Fastener + Fixing Magazine #53

BONDING

FIXING

WATERPROOFING

ATE, SOGARIS 204 - 94654 - RUNGIS CEDEX - FRANCE - TEL : +33 (0) 1 45 60 43 14 - FAX : +33 (0) 1 46 87 70 45 - export@ate-experts.com - www.ate-experts.com

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Bonding, fixing and waterproofing with ATE

36-37

CONTENTS

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NEWS Europe and World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Russia & CIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-32 ANALYSIS No preliminary antidumping tariffs . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Fixing News

Koelner invests confidence in Śrubex

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COVER STORY Bonding, fixing and waterproofing with ATE . . . 36-37 EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 EXHIBITIONS NIFS/West Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 STAFDA 2008 Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 EuroBLECH Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 INSIGHT Koelner invests confidence in Śrubex . . . . . . . . 50-52 "Your second warehouse" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61 Poised for impressive growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Confounding the cynics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84-86 ASSOCIATIONS Reflections on the EFDA presidency. . . . . . . . . . 54-56 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-58 CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS Getting the SME voice heard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-70

Reflections on the EFDA presidency

40 NIFS/West Preview

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Putting ideas into shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Lean solution to fastener production . . . . . . . . . . . 74 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76-82 Plating and coating technologies . . . . . . . . . . 96-102 FOCUS ON European Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87-95 MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104-106 Hitting the buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108-110 TOOLS News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112-114

96 Plating and coating technologies

INNOVATIONS The Haines Interlocking Screw System. . . . . . 116-118 APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120-122 CATALOGUE RACK Rivets and Rivetting Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 123-125 PRODUCTS News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126-144 RECRUITMENT & ADVERTISERS INDEX . . . . . . . . . . 146

4

Cold comfort for autumn days?

What do you know, over the last couple of months there has been a stream of interim reports from steel corporations confirming that first half profits rose dramatically.

Taiwan’s China Steel Corporation, for example, reported second quarter

By Phil Matten unaudited pretax profits up 31.4% at TWD 18.84 billion – that’s around 418 million euros. The world’s largest steel group, ArcelorMittal, announced first half net income up 65% at US$8.2 billion. US Steel also reported net profits doubled in Quarter 2.

The exception was a report from the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) saying that large and medium-sized manufacturers in China had seen first half profits fall by an average 7.6%.

In July fastener manufacturers were assailed by wire increases on what can only be described as an extremely robust ‘take it or leave it’ basis and warned of more increases to come before the year end.

Yes, the oligopoly of iron ore and coking coal extractors rammed up prices in the first half and energy costs rocketed. And yes it probably is sensible to reserve judgement until third quarter and full year steel company results are available to gauge how cost increases have worked through. Nevertheless, it does not seem unduly cynical to reflect that steel prices are now increasing ‘because they can’.

But can they? In recent weeks there have been some interesting straws in the wind. Taiwan steel mills have been reported as cutting production in order to prevent a fall in steel prices. China Steel Corporation, it has to be said, has just announced further increases for Quarter 4 – the highest being applied to wire rod products – arguing that domestic prices still fall below world market levels. ArcelorMittal had to explain why price cuts from its South African operation would not be reflected globally, indicating it would control outputs to ensure ‘price stability’.

No avoiding it, though, world economic conditions are impacting steel demand. It’s a difficult picture to bring into focus – different geographic markets slowing at different speeds, different grades of steel impacted in different ways. Some mills with insufficient capacity to meet commitments, others saying production will have to be curtailed unless they receive orders.

Leading steel producers are clearly trying to balance output against receding demand – no surprise there – but conditions are now going to test the degree to which consolidation allows the steel industry to continue in its pricing aggressively. CISA expects total Chinese steel output to continue rising in the second half of 2008 as new large-scale projects come on line. Post Olympics construction and industrial demand will come back on stream –the question is how hard. The Chinese government’s attitude to growth is also likely to prove significant. Inflation fell below 5% according to reports this week - a 14 month low that eases pressure and might allow policy makers to boost the economy.

CISA reckons that Chinese steel prices will stay high in the second half year, although growth of GDP, fixed asset investment and industrial added value would decline, reducing domestic demand. Export demand was also expected to soften and conditions may lead to “sharp ups and downs” for steel prices.

Confused? You are not alone. A few things are reasonably clear if not particularly reassuring. In Europe wire rod prices have been driven up, hard, once again and there seems little the fastener industry can do about it, since cold heading wire represents a very small proportion of wire rod, let alone overall long product, demand. In contrast in China official mill prices for wire rod have softened in recent weeks, admittedly only by a few percent. More significantly, though, anecdotal reports suggest that cold heading wire is now available from stockists at prices as much as 25% below mill levels. Short term or evidence of a longer term trend – hard to tell, but important to watch.

European stocks of fastener products must inevitably be high as importers anticipated the probability of antidumping tariffs in August. I won’t go on, again, about the uncertainty created by the antidumping process. Suffice to say the Commission has confirmed that preliminary tariffs will not be applied, but that the investigation will continue. (See our Analysis report (page 34) for more on this). So, high stocks of higher cost inventory in the face of uncertain market conditions, and a final antidumping decision that must come by early February, suggests Chinese factories are unlikely to be bombarded with orders.

To my mind pressure is mounting for, what was always an inevitable, correction in steel prices. How steep and how deep, is way beyond the competence of this observer. One of the biggest issues, though, could prove to be that, while falling steel prices are blazoned across the business headlines, the cost of fasteners may well still be rising – something that is not going to prove easy to explain to fastener user buyers, I am afraid.

Fastener & Fixing Magazine 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 OJJ, UK Tel: 0044 (0) 1727 739 150 Fax: 0044 (0) 1727 831 033 Publisher Jeremy Ramsdale jerry@fastfair.net

Editor Phil Matten phil@fastfair.net

Assistant Editor Will Lowry will@fastfair.net

Advertising Director Jamie Mitchell jamie@fastfair.net

Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry@fastfair.net

Advertising Executive Claire Lake claire@fastfair.net

Production Manager Gemma Edwards production@fastfair.net Fastener & Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade.

Disclaimer The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing, of any material supplied or contained herein. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication.

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

Annual subscription (6 issues) to non-trade and outside EU is £80/€120/$160

6

Würth half year results The Würth Group announced half year sales increased by 6.6% to 4.56 billion euros.

Adjusted for currency exchange the group grew 8.2%. Würth forecasts annual sales of 9.2 billion euros.

Operating income was 316 million euros showing a slight fall on the 321 million euros achieved same period 2007.

“The existing growth was stopped, above all, by the bleak economic situation in the US but also by the massive increase in raw material prices,” Würth said.

Sales in Germany outpaced other regions, Growing 9.9% to 1.85 billion euros. International sales grew 4.5%.

Employee numbers increased 7.6% to 65,158.

Mecalux turnover KVT to be sold to equity increases company Klöckner & Co AG has now signed a contract to complete the planned sales of Koenig Verbindungstechnik (KVT) to private equity company Capvis for around 325 million euros.

The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory authorities. KVT operates in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic. 2007 sales totalled 120 million euros, with earnings after tax of 20 million euros. It employs 300 people.

Klöckner’s core activity is distribution of steel and non-ferrous metals.

Koelner trims 2008 forecast Koelner Group has forecast 2008 net profits to reach ZL20 million (5.8 million euros).

2008 sales estimates were trimmed by 8% to ZL730m (213 million euros) primarily due to the appreciation of the Zloty. Koelner has told the Polish stock market it expects to achieve sales of ZL1 billion (290 million euros) by 2010 with a 10% net return. Group employee numbers reduced by 12% in 2008.

Mecalux experienced strong growth during Quarter 1 registering an 11% turnover increase, going from 301 million euros to 333.1 million euros recorded for the present tax year.

Mecalux considers its success the result of: a stronger international presence, strong growth in Latin American and eastern European markets together

with an innovative approach as a differential value.

The company plans to take over the American company UFC Interlake before the end of the year as a way to grow in this area and plans to consolidate itself in the Asian market with a productive plant in Shangai, which could be operative in the year 2010.

Sundram profits hit by interest costs and currency Sundram Fasteners reported a substantial drop in net profit for Quarter 2, 2008, due to higher interest costs and currency exchange losses.

The quarter’s profit dropped nearly 50% to 128.6 million rupees (approx 2 million euros) from 255.5 million in the same quarter 2007. Quarter 2 sales increased 22% year-on-year to 3,636.7 million rupees.

Grainger buys into India US industrial distribution giant Grainger has bought a 49.9% stake in Asia Pacific Brands India Ltd, one of India’s biggest industrial and electrical wholesalers.

Grainger paid US$ 5.4 million (3.78 million euros) and invested a further US$ 1.1 million to help grow the business. APBI has 276 locations and 6,200 dealers across India, generating US$ 47 million sales.

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Lakshmi reports Q1 sales growth Lakshmi Precision Screws Limited reported its first quarter domestic sales up 19.69% to 395 million rupees and a 12.2% export sales increase bringing total sales to 569 million rupees.

Overall profit after tax was up 4.87% to 15.5 million rupees. Comparison is to the corresponding quarter in 2007.

2007-2008 sales totalled 2,110 million rupees. (100 rupees is equal to 1.57 euros).

“An increase in demand for our products from LPS’ existing customers in India and overseas favourably impacted the performance of the company in the last quarter and also encouraged us to ramp up our capacities,” said chairman and managing director, Lalit Kumar Jain.

Acument establishes aerospace business unit Acument Global Technologies, Inc, a supplier of mechanical fastening technology, today announced it has established Acument® Aerospace as a separate business unit to focus and expand its capabilities in the high-performance aerospace threaded fastener market.

According to Acument president and CEO Rick Dauch, the business unit’s international headquarters will be located in Rockford, Ill., and led by Randy Aardema, general manager of Acument® Aerospace.

In late March 2008, Acument announced its re-entry into the aerospace threaded fastener market with the opening of its Camcar® Aerospace production complex occupying two renovated facilities in Rockford, Ill. The operation quickly earned its AS9100

Aerospace Quality Systems Certification and has begun ramping up production of aerospace-grade specialty screws, bolts and threaded fasteners.

Engineers at the Camcar Aerospace research and development lab are working jointly with the Northern Illinois University (NIU) School of Engineering to conduct a federally funded study on next-generation titanium aerospace fasteners. The US$750,000 federal funding for the study was directed

by Congressman Don Manzullo of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois.

Immediately after establishing Camcar Aerospace in Rockford, Acument announced it had acquired Saturn Fasteners, a specialty aerospace threaded fastener supplier based in Burbank, Calif.

Saturn gave Acument an established base of more than 300 global customers and an immediate presence in the Southern California aerospace community. Saturn and Camcar Aerospace now will operate as part of the Acument Aerospace business unit.

“Forming our Acument Aerospace business unit signals Acument’s commitment to accelerate our growth as a significant supplier of aerospace threaded fastening technology,” Dauch said. “With the integration of our Saturn Fasteners acquisition complete and ramp-up of Camcar Aerospace now underway, we have reached the appropriate time to give our growing aerospace business the focus and leadership it required.

Bosch Rexroth plans acquisition of Hägglunds Drives AB Bosch Rexroth plans to acquire all shares in Hägglunds Drives AB, which is based in Mellansel, Sweden. The contract was signed on July 18, 2008 in Stockholm (Sweden). The acquisition is subject to approval by the authorities.

In 2007, Hägglunds Drives employed around 900 people and achieved sales of approximately 200 million euros.

Hägglunds Drives is an international supplier of complete hydraulic drive systems, separate drive motors and services. The Group develops, manufactures, markets and services complete drive system solutions for applications requiring high torque and variable speeds.

"The acquisition of Hägglunds Drives expands our industrial hydraulics portfolio and by this we gain new potential in growing markets, such as renewable energies, and mining and materials handling," explains Dr. Albert Hieronimus, Chairman of the Executive Board of Bosch Rexroth AG. Bosch Rexroth already offers a broad range of hydraulics solutions for industrial and mobile applications. At present, however, it only supplies radial piston motors –the primary product manufactured by Hägglunds Drives – in performance classes for use in mobile applications, such as small construction machinery.

10

TFC take Cavalier approach TFC Europe Ltd, a fastener and solution supplier to the industry has announced the expansion of its logistics and fasteners capabilities with the acquisition of Wallsall based fastening solutions company, Cavalier Fasteners Ltd. The new group will have a combined workforce of more than 65 people and turnover in excess of £14 million.

The acquisition of Cavalier by TFC

Europe Ltd enhances the East Sussex based company's logistical strengths whilst adding an enhanced product portfolio to its customer database. Cavalier Fasteners was established in 1986 as a stainless fastener distributor who quickly built a reputation of supplying the right product on time and at a competitive price.

Since its inception Cavalier Fasteners has broadened its range of products to include non-stainless

TIMco acquires FirmaHold T.I.Midwood & Co Limited (TIMco), a UK importer and wholesaler of screws, fixings and power tool accessories, has acquired FirmaHold, a UK based importer and wholesaler of collated nails, brads and fuel cells.

TIMco says that the combined portfolio will enable it to offer customers a more extensive range. “We are delighted to have completed the purchase of FirmaHold” comments Peter Gill, managing director of TIMco. “The acquisition pushes us into a new fixings market, which together with FirmaHold’s expertise will enable us to expand our fixings portfolio even further.”

Advance Spares doubles up Advance Spares Ltd has recently acquired the business assets of DANGLO Ltd, a tubular rivet supplier, as well as CROWNMAX Investments Telford Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of electrical assemblies Advance Spares Ltd is a manufacturer of tubular rivets and an importer of cold formed fasteners and turned parts plastic components from the Far East and India.

The company has over 20 years experience, has two sites based in Wrexham and Wolverhampton, and employs over 60 people across both sites.

“We are becoming a major supplier of fasteners to OEMS and distributors in the UK and Europe and by adding DANGLO Ltd and CROWNMAX Investments Telford Ltd hope that we can expand over the coming years into all areas. We have a vast stock range of products and can offer a quick turnaround where necessary.”

steel fasteners, silicones, packers, alignment washers and spider bolts amongst an array of other items.

“We see the acquisition of Cavalier as the perfect complement to the service and product range we have been supplying in the UK and Europe over the past 40 years,” said Martin Clarke, managing director of TFC Europe Ltd. “Cavalier will now have the increased financial muscle from being part of a bigger organisation within TFC Europe Ltd.”

Julia Rogerson, events and promotions manager for Willen Hospice, receiving the cheque from Fastbolt UK managing director, Graham Joyce, for the proceeds of the Heinz Storch Memorial Golf Day staged in June.

The event, featured in our last issue, raised over £6,000 for the Milton hospice, which cares for 600 patients a year and provides community nursing, social care and support for carers in the areas surrounding Milton Keynes.

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12

Gary Spedding dies after short illness Stainless Threaded Fasteners has announced, with regret, that Gary Spedding passed away during the evening of the 4th September, after a short illness.

Gary began his career in stainless steel fasteners in 1973 with Hasselfors UK Ltd, progressing through a number of roles in both sales and administration.

In 1982 Gary joined Serco Ryan as Manchester branch manager, at the beginning of a period of tremendous growth. Following acquisition by Lilleshall Plc, Gary joined the board in 1989 as northern area sales director. Throughout this period Gary represented Serco at the ASFAD stainless steel association serving as treasurer for a period.

In 1996, having been approached by the Charles Baynes Group, Gary established Precision Stainless Fasteners in Chesterfield, alongside Stainless Steel Fasteners Ltd and Andrews Fasteners Ltd. By 2000 PSF had grown to be the third largest stainless steel fastener distributor in the UK. In 2001, following a change of holding company focus, Gary negotiated the sale of PSF to Apex Stainless Fasteners, and a management buy out, along with three colleagues, of Andrews Fasteners Ltd, for which he became joint managing director.

