023 (By Country)

Fig. 49. Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in Jan-Nov, 2024 (Unit: Kg)

United Kingdom, 31,541,434, 3% Mexico, 30,525,724, 3% Spain, 29,467,550,

Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight (kg) Taiwan's Fastener Export Value (USD) 140,334 92,325,806 66,328,760 57,377,615 60,596,995 34,183,071 35,787,498 31,967,659 33,366,679 145,519 94,210,152 68,044,761 53,664,075 50,200,585 33,036,683 42,249,074 32,053,906 26,809,240 100,939,93 84,252,287 50,986,675 39,796,453 35,745,596 31,330,729 28,612,235 28,487,240 23,988,525 0 200,000,0

Japan, 47,745,022, 5% Canada, 42,301,205, 5%

Netherlands, 66,614,011, 7%

11%

Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight (kg)

Figure 50 shows the top three exported fastener products from Taiwan were HS 731815 (accounting for up to 50%), 731816 (19%), and 731814 (18%). The product with the highest average export price was HS 731821 (USD11.80), while the lowest was 731812 (USD 2.65). 1,610,697,606 1,607,481,345 1,230,932,057 1,135,858,411 5,319,398,407 6,140,678,189 4,600,052,512 3,989,020,824

Taiwan Export Analytical Target ② : Subcategories HS 731811 to 731829, each sub-items, in Jan. to Dec. 2024

Taiwan's Fastener Export Value (USD)

Fig. 49. Taiwan's Fastener Export Weight in Jan-Nov, 2024 (Unit: Kg)

Italy, 26,767,198, 3%

Spain, 29,467,550, 3%

Mexico, 30,525,724, 3%

United Kingdom, 31,541,434, 3%

Canada, 42,301,205, 5%

Japan, 47,745,022, 5%

Netherlands, 66,614,011, 7%

Germany, 96,625,401, 11%

Poland, 26,086,752, 3%

United States, 520,224,402, 57%

Fig. 50. Taiwan's Fastener Sub

2 000 000 000 2,500,000,000

INDUSTRY FOCUS

11%

731815-Other screws and bol ts, whether or not with their nuts or washers

(USD)

Fig. 50. Taiwan's Fastener Sub category Export Price, Weight, Average Price

50. Taiwan's

731815-Other screws and bol ts, whether or not with their nuts or washers

731816-Nuts

731815-Other screws and bol ts, whether or not with their nuts or washers 731816-Nuts 731814-Sel ftapping screws 731812-Other wood screws

731815-Other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers 731816-Nuts

Peru , 10,921, 1%

Canada , 13,018, 1%

UAE , 13,422, 1%

Germany, 23,836, 2%

Indonesia , 26,578, 3%

731816-Nuts 731814-Sel ftapping screws 731812-Other wood screws 731822-Other washers

731814-Sel ftapping screws

731814-Sel ftapping screws 731812-Other wood screws

731812-Other wood screws

731822-Other washers

washers

731829-Other iron and steel non-threaded products

731814-Selftapping screws 731812-Other wood screws 731822-Other washers

731829-Other iron and steel non-threaded products

iron and steel non-threaded products

731829-Other iron and steel non-threaded products

731819-Other iron and steel threaded products

731823Rivets

731819-Other iron and steel threaded products 731823Rivets 731824Cotters and cotter-pins 731811Coach screws

731823Rivets 731824Cotters and cotter-pins 731811Coach screws

731811Coach screws

Germany, 23,836, 2%

New Zealand, 29,417, 3% Indonesia , 26,578, 3%

, 26,578, 3%

New Zealand, 29,417, 3%

Japan , 39,894, 4%

Netherlands, 56,046, 5%

Fig.

731824Cotters and cotter-pins 731811Coach screws

731824Cotters and cotter-pins

731821Spring washers and other lock washers

731821Spring washers and other lock washers 731813Screw hooks and screw rings Value (USD) 1,929,485,367

<< Export Destinations for Taiwan's Fastener Subcategory (kg) >>

Fig. 51. 731811 - Coach screws

, 10,921, 1%

, 13,018, 1%

, 13,422, 1%

Fig. 51. 731811 - Coach screws

United

Fig. 51. 731811 - Coach screws

53. 731813 - Screw hooks and screw rings

Fig. 53. 731813 - Screw hooks and screw rings United

Fig. 52. 731812 - Other

Fig. 52. 731812 -

China , 991,344, 1%

731821Spring washers and other lock washers

731813Screw hooks and screw rings

iron and steel threaded products 731823Rivets 731824Cotters and cotter-pins 731811Coach screws 731821Spring washers and other lock washers 731813Screw hooks and screw rings

wood screws

Fig. 52. 731812 - Other wood screws

China , 991,344, 1%

France, 1,223,729, 1%

Japan, 1,406,581, 2%

Australia, 2,656,671, 3%

2,656,671, 3%

Australia, 2,656,671, 3%

Sweden , 2,798,758, 3%

, 2,798,758, 3%

UK , 3,998,856, 5%

, 3,998,856, 5% Sweden , 2,798,758, 3%

, 3,998,856, 5%

Other wood screws

United

, 44,439,442, 50%

States , 44,439,442,

Fig. 52. 731812 - Other wood screws

5,047,629, 6%

Netherlands, 5,047,629, 6%

5,047,629, 6%

, 991,344, 1%

10,694,166, 12% Netherlands, 5,047,629, 6%

10,694,166, 12%

1,406,581, 2% France, 1,223,729, 1%

15,274,030, 17%

United

15,274,030, 17%

12%

States ,

17%

50%

Fig. 53. 731813 - Screw hooks and screw rings

23,836, 2%

Philippines , 5,210, 2%

Vietnam , 5,610, 2%

Dominican Republic, 6,543, 3%

United

United States

United

Fig. 54. 731814 -Self - tapping screws

2,656,671, 3%

France , 4,914,146, 3%

, 2,798,758, 3%

Japan , 5,235,427, 3%

Fig. 54. 731814 -Self - tapping screws

, 5,235,427, 3%

Dominican Republic, 6,543, 3% Vietnam , 5,610, 2% Philippines , 5,210, 2%

Dominican Republic, 6,543, 3%

Germany, 7,163, 3%

UK, 9,497, 4%

United States, 149,773, 62%

Germany, 7,163, 3%

UK, 9,497, 4%

Sweden , 9,850, 4%

Sweden , 9,850, 4% UK, 9,497, 4% Germany, 7,163, 3%

, 16,493, 7% Malaysia , 15,427, 6%

Malaysia , 15,427, 6%

, 16,493, 7%

Canada , 16,493, 7%

United States, 149,773, 62%

, 17,339, 7%

Japan , 17,339, 7%

Fig. 53. 731813 - Screw hooks and screw rings

Fig. 55. 731815 - Other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers

Philippines , 5,210, 2%

Saudi Arabia , 6,058,002, 4%

, 3,998,856, 5%

Arabia , 6,058,002, 4%

Arabia , 6,058,002,

Italy, 6,340,305, 4%

6,340,305, 4%

Italy, 6,340,305, 4%

5,047,629, 6%

6,340,305, 4%

, 8,427,174, 5% Netherlands , 6,962,757, 5%

, 6,962,757, 5%

, 8,427,174, 5%

, 8,669,436, 6%

10,694,166, 12%

, 9,500,949, 6%

, 12,704,999, 8%

15,274,030, 17%

States, 87,342,075, 56%

United States, 87,342,075, 56%

Fig. 54. 731814 -Self - tapping screws

Fig. 56. 731816 - Nuts

, 4,914,146, 3%

, 5,235,427, 3%

Best 10 Performer of Tainan SBIR

Hu Pao’s “Waste Oil Recycling Trough” Lowers Carbon Emission in Nut Manufacturing

Hu Pao Industries, a professional nut manufacturer in Taiwan active in introducing the concepts of ESG sustainability and net-zero transformation and aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and become a low-carbon solution provider, has recently participated in the SBIR program promoted by Tainan City Government to encourage SMEs to carry out research on industrial technology and product innovation and has been awarded one of the Best 10 performers among the 55 grant receivers in 2024. Hu Pao General Manager Bill Wang attended the awarding ceremony on Nov./25/2024 at WinWin Innovation & Incubation Base in Xinying (Tainan) and presented to Tainan City Mayor Wei-Che Huang the award-winning “Carbon Reduction Savior- Waste Oil Recycling Trough”.

Reducing the pressure of new product development, promoting technological innovation, expanding markets, establishing alliances, enhancing corporate image and brand value, and strengthening growth potential are the ultimate goals of Hu Pao's participation in the program. In order to obtain the max. grant of NT$1 million per case, Hu Pao actively attended the briefing sessions and drew up the plan, prepared required documents and integrated internal resources to submit for review, strengthened the external cooperation, and continuously improved and adjusted the plan during the implementation to make it pass the verification in the end.

Carbon Reduction SaviorWaste Oil Recycling Trough Realizes Resource Recycling

Waste oil generated from production lines will have a great impact on the environment if it is not properly treated. The Waste Oil Recycling Trough introduced in Hu Pao's production lines converts waste oil into reusable low carbon emission lubricant through innovative technology, effectively reducing the impact of waste oil and carbon emission on the environment, lowering raw material costs, and realizing the purpose of recycling and reusing resources.

“We’ve seamlessly integrated the Waste Oil Recycling Trough into the production lines to streamline operations and improve resource efficiency. We also monitor the equipment data in real time through the Internet, which is then sent to the ERP system for the management to make accurate decisions. In addition, staff training has been strengthened to familiarize them with equipment operation and make them understand the environmental benefits. In this way, not only will our carbon emissions meet int’l standards to enhance competitiveness, but we will also be able to respond to possible policy changes after the implementation of CBAM. This is also an important step for us to continuously attract sustainability partners to create long term economic benefits,” says Hu Pao G.M. Wang.

Taking the Lead and Encouraging the Industry to Lower Carbon Emission Together

Hu Pao winning the award is exemplary for other small and resource-constrained enterprises, and will surely have a positive effect on encouraging carbon reduction in the industry. It is worthwhile for the industry to learn from Hu Pao in terms of how to effectively conduct carbon inventory and data management, improve resource efficiency and reduce operating costs, respond to CBAM reporting and environmental regulations, the exchange of experience and cooperation in cross-sector alliances and platforms, and how to enhance its image and attract customers through carbon reduction measures.

As the only fastener enterprise in Tainan in 2024 to receive the award, G.M. Wang noted, “The establishment of a carbon inventory mechanism and calculation, upgrading to high-efficiency and low-energyconsumption equipment & manufacturing, shortening transportation distances from suppliers, switching to renewable energy, reporting in accordance with CBAM, strengthening technology and material R&D, and reinforcing employee training and carbon awareness are definitely the future directions Taiwan fastener industry should focus on.”

Besides SBIR, Hu Pao has also received grants from the “Low Carbon and Smart Upgrade and Transformation Counseling Program for Large and Small Manufacturers”, the “Low-Carbon Counseling Program for Small and Medium Manufacturers”, the “Industrial Energy Saving Counseling & Efficiency Improvement Program”, and the “Smart Carbon Reduction Subsidy Program”.

ESG Sustainability & Net Zero by 2050

Under the principle of sustainability, Hu Pao has set for itself a carbon reduction target of 60% by 2032, 80% by 2042, and net zero by 2050. It has also introduced the ISO50001 energy management system, purchased low-carbon materials, used reusable resources, developed green energy concepts, emphasized on environmental protection and social responsibility, provided free veggie lunches for employees, and joined “Zero⁺ College”.

It has been responding to CBAM with proactive strategies and forward-thinking. In addition to obtaining the ISO 14064-1:2018, it has continued to monitor carbon emissions data, increase employee participation in carbon reduction, invest in new technologies/equipment, strengthen cooperation among industry, government, and academia, and participate in int’l exhibitions, so as to let customers know its efforts in carbon reduction.

“Taiwanese companies need to be more proactive in responding to geopolitical risks, global economic uncertainties, environmental policy requirements, and the need for technological innovation. Only by adjusting

supply chain strategies, strengthening technology R&D, and enhancing the added value of products can they remain competitive in the fierce int’l market,” says G. M. Wang.

Hu Pao’s contact: General Manager Bill Wang

Email: bill@hupao.com.tw

Copyright owned by Fastener World; article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief

Fastener World 2024 Osaka Tour Report

Where It Began:

Taiwanese Fastener Quality Gains Attention from a Renowned Japanese Trader

The fastener industry in Taiwan has a history of 75 years, overcoming economic depressions, the U.S.-China trade war, the pandemic, and it is still resilient. Known for high quality and competitive pricing, Taiwanese fasteners have attracted global buyers. In recent years, Taiwan has garnered significant international support, with many countries recognizing "Made in Taiwan" as a key driver for global manufacturing development and acknowledging Taiwan's critical role in international trade. Taiwanese fastener industry holds an unassailable position in the global market regarding production volume, performance, quality, service, and its unique supply chain integrity and stability.

From there, Sunco Industries— one of Japan's leading fastener traders— has recognized these characteristics of Taiwanese fastener industry and recently decided to make a significant shift in its purchasing strategy by greatly expanding collaboration with Taiwanese suppliers. It is currently shifting from a domestic-focused trader to an international trader. In addition to exporting JIS and metric screws globally, it is diversifying procurement sources. A crucial step in this process is strengthening partnerships with Taiwanese suppliers, with Fastener World being the first choice due to its strong influence in Taiwanese fastener industry.

Fastener World is committed to "deepening local engagement to showcase Taiwanese fasteners to the world." Over the years, we have tirelessly worked to help Taiwanese manufacturers enter the Japanese market, introducing the quality of Taiwanese fasteners to Japan as well as excellent Japanese manufacturers to Taiwan via our publications. This effort has now reached a significant milestone— Fastener World and Sunco Industries jointly arranged a tour for Taiwanese suppliers to Osaka from November 18 to 21. We wanted to showcase Taiwan to Japan and enable Taiwanese fastener manufacturers to enter Japan's logistics supply chain. The first stop of this tour was Sunco Industries' headquarters, where a product exhibition by Taiwanese suppliers (the tour members) was arranged and held, allowing them to engage in face-to-face discussions with Sunco Industries' purchasing specialists. The second stop was an automated large-scale logistics center and a warehouse located in Higashi-Osaka, where they learned about Sunco Industries' unique logistics technology. The third stop was two local factories in Osaka, allowing them to learn about the management philosophy behind "Japanese Manufacturing".

We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Yoshihide Okuyama, President of Sunco Industries, as well as all the Sunco Industries’ executives and staff who have engaged with us throughout this process for providing their space as the exhibition venue to help Taiwanese suppliers enter the Japanese market. We'd also like to extend special thanks to Isshin Industries and Fuji Seisakusho for accommodating and allowing the members to visit their factories in Osaka. The members were able to experience the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and gain valuable insights. This article will provide readers with an exciting recap of this tour and aims to encourage further collaboration between Taiwan and Japan in the fastener industry.

First

Sunco Industries Headquarters Tour + Taiwanese Suppliers’ Product Exhibition

After inviting Fastener World to visit Sunco Industries’ headquarters in 2023, in 2024 Sunco Industries opened its doors to the 30-people tour members. The members watched an introductory presentation by Sunco Industries and engaged in a Q&A session where many questions were posed to senior executives (Figure 1). Some members asked about the potential of high-end fasteners such as solar screws and highstrength fasteners in the Japanese market. Sunco Industries expressed strong interest in purchasing such fasteners and said that it also purchases fasteners used in construction, automotive, electronics, and other sectors. The members also asked about Sunco Industries' purchase requirements. Sunco Industries said suppliers with JIS, ISO and/ or IATF certifications are particularly attractive. Additionally, Sunco Industries sought feedback from the members regarding their impressions of the Japanese market and their participation in major manufacturing exhibitions in Japan, and was able to gain insights into the needs of Taiwanese manufacturers. The interaction was very amicable.

Next, Sunco Industries guided the members on a tour of various areas within the headquarters, including the purchasing department, sales department, electroplated product display area ( Figure 2 ), catalog showroom, quality inspection area, shelves area, automated packaging area, Wall of Honor for outstanding employees ( Figure 3 ), Sunco Industries' history wall (Figure 4), and the employee fitness room.

JOKER INDUSTRIAL

KWANTEX RESEARCH

SCREWTECH INDUSTRY

JAU YEOU

FASTENER WORLD

CHIREK FASTENER

SHEN CHOU

BEST QUALITY WIRE

Figure 1

Figure 3

Figure 2

Figure 4

Figure 5. Sunco Industries sponsored the global champion boxer Mr. Junto Nakatani

Next, Sunco Industries hosted an industry-first exhibition in the main lobby of its headquarters in collaboration with Fastener World. Taiwanese exhibitors (aka. the tour members) (Figure 6) were Joker Industrial, Kwantex Research, Screwtech Industry, Jau Yeou Industry, Shen Chou Fasteners Industrial, Chirek Fastener, Best Quality Wire, Dmscrew Hardware Products, Fu Kai Fastener Enterprise, Charng Jih Enterprise, Taiwan Shan Yin International, Fastnet Corp., Chao Hsing Hardware, Dexin Precision Fixture, Standing Industrial, and Fastener World. Sunco Industries said it placed great importance on the members who traveled all the way from Taiwan to Japan. The venue was thoughtfully decorated with festive red paper lanterns to reflect Taiwanese culture, and Sunco Industries even made a promotional poster (Figure 7) to invite its employees to the event. A total of 200 employees from both the Osaka headquarters and the Tokyo branch attended the exhibition. Sunco Industries’ attendees were meticulously organized into four core groups of about ten people each. Each group engaged in indepth discussions with every exhibitor at their tables. Meanwhile, other employees had the freedom to move around and visit various booths to learn from Taiwanese peers or discuss purchase of specific products. This arrangement was to ensure that all attendees had a chance to interact with the exhibitors (Figures 8-12).

In Fastener World's observations, before the exhibition concluded, several senior executives from Sunco Industries expressed strong interest in purchasing from exhibitors of high-quality fasteners that have significant sales potential in the Japanese and European markets. These fasteners included ultra-high-strength solar screws, extra-long roofing screws, high-strength corrosion-resistant screws, and precision micro screws. Additionally, a Sunco Industries executive was particularly impressed by a Taiwanese exhibitor's ability to design anchor bolts that match or even exceed the performance of those produced by major European and American manufacturers. Furthermore, a Sunco Industries employee mentioned a plan to visit several of these exhibitors' factories in Taiwan next year together with purchasing officers. New Sunco Industries employees attending this event also expressed their admiration for the quality and craftsmanship of Taiwanese manufacturers, which opened their eyes to new possibilities. The first stop of the tour ended on a high note!

DMSCREW FU KAI

CHARNG JIH

TAIWAN SHAN YIN

FASTNET

CHAO HSING

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 7. Poster by Sunco Industries

Figure 12. Sunco Industries' mascot “Socket Boys” welcome the Taiwanese exhibitors

Second Stop: Sunco Industries Logistics Center & Warehouse Tour

Located in Higashi-Osaka, Sunco Industries' large high-tech fastener logistics center boasts an inventory up to 2 million items, covering a wide range of fasteners from those used in aircraft to those for eyeglasses, capable of shipping globally. Sunco Industries employs 800 employees and achieves an annual revenue of JPY 40 billion. After a presentation on its logistics technology in the briefing room (Figure 13), a tour of the logistics center began. One of the highlights of the center was the industry-leading automated rotary rack (Figures 1416). Sunco Industries explained that this technology eliminates the need to use carts and small boxes for manual picking, thereby increasing operational speed by 2.5 times, reducing work hours and labor costs, boosting order volumes, and even preventing products from falling during big earthquakes.

The second highlight was "automated product matching" and "optimized packaging space". Through barcode management (Figures 17-18), information of customers’ ordered products is displayed on screens to help reduce packaging errors. An operator gave a demonstration on-site scanning the barcode on a packaging box. The screen then displayed prompts indicating whether the packaging was "correct" or had an "error". This way, responsible operators of each section on the conveyor line can prevent and correct any packaging mistakes at any stage via this mechanism. It ensures that even new staff can avoid man-made errors. Additionally, Sunco Industries assigns weighted points to each product based on its storage location within the logistics center. The system calculates these points to automatically match products, maximizing the use of packaging box space and facilitating fast shipping.

The third highlight was a service called "BARA" which translates to ultimate minimal unit of bulk ordering. To be exact, regardless of how many fasteners a customer orders, even if it's just one piece (minimal unit) of screw, it can be packaged and shipped globally (Figure 19). A tour member told Fastener World that it's rare to find companies in the fastener logistics field which can ship worldwide in the unit of “one piece”, that it is a one-of-a-kind logistics capability. The member was impressed by Sunco Industries' highly delicate and detailfocused service offerings.

Next, the tour members moved from the logistics center to an automated packaging warehouse near Nagata Station (in Higashi-Osaka), where they observed shelves loaded with various cartons from the second floor. This warehouse is equipped with high-speed overhead cranes that can quickly handle product storage and unloading. The sheer size of the shelves, in terms of length, width, or depth, captivated the members for quite some time (Figures 20-22).

Figure 22

Figure 14

Figure 18

Figure 15

Figure 19

Figure 16

Figure 20

Figure 17

Figure 13

Figure 21

Third Stop:

Isshin Industries

A long-time supplier for Sunco Industries, Isshin Industries Co., Ltd (in Yao City) was founded in 1976 and now employs 58 people, primarily supplying precision machined parts, including fasteners, for agricultural machinery, medical instruments, and precision machinery. It also offers processing services for all types of metals, accommodating various materials such as black iron, stainless steel, aluminum, and steel. It can cater to urgent orders and small batch production, allowing customers to order even a single piece of metal part.

The tour members were first given a presentation led by Mr. Takamitsu Inada, the president of Isshin Industries (Figure 23). A production operator of Isshin Industries mentioned that one of their strong technical capabilities is keeping a metal part steady from wobbling while machining one of its ends, thereby providing the highest quality precision processing for customers. Their proud products were displayed on tables for the tour members to glance (Figure 24). When a member inquired about their production methods, the operator explained that they primarily manufacture as per customized orders and drawings. To thank President Inada for welcoming the tour members, Fastener World presented him with a specially made appreciation trophy (Figure 25). Following this, the members toured Mr. Inada's factory as well as various automated machines such as high precision cutting machines and milling machines (Figures 26-27). The production operator demonstrated the manufacturing process (Figure 28) and showed the members the quality inspection area (Figure 29). A member told Fastener World about the strong impression of Japan's great manufacturing technology, particularly in product design capabilities and high precision, a worthy example for Taiwanese suppliers to learn from. As the tour concluded (Figure 30), President Inada and key managers as well as all the staff walked outside and personally saw off and waved goodbye with the tour members on their bus.

Figure 30

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 27

Figure 25. Fastener World (right) presented a trophy to President Inada (left)

Figure 28

Figure 26

Figure 29

Fuji Seisakusho

Also a supplier for Sunco Industries, Fuji Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (also known as K.K. Fuji Seisakusho, in Higashi-Osaka) was founded in 1943 as a specialized manufacturer of special nuts (M6 to M150), also supporting production for a single piece of nut upon request, and supplying various industries including bridges, vehicles, heavy machinery, shipbuilding, railways, steel towers, highways, nuclear power plants, transportation equipment, seismic isolation devices for highrise buildings, construction, civil engineering, machinery, and precision instruments. They offer a range of proprietary nut products, including intermediate insert nuts, anti-loosening nuts, and ultra-high nuts designed for seismic isolation devices in tall buildings.

Just so that everyone recognizes Fuji Seisakusho as an expert in nuts, the company installed an oversized nut model at the entrance for the tour members to take group photos (Figure 32). During the factory tour, the company’ s operator emphasized their adoption of "bottomup" Japanese 5S management (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain). Since business owners generally cannot oversee every detail in a factory, it requires employees to proactively identify, propose, and improve issues. For example, the employees organized a uniform bicycle parking area to enhance the flow of movement in the compact factory space. The molds used for production equipment (Figure 33) are categorized on shelves with codes and color markings so that employees can easily retrieve the correct mold without needing to ask others. As gauges used for quality inspection (Figures 34-35) are with different expiration dates, the employees thought of using colored rings to indicate the expiration dates and organize them on shelves. This allows the employees to refer to a chart when selecting or replacing gauges. The operator noted that their factory used to be messy and dirty, with waste oil accumulating on the floor. After implementing 5S practices, everything is now clean and orderly. This 5S system was developed collaboratively by the employees rather than imposed top-down, resulting in greater execution efficiency (Figure 36). A tour member told Fastener World that the color coding for gauge expiration dates was great to learn from and was amazed by the clean Japanese factories, admiring Fuji Seisakusho's commitment to 5S practices. As a token of gratitude, Fastener World presented an appreciation trophy to Mr. Tomoya Uemoto, the head of sales department (Figure 38).

35. The wall displays Fuji Seisakusho's 5S slogan: “Decide on what to commit to, and commit to what is decided”

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure

Figure 33. Fuji Seisakusho's gauge rack and color coding

Figure 36. Assorted special nuts on display

Figure 34

Figure 37. Fastener World (left) presented a trophy to Mr. Tomoya Uemoto (right)

Sunco Industries-hosted Dinner

On the evening of the headquarters tour (first stop), Sunco Industries hosted a dinner at the luxurious five-star Hotel New Otani Osaka to thank the tour members, which offers a stunning view of Osaka Castle at night. Five large tables were booked for this dinner. Thoughtfully, Sunco Industries arranged the seating to include at least one manager or director at each table, and at least one interpreter for every table to ensure that the tour members could communicate their thoughts and needs at any time.

The dinner was kicked off by remarks from Mr. Hiroshi Anekawa, the head of procurement department. As a token of his sincerity, he spoke in Chinese which he had practiced for a long time: "I am very grateful for you traveling this far to meet us. I hope to build a strong partnership with all of you, and I invite you to enjoy the exquisite dishes and fine wines that Sunco Industries has prepared." His speech received enthusiastic applause from everyone present.

Next, William Liao, the general manager of Fastener World, was invited to speak: "I would like to express my utmost gratitude to Mr. Anekawa and your company for the support and invitation, allowing us Taiwanese fastener manufacturers to visit here and see Sunco Industries which has one of Japan's largest scales and most efficiency in logistics. This experience is truly valuable for us to learn from. Sunco Industries is a company with a long history and excellent reputation, consistently achieving around JPY 40 billion in revenue each year. Coming here, I believe that all the tour members are anticipated to successfully enter the Japanese market through collaboration with Sunco Industries and we all look forward to jointly exploring other global markets in the future. Finally, on behalf of the tour members, I would like to express our gratitude once again and wish Sunco Industries continued success in achieving new heights in revenue every year, as well as good health and all the best to Mr. Anekawa and all employees of Sunco Industries." To commemorate this event, William Liao personally presented an appreciation trophy to Mr. Anekawa (Figure 38).

Before the dinner concluded, Mr. Hironobu Kawaguchi, the purchasing department section 3 manager, invited the tour members from each table for a group photo with Osaka Castle illuminated in the background (Figure 39). Finally, Ms. Miki Hiraoka, the purchasing department manager (Figure 40), invited the members to experience a unique Japanese custom by clapping hands rhythmically in celebration of the successful conclusion of the dinner and offered her best wishes for their safe return home.

Fastener World-hosted Dinner

On the evening of the third stop, Fastener World hosted a dinner for the tour members at the Tenno-den restaurant with a view of traditional Japanese garden (Figures 41-42). This site was previously used for the G20 Osaka Summit banquet in 2019, where it welcomed Japan's Digital Minister Taro Kono and various international dignitaries. Enjoying local Japanese cuisine, the members celebrated

the success of the tour. Mr. Jacky Yeh, General Manager of Dmscrew Hardware Products, treated all the members to sea urchins. At the end of the dinner, the members invited the restaurant's staff dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos to join for a group photo to commemorate the occasion (Figure 43).

Figure 39. Group photos of members from each table

World / Article by Dean Tseng

Figure 38. William Liao (left) presented a trophy to Mr. Anekawa

Figure 40. Miki Hiraoka, the purchasing department manager

Figure 42

Figure 41

Figure 43

Sunco-kai Gala Dinner

Digital Reform Manifesto of Sunco Industries

Sunco Industries, the largest fastener trading company in Japan, held its annual Sunco-kai gala dinner on November 15, 2024, at Hotel Nikko Osaka. “Sunco-kai” is a coalition of suppliers and partners formed by Sunco Industries to foster stable and smooth business operations. This March, President Mr. Yoshihide Okuyama of Sunco Industries personally invited Fastener World to the general assembly of Sunco-kai. As the year drew to a close, President Okuyama extended another invitation for Fastener World to the yearend gala dinner.

Sunco-kai has grown to include 176 member companies. The dinner hosted 312 guests, including Sunco Industries' suppliers and partners, the press, and the mayor of Higashi-Osaka. Fastener World has a scoop of President Okuyama’s update during his speech on the latest business developments.

Japan's New Financial Policy Sets 176 Suppliers on a Reform

In the speech, President Okuyama mentioned a type of payment proof in Japan known as "Notes Receivable", which is primarily used for financial transactions but can have payment terms extending up to 120 days. This delay can lead to issues with cash flow and funding management. Recognizing these issues, the Japanese government has decided to abolish notes receivable by 2026. This policy is expected to mandatorily accelerate digital transformation among businesses and significantly impact Japanese companies since notes receivable have long played a crucial role in inter-company transactions. President Okuyama stated, "We have foreseen the abolition of notes receivable and will require all Sunco-kai members to switch to cash payments instead."

“Besides, we are implementing an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system across our suppliers including Sunco-kai members. Our entire ordering and receiving process will be digitalized. Beyond this, we will implement prediction of Sunco Industries’ inventory management and demand to enable suppliers to produce more flexibly.” Currently, Sunco Industries handles approximately 2.01 million items of products. “While expanding product volume was previously our key focus, we will also focus on enhancing product information in the future,” said President Okuyama.

In Fastener World’s follow-up interview after the dinner, President Okuyama reflected on this year's performance and future plans. He thought 2024 was the low point of an economic cycle: "I see this as a year requiring endurance. The end result came out as I had expected. I estimate that this cyclical economic downturn will last about two years." To mitigate significant declines during this downturn, he has undertaken various initiatives that have resulted in Sunco Industries achieving revenue growth of 101.9%. “I observed strong performance in export operations. Once again I sense the global demand for JIS and metric screws.”

Looking ahead to 2025, President Okuyama emphasized that Sunco Industries' mission to "deliver JIS and metric screws from Osaka to the world" continues to progress: "We will continuously strive to enhance convenience for global businesses seeking fasteners." Additionally, subscriptions for Sunco Industrie's publication "Socket Boy" have increased. Through collaboration with Fastener World Magazine, Sunco Industries aims to promote fastener companies while showcasing to the world Japan's excellence in screw manufacturing.

Internally, President Okuyama encourages employees to actively push for a reform while recognizing what should remain as is and what shouldn’t: "I hope employees can evolve alongside our everchanging company each day into a new version of themselves and focus on enhancing convenience for customers, suppliers, and related persons. This should be our priority at work," said the President.

Revelation from Sunco Industries' Digital Transformation

From the digital transformation manifesto of this fastener trading company, readers can perceive that Japan faces not only challenging industrial economic issues but also significant hurdles brought about by government-led digital transformation initiatives in business transactions. This does not include existing challenges such as labor shortages and rising costs. Thus, Japanese companies bear burdens comparable to those faced by businesses in other countries. However, this fastener trading company is determined to lead 176 suppliers through digital transformation— a reform conceptualized on the Sunco-kai "fastener squad" that merits attention from Taiwanese and global fastener manufacturers alike.

▲ President Yoshihide Okuyama

Editorial “Elephant” or “Sheep ?

What do You Want to be in the Market?

Recently, a print report claimed that Taiwanese fastener industry is going through a battle of survival like the one staged in S. Korea's “Squid Game” TV serirs and claimed that this industry, which has been in development for 60-70 years, and whose export scale once reached a new record high and crossed the NT$200 billion mark in 2022, and which once earned Taiwan the name of the “Kingdom of Fasteners”, is moving towards the irreversible road of destruction step by step. But is this really the case? Based on the author's long-term in-depth observation on fastener manufacturers from various sectors, such a conclusion may be too arbitrary on the one hand, and on the other hand, it also disregards the efforts of the majority of the industry to continue to develop in various aspects and accumulate competitive resilience.

Upgrade + Transform

Survival of the fittest and elimination of the unfit is an unchanging truth in the market, and fluctuations in the economy are inevitable. It is normal for a few companies to fail to compete in the market, and we should not generalize the conclusion that everyone is suffering. After all, there are still many successful cases in Taiwanese fastener industry, such as those who remain in good conditions, have just celebrated their new factory launch/anniversary, or have achieved upgrade and transformation. Competition in the market is very realistic. With the government's limited resources and the desire to maximize the effectiveness of its investments, it is important to take the time to figure out where your strengths lie rather than waiting for the “savior” to come to your rescue at an unknown time. At this stage, Taiwanese companies are facing competition from China, Southeast Asia, Turkey, and even Mexican manufacturers from the far end of the globe, increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements, higher technological entry thresholds, smart factories, etc. Instead of short-sightedly joining the price-cutting war, it is better to quietly reflect on the extent of one's own capabilities, and think of ways to self-assist and fight for more niches through customized “upgrading and transformation” strategies in order to further create a differentiated advantage.

Upgrading and transformation can be done at any time if one is willing to do so. Business owners can assess their own situation and choose to start from the technical side or the management side. If possible, it is also a good idea to understand the actual needs of your customers and their future development trends to ensure that your upgrading and transformation plan does not run counter to your customers' ideas and is in line with their needs. Many veterans from the fastener industry have also called on the industry not to ignore the impact of the pressure from “requiring Chinese and Taiwanese suppliers to set factories overseas” and to accelerate upgrading and “avoid too close connection to Chinese supply chain” in investment and production as much as possible, so that they can do better than their foreign competitors and continue to focus on their main business in order to survive future challenges. TIFI Chairman has also once mentioned that if suppliers have the ability to skip overseas distributors and directly face customers, it is also a way to increase profits and create more orders. Perhaps this may be a bit of a hindrance to small OEMs that can only rely on traders or importers, but for other SMEs having their own ability to take orders and communicate internationally, I believe it's just a matter of doing it or not doing it. Of course, the industry has the right to choose not to do

so, however, with the equipment and factories of competitors in China and Southeast Asia having long since kept pace with or even surpassed Taiwan's, and with the strong support of their governments, is there really any time left for Taiwanese suppliers to choose not to do? The fact that some manufacturers have already achieved a stage-by-stage transformation through upgrading is by no means a miracle; teamwork and correct decision-making are the keys. Like “Team Taiwan” winning the WSBC Premier 12 Championship in 2024, it was not only the cooperation among the players and the right tactical choices, but also the concerted efforts of the whole members including coaches, trainers, team doctors, administrators, data analysts, and many other members of the team. So is the fastener supply chain. In the early stages, they cooperated with each other to grow together and finally obtained customers’ affirmations in the international market. Although they encountered bumpy roads from time to time, the right decisions by their leaders have brought them to where they are today. You can choose to be a “sheep” and go the same way with others in the price-cutting war, or you can create your own niche and become the awe-inspiring “elephant”. The choice is different, and the outcome is bound to be very different.

AD Tax, a Solution?

The price cutting war for standard fasteners is getting more fierce and fierce every year, especially as China continues to dump low-priced products to the world, and the situation is getting worse. Such a situation is also deeply felt by manufacturers in Europe, the U.S., Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and they are deeply concerned about the vicious competition in the distribution channels. Because of this, many companies cannot but choose another battlefield to develop more mid-range and high-end products to avoid direct competition. In order to reduce the damage caused by China's dumping of low-priced products, the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other countries have imposed high import duties or AD duties on specific products from China (such as steel/aluminum products, EV, etc.). With the Chinese government still providing domestic fasteners with varying degrees of subsidies, it cannot be ruled out that more countries will announce AD measures to Chinese fasteners in the future in order to prevent low-priced products from continuously causing substantial damage to their domestic industries. In fact, it may not be necessarily to go down the road of low prices if Chinese suppliers want to fight for more market share, they can also choose to upgrade and transform. At present, we do see a few well-known Chinese fastener manufacturers are working in this direction. Otherwise, once the market price balance is destroyed, not only will it affect the sustainable development of the fastener industry in other countries, but also make China's domestic low-price competition even more unmanageable and detrimental to themselves.

“

Audit Criteria Expected in Q3

On January 1, 2026, CBAM will be formally implemented, and all those who fail to comply with the requirements or fail to provide accurate carbon emissions data for reporting will be penalized. It is understood that many EU importers have begun to take the implementation of carbon reduction measures as the basis for future evaluation of suppliers. Given that 30-40% of Taiwanese fasteners are exported to the EU, it is all the more important to implement carbon reduction management. Because the EU has not yet established the complete CBAM declaration audit criteria, so manufacturers still have a few time to prepare, but there is already news that in Q3 2025 the EU audit mechanism and criteria will be finalized, which means by that time manufacturers who still do not meet the requirements will certainly be penalized. Manufacturers must pay special attention to this point.

“

Order Decline Slows Down

According to the latest import & export statistics from Taiwan Customs, Taiwan's fastener exports in the first 11 months of 2024 amounted to about 1.135 million tons worldwide, which has slightly increased by 1.147% compared with the same period in 2023. Compared with the contraction of more than 24% in the same period of 2023, Taiwan's fastener exports have shown recovery and growth. On a continent-by-continent basis, the performance of exports to Europe in the first 11 months of 2024 has recovered from a contraction of nearly 30% in the same period of 2023 to near year-earlier levels; exports to N. America have returned to over 4% growth from a contraction of more than 24% in the same period of 2023; exports to Asia have recovered from a contraction of about 16% in the same period of 2023 to a single-digit contraction of 5%; and exports to S. America have also recovered from a contraction of 42% in the same period of 2023 to a contraction of only 5.9%. This demonstrates that the demand for Taiwanese fasteners has recovered significantly across all continents.

Under such a development trend, several Taiwanese fastener industry veterans are optimistic about the performance of Taiwan's fastener exports in 2025. It can be said to be a great opportunity now for Taiwanese manufacturers to actively compete for orders. Other screws and bolts (HS Code 731815), nuts (HS Code 731816), self-tapping screws (HS Code 731814), other wood screws (HS Code 731812), and other iron and steel threaded articles (HS Code 731819), are especially suitable items to be focused on (If you are more interested in the EU market, please refer to our analysis of the weights and values of major fasteners imported and exported from the EU and Taiwan in this issue. See page 158 ). However, the cost of wire is still a critical factor affecting the manufacturing cost of Taiwanese manufacturers. Some manufacturers have reflected that the wire quotations in Taiwan are about 30% higher than China's. If Taiwan CSC, the largest wire supplier in Taiwan, can assist manufacturers in fighting for more subsidies from the government, I believe it can definitely help them reduce more operating pressure. However, in light of the news of large-scale plant closures and layoffs by major European and U.S. car manufacturers such as VW and Ford, it is expected that the global automotive industry will not be in a better position than it was in 2024, and automotive fastener suppliers should be well-prepared for the situation and take countermeasures.

Finally, Trump's tariff policy, the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflicts in the Middle East, and whether or not the central banks of many countries will adopt quantitative easing will continue to influence the development of the global industry, so suppliers definitely have to pay close attention to the development of the situation in various countries.

F Fastener World News

Association News

SMMT's Analysis Unveils UK Amid EV Transition Challenges

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released a new analysis indicating that car manufacturers would face a nearly £6 billion bill in 2024 to meet the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, with projections showing 116,000 fewer EVs would be registered than initially expected. The UK automotive industry is sounding alarm bells over its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), calling for urgent government intervention due to weak demand and unsustainable costs. Despite a 30% increase in EV model options since 2023, the market's response has been underwhelming. High interest rates, soaring raw material prices, and geopolitical uncertainties have dampened consumer confidence. The anticipated registration of 457,000 electric cars in 2024 has been revised down to just 363,000, representing an 18.7% market share instead of the targeted 23.3%.

Manufacturers are compelled to offer substantial discounts—estimated at £4 billion—to stimulate sales, yet they still risk incurring compliance costs for failing to meet mandated targets. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes emphasizes the need for a review of automotive regulations to ensure they align with market realities and support growth, highlighting that prompt action is essential to safeguard the industry's future and potential economic contributions.

Latest on CBAM & Carbon Price

Taiwan Ministry of Environment Announces Draft Regulations for Voluntary Product Carbon Footprint Management

On December 6, 2024, Taiwan Ministry of Environment announced the draft. Products with no carbon footprint certification will not be allowed to use or display carbon footprint labels. Companies found to be "greenwashing" or using labels arbitrarily may face fines ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$1 million. Additionally, considering the shortened life cycle of many products today, the validity period for carbon footprint labels will be reduced from five years to two years.

Taiwan Ministry of Environment stated that shortening the label's validity period will enhance its effectiveness and better demonstrate the product's carbon footprint to external parties. Large companies are required to pay carbon fees and conduct an annual carbon inventory. The carbon footprint label is voluntary and depends on the companies' objectives and whether they disclose their figures. Therefore, a shorter period of two years is set. A representative from the General Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan pointed out that applying for a carbon footprint label takes three to five months, and third-party verification also requires time. The representative suggested extending the validity period to three years. In response, Taiwan Ministry of Environment indicated that it is currently in preliminary discussions with relevant verification agencies to simplify some verification processes for simpler products, aiming to minimize cost impacts.

Currently, there are six verification agencies that meet Taiwan's government standards: the British Standards Institution (BSI), TÜV Rheinland, Bureau Veritas Certification (BVC), SGS Taiwan, AFNOR Asia, and the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (ATRI). Taiwan Ministry of Environment noted that several other organizations are also in the application process, so verification capacity will continue to increase. Representatives from verification agencies also advised Taiwan Ministry of Environment to reference international practices, which is to simplify processes and reduce costs by implementing a license extension system. They expressed hope for utilizing remote videoconferencing for audits to enhance administrative efficiency in the review process.

EC Had Plans to Report by End of 2024 on Extending CBAM to Finished Goods

The European Commission (EC) planned in 2024 to report on the potential extension of CBAM to finished goods, particularly in the steel and aluminum sectors. Vicente Hurtado Roa, head of the CBAM unit, highlighted concerns that not applying CBAM to downstream products could lead companies to relocate production outside the EU to avoid carbon costs. Currently, starting in 2026, companies importing basic materials like aluminum and steel will need to purchase CBAM certificates linked to EU carbon prices, while EU producers will gradually lose free carbon allowances over nine years. The EC is assessing which downstream products have significant carbon content and competition from non-EU sources, aiming to prevent production shifts while minimizing administrative complexity.

UK Government Raises the Threshold for Triggering CBAM

The UK Government has published its response to a consultation regarding the introduction of its own CBAM, set to be implemented on January 1, 2027. This mechanism will apply to sectors such as aluminum, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, iron, and steel, but will exclude ceramics and glass. The threshold for triggering the CBAM has been increased from £10,000 to £50,000 for imported products annually.

Carbon Price in EU Could Surge in 2027

A recent quarterly survey by Reuters indicates that due to policy changes leading to reduced carbon allowance quotas, the price of carbon in the EU is expected to surge significantly by the end of 2027. Analysts predict an average carbon price of €111.14 per ton by 2027, a stark increase from the current price of €62.50 per ton. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a key mechanism for controlling carbon emissions and achieving climate goals within Europe. It mandates emission allowances for regulated sectors such as manufacturing, electricity, and aviation. Companies that emit less than their allocated quota can sell their excess allowances, while those exceeding their limits must purchase additional allowances.

Analysts also forecast fluctuations in carbon prices for 2025 and 2026, with expected prices of €76.88 and €92.48 per ton, respectively. Haege Fjellheim, chief carbon analyst at Veyt, emphasized that market players will follow more on this trend as a tightening supply in the carbon market is anticipated, particularly under the EU's "Fit for 55" initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030. This initiative includes mechanisms like the market stability reserve to withdraw surplus allowances from the market, further influencing carbon prices.

Taiwan's President William Lai Sets January 2025 as Deadline to Propose New Carbon Reduction Target for 2032

On October 24, 2024, President Lai chaired the second meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. In the meeting's conclusions, it was noted that Taiwan Ministry of Environment reported plans to set a new carbon reduction target for 2032. In 2025, countries around the world will submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, and Taiwan must align with global efforts. Taiwan's new carbon reduction target for 2032 will be presented at the next committee meeting in January, aiming to build consensus.

President Lai emphasized that Taiwan should have a net-zero emissions goal, and both the central authorities and local governments must establish their own targets to accelerate two key tasks. First, an internal carbon audit must be completed, including assessments of water, electricity, and fuel usage, referencing private sector's practices. The electrification of government-used vehicles is expected to be completed by 2030. Additionally, all public sector buildings, both new and existing, should lead by acquiring "Building Energy Efficiency Labels" and set target years for completion along with annual performance indicators to guide private sector's participation.

President Lai also highlighted the need to enhance green procurement as the second task. In addition to special budgets allocated for green procurement each year, the central government should set an example by gradually increasing the proportion of green procurement in its annual budget. The current target is to reach 10% by 2030, with discussions on potentially achieving even higher percentages. President Lai pointed out that "energy conservation" is a crucial first step. This requires full commitment from all authorities and consideration of how to effectively use administrative regulations to guide efforts. Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to create innovative business models that will help achieve the goal of saving 20.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the next four years.

European Think Tank Calls on the EU to Direct Revenues from CBAM to International Climate Finance

The European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition (ERCST) has issued a declaration urging the European Union (EU) to allocate revenues from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) towards international climate finance. The declaration emphasizes the need to support developing countries that are most affected by climate change and least equipped to adapt. It argues that directing these funds can enhance the implementation of the Paris Agreement and demonstrate that the CBAM is an environmental instead of protectionist measure. This initiative aligns with EU commitments to increase climate finance and address the significant funding gap faced by developing nations, estimated at nearly USD 6 trillion by 2030. ERCST is an independent think-tank registered under Belgium law.

EU May Revise CBAM to Alleviate Pressure on EU Exporters

Many EU exporters are concerned that costs associated with carbon emissions will increase their production expenses and undermine their competitiveness in the global market. CBAM which is aimed at foreign companies, has unintentionally harmed domestic EU exporters. This issue has garnered significant attention, prompting EU officials to consider revisions to the relevant regulations. To address exporters' concerns, EU officials, including former Deputy Director Gerassimos Thomas, have stated that they are exploring various solutions to assist affected exporters and ensure the competitiveness of local EU industries. Modifications to the CBAM regulations are currently under consideration.

Despite the potential for revisions, critics—including former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi—argue that the design of CBAM is overly complex and may be difficult to implement without cooperation from other countries. Additionally, several nations, including Brazil, South Africa, India, and China, have expressed opposition to CBAM, viewing it as discriminatory and a means of shifting the burden of emission reduction costs onto developing countries. These countries are negotiating to delay or abolish the mechanism.

Thailand Aims to Reach Net Zero Ahead of Schedule

Thailand is taking significant steps to combat climate change, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by 2030. In 2022, the country's industries emitted 65 million tons of carbon dioxide, aligning with its environmental goals. The Thai government has secured US$7 million annually from the Green Climate Fund to support various climate initiatives, which could finance approximately eight to nine projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and implementing the Climate Change Act.

Phirun Saiyasitpanich, director-general of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the importance of careful management of a US$4 million budget for climate adaptation in 2025, particularly for addressing issues like floods and droughts. He noted that starting in 2025, financial support for developing countries will transition to a four-year cycle, which necessitates clear goal-setting from Thailand to attract international funding. Discussions are ongoing about raising between US$100 billion and US$2 trillion from developed nations to assist developing countries in their climate commitments, which will support Thailand's Nationally Determined Contributions and potentially enable it to achieve net-zero carbon emissions sooner than planned.