In 2003, Gary moved to Apex Stainless Fasteners as operations director, based in Bilston, with responsibility for the central operations function and, once again, Precision Stainless Fasteners, now based in Leeds.

At the beginning of 2006 Gary joined Stainless Threaded Fasteners, a member of SRB Ltd, as business development manager. In the following two and three quarter years as a senior member of the management team, Gary travelled extensively on behalf of the export department, developed a new web site for the group companies and established STF Marine.

A keen golfer, with an interest in most sports and a life long Manchester United fan, Gary was always fun to be around. A devoted family man, Gary leaves his wife Wendy and their two sons Andrew and Peter.

Sincere condolences go to Gary’s family, friends and many colleagues throughout the industry on this sad loss.

Phoenix from the flames… continued After a 12 month wait, construction of Carona Reuter Industrials new warehouse and offices in Dagenham has finally started.

As you may remember in July 2007 an arson attack on the building next door to CRI totally destroyed its warehouse and all the stock inside the building.

Fortunately after only 4 days, Carona Reuter was able to move into temporary premises only 500m away in the same road, enabling it to carry on with business as usual.

“If everything goes to plan we should be back in the new building by the end of October 2008. It has been a testing year, but we are hopeful that the growth we have achieved in 2007/2008 will continue into 2008/2009,” commented Nick Roberts, director.

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14

ERIKS re-branding reaches Nigeria

Socket & Allied on the move

As part of global re-branding, WYKO Nigeria, which has a Service Centre on the Ikeja Industrial Estate in Lagos, has changed its name to ERIKS Industrial Services Nigeria.

The name change reflects the £139 million acquisition of WYKO by ERIKS nv in November 2006.

ERIKS Industrial Services Nigeria offers a local stock of industrial consumable products, as well as the ability to draw immediately upon the Group’s vast stocks located throughout Europe.

A major benefit of the new Service Centre is the easy local access to leading global brands that are only available officially through ERIKS Industrial Services Nigeria. These exclusive brands include Fenner, with its full range of Power Transmission products, SRB, innovative Split Roller Bearings, and RX, ERIKS own brand covering its core activities; sealing technology, flow technology, industrial plastics, tools and maintenance.

Only by sourcing these brands through ERIKS Industrial Services Nigeria can the warranties and guarantees associated with these world class products be assured

Socket & Allied reached 21 years of successful growth in 2007 and to celebrate collected the keys to a new operating site.

Now almost 12 months to the day, following extensive refitting, they have re-located to Hamstead Industrial Estate, Birmingham, UK. The new location has allowed Socket & Allied to enhance both its manufacturing and stock lines, which now stand at over 8,000 commercial and special sizes, as well as incorporate SaS Tools & Fixings.

Socket & Allied also has a brand new trade and consumer outlet, which carries a wide variety of tools, fixings and consumables.

Its core business remains the manufacture and supply of special fastener products and the larger area will allow for the increased production volumes and manufacturing methods. Socket & Allied director commented “A great deal of work has been undertaken during the lead up to our re-location, we are extremely pleased to have finally made our move and look forward to our next 21 years of trading.”

New Spanish hardware show launched this autumn The first FERREMAD DIY, hardware and industrial supplies fair will be staged by IFEMA between 25th and 27th September 2008 at the Feria de Madrid exhibition centre.

In its media release IFEMA stresses that the Madrid show has been launched to meet the specific requirements of the Spanish DIY and hardware industry, as voiced by AFEB, the Association of Spanish DIY and Hardware Manufacturers. The AFEB report described the type of fair most strongly demanded within the industry, says IFEMA, as well as preferred services, location and infrastructures. Association members voted for an event based on key characteristics: an event devoted strictly to members of the trade; an event lasting a maximum of three working days; a biennial event bringing together the hardware and DIY sectors; and an autumn event located in Madrid, featuring free-design stands.

The Feria de Madrid exhibition centre is close to Madrid’s Barajas International Airport – a location IFEMA argues makes it central to all Spanish regions as well as providing good international access. The exhibition centre recently incorporated two new halls bringing total exhibition space to 200,000 square metres.

IFEMA claims that “the industry has observed how various veteran events within this field have gradually lost touch with its needs. The new Madrid Hardware, DIY and Industrial Supplies Trade Fair is strictly aimed at professionals from the industry, exclusively serving their interests, based on the clear objective of providing a commercial and promotional forum that is tailored to the industry as a whole.” www.ifema.es

Spirol celebrates 60 years of fastening innovation The Spirol International Corporation, with its UK subsidiary based in Corby, is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary.

The company produces innovative fastening solutions designed to improve performance, reduce component and assembly costs within a vast range of manufacturing and assembly applications.

Spirol’s headquarters is in Danielson, Connecticut, United States and the company was originally formed in 1948 with the first “Spirol Pin” being developed in 1950.

Since then, the company has become a manufacturer of engineered fasteners, shims, pins, insert driving machines and parts feeding equipment.

Today there are over 300 employees and seven production locations in six countries. Together they produce more than one billion metal components annually.

Spirol Industries Limited moved to Corby from Feltham in 1976 and today has production plants both there and Halesowen. The company serves the UK and all the European markets, with a sales office in France and strategic distribution partnerships in many other countries.

Sixtieth anniversary celebrations are taking place throughout the second half of 2008 at Spirol locations throughout the world. Andrew Freeman, operations director, Europe and staff in the UK have gathered at the sites in Corby and Halesowen to mark the occasion.

PÜHL STANZTECHNIK®

16

IGS strengthens Crane appoints new sales manager UK division Industrial Gas Springs (IGS), a provider of standard and bespoke gas springs and dampers, has announced the appointment of Martin Eagle as managing director.

Extensive investment has been made into IGS following the new ownership of the organisation, with a new strategy in place to drive the company forward.

Martin Eagle will play an integral role in these developments, to not only further extend the company’s product portfolio, but also to widen the reach of its products into a more varied market-

place, thus allowing customers to take full advantage of their standard and bespoke designed and made to order range.

Based in Mitcham, Mr Eagle will also focus on improving order response levels, service and support.

“The recruitment of Martin is an exciting addition for us,” says James Godbold, IGS field sales manager.

“He has worked within the engineering industry for over 30 years and brings extensive industry knowledge on board. We are confident that his expertise in both engineering and strategic management will be a great asset to the company.”

Martin joins IGS from Samuel Hodge Group, where he was group managing director, with other roles within the group dating back to 1993.

Prior to this, he worked for Biwater Industries Ltd as commercial director responsible for marketing, sales and contracting activities of the pump division.

Keith Lilley is the new sales manager for the UK and Europe for Crane Electronics.

Keith joins the company with extensive sales and marketing experience in industry including the hydraulics/pneumatics, welding and materials handling sectors.

This is Keith's second spell with Crane Electronics having originally joined the company in 1984 as Northern area sales engineer before rising to the position of sales manager in 1993.

"Crane is a very progressive company offering an outstanding range of torque control products and services.

I am looking forward to doing all I can to increase our market share both at home and abroad."

Agency expands territory Michael T. Smith Associates Inc, agency representative for manufacturer Sems and Specials Inc, has expanded its territory with the addition of Don BieleField Dan will be covering the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont calling on distributors. Sems and Specials, Inc. says that Dan’s previous experience with another East Coast cold heading manufacture brings valuable experience in fastener manufacturing to the company and Michael T. Smith’s agency.

In addition to an expanded sales force Sems and Specials Inc has added equipment, with a two die three blow bolt maker capable of manufacturing non standard hex head cap screw product (including cap screw sems), shoulder screws and large volume head configurations in sizes ranging from ¼ inch (M6) diameter through 3/8 inch (M10) up to 2.75 inch (70mm) in length.

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Nissen’s Mill department responds to market volatility Nissen Fasteners Inc., an importer and distributor of industrial fasteners across the Americas, has announced record growth of its Mill department.

“The fastener market is in an extremely chaotic state. We have all seen the letters from manufacturers and distributors alike, explaining how and why their prices are increasing,” says Chris Nissen, president of Nissen Fasteners. “The question is how does one mitigate these price increases and still remain competitive? Over the last six months, Nissen has been working more and more with our clients on their planned purchases. By leveraging Nissen’s world wide network of manufacturers and suppliers, our clients are able to remain competitive during the market volatility.”

Nissen’s supplier base allows them to find the most competitive prices in the market on virtually any standard or specialty product. By purchasing through Nissen’s Mill division, its clients are making purchases knowing that the prices will have increased by the time their goods arrive. “This is the best way for our clients to maintain healthy profit margins, “adds Chris.

Nissen says it is receiving a record number of Mill quotes and orders, and sees this as a sign of the times. “Our Mill division’s sales have more than doubled, over the last six months, and show no sign of slowing down. The main reason for this is because we are able to offer many different items, such as metric, stainless and sockets, in less than pallet quantities directly from the manufacturer’s inventory. This greatly reduces the delivery timelines and the volume requirement usually associated with mill purchases. Fastener buyers are quickly realising that in order to survive and thrive in this market, you need to plan your purchases ahead of time. Nissen Mill is just one more way that we are trying to help our clients remain competitive.”

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol trains for gain Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol, a supplier of tolerance rings to the engineering and manufacturing industries, has recently increased the focus on its NVQ programme.

“Training is one of those rare activities where everybody gains,” says Chris Roberts, HR manager at Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol. “The trainees gain because they have better and more marketable skills, the company gains because we have a highly skilled workforce, our customers gain because that workforce can deliver even better products and services, and the industry as a whole gains because training makes more skilled people available.”

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol says that in the first eighteen months of operation, the NVQ programme has already

achieved notable success, with over 25% of the company’s employees having satisfied the requirements for an NVQ award. “Many of those who are receiving training as part of this programme are from our shop floor,” said Chris Roberts, “but by no means all of them. Many employees in other areas, including our managers, have successfully taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the programme.”

“We place a lot of emphasis on training and personal development,” said Chris, “but we genuinely find that it pays big dividends. Well-trained staff deliver so many benefits that the costs of training are, by contrast, almost insignificant. We truly believe that our employees are our most important resource, and we’re always ready to invest in them.”

Kem Edwards – a qualified success!

Kem Edwards Ltd., supplier to the construction sector, has put more than 80% of its employees through structured business development training including NVQ qualifications.

The initiative, aimed at increasing and recognising skill levels and improving job satisfaction, was introduced at all levels – from warehouse personnel to managing director.

Everyone taking part had an initial assessment to identify the best NVQ route and then tailored courses were developed which took up to 24 months to complete. Where appropriate day release options were also provided for off-site training.

Commenting on the initiative, Philip Rickard, finance and HR manager, said, “Like everyone else taking part I have found it challenging, but very rewarding. It has really helped increase motivation and the NVQ’s are fully transferable which means we are providing employees with something of real value.”

NVQ’s which were successfully taken range from warehouse functions, internal sales and buying through to strategic management.

For purchasing manager David Kennedy, the NVQ has assisted his entry to membership of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and

for Liz Steer, sales office manager, entry into The Chartered Management Institute.

The initiative, titled ‘Delivering Standards of Excellence’ was provided by two external training companies; TTC and Qube. Kem Edwards is also part of the Investors in People programme.

Photograph shows Philip Rickard, Finance and HR Manager, Kem Edwards Ltd., in the foreground with some of Kem Edwards’ staff behind with their NVQ certificates.

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20

By John Wolz editor@FastenerNews.com

Anixter acquires two EU distributors Anixter International Inc. will pay about US$40 million in cash plus US$19 million in debt to acquire two European fastener distributors.

Anixter acquired all of the outstanding shares of Sofrasar SA of Sarreguemines, France; and partnership interests and shares in Camille Gergen, based in Dillingen, Germany. Combined annual sales for the businesses are estimated at US$110 million.

The acquisitions are steps in the expansion of Anixter's OEM Supply business in Europe, according to CEO Bob Eck. "Through the addition of numerous important customers, primarily in France and Germany, we have added another key building block that will drive future organic growth in this important global end market," Eck told FastenerNews.com.

When combined with Anixter's existing OEM Supply businesses in Europe, annual revenues are anticipated to reach US$800 million in this market over the next year.

"The addition of these businesses will significantly enhance our OEM Supply business in Europe and add considerable depth to our footprint

in the area as we will now be serving customers in 11 countries throughout the continent," commented Eck. The move comes weeks after Anixter paid US$80 million for two North American fastener operations: Wood Dale, IL-based QSN Industries Inc. and its sister company, Quality Screw de Mexico SA. Combined annualized sales for these businesses are expected to exceed US$100 million in 2008.

Anixter said integrating those operations would boost annual sales at its OEM Supply division, which includes Anixter Fasteners and Anixter Pentacon, above US$600 million in North America.

During the second quarter of 2008, Anixter reported sales, including fasteners, climbed 7% to US$1.62 billion. Operating income grew 5% US$121.8 million, while net income gained 4% to US$66.9 million.

Anixter distributes fasteners, communication products, electrical and electronic wire & cable through 214 warehouses and operations in 248 cities around the world.

Web: anixter.com

Doncasters group expands in fasteners Doncasters Group expanded its Fastener Systems division to serve the aerospace market by adding a range of fasteners, including nut plates, anchor plates, gang channels, washers, bolts, pins, rivets, brackets, nuts, flange nuts, screws and studs, to its product list.

Headed by Ken Caratelli, Doncasters Fasteners Systems division includes three U.S. companies acquired by the group as part of its 2007 acquisition of FastenTech: Nelson Stud (Elyria, OH); Ferry Cap and Set Screw (Lakewood, OH); and Progressive Stamping (Royal Oak, MI).

"By expanding our Fastener Systems offering to the aerospace market, we will be able to continue to provide high quality parts to our clients while working to become a true supply-chain integrator, helping OEMs streamline processes and minimize time spent dealing with multiple suppliers," CEO Eric Lewis told Manufacturingtalk.com.

Doncasters Fastener Systems is currently working with several aerospace OEMs to develop its product range and obtain relevant certifications. Division services include: metal stamping and welding; broaching, thread rolling, drilling, computer numerical control machining and centerless grinding; cold heading; fillet roll, head forging and collar forming; heat treatment and painting; and thread patches, bonding, de-burring and drying.

Doncasters Group paid US$492 million for Minneapolis-based FastenTech during the second quarter of 2007. At the time, Lewis forecasted investment of at least US$150 million to integrate and upgrade FastenTech's capabilities.

FastenTech makes fasteners and precision components for the power generation, aerospace, military and civil engineering sectors, with 1,800 employees. Web: fastentech.com Doncasters supplies precision components and assemblies to the aerospace, power generation, specialty automotive and medical orthopedic industries and has 4,800 employees across the U.S., Europe and Mexico. Web: doncasters.com

Manufacturers expand in wind power Cardinal Fastener created a wind power division to address sales growth of fasteners for the wind turbine industry.

"Our company is receiving orders for products to be manufactured with very fast lead times – often as short as days," president John Grabner told FastenerNews.com. "Once we prove our product quality and our company service, we are getting the opportunity to become the regular supply chain vendor."

The new division has been staffed with three people dedicated to wind turbine customers, with another seven people spending much of their time on this segment of the supply chain.

Founded in 1983, Cleveland-based Cardinal Fastener is one of the largest manufacturers of wind turbine fasteners in North America, having supplied over 150,000 pieces. Web: cardinalfastener.com

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22

ASTM offers online directories ASTM International announced online directories for equipment manufacturers, testing labs and technical consultants.

The ASTM International Directory of Equipment Manufacturers provides information on equipment type, from tensile and torque measurement items to automotive brake and engine testers, as well as tests the items can do or the materials they analyze.

The ASTM International Directory of Testing Laboratories covers products tested, lab and testing services, lab accreditations and staffing. Labs are searchable from the ASTM standards database.

The ASTM International Directory of Scientific & Technical Consultants and Expert Witnesses lists consultant services and expertise, geographic service areas and expert witness roles.

For information on the online directories, contact Ellen McGlinchey at ASTM. E-mail; direct@astm.org, Web: astm.org Established in 1898, ASTM International's standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions around the globe.

Rockford: High-tech fasteners in future?

Heading toward Rockford on Interstate highway, west of Chicago, are 18wheelers loaded with coils of wire rod.

The trucks are a visible sign that Rockford is still a fastener manufacturing town.

After decades of fastener job losses, Acument Global Technologies' decision to manufacture aerospace fasteners in Rockford represents a turnaround for the north central Illinois city on the Rock River.

"We're treated as heroes," Acument's Camcar Aerospace Manufacturing Center & Research executive director Tim McGuire says of the "welcome home feeling" he is receiving in Rockford.

"The Camcar name is still recognized from the old days," McGuire told FastenerNews.com.

"People tell me, 'So glad you are back.'"

Rockford's economic leaders are looking beyond Camcar and talking about titanium and other high-tech fastener products as the future for the industry in Rockford.

In the 1800s wood screws and nails were needed to supply the furniture industry started by Swedish immigrants in Rockford.

The Rock River provided both transportation and the site for a dam that would harness waterpower for factories. The Galena & Chicago Union Railroad moved materials in and products out.

Following World War II, some Rockford industries, including furniture and agricultural equipment, were nearly extinct. Fastener manufacturing and machine tool industries were at a fraction of their peak production.

Beyond the factories, Rockford historically led in fastener technology. In 2002 the Industrial Fasteners Institute awarded the late Ray Carlson its Trowbridge Technology Award.

Carlson was recognized for developing the "Raycarl heading process, which expanded manufacturing capabilities, in both size and complexity, to levels that continue to benefit the cold forming industry."

But fastener manufacturing has continued to move west from Rockford … to Japan in the 1980s, Taiwan in the 1990s and next

China. Despite the Asian competition, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council lists 22 fastener companies in the city, which has a population of 152,916 and claims a three-county metropolitan area of 339,100.

Acument's decision to manufacture aerospace fasteners in Rockford was based on the plant’s being available and the region’s being "blessed with highly skilled machine operators," Camcar's McGuire explained. "They have 10, 15 or 20 years experience."

One fastener both changed Boeing and brought Camcar back into aerospace fastener manufacturing: 1-12 x 10.433" O/A 90IP TORX PLUS® 100º flat head machine screw with shoulder.

"It is the right product at the right time," declared McGuire. "The aircraft industry needs to cut costs of operating an airplane. New composite materials are lighter, but require different fasteners."

"Camcar has the name, the expertise and the people," McGuire added. "We have really 'been there, done that,'" he said of Camcar's 60 patents.

Rockford also has experienced machinery operators. Camcar has "mothballed headers from a generation or two ago," McGuire pointed out. "Headers can be old."

The new TORX PLUS Maxx drive system became the product for growth. It is the third generation of the TORX system, which was patented in 1971 and enhanced in 1992.

Torx Plus is designed to drive system bolts to the limits of their strength by concentrating the highest available levels of torque directly to studs, ball studs and threaded fasteners. The new TORX PLUS Maxx studs have re-engineered drive lobes that extend into the threaded portion of the fastener point.

Engineers at the Camcar lab are already working with Northern Illinois University on next-generation titanium aerospace fasteners.

That fits with the future of "more titanium, more A286 stainless steel and other exotic

metals" that McGuire anticipates.

For Rockford native Bill Derry, fasteners are his career. As a college senior Derry went to a job fair to look for a position with a bank.

There was a long line at the bank's recruiting table and there was no one waiting at the Camcar table. After 18 years with Camcar, in 1989 Derry joined Rockford Products, and in 1990 he and his brother Jim acquired Field Fastener Supply Co. Five years ago, 80% of Field's business was within 200 miles, Derry noted. Today Field has satellite facilities in five states.

An Illinois customer wanted Field Fastener to provide its VMI service to a plant in Malaysia. Now Field is supplying fasteners internationally – some of which never come into its headquarters warehouse in the Rockford suburb of Machesney Park.

Acument's aerospace division and Field's growth beyond Rockford are just what local officials envision as the way to expand the area’s fastener economy. Janyce Fadden, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, asks existing local businesses, "Are your customers exporting?"

If so, she wants them to do what Field Fastener is doing – growing globally with its customers. That is why the council offers export training.

Robert Lamb, industrial development manager for the City of Rockford, told FIN that manufacturing with titanium is a growth industry for Rockford.

The largest employer in Rockford, Hamilton Sunstrand, is adding 100 engineers to its total employment of 2,300.

Lamb pointed out that Sunstrand is testing 38 of the 40 Boeing 787 systems at its Rockford facilities. "You feel like you've walked inside a 787" after visiting the testing facility, Lamb observed.

Adding that the custom design alloy fasteners for the first space rover came from Rockford, Lamb said the future is in the high-tech niche. "We are not going to compete on a commodity basis."

24

Precision Castparts expands in aerospace Precision Castparts Corporation agreed to acquire Airdrome Holdings LLC (Airdrome), which consists of Airdrome Precision Components (APC) and AF Aerospace Ltd. (AFA).

Rugby, England-based AFA manufactures ultra-high tensile bolts, fittings and other fluid conveyance products for aerospace applications.

Southern California-based APC supplies hydraulic and pneumatic fluid fittings primarily for airframe applications. Fluid fittings, manufactured in nickel, titanium, and stainless steel alloys, are the critical connectors for hoses transporting fuel, hydraulic fluid, and pneumatic pressure throughout an aircraft.

“The acquisition of Airdrome continues to expand and enhance our critical aerospace fastener product portfolio,” CEO Mark Donegan pointed out. "APC provides an immediate entry into the fluid fittings market segment, while AFA nicely complements our UK fastener operations, TJ Brooks and SPS Aerostructures, both in product families and sales channels. Both of the Airdrome operations have significant growth opportunities, and we expect to realize operational synergies and benefits from economies of scale given our existing aerospace fastener facilities located near both APC and AFA.” The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, after which

Airdrome’s results will be reported as part of the Fastener Products segment.

Precision Castparts reported strong fastener sales growth during fiscal 2008, with revenue jumping 25% to US$1.52 billion. Operating income soared 47% to US$384.2 million.

"Our base aerospace business rests on a firm foundation, noted Donegan for the annual report, "and we look forward to the growth that will be driven by such programs as the Airbus A380, the Boeing 787, the F-35 fighter, and the KC-X tanker."

In just over three years, Portland, OR-based Precision Castparts has forged a US$1.5 billion fastener division that includes Cherry Aerospace, Air Industries and Shur-Lok. Precision Castparts assembled its fastener division by acquiring SPS Technologies in 2003 for US$893 million and airframe fastener manufacturer AIC in early 2005 for US$194 million.

PCC also manufactures thread rolling dies and header tooling for fastener machinery. PCC supplies structural and airfoil components for the aircraft engine and industrial gas turbine industries and has diversified into non-aerospace businesses.

The company has more than 80 facilities in 22 states and 16 countries. Web: precast.com

China fastener export growth slump continues

ASTM updates metals & alloys UNS text

China exports of steel and copper fasteners slowed to a 3.7% rate of increase to 250,000 tons in June, with the value growing 25% to US$397.49 million, Xinhua News Agency reports.

Overall fastener export growth has slowed in 2008, which included an 8.3% drop in exports to 150,000 tons during February 2008, compared with a 66% jump in exports during February 2007. Fastener exports in March rose 0.1% to 190,000 tons, compared with a 40% growth rate a year earlier. And April's rate of growth was 0.3% to 240,000 tons, compared with a 39% growth rate during April 2007.

During the first six months of 2008, fastener exports from China grew 3.4% to 1,290,000 tons, with the export value increasing 25.7% to US$1.95 billion.

ASTM International published a new edition of its Metals & Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS) in print and online.

The compilation includes 5,000+ UNS numbers, 11,800 trade names and alloy designations, and 13,300 specification cross-references.

Jointly developed by ASTM and SAE International, the UNS correlates internationally used metal and alloy numbering systems currently administered by societies, trade associations, individual users and producers of metals and alloys.

Specifications include AA, ASME, ASTM, AWS, CDA, ISO, NACE and SAE. New features in the 11th edition include 4,500 new trade names and seven new fields of chemical element search capabilities.

The 600-page book costs US$195 and the online edition is US$390.

For information e-mail: service@astm.org Web: astm.org

Sundram takes direct stake in windpower Sundram Fasteners has acquired 52.9% stake in Sundram Non-conventional Energy Systems (SNES), a wind power firm in India, for an unspecified sum.

SNES was a subsidiary of Sundram Fasteners Investments Ltd. and Upasana Engineering Ltd. both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sundram Fasteners.

During the second quarter Sundram reported sales rose 22% to 3.6 billion rupees (US$85.6 million), while net profit was cut by half, with income dropping 49.7% to 128.6 million rupees (US$3.03m).

Chennai, India-headquartered Sundram has manufacturing plants in India, Germany, the UK and China and an assembly operation in Malaysia. Web: sundram.com

26

CIHS tops 100,000 square metres The China International Hardware Show ‘powered by’ Practical World now occupies all nine halls at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, with a total exhibition space of 103,500 square metres.

The show opened for three days starting 17 September with around 2,000 exhibitors expecting to greet upwards of 32,000 visitors from over 80 countries.

Around 11% of 2007 visitors travelled from outside China but the organisers were confident that visa restrictions would ease after the Olympic Games finished.

For this edition the organisers promised better segmentation and an attractive supporting programme.

Tools exhibits have dominated previous shows, a pattern which the exhibitors list, available at www.cihs-practicalworld.com, appears to confirm is set to continue. In addition to established segments for hand tools, hardware for the construction sector, and locks and fittings, there are now new areas for power tools and garden tools and equipment with the overall objective of making it easier for visiting buyers to locate exhibitors.

The organisers have emphasised the presence of significant numbers of exhibitors from outside China including the 200 square metre ‘Made in Germany’ area seen in five previous shows. The Italian group participation has also doubled its area and there are also contingents from Taiwan.

AsiaFastener show integrates with Asiamold The AsiaFastener event organised by Frankfurt Messe, Hong Kong and scheduled for 24-26 September has been changed to “a special showcase at Asiamold”.

Asiamold is an established annual event held at the China Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex in Gunagzhou, southern China on the same dates.

Asiamold attracted 15,000 visitors in 2007 and covers mouldmaking, tooling, patternmaking and prototyping and related products and services.

Frankfurt Messe Hong Kong aimed originally to have 150 fastener exhibitors for AsiaFastener, which was always planned to be staged alongside Asiamold. However, the planned dates clashed virtually head on with the Fastener Trade Show organised by Chinafastener.info at another venue in Guangzhou. The Asiamold organisers have provided this magazine with a detailed exhibitor list as of 12 August, which confirms 300 companies are exhibiting. The list includes only a handful of fastener companies although an organiser spokesperson said; “plenty of exhibitors will have products in both sides, especially the steel suppliers.” www.asiamold-china.com

Guangzhou Fastener Trade Show The 2008 Fastener Trade Show, organised by chinafastener.Info, takes place in Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Centre 23-25 September 2008.

In mid August the organisers announced that they expected “Around 600 Chinese exhibitors, including 318 standard booths and standard posters, will demonstrate their fasteners and related products in the 7,340 square metre hall,” adding this, “will be a great opportunity for buyers worldwide to connect with Chinese fastener suppliers”. At the beginning of September the organisers had not published an exhibitor list but the show website, www.fastenertradeshow.info, featured logo banners from 81 exhibitors.

Chinafastener.info has promoted the event strongly through worldwide fastener media as well as a number of south China newspapers and business publications. The exhibition also claims support from a wide range of Chinese organisations including the China fastener Standardisation Committee, Hong Kong Screw & Fastener Council, Haiyan Industrial Fasteners Institute of China, Guangdong Province Fastener Association, Jiaxing Fasteners Import & Export Manufacturers Association, Yongnian Fastener Association, Shanghai Fasteners and Welding Consumables Research Institute.

The Chinafastener.info trading website currently claims 40,000 buyer and supplier members, which the organisers have used as their database and expect to allow them to stage “the largest fastener exhibition in China” aiming to attract 8,000 visitors during the three-day show.

The program for the show includes a first night banquet at the Dongfang Grand Hall, inside the Baiyun International Convention Center, open to all badge holders. Concurrent with the trade show ChinaFastener.info will hold its second meeting for members, its tenth anniversary reception and a “Face2face meeting for members and experts”.

The Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center was constructed in 2007 by the Government of Guangdong Province & Guangzhou Municipal with an investment of RMB 4 billion. It is a comprehensive international exhibition centre including three towers for meetings and exhibitions. The other two towers contain the Oriental International Convention Hotel, which offers a total of 999 guest rooms. The complex is close to the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, a mountain which overlooks the city, and is 25 kilometers from new Baiyun International Airport, 10 kilometers from Guangzhou East Railway Station, 9 kilometers from the city center.

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By Alexander Ostashov, Editor Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and … Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

GAZ switching to modern fasteners

Severstal completes acquisition of WCI Steel

GAZ Group has started to revise the fasteners used in its GAZel and Valday models.

Specialists of the Joint Engineering Center and assembly technologists are working on replacing outdated fasteners with modern progressive fixings of the types widely used in the global automotive market.

These replacements will help to eliminate the use of spring washers, flat washers and other subsidiary fasteners in threaded joints. This change will help to reduce the fastener range, bring down production costs, improve joint safety and enhance assembly quality and efficiency.

OAO Severstal has completed its previously announced acquisition of WCI Steel, a market leader in the production of value-added steel products based in Warren, Ohio.

WCI Steel will be known as Severstal Warren, Inc. Severstal acquired all of the outstanding equity of WCI for a total cash consideration of US$140 million.

WCI’s total annual steel-making capacity of 1.22 million metric tons is focused on high-quality, custom flat-rolled steel for use in demanding applications in the automotive, appliance, furniture, construction and energy markets.

Fastener traders raise prices 15%-40% Several major Russian fastener traders announced price increases of between 15 and 40% starting from July.

The reseller prices have been driven by increases applied by Russian fastener manufacturers, which have in turn explained the necessity of their actions based on worldwide raw material cost increases, which account for a considerable share of production cost.

Hardware manufacturers association, Rosmetiz announced on its website at the beginning of August that major Russian hardware producers MMK-Metiz and Severstal-Metiz had both raised prices as a result of the general trend of rising costs in metallurgy.

Severstal-Metiz increased bolt prices between 12 and 17% and nuts by 15%. MMK-Metiz increased bolts and nuts by 7%.

Wooden fasteners boxes a thing of the past Rechitskiy Metizniy Plant has decided to stop using wooden boxes for packing of product, replacing them with corrugated cardboard boxes filled on automated lines as much as possible.

New package samples, designed by the packaging equipment specialists, were tested in May. Based on the test results, a decision was made to change package for cardboard boxes gradually at all production units. The new method will be applied for 500

tons of fasteners by the end of 2008, increasing four-fold in 2009.

The maximum weight for each new pack will be 20kg. At present two investment projects are being realised at the plant: modernisation of a fastener workshop and construction of the second line for production of self-tapping screws.

The new production sections will be equipped with automatic packing machines, which will also be installed in existing production sections.

3M Russia announces development strategy 3M Russia has announced its development strategy for the period until 2012. The strategy aims at tripling the company’s turnover and further stimulating growth, which has run at 35% annually for the last three years.

The key elements of the strategy are development of complex solutions for the main branches of Russian economics, establishment of its own local production, further expansion into the regions, and quality improvement of customer support service.

The company’s first priority is goods for industrial markets, which account for 50% of the company’s present turnover. They include

abrasive materials, personal protective gear, adhesives, filters, polymer additions, and others. Two other areas, providing the biggest growth of the turnover, are materials for car renovation, the quality of which has made 3M widely known among premium-class car services, and products for public health, which account for around 20% of total turnover.