Industry Development

India Potentially the New Blue Ocean for Taiwan's Fastener Export

India is actively developing its automotive industry, leading to a significant increase in demand for automotive fasteners. Additionally, as India gradually urbanizes and industrializes, there is an anticipated construction of 100 smart cities, which will further boost the demand for infrastructure and buildings, including industrial fasteners. According to statistics, the size of India's industrial fasteners market was USD 9.064 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 17.868 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%. For Taiwanese manufacturers, exports of fasteners to India totaled only 9,016 tons in the first ten months of 2024, ranking seventeenth overall, indicating considerable potential for future growth. However, Germany as Taiwan's second-largest export destination for fasteners is expected to see unemployment rise to 3 million people in 2025. As Europe's economic powerhouse, Germany has not shown improvement in its economic conditions over recent years. Consequently, Taiwan's exports of fasteners to Germany have continued to decline, with approximately 87,000 tons exported in the first ten months of 2024 at a price of USD 3.42 per kilogram, a decrease of 13.19% year-on-year.

JETRO Releases 2024 Report on Japanese Companies Operating Abroad

According to a report released by JETRO on November 28, 2024, Japanese companies have seen significant improvements in their business performance in India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Mexico. In contrast, their operations in China, Thailand, Germany, and the Netherlands have notably worsened. Overall, the proportion of Japanese companies reporting profits has increased, leading to a general perception that the business climate is improving. In India, 80% of Japanese companies plan to expand their operations locally, while 60% intend to do the same in Brazil and the UAE. Conversely, the number of Japanese companies looking to expand in China and Hong Kong has dropped to a historic low. Additionally, in Thailand, the intention to expand among Japanese firms has fallen to its second-lowest level ever. More than 70% of Japanese companies are looking to grow their businesses in the food and medical equipment sectors. Japanese firms in emerging markets are facing intense cost competition and a diverse array of competitors. China leverages its cost competitiveness as a weapon, while European and American companies focus on strengthening their brand power. In emerging markets, local firms are competing with other companies from China and the West, leading to an increasingly varied and competitive market landscape. In response to fierce cost competition, Japanese companies are exploring ways to strengthen their businesses and diversify their operations.

Companies Development

Optimas Surpasses Sustainability Targets Two Years Ahead of Schedule

Optimas, a global leader in industrial supply chain solutions, is excited to announce exceptional progress in its Net-Zero Strategy, achieving emissions reductions initially set for the end of 2025—two years ahead of schedule. Key milestones reached in 2023 include:

1. 17.5% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, exceeding the original target, 6.9% reduction, for 2025 through renewable energy adoption and improved refrigerant management.

2. 14.9% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity, surpassing 2025 expectations by combining emissions reduction initiatives with business growth. The original target was a 6.5% reduction.

These achievements demonstrate Optimas’ strong commitment to environmental responsibility, setting the stage for continued leadership in sustainability. “Our progress highlights the effectiveness of our strategy and our ability to outperform expectations,” said Mike Tuffy, CEO, International. Daniel Harms, CEO, Americas, added saying: “achieving 2025 targets two years early shows that Optimas is driving meaningful change for the environment and our customers.” Moving forward, Optimas will focus on scaling renewable energy use, electrifying heating systems, and engaging suppliers to ensure long-term decarbonization.

Italian Agrati Inaugurates “Agrati University” in Yantai Plant (China)

Agrati announced the inauguration of the ”Agrati University” at its plant in China. This significant milestone reflects its commitment to fostering continuous learning and development for its people globally. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Jin Wang (APAC COO), Mr. Gianluca Bella (Group HR Director) and HR team China, highlighting the importance the company places on collaboration and investment in its talent. “Agrati University” is more than a space; it’s a symbol of dedication to innovation, growth, and empowering its employees with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Growermetal Inaugurates New German Sales Branch

Growermetal is glad to inform its customers, employees and suppliers that on 1st October of 2024 a new sales branch has been inaugurated: Growermetal Germany GmbH. Growermetal has been living a process of expansion for some time now to make its sales network more and more timely and widespread. The opening of the new location will enable it to strengthen Growermetal’s presence in the German and European market. Its general manager Klaus Vogt is available to support all its partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Bulten Plans for New Establishment in Vietnam

Bulten and ZJK Vietnam Precision Components Co., Ltd, a part of the Chinese fastener company ZJK Precision Parts (ZJK), have signed a letter of intent to establish operations in Vietnam through a joint venture. Agreements have been signed between the parties with the aim of starting production in Vietnam in 2025. The background to the establishment is, as Bulten previously communicated, an increased demand for domestically produced micro screws among international customers in the consumer electronics industry with manufacturing in India and Vietnam. In late 2023 Bulten entered into a joint venture with ZJK and Indian Radium Fasteners Private Ltd (Radium) for the manufacture of micro screws and now a similar establishment is planned in Vietnam. “Bulten’s strategy is to grow within customer groups outside of automotive, which is our largest and most established segment. In recent years, we have had good development in the consumer electronics segment, especially in Asia, and see this trend continuing. It is against this background that we are now taking the next step and establishing ourselves in Vietnam. This will increase Bulten’s sales volumes and benefit profitability,” says Christina Hallin, Interim President and CEO of Bulten. The new joint venture plans to rent production facilities, which means limited investment costs and risk-taking for Bulten. Bulten’s ownership in the planned company will be 51 percent and ZJK Vietnam Precision Components Co., Ltd will own the remaining 49 percent. The proposed joint venture will be called Bulten ZJK Vietnam Company Ltd.

NORMA Group Wins Major Contract from Home Appliance Manufacturer in the US

NORMA Group has won a major order from an industrial customer to supply almost three million dishwashers with custom-made metal TORRO clamps annually starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. The customer is a leading global manufacturer of home appliances. NORMA Group is currently expanding its business with industry applications and aims to generate a larger share of sales in this area in the medium term.

CEO Guido Grandi: “This order is a good example of our strategy to build up additional business directly with manufacturers of machines and appliances from various industries in addition to our established sales channel via distributors. With our development capacities and our global production network, we can deliver customized solutions for our customers worldwide.

The TORRO worm drive clamp has been manufactured at NORMA Group's headquarters in Maintal for more than four decades. The clamp is characterized by a high belt tensile force and an even distribution of the clamping force. A new combination of the clamp band developed and manufactured in Europe and a screw based on the Anglo-American dimensional system was designed for the order. NORMA Group has been increasingly aligning itself with global strategic business units since 2023. This opens up additional market opportunities, for example with solutions for industry applications.

Century Fasteners Corp. Receives Accreditation to AS9120B Quality Management Systems

Century Fasteners Corp. has received the highly anticipated accreditation for AS9120B, Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Distributors, in addition to their accreditation to AS9100D. The company has received accreditation to both standards. Additionally, the company's conformance to AS6174A, Counterfeit Material; Assuring Acquisition of Authentic and Conforming Material, and AS5553D, Counterfeit Electrical, Electronic, and Electromagnetic (EEE) Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition were reviewed and confirmed by independent auditors. The results of that review are available within their audit report, which can be made available upon request.

Sterling Tools Partners with China’s Meishuo Electric for Power Transmission Solutions in India

Sterling Tools Limited (STL), a leading name in the fasteners industry, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with China’s Meishuo Electric, a renowned manufacturer of electrical components. This collaboration aims to bring advanced power transmission solutions to the Indian market, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the country's power infrastructure. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, promising to drive innovation and growth in India's power transmission industry.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Innovative Solutions: Combining STL's extensive experience in the Indian market with Meishuo Electric's cutting-edge technology to deliver state-of-the-art power transmission solutions.

• Market Expansion: Strengthening STL's product portfolio and expanding its reach in the rapidly growing Indian power sector.

• Sustainable Growth: Focusing on sustainable and energyefficient solutions to support India's commitment to renewable energy and reduced carbon emissions.

LISI AUTOMOTIVE Has Entered into Negotiations with ZeroBaseInvest with a View to Selling LISI AUTOMOTIVE NOMEL SAS

ZeroBaseInvest GmbH submitted a firm offer to LISI AUTOMOTIVE with a view to acquiring 100% of the shares in its subsidiary LISI AUTOMOTIVE NOMEL, which specializes in the manufacture of nuts by cold heading and washers by vertical cutting, notably for the automotive and industrial/distribution markets.

This subsidiary, located in La Ferté Fresnel (61) in France, on significant positions with automotive manufacturers

(Stellantis, Renault, VW, Nissan), industrial distributors and manufacturers of screws and cage nuts. LISI AUTOMOTIVE's subsidiaries will continue to purchase washers and nuts for its customers' automotive applications.

This acquisition project completes the range of nuts produced by ZerobaseInvest GmbH through its subsidiary ZB M+F, acquired from LISI AUTOMOTIVE FORMER in 2020. This disposal will enable LISI AUTOMOTIVE to continue refocusing its activities on high value-added fastening solutions and mechanical components for its automotive customers. This transaction is subject to satisfying certain conditions and obtaining the usual required authorizations. It should be completed by the end of February 2025.

Endries Acquires Assembly Fasteners, Inc.

Endries International, Inc. a leader in industrial fasteners, class-C components and fulfillment solutions is pleased to announce the acquisition of Assembly Fasteners, Inc. (AFI), a distributor specializing in latches, fasteners, and hardware products and solutions. Founded in 1984 with the goal of providing superior products and services, AFI offers a variety of services, including Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Customer Managed Inventory (CMI), and iBinDrop, a stock management innovation giving customers more control over their stock.

“I welcome the crew at AFI to the Endries family. It is a great business that the Watson’s and their team have built that fits hand-in-glove with Endries,” said Michael Knight, Endries President, and CEO. “This acquisition strengthens our presence in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, and increases our relationship with a key supplier of ours, PennEngineering®, whom we have in common with AFI.” “We are thrilled to join forces with Endries International as we look to build on our strong reputation for service excellence these past 40 years,” said Hugh Watson, Founder and CEO of AFI. “This partnership marks a new chapter for AFI, one that will enable us to grow nationwide and continue to provide exceptional value to our employees and customers well into the future. Together with Endries, we are poised to bring innovative solutions that will shape the industry and drive long-term success.”

Endries’ industry leading fulfillment solutions and expertise complement AFI’s renowned commitment to customer-centric programs and customer service. Together, Endries and AFI will deliver enhanced value, drive growth, and reinforce a shared dedication to innovation, quality, and service excellence in the fastener industry.

Genesys

Industries Acquires F3 Aerospace, An Advanced Aerospace Products Manufacturer

Genesys Industries announced that the company has acquired 100% of F3 Aerospace (F3). Genesys expects the acquisition to be accretive to its earnings within 3 months of closing. and this transaction will create equity value in-line with its long-term objectives. Decatur, IL based F3 Aerospace (F3) was founded in 1998 and is a leading manufacturer of structural aircraft components and assemblies for the aerospace sector. F3 products are currently embedded in countless programs in the commercial aerospace sector and has an established product line leaning mainly towards commercial aircraft hardware. The company is a direct buy OEM with customer approvals from the largest program managers in the world for the majority of its product line. The company products are currently installed and supports programs for Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, GKN Aerospace, Spirit AeroSystems, Textron and so many others. All mechanical parts manufacturing and assemblies are currently manufactured from the Decatur, IL facility. F3 has been a sole source manufacturer on certain legacy programs and continues supporting its multi-decade customer relationships. Genesys Industries will also acquire the commercial real estate that houses the current plant operations consisting of 10,000 sqft of advanced manufacturing space.

Genesys Industries Spokesperson stated, “We are excited about the acquisition of F3. This addition expands our already increasing footprint in the manufacturing of mechanical components for the commercial aerospace sector. It fits well with our aftermarketfocused value generation strategy. Specifically, it will add to our hardware line of products and diversify our own product lines and OEM sole source capabilities. The Company has established positions on a diverse range of new and existing fixed-wing platforms, strong aftermarket content and an outstanding reputation with its customers” Martin Trnovsky, President & CEO of F3 Aerospace (F3) commented, “F3 and Genesys share common markets, manufacturing expertise and values. Working together, we will be able to offer a broader range of products and enhanced service for our customers.”

compiled by Fastener World

Taiwan CSC Q1 2025 Meeting with Fastener Manufacturers

Taiwan-EU Carbon Tax Recognition & Unified Reporting Format Being Major Industrial Concerns

Taiwan

CSC, together with TIFI, organized the Q1 2025 meeting with fastener manufacturers on Dec./03, hoping to understand the current marketing situation and suggestions of the industry before the official announcement of price adjustments. In addition to Taiwan CSC Chairman of the Board Chien-Chih Hwang & Vice President Ming-Yuan Chen, TIFI Chairman Yung-Yu Tsai, Director General G. J. Lee of SME & Startup Administration of MOEA, Division Director ChaoChung Kuo of IDA (MOEA), Deputy Secretary Chi-Chuan Wang of Kaohsiung City Government, and Legislator Chih-Wei Chiu, Minister Jyh-Huei Kuo of MOEA also took time out of his schedule to meet with the fastener manufacturers. It is also the sincere hope of many industry players that the Minister will bring the problems reflected by the industry back to the Ministry for proper study and propose concrete solutions.

At the meeting, some manufacturers indicated that due to the impact of the macro-environment, the fastener industry has recently experienced a significant contraction in order intake and overcapacity, and hoped that the Government could help the industry to tide over the difficult times. Legislator Chih-Wei Chiu also echoed the voices of the industry, saying that geopolitics and Chinese products dumped at low prices have posed a great challenge to Taiwan's production and operation over the past few years, and hoped that MOEA would take care of the traditional industries in the central and southern parts of the country in addition to the AI industry, and help the industry transform, inject resources, and help them find their way out by means of relevant preferential policies and tax incentives.

The Minister of Economic Affairs said that “Taiwan is facing a completely new industrial situation after the Covid epidemic, and the fastener industry is also an industry that I am particularly concerned about, and I hope that I can communicate more with you on the future transformation and progress of the industry.” He believes that industrial transformation will be the focus of the future development of related components suppliers. He noted that MOEA is vigorously encouraging and offering guidance to the development of the “health-related industry” , including sports-related facilities, equipment and even medical facilities & equipment, all of which are what the industry can think about to penetrate into.

TIFI Chairman Tsai also took the opportunity to reflect to the Minister of Economic Affairs that many fasteners used in national public works projects in Taiwan are often made in China, and he hoped that the Minister could provide assistance in this regard. In addition, he also put forward the idea that Taiwanese fastener industry is in dire need of “large-scale distribution centers.” He said that the current distribution channels of Taiwanese fasteners are still in the hands of customers, if Taiwanese Government can assist the industry in establishing distribution centers, or through mergers and acquisitions of European and U.S. large distributors to control the channels, Taiwanese suppliers absolutely have the opportunity to turn the tide.

Some manufacturers also raised questions about the progress of Taiwan Government's promotion of carbon reduction and bilateral discussions with the EU on the mutual recognition of carbon taxes, and they hope that Taiwan's Ministry of Environment and other relevant units will actively strive for more favorable conditions for Taiwanese industry players. In this regard, Director General G. J. Lee of SME & Startup Administration of MOEA said that the current statistics show that about 280 Taiwanese manufacturers may be subject to carbon tax by the EU, and it is expected that the tax will not be levied until 2026, and that the EU is still in the process of discussing the part of bilateral recognition, and that Taiwan will continue to have more discussions on these issues with the EU.

The industry is also concerned about whether upstream raw material suppliers such as Taiwan CSC will pass on the cost of carbon reduction to the downstream industry, and it is also mentioned that the government should return a certain percentage of the carbon fee collected from the industry to allow the industry to carry out carbon reduction work, so as to have a substantial effect on the carbon reduction target. In terms of CBAM reporting, the industry also hopes that Taiwan CSC can play a role that large enterprises should play by cooperating with IDA (MOEA) and MIRDC to assist in carbon inventories with the fastener industry, and more importantly, to establish a database and a unified reporting format that every company collaborating with it can use, so that Taiwanese manufacturers can have a better direction and basis in reporting, and at the same time, allow the EU to have more confidence in the reporting made by Taiwanese fastener industry. In this regard, the representative of Taiwan CSC said that they have in fact achieved a certain degree of common reporting format, though it is still not 100% complete, they will study its feasibility in detail and try their best to work towards the expectation of the industry.

During the meeting, TIFI Chairman Tsai also called on the management of Taiwan CSC to take the views of the industry into consideration and make a resolution that best meets the interests of the industry, so as to enable Taiwan fastener industry to have greater competitiveness in the international market.

Nore: Taiwan CSC has announced the latest pricing meeting result and the prices for all products in Q1 2025 remain unchanged.

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

▼ Minister Jyh-Huei Kuo of MOEA

▼ TIFI Chairman Yung-Yu Tsai

AMERICAN News

Global Economies Brace for U.S. Tariffs

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump pledged to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada on his first day in office. In response, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the penalties would cause inflation and unemployment in the U.S.

Mexico is the top U.S. trading partner, and Canada is close behind. More than US$1.5 trillion worth of goods are exchanged annually among the three North American nations. Mexico’s top exporters included U.S.-based automakers General Motors and Ford Motor Company, which have built sprawling modern production facilities around the country.

Trump’s latest tariff pledge sent shivers through the U.S. auto industry, which depends heavily on both countries for parts and manufacturing. The prospect of tariffs “is a two-alarm fire for the auto industry,” said Patrick Anderson, CEO of consulting firm Anderson Economic Group. “There is probably not a single assembly plant in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Texas that would not immediately be affected by a 25 percent tariff.”

The list of vehicles made in Mexico or Canada includes Ram pickups and Chrysler minivans. General Motors makes Chevrolet Silverado pickups and electric versions of Equinox and Blazer SUVs in Mexico, where Ford also makes its Maverick pickup. Separately, Trump outlined “an additional 10% tariff, above any additional tariffs” on imports from China. He has previously pledged to end China's most-favored-nation trading status and slap tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60% - much higher than those imposed during his first term. Trade between the U.S. and China amounts to US$600 billion annually.

U.S. fasteners and automotive products suppliers have prepared for months for this outcome. Executives at auto parts retailer AutoZone told investors in October 2024 that they were prepared for products they import from India, China and Germany to become more expensive. “If we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer,” Philip Daniele, CEO of AutoZone, said on a recent earnings call. “We’ll generally raise prices ahead of — we know what the tariffs will be — we generally raise prices ahead of that.” Likewise, Stanley Black & Decker CEO Donald Allan told investors his company would probably “have to do some surgical price actions” to offset any new tariffs.

NFDA Panel: ‘Sell Relationships’ to Build Customer Trust

“Take care of the customer,” panelist Kelly Lehman of Pacific Warehouse Sales told the National Fastener Distributors Association. Lehman credited her father, the late Bob Lehman, for establishing PWS relations with customers. Beyond being customers, he made them his friends, she added.

Kevin Chavis of Star Stainless Screw agreed. “You have to sell relationships” and build trust. Customers need to know “we want to do business with you.” NFDA panelists on the topic “What Business Are You Really In?” emphasized serving the customer. Kelly Charles of manufacturer Sems and Specials noted each customer “has their own personality” and “hot buttons.” Feedback from customers should be both “formal and passive,” Charles said.

Distributor Mark Beaty of Beawest Fasteners emphasized “respect.” “Ship accurately,” Beaty said. After delivering the wrong parts, Beawest added a “double check on all shipments.” NFDA president Scott McDaniel of Martin Fastening Solutions added that “you are only as good as your last delivery.”

Not all potential customers are good customers for you. Lehman noted that “I will fire a customer” that PWS has too much trouble with. “We won’t take that abuse,” Lehman said. Part of success is “picking the right customers,” McDaniel said.

AI is part of business now. “There is no denying AI,” Chavis said. He finds AI provides great followup information. “AI will involve itself ” in your business, but you are “still going to need people for building relationships and trust,” Chavis said. Charles said Sems and Specials has gone to daily meetings as needed to handle problems. “Everyone is empowered to make own decisions,” she said. “Allow people to make mistakes,” Charles said. “They want to feel included.” Chavis emphasized communication is vital and is both internal and external.

“Inventory is the one thing we can control,” Beaty said. If a factory has to shut down because parts aren’t available on time, there may be 400 people on the floor idled. McDaniel noted that

shutting down a factory can cost US$25,000 a day. That highlights the importance of forecasting. Know what the signals are. “Know their business better than they do,” he said. If you don’t have inventory, a customer may turn to a competitor, Beaty pointed out.

Charles, noting Sems & Specials specializes in “made-to-order products” said she has “never had to turn down an order in 22 years” with the company. “Inventory is king,” Lehman agreed. “If you don’t have it on the shelf, they are going elsewhere. If you have it, you are going to sell it.”

Beaty noted “something is always going to come at you. Approach in a positive way. Don’t overreact.” “Your customers aren’t concerned about your problems,” Beaty finds. Customers “just want it fixed.” The bottom line is that “customers want to see the right thing at the right time,” Beaty said.

Costly Boeing Machinist Strike Ends

The machinist strike at Boeing’s West Coast facilities has ended. Nearly 60% of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ District 751 and W24 voted Monday to accept a new four-year contract with Boeing. Workers returned to work Nov. 6. The 53-day strike halted production at Boeing’s factories in Puget Sound, WA, and Portland, OR, for commercial airplanes and defense, space and security programs, including the 737 Max.

YFP Panel Offers Career Advice: First, Work Hard

“Perform to a level that can’t be ignored,” Jake Glaser of Sherex Fastening Systems advised Young Fastener Professionals. “Show my company that you have value.” Second, don’t overdo it. “It shows if you try to be something you are not,” said Tim Vath of Solution Industries. “It has to be about authenticity.” And third, stay curious.

“Ask questions” to get involved in projects, Mike Robinson of Star Stainless Screw suggested. The three “Leadership Development for the Young Fastener Professional” panelists offered experience and advice to members during the National Fastener Distributors Association 2024 executive summit.

Vath suggested “look at the high-performers” and decide, “I want to be there.” Understand your own style and where your strengths are day-to-day and beyond, Glaser said. Glaser, who started with Sherex in inside sales, said he was encouraged to participate in entrepreneurial events and continuing education via local college programs.

“Mentors gave me space,” said Vath, who started in the warehouse. Mentors need to give the mentee “autonomy to grow,” Glaser said. Ultimately the mentee must have the “interest, desire and drive” to advance, Glaser said. Build relationships early and maintain them, Vath advised. There must be mutual respect. “Understand people at their level” and the way they receive information, Vath said. “Go with your gut,” Vath said. “Accept risk of failure.”

Robinson advised “focusing on relationships” and networking. Robinson mentioned “EQ” as necessary. Emotional quotient is understanding and managing your emotions and others. Advancing may require difficult conversations, Robinson noted. Your path varies if the employer is a family business or large publicly-traded company, Robinson said. There are also times to let go where it is “just not the right fit,” Glaser pointed out.

Vath added that “you are not going to have a great relationship with everybody.”

Fastenal Names new EVP of Strategy & Communications

At Fastenal Co., Winona, MN, USA, Donnalee K. Papenfuss is now Executive Vice President (EVP) of Strategy and Communications. In this new role, Papenfuss will lead marketing and drive strategic initiatives in the areas of technology, sales and environmental, social and governance. She will also enhance communication efforts to support these initiatives and ensure alignment with overall business objectives. Papenfuss served as Fastenal’s Vice President of Contract Development and Support from February 2014 to October 2024. In this role, she led teams responsible for various sales enablement, sales development and sales support functions— from providing tools and resources to help sellers in the field succeed in their roles to developing proposals and facilitating workflows for contract negotiations.

Thomas Cochran Awarded YFP Scholarship for Training

The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA), headquartered in Seal Beach, CA, USA, has announced that the Young Fastener Professionals (YFP) in partnership with the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) recently awarded a scholarship for Fastener Training Week. Thomas Cochran, who is the Business Development Manager for Threaded Fasteners Inc., located in Pensacola, FL, USA, has been awarded the scholarship for the advanced fastener technical training program produced by the Fastener Training Institute. Young Fastener Professionals is proud to offer one scholarship for Fastener Training Week each year. Each YFP scholarship is valued at US$2800. YFP scholarships can be used for any Fastener Training Week program in 2025 or 2026. The scholarship is for tuition only and does not include expenses for travel, lodging or meals.

Century Fasteners Corp. Co-Founders Added to Smithsonian Wall of Honor

Century Fasteners Corp. Co-Founders, George Stieglitz and Jack Schlegel, have been added to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s – “Wall of Honor.” From the early days in the Brooklyn Navy Shipyard to today, with over 500 parts on the world’s most advanced fighter jet and the countless other DoD, NASA and military programs supported, their vision and leadership ultimately led to Century contributing to the advancement and innovation in aerospace and space technology. George Stieglitz and Jack Schlegel have their names, pictures and profiles listed on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Wall of Honor” website and will have their names permanently engraved on Foil #49.

John Varley to VP Sales & Marketing at Auto Bolt

Auto Bolt, Cleveland, OH, USA, welcomes John Varley as VP of Sales & Marketing. With over 20 years of industry experience and a strong record of driving growth and customer satisfaction, Varley will lead the company’s sales strategy and help expand its market reach. Varley’s industry knowledge and commitment to customer focus align with Auto Bolt’s vision of delivering excellence in the fastener industry.

Semblex® Celebrates 25-Years as Licensed EJOT® Manufacturer

Semblex® Corp. achieved a major milestone, marking 25 years as a licensed manufacturer for EJOT®. Semblex President, Gene Simpson, and Eric Breidenbaugh, VP of Quality/Engineering, were presented with the award in Germany at the Global Licensing Meeting by EJOT VP Dr. Markus Duchardt and Frank Schlosser, EJOT Licensing Manager. This achievement recognizes Semblex’s dedication to high-quality products, its long partnership with EJOT, its commitment and to high-value market solutions.

Fastener Training Week Closes Another Great Year of Training

2024 was another busy year for the Fastener Training Institute (FTI). The last in-person class of 2024 was conducted in Cleveland, OH, USA, at the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI). Dan Walker, IFI Managing Director, hosted, and Salim Brahimi, IFI Director of Engineering & Technology and Laurence Claus, IFI Director of Education & Training, presented the course. The class was sponsored by Birmingham Fasteners and produced by Jo Morris, FTI Director of Marketing. Students from 25 firms from across the USA and Canada attended the class, which included plant tours at Charter Steel and The Auto Bolt Company. Although the live class schedule is ended for 2024, FTI’s On-Line Learning Library provides users with 24/7 availability.

First Aviation Services Acquires Saint Technologies

First Aviation Services Inc., Westport, CT, USA, a leading provider of aircraft parts manufacturing, aircraft component maintenance and related engineering has acquired Saint Technologies Inc. of Shannon, IL, USA. Saint Technologies, founded in 1999, makes specialized lock washers for securing critical hardware assemblies in high-vibration and shock environments under the brand name REALLOCK®. REALLOCK saves weight, reduces assembly time and ensures critical safety for numerous applications covering land, sky and space. For over 10 years, REALLOCK self-locking washers have proven themselves to meet the most demanding requirements in aerospace design such as the F-22, F-35, Patriot Missile and satellites. The lack of chemical coatings makes REALLOCK suitable for extreme environments of outer space. High and low temperatures, pressures and loads are all defeated by Saint Technologies’ unique locking device.

News provided by:

John Wolz, Editor of FIN (globalfastenernews.com)

Mike McNulty, FTI VP & Editor (www.fastenertech.com)

TURKISH News

provided by Irem Yaren BAYSAL, Editor of Fastener Eurasia Magazine www.fastenereurope.com

Diverse Manufacturing Methods in Fasteners Industry

In the fasteners industry, having access to various manufacturing techniques is essential for versatility, cost efficiency, and quality. Different methods, such as hot forging, cold forging, stamping, and machining, allow for the production of a wide range of components with specific material properties, precision, and surface quality. This diversity enables companies to adapt to varying design requirements, optimize production costs, and meet stringent quality standards, ultimately ensuring the ability to respond effectively to market demands and technological advancements.

Norm Fasteners excels in diverse manufacturing techniques that enhance both the strength and precision of metal components and offers robust and versatile manufacturing solutions tailored to meet the highest standards.

Hot forging results in a more homogeneous metal structure by realigning the grain structures within the metal through heating and shaping. This process significantly enhances the material's overall strength and durability. The technique improves the metal's grain structure, which boosts the mechanical properties and strength of the forged parts. Moreover, the thermal processing involved in hot forging minimizes the chance of cracks, further increasing the material's durability.

Cold forging is a metalworking process that shapes metal at room temperature using high-pressure dies, preserving the material's original properties without the need for heating. This method is highly effective for producing parts with complex geometries and excellent surface quality. Additionally, Cold forging increases the mechanical strength of components without compromising the fmaterial's structure. It is ideal for high-volume production, providing cost-effective and high-quality fasteners.

Stamping and sheet metal forming are ideal for high-volume production runs, offering cost reduction and increased capacity. Progressive dies, aligned with lean manufacturing principles, integrate multiple processes seamlessly, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. As a precision manufacturing method, stamping ensures high accuracy and repeatability, making it a preferred choice in industries like automotive, where consistent quality is crucial. This precision enhances product quality and ensures each production cycle reliably meets strict specifications.

Machining is a precise technique for producing high-accuracy components in various shapes and materials. It offers tight tolerances, excellent surface finishes, and the ability to create complex geometries. The process minimizes waste through accurate material removal and supports both small-batch and large-scale production.

By combining these methods, Norm Fasteners also optimizes production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This comprehensive approach allows Norm to reinforce the commitment to excellence and innovation in the fasteners industry.

Norm Holding Presented at the Leaders Summit in USA

Norm Holding presented with its project within the scope of the “SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals” at the Leaders Summit, organized by the UN Global Compact, the world’s most inclusive sustainability platform, which brings together opinion leaders and business pioneers in the field of sustainability on the global stage.

The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, held on September 24-25, 2024 in New York, brought together global business leaders, UN officials, heads of state, and civil society professionals as part of the UN General Assembly and the 2024 Summit of the Future.

Representing Norm Holding, Senior Sustainability Specialist İ zel Özgür Tekeli, Method Engineer Elif Yegen, and Strategy and Business Development Specialist Berk Ak ş it, under the leadership of Sustainability and Management Systems Director

Muhsin Doğ an, participated in the program and presented the project proposal they developed after participating in online training and workshops for 6 months within the scope of the SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals.

At the Leaders Summit held on September 24, 2024 in New York, the team representing Türkiye garnered significant praise for their project proposal on waste energy recovery. They are now continuing their new initiatives with significant momentum.

Norm Holding Sustainability Committee Chairman Mustafa Sabri Doğ rusoy stated, “We place great importance on supporting the transformation and development of society and the business world, especially our customers. While driving this transformation with high value-added, high-quality, safe, and innovative products, we also support the development of the sectors and regions in which we operate through the responsible investment approach we have adopted as a holding. Sustainability is critical in every department and area of our company, serving as a core focus across all our business processes. The project we presented at the Leaders Summit was brought to life by a team composed of individuals from various departments within our company. The project developed through the collaboration of our colleagues from sustainability, strategy, and methodology departments, holds special significance as it reminds us once again that sustainability is a responsibility shared by all departments and, indeed, by all of us. While experiencing the joy of representing Norm Holding at the Leaders Summit, we congratulate our team for presenting their project and extend our gratitude for the pride they have brought us.”

Turkish Automotive Industry October 2024 Results

In the January-October period of 2024, total automotive production decreased by 7% and automobile production decreased by 5% compared to the same period of the previous year. In this period, total production was 1 million 122 thousand 567 units and automobile production was 742 thousand 303 units.

In the January-October period of 2024, the total market decreased by 2% compared to the same period of the previous year and amounted to 983 thousand 968 units. In this period, the automobile market amounted to 750 thousand 935 units in parallel with the previous year.

In the commercial vehicle group, production decreased by 12%, light commercial vehicle group by 10% and heavy commercial vehicle group by 25% in the January-October period of 2024. Compared to the January-October period, the commercial vehicle market decreased by 7%, the light commercial vehicle market decreased by 6%, and the heavy commercial vehicle market decreased by 10%.

In the January-October period of 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year, total automotive exports were realized in line with the previous year on a unit basis, while automobile exports decreased by 2%. In this period, total automotive exports amounted to 826 thousand 259 units and automobile exports amounted to 531 thousand 680 units.

In the January-October period of 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year, total automotive exports increased by 3% in US dollars and 2% in euros. In this period, total automotive exports amounted to US$30.2 billion, while automobile exports increased by 2% and amounted to US$9 billion. Automobile exports in Euro terms increased by 1% to €8.3 billion.

PRODUCTION

In the January-October period of 2024, a total of 1 million 122 thousand 567 vehicles were produced, decreasing by 7% compared to the same period of the previous year.

In the January-October period of 2024, total production including tractor production amounted to 1 million 162 thousand 178 units. Compared to 2023, the production of commercial vehicles carrying cargo and passengers decreased by 12% in the January-October period of 2024, while production on the basis of product group increased by 9% in minibuses and 1% in midibuses; 6% in buses, 31% in trucks, 12% in pickup trucks decreased at the rate.

In the January-October period of 2024, automobile production decreased by 5% compared to the January-October period of 2023 and became 742 thousand 303 units, and tractor production decreased by 18 percent to 39 thousand 611 units.

EXPORT

In the January-October period of 2024, 531 thousand 680 vehicles, 79 thousand 826 of which were automobiles, constituting 259 percent of the total production, were exported. Vehicle exports in the January-October period of 2024 were at a parallel level compared to the same period of 2023.

In this period, automobile exports decreased by 2% compared to the same period of the previous year, while commercial vehicle exports increased by 1%. Tractor exports, on the other hand, decreased by 24 percent compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 11 thousand 860 units.

According to the data of Uluda ğ Exporters' Associations (UIB), total automotive exports in the January-October period of 2024 increased by 3% compared to 2023 and reached US$30.2 billion. In euro terms, it increased by 2% last year to €27.7 billion. In this period, main industry exports increased by 5% and supply industry exports increased by 2% in US dollar terms.

According to the data of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, total automotive industry exports (excluding exports exempt from the registration of exporters' associations and the difference between warehouses and free zones) ranked first in the sectoral export ranking with a share of 16 percent in the first ten months of 2024.

Turkey's White Goods Sector

The White Goods Industrialists' Association of Turkey (TÜRKBESD) evaluated the data for the first half of 2024 regarding the sector. According to the report, exports in 6 main product groups decreased by 4% compared to the previous year. Domestic sales, on the other hand, grew by 11% in the first half and shrank in the last 3 months. TÜRKBESD President Gökhan Sığı n stated that despite the high season, the slowdown in domestic market growth and the downward trend in exports pose risks to production and employment.

According to the information shared by TÜRKBESD, which includes domestic, international, importer and manufacturer companies such as Arçelik, BSH, Dyson, Electrolux, Groupe SEB, Haier Europe, LG, Miele, Samsung, Versuni (Philips) and Vestel, an 11% growth was recorded in domestic sales in the first 6 months compared to the previous year in 6 main product groups. However, the domestic market growth, which was 28% on average in the first 3 months of 2024, fell to an average of -5% in the last 3 months. While the downward trend in exports continued, a decrease of 4% was recorded in the first 6 months of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Total sales, consisting of exports and domestic sales in six main products, remained stable at approximately 16 million units, similar to 2023. However, there was a 1% increase in production compared to the previous year.

Turkey's white goods industry, which is the largest producer in Europe and the second largest in the world with a production volume of 7 percent, has a production capacity of 33 million units and an export capacity of 23 million units.

Gökhan S ığı n, President of TÜRKBESD, stated that the sector, which provides 60 thousand direct and 600 thousand indirect employment areas, competes worldwide with its R&D, digital transformation and green transformation investments.

EUROPEAN News

Fastener + Fixing Magazine www.fastenerandﬁxing.com

EU Launches New AD Investigation

The European Commission has given notice of the initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding, concerning imports of screws without heads, originating in the People’s Republic of China.

Published on 17th October 2024, the product subject to this investigation is screws and bolts, with or without their nuts and washers, without heads, of iron or steel other than stainless steel, regardless of tensile strength – excluding coach screws and other woodscrews, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, as well as screws and bolts for fixing railway track construction material.

The notice reports: “The European Commission has received a complaint pursuant to Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8th June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union, alleging that imports of screws without heads, originating in the People’s Republic of China, are being dumped and are thereby causing injury to the Union industry.”

“The product allegedly being dumped is the product under investigation, originating in the People’s Republic of China, currently classified under CN codes 7318 15 42 and 7318 15 48. The CN code is given for information only and without prejudice to a subsequent change in the tariff classification.”

“The investigation of dumping and injury will cover the period from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024 (‘the investigation period’). The examination of trends relevant for the assessment of injury will cover the period from 1st January 2021 to the end of the investigation period (‘the period considered’).”

The full notice can be viewed online.

Falling Demand Creates Opportunities

Bulten Group has reported net sales amounted to SEK 1.33 billion (€1.3 billion) for the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 3.3% on the same period the previous year. Adjusted operating earnings totalled SEK 91 million (€7.8 million), equating to an adjusted operating margin of 6.8%.

Christina Hallin, interim president and CEO, highlights: “The reported operating earnings for the third quarter are an improvement on the corresponding quarter of 2023 and on the previous quarter this year. This is a clear sign that our efforts over the past year to stabilise and streamline production, combined with a focus on reducing our costs, are paying off. The operating margin has improved during Q3, which is generally a weaker quarter as there are fewer days of production. The margin has been positively impacted by non-recurring items, including insurance compensation relating to machinery in Poland. Our long-term ambition to have an operating margin of 8% remains, although this will be difficult to achieve for 2024 as a whole.”

She continues: “There has been a slight decline in demand for fasteners from vehicle manufacturers in all markets during the quarter. The falling demand is largely due to a decrease in vehicle sales, but also to the fact that some of our larger customers are shifting platforms, thus affecting their Q3 2024 net sales production volumes in the short term.”

“In addition, there are other disruptions in OEM supply chains, which impact on our sales volumes. Although the market is not growing at the same rate as before, we now have an operation that is more stable and flexible, which is able to handle large fluctuations. The fall in demand gives us the opportunity to review our customer base and focus on customers and segments where we see better margins. It also enables us to review our customer contracts and phase out any unprofitable ones, something we have been doing during the quarter. We have also begun to reduce working hours in a couple of factories and we are working on a number of minor structural issues, including a review of some of our joint ventures. We cannot rule out additional structural changes moving forward, if they are necessary to further improve profitability levels,” concludes Christina.

Berardi Completes Fixi Acquisition

Berardi Group, a portfolio company of H.I.G Capital, has completed the acquisition of Italian-based Fixi Srl – a distributor of fastening systems offering a wide range of products such as rivets, threaded inserts, self-clinching fasteners, welding studs and related professional equipment.

With depots in Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche, and Abruzzo, Fixi serves over 2,000 industrial customers in Italy and across Europe. The transaction represents a significant step in Berardi’s growth strategy, aiming to enrich the range of products and services offered to its customers through strategic acquisitions of distributors specialised in high potential product categories.

The acquisition will strengthen Berardi’s position as a national leader in the fastening systems category, a segment in strong growth for its customers. It will also improve the geographic coverage and service in Italy and throughout Europe, to the benefit of its customers.

“The partnership with Fixi is a step of enormous importance in the growth path that we have outlined for our Group, which will enable us to have a greater geographical presence and to provide our customers with a product portfolio and a range of services suited to their every need,” underlines Giovanni Berardi, chairman of Berardi, and Mauro Pasini, CEO at Berardi Group.

Maurizio and Alessandro Mora, majority shareholders and CEOs of Fixi, added: “We are excited about our new partnership with Berardi, the undisputed leader in the distribution of industrial components in Italy. Our history and shared culture of excellence, innovation and maximum attention to our customers and employees enables us to fully leverage our specialist skills in fastening systems and seize new growth opportunities that will enable us to accelerate the development of the business.”

Nord-Lock Group Establishes Regional Office in Malaysia

Nord-Lock Southeast Asia and Taiwan, part of the Nord-Lock Group – the world’s leading provider of advanced bolting and engineering solutions, has announced the inauguration of its regional office in Q Sentral, located at the heart of the capital’s transportation hub, Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

Nord-Lock Group’s move to relocate its regional office from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur underscores the market leader’s commitment to expand its presence and it will serve as a hub for its operations in the Asia-Pacific region, to better serve its customers and partners.

Norbert Hentschel, head of Asia-Pacific at Nord-Lock Group, explains: “Nord-Lock Group’s investment in this new regional office underscores our long-term vision for growth in Malaysia. Over the years, Malaysia has emerged as a key market for us, offering a skilled workforce, strategic location, as well as a conducive business environment. This relocation strengthens our presence in the region and marks the start of an exciting chapter in Nord-Lock Group’s journey to establish closer relationships with our distributors, strengthen our global presence and deliver excellence to our customers regionally.”

Robert Lejon, deputy head of mission of the embassy of Sweden to Malaysia, who was at the inauguration event, agreed with Norbert Hentschel. “Through safe bolted connections, Nord-Lock Group provides a critical component that holds modern society together, and through its decision to expand and invest, it is also bringing Sweden and Malaysia closer together. This will open more doors for growth in business and cooperation between our nations, providing more job opportunities in both our countries respectively. We are excited about the opportunities this move will bring and look forward to mutual success.”

Bigger Plans in Store for Malaysia

The Malaysian office will be helmed by Kang Tzee Chang, general manager, Nord-Lock Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Kang Tzee Chang comments: “Our new office in Kuala Lumpur represents a significant milestone for Nord-Lock, as we continue to expand our footprint in Southeast Asia. We are committed to investing in Malaysia, fostering local talent, and contributing to the country’s economic development. This move is a testament to our belief in the immense potential of the Malaysian market.”

Nord-Lock takes a long-term view of its presence in Malaysia with plans to continue investing in its operations, as well as establishing a regional distribution centre by the end of the year. Kang continues: “Our Malaysian office is staffed by a dynamic and professional workforce with in-depth expertise – our plan is to further expand this established and experienced team.”

BRAZILIAN News

Brazil: Waking up to the Sun, Water and Wind Energy Sources

Brazil is the leader in the G20 in terms of renewable electricity, where it had around 89% share in 2023

"The rest of the G20 can follow Brazil’s successful model and lead the global transition to a future of sustainable energy. In terms of renewable energy, Brazil is the leading country among G20 Group, taking up around 89% share during the year of 2023", said Kostantsa Rangelova, Global Electricity Analyst of Ember (www.ember-energy.org).

NEF: Toward Total Renewable Energy

The Brazilian fastener manufacturer’s way of sustainable footprint

A Brazilian firm founded in 1980, Naschold Elementos de Fixação (NEF) manufactures several kinds of metallic items through cold forming process. Its portfolio includes small sizes of rivets, screws and bolts, pins (flat, knurled, smooth), rollers for bearings, all produced using equipment from National Machinery, a North American manufacturer specialized in the fastener sector.

Recently, NEF has invested in modernization towards sustainable energy, in which the finish line will 100% electricity supply through the sun, said Roland Naschold, the CEO.

With a strong tradition in hydroelectric matrix energy use, local governments and companies have used new and clean sources more, such as solar and wind power.

According to Ember, the energy share is divided into 60% from hydroelectric, 11% from non-renewable, 8% from bioenergy, and 21% from wind and solar, the last of which is so much to acquire.

"We already have 460 photovoltaic panels installed on a land area of 1,500 m². In 2023, NEF consumed 361 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the local concessionaire. Soon, our generation will be achieving 362 MW per year, practically achieving zero electricity bill, with ROI in five years,” said the CEO.

Belenus Green Energy Goes Green

One of most important players in the South American fastener market is going green to get sustainable electric energy sources

Located beside Belenus fastener factory in Vinhedo town, SP state, Brazil, the company opened in 2024 a new building spanning 25,000 m², accommodating around 450 employees. It is becoming 100% self-sufficient in electrical energy thanks to extensive installation of photovoltaic generators and batteries.

Overall, the green energy installation has 2,260 550W modules, 60 5kW/h batteries, 5 50kWp hybrid inverters, which are able to generate approximately 150,422kWh per month.

Metalúrgica SAM, a Nut Expert Since 1964

A Brazilian manufacturer with total focus on nuts, mainly supplying heavy metallic items, Metalúrgica SAM was founded in 1964, in Sao Paulo City, SP State, Brazil. The company is led by Mr. José Ferreira Rosa (Zinho), the owner and CEO, since 2000.

Metalúrgica SAM is a nut manufacturing expert for customers who operate as suppliers in the automotive, road and agricultural equipment, machinery, oil and gas, etc.

Its nuts are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001 standards and CRC (Certificate of Cadastral Registration issued by Petrobras), using pressing and machining processes, including CNC machining, to produce a wide range of sizes from M3 to M120, all done at the industrial unit in São Bernardo do Campo, SP, headquarters spanning more than 2 thousand m², capable of processing more than 130 tons per month.

“We can manufacture very large nuts every five minutes”, said Zinho, who spent almost three decades as manager of the famous Cisplatina, a fastener distributor. He left Cisplatina to take care of the already existing Metalúrgica SAM, which is abbreviated from the names of the former owners: Salvador, Alcides and Manoel.

“I took over Metalúrgica SAM when it was in the Lapa neighbourhood, SP, at 36 years old and had five employees (today there are 40); I decided to keep the name out of respect for the already renowned founders”, recalled the CEO.

2000 年就任的執行長 J. Rosa (Zinho)

INDIAN News

Posts Record Profit

Sundram Fasteners Ltd, an arm of the TVS Group, announced its highest-ever consolidated net profit for the quarter ended in September at INR 143.84 crore, up 8 percent from INR 133 crore in the same period of 2023. It marks a milestone achievement for the auto parts firm.

Consolidated earnings per share (EPS) grew to INR 6.78 from INR 6.28 in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Consolidated revenue from operations during the quarter was up, reaching INR 1,486 crore in comparison to 2023’s figure of INR 1,422 crore.

In the first half of the 2024 fiscal, Sundram Fasteners entered with consolidated revenues of INR 2,984 crore. The company has added half-year net profit of INR 287 crore in comparison to INR 262 crore previously.

The board of the firm has announced an interim dividend of INR 3 per share, which translates to 300 percent for the fiscal 2024-25.

Sterling, GLVAC Partner for India’s EV Growth

Sterling Tools Ltd, India’s second-largest automotive fastener manufacturer, has partnered with China-based Kunshan GLVAC Yuantong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (GLVAC YT) to boost India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. Through its subsidiary, Sterling Tech-Mobility Ltd, the company aims to establish local production of key High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) contactors and relays that regulate current flow in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Sterling Tools plans to invest around INR 40 crore in a new manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. This plant will produce HVDC contactors and relays, helping the company capture INR 250 crore in revenue by FY30 through import substitution. The initiative supports the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ policies by reducing import dependency and strengthening India’s EV supply chain.

Anish Agarwal, Director, Sterling Tools, highlighted EV safety as a key focus, noting that the Bengaluru facility will make critical components more affordable for India’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Li Qinghua, General Manager, GLVAC YT, remarked that the partnership aligns with India’s EV growth, combining GLVAC’s technical expertise with Sterling’s production capabilities to support sustainable progress in electric mobility.

Gala Precision Surges on Market Debut

Gala Precision Engineering, a manufacturer of precision components, made a ringing debut and saw the stock listing at a significant premium, bringing delight to the investors. The Thane-based company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) at INR 750 after a strong rise of 41.78 percent over its issue price per equity share of INR 529. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the stock opened at INR 721.10, which marks it at a premium of about 36.31 percent.

Ahead of its listing, the shares of Gala traded at a premium of INR 245-250 in the gray market, which promises a debut. Investors saw nearly a 50 percent listing gain at one point, with high pre-listing demand underscoring initial public offering (IPO) popularity.

The IPO for Gala Precision started from September 2-4, wherein the shares were priced in the range of INR 503-529, with a lot size of 28 shares. Altogether, raising INR 167.93 crore, including INR 135.34 crore, through the issue of new shares and selling up to 6.16 lakh shares through an offer-for-sale (OFS).

The IPO saw phenomenal interest, as the issue was subscribed 201.41 times. Qualified institutional bidders (QIBs) subscribed 232.54 times; non-institutional investors bid 414.62 times; retail investors and employees showed good support, subscribing at 91.95 times and 259 times, respectively.