Investments into new areas, including optical systems, complex solutions for gas and oil industry, mineral resource and construction industries will also play a considerable role in the company’s business growth plan.

30

Severstal-Metiz purchases Redaelli Tecna S.P.A. Severstal-Metiz has acquired 100% of the shares of the Italian company Redaelli Tecna S.P.A., considered to be the world market leader in the design and production of speciality wire ropes.

This division includes Cordati (wire ropes production site located in Gardone), Tensoteci (a technical engineering business) and Teci (a distribution chain in Italy). The other two divisions: Tecnasud (a PC strands production site) and Sodetal (a steel cord producer) were split off and acquired by other buyers beforehand and will operate under their own

brands, not associated with Redaelli.

The purchase of the Redaelli wire rope business will allow Severstal-metiz to extend its product portfolio through the inclusion of specialty wire ropes of complex construction produced by the Italian company and the development of wire rope service and engineering using Redaelli’s expertise. It will also offer Severstal-metiz new opportunities for effective worldwide distribution.

At present Redaelli will continue its business activity in line with current plans and an integration team involving personnel from

Magna to buy plastic auto components producer Canadian company Magna has agreed the purchase of its first asset in Russia – Tekhnoplast Company in Nizhniy Novgorod, a supplier of auto components for GAZ Group, AutoVAZ, GM-AutoVAZ, Izhauto and Autoframos.

The company produces automobile bumpers, door panels, front panels, central consoles and roof skins. The transaction value and number of shares to be acquired was not announced. Purchase of the shares from current sole owner, Vladimir Amelchenko, has not yet been completed.

Vitaliy Ryabov, Amelchenko’s assistant, explained that Magna had made the offer to buy Tekhnoplast. As a supplier of auto components for Chrysler, the company became interested in Technoplast after the GAZ Group announced production of cars based on the Chrysler Sebring (Siber in Russia). GAZ will use Technoplast plastic components in assembly of the Siber model, which has just started production.

According to Metropol analyst Michael Pak, it would have taken Magna at least one year to build its own plant, whereas the purchase of an operational plant allows the company to invest straight away in improvement of product quality and broadening of production. In this way, Magna will enter a growing and highly profitable market of auto components earlier than its foreign competitors.

both Severstal-metiz and Redaelli will develop future plans in order to capture the synergies between the two companies.

Olga Naumova, CEO of Severstal-metiz, said: “Redaelli perfectly complements the Severstal-metiz rope division – a key element of our strategy to develop niche markets.

Redaelli is renowned for the quality of its high-tech products and projects and we intend to take advantage of this brand and supplement it with our own knowledge, experience and qualifications.”

Nails on the web!

“Life of nails” is a series of photos gaining popularity on the I nternet. This example is published with permission of the artist Andrey Nikolayev, whom I met at one of the Sokolniki exhibitions. I asked him, what did your nail photos start from?

“The series of nail photos started rather a long time ago from a chance visit to the ruins of a burned wooden house. Almost all the wood was burned down, but my characters were left. The fanciful forms I saw in those charred ruins… that was the beginning”.

How do your ideas appear?

“I am a carpenter by profession and, of course, I am surrounded by nails. I have to think over nearly each frame in advance. My aim is to show something more than a mere fastener, to endow it with a shade of some human relations or behavior.”

Is there enough material for your work?

“There is absolutely no problem with it. The only case is when I work to order. Then I have to walk around several shops in search of something special. I remember one case when the sales assistants were very surprised with my behavior. Before buying common nails, though quite big ones, I was examining them with a loupe.

When I explained what I need the nails for, the sales assistants started to help me in my search for the necessary material.”

Baltic Metallurgic Company to produce anchor bolts The Baltic Metallurgic Company based in Kaliningrad announced that it has broadened its production range – the company plans to start production of anchor bolts in the near future.

It has already bought a German thread cutting machine, which it says is compact, but highly productive, producing an even screw thread. The machinery is highly flexible allowing easy cutting of all types of threads due to a universal automatic thread-cutting nose and optimal geometry of dies.

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MMK reports 41% revenue increase in first half

Ecological priorities of MMK-Metiz

Magnitogorsh Iron and Steel Works (MMK) reported first half 2008 revenue was up 41% to US$5.65 billion driven by price increases and incremental volume increases.

Net income was up 19% at US$1.03 billion. Steel output increased from 6.47 to 7.01 million tons year on year. MMK says it achieved price increases of over 45% since the first quarter.

Victor Rashnikov, chairman of MMK’s board, said: “We have delivered another strong set of results in the face of industry cost pressures. Increased volumes, ongoing operational improvements and our commitment to low cost production have combined with an increasingly strong pricing environment to deliver sustainable top and bottom growth. As we look forward, strong demand for our high quality products and the continued development of our self-sufficiency in raw materials present us with significant opportunities to create shareholder value.”

Bureau Veritas Certification Agency has completed the last stage of its audit for the ecological management system (EMS) at MMK-Metiz.

MMK-Metiz EMS has been recommended for certification to ISO 14001:2004.

MMK-Metiz authorities decided to develop, adopt and certify the ecological management system last year. In February 2008 they developed and approved the ecological policy of the company. This included commitments to meet ecological requirements and constant improvement of the EMS, which defines a framework for setting environmental protection goals.

Fastening exhibition in the Urals From 16-18 September the second specialised exhibition “Fastening” was held in Yekaterinburg, in the Urals area of Russia. Unable to visit the exhibition ourselves this year we asked Natalia Makarova from the International Department of organisers, Ural Exhibitions-2000, to provide us details of the event and its market.

The fastening and metalware market situation in Russia is very interesting. Nowadays we can see rapid growth of the building sector, so that Russian fastening and metalware production occupies a major part of the metallurgical industry. Fastening and metalware production is divided between five major Russian enterprises. They are: “Severstal-metiz”, “MMK-Metiz”, “Mechel”, “EvrazHolding” and “Metallurgical Holding”. It is unlikely that, in the near future, new market players will appear. The enterprises have to look for new ways of finding consumers and increasing volume of production. For this reason many companies have to develop new markets.

As far as the fastening and metalware market situation in the Sverdlovsk region (the Urals) and Yekaterinburg in particular is concerned, there are about 270 enterprises, but this is still not enough due to the rapid growth of the house building sector. The major players on the Urals market are: “Ural plant of precision alloys”, “Revdinski metizno-metallurgicheski plant” and “Nizhneserginski metizno-metallurgicheski plant”.

Due to the fact that fastening and metalware are very important sectors of production in the Sverdlovsk region and due to the building boom, three year ago it was decided to carry out the first exhibition “Fastening”. The organiser, JSC “Ural Exhibition - 2000”, succeeded in attracting the above-mentioned companies to participate in the exhibition.

The main aims of the exhibition are: • Representation and introduction of modern technologies, equipment, materials and fittings used for fastening connections.

• Demonstration of foreign and domestic manufacturers.

• Distribution of advanced experience and development of effective trade, economic and industrial relations, between machine-building enterprises and research and design organisations of the Ural Federal District, including the attraction of partners from the Russian Federation, the CIS and other countries.

The exhibition covers fastening for all industries: including bolts, screws, nuts, washers, locking, rings, stud-bolts, pins, split pins and rivets.

Within the frameworks of the exhibition a series of seminars are being presented, which include “Development and perfecting of die forging technology using QForm”; “Latest technologies in metal cutting”. There is also a conference: “Innovation management in business: strategy for the future”.

Yekaterinburg (formerly Sverdlovsk) is a major city in the central part of Russia, the administrative centre of the Sverdlovsk region. Situated on the eastern side of the Ural mountain range, it is the main industrial and cultural centre of the Urals Federal District. Its population of 1,293,537 makes it Russia's third largest city.

Yekaterinburg is the largest city of the Urals, an air and rail junction (it is a western terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway) and a leading industrial, scientific, and cultural centre.

Yekaterinburg is among Russia's leading producers of turbines and ball bearings. Other industries include metallurgy, gem cutting, and the manufacture of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and tyres. The region is rich in natural resources, particularly in metals (iron, copper, gold, platinum), minerals (asbestos, gemstones, talcum), marble and coal.

For these reasons Yekaterinburg has quickly become a great industrial, economic and shopping centre in this area of Russia.

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No preliminary tariffs in antidumping case European Commission issues Interim Report

At the beginning of August the European Commission issued an Interim Report for disclosure to interested parties, confirming that provisional antidumping measures would not be applied to carbon steel fasteners imported from the People’s Republic of China. The investigation will, though, continue into the definitive phase.

The twenty six page report concluded “There are several crucial elements of the investigation which merit further careful analysis: • The issue of standing still needs to be verified against the recent allegations by the importers and the lack of co-operation from some Community producers.

• The impact of the alleged type and quality differences needs to be further analysed and quantified and properly reflected in the dumping and injury calculations.

• Some important issues are still unclear, affecting injury and causality, such as the amount of price undercutting and the impact of the dumping margins.

• Post-Investigation Period developments in terms of dramatic increases in raw material prices could lead to significant price increases for the users and consumers.

In the light of the above it is proposed not to impose provisional measures and to continue the investigation.”

The body of the report reviews the process to date and cautiously draws preliminary conclusions.

It confirms that market economy status was refused to 114 Chinese producers based on detailed investigation of a sample of nine companies. This means that domestic prices from an ‘analogue’ country (see second column) will be compared to Chinese export prices to determine whether dumping exists and at what margin. Four applications for MES were rejected on the basis that false or misleading information had been provided.

However, the overriding reason for rejection was that the cost of wire rod used to produce fasteners in China fell significantly below world price levels. A separate investigation is probing allegations of dumping of wire rod from P.R. China, as well as from Turkey and

Moldova. The Chinese Fastener Industry Association has told this magazine that EC fastener investigators joined colleagues pursuing the wire investigation in visiting a number of wire producers in China earlier in the year.

Seven companies have been accorded ‘Individual Treatment’. These include CELO Suzhou Precision Fasteners Co., Ltd and Yantai Agrati Co., Ltd.. Another company is Hong Kong registered and four are Chinese owned.

‘Individual Treatment’ means that individual submissions from these businesses are considered and different tariff levels from those set generally may eventually be applied.

The Commission provisionally concludes that India, as proposed by the complainants, is the “most appropriate and reasonable analogue country”. This decision is effectively by default since producers from Taiwan and elsewhere, unsurprisingly given their potential to gain from the application of tariffs on Chinese exports, did not respond to EC invitations to cooperate in the investigation.

Two Indian companies - Pooja Forge Ltd., Faridabad, and Mohindra Fasteners Ltd, New Delhi - did co-operate although the report states that only one company provided sufficiently detailed data, understood to be Pooja Forge, to be used as a basis for establishing normal value. The selection of the analogue country and the normal value obtained from cooperating companies is pivotal in determining the level of eventual antidumping tariffs that may be applied.

Distributor representatives strongly opposed the choice of India from the beginning and have reiterated those objections in response to this report. Objections include that both Indian companies “deal at the high end of the automotive market”, implying that prices obtained are not directly comparable with all of the products included in the investigation.

There have also been suggestions that Pooja

Forge may have trading links with one of the primary complainants.

According to the report, preliminary calculations showed “considerable dumping margins.” It stresses, though, that these calculations, and also those in relation to price undercutting, “can only be considered approximate and need to be further examined.”

The report affirms that imports of the specified product types from P.R. China increased 180% from 2003 to 2007, resulting in market share increasing from 17 to 26%. It also notes that Community industry (EU fastener producers) market share fell by 8.8% in less than 3 years. The report, however, emphasises that investigators have not been able, at this stage, to establish whether the Community industry suffered material injury or whether such injury was directly as a result of imports from PRC. In its ‘causation’ section the report does suggest investigators are also considering the potential for future injury. The report refers to a “dynamically evolving situation” and goes on to remark that having already lost most of its market share to imports in some market segments the Community industry “could also lose the market in its current strong products, if the present trends continue”.

Representatives of associations and other interested parties have been invited to attend a hearing in Brussels, focusing on the scope of products covered by the investigation and the comparability of EU and Chinese products for the purposes of calculating dumping and price undercutting margins.

The deadline for a definitive decision on the case, which requires a majority of member states to affirm the Commission’s decisions, is 15 months from the start of the investigation, so before or on 8th February 2009.

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36

Bonding, fixing and waterproofing with ATE A French manufacturer since 1984, ATE has developed a wide know-how in the chemistry of polymers. Mainly present in the fields of chemical anchoring and sealants, the leitmotiv of the company is INNOVATION.

24 years of experience When the company started in the early eighties, waterproofing was the main job of adhesive technology experts, working particularly in silicones, with partnerships that included Dow Corning. Very quickly ATE formulated a 10:1 ratio polyester for chemical anchoring applications. It started to sell this new solution in a 380ml cartridge, which was totally new at this time, in France.

Today ATE offers a comprehensive range, covering all type of applications, with some specialties and exclusivities in chemical anchoring and bonding systems.

The company’s know-how is based on three axis: • ATE is a chemical company, which formulates its own products.

• ATE is an industrial company, which can produce and package its solutions.

• ATE is a marketing company, providing extensive support to its customers.

A wide range In the chemical anchoring field ATE is able to offer several solutions, presented in three main groups.

‘First price’ solutions - include styrene free polyesters with approvals such as from Socotec for hollow blocks.

Polyvalent solutions - produced from Styrene free methacrylate or vinyl-ester, include product with a European Technical Approval. The ETA product from ATE, called F150, is recognised as presenting one of the best performances in this category of product.

Specific solutions - include pure epoxy for technical applications and rebar fixing, particularly efficient in hot countries.

Present in France under private label programs, the company’s on-going strategy, For each solution the customer is able to since 2006, is to choose between all the classical packaging develop its brand used in the market: everywhere in the • From 150ml to 825ml for the 10 :1 BONDING world, through ratio systems. distribution channels.

• From 300ml to 600ml for pure epoxy systems.

ATE also offers some specific cartridges such as 375ml (pure epoxy 3:1 ratio), or 380ml (pure epoxy 2:1 ratio). In each category ATE offers packaging usable with a silicon gun (from 160ml to 300ml, with foil or peeler).

ATE is also able to present specific resins for cracks in concrete.

In the sealant field, the main job is bonding.

Here ATE offers: •Water based systems: acrylic.

• Solvent based systems: SBR adhesive • Hybrid systems:clean and high performance.

These formulations exist in different hardness depending on the required applications. Each solution allows the worker to achieve a high level of performance.

ATE has also developed some specific products. These include fibered and sanded acrylic for wall coating cracks and a light acrylic system to be used as a putty to fill gaps. The company is currently finalising a series of putties for stone repair, metal repair, and wood repair.

Innovation: state of the art technology Each year ATE has two targets – to improve its existing formulations and to create new solutions. For 2008 the three main innovations of the company are Fixogreen and Simplybag for the chemical anchoring field, and Freeflex for the sealant market.

Fixogreen is a special formulation that does not carry any warning symbol or risk warning. It is the first ‘clean’ system in this market, containing no dangerous component.

It is very comfortable for the worker to use, being odourless, and the cartridge can be disposed in the normal waste bin at the end

of the process. The Fixogreen formulation is based on urethane acrylate. It is a styrene free 10:1 ratio system that can be used in both hollow and solid blocks - it is polyvalent, with an extremely wide range of applications.

Simplybag is a new generation of packaging for two-component chemical fixing systems. It is a foil without any rigid cartridge around it. The volume of waste at the end of the extrustion is really small, and the price of this packaging is really attractive.

Freeflex is a hybrid system dedicated to very high bonding power applications. The system is available in standard, high tack and crystal versions. It is free from risk (no isocyanate, no symbol, no risk warning) and is a flexible bonding system.

Focus on green chemistry ATE wants to be an environmental friendly company. The development and launch of Fixogreen and Freeflex are perfect example of this strategy, which is driving ATE’s research and development at the moment.

In the future ATE wants to create clean solutions, which respect both the environment and the user of the product. The aim is that the worker can operate comfortably on the jobsite, with safe products that do not smell at all, and that present absolutely no risk to his or her health.