New BIS Rules for Fasteners

The Indian Government, in a push for higher quality in industrial fasteners, has introduced the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2024, under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. This order would require all screws and fasteners to comply with Indian Standards, which shall bear the Standard Mark, and are certified for conformity assessed under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

The order avers exemptions for items manufactured domestically for export, imported goods as parts of finished products or components, and certain micro and small units, which are granted time-bound compliance relief. Screws and fasteners without BIS

News provided by Fasteners Association of India

certification cannot be allowed for import or sale within India.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will also be excluded from the order for importing up to 200 kg of the same products for research purposes. Such imports, however, shall not be sold commercially and tracked in case of review by the authorities. BIS will be the certification and enforcement authority for this purpose. In case of non-compliance, it will attract penalties.

This newly introduced order covers a variety of fasteners, including panhead, countersunk, and hexagon washer head screws. Some of the Indian Standard with respective titles are Fasteners - Cross Recessed Drilling Screws with Tapping Screw Thread Part 1 Pan Head—18471 (Part 1) : 2023 / ISO 15481:1999; FastenersHexagon Washer Head Drilling Screws with Tapping Screw Thread—18476 : 2023 / ISO 15480:2019; Cross Recessed Tapping Screws: Part 1 PanHead—18480 (Part 1) : 2023 / ISO 7049:2011; and more.

Tembo Global’s IPO Targets Expansion

Tembo Global Industries Ltd, a Mumbai-based company and market leader in India’s industrial fasteners and pipe support systems, hogged the headlines with its much-awaited Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO for the purpose of raising funds for enhancement of existing production capacity and development of new technology attracted not only domestic investors in India but overseas ones who are in awe of the up-surging manufacturing sector in India.

Founded in 1995, Tembo Global has developed a name for itself for engineered high-quality steel products across sectors such as HVAC, plumbing, and industrial piping. This wide customer base shows that the company is capable of adapting to various industries, making it an attractive investment option.

Proceeds from the IPO will help boost the company’s manufacturing capacity, beef up research and development, and enhance the product offerings. This plan reflects Tembo’s commitment toward retaining competitiveness globally—an effort that has fueled investor interest and confidence.

Tembo’s IPO also captures the rising excitement over India’s manufacturing sector, which promises great growth potential. As it grows, the company will likely provide employment opportunities, foster innovation, and spur economic development—strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing leader.

Indian Fastener Industry Frontline—

FAI President Abhijat Sanghvi:

“There’s never been a better time than now”

Togive a broad overview of the global fastener Industry, which is estimated at US$ 113.20 billion in 2024, India has yet just about a 10% market share. But this number will jump drastically in the next decade. India is set to be the 3rd largest economy in the world by 2028-29, currently with the highest GDP rate of approximately 7% in 2024-25. We have made phenomenal headway as a superpower.

India is also strategically placed to play a crucial role in global geopolitics. We have had a massive advantage with a very stable government for over a decade. Another big demographic positive with India is having more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35. Industrial fasteners have universal consumption across most sectors so the industry growth will proportionately grow. Global buyers are looking at sourcing from or investing in India being a favored destination. Many international giants have already tied up through joint ventures or collaborations with Indian fastener manufacturers and this pattern will grow exponentially.

A big move effected last year by the DPIIT (Department for promotion of Industry & Internal Trade) was the imposition of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for manufacturers of fasteners in India for a specified list of general common fasteners. This also impacted imports especially from China as in turn suppliers would have to be certified from India for imports to be effected. This obviously would be a long-term

Article provided by Abhijat Sanghvi, President of Fasteners Association of India

exercise and become an automatic deterrent for cheap imports from China. Though this was seen as a move that would benefit Indian manufacturers, it did impact genuine quality imports even from other countries. The process also is seen as cumbersome and expensive and we hope the directive is modified soon for the exercise to become economical and simplified whilst also ensuring certification of good quality. This factor of world class quality will be the center stone of the Indian Fastener Industries growth in the long run given the fact that we also stay cost competitive.

From the perspective of the United States of America, the unprecedented political comeback of Donald Trump will have an impact on India’s exports to the US. It is common knowledge that with “America First” as one of the central agendas, tariffs will be spruced up to address the trade imbalance and India would also be affected by this. At the same time, India could benefit from any re-orientation of the global supply chain away from China where we could be relatively competitive assuming lesser tariffs imposed.

Industry 4.0 upgradation using automation, digital technology and artificial intelligence simply means the Internet of (industrial) things integrated with operations technology and business systems. The Indian IT sector has always been ahead on the global stage, and to weave it into industrial applications will also be a critical factor in India’s meteoric rise. Though a significant part of the Indian Fastener Industry is yet of MSME’s (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) and they will take a long time to evolve into the Industry 4.0 mode, we predict that industry participation by the Indian fastener industry in the most important fastener shows around the world , such as Fastener Fair Global at Stuttgart (Germany) and International Fastener Expo (Las Vegas, USA), has been increasing rapidly for the 2025 editions, which is an eminent sign of India’s growing significance.

Fastener trade shows in India have been increasing with several organizers jumping onto the bandwagon. The quality of shows as well as numbers are on the rise. Shows like Fastener Fair India, India Fastener Show, FASTNEX India, and Hand Tools & Fastener Expo, already with more organizers indicating interest, will give manufacturers and suppliers a plethora of options to choose from, depending on their preference and location. These are an indication of suppliers upping the ante to begin or increase their current exposure to new customers.

AtFasteners Association of India, our objective is to empower the Indian Fastener Industry to become one of the leading global fastener manufacturing hubs and our endeavor is to project India on the global fastener stage. Digitally we wish to create a global footprint for which our association's new portal (www. fastenindia.in) and our App are launched towards that objective. We also had a very successful Industry Summit recently and at the association, we will have many such events including Buyer/Seller Meets which will be a mutual win-win situation. There has never been a better time for the Indian fastener industry than now.

2024 Update: Global Fastener Leaders’ Carbon Reduction Progress

This article will focus on carbon emission statistics and carbon reduction strategies. First, it will examine carbon emissions from prominent public companies in the fastener industry across the United States, Europe, Japan, and India. It will gather carbon emission data from their latest published ESG reports and organize the data into separate tables to provide insights into their emission volumes and target-setting efforts. These tables will categorize emissions as follows: Category 1 includes direct emissions from a company’s manufacturing processes, facilities, and transportation; Category 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy; Category 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions throughout the external supply chain, including those from business travel and product life cycles. It will also present the total carbon emissions for each company.

Furthermore, it will outline various carbon reduction measures implemented by these companies, with an emphasis on unique approaches. This focus on distinctive methods aims to inspire readers to brainstorm and foster discussions on innovative solutions for carbon reduction.

U.S.

Emission

• In-house transportation network (movement of goods from one location to the other of the same company) allows to control the movement of materials across much of the supply chain.

• Invest in the latest vehicle technology and by working to optimize routes, loads, and efficiency at every mile.

INDUSTRY FOCUS

• Regularly review the latest fuel efficiency and safety options. Sell and replace a large portion of fleet annually. Ordering vehicles equipped with embedded telematics, which will provide local managers with visibility to the vehicles’ fuel consumption and related data such as idling time, speed, and acceleration.

• Use geographic information systems (GIS) to map the most efficient truck routes. Analyze departure and arrival schedules to minimize delays caused by traffic in metro areas. Optimize load configuration to minimize non-utilized capacity. Back-haul freight from suppliers and also customers to minimize one-way or "deadhead" loads.

• Its Lacey, Washington distribution center used 100% wind energy in 2023.

• Participate in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership to purchase and use solar and wind energy within its distribution centers and manufacturing locations.

• 11 of its 15 North American distribution centers are equipped with ASRS (high-density automated storage and retrieval systems) to increase throughput while optimizing space, maximizing 'Sales Per Square Foot'.

• Remove standardized (non-market-specific) inventory, reduce or remove walk-in shopping space, and use that square-footage to install high density vertical shelving. Implement "pick modules" to create a second floor of warehousing space, supporting thousands of additional products within the existing building.

• Create a less packaging-intensive distribution system, reduce the use of cardboard, wood, plastic, and other shipping/packaging materials, reduce unnecessary packaging.

• Partner with Trex to recycle used plastic wrap from distribution centers, transforming it into composite decking and preventing over 600,000 pounds of plastic waste from ending up in landfills in the first year of the program.

Achieve a 30 percent reduction by 2025 and a 50 percent reduction by 2030 compared to 2015 baseline. Net zero by 2050.

• Through EcoLum™, EcoSource™ and EcoDura™ products, it supplies lower carbon aluminum, lower carbon alumina and recycled aluminum made of pre-consumer scrap to customers.

• Engaged with Science-based Target initiative (SBTi) in defining decarbonization related disclosures and targets and will seek to join a SBTi’s expert advisory group.

• Purchased approximately 292 terajoules of natural gas per day and supplemented self-generated power with 3.1 gigawatts of purchased electricity.

• Construct alkaline water impoundments using a composite-base high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner or geosynthetic (or natural) clay, and install a second HDPE layer above the geosynthetic clay, as well as an underdrain piping system, which removes water from the bauxite residue more efficiently and reduces water pressure on the liner. This reduces the risk of alkaline water leaking into the groundwater.

• At sites where its mines operate within forest ecosystems, rehabilitation is focused on returning native vegetation to the habitat.

• The smelter in Deschambault has adopted a zero-water discharge system by recycling the water used in its processes and relying only on collected rainwater and snowmelt for the remainder of its water needs.

1 + 2

30% reduction in combined Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions, and 45% reduction in water withdrawn by 2030.

• 100% of its locations that have industrial discharges have pretreatment systems to minimize pollutants sent to publicly owned treatment plants.

• Design products with recyclability and disassembly in mind, facilitating the recovery and reuse of valuable materials.

• 100% of its locations operate to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard.

• Promote the use of the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems standard. Seek to operate to the ISO 50001 Energy Management System standard in its locations over time.

• Utilize injection carbon in steelmaking operations to provide additional energy for melting materials in electric arc furnaces. Investigate supersonic injection methods to enhance the efficiency of this process, aiming to reduce the quantity of carbon material required per ton of steel.

• Partner with Helion Energy to develop a groundbreaking 500 MW fusion power plant that will supply zero-carbon electricity directly to one of Nucor's steelmaking facilities.

• Partner with NuScale Power to explore using small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as a clean energy source for its electric arc furnace steel mills.

• Suppliers are required to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and to focus on recycling and reusing materials, as well as to provide environmentally relevant certificates.

• Discussions are underway regarding the introduction of sustainable product lines to reduce the emissions of purchased products. These products would be made from green steel.

• Retrofit the headquarters building in 2024 and enlarge the percentage of renewable electricity.

TriMas Emission Unit:

Nucor Emission

Unit:

Bossard Emission

INDUSTRY FOCUS

• Prepare factsheets for warehouse managers containing information on the selection of suitable materials. Packaging should increasingly consist of reusable or biodegradable materials. When adding new products to the catalog in the future, a stronger focus will be placed on waste and recyclable materials.

• Bossard Germany’s new film packaging is made 80 percent from recycled material. Stretch film optimization was successful, reducing packaging costs and cutting annual carbon emissions by approximately 2,530 kg.

• A survey was conducted among warehouse managers to determine the most frequently used packaging and the share of recycled base materials. The results of this survey will be used to develop a packaging factsheet designed to promote the selection of environmentally friendly packaging materials.

• Bossard’s Supplier Code of Conduct requires suppliers to reduce emissions by recycling and reusing materials and products and by using environmentally friendly technologies. Suppliers also commit to handling waste responsibly. Regarding the handling, storage, disposal and transportation of chemicals, Bossard’s suppliers are required to comply with international laws and keep the use of chemicals and hazardous substances to a minimum.

• Focus on a climate strategy centered around the countries with the highest emissions to mitigate the risks of climate change.

• Self-develop Corporate Carbon Footprint tool (CCF tool), a group-wide Excel tool for calculating climate footprint. Build a groupwide “climate management” digital training program for employees, broken down into five modules: climate basics, historical development, difference between CO2 and CO2e, climate footprints calculation, three scopes of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol in detail and how to calculate them using the CCF tool.

• Introduce climate round table “Let's talk about CLIMATE” where around 100 climate experts from Würth Group companies around the world meet here every six weeks to deepen their knowledge of climate management and clear up any unresolved questions in an open discussion.

• Acquired 86.18 points in ESG rating (Top 10%).

• Submitted the first of the quarterly reports required by the initial phase of the regulation during FY24, relating to the quarter ended 31 December 2023.

• Waste and water continue to be managed through the ISO 14001 certification. Water consumption across the group has reduced 12% compared to the previous year. Commitment to reach global coverage by FY26.

• Install 810 solar panels with a capacity of 375 kWp, delivering an annual output of up to 320,000 kWh.

• Products have to be designed so that they can be separated easily into their individual components in order to ensure various possibilities for reuse. Reduce the use of primary materials and increase the use of secondary materials to reduce the climate footprint. Reroute products and materials away from the landfill so that they can be reused as secondary raw materials.

• Create material passport which ensures that product data remains transparent. It contains information about material, social, and technical compliance, discloses the product components and their material properties up and down the supply chain, and includes indicators such as origin, toxicity of ingredients, and share of recycled materials.

• Würth Austria decided to establish a reuseable box system. The folding boxes can be palletized automatically, and the lids of the boxes can also be used as wrap-around packaging that, when combined with a securing strap, replaces the film wrapping of pallets.

• Potential future suppliers are checked for potential risks before a business relationship is established. The supplier auditor network audits and develops suppliers across the globe.

• Total energy use in FY24 was 18,769,707 kWh. Electricity makes up just over half of this, with the remainder being natural gas, oil, LPG used for space heating and transport fuel.

• Supply fastenings to customers in reusable plastic totes to reduce waste generation.

Würth Emission

Unit: Metric Ton CO2e

Trifast Emission

INDUSTRY FOCUS

• Invest in product development and work with automotive customers to meet or exceed the proposed ELV (end of life vehicles) Directive which will require all plastic components in motor vehicles to contain a minimum of 25% recycled content by 2030.

• Use lead-free machining steels and materials which do not need heat treatment or coating to reduce carbon footprint and water usage. Enable manufacture through cold forming instead of machining to reduce the amount of waste of material from 60% to 5%.

• Require Approved Vendor List suppliers to implement Quality & Sustainability Agreement and Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement and provide declarations of compliance as part of the assessment process.

• No environmental controversies and no direct or accidental oil spillages in FY24.

• Joined the “Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)”.

• Increased the share of selfgenerated electricity in the year under review and installed two new photovoltaic systems. Increased the share of self-generated electricity groupwide by 26.9% compared with the previous year.

• A wind turbine is to be built on SFS’s premises which should generate 5 GWh of electricity per year, which is roughly equivalent to the consumption of 1,300 households.

• Products are evaluated according to whether their materials are recyclable, whether the design is as light as possible and whether they take environmental requirements, such as those relating to hazardous substances, into account.

• As of December 31, 2023, 92.0% (23 of 25) of its manufacturing sites were certified according to ISO 14001, audited regularly every three years by external specialists.

• Develop quick connectors and thermal management systems which optimize the cooling and

SFS Group Emission

• Employees in Hungary have insulated 20 pieces of machinery to utilize heat produced during the machinery’s uptime. The thermal insulation blanket now enveloping the machine has been able to shorten the machine’s warm-up period and cut energy consumption for each insulated machine by around 10%.

• Many forklifts still run on acid batteries or fossil fuels. At the Türkiye site, decision-makers opted last year to switch to newer models with lithium-ion batteries.

• All production halls at the Switzerland location have switched to energy-efficient LED lighting.

heating of batteries, as well as the complex power electronics, the drivetrain and other sub systems of EVs.

• Purchase “Energy Attribute Certificates”. For each megawatt hour consumed at each production site, a certificate is available which proves that the electricity was obtained from renewable energies.

• Solar panels were installed in China to reduce energy consumption and Group-wide ESG software has been introduced for general energy consumption management. Energy consumption is monitored on a monthly basis.

• Install water meters to monitor water consumption and modify certain production machines to reduce water consumption.

• Plastic waste is reintroduced into the manufacturing process as far as possible, depending on the type of plastic and reasonable costs. A certain portion of the resulting plastic waste is regranulated. Uses recycled and bio-based plastic materials in series production.

Norma Emission

• Used water is reprocessed in its own plants and returned to the operating process, particularly in production areas that require a substantial amount of water. In some cases, the production units work with closed water circuits.

• Steel scrap and plastic are recycled at all sites. Use reusable transport containers.

Achieve CO2e neutrality (Scope 1 and Scope 2) in stages by 2030.

• Use separate, safe disposal channels for each type of waste. The selected disposal companies are regularly audited. Where technically possible and sensible, closed cycles and reprocessing plants reduce the consumption of valuable new raw materials to a minimum.

India

• Maintain vast green belt areas of about 132 acres with more than 34,000 trees and more than 120 varieties of trees and plant species.

• Conduct annual supplier audits whose scope covers quality issues, system adherence, and manufacturing process.

• A well-established supplier rating system that provides ratings to its suppliers based on the criteria such as delivery and quality performance. Suppliers are classified at levels based on the scoring obtained.

• Currently developing a Supplier code of conduct based on the UNGC (United Nations Global Compact) principles.

Japan

• Nearly halved the number of commercial vehicles in its possession, which was 237 in 2009, to 111 in March 2024 by reviewing surplus vehicles, sharing company-owned vehicles, using rental cars or car-sharing, and promoting the use of public transportation.

• Reuse cardboard boxes for packaging and use returnable boxes.

• Set a final landfill rate target of 1.2% or less and switched to industrial waste disposal contractors with higher recycling capabilities.

• Boost sales of eco-products. Currently developing products that use activated carbon (a material with countless minute holes) from bamboo as odor filters to contribute to the social problem of bamboo damage and CO2 emissions

• Implement use of electric forklifts instead of diesel counterparts to reduce diesel consumption.

• Planning to enhance the percentage of renewable energy consumption by solar power through rooftop solar plants and wind power.

• Implemented Zero Liquid Discharge across most of its business units, able to maximize recovery of water, reducing water withdrawal.

• Used oil is reclaimed from the processes and centrifuged to separate the residue and the oil. The oil is used back in the processes.

• Adopted the ISO 14001 environment management system. Certified across all the business units.

reduction. The process of making activated carbon from bamboo utilizes the CO2 thermal energy, resulting in zero CO2 emissions.

• Introduce “Renewable Energy ECO Plan” that makes use of Kansai Electric Power Company's renewable non-fossil fuel certificates for electricity consumption (about 1,050 MWh per year), reducing CO2 emissions by 396 tons per year.

• Established and released “TECHNO ASSOCIE Environmental Standards”. Request understanding and compliance from suppliers.

Techno Associe Emission

CBAM

What is CBAM?

The CBAM is a core component of the EU’s Fit for 55 packages, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. CBAM introduces a carbon pricing mechanism on imports of specific goods, ensuring that imported products are subject to the same carbon costs as goods produced within the EU. It is designed to prevent carbon leakage, where companies relocate production to countries with less stringent climate regulations, undermining global climate efforts. Therefore, The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a pioneering policy initiative by the European Union (EU), aiming to align international trade practices with climate goals. France, as one of the EU's largest economies and a staunch advocate of sustainable development, has played a critical role in shaping and implementing CBAM measures.

France's Role in the CBAM Framework

As a founding member of the EU and a global leader in climate diplomacy, France has been instrumental in championing CBAM. The French government views CBAM not only as a tool for reducing emissions but also as a means of ensuring industrial competitiveness and promoting innovation in low-carbon technologies.

1. Policy Advocacy

France has consistently supported the integration of CBAM into the EU’s climate strategy. President Emmanuel Macron, during his tenure, emphasized the importance of aligning trade policies with environmental objectives. Macron highlighted CBAM as a means to ensure fairness in international trade, particularly in sectors like steel, cement, and aluminium, which are highly carbon-intensive.

2. Supporting Legislative Development

France actively participated in drafting the CBAM regulations, pushing for robust mechanisms to prevent carbon leakage while ensuring compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. French policymakers advocated for transparency and fairness in CBAM calculations to avoid accusations of protectionism, thereby fostering global cooperation.

Key Policies Implemented by France to Align with CBAM

France’s approach to CBAM is multifaceted, involving a mix of national policies and EU-level collaborations:

1. Strengthening Carbon Pricing

France has reinforced its domestic carbon pricing framework to align with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), a critical component of CBAM. The country has steadily increased its carbon tax, currently among the highest in the EU, to incentivize decarbonization across industries.

2. Promoting Industrial Decarbonization

To prepare domestic industries for CBAM, France has introduced targeted measures to support energy-intensive sectors. These include:

• Subsidies for Green Technologies: Grants and loans for industries investing in renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts to develop low-carbon production processes in sectors such as steelmaking and cement manufacturing.

3. Encouraging Circular Economy Practices

France has prioritized circular economy principles to reduce dependency on imported raw materials, aligning with CBAM’s objectives. Policies like extended producer responsibility (EPR) and waste reduction targets contribute to minimizing carbon footprints.

4. International Climate Diplomacy

Recognizing CBAM’s global implications, France has engaged in extensive climate diplomacy. The country has sought to build alliances with developing nations, providing financial and technical support to help them transition to low-carbon economies, thus addressing concerns about CBAM’s impact on their exports.

Copyright owned by Fastener World Article by Dr. Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani, UNITAR International University

Progress and Achievements

France has made notable strides in advancing CBAM-related initiatives, both domestically and internationally:

1. Industrial Readiness

French industries have increasingly adopted sustainable practices in anticipation of CBAM. Major corporations, such as Arcelor Mittal and Lafarge Holcim, have unveiled ambitious decarbonization plans, including investments in green hydrogen and carbon-neutral cement.

2. Research and Innovation

France has established itself as a hub for research on low-carbon technologies. The government’s France 2030 investment plan allocates €30 billion to promote innovation, with a significant portion directed toward energy transition projects. These efforts not only enhance France’s competitiveness but also position it as a leader in global climate solutions.

3. Collaboration with EU Partners

France has worked closely with other EU nations to ensure a unified approach to CBAM implementation. This includes coordinating policies to address potential trade disputes and developing mechanisms for accurate carbon accounting in imports.

4. Addressing Developing Country Concerns

To mitigate CBAM’s impact on low-income countries, France has advocated for mechanisms like revenue recycling and capacity-building programs. These initiatives aim to support vulnerable nations in adopting cleaner technologies while maintaining access to European markets.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its proactive stance, France faces several challenges in its CBAM journey:

1. Domestic Resistance

Some industrial players in France have expressed concerns about the potential economic burden of CBAM, particularly during the transition period. High energy costs and global competition remain significant hurdles for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

2. International Opposition

CBAM has faced criticism from trading partners, especially those in emerging economies. Countries like China and India have argued that the mechanism could disproportionately impact their exports, viewing it as a form of trade protectionism.

3. Compliance and Monitoring

Ensuring accurate carbon accounting for imports is a complex task, requiring robust monitoring systems. France, along with other EU nations, must address these logistical challenges to prevent loopholes and maintain CBAM’s credibility.

Future Outlook

France’s commitment to CBAM aligns with its broader climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Looking ahead, several key priorities will shape the country’s approach:

1. Enhancing Global Cooperation

France will continue to advocate for a multilateral approach to carbon pricing, engaging with international organizations like the WTO and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). By fostering global consensus, France aims to reduce trade tensions and promote equitable climate action.

2. Scaling Up Green Investments

The government plans to increase funding for renewable energy, electric mobility, and green infrastructure, ensuring that French industries remain competitive in a carbon-constrained world.

3. Strengthening Support for Developing Nations

France is likely to expand its financial and technical assistance programs for developing countries, addressing equity concerns and fostering partnerships to accelerate the global transition to sustainable practices.

Conclusion

France’s proactive stance on CBAM reflects its unwavering commitment to combating climate change while safeguarding economic interests. By aligning national policies with EU directives and fostering international collaboration, France is setting a benchmark for integrating climate objectives into trade policies. CBAM has already begun to yield tangible benefits for France:

• Reduction in Carbon Leakage: France saw a 12% reduction in emissions attributed to industrial production relocation by 2023, thanks to CBAM-related policies.

• Industrial Innovation: Industries in France have invested over €3 billion in green technologies since 2022, reducing their carbon intensity by an average of 15% across key sectors like steel and cement.

• Economic Gains: CBAM revenues are estimated to contribute €1 billion annually to France’s climate transition fund, financing renewable energy projects and industrial decarbonization.

However, achieving CBAM’s full potential will require addressing domestic and global challenges through innovation, diplomacy, and inclusive policymaking. As the world grapples with the twin crises of climate change and economic inequality, France’s leadership in CBAM matters offers a promising blueprint for a sustainable and equitable future.

The EU’s Solution to Carbon Challenges

Climate change is one of the most critical issues of our time, influencing economies, ecosystems, and societies across the globe. As a response, nations and regions are implementing strategies to limit greenhouse gas emissions and drive a transition toward sustainability. Among these, the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) stands out as a robust measure to address carbon leakage, incentivate global decarbonization, and ensure fair competition. More than just a policy, CBAM represents the EU’s commitment to extending its environmental standards globally.

This article details the design and objectives of CBAM, its connection to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), its role in addressing carbon leakage, and the timeline for its implementation. It also highlights the opportunities and challenges CBAM presents for businesses and policymakers.

What is CBAM?

CBAM, governed by Regulation (EU) 2023/956, introduces a carbon price on specific imported goods, aligning the cost of imported products with their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during production. Initially focusing on carbon-intensive industries like steel, cement, aluminum, hydrogen, fertilizers, and electricity, CBAM targets sectors integral to global supply chains but often associated with high energy consumption and emissions.

At its core, CBAM serves as both a regulatory framework and an incentive system to promote cleaner production methods. Its objectives include:

1. Preventing Carbon Leakage: As the EU tightens climate regulations and increases carbon costs for domestic industries, there is a risk that businesses may relocate production to countries with less stringent environmental rules. This relocation, known as carbon leakage, undermines global climate goals. CBAM addresses this issue by ensuring that imports face equivalent carbon costs to those borne by EU manufacturers.

2. Encouraging Global Decarbonization: By imposing carbon costs on imports, CBAM motivates producers outside the EU to adopt cleaner technologies and practices. This creates a ripple effect, potentially influencing global supply chains to prioritize sustainability.

3. Creating a Level Playing Field: CBAM eliminates the unfair pricing advantage that goods from regions with weaker environmental policies might otherwise have. EU manufacturers, who already bear the costs of carbon pricing under the ETS, can compete on an equal footing with imports.

4. Driving Innovation in Low-Carbon Solutions: The financial implications of CBAM incentivize industries to invest in greener technologies, fostering innovation across sectors. This aligns with broader goals of achieving net-zero emissions and advancing sustainable development.

The Relationship Between CBAM and the EU ETS

CBAM is closely tied to the EU ETS, the cornerstone of the EU’s carbon pricing framework introduced almost 20 years ago, in 2005. The ETS operates under a “capand-trade” principle, setting a cap on total emissions for key sectors, including power generation and heavy industries. Companies within these sectors are allocated emission allowances, which they can trade depending on their actual emissions.

While the ETS has proven effective in reducing emissions within the EU, it does not account for the emissions embedded in imported goods. This limitation exposes EU industries to competition from carbonintensive imports, undermining the ETS’s impact. CBAM addresses this gap by aligning the carbon costs of imported products with the ETS allowance prices.

Importers under CBAM must purchase certificates corresponding to the embedded emissions of their goods. The price of these certificates is directly linked to the ETS, ensuring consistency in carbon pricing across domestic and imported products. This integration not only strengthens the ETS but also creates a unified framework to support decarbonization efforts within and beyond the EU.

The Necessity of CBAM

The implementation of CBAM reflects the EU’s broader climate ambitions, which include achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, ambitious climate policies come with risks. Without CBAM, the EU’s stricter regulations could inadvertently disadvantage its industries, leading to economic losses and higher global emissions.

CBAM addresses the following Key Challenges:

1. Limiting Production Relocation: Carbon leakage occurs when businesses shift production to countries with weaker environmental policies to avoid carbon costs. This relocation undermines domestic industries and global climate goals. CBAM prevents this by equalizing the cost structure between EU and non-EU producers.

2. Reinforcing Global Climate Leadership: By encouraging non-EU producers to adopt greener practices, CBAM extends the EU’s influence in climate action. It aligns with the Paris Agreement’s objectives, fostering global collaboration toward emission reductions.

3. Boosting Domestic Competitiveness: CBAM protects EU industries from unfair competition posed by cheaper imports produced under less stringent environmental standards. This protection enables EU manufacturers to remain competitive while adhering to high sustainability benchmarks.

4. Accelerating Green Investments: The financial implications of CBAM encourage industries to invest in cleaner technologies and processes. This not only supports the EU’s green transition but also positions businesses as leaders in the global push for sustainability.

How CBAM Works: A Phased Implementation

CBAM’s introduction is designed to ensure a gradual transition for industries and stakeholders. The mechanism’s rollout includes three key phases:

1. Transitional Phase (October 2023 –December 2025): during this phase, importers must report the emissions embedded in their goods but are not required to purchase CBAM certificates. This period allows stakeholders to familiarize themselves with reporting requirements and refine methodologies for calculating emissions. Transparency and data collection are prioritized.

2. Full Implementation (Starting January 2026): from 2026, CBAM will require importers to purchase certificates reflecting the embedded emissions of their goods. The cost of these certificates will align with ETS allowance prices, ensuring consistency in carbon pricing.

3. Phase-Out of Free Allowances (2026–2034): CBAM will coincide with a gradual reduction in free allowances under the ETS. By phasing out these allowances, the EU ensures that industries covered by CBAM are treated equitably, without compromising environmental integrity.

This phased approach reflects the EU’s commitment to balancing environmental goals with economic realities. It provides industries with the time needed to adapt while maintaining momentum toward decarbonization.

Challenges and Considerations

While CBAM represents a significant step forward, its implementation poses challenges for businesses and policymakers.

For Industries:

• Data Collection and Reporting: companies must accurately measure and report the emissions embedded in their products according to CBAM regulation. This requires engagement with suppliers, investment in emissions monitoring systems, and collaboration with third-party verifiers.

• Financial Implications: the cost of CBAM certificates will impact importers, particularly those relying on carbon-intensive supply chains. Industries must assess and adapt their procurement strategies to mitigate these costs.

• Supply Chain Transparency: CBAM necessitates a clear understanding of supply chain emissions, encouraging businesses to prioritize transparency and sustainability in their operations.

For Policymakers:

• International Cooperation: aligning CBAM with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and addressing potential trade disputes will require ongoing dialogue with global partners.

• Technical Challenges: policymakers must ensure that CBAM’s implementation is seamless and minimizes administrative burdens for stakeholders.

Opportunities for Businesses

CBAM can be seen not just like a regulatory requirement, but also as an opportunity for businesses to lead in the green transition. Companies that proactively reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices will benefit in several ways:

• Competitive Advantage: businesses that invest in cleaner technologies can position themselves as market leaders, gaining an edge over competitors with carbon-intensive operations.

• Access to New Markets: adhering to CBAM standards can open doors to environmentally conscious markets, enhancing brand reputation and customer trust.

• Long-Term Savings: while the initial costs of adopting greener technologies may be high, they often lead to significant long-term savings through improved efficiency and reduced carbon costs.

A Broader Vision

CBAM is a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to combat climate change. By extending carbon pricing beyond its borders, it reinforces the EU’s commitment to a sustainable future while fostering global collaboration. As CBAM evolves, it is likely to influence climate policies worldwide, encouraging other regions to adopt similar mechanisms or align with the EU’s standards.

For businesses, CBAM underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into core operations. Those that embrace the green transition will not only comply with the mechanism but also thrive in a low-carbon economy.

In conclusion, CBAM exemplifies the EU’s ability to balance environmental responsibility with economic resilience. By addressing carbon leakage, promoting fair competition, and encouraging global emission reductions, CBAM sets a precedent for climate policy in the 21st century. As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, mechanisms like CBAM offer practical solutions to foster a sustainable, competitive, and decarbonized global economy.

Fastener Certification in India

-Mandatory Fasteners Part I

Product Verification (Certification)

Product verification (certification) is a result of social and economic development to a certain stage. When goods are traded in the market, the buyer needs to confirm whether the seller's goods satisfy his needs, so the original mode of product testing (certification) emerged. Products are self-evaluated by the supplier and inspected by the person who needs the product. When the ability and objectivity of the product supplier to carry out self-assessment is questioned by those who demand for the product, an impartial third party with the product assessment ability and not subject to the economic interests of the supply and demand sides will be asked to carry out impartial, scientific and objective product assessment, supervision (the so-called third-party verification (certification), which is to ensure the quality of the product. Internationally, in order to protect the safety and health of their people, animals and plants, governments or regional economic markets usually establish and operate the relevant commodity conformity assessment mechanism under the principle conforming to the WTO TBT norms, so as to manage the compliance of commodities produced in certain countries or regions and the commodities imported for sale and use with the requirements of safety and health standards of the laws and regulations. Some governments or regional economic markets often utilize their advantages in technology, management and international trade to set up technical barriers for the purpose of protecting local industries. Most governments or regional economic markets have announced product categories with mandatory or voluntary testing (certification) requirements for the entry of products into their markets in order to ensure the safety of use. These notified goods are not allowed to enter the countries or regional economic markets unless they have been qualified by mandatory or voluntary product verification (certification), have received a product verification (certification) certificate and/or have a qualified product verification (certification) mark or label affixed to them.

Under the principles of the WTO TBT Agreement, product certification is defined as a method of providing assurance that a product (including processes or services) conforms to prescribed standards and other regulatory documents. Under the specific requirements of WTO TBT, organizations that can perform

product verification (certification) should meet the competence of the ISO/IEC Guide 65 for product verification (certification) and should be accredited by the authorities of the economic markets or the countries, which aims to ensure that third-party verification (certification) can be performed by the organizations in the economic markets or the countries in a consistent and reliable manner and be accepted internationally. Product certification organizations recognized by the governments or regional economic markets shall provide product certification services in a consistent and reliable manner, and establish product certification scheme and conformity assessment procedure according to the product certification requirements announced by the governments or regional economic markets. Manufacturers apply for product verification (certification) in accordance with the program that the product complies with, and have the products evaluated by an accredited organization in accordance with the conformity assessment procedure. Those who pass the requirements can be registered at the organization and receive certificates, or certification tags or allowed to use the certification mark.

Products Under Compulsory Certification in India

India is a developing economy with the world's largest population of approximately 1.4 billion people. In 2021, the country reported a total GDP of

INDUSTRY FOCUS

approximately US$3.1 trillion, the sixth largest in the world. With a relatively low per capita income of around US$2,200, the country has a large domestic market with high growth potential and is arguably the most important emerging market in the world. India's future growth will be based on several factors including demographic dividend, development of digital economy, promotion of manufacturing sector and increasing connectivity with other countries. The promotion of manufacturing is also an important aspect of India's future development. The Indian government has introduced the “Make in India” policy with the aim of transforming India into a global manufacturing center, creating more job opportunities and increasing the competitiveness of the Indian manufacturing sector. Therefore, one of the strategies of the Indian government is to utilize technical barriers in order to protect the Indian domestic industry. India's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has announced on January 30, 2024 that it has made more products under Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which will enable Indian products to gain a greater share of the global manufacturing market. QCOs will enable Indian products to gain a greater share in the global manufacturing market and strengthen product quality standards to prevent the circulation of poor quality products in the Indian market, thereby attracting investment and preventing loss of life or any accidents. According to the BIS Act, 2016, after the implementation of QCOs, the manufacture, storage and sale of products not certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is prohibited, and offenders are liable to imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine. The penalty for the first offense is Rs. 200,000 and for the second offense the fine increases to Rs. 500,000 or 10 times the value of the goods. The Central Government of India, through the issuance of QCOs, has made it mandatory for such products to obtain a BIS license or Certificate of Conformity. The mandatory inspection of products includes the ISI Mark Scheme, Grant of Certificate of Conformity and Registration Scheme.

BIS is specifically responsible for product certification, and is the only product certification body in India, with 5 regional branches and 19 offices. 8 laboratories under the BIS and external independent laboratories accredited by the BIS are all in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, and are responsible for sampling and inspection in the product certification process. BIS product certification is mainly voluntary, but products that are subject to QCOs announced by DPIIT are included in the mandatory product verification (certification).

The products listed in the DPIIT announcement of QCOs for mandatory verification (certification) are classified into the following 18 categories:

1. Textile products

2. Chemical products and pesticides

3. Rubber and plastic products

4. Cement and concrete products

5. Building materials

6. Water pumping, irrigation, drainage and sewage treatment installations

7. Water supply system pipes and fixtures

8. Base metals and processed metal products

9. Machinery and equipment

10. Electronic/electrical appliances and optical equipment

11. Automobile parts and components

12. Agricultural products, food and tobacco

13. Tea and beverages

14. Packaged drinking water and natural mineral water

15. Leather Products

16. Wood products

17. Pulp products

18. Test equipment

The marking of Licence or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by BIS is based on the mandatory marking of standards as per QCOs issued by DPIIT. In accordance with the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requires products subject to mandatory verification (certification) to undergo a conformity assessment procedure. Mandatory verification (certification) products are divided into five Product Certification Schemes and five Conformity Assessment Procedures, which are as follows:

1. Scheme – I: known as the ISI Mark Scheme. Fasteners involved in ISI marking verification (certification) and standards, according to India’s (Quality Control) Order, 2023 S.O. 3267(E) and (Quality Control) Order, 2024 S.O. 2771(E), are listed in Table 1.

2. Scheme of Inspection and Testing Made Optional for Micro and Small Scale Manufacturers of Consumer Footwear and Footwear Components. For products involved and standards, please refer to https://www.bis.gov.in/wpcontent/uploads/2023/09/notification-for-footwear-SIT-relaxation-merged.pdf .

3. Scheme – IV: known as Certificate Of Conformity. Products involved are stamping parts/laminations/cores of transformers (with or without windings) and bicycle mirror reflectors. For more info, please refer to https:// www.bis.gov.in/index.php/product-certification/products-under-compulsorycertification/scheme-4/ .

4. Scheme – II: Known as Registration Scheme. Mainly electronics and IT goods. For more info, please refer to https://www.bis.gov.in/?page_id=1703 .

5. Scheme – X: Known as Certification. Products involved are low-voltage switchgear and control cabinets, machinery and electrical equipment covered by comprehensive technical regulations. For more info, please refer to https:// www.bis.gov.in/products-under-compulsory-certification-scheme-x/。

Table 1. Fasteners Announced by Indian QCOs to be Included in the ISI Mark Verification (Certification) Framework

Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners

Products

IS 1363 (Part 1) :2019

IS 1363 (Part 2) :2018

IS 1363 (Part 3) :2018

IS 1364 (Part 1) :2018

IS 1364 (Part 2) :2018

IS 4621:1975

Standards

Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws and Nuts of Product Grade C Hexagon Head Bolts (Size Range M 5 to M 64)

Hexagon Head Screw (Size Ranges from M 5 to 64)

Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws and Nuts of Product Grade C – Hexagon Nuts (Size Range M5 to M64)

Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws and Nuts of Product Grades A and B –Hexagon Head Bolts (Size Range M 1.6 To M 64)

Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws and Nuts of Product Grades A and B –Hexagon Head Screws (Size Range M 1.6 to M 64)

Indicating Bolts for Use in Public Baths and Lavatories

IS 5187: 1972 Flush Bolts

IS 10238:2001 Fasteners – Threaded Steel Fastener – Step Bolts for Steel Structures

IS 12427 : 2001

IS 3757 : 1985

Fasteners – Threaded Steel Fasteners – Hexagon Head Transmission Tower Bolts

High Strength Structural Bolts

IS 204 (Part 2): 1992 Tower Bolts- Non-ferrous Metal

IS 204 (Part 1): 1991

IS 15834 : 2022

Tower Bolts- Ferrous Metals

Stainless Steel Sliding Door Bolts (Aldrops) for Use with Padlocks

IS 2681 : 1993 Non-ferrous Metal Sliding Door Bolts (Aldrops) for Use with Padlocks

IS 281 : 2009

IS 7534: 1985

Referenced Indian Government Announcement Documents

117. Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023

S.O. 3267(E), dated 21st July 2023

Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024

S.O. 2771(E), dated 12th July 2024

Mild Steel Sliding Door Bolts for Use with Padlocks

Sliding Locking Bolts for Use with Padlocks

IS 1284 : 1975 Wrought Aluminium Alloy Bolt and Screw Stock for General Engineering Purposes

IS 15833 : 2009

Stainless Steel Tower Bolts

IS 6623 : 2004 High Strength Structural Nuts

Table 2. Fasteners Included in the Indian QCOs for Mandatory Verification (Certification) in 2025 Indian Government Department

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade

Fasteners – Cross Recessed Drilling Screws with Tapping Screw Thread Part 2 Countersunk Head

Fasteners – Cross Recessed Drilling Screws with Tapping Screw Thread Part 3 Raised Countersunk Head

Fasteners – Hexagon Washer Head

Drilling Screws with Tapping Screw Thread IS

Cross Recessed Tapping Screws: Part 1 Pan Head

Cross Recessed Tapping Screws Part 2 Countersunk Flat Head

Cross Recessed Tapping Screw Part 3 Raised Countersunk Oval Head

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Pan Head Screws with Type H or Type Z Cross Recess – Product Grade A

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade

Countersunk Flat Head Screws (Common Head Style) with Type H or Type Z Cross Recess – Product Grade A Part 1 Steel Screws of Property Class 4.8

Countersunk Flat Head Screws (Common Head Style) with Type H or Type Z Cross Recess – Product Grade A Part 2 Steel Screws of Property Class 8.8, Stainless Steel Screws and Non–Ferrous Metal Screws

Raised Countersunk Head Screws (Common Head Style) with Type H or Type Z Cross Recess – Product Grade A

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Drywall Screws – Speciﬁcation

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Chipboard Screws – Speciﬁcation

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Cross-recessed Countersunk Head Wood Screws – Speciﬁcation

Sources:

1. https://www.bis.gov.in/upcoming-qcos-notified-and-due-for-implementation/

2. DPIIT Order S.O. 4099(E) dated 17th September 2024

References

1. 2013.08, Exploring the Development Trend of Product Certification Framework and Market Supervision from the Viewpoint of EU Construction Product Regulations, Standards and Inspection, vol.176, p.1-15

2. 2010.07, Accreditation/Certification for Fasteners: Challenge and Opportunity, Fastener-World Magazine No. 123, Fastener World Inc., p.96~p.103

3. https://www.bis.gov.in/?page_id=1697

4. https://www.bis.gov.in/upcoming-qcos-notified-and-due-for-implementation/

5. (Quality Control) Order, 2023 S.O. 3267(E), dated 21st July 2023, India.

6. (Quality Control) Order, 2024 S.O. 2771(E), dated 12th July 2024, India.

7. DPIIT Order S.O. 4099(E) dated 17 th September 2024, India. Copyright owned by Fastener World Article by Wei-Ming Wang

Dr. Fastener

Kesternich Testing

Q: What is the Kesternich Test?

A: The Kesternich Test is an accelerated corrosion test that was developed by Wilhelm Kesternich in 1951 which exposes test parts to a moist environment of water and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Q: What conditions is the Kesternich Test Trying to Simulate?

A: The addition of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) creates an acidic condition in the mist or fog created in the chamber which is intended to simulate acid rain or a similar industrial chemical exposure. It is used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of parts or the coatings on parts in this type of environment.

Q: What Kind of Fasteners Might be Validated with Kesternich Testing?

A: There are a number of accelerated corrosion tests employed on fasteners. The most common is a Neutral Salt Spray Test which exposes parts or test surrogates (such as test coupons) to a continuous warm “fog” comprised of water and 5% salt. Kesternich testing is intended to simulate exposure to acid rain or similar conditions; therefore, it is predominantly used to test parts or finishes for external construction applications, such as screws used for metal roofing, metal cladding, decking, and window and door frames. Of course, it could be employed on any fastener or finish, but because of its very focused purpose, it really only makes sense for those fasteners or fastener finishes that would be exposed to outdoor conditions.

Q: Are There Formal Test Procedures or Protocols?

A: Yes, there are actually several standards that are commonly accepted to provide guidance on how to conduct this testing, They include: DIN EN ISO 6988, DIN 50018, ASTM G87, ISO 3231 and ISO 22479.

Q: What does the Test Chamber Look Like?

A: Like Neutral Salt Spray test chambers they may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, there will be many aspects that are common including the capacity and internal composition. This test calls for a 300L test chamber which can produce warm, moist air mixed with prescribed amounts of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). The inside of the chamber must also be completely inert to corrosion, so that it will be lined or composed of materials that do not corrode.

Q: How does the Test Chamber Work?

A: Deionized or distilled water is introduced into the floor pan of the test chamber where it is heated to create a warm mist or fog. A fixed amount of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is introduced into the chamber to create either a .33% or .66% fog composition. Parts are fixtured above the water level in the bottom of the chamber and the entire chamber is tightly sealed. The test is conducted in 24 hour cycles with standard tests being 2 to 50.

Q: What is a Test Cycle?

A: One cycle is comprised of two parts. Part 1 is an 8 hour warm-up at 40° +/-3° C at a relative humidity of 100%. Part 2 is a 16 hour cooling between 18°-28° C with a relative humidity of 75%. Together they add up to one twenty-four hour cycle.

Q: How are Parts Assessed?

A: After completing the prescribed number of cycles, parts are removed from the chamber and allowed to dry in room air. They are then assessed for corrosion by mass loss, visual inspection, or other methods stipulated by a relevant standard.

Current Development of Japanese Fastener Industry Production & Sales

Foreword

As Japan's overall economic growth slowed down in 2024, the IMF revised Japan's GDP growth estimate down to 0.3%, mainly due to Japan's weakening domestic consumption and travel demand and the impact of global geopolitical uncertainty on Japanese manufacturing supply chain. As the world's 3rd largest economy, Japan has R&D capabilities, talent pools, and resources in many cutting-edge fields, but its domestic market is still relatively closed. Facing the competition from China, India, Vietnam and other emerging countries in the past 2 decades in the low-end products field, Japan focuses its industrial development on green energy, AI, biotech, aerospace and other fields and has made good achievements, but after all, the demand for high-end fasteners is still less than that for low-end and mid-range fasteners. Therefore, for Japan's traditional fastener industry, although it has a solid technical foundation, its competitors, with the advantage of economic scale and low cost, are gradually eroding the market originally belonging to Japan. In this article, we will review the development of Japanese fastener industry in recent years and put forward development suggestions for Taiwanese fastener industry to respond to the Japanese market.

1. Trends of Japan in the Global Fastener Import Market from 2019 to 2023

Trend Analysis of Japan in the Global Fastener Import Market Ranking

a. Changes of Japan in the Global Fastener Import Market

Table 1 shows the trend of Japan in the global fastener import market from 2019 to 2023. The total value of global fastener imports was US$50.11 billion, and the import value of the world's top 20 importing countries was US$35.84 billion (with an

of 4.0% over the past five years and accounting for 71.5% of the global import value, a concentrated market structure); The import values and proportions of the top 5 importing countries were respectively: the U.S. (US$6,705

Table

Source: ITC/compiled

million/13.4%), Germany (US$4,817 million/9.6%), Mexico (US$3,456 million/6.9%), China (US$2,446 million/4.9%), and France (US$2,001 million/4.0%), of which Japan was the 17th largest importing country (with an import value of about US$867 million and a CAGR of -2.6% over the past 5 years). Overall, the world's top three importing countries (the U.S., Germany, and Mexico) all maintained positive CAGRs, while China's decline may be attributed to the increase in self-sufficiency rate of various fasteners for China's domestic demand, which has gradually reduced the dependence on other countries.

b. Changes of Japan in the Global Fastener Export Market:

Table 2 shows the trend of Japan in the global fastener export market from 2019 to 2023. The total value of global fastener exports was US$48.392 billion, and the value of the world's top 20 exporting countries was US$43.584 billion (accounting for 90.1% of the global export value, a concentrated export market structure); the top 5 exporting countries in order of value and share were: China (US$9.185 billion / 19.0%), Germany (US$7.698 billion / 15.9%), the U.S. (US$5.447 billion / 11.3%), Taiwan (US$4.594 billion / 9.5%), and Italy (US$2.454 billion / 5.1%). Among the top 10 global fastener exporters, the country with the highest CAGR was China (9.4%). Although Japan was ranked as the sixth largest exporter, with an export value of about US$2.386 billion, it was the only country among the top ten exporters to show negative growth, and it is estimated that its market is being gradually replaced by competitors, which is a warning sign for the Japanese fastener industry to be concerned about.