One of ATE’s on-going development programs is to find a way to formulate an innovative product, starting from a biopolymer.

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The company considers its customer as a partner. Once ATE has found a good partner in a specific area, the idea is to give it all the tools and all the opportunities to achieve great results.

This means that ATE will bring to its partner: • Training sessions to ensure the sales teams is very comfortable with all the solutions and their applications.

• Marketing support such has posters, kakemono, flyers, and other merchandising tools to create permanent promotion around the products.

• Technical support including technical data sheets, software, material and safety data sheet, as well as approval such as ETA or Socotec.

ATE is able to provide specific offers for professional distribution and also for the DIY sector – analysing carefully the best way to speak to the final customer, in order to prepare the best offer. For ATE this is a core and powerful service - to imagine for the partner the most suitable range compared to its place in the market.

For partners that demonstrate commitment and performance ATE is prepared to consider exclusivity in a certain area, providing all the support to for a new partner to establish itself rapidly in the market, or to ensure longstanding partners remain at the targeted level of sales.

A strong brand The running strategy of ATE is to promote its own brand outside of France, everywhere in the world.

In some particular cases, when it is shown as necessary, the partner has still the opportunity to deal with ATE on a private label basis. In this case the partner will receive the same level of services, and the same support, that

can be brought under the partner brand. ATE has the know-how to create labels, boxes, posters to meet the design requirement of the customer.

The way ATE works is always the same: listening to the needs of its partner and developing together the final package that will be sold. In this way all of the ‘branded tools’ of ATE can be used, in shops, on jobsites, or during fairs.

Valérie Valantin-Fayard, the CEO of ATE likes to summarize all of this in one sentence: “We have the reactivity of a small company, and the mind of big international group.” She develops her meaning by continuing, “We have the possibility to take decisions very quickly and to implement a specific program for a new partner as soon as we are convinced it is the good contact. Then we will give him all that he needs, and sometimes even what he did not imagine.

We are not only a supplier. We really want to help our partner to make the right choices.

We have 24 years of experience in our fields and we have an international knowledge of the market. This is all that is necessary to create a successful story with our partners”.

Valérie Valantin-Fayard CEO of ATE

38

NIFS/West Where: Las Vegas, USA When: 2 Nov - 4 Nov 2008 Web: www.fastenershows.com What: Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

SAIE - International Building Trade Fair

MidEst Paris

Where: When: Web : What:

Where: When: Web : What:

Bologna, Italy 15 Oct - 18 Oct 2008 www.saie.bolognafiere.it Building technology, systems and machines.

EuroBLECH Where: When: Web : What:

Hanover, Germany 21 Oct - 25 Oct 2008 www.euro-blech.de Sheet metal industry.

Taipei International Hardware & DIY Show Where: When: Web : What:

Taipei, Taiwan 23 Oct - 25 Oct 2008 www.hardwarediyshow.com.tw Tools, building materials/DIY and house ware products.

STAFDA's 32nd Annual Convention & Trade Show Where: When: Web : What:

Birmingham, UK 26 Oct - 30 Oct 2008 www.interbuild.com Construction industry.

PTC Asia Where: When: Web : What:

Shanghai, China 27 Oct - 30 Oct 2008 www.ptc-asia.com Technologies and services for the power industry.

Hong Kong Building Materials & Construction Equipment Fair Where: When: Web : What:

Hong Kong, China 28 Oct - 30 Oct 2008 www.hkbdh.com International Building Materials & Construction Equipment Fair.

Denver, USA 9 Nov - 11 Nov 2008 www.stafda.com Speciality tools and fasteners.

Elmia Sweden Where: When: Web : What:

Interbuild Where: When: Web : What:

Paris, France 4 Nov - 7 Nov 2008 www.midest.com Subcontracting and services for the processing of metals, plastics, electronics and electricity.

Jรถnkรถping, Sweden 11 Nov - 14 Nov 2008 www.elmia.se For subcontractors and suppliers within the engineering industry.

The Big 5 Where: When: Web : What:

Dubai, UAE 23 Nov - 27 Nov 2008 www.thebig5exhibition.com Construction and contracting industry.

India Build Hardware Show Where: When: Web : What:

Dehli, India 3 Dec - 6 Dec 2008 www.indiatradefair.com Building & construction materials and technology.

BAU Where: When: Web : What:

Munich, Germany 12 Jan - 17 Jan 2009 www.bau-muenchen.com German construction industry.

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40

Las Vegas Fastener Expo attracts new exhibitors and expects record attendance National Industrial Fastener Show/West Preview The 12th Annual National Industrial Fastener Show/West scheduled for November 2-4, 2008 at the spacious Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, is on a record-setting pace with strong exhibit space sales and keen interest shown by show visitors, reports Susan A. Hurley, CEM, show manager.

“We are running well ahead of previous years with nearly 800 booths contracted by 600 companies from throughout the USA and around the world including Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

We already have 73 new companies exhibiting with us this year and we continue to receive new inquiries and applications

on a near-daily basis. Space sales are running well ahead of the same period last year. We are also seeing companies reserving more space with exhibitors averaging 1.3 booths per company as compared to 1.2 booths per company in 2007. At this rate, we expect to exceed 900 booths, completely filling the available space. We urge interested companies to secure their exhibit space now to avoid missing out on the “World’s Largest” Fastener Expo”, adds Ms. Hurley.

Activities get underway with the Fastener Industry Open Golf Tournament from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm on Saturday, November 1 at Desert Pines Golf Club. This funfilled event is open to golfers of every skill level and includes roundtrip

transportation from Mandalay Bay Hotel, greens fee, cart rental, practice range balls, barbeque dinner, awards, door prizes and more.

A full day conference program will be offered on Sunday, November 2.

Show Management is sponsoring a free seminar on “Customs and border protection tools for the fastener trade” presented by Kathy Campanelli, who is national import specialist for fasteners working for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service.

Other programs include: an applications engineering workshop taught by Jim Speck, PE of Johnson Gage; a Dimensional & Material Specifications Workshop sponsored by the Los Angeles Fastener Association (LAFA) and presented by Salim Brahimi, IBECA Technologies and Carmen Vertullo, CFS, Simply Better; and a compelling program on US/Asian Fastener Market Trends and Update sponsored by the Western Association of Fastener Distributors (WAFD) and presented by Bruce Darling,

Porteous Fastener Company. There will also be an all-day meeting of the finance, credit managers & controllers sponsored by the Finance Industry Group Network and the Wisconsin Office of the Business Credit Management Association.

The “Hall of Fame” Luncheon will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30pm Sunday, November 2. This year’s honorees are Richard Lassiter, chairman & CEO, Vegas Fastener Manufacturing, Las Vegas, Nevada and William Liao, chairman, Fastener World, Inc., Tainan, Taiwan. The luncheon is open to all show exhibitors and visitors.

The always popular and well attended Gala welcoming reception will be held from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Sunday, November 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Complimentary beverages and hors d’ oeuvres will be served. This fun-filled event is open free of charge to all show exhibitors and visitors wearing a 2008 West show badge.

The two-day exhibition will be open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday, November 3 and from 9:00am to 2:00pm, Tuesday, November 4.

Show visitors are invited to view the entire Show and Conference schedule and register on-line at www.fastenershows.com. “On-line registration is fast, simple and secure”, promises Denise Hill, registration manager.

William Liao and Richard Lassiter – this year’s Hall of Fame recipients For additional information contact Susan Hurley, show manager or Denise Hill, assistant show manager at 001 (614) 895-1279, email info@fastenershows.com or visit the Show’s web site at www.fastenershows.com.

World’s Largest Fastener A Special Welcome to Our Fastener Industry Colleagues in Europe

12th Annual

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL FASTENER SHOW/ West November 2-4, 2008 Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada USA

• SEE or be part of a nearly 8,000 net square metre exhibition featuring over 700 manufacturers of fasteners, machinery, inspection, testing & packaging equipment, wire manufacturers, tool & die makers and many other suppliers of fastener related products and services from throughout the world.

• MEET thousands of fastener manufacturers, plus distributors, importers, independent sales representatives and many others who attend the exhibition looking for new sources and solutions to every fastening application. Our 2007 exhibition attracted 5,620 persons from throughout the USA and 35 other countries worldwide.

• ESTABLISH your company as a trusted supplier in the vital U.S. marketplace and many other countries around the globe. Las Vegas is the place to be if you want to expand your business. Hundreds of international companies have enjoyed great success at our past exhibitions.

For Additional Information: Susan A. Hurley, CEM, Show Manager (614) 865-1279, email: info@fastenershows.com or visit our website at www.fastenershows.com

42

STAFDA - 2008 Annual Convention and Trade Show Preview Georgia Foley, executive director of the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association, previews this year’s convention and trade show to be staged in Denver, Colorado from 9th to 11th November.

It’s been another tough year for the U.S. construction market and members in the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) are cautiously optimistic for the remainder of 2008 and 2009.

McGraw-Hill Construction, a leading authority on construction trends and forecasts, reports for the first six months of 2008 total construction on an unadjusted basis was US$282.1 billion, down 16% from a year ago. For the first half of 2008, residential building was down 39% from the same period a year ago. Single family housing fell 38% and multi-family housing off 41%.

Fortunately, commercial construction and non residential building is holding steady.

Despite the economy, STAFDA members aren’t taking a “wait and see” attitude. STAFDA attendance and booth sales are on par when compared to previous years. STAFDA’s 32nd Annual Convention & Trade Show, will take place

in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. At the time of this writing, its three host hotels are sold out and 677 booths have been sold. STAFDA anticipates the final booth count to top 900 with an expected 5,000 attendees. The booths are staffed by supplier executives and many exhibitors use the Trade Show to debut next year’s product line or offer distributors special promotions to close out the fourth quarter. The Trade Show runs for 12 hours over two days.

Although the Trade Show is the crown jewel of the three-day meeting, the STAFDA Convention also offers exceptional educational and networking opportunities. The half-day Tech & Consultants Fair provides hands-on demonstrations of the latest hardware, software, and e-business technology in addition to offering

members the chance to meet one-on-one with STAFDA’s business consultants and endorsed service providers. Concurrent to the Fair, two, 60 minute workshops will be held – one on employment testing tools and another on innovative technology.

STAFDA’s four workshop speakers are all experts in their field and will provide relevant information for today’s business environment.

Ernie Doud’s workshop on “Evolution of a family business” will take a non-financial look at family-owned businesses and succession issues.

Michael Marks will lead an interactive session on the “Good, bad, and ugly of distribution” where the audience determines the topics. Marks will weave their input into the industry’s best and worst practices. John Mackay will focus on managing a branch operation in his “Branchising” workshop and memory expert Bob Gray’s “Right brain rapid recall” session will teach attendees how to improve their memory.

STAFDA’s General Session always features two, state of the industry talks, as well as a keynote speaker.

STAFDA president, Rick Peterson, All-West Fasteners, Seattle, WA, will address distributor-related issues and Mona Zinman, co-CEO, PrimeSource Building Products, Tarrytown, NY, will focus on manufacturingrelated topics. Keynote speaker, Stuart Varney, a television anchor of Fox Business News, will talk about “21st century America: A new day in politics, culture, and business.” Varney’s presentation will come only a week after the presidential election so his commentary will be relative and timely.

Since the STAFDA Convention & Trade Show is like a big family reunion, catching up with old friends and business acquaintances is an important part of the meeting. The opening “Ultimate tailgate party” will allow members to visit while watching the Sunday night football game between 2008 Super Bowl Champions, the New York Giants, and their rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. The party will feature an

abundance of food and libations, music, and interactive sports games. The more low-key Golden Colorado closing party is the setting for members to say their final goodbyes until next year’s STAFDA Convention & Trade Show in Atlanta.

We haven’t forgotten about spouses/ companions! They may participate in a workshop featuring Carolyn Strauss, a fashion consultant, who’ll demonstrate how to create a personal image with impact. Two day tours will also be offered –a downtown Denver city tour and another to Red Rocks Amphitheater and the historic town of Golden, CO. STAFDA’s Denver Convention agenda is posted under the “Meetings & Conventions” tab of STAFDA’s website, www.stafda.org.

Registration opened June 30. STAFDA’s meeting is open to members only and membership information is available online or through the STAFDA office, info@stafda.org.

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The gateway to the world of sheet metal working When EuroBLECH opens its doors from 21-25 October 2008 in Hannover, Germany, it will be the 20th International Technology Exhibition for Sheet Metal Working. We asked Susanne Neuner, PR director of organiser Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd to send us a preview of what visitors can expect.

EuroBLECH has always been at the forefront of important developments in the field of sheet metal working and the upcoming event in October is no exception.

These developments are, however, not always technological - like hydroforming, modern hot forming processes or remote laser cutting systems; they can also reflect the economic developments of the continent we live on.

EuroBLECH constantly provides access to new markets. Twenty years ago, these were the new EU member states in western Europe, whilst today they are the latest countries to join the European Union - from the Baltic to the Black Sea. In particular, the extension of the Schengen region means that getting to Hannover is now very easy for the many visitors from Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. As a result, numerous new contacts can be made with potential customers, suppliers and business partners from this rapidly expanding economic area.

There is great demand from the new factories for cars and household appliances in central Europe - and also from their suppliers for know-how, materials and technology. This development also benefits the construction industry, because steel is required for the new factory buildings and the modern shopping centres being built for increasingly discerning citizens. EuroBLECH covers not only the construction industry, but also the heating/ ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) sector.

The know-how needed in the factories belonging to the major manufacturers is

normally provided by the global parent companies, but the many thousands of 2nd, 3rd and lower tier suppliers who settle around these industrial clusters also require this information. These small and medium-sized enterprises need to know which logistics solutions are right for them, which machines and equipment will bring swift returns, and where high-grade semi-finished goods and tools can be reliably procured.

Acknowledged as the world's leading exhibition for sheet metal working, EuroBLECH reaches far beyond the borders of the European Union. In recent years an almost entirely new automotive and white goods industry has grown up in Russia, with numerous sites stretching from the Baltic to the Urals. The plate sector is enjoying enormous growth, particularly in Russia, because transporting energy resources to the consumer requires pipelines and ships, and these - from the initial plate to the finished product - are supposed to have a high local content. However, in terms of machines and manufacturing technology, Russia is predominantly an import market and industry experts use EuroBLECH to check out what is available internationally.

Increasing globalisation in important industrial sectors means that EuroBLECH also continues to develop, and overseas markets have long been target groups for the show. In South America, for example, EuroBLECH has for many years been a well-known industry event.

Asia is also rapidly increasing in importance, but

whilst in the past Far Eastern manufacturers of toolmaking machinery used the show to exhibit their equipment and systems, now it is also the users of these technologies who visit EuroBLECH. For these automotive suppliers, subcontractors and machine/plant builders from emerging nations like Brazil, Mexico and India, EuroBLECH constitutes an indispensable source of information.

This means that yet again EuroBLECH lives up to its reputation as the only truly global technology exhibition - here not only is the hardware for sheet metal working on display, but the knowledge required to use the machines and systems as productively as possible is also accessible.

International showcase With a net exhibition space of 87,000 m2 EuroBLECH 2008 is fully booked; for the first time ever, the show covers eight halls of the Hannover exhibition grounds. EuroBLECH has grown by 14% in net exhibition space, the exhibitor number has gone up by 6%, and the percentage of exhibitors coming from outside Germany has again risen slightly to 44%.

A comprehensive Exhibition Preview which includes detailed information on many exhibitors and their products, as well as a complete exhibitor list and area map can be downloaded from www.euroblech.com.

Travel & Accommodation Visitors can now gain access to the EuroBLECH show ground at five entrances: at the new ‘Nord 17’ entrance as well as at the ‘West 1’, ‘West 2’, ‘Ost 3’ and ‘Süd 1’ entrances.

Drivers can find extensive parking areas directly at the exhibition grounds. The train station ‘Hannover Laatzen’ is directly linked with entrance ‘West 1’ via ‘Skywalk West’. In addition to regional trains, high speed ICE-trains stop at this station during exhibitions. The German railway company “Deutsche Bahn” offers special prices for visitors to EuroBLECH. From the Hannover airport, there is a regular shuttle bus. From the city, the tram line stop ‘Messe/Nord’ (tram lines 8 and 18) is linked with regular shuttle buses to the entrances.

Opening hours / tickets EuroBLECH 2008 is open from Tuesday, 21 October to Friday, 24 October 2008, from 09:00 - 18:00 and on Saturday, 25 October 2008, from 09:00 - 16:00.

Tickets can be ordered at www.euroblech.com or purchased on-site.

46

Ferroforma affirms international credentials

Bilbao Exhibition Centre, organiser and host of Ferroforma and Bricoforma, tells us that provisional data indicates around half the firms participating in the fairs next March are international.

Germany, Italy, Portugal, the UK, China and Taiwan currently top the rankings in terms of the number of firms represented. BEC says the attractiveness of the 2009 event for foreign firms is enhanced by the introduction of the Exhibitor+ card scheme, developed jointly by BEC and Kölnmesse to provide benefits to participants at events in both exhibition centres.

19% of companies so far signed up for

Ferroforma-Bricoforma 2009 campaign are first-time exhibitors. Highest volumes of registration to date have been for hand tools, industrial supplies, locksmithery, hardware and home products sectors.

Ferroforma’s campaign to attract visitors is up and running, with the organisers once again focusing on co-operation agreements for associations, purchasing groups and DIY centres. Firms and their associates will be offered preferential arrangements for their visits, including special services (meeting facilities, VIP cards, automatic accreditation, coach travel for trade visitors). The campaign will also be taken to international groups following what BEC describes as “the excellent results obtained in 2007, when the event was visited by representatives of top ranking purchasing groups including Home Depot, the International Hardware Association, Brico Depot, Leroy Merlín, OBI, EDE, Kingfisher and EDRA.” The network of domestic agents and offices abroad has also been extended. Within Spain, more delegates have been drafted in to campaign in Castilla-León, the Basque

Autonomous Community and its “hinterland”.

Outside Spain, direct agents of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre and SPRI (Sociedad para la Promoción y Reconversión Industrial), and associated marketing networks will be joined by specific marketing channels at the Kölnmesse in Germany and in Austria, Canada, the USA, the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Singapore and Switzerland. During Ferroforma-Bricoforma 2009 BEC will also host the 3rd National Wood Congress, aimed at bringing a strategic group of trade customers for the exhibitors at the main event.

Seeking to reinforce its commitment to intellectual and industrial property rights, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre is preparing action to combat unfair competition at trade fairs. The latest moves include the forging of close links with competent authorities, signing of memoranda with associations of manufacturers, the addition of a specific clause to the participation contract concerned with legal protection of brand names under which participants undertake to act in good faith, and the provision of an advisory service during trade fairs.

Ferroforma-Bricoforma takes places March 25-28 2009 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, outside Bilbao city, Northern Spain. Advance registrations for visitors will be available at www.ferroforma.eu

London ‘Multi-Trade’ Show gets industry support Trade associations and wholesale groups have renewed their support for the London multi-trade show that now consists of Totally Tools, Totally DIY and the recently launched Totally Secure.

Changes proposed for the 2009 shows by organiser Brintex have won the approval of long-term show supporters, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), Decco, the Federation of British Hand Tool Manufacturers, the Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA), Home Hardware Southwest, MICA Hardware and Toolbank who have all confirmed they will be exhibiting next January.

The British Hardware Federation (BHF) has also confirmed it will be back in 2009.

Brintex says that this year, many members and customers of the various organisations will be offered assistance with travel and refreshment costs, to help promote a visit to the show in January.

A revamped floor plan that “puts new products literally centre stage”, provision of free personalised invitation tickets for exhibitors to use, and a fresh approach to staging a ‘multi-trade’ show, with the introduction of Totally Secure, has met with approval says Brintex.

Paul Woolley, commercial director of the BHF Group, said, “With over 2,000 hardware members we see the show as a great opportunity to meet up with existing members and recruit for new ones.”

Simon Bicknell, sales director of Toolbank, whose support was important to the successful launch of Totally Tools four years ago, commented: “Totally Tools continues to be an important part of our marketing programme and we welcome the initiatives being made by Brintex to add energy and impetus to the show.”

“More than ever, retail buyers have to be proactive in their search to find new products to sell on to their customers,” said show director James Murray. “Our multi-trade show will be a great sourcing platform for buyers – and should help to stimulate interest and retail sales, which the whole market needs.”

To mark the show’s 15th year, a “high-level industry conference”, addressing the key issues of DIY and home retailing, will take place on Monday morning. Details of the conference theme and speakers are to be announced shortly.

Totally Tools, Totally DIY and Totally Secure will take place 18-20 January 2009 at Earls Court in London.

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48

Fastener Fair – Stuttgart 2009 Starting the countdown … for the premier European fastener industry event There are just over 12 months until Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2009 opens its doors. As the industry’s most eagerly anticipated calendar event, the momentum is already building to break all previous records.

2005 went down in the annals as the year the fastener and fixing industry gained a successful, dedicated exhibition. Looking back, we would have to admit to a real sense of trepidation on opening day. In hindsight there was no reason for nerves. The industry wanted its own focused exhibition in Europe. Fastener Fair provided and the rest, as they say, is history.

show is staged at the all-new Messe Stuttgart adjacent to the international airport and already winning accolades as the most modern trade fair site in Europe. Next year’s Fastener Fair promises to build on previous successes and to be a bigger, better and more exciting event in every respect.

“Everything about the move promises an enhanced experience for all participants,” says organiser Jerry Ramsdale. “The superb new venue will be much better for exhibitors and visitors. Not only will there be much more space for our rapidly growing exhibition, but the

Our philosophy has not changed - to present a truly international fastener event in the heart of Europe. One that represents every aspect of the fastener and fixing industry, and delivers an exclusive platform, dedicated to its market.

Fastener Fair – Stuttgart offers unique opportunities to reach an international fastener audience. Our cost and time economic approach makes it an accessible show for a wide variety of companies, from major corporations to smaller specialists. This is exactly the spectrum of exhibitors that makes Fastener Fair Stuttgart so special and appeals so strongly to our visitors.

Unlike larger generalist shows, exhibitors at a Fastener Fair know that virtually every visitor to their stand will be a customer or genuine prospect.

Visitors, equally, know that there will be something of interest to their business on virtually every booth.

The statistics speak for themselves. At its launch in 2005 there were 198 companies, soaring to 435 in 2007, an increase of 120%. Fastener Fair – Stuttgart is now firmly established as the flagship industry event in Europe. All it needed was a venue to match its stature.

Next year marks a new beginning, as the

modern halls have been specifically designed for just our type of event.”

“The show has more than doubled in size. In 2007 we regrettably had no choice but to turn away some companies that left it late to try to reserve space. The new venue has plenty of exhibition space to provide the growth we need, and to ensure the event continues to meet the needs of all our exhibitors and visitors.”

halls far easier than ever before, aided by a new show layout that features a dedicated manufacturing technology zone.

With modern facilities, international air connections literally on the doorstep, and excellent road and rail connections, Fastener Fair – Stuttgart has established a home with the attributes to meet the future needs of the industry.

With a year to go, 30% of previous exhibitors have already submitted their application forms - accounting for 50% of 2007 floor space. As expected, most returning exhibitors have opted for larger stands, some doubling in size. With 95% of previous exhibitors having indicated they will return, and reservations received from many new exhibitors, expectations of 600-strong array of companies is already looking realistic.

Stand allocation is on a first come first serve policy, based on date of receipt of application forms. Several stands over 150m² have already been positioned. The first phase of exhibitors will be offered specific locations in the coming weeks and exhibitors can expect to view a floor plan by November.

In 2007 more than 5,000 fastener and fixing professionals met at Fastener Fair, an increase of 150% on the 2005 inaugural fair. Who can predict visitor numbers for 2009, other than it’s safe to say that those numbers will be higher still.

Fastener Fair is dedicated, it’s intense; and above all it is time and cost effective for

The 2009 Fastener Fair takes place in three interconnecting halls, linked by a central atrium and providing 30,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Exhibitors and visitors will find navigating the

both exhibitor and visitor. There really is no better place to do fastener and fixing business.

To download an application for space form please visit www.fastenerfair.com and go to exhibitions.

50

´ Koelner invests confidence in Srubex Koelner – Łańcucka Fabryka Śrub Poland Earlier this year the Koelner Group established full control of the Śrubex fastener factory in Łańcut, close to the south eastern borders of Poland. Culminating over a year of patient share acquisition, Poland’s largest fastener making plant is now rapidly becoming the metal production centre for the Koelner Group.

The blue sky and heat greeting us at Rzeszów airport are a welcome contrast from a drab English July. The drive to the factory, a route taken twice before over the last five years, takes around 30 minutes. Our host, Marek Lechowski, ´ who is Srubex’ purchasing and administration director, explains that this remains the poorest area of Poland, with unemployment still running as high as 25% despite the large houses springing up along the road and evident development in the regional centre of Rzeszów. ´ With 700 people working in the factory Srubex continues to be the largest employer in the small town of Ła´ncut, 20 kilometres east towards Ukraine.

The arch across the factory gate trumpets the change in ownership. The imminent sale of the rather grandiose office building outside the gate more subtly signals the Koelner approach to business. Financial administration and strategic decision-making are now centred at Wroclaw, Koelner’s headquarters, 450 kilometres to the west and north. New offices for onsite administration and management are just being completed above one of the production floors, within the factory complex itself. ´ The Srubex factory has received substantial investment, visible on this visit as on the previous one, since the company was floated on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2005. The transformation, though, is inevitably a painstaking one and there remains a sense of how much more is still to be achieved in a plant that dates to the 1950s and had decades of self reliance during the Soviet era. While that still means a legacy of older machinery it has also

meant a remarkable reservoir of engineering ´ capability, epitomised in Srubex’ comprehensive tooling shop – now a mix of manual lathes and equipment and new automatic CNC machines.

This and the wire drawing department employ one hundred experienced people.

The warehouse, nearing completion in 2006 when last we visited, is now fully operational, housing 10,000 pallets serviced by modern Jungheinrich material handling equipment.

Product is still stored in metal bins, with a predominantly manual packing area used to box product or pack into KLTs for export markets. The domestic market is still mainly supplied in the bins. Additional warehousing for 2009/10 is currently under consideration to handle the introduction of Rawl products.

2007 saw some of the most significant investment including the installation of a new Ebner Hicon/H2 bell annealer. The two bells, operating with a 100% hydrogen atmosphere and capable of handling 24 tonne batches of wire, have a monthly capacity of 1,000 tonnes.

Annealing time varies between 19 and 24 hours depending on the type of wire rod. Operational since May 2007 they replace a vintage tunnel furnace, which lacked the atmospheric control of the new plant. The end result is significant improvement in preparation of wire for cold heading, as well as higher productivity.

A new Ekomer pickling line, installed this year at a total cost of around 2 million euros, partially funded by the European Union, has supplanted the old tunnel furnace. With potential throughput of 3,000 tonnes per month the new line provides capacity for growth and means that all wire can

now be prepared chemically, rather a previous combination of an old pickling line and abrasive blast chambers. The latter are scheduled for removal once the new pickling line is fully proven.

The other major investment for 2007 was the installation of a modern Can-Eng mesh belt hardening and tempering heat treatment line. ´ Srubex already had eight smaller Safed lines but their older technology and limited combined

capacity still represented a significant bottleneck.

The ninth line adds 1,800kg/hr capacity and is fully computer controlled, providing individual atmospheric and temperature control of the four, inline hardening furnaces and two tempering furnaces.

In the cold forging halls there have also been significant changes, although, it must be said, the treacherous steel grid flooring remains. Most evident is the presence of the two Nedschroef formers transferred from Rawl at Glasgow, and a third Nedschroef 526 4-station machine acquired

52

New Nedschroef 515 boltmaker. in Canada. The newest machine is a 515 boltmaker, a 1.5 million euros purchase as a keystone of the modernisation of the Rawl anchor production operation in Glasgow. Both it and the 526 are process monitored. The second, older former from Glasgow retains its inline wire ´ drawer although Srubex’ massive drawing department means it is not currently needed. Its associated thread roller is stationed nearby.

Operations director, Jaroslaw Rzytka, leads us to a small control room at the centre of the production floor to demonstrate a virtually invisible but very significant investment. Here the status of some 70 forging machines is monitored continuously through a computer system installed in 2006. “This is one of the keys to our improved production planning and delivery of greater efficiency and reliability,” he emphasises.

As an established automotive supplier, both in its domestic market and via key customers across ´ Western Europe, Srubex has long been required to deliver a range of other coatings, including Dacromet and Geomet, Delta Tone and Delta Protect, as well as adhesive and locking applications. These are in addition to conventional zinc plating – the plant has its own modern Chrome 6 and Chrome 3 lines – and hot

dip galvanising.

Earlier this year the plant stopped producing Grade 5.8 bolts for the domestic market – an intention already signalled by Radoslaw Koelner as part of the strategy to move production further up the value added scale. “Import prices from China for these products are below our purchase price for the wire,” says Marek Lechowski, a staunch advocate of the current carbon steel antidumping case against China. He acknowledges that the outcome of the case will be pivotal for ´ Srubex’s core boltmaking business. “Alongside all the important investments in 2007 we also achieved our TS 16949 accreditation last year and have developed our competence in producing several new product types for the automotive sector, including Sems screws with one or two washers, flange bolts, six lobe socket head bolts, ´ weld screws and wheel bolts.” Srubex research and development now has 15 engineers dedicated to developing special parts for its customers. ´ Over a number of years Srubex has progressively increased the proportion of its export business. In 2002 just under half of output went to the domestic market. By 2007 Srubex annual output had grown to 28,000 tonnes,

representing sales of around 40 million euros, of which 70% was exported throughout Europe and to North America. The increased strength of Poland’s Zloty currency, though, has been a challenge – both in terms of the importing power it has presented to Polish fastener distributors and the challenge it creates for Srubex to compete effectively in other European currencies.

In buildings on the opposite side of the central roadway, that runs through the site, there is clear ´ evidence of Srubex’ developing role as the Koelner Group’s metal production centre. Two presses brought from Rawl Glasgow are stamping clips for throughbolts. At the time of the visit one assembly line for anchors was being installed. “We are waiting for the others,” said Jaroslaw Rzytka. Koelner has also moved its ´ self-drilling screw coating lines to Srubex – one fully automatic line, two semi-automatic and two manual for slower moving sizes. “We can sell everything we produce here,” says Jaroslaw Rzytka. “We will need to install more machines.” ´ We have described Srubex as a ‘work in progress’ before, and that it certainly continues to be. Many aspects of its history are clear to see, although the faded Soviet era murals on some of the factory walls have now disappeared. True, there is still plenty of older machinery, including Russian built nut makers, but many production areas now house modern technologies and the depth of engineering knowledge in this plant should never be underestimated. Koelner ownership represents a clear future, although not without its uncertainties, economic as every business currently faces, political in terms of the importance of an antidumping decision now unlikely until early 2009. A clear vision for the business is crystallising; with it a recognition of key areas of improvement still required to satisfy a demanding marketplace. Above all there is a growing sense of confidence, rather than the gnawing uncertainty of recent years.

Newly installed Can-Eng heat treatment line.

54

Reflections on the EFDA presidency

by Bernhard Berrang This year Bernhard Berrang came to the end of his term of office as president of the European Fastener Distributors Association. As he organised the transfer of office to the new EFDA president, Steve Auld, we invited him to write an article looking back at the development of the EFDA and presenting some thoughts about its future. The invitation was accepted and we are delighted to present the reflections of a man widely acknowledged to have demonstrated consummate skill and unfailing consideration throughout his term of office.