Table 2. Trend of Japan in the Global Fastener Export Market in 2019-2023 Unit: US$0.1

Trend Analysis of Japan's Major Fastener Import Sources and Export Destinations

a. Analysis of Japan's Major Fastener Import Sources:

Table 3 shows the major fastener import sources and development trend of Japan from 2019 to 2023. The fastener import value of Japan in 2023 was about US$ 867 million, and the import value of Japan's top 20 import sources was US$ 856 million (accounting for 98.8% of its total fastener import from the world), making it a highly concentrated market structure; Japan's top 5 fastener import sources in order of value and share were: China (US$ 313 million / 36.1%), Taiwan (US$ 218 million / 25.2%), the U.S. (US$ 131 million / 15.2%), S. Korea (US$ 51 million / 4.7%), and Vietnam (US$ 36 million / 4.2%). The CAGR of Japan's top 20 largest fastener import sources in the past five years averaged -2.7% and China and Taiwan were still the main sources of Japan’s fastener import (totaling 61.3%). Among the top 20, Italy, the UK, and Vietnam all showed 5-13% of CAGR growth, which by speculation might be due to the gradual shift of Japan's reliance away from Chinese fasteners of all grades.

b. Analysis of Japan's Major Export Destinations:

Table 4 shows the major fastener export destinations and development trend of Japan from 2019 to 2023. The value of Japan's fastener export was about US$ 2,386 million in 2023, and the value of Japan's top 20 export destinations was US$ 2,228 million (accounting for 93.4% of its global total export value), making it is a highly concentrated market structure. The top 5 export destinations in order of value and share were: the U.S. (US$ 609 million / 25.5%), China (US$ 452 million / 18.9%), Thailand (US$ 2.92 billion / 12.2%), Indonesia (US$ 166 million / 7.0%), and Mexico (US$ 131 million / 5.5%). The CAGRs of Japan's top four fastener export destinations in the past five years all went down, only Mexico showed a CAGR of 3.4%; as for other potential export destinations such as India and Canada, their CAGRs in the past five years were also significant.

Analysis of Japan's Global Fastener Imports and Exports by Product Type

a. Analysis of Japan’s Imports of Various Types of Fasteners in Recent Years

Table 5 shows Japan's imports of various types of fasteners from 2019 to 2023; the major imported products in order of value and share were: Other iron and steel screws and bolts (US$ 374 million / 43.1%), iron and steel nuts (US$ 202 million / 23.3%), and other iron and steel threaded articles (US$ 54 million / 6.2%). The CAGR of Japan's third largest imported item, other iron and steel threaded articles, in the past five years, was 5.2%, the highest of all product categories, reflecting the trend of demand for fasteners in Japan. Most of the other fasteners demanded in Japan were showing a decline or a slow growth trend.

Table 4. Major Fastener Export Destinations and Development Trend of Japan from 2019 to 2023 Unit: US$0.1 bn; %

Table 6.

Source: Customs' Import & Export Statistics

Analysis of Japan’s Exports of Various Types of Fasteners in Recent Years

Table 6 shows Japan’s exports of various types of fasteners from 2019 to 2023; the major exported products in order of value and share were: other iron and steel screws and bolts (US$ 1,287 million / 54.0%), iron and steel nuts (US$ 587 million / 24.6%), other iron and steel washers (US$ 197 million / 8.3%). In the past five years, the CAGRs of most Japan's exports of various types of fasteners, except for iron and steel springs & lock washers (with a CAGR of 4.3%), have shown a downward trend, indicating that Japan's iron and steel fasteners in the global export market faced fierce competition from other competing countries.

Next Article: Analysis of Unit Price and Operation Strategy of Japanese Fastener Industry

Faced with the challenges of rising material costs, operating costs, and intensified competition in the international market, Japanese fastener industry has continued to adjust the industry's high value-added strategy in order to increase average unit price and competitiveness, especially in the areas of corrosion resistance, high precision, and lightweight products with special specifications. Even though iron and steel fasteners account for the bulk of orders, seeking high added value is still a must for Japanese fastener industry. In the next article, we will continue to analyze the change of unit prices of Japan's import and export in recent years, and compare its unit prices with those of its global competitors as a starting point to explore the operation mode and future strategy of Japanese fastener industry.

Post-Brexit UK Automotive Production & Sales (Part 1)

The Automotive Industry is Closely Linked to UK Economy

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report for 2023, the top three goods export markets for the UK were the U.S., Germany, and China. The primary export sectors include automotive, machinery, medical and pharmaceutical products, and crude oil. Conversely, the top three goods import sources were Germany, China, and the U.S., with major imports coming from the automotive, machinery, medical and pharmaceutical products, and petroleum fuel industries. The trade between the UK and Taiwan has grown in recent years, with imports from Taiwan valued at £3.74 billion, a 5% increase from 2022; exports from the UK to Taiwan totaled £1.46 billion, an 8.9% increase compared to 2022. Major imports from Taiwan included electronic equipment, machinery, and automotive components, while key exports to Taiwan consist of beverages, medical and pharmaceutical products, and automobiles.

Overview of Automotive Production and Sales

In 2023, the UK produced 1.025 million vehicles, marking a 17.0% increase from 2022. This included 905,000 passenger cars (up 16.9%) and 120,000 commercial vehicles (up 18.5%). Vehicle sales in the UK reached 1.903 million units in 2023. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the top ten best-selling car models in the UK were as follows: Ford Fiesta (95,892 units), Volkswagen Golf (64,829 units), Vauxhall Corsa (52,915 units), Nissan Qashqai (50,546 units), Ford Focus (50,492

units), Volkswagen Polo (45,149 units), MINI (44,904 units), Mercedes-Benz A Class (43,527 units), Ford Kuga (40,398 units), and Kia Sportage (35,567 units), most of which were imported from EU countries. EV sales (including battery EVs, plug-in hybrids, and hybrids) reached 346,000 units, an increase of 48% from 2022. EVs accounted for about one-sixth of total car sales in the UK. This growth was largely driven by tax incentives for fleet purchases. Since June 2022, when purchase incentives for EVs were discontinued for individual buyers in Europe, the UK has been unique in lacking such incentives for personal purchases. Figure 1 is a forecast for UK automotive production and sales.

According to UK customs data, total exports of vehicles under HS Code 87 (including their components) in 2023 amounted to £39.7 billion—a decline of 3% from the previous year. The top five export destinations were: the U.S. (accounting for 22.1%, valued at £8.79 billion), Germany (8.9%, £3.52 billion), China (7.6%, £3.04 billion), Belgium (6.5%, £2.6 billion), and Italy (4.8%, £1.92 billion). Exports to Germany and China grew by 6% and 2%, respectively; however, other exports fell significantly— with China experiencing a steep decline of 22%.

In 2019, total imports of vehicles under HS Code 87 (including components) amounted to £57.57 billion. The top five sources were: Germany (34.7%, £20 billion), Belgium (12.2%, £7.03 billion), Spain (8.3%, £4.76 billion), France (6.9%, £3.99 billion), and the Netherlands (5.4%, £3.13 billion).

SMMT’s data indicates that the increase in tariffs after Brexit has weakened the UK's automotive manufacturing sector. The UK’s vehicle production was estimated to decrease

Figure 1. Forecast for UK Automotive Production and Sales

in 2024 due to tariffs imposed by the WTO on imported components and exported vehicles—resulting in an annual increase of over £3.2 billion in manufacturing costs for the UK automotive industry. This amount is roughly equivalent to 90% of annual investment in automotive research and development; consequently, the industry may struggle to break even which will impact investments aimed at developing more environmentally friendly and intelligent vehicles.

The SMMT survey shows that as Europe's automotive industry has become highly integrated, establishing relevant trade agreements between the UK and EU will be crucial. Key demands from the UK automotive sector include zero tariffs, creating regulatory frameworks and dialogue, as well as allowing manufacturers to transfer employees between the UK and EU. In addition to reaching agreements with the EU, the UK must ensure continued connections with major global markets, with the most important trading being those with the U.S., Japan, Turkey, South Korea, Mexico, and Canada.

The UK's automotive industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in a century as EV markets rise while conventional combustion engine vehicle production declines gradually. However, this transition is fraught with challenges; by September 2024, UK automotive production had declined for seven consecutive months—reflecting market challenges regarding demand for new vehicle types as well as the difficulty in transitioning.

In September alone, the UK produced 70,039 vehicles— a drop of 20.6% compared to September 2022—partly due to a strong performance in 2023 that set a high baseline since it was one of the best years since 2020 when production was notably high. This has made current figures appear weaker than they might otherwise seem. Factory transformations are also contributing to short-term production declines as many manufacturers adjust their production lines for entirely new zero-emission vehicles. Despite stringent requirements imposed by the UK government mandating that at least 22% of new car sales must be battery electric vehicles by 2024—a target that less than met the expectations—electric vehicle production fell by 37% in September 2023 with only 21,309 units produced. The transition appears to fall behind policy requirements.

Despite these shortterm setbacks in data trends, SMMT remains optimistic about future growth. With new models set to launch soon, SMMT expects production levels for cars and light commercial vehicles to exceed 1 million by 2027 and potentially surpass 1.3 million by 2030. The production declines in the short term are part of an anticipated transition phase with significant growth potential expected ahead. However, to achieve growth, the support of UK government’s policies will be crucial. SMMT has called on the government to provide more incentives for private buyers, in order to accelerate the popularization of EVs, thereby facilitating a smoother transition for the industry.

Overview of EV Industry in the UK

According to SMMT data as of January 2024, total registrations of EVs in the UK surpassed the 1 million mark. Despite an increase of 18%—reaching a total of approximately 315 thousand units—in registrations of battery electric vehicles compared to 2023, the sales grew on the whole, reaching 1.9 million units. Therefore, the share of EVs slightly declined from 16.6% in 2022 to about 16.5%. This marks the first time of a stagnation in market growth for EVs.

A market survey by Statista indicates that in 2024 the UK's EV market was valued at USD 20.6 billion; this figure is expected to grow to USD 28.8 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.6%. By 2028, the sales volume is projected to reach around 573 thousand units. While demand for EVs continues to rise globally, growth trends within the UK market may be affected by policy changes and consumer concerns—particularly regarding pricing and EV’s charging infrastructure.

The UK government has been vigorously promoting its EV industry, having amended its Climate Change Act in June 2019 to become the first country globally to legislate achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The country’s major automakers have ramped up efforts toward developing EV models while related charging infrastructure has flourished as well. The government has invested £1 billion into promoting clean energy innovation programs, including subsidies for EV purchases and accelerating charging facility installations. Over the past years the demand for EVs has surged significantly in the UK. Registrations of plug-in hybrid EVs rose from 3,500 units in 2013 to nearly 242,982 by 2019—making the UK the largest market for plugin hybrid EVs in Europe.

According to SMMT data, EV sales in the UK have grown significantly over the past few years, although only 13,000 units were sold in 2020. In that year, plug-in hybrid EVs accounted for an average of 5.7% of the new car market, while battery electric vehicles made up 3.2%. The latest data from 2023 shows that alternative fuel vehicles

Data source: SMMT；Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center (2024/12)

(AFVs), which include EVs, plug-in hybrids, and hybrids, experienced a market share growth rate of 4.7% compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, due to ongoing investments from both the government and private enterprises, the UK's EV charging network expanded from hundreds of charging points in 2011 to over 23,176 by the end of 2023. Since 2011, the UK government has provided subsidies for EV purchases, offering discounts of up to £4,500 to buyers. These incentives have helped position the UK as Europe’s largest market for plug-in hybrid EVs. However, in October 2018, the government revised its policy and reduced subsidies for plug-in EVs based on carbon emissions standards, lowering the maximum subsidy from £4,500 to £3,500. Eligible EV buyers can still apply for funding under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme for home charger installations, which offers up to £500.

As per transport department’s data until December 2023 Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV emerged as Britain’s most popular plugin hybrid with sales nearing 43.6 thousand, making the best-selling plug-in hybrid for 4 consecutive years, way ahead of Nissan Leaf which remains as UK’s best-selling battery-EV, followed by BMW 330e in third place.

Due to Brexit and expectations of rising tariffs, major car manufacturers have begun to slow down their investments in EV development in the UK. Nissan's plans to produce X-Trail SUV in Sunderland shifted in 2019, while Honda closed its factory in Swindon in 2021 and redirected investments toward high-tech models in other regions. BMW located in Oxford has also delayed the development of the next-generation fully electric Mini cars. However, the UK government is still actively promoting the EV industry. In the annual budget announced in March 2020, the government declared it would invest £500 million in new EV charging infrastructure, with an aim that drivers can find charging stations within a 30-mile radius. Additionally, there are plans to reduce vehicle taxes, freeze fuel duties, and establish research centers.

Development Trends and Policies Within EV Industry

In November 2023, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a funding package of £4.5 billion for advanced manufacturing over the next five years, with £2 billion specifically allocated to the automotive sector to accelerate its transition. According to reports from SMMT, private and public investments in the UK automotive sector reached £23.7 billion in 2023, surpassing the total of the previous seven years combined.

The latest EY Electric Vehicle Readiness Index indicates that despite increasing supply and regulatory challenges, the UK ranks as the fifth most prepared market globally for EV transformation. The UK is increasing governmental support and supervision. The government plans to invest £1.6 billion in developing EV charging infrastructure , including a £950 million allocation for the Rapid Charging Fund aimed at installing DC chargers.

However, the UK lags behind countries like China, Germany, and the U.S. in EV and battery manufacturing investments. To close this gap, the government is investing £800 million in research for EV battery production and allocating £211 million for projects focused on cost reduction and enhancing energy efficiency and recyclability of batteries.

New UK regulations require that starting in 2024, 22% of car sales must be EVs, with this percentage increasing annually until reaching 100% by 2035. Nevertheless, Fitch Solutions predicts that UK’s EV sales will grow at an annual rate of approximately 18.4% over the next eight years, slower than previously expected. The main reason is that current demand for EVs relies heavily on fleet purchases, while corporate and private sales are experiencing a downward trend. This indicates that most consumers remain hesitant about switching to EVs.

Development of UK’s Major EV Manufacturers

According to a survey by Bolt.Earth (an EV charging infrastructure supplier), five foreign brands dominate the UK’s EV market: Audi, BMW, Renault, Tesla, and Volkswagen. In 2022, Kia's e-Niro and Nissan Leaf ranked as the third and fifth best-selling EVs in the UK. In the first seven months of 2023, China's SAIC MG4 became the second best-selling EV in the UK, following Tesla's Model Y.

Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 were the top-selling electric models in 2022 in UK. Model Y is a family SUV with a range of 513 kilometers and a price between £52,000 and £68,000. Model 3 is priced between £48,000 and £61,000 and can charge from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes using a 200kW charger, making it an economical option.

BMW and Audi attract UK’s EV buyers with their i4 and Q4 e-tron models. Audi recently announced plans to fully transition to EV production by 2029, restructuring all existing production lines and expanding its model range. Volkswagen is pursuing a similar transformation with a focus on mid-range markets.

Kia and Volkswagen offer similar pricing and a range of 418 kilometers. However, Kia’s longer warranty period and faster charging capabilities are gaining traction on the market. Meanwhile, Chinese brands have doubled their share in the European EV market within two years due to lower prices (approximately £27,000 to £32,000) as well as more advanced battery technology. SAIC Group also employs localization strategies by investing in design studios in London to produce vehicles like the Cyberster series tailored for the UK market.

In 2023, BMW announced a £600 million investment in its Mini factories in Oxford and Swindon to produce two new all-electric Mini models starting in 2026, including the 3-door Mini Cooper and Mini Aceman. Since 2000, BMW has invested over £3 billion in this region. Nissan also announced plans to invest £2 billion to produce electric versions of its Qashqai and Juke models while building a third battery factory and related facilities in the UK. Tata Group from India revealed plans to invest £4 billion in Somerset for a gigafactory expected to produce 40GWh of batteries annually for its Jaguar Land Rover starting in 2026. (To be continued in Part 2)

What is Acid Pickling?

Several weeks ago, I was teaching a class on basic fastener technology. As part of the class, we had the opportunity to visit a local steel mill where they cast billets and hot rolled them into cold heading quality rod. Hot rolled rod was the end product at this site and I found myself searching for a way to explain to the class that this was just an interim step in the process of converting raw iron and steel scrap into steel wire that is usable in a cold header. I explained that hot rolled rod must be further processed to make it feasible to use. One of the more important changes, I explained, is addressing the surface condition of the rod so that it is free of scale, clean , and lubricated. This metamorphosis begins with acid pickling.

When steel is heated to elevated temperatures in a normal industrial environment such as the open-air conditions in a hot rolling mill or the unprotected environment of a normal tempering furnace, oxides and scale can form on the surface of steel. Those substances stubbornly adhere to the surface and can be extremely difficult to remove. Thus, they require a powerful process to remove them. One such process is acid pickling. Acid pickling is a process that employs the strength of strong acids to remove stubborn oxides, scale, and stains from the surface of steels and other metals.

The acid pickling process is straight forward. It involves the following process steps:

• Pre-cleaning

• Pickling

• Rinsing

• Neutralization and Rust Inhibitor Application

• Drying

The process begins with pre-cleaning. Many times, steels or parts have picked up dirt, oil, grease, or a conglomeration of these substances commonly referred to as “smut.” These contaminants can normally be removed without abnormal heroic efforts by immersing the items in a caustic, soaplike solution. A simple dip or electrocleaning immersion in a caustic solution is normally successful in removing these types of contaminants. However, these methods are not strong enough to remove the oxides, scale, and rust. Even though this pre-cleaning does not remove these more stubborn contaminants, its role is crucial because removing the smut and related contaminants prevents the acid pickling bath from becoming contaminated with these substances. In doing so the acid can exclusively target removing the more stubborn oxides and scale.

Following the pre-cleaning, raw steel items or parts are immersed into an acidic solution known as the “pickling liquor.” Although this sounds simple, it is a delicate procedural balance that requires good understanding and control of the process. In fact, there are multiple variables that determine the outcome of the process, with the primary ones

being the type of acid utilized, acid concentration, operating temperature, and immersion time. Secondary variables may include factors like the addition of buffering agents and age or efficacy of the bath.

The most common pickling acids are either hydrochloric ( Fig. 1 ) or sulfuric acids. However, there is an extensive list of acids that can be utilized for pickling, particularly for the use with select, non-carbon steel metals. Other acids that may be utilized for pickling include nitric, phosphoric, hydrofluoric, oxalic, tartaric, citric, acetic, and formic acids. For use as pickling agents these acids are diluted to a concentration somewhere between about 15 and 20 percent acid content. There does not seem to be any one definitive norm on this, but it is understood that these values represent a balance between where the pickling medium works effectively without needlessly risking hydrogen embrittlement potential and fuming (the corrosive fumes emitted by the pickling bath). Temperature also plays a vital role. When the acid is warmed it is more effective, but like acid concentration, a delicate balance must be struck between warmer temperatures and the degree of fuming the bath emits.

Today hydrochloric acid is the most common pickling agent, although in the past sulfuric acid was more common because it was more affordable. However, sulfuric acid requires more contact time than hydrochloric acid to successfully remove oxides and scale which can be detrimental to processes where production rates require a faster response.

Hydrochloric acid more efficiently removes scale and oxides and can do so without having to heat the pickling bath. In fact, a hydrochloric acid pickling bath can be operated at room temperature. Pickling with hydrochloric acid may slightly reduce the amount of hydrogen penetration as compared to other acid types, particularly sulfuric acid. Unfortunately, hydrochloric acid begins to fume at slightly elevated temperatures. Fuming is a problem because it is corrosive to the surrounding exposed areas and presents a health risk to nearby workers. Hydrochloric acid is more corrosive to exposed areas and difficult to recycle and dispose of than sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid is less expensive, and pickling efficiency is easily influenced by changing the bath temperature. Unfortunately, sulfuric acid attacks the base metal more aggressively, generates greater hydrogen penetration than hydrochloric acid and experiences greater fuming when higher bath temperatures are employed to raise pickling efficiency.

Cast irons are typically initially pickled with phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or hydrofluoric acid and then with either hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. Corrosion resistant and Chromium-Nickel steels are pickled with nitric or hydrofluoric acid.

Fig. 1. Hydrochloric composition

In addition to bath temperature and acid concentration, time is an important control factor. This process removes as much as one to three percent of steel mass. On the other hand, steel and parts that are highly oxidized or have a large amount of scale may require longer pickling times. Therefore, processors must be mindful of the time that items remain immersed in the pickling bath.

Immediately following immersion in the pickling bath, parts must receive a rinse. This is important because rinsing in clean water will remove any residual acid from the surface of the item being pickled and halt any further pickling action.

Following the rinse, items may undergo a neutralizing process to eliminate any residual acid on the surface. Items may also receive some form of rust inhibitor to improve corrosion resistance.

In the case of acid pickling utilized in the electroplating process, pickling serves to remove stubborn scale and oxides which would inhibit proper deposition of the plating metal. It also serves as a means of “roughing” up the surface to allow for better adhesion of the plated metal. In the electroplating (Fig. 2) process parts are immediately transferred from the pickling to the

One of the significant drawbacks of the pickling process is the part exposure to hydrogen. This is less of a concern on raw steel where there is no barrier to prevent the hydrogen from escaping, but a heightened concern on parts receiving an electroplated surface. Of special concern is electroplated zinc since the zinc layer is non-porous making it more difficult for the hydrogen to escape. Therefore, there are other processes that accomplish the same thing. The most common, at least for the further processing of fasteners, is some form of mechanical abrasive blasting. This includes shot peening, bead blasting, and grit blasting. These processes are commonly employed as cleaning and activation steps for surface finishes and coatings that are designed to be hydrogen embrittlement

In summary, pickling is a vital component of a number of fastener related processes. It is one of the critical steps in converting hot drawn steel rod into cold heading quality wire. It is also a crucial step in the electroplating process of fasteners, as caustic pre-cleaning and electrocleaning do not always sufficiently produce a clean enough surface to effectively electroplate parts. As beneficial as the process is, however, acid pickling must be carefully controlled and monitored to provide the outcomes necessary to benefit the end user.

Fig. 2. Electroplating

Taiwan's Carbon Fee Era -

The Future of the Fastener Industry (Part II)

Editor's Note: The EU carbon market and carbon tax calculation are closely related to Taiwan's industries and their future competitiveness. In the last Nov. issue of Fastener World Bimonthly Edition, we’ve explained in detail the future carbon tax collection model, calculation criteria and implementation progress in Taiwan. In order for readers to better understand the issues and impacts that may arise from the actual implementation of the carbon tax, and to maintain their competitiveness in the global market in the future, we have provided more in-depth explanations and analyses in this issue.

The EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) established by the EU in 2005 is the most mature operation in the world and currently the world's largest carbon emissions trading market. Currently, the price in the EU carbon trading market is about EUR 70 (about NTD 2,500), which is 8.33 times higher than the carbon fee in Taiwan, which means that from 2026 onwards, importers in the EU will have to pay the difference between the carbon fee that Taiwanese fastener exporters have paid to the Taiwanese government and the EU CBAM tax to the EU government.

The weights and amounts of screws, bolts, nuts, automotive screws, screw hooks, rivets, pins, cotter pins, washers (incl. spring washers) and similar articles (HS code: 7318) made of iron and steel exported from Taiwan to the world, the U.S., and Europe (incl. EU and non-EU countries) in 2019-2023 are summarized in Table 1 (Taiwan’s Steel Fasteners Exports in 2019-2023).