When I took the office in 2004 all EFDA delegates agreed that EFDA should continue to be run as a lean organisation, an umbrella, regrouping the leading European fastener distributor associations in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.

So aside from the secretary, there are no tools, no reservoir of people to do things. The funds are controlled by the national organisations and herewith they provide the resources to carry through various projects.

During my work for EFDA, I always enjoyed the goodwill and support of the delegates of the national associations and the help of EFDA’s secretary Bernd Stapf. This is another good occasion to thank him for his passionate cooperation in organising and coordinating information, and giving his valued advice.

I would also like to express my thanks to my vice president, Steve Auld, for his loyalty and support.

During my term as EFDA president, I particularly focused on the expansion of the platform EFDA represents to enhance contacts on an international level. This is one key target of our association. In that respect the second European Conference of 2006 in Stratfordupon-Avon was a big success, not only since over 70 European distributors from 10 nations met in England, but also because we had awakened the interest of other associations like the Taiwan Fastener Trading Association (TFTA) and the National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) in the USA who sent their own delegation to our meeting.

Globalisation is one of the challenges which

Bernhard Berrang (right) handing over to Steve Auld

also increasingly influences our business.

Globalisation also means exploring other continents, their markets and the colleagues and associations working there.

After successfully building and cultivating the relations between EFDA and TFTA and establishing a transatlantic cooperation with the distributors of NFDA in North America, EFDA was also able to get in contact with the Chinese manufacturers, the Chinese Fasteners Industry Association (CFIA), last summer.

EFDA’s presence at the 2007 annual conference of CFIA strengthened the young relationship and was followed by mutual visits with the international associations in China, Europe, Taiwan and the USA. That way a worldwide network among the fastener distribution industry is being created.

Furthermore an agreement between NFDA, TFTA and EFDA defining the targets and basis of cooperation could be concluded.

Thanks to the Fastener Fair exhibition in Stuttgart, the EFDA was able to enhance the image and international recognition of the distribution industry, as well as present itself to a wider public. EFDA made new contacts that will benefit the national associations. The EFDA is likewise open to the industry in the East, where national interest groups will surely be formed and which are cordially invited to become EFDA members.

Next to strengthening EFDA’s international contacts, I emphasised the improvement of relations to the European manufacturers association EIFI. In spite of the various procurement concepts among the distribution companies

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in Europe and different market orientations, it cannot be ignored that the distribution industry depends on good relations to their suppliers.

Fortunately we have a strong fastener manufacturing industry with wide diversity and excellent quality in Europe. I was therefore happy that we were able to intensify the relations between these two associations and create a basis for exchanging experience, for example concerning the changeover from hexavalent chromium coatings to trivalent surfaces or the REACH regulation and facing the steel price increase.

The anti-dumping proceedings against the import of carbon steel fasteners from China are a significant challenge to our industry, to which EFDA responded collectively. Even though the final outcome of the anti-dumping proceedings remains open, one may say that the action of the individual national associations coordinated by EFDA and the systematic measures of the FDS in its role as project leader, contributed successfully to

showing the European Commission the view of the users and importers. It is likely, that the activities of the European distributors, amongst others, accomplished that no preliminary duties were imposed. In consequence, the course of the Commission’s further research also includes a joint hearing with representatives of all participants in the market, to clarify the still open questions.

One of EFDA’s most important tasks for the near future will be to collect the necessary facts and information to help the European Commission to come to a decision which allows a worldwide fair competition and trade in the future.

Another important project will be to organise and host the next European Conference in 2009, to which I would like to wish all the success to our new president Steve Auld, Geoff Hopwood as vice president and Bernd Stapf as reliable secretary and our Italian colleagues of UDIB who will assist the office, as the meeting will take place in Stresa, Italy.

More than ever before, the job for EFDA will be to provide the platform enabling our members to meet with all parties linked to the industry.

I am convinced that also for the future, EFDA is prepared to be an excellent institution to support our members in competing with the challenges to come.

About Bernhard Berrang President and Shareholder of Karl Berrang GmbH Bernhard Berrang was born 1947. After graduating with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering and Economy for Engineers and having worked as engineer in France, the USA and in Germany, he joined the fastener distribution business which was founded by his father in 1948.

He manages the company together with his brother-in-law Peter Hofmann.

More than a club – MFCE changes status A new European association of independent fastener distribution companies has been announced. Called Fasteners Association Europe (FAE), its members regularly exchange advice on marketing practice and technological changes in all types of fastening systems, devices and assembly equipment.

FAE has grown out of Modern Fastener Club Europe (MFCE), which was founded in 1967 by a group of fastener distributors who were aware that business would change dramatically in the coming years – not least because of globalisation. Its members have now recognised that fasteners, fastening technologies, their markets and marketing, have moved well beyond the vision of forty years ago and that a new profile was required to encompass all types of assembly techniques and the 21st century way of doing business.

“We realised that we needed a new name and image,” says FAE president Philippe Graber of KVT Switzerland. “‘Modern’ sounded slightly risible and ‘Club’ is not universally used to describe an association. In changing our name to Fasteners Association Europe, we are reflecting that ‘fasteners’ encompasses a wide range of assembly techniques and all kinds of fasteners and systems.”

“After all, traditional, mechanical fasteners are only one means of holding parts together – FAE members also offer chemical and thermal fasteners (including adhesives and welding), setting equipment and sonar bonding. “Their businesses reflect the technological developments and market changes that have brought in lighter weight materials and ever more efficient manufacturing processes,” he added.

The Association is already represented in many European countries and is keen to welcome new members.“It is a unique forum whose members benefit from a worldwide network of commercial and industrial contacts in virtually every industry,” said Mr Graber. “They have decades of experience about markets and marketing knowledge and, as experts in fasteners themselves, provide practical support to fellow members.”

The FAE’s main aims are: • To encourage co-operation between FAE members in management strategy, technical and market development and product portfolios.

• To promote the benefits of belonging to FAE as a leading organisation of mechanical, thermal and chemical fastener distributors.

• To extend its contacts so that members have ever widening marketing opportunities.

Current FAE members are: Biotek, Hungary; Dejond, Belgium; Colly, Sweden; Forind Avio Elettronica, Italy; KVT, Switzerland; Titanox, France; Titgemeyer, Germany; and Viba, The Netherlands. Details about these companies and the address of the secretariat are on the FAE website – www.fastening-systems.com.

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58

Stainless steel anti-dumping tariffs not working?

According to Dr Roberto Marzorati, general manager of Ferriere di Stabio in Switzerland, little benefit can be seen for European producers of stainless steel fasteners since the introduction of import tariffs on fastener imports from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam in 2005 Mr Marzorati was speaking at the EIFI 2008 Congress in Venice in May, where he represented the EIFI Stainless Steel Fasteners committee.

He presented European trade data for the stainless fasteners market after the imposition of tariffs. This showed that between 2006 and 2007, after the implementation of tariffs in 2005, while the total European market size increased by 11%, EU stainless fastener production fell by 10%. Total imports increased by 39%, and overall, imports from Asia rose by 42%. The market share of European producers fell from 53% to 41% in this period.

Data in tonnes

2006

2007

07/06

European Production

80,000

72,000

-10%

European Exports

15,000

16,000

+6.6%

European Imports

58,700

81,700

+39%

123,700

137,700

+11%

Market Size

The table below shows import data from individual Asian countries.

Malaysia now appears to be the largest volume importer, while both India and South Korea registered huge increases in imports between 2006 and 2007 - 208% and 659% respectively.

Dr Marzorati told EIFI delegates it was obvious that circumvention, where product is shipped via another country into the market to avoid the anti-dumping tariffs, is widely practiced, causing the pattern of imports to change, as shown in the chart below. He expressed the view that import tariffs alone were not a long term solution to the dumping problem.

There are also problems of cheaper, out of specification materials being used by some importers, particularly low nickel stainless steels, which required continuing vigilance and action against this practice. Use of such materials puts product assemblies at risk because there is always a shortfall in the properties of such fasteners. It is important to make known any incidence of substandard fasteners arriving into Europe, because this will help to defend the European manufacturers’ product.

If we continue to do this, and are also able to make the use of manufacturer’s logos mandatory, and “made in” information on the labels of bags and boxes, it should allow product differentiation which should support European manufactured product.

This article was published with the approval of Dr Mazorati.

Imports in tonnes / month Imports from:

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Total Asia

3477

4438

3765

4466

6360

42%

13

24

11

41

311

659%

Japan

279

150

207

242

301

24%

India

73

124

114

269

829

208%

China

404

1009

790

643

839

30%

Indonesia

542

433

259

196

105

-46%

Malaysia

252

314

338

868

1372

58%

Taiwan

804

1213

959

799

1009

-31%

Thailand

289

457

280

112

77

17%

S. Korea

07/06

New president for German Fasteners Association Christian Kocherscheidt, CEO of EJOT Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Berleburg, has taken office as the new president of the German Fasteners Association (Deutscher Schraubenverband) e.V. The executive board of the association elected Mr Kocherscheidt on the 2nd of April, 2008. He now replaces Tillmann Fuchs, CEO of Fuchs Schraubenwerk GmbH in Siegen, who held the office for nine years. Tillmann Fuchs remains a member of the executive committee of the association and he represents the association as vice-president of the European Industrial Fasteners Institute (EIFI) with headquarters in Brussels.

EJOT is a medium sized group of companies operating in the area of fastening technology. It employs more than 2,000 employees, about 1,300 of them working in companies in Germany, with a further 700 employees based in foreign offices and connected companies in Europe, America and Asia.

Mr. Christian Kocherscheidt takes over the office as president in a difficult time: The costs for raw material and energy are continuously increasing and the member companies of the German Fastener Association are facing great challenges. Mr. Kocherscheidt, therefore, defines a main task of the association as providing more cost-transparency along the value added chain in order to strengthen the position of the member companies when negotiating with raw material suppliers and customers.

The German Fasteners Association, located in Hagen, represents the interests of presently 110 manufacturers of mechanical fasteners as well as associated members. In Germany the sector of bolt, screw and nut manufacturing companies comprises about 70 enterprises. The German Fastener Association mainly consists of medium-sized family companies managed by the owners. In 2007 the annual production of this industrial sector totalled 706,000 tonnes with a value of some 2.9 billion euros.

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60

“Your second warehouse for hexagon and socket fasteners” Eurobolt bv ‘s-Heerenberg, Netherlands It is more than three years since Phil Matten last visited Eurobolt. Still located in the German-Dutch border town of ‘s-Heerenberg the company has quickly settled into new, custom-built offices and warehouse.

By early 2005 Eurobolt was rapidly outgrowing its 12,000-pallet warehouse and was taking temporary space at its freight forwarder and elsewhere close by. “We knew something had to be done to increase capacity,” says general manager, Harry Snijders, “Operating from three warehouses proved increasingly inefficient as we continued to grow – in the end we spent 30% of our resource simply moving stock between the three locations, which meant delivery times and reliability suffered. It has taken quite some time, and there were a few complications on the way, for example environmental issues with the land, but now we are here.”

Remaining in ‘s-Heerenberg was important. The border town is ideally positioned between Eurobolt’s major markets and its supply route via Rotterdam.

The company continues to take advantage of the nearby Rhine port of Emmerich, where incoming containers are off-loaded from barges and hauled by road the remaining 5 kilometres. “With fuel costs as they now are

this represents a significant saving, considering we receive over 1,400 containers every year,” says Harry Snijders.

Once construction had started on the new warehouse, designed to meet Eurobolt’s specific requirements, things happened rapidly. “Construction began in November last year. We began moving product in April 2008 - around 19,000 pallets in total – and we cracked the champagne to celebrate completion end June.

The new warehouse is 7,500 square metres in area and 13 metres high, providing 25,000 pallet locations in a conventional high-bay system, serviced by combined picker and side-stacker trucks on under-floor electronic guidance lines. One key upgrade was to change to overhead RF computer screens on the picking trucks and bar scanners to confirm locations. “It was an interesting challenge for the operators to go paperless,” says Harry Snijders, “but the change has improved our efficiency quite a lot.”

The overall warehouse design is straightforward. Two receiving ramps and docks at one end, with clear floor space to offload containers and a nearby quality inspection office. Eurobolt now has a designated quality manager and carries out a range of standard tests in-house, continuing to send samples

from each consignment to an external professional laboratory for destructive testing. The company has always operated on a tight supplier base. That policy continues with virtually all the product sourced from ten factories, mostly in China, under supervision of purchase manager Lothar Markl, who has 35 years experience in fasteners. Eurobolt now also has a China-based assistant purchase manager who audits the factories, maintains close relations and expedites shipments.

The despatch area is located below the commercial offices. An automatic shrinkwrapping line has replaced the previous heat shrink machine – delivering improvements in energy costs and load security. Four trailers, provided by the main delivery contractor for Germany, Belgium, France and local markets, are filled during the day. Eurobolt has around 350 regular customers throughout Europe, ranging Scandinavia to Spain and Italy in the South and from the UK and Ireland to east European countries. For long range shipments, individual contracts are negotiated from a selection of known performance carriers. The far end of the warehouse houses two Weighpack packaging lines for repacking products that have been plated or galvanised.

Last time we visited Eurobolt we described it as a “tight ship”. It remains so, with a clear emphasis on keeping things simple and straightforward. Annual turnover is now over 20 million euros, and full time employees have increased to thirty-three.

The key principles of the business, though, are still the same. The relationship with the customer is direct and responsive. All customers are distributors and fastener resellers – no end users are supplied. It is immediately evident that the business is simply not geared to do so. Although the company does respond to smaller orders from distributors, volume orders continue to represent the lion’s share of the business.

Eurobolt still issues a weekly stock list to every customer – covering over 7,000 articles. Virtually all are sent by email, in either PDF or spreadsheet format, although, says sales office supervisor Patrick Jansen, “We still have one customer who insists on receiving over 60 pages by fax. He says it is important that he has the list in his hand every week. That’s why Eurobolt also sends

customer has changed is in its external representation. Three years ago Patrick had one colleague, spending part of each week visiting accounts - but, in practice, often chained to his sales office desk to assist with the volume of orders and enquiries. That has definitely changed.

Sales department manager, Dion Deckers joined Eurobolt over a year ago and the internal sales l-r Dion Deckers, Patrick Jansen and Jörg Neerincx. team is now six strong. External course, we are well known for the hex bolts sales manager, Jörg Neerincx has and socket screws. These are the core been with the elements of our range, although not company for around two years. everyone recognises how strong we are in Both spend at least two days a the larger diameters, up to M48 in DIN 931, week visiting customers across for example, or in the in-between sizes.

Europe. Additionally Eurobolt now Eurobolt, though, holds a much wider range has three external representatives, of stock, including DIN specifications 960, responsible to Jörg Neerincx, 961, 6912, 6921, 7380, 7984, 7991, in a covering France, UK and Spain. range of grades - 4.6 to 12.9 - and a range Face to face time with the of different finishes, an area that we are customer is crucial, says Dion looking right now to develop further.”

Deckers. “During our visits we can “We want our customers, including new discuss ways to optimise the prospects and longer standing contacts that relationship to our mutual interest and we also emphasise the have not, perhaps, recognised all that has quality of goods we supply. It changed, to see Eurobolt as their second goes without saying that we are warehouse,” says Dion Deckers, “a also ISO 9000-2000 certified by straightforward, easy to work with extension TüV and have our own Quality to their own stockholding. We do not believe Department.” our business needs to be complicated: to the Personal selling is also crucial contrary we continue to see it as doing in reminding the customer of the simple things well.” extent of the Eurobolt range. “Of Picking trucks are fitted with RF computer screens.

a stocklist to a number of customers by post once a month.”

Many customers place orders based on the stocklist. For most there is a designated despatch day each week, which allows orders to be accumulated to meet the carriage paid level. “If the order weight is below the level the customer automatically receives an email to advise him and to ask whether he wishes to add to the order or pay transport,” explains Patrick. It is, though, a point of pride that any enquiry receives a quotation the same day, and far more typically, within the hour.