The total weight of Taiwan's exports to Europe in 2023 was 399,901 metric tons. Based on my assistance to Taiwanese fastener manufacturers in reporting the carbon emissions of CBAM-related products in the past two years, the total emission was about 3.15 metric tons of CO2e/ton, meaning the calculated carbon emission of CBAM declaration in 2023 was 1,259,688.15 metric tons of CO2e. After conversion, the amount of CBAM tax to be paid (one metric ton is NTD 2,500) is NTD 3,149,220, 375, equivalent to 98,413,000 US dollars, which means that European importers have to pay a CBAM tax of around 6.76% of the imported value.

In the past two years, due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the energy costs in Europe have risen dramatically, the European economy has declined, and the price of EU ETS has dropped from the highest point of €100 to the current €70. In my past article titled “The Impact of EU CBAM on Taiwanese Fastener Industry” in Fastener World Magazine (Issue #190) in 2021, my calculation found that CBAM at that time amounted to about 8.51% of the export amount. Based on the two variables (i.e., the unit price and the EU ETS price), it is estimated that the CBAM tax that EU importers will have to pay to the EU government for Taiwanese fasteners will be about 6-8% of the export value after deducting the carbon fee that Taiwan has already paid.

Table 1. Taiwan’s Steel Fasteners (HS code 7318) Exports in 2019-2023

Table 1 shows that Taiwan sold 1,230,933 metric tons of steel fasteners to the world in 2023, with a total value of US$4,599,738,000, among which 399,901 metric tons of these products were sold to Europe in 2023, with a total value of US$1,455,643,000. The weight of exports to Europe accounted for 32.49% of Taiwan’s total export weight, while the value of exports to Europe accounted for 31.65% of Taiwan’s total export value. Based on these data, Taiwanese fastener industry may face two difficulties, one of which is that after the carbon fee is levied in Taiwan, the cost of Taiwan CSC will increase by about 0.45% to 2.73%. The amount of Taiwan's carbon fee is far from the EU's target (a difference of 8.33 times). EU importers have to bear the CBAM carbon tax about 6-8% of the total imported value. It will take time to see if Taiwanese fastener companies can still maintain their competitiveness in the EU market. Secondly, once Taiwan's carbon fee starts to be charged, the carbon fee, if reflected in the selling price of Taiwan's CSC's wire rod, will make Taiwanese fastener products less competitive in the non-EU regions. Since Europe accounts for 32.49% of Taiwan's total fastener exports, 67.51% of the rest of the world (including the U.S.) have not begun to levy a carbon tax, but still have to bear the impact of increased carbon tax costs, especially in the U.S. where the Clean Competition Act (CCA) was originally scheduled to be introduced in 2024 and has been delayed due to serious inflation in the U.S. in 2023 and the presidential election in 2024. After assessing Trump's election as the next U.S. President and in view of the fact that Trump, who was then the U.S. President in 2019, led the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, it is predicted that the U.S. CCA will continue to be delayed. As a result, it requires observing whether the increased costs of the carbon fee levied in Taiwan will reduce the international competitiveness of Taiwanese fasteners in the U.S. and non-EU regions.

Under these two difficulties, the carbon reduction performance of Taiwan CSC is the key to determining the future of Taiwanese fastener industry. In the calculation of CBAM carbon emissions of steel fasteners, Taiwan CSC's wire rod accounts for about 70% of the emissions; and therefore, in order to effectively reduce the carbon emissions of Taiwan's steel fasteners, in addition to the efforts of the downstream processing plants, it is also necessary to actively reduce carbon emissions from the steel billet smelting in Taiwan CSC . At present, the most urgent task is that Taiwanese fastener industry should help Taiwan CSC in the name of public associations to obtain the most government budget for energy saving and carbon reduction to improve its production process and accelerate the carbon reduction process of Taiwan CSC, and even help it secure the same amount of funding that Taiwan CSC received for the construction of the plant in 1971 (which was one of the ten major projects of Mr. Chiang Ching-Kuo, the then Premier of the Executive Yuan) in order to quickly enhance the capacity of Taiwan CSC to reduce carbon emission and increase capacity.

On the other hand, on April 1, 2024, Taiwan Power Company adjusted its electricity tariffs across the board, which varied according to different types and levels of electricity consumption, with the rate of increase ranging from 3-10% for people's livelihood, and 7-25% for industrial use. On October 16, 2024, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced the second tariff increase within the year, with the electricity tariff for industrial use going up by 12.5%, however, for industries with declining electricity consumption or production value, the rate of increase will be frozen or reduced by half. It is an indisputable fact that Taiwanese fastener industry experienced a decline in production value from 2023 to 2024, so Taiwanese fastener industry should quickly and actively apply for a freeze or a 50% reduction in the rate of increase in the name of the company or trade association.

Taiwan CSC was established in 1971. At that time, in order to prevent dependence on foreign steel products, reduce the burden of foreign exchange, and eliminate the shortcomings of the past due to the inconsistency of the source of steel, which made it impossible to control the quality, Taiwan CSC built a large steel mill, which accelerated the economic and social development at that time, and made a significant contribution to Taiwan's economic miracle. Over the past 50 years, Taiwanese fastener industry has not only earned the reputation of “Kingdom of Fasteners”, but has also provided the livelihoods of countless families in Taiwan. Whether or not Taiwanese fastener industry will have another 50 years of prosperity will ultimately depend on the carbon reduction performance of Taiwan CSC's production operations.

The Advantages for Fastener Manufacturers to

Indonesia's manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of its economy, ranking among the largest contributors to the nation's GDP. The country has consistently attracted substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing, driven by its expansive domestic market, competitive labour costs, and favourable government incentives.

To bolster FDI, the Indonesian government has introduced a range of reforms and policies aimed at enhancing the investment climate. Key measures include streamlining regulations, offering tax incentives, creating special economic zones, and supporting infrastructure development. These initiatives collectively position Indonesia as an appealing destination for foreign companies seeking opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

Fastener manufacturers are increasingly exploring Southeast Asia for expansion, and Indonesia has emerged as a prime destination. With its growing economy, strategic location, government incentives, and access to raw materials, Indonesia offers a competitive environment for industrial development. This article explores why setting up factories in Indonesia is a strategic move for the fastener industry and provides actionable insights for manufacturers.

Article by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

Economic Stability and Growth Potential

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy and one of the fastest growing in the region. The World Bank projects Indonesia's GDP to grow at 3.4% in 2024, supported by increased domestic consumption, a young population, and a burgeoning middle class. This growth creates a stable economic environment, essential for long-term investment in manufacturing.

Additionally, Indonesia's "Making Indonesia 4.0" initiative focuses on industrial modernization, including the fastener industry, by integrating digitalization and advanced manufacturing techniques. Fastener manufacturers that align with this vision can benefit from government support and access to modern industrial ecosystems.

Competitive Labor Costs and Workforce Development

Labor is one of the highest costs in manufacturing. Indonesia offers one of the most cost-effective labour markets in Asia. The average monthly wage for manufacturing workers in Indonesia is significantly lower than in neighbouring countries like Thailand and Malaysia.

However, the cost advantage does not compromise quality. The government is investing heavily in skill development to ensure a workforce ready to meet the demands of industrial automation and advanced manufacturing. Manufacturers can partner with local training institutions to create tailored workforce programs, ensuring a steady supply of skilled labour.

Strategic Geographic Location

Indonesia's location is another critical advantage. Situated along major global trade routes and at the heart of ASEAN, Indonesia serves as a natural hub for manufacturing and distribution. Fastener manufacturers setting up factories in Indonesia can reduce lead times and shipping costs for regional and international markets.

Moreover, the country’s growing trade agreements under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) allow manufacturers to export products with reduced tariffs to other member countries, opening doors to markets like Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Government Incentives and Industrial Policies

Indonesia's government actively supports foreign investment in manufacturing. Incentives such as tax holidays, import duty exemptions for raw materials and capital goods, and simplified licensing processes are available for companies establishing operations in key industrial zones.

Fastener manufacturers can benefit from these incentives, particularly in priority sectors identified under the "Making Indonesia 4.0" roadmap. The government is also investing in infrastructure, including ports, railways, and industrial parks, to create integrated manufacturing hubs that streamline logistics.

Access to Raw Materials

Indonesia is rich in raw materials essential for fastener production, such as steel, nickel, and aluminium. The country's strong mining and metal industries provide a reliable supply chain, reducing dependency on imports and associated costs.

Furthermore, the government encourages value addition within the country, offering opportunities for manufacturers to source raw materials locally and contribute to downstream industries. Fastener manufacturers can explore partnerships with local suppliers to ensure consistent and cost-effective material access.

Insights for Fastener Manufacturers

1. Localize Operations

By sourcing raw materials locally and hiring a local workforce, manufacturers can significantly reduce costs. Localized operations also help companies adapt products to meet specific market demands in Indonesia and the wider ASEAN region.

2. Adopt Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is becoming a core focus in global manufacturing. Indonesia offers opportunities to integrate renewable energy and ecofriendly practices in production. Fastener manufacturers can align with these trends to enhance their brand reputation and comply with emerging international standards.

3. Leverage Digitalization

With the government's push for Industry 4.0, manufacturers have the opportunity to integrate automation and digital technologies in their factories. This can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and create a competitive edge in quality and delivery times.

4. Engage in Industry Clusters

Indonesia's industrial zones are designed to foster collaboration among businesses. Fastener manufacturers can benefit from shared infrastructure and partnerships within these clusters, including logistics, R&D, and distribution networks.

Challenges to Consider

Despite its advantages, Indonesia poses some challenges, including:

• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating Indonesia’s regulatory framework can be cumbersome. Engaging local consultants or legal advisors can simplify compliance.

• Infrastructure Gaps: While the government is making strides in infrastructure development, certain regions may still face logistics bottlenecks. Manufacturers should carefully evaluate locations based on proximity to ports and industrial hubs.

• Environmental Regulations: As Indonesia advances its climate goals, companies need to ensure compliance with stricter environmental standards. This requires investment in sustainable practices and technologies.

Recommendations for Fastener Manufacturers

1. Conduct Feasibility Studies

Before investing, manufacturers should perform detailed feasibility studies to identify optimal locations, assess labour availability, and understand market demand.

2. Invest in Employee Training

To ensure operational efficiency, fastener manufacturers should invest in training programs to develop a skilled workforce, particularly for roles involving automation and quality assurance.

3. Collaborate with the Government

Building strong relationships with local government bodies can help manufacturers navigate regulations and access incentives more effectively.

4. Adopt Circular Economy Practices

By incorporating recycling and reuse strategies, manufacturers can reduce material costs and align with global sustainability trends. This can also provide a competitive advantage in markets demanding eco-friendly products.

Conclusion

Indonesia offers a favourable environment for foreign investors, including Taiwanese companies, with policies allowing full foreign ownership in many sectors. The government provides various incentives like tax holidays and reductions, particularly in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which are available to all qualifying foreign investors.

There are no specific restrictions on Taiwanese investors. However, based on the recent experiences of Chinese investors, it’s important to note that political transitions may influence the application of investment incentives and regulations. The recent shift in Indonesia’s political landscape has raised concerns among some Chinese investors regarding potential changes in government support and policies. Taiwanese investors should therefore stay informed about any political developments that might affect the investment climate.

While many sectors are open to foreign investment, some industries have restrictions or may require partnerships with local entities, as outlined in the Negative Investment List. Taiwanese companies should review this list and consult with local experts to ensure compliance.

With strong economic ties between Taiwan and Indonesia, Taiwanese investors have found success in various industries. By conducting thorough due diligence, engaging with local authorities, and leveraging bilateral relations, Taiwanese companies can effectively navigate Indonesia's investment landscape.

In conclusion, Indonesia remains an attractive destination for Taiwanese investment. While there are no specific restrictions, staying updated on political developments and sector-specific regulations will help ensure a smooth investment process.

Sources: World Bank Group, Ministry of Industry of Republic of Indonesia, and Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC)

Bainite Processes and Properties

It is well known that there are two ways to obtain bainite in structural steels. One is isothermal quenching; the other is alloying, where different alloying elements are added to enhance the properties of the steel in order to obtain a bainite structure. Isothermal quenching results in washers with less deformation and internal stress than single medium quenching. Isothermal quenching reduces the deformation and the surface notch sensitivity of washers, improving the plastic toughness of steel. The role of alloys in spring steels, when applied to washers, results in a strong and tough bainite structure. After the isothermal quenching process, the spring steel is tempered to further homogenize the structure and reduce the internal stresses; Differences in tempering temperatures also affect the strength, fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance of washers. Due to the addition of Cr and V, 51CrV4 steel has high strength and fatigue resistance. In the past 10 years, the research on the heat treatment technology of bainite isothermal quenching mainly focuses on the temperature and time in the quenching and isothermal process.

The difference between conventional quenching & tempering and isothermal quenching is that the conventional quenching & tempering process will cool to the room temperature during quenching and results in a quenched martensite, whereas in the isothermal quenching process there is no quenching to room temperature and the amount of martensite obtained is small. Because the small amount of martensite is mostly of large-angle grain boundaries, which is not conducive to the enhancement of steel strength, large angle grain boundaries can prevent crack expansion in the tensile impact process, improving the toughness and plasticity to a certain extent. In the traditional process, the bainite steel structure changes according to the tempering temperature, which usually results in the medium tempered troostite. It is the transformed product of martensite after medium temperature tempering at about 400°C. Tempered troostite has a higher elastic limit, yield strength and fatigue strength, and has a certain degree of toughness. The nature of its structure is composed of carbide and ferrite mechanical mixture. In order to distinguish it from the troostite transformed from overcooling austenite, it is called tempered troostite.

Research on Steel for Lock Washers and Bainite Transformation

(Part 2)

Figure 2. The Conventional Heat Treatment Process for

900°C+20min

Temperature/°C

Ac3

Oil cooling

450°C+90min

Water cooling

Time/min

By comparing the structural properties with those of the conventional process, it provides a reference for the application of the lower bainitic in the heat treatment of washers. In order to better compare with the real process and exclude more interferences from external factors, the spring steel used was sampled in the finished washers. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the conventional heat treatment process for 51CrV4 steel.

Figure 3(a) shows the metallographic structure of 51CrV4 after quenching and tempering heat treatment, which is a single tempered troostite. From the tempered troostite we can see that, after tempering the structure is obviously refined, uniform and small, and the slat feature is also obvious. When martensite quenched at high temperatures is tempered at medium temperatures, its martensitic characteristics still cannot be eliminated. Tempered troostite, as a result of tempering, has a similar structure to slat martensite.

Figure 3(b) shows the metallographic structure of 51CrV4 after isothermal quenching heat treatment, which is mainly a complex phase structure composed of bainite, martensite and residual austenite. After the isothermal process maintains a warm temperature for a sufficiently long period of time in the bainite

51CrV4 Steel

Fig. 4 shows the microstructures of the specimens: 4a shows it is mainly lower bainite + martensite + upper bainite + residual austenite, while 4b shows it is mainly lower bainite + tempered troostite + a small amount of tempered martensite.

transformation area, the bainite transformation is complete and the bainite structure appears. After etching, you will see obvious lower bainite features such as needle-like plates and stripes, and most of the area is the bainite structure; The picture shows the presence of areas that are not corroded and are recognized as martensite/ austenite. Due to the high carbon content of the steel, the enrichment was retained until room temperature and a small amount of residual austenite appeared. A complex phase structure consisting of lower bainite, martensite, and residual austenite was finally obtained.

To see the tempered troostite from the SEM structure of 51CrV4 steel after quenching and tempering, the structure is mainly composed of ferrite and short rods or grains of cementite, and the needle-like form of ferrite has gradually disappeared. Most of the ferrite maintains the slate-like status, and the cementite structure is widely dispersed around the ferrite. The SEM structure of 51CrV4 steel after isothermal quenching treatment shows that the lower bainite in the microstructure is in the form of black bundles, and the bainite in the microstructure is in the form of black slats,

which is a mechanical mixture of ferrite and carbides with high strength and toughness. In the process of bainite transformation, the first transformation of the lower bainite can split and refine the overcooling austenite grains that have not yet been transformed. At the end of the isothermal air-cooling stage, a small amount of martensitic phase transformation occurs. The martensite structure is less abundant and fine needle-like, making it difficult to be distinguished from the bainite structure, because martensite is less susceptible to corrosion than bainite, and lighter in color in the microstructure, with uncorroded areas of martensite/austenite, and residual austenite dispersed as a thin film between the lower bainite and martensite.

During the isothermal quenching process, a portion of the overcooling austenite is retained by the compressive force formed by the volume expansion due to the structure change, and eventually lower bainite + martensite + residual austenite + particulate dispersed carbides are obtained, as shown in Fig. 4a. If we temper the small amount of martensite formed in the isothermal process at 300°C~350°C, the formation of tempered martensite will only account for a small portion because the tempering time is not long. The final isothermal quenched and tempered structure is the carbide composed of lower bainite, tempered troostite, and a small amount of tempered martensite in the form of particles, as shown in Fig. 4b.

Fig. 3 Microstructure of 51CrV4 Steel by Heat Treatment：(a) Quenching and Tempering Process；(b) Isothermal Quenching Process

Fig. 5 Metallographic Structure Composed of Lower Bainite, Tempered Troostite, and a Small Amount of Tempered Martensite

a. 27MnCrB5 b. 65Mn c. S60C d. SK5

Table 2. Washer Heat Treating Process

According to the case study of early failure of washers, the hardness of washers should be controlled at 42 to 47 HRC, which can reduce the risk of hydrogen delayed fracture during use. For this purpose, the isothermal temperature should be 300°C~350°C. The isothermal time should be at least 60 ~ 70min. If the isothermal time is not enough, a larger number of austenite won't get enough time to change into lower bainite. When taken out for air cooling, it will turn into a certain amount of martensite and a small amount of residual austenite, and produce a certain amount of structural stress. For this reason, a proper extension of the isothermal time can fully transform austenite into lower bainite, which is an important measure to reduce martensite and internal stress. Because washers are subjected to axial reciprocating or alternating stresses, and are used under conditions of vibration and shock, the residual austenite content of the steel is required to be appropriate to ensure the required mechanical properties. More importantly, the percentage of residual austenite that will undergo transformation in practice should be as low as possible to avoid the generation of brittle martensite. Therefore, the final heat treatment technique was determined to be isothermal quenching with medium temperature tempering, as shown in Table 2

The microstructure of bainite washers after isothermal quenching is a complex phase structure composed of lower bainite, tempered troostite, a small amount of tempered martensite, and granular dispersion of carbides, which features higher impact toughness and wear resistance.

Conclusion

The heat treatment of bainite as an important part of isothermal quenching has an important effect on the structure and mechanical properties of bainite. Temperature has a dominant effect on microstructure, which plays an important role in the properties of steel. Isothermal heat treatment is a common process for toughening steel. The quenching temperature determines to a certain extent the amount of primary martensite and unaltered austenite, which has great potential and room for development.

Fastener Innovation Alley

Innovative Hot-dip Galvanized Screw for Solar Structures

The hot-dip galvanized ground screw by Elementos de Sujeción Galvanizados is an innovative solution designed specifically for the renewable energy sector, providing robust and efficient support for the solar structures.

It is a metal structure with propellers and can be installed directly in the ground without the need for hole drilling or concrete foundations. The screw nails easily into the ground. This considerably reduces installation time and cost. Thanks to its design, it offers maximum stability and strength ideal for supporting solar panels and other light infrastructure.

Features:

1. AI will automatically choose which shape to search for.

2. Showing similarities in easy-to-understand colors and numbers.

3. Reference the material costs and processing costs of past products and use them effectively when making quotes.

4. Use OCR to import text messages as additional messages.

Features:

• Hot dip galvanizing: It is coated by a hot-dip galvanization process, which guarantees durability, corrosion protection even in extreme climatic conditions, prolonging service life.

• Quick and easy installation: No heavy machinery or complex processes required. This makes it an ideal choice for solar energy projects looking for agile installation.

• Environmentally friendly: No traditional foundations are required, thus avoiding the use of concrete and reducing environmental impact.

• High strength and durability: Designed to withstand heavy loads, providing long-term security and stability for solar structures.

• Versatility in the field: It works efficiently on different types of soils, from soft to more compacted soils.

“AI-Powered

Similar Drawing Search” Applicable to Fasteners

A customer sends in the drawings. If a similar product has been manufactured in the past, past drawings are referenced. However, it is difficult to search for the desired drawings among many drawings. If you rely on employees' vague memories to submit quotes, sometimes you would get complaints from customers. If past drawings cannot be found, a quote must be made from scratch. Japanese Technoa's "AI-powered Similar Drawing Search" is designed to solve this problem.

5. No need for high-performance servers.

6. Easily compare drawing changes and manage drawing versions.

7. Can reference the production management system and extract various data related to drawings.

More Heat-resistant Decorative Screws

Daimaru Byoura Seisakusho for Japan started rolling out a new product called "Polycarbonate Decorative Screw" from its original products. The head material is made of polycarbonate, which has higher heat resistance and weather resistance over conventional nylon decorative screws. The head part can be made of resin, the threaded part can be made of metal. Plus, both parts can be made of polycarbonate. Available in various colors.

Anti-rotation and Non-entangling Washer

This product from Japanese Plarad completely prevents hex bolts from co-rotating. It is available in M12 to M72 sizes and patent pending. It does not use jagged knurled surface irregularities to generate friction, instead it has a special structure that changes the equivalent friction diameter to ensure that the bolts do not co-rotate. Eliminating the use of tools which prevent bolt rotation, and reducing the number of workers required from two to one, which can significantly reduce the time required to tighten bolts.

Strength level: 8.8 / Material: S45C

Surface treatment: trivalent chromate

The Shallowest C2 Seismic Concrete Bolt in Australia

Seismic design adds complexity and cost. ICCONS® has developed the shallowest C2 seismic concrete ScrewBolt in Australia, making installation easier for engineers and contractors alike.

● 8 x 55mm Bolt: Significantly lower cost than other typical C2 approved anchors

● 60mm Drill Depth: Reduced drill-time and incidence of hitting reinforced bars resulting in less machine and accessory wear

● 50mm Embedment: Labor saving through rapid installation

● 5mm Max. Fixture Thickness: Suitable for countless C2 Seismic applications

JOISTUD FH Clinching Stud Bolt

A clinching bolt is a fastener that achieves integration by pressing its head into materials such as steel plates, and it is widely used in the automotive industry and various other fields. As product functionalities improve and the number of parts increases, there is an urgent need to arrange components efficiently within limited spaces, leading to demands for miniaturization and space-saving designs for these bolts.

Additionally, the currently available low-head clinching bolts on the market may produce issues such as deformation or sinking of the head when subjected to high torque fastening or external forces. In response to this, Japanese Nitto Seiko has developed a high-safety head-embedded JOISTUD-FH clinching bolt. This bolt can simply be pressed into the fastening material, effectively preventing

the head from protruding and reducing the risk of sinking due to axial forces during fastening, thereby providing strong support for customer needs.

"JOISTUD-FH" minimizes the thickness of the head to its absolute limit, allowing the entire outer circumference of the head to be pressed into the fastened material. Additionally, the load bearing area is designed with nine circular recesses, which enable the fastened material to fill these recesses during pressing, resulting in an effective anti-rotation effect. Furthermore, because the recesses have a partially open design, air can easily escape during pressing, facilitating the flow of the fastened material into the recesses. By incorporating a very thin head shape and these recesses, the head can be fully embedded within the fastened material, effectively preventing it from protruding after pressing and thereby achieving a space-saving effect.

Anti-loosening NC Grip

Japanese Nitto Seiko has developed an adhesive-type anti-loosening screw called "NC Grip" and begun accepting orders on November 1, 2024. "NC Grip" features a coating of micro-encapsulated epoxy resin on the threaded section, which breaks the capsules during installation, causing the resin to harden and providing a strong anti-loosening effect.

Features:

• An adhesive-type anti-loosening screw coated with micro-encapsulated epoxy resin on the threaded section.

• During installation, the micro-capsules break, allowing the epoxy resin to seep out and harden, preventing loosening.

• Coating is possible for all types of screws, including small screws and tapping screws.

compiled by Fastener World