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62

Poised for impressive growth Will Lowry recently visited QEF Global England, three months after it was formed from the strategic merger between MLM Fasteners and the QEF Global Group.

“It’s funny the way things happen sometimes”, says Noel England, MD. “We at MLM were looking to expand our franchise offering in these competitive times, and meanwhile QEF Global was looking for a facility in the Midlands to expand its UK footprint. QEF Global CEO Mike Nolan and I have shared a mutual respect and friendship for many years, and a chance meeting led to merger discussions and to the realisation that both companies were a perfect fit strategically.”

From that first meeting at the beginning of April, all due diligence, company formation, image and legal matters were aggressively tackled and the new company, QEF Global England Ltd, began trading on May 1st from existing premises.

Before the merger, MLM had recognised a migration of its customers to Eastern Europe, which presented difficulties as the compnay was not able to offer the direct line feed services that had become a significant element of its service to UK based customers.

Noel also explains that importing from Asia meant dealing with many small companies, constant price increases and up front deposit demands. “Thankfully our combined sourcing network and the sheer volume of product involved means that these problems are a thing of the past.”

Also, by merging with the QEF Global Group it has allowed MLM access to an established network of branches, including the recently opened QEF Global Russia. The QEF Global Group also has offices in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary, USA and Asia, and provides supply chain optimisation programmes across the manufacturing sector.

The group intends to integrate the MLM business model with QEF Global’s proven value chain management programmes.

“QEF has brought to us every one of its

product franchises,” explains Noel, “including PEM in the English market, for which we have already recruited a PEM product engineer, in Gavin Ball.”

MLM was already on of Southco’s elite distributors, as is the QEF Global Group. With the merger QEF Global has become the third largst Southco distributor in Europe.

The new alliance will surely present some challenges, but Noel seems to be taking it all in his stride. “We’ve already organised initial meetings and training with important component manufacturers like Richco, PEM, Bivar and Rivet King, and our application engineering capabilities, that have served us so well with Southco, will also stand us in good stead. Richco are well represented across the QEF Global Group, and Rivet King (AKA Industrial Rivet) is a fourth generation manufacturer from the US who has granted QEF Global pan-European representation.”

“There is already evidence that QEF Global is making its mark in Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and beyond with our ‘one stop shop’ capability and the largest stable of renowned supply partners, such as Southco, PEM, Tinnerman-Palnut, and numerous others,” adds Noel.

So how is he feeling about the future? “The merger has given us at QEF Global England added impetus and growth potential, which is being realised faster

than most would have imagined. QEF see us as a technical sales centre. We have experience of identifying and meeting applications across a wide range of industries, and are looking forward to the opportunities ahead.”

QEF Group CEO Mike Nolan is also upbeat about the future. “This alliance now expands our UK footprint and will compliment our other facility in Coatbridge in Scotland. We have already completed a three day global sales strategy meeting and were delighted to welcome Noel and QEF England to that forum. We’re now poised for strong growth and we’re ready to provide a broader and unrivalled range of value chain management programmes and services to all our customers, as well as an enlarged franchise offering. We call it the Q-Factor – Quality across all our disciplines and management programmes.”

“The merger has given us at QEF Global England added impetus and growth potential...”.

64

When SME and multinationals co-operate On July 2008 the workshops of the Working Group CEN TC213 relating to powder actuated tools closed. Since the very beginning, the ECAP (European Consortium of Anchors Producers) has been monitoring the work of the group, begun on March 2007, to counterbalance the presence of the multinational companies of the same sector.

The training took place in a climate of full co-operation. The multinationals of this sector and the SMEs (Medium-Sized European Enterprises) represented by ECAP, combined their technical background and experience in order to maintain the high security standard of the machines and accessories, rivets and powder actuated tools. Shortly after one year, as scheduled by CEN planning, the Working Group CEN produced a normative textbook, considered to be entirely satisfactory by the CEN consultant who works in the Working Group.

The presence of ECAP in the CEN TC213 group is just one of the services developed for the Members of the Consortium. ECAP is a notfor-profit consortium, completely funded by European SMEs that recognise the target set by the European Commission in the Lisbon Treaty, that is: the only European SMEs that can be competitive in the global market are those able to pass quickly from simple product supply to integrated supply of products and services.

ECAP members are all competitors, but they meet and speak, exchanging their different European experiences and their common needs. Creating groups that are able to obtain high quality services by sharing costs.

The services developed by the ECAP members in recent years are: • Participating in and providing members with information on the drafting of CEN and EOTA’s guidelines relating to structural and non-structural mechanical, chemical and plastic anchors. ECAP takes part in every meeting of the CEN and EOTA’s workshops where it represents the requirements of its members, presenting modifications and technical proposals based on co-operation with consultants from different European Universities. This activity creates constructive debate within the Working Group that helps to achieve the realisation of shared guidelines, based on the technical and economical reality of global and European markets.

• Project management of CE marking, “customised” for every Member. Thanks to its

wide network of scientific European institutions, ECAP communicates with organisations and laboratories, coordinating institutions of the different European States in order to get the CE marking of its members’ products at the best price and with the best procedure currently available.

• Realisation of a calculation program for structural engineers that allows the design of anchors following the Euro codes. Computer and normative experts constantly update this program and it is managed by a group of ECAP members who rent it to the other members and their customers, sharing the cost of the management and the normative

updating. ECAP supports the management of the technical database of every single enterprise that may require it.

• Staff training courses, lasting one or two days, held by ECAP engineers. Improving the know-how of member companies is a major goal for the ECAP. Its courses are aimed at every member and are one of the best ways to improve the quality of the business, of its products and customer service by ensuring it is updated according to the international standards and the latest technical knowledge.

• Attendance at international scientific workshops and realisation of research programs funded by groups of Members that have the same interest in a particular subject

or product. To invest in research is one of the ECAP’s ways of assisting SMEs in overcoming the challenge of entering sectors that have, for structural and economical reasons, tended to be the exclusive domain of the multinationals for many years.

Many projects are in the process of being realised, others in the course of being devised.

All the projects arise from the initiative of the members, stimulated by the ECAP’s activity and the dialogue existing among the enterprises. The ECAP’s members met for talks during the year on a whole range of different themes and projects. These are discussed and approved by the Board of Directors, which also meets several times a year. Five members from three different European countries form the Board of Directors.

The Members meet every year in order to define the future objectives and direction of the Consortium itself. The latest annual ECAP meeting took place in May, in the renaissance cloister of the Saint Agostino University, in Bergamo, Italy. Seventeen enterprises from seven different European countries were present, together with other enterprises invited as guests, who were interested in the prospect of becoming members of the Consortium.

Mr. M. Grzeszczyk, member of NORMAPME , the unique European organisation focused on small enterprise interests in the European standardisation system, and Ing. G. Muciaccia from the “Politecnico” University in Milan were also invited to the meeting.

The Municipality of Bergamo allowed an extension of the exhibition “Kantieri” (“cantieri” means “building sites”) to create a synergy between the visit of the international ECAP’s members and the exhibition itself that re-created the building sites of the Lombardy area. The visit of the ECAP’s Members to the exhibition closed with an extempore performance and souvenir photograph, with everyone wearing a safety helmet refashioned by an artist.

66

Chemique develops Solfre2 Chemique Adhesives and Sealants Ltd has developed a new simplified range of solvent free adhesives for the construction industry.

The new Solfre2 range falls into three key types: Solfre2 GP, Solfre2 HC and Solfre2 HCR, with each type providing a number of different open times to suit the individual customer’s needs.

Solfre2 GP is the general-purpose formulation, which can be applied using either spray or bead. The Solfre2 HC is formulated specifically for honeycomb panelling and again used with either spray or bead, whilst the Solfre2 HCR with its roller application provides an alternative to Solfre2 HC.

All round approval West Midlands Fasteners, a UK supplier of fasteners & fixings, has been appointed as an approved distributor for Rawlplug.

John Hall, MD of West Midlands Fasteners was delighted with the appointment. “We are very proud to have been made an approved distributor of Rawlpug and to add to this we have also been approved as an Associate Member of the Construction Fixings Association.”

The new Solfre2 range is available for use in a whole range of applications. All Solfre2 products are environmentally friendly and have a two-part performance for extra bond strength. It is most widely used for insulation panels in buildings and vehicles, cladding and architectural panels, and textile and foam laminates.

“Our Solfre2 range is seen as an integral component in ensuring that the correct performance criteria for panels are achieved,” said John Bellerby, Chemique technical manager. “Our new simplified range ensures that users get the best product to meet their stringent adhesive requirements.”

Chemfix adds to epoxy range Chemfix Products Ltd has announced an additional catridge size to its pure epoxy range, which it says makes it the largest range available directly from any UK manufacturer.

Chemfix is able to offer either a 3:1 or 1:1 ratio pure epoxy in 385ml (3:1), 400ml (1:1), and now the new 600ml (1:1) cartridge size.

Chemfix can also offer a total service for ancillary tools including manual and pneumatic extrusion tools, nozzles, and hole preparation equipment.

“Our own label design services also ensure that your product is packaged in the right way, and labelled with a tough polythene glass label.”

Index launches ‘TFDEX’ With an innovative design and treatment, ‘TFDEX’ breaks into the market to widen INDEX’s top-quality anchor variety.

‘TFDEX’ presents a number of characteristics which INDEX says makes this concrete anchor the best in the market. Firstly there is the triple thread, which enables bigger tension loads. It also features a special tip with dented ridges, which improves installation on base materials. Finally, the special silver Ruspert covering allows a higher resistance to corrosion up to 1,000 hours in a salt spray chamber.

“The main advantages of this special anchor are its fast and easy installation and flexible installation depth. It is valid for all types of base materials and completely removable, which makes it perfect for temporary installations.”

The ‘TFDEX’ is available in different dimensions from 6 x 50mm to 16 x 160mm.

68

Two in one Lohmann, a worldwide producer of high-tech adhesive tape systems, has designed the Duo-Integral-Tape. An innovation which Lohmann says currently doesn’t exist in the construction industry.

Lohmann´s experts searched for a solution for the effective implementation of adhesive tapes for glass-metal or glass-wood connections. As a result the Duplocoll DuoIntegral-Tapes for window bonding was born.

Looking at the bonding of windows, two

systems are commonly used, either an adhesive tape or a liquid system. The question therefore arose how to combine these materials effectively and economically.

Lohmann took up this challenge and developed a patented solution for the combined use of a form-giving tape and a silicone adhesive.

As a special feature the tape has die-cutted sections, which allows the user to fill in the liquid adhesive subsequently. Concerning customised applications, the geometry of the

die-cuts can be adjusted to individual requirements.

“In this way, this new system for adhesive window constructions combines the advantages of the respective bonding systems, is suitable for all window materials and offers window frame manufacturers effective and economic production possibilities.“ The Duo-Integral Tape which is available in various thicknesses has a very good initial tack and is able to absorb high shear stresses.

New Kee i-bolt range Kee Safety Ltd, supplier of the BeamClamp® fixings range, has introduced Kee® i-bolt, a comprehensive range of Class A1 anchor devices and accessories.

The Kee® i-bolt range is designed to offer effective fall arrest protection for those carrying out high level window façade cleaning or other building maintenance operations from an ‘open window’ position.

The Kee® i-bolt range comprises two product brands named Ringanka and Keyanka.

Independently tested at the NEL (National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride), Ringanka and Keyanka products conform to EN795, BS7883 and ISO14567 and are CE Approved to the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Directive. Their use in appropriate applications will ensure workers, facility managers and building owners comply with the requirements of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Ringanka includes fixed eyebolts in a choice of three different sizes for straightforward and secure wall installation. The eyebolt provides a fixed anchoring point, either external or internally within the building, where workers can attach a lanyard and safety harness to ensure safe access and personal protection in the event of an accidental slip or fall. Available in a polished stainless steel, galvanised or plastic-coated finish to blend with prestige building applications and different interior schemes, the eyebolt can be securely fitted to different building fabrics, including brick, concrete, masonry and steel. The eyebolts are supplied with knurled inserts and resin

capsules to allow easy installation and removal for periodic inspection. A PPE warning disc is also provided as part of the range.

Keyanka is a removable safety eyebolt offering an unobtrusive solution to traditional eyebolts in more prestigious buildings. The anchor socket is permanently installed but discreetly covered by a white plastic cover.

When required for use, the cover is removed and the special ‘key-type’ eyebolt, typically attached to the worker’s lanyard, is inserted into the socket hole. A simple key action activates a spring locking movement to provide a fast and safe attachment whilst allowing 180° rotation to suit usage requirements.

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70

RapierStar celebrates moving premises RapierStar is a supplier of high performance window screws and fixings to the window, door and conservatory industry. The company promotes exclusive, patent protected and trademarked product ranges, produced by respected Far Eastern manufacturers.

Having enjoyed 16 years of continuous growth, RapierStar has either moved or extended its warehouse premises every three years, culminating on 8th August with its latest move to a 43,000 square foot Head Office and European Distribution Centre in Congleton, Cheshire.

David Furness, RapierStar’s managing director, explained, “We had been looking forward to all the extra space in our new home and also the convenience of being based in Congleton town centre, just a few miles from Junction 17 of the M6 motorway.

However, in the Far East the date 08.08.08 is seen as very auspicious.

Chosen by China for the opening of their Olympic Games, our suppliers explained that we were very lucky to be relocating on such a favourable day. Being located by a river, the River Dane, is also believed to be very positive.”

“We decided to complement these excellent omens by inviting Chinese Lion Dancers to help us celebrate our move. Their spectacular blessing ceremony brings good luck, prosperity and health to all who work in our company.”

“We offer an open invitation to all our current and prospective customers to visit our new premises and see for themselves our increased stock levels, inspect our industry leading test laboratory,

review our investment in business processes, and generally get to know our team better.”

If you would like to learn more about RapierStar’s products or service, the first twenty fastener distributors to request a quotation from them and mention this article will be sent official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games T-Shirts.

MasonMate releases new chemical brothers MasonMate has announced the launch of its high-load duo: the Pure Vinylester and Pure Epoxy resin chemical anchoring systems.

The ETA approved Vinylester resin has been tested under extreme conditions and passed stringent criteria to achieve the European quality standard. The two part resin mix of pure Vinylester (Epoxy Acrylate) has increased high-load holding capability, with MasonMate saying it is stronger than standard resin and ideal for overhead or critical applications.

MasonMate Vinylester is suitable for use in damp conditions, has a very high chemical resistance and is fast curing for quick fixing application. As a Styrene free resin it is less harmful and easier to use in enclosed areas with the added benefit of low odour.

The Pure Epoxy resin has achieved WRAS water board approval confirming suitability for use in proximity to potable (drinking) water. The chemical anchor can be applied under water and in other wet conditions. Featuring a long curing time, it is designed for large applications such as rebar Simpson Strong-Tie has followed its acquisition of and barrier installation. the Liebig Group by buying collated screw MasonMate’s premium resin specialists Ahorn for US$8.5 million (approximately is solvent free and therefore less harmful, it is also odourless 6 million euros). and easier to use in enclosed Headquartered in Germany, Ahorn has subsidiaries areas. MasonMate also points in Czech Republic and China. Founded in 1992 the out that the Pure Epoxy resin company employs 104 people. It launched its “Big boasts exceptional holding Drive” collation system at the Cologne Hardware Fair capability and performance, this spring. with no shrinkage over time.

Simpson already owns the Quik-Drive collated The Pure Vinylester resin is brand and intends marketing the Big Drive products presented in 380ml tubes, with as part of this program. The Simpson family launched the Pure Epoxy resin in a larger their business in San Francisco in the 1950s. Simpson 400ml variant. Both are Manufacturing Co, Inc. IPO’d in 1994. It achieved available from Harrison & sales in excess of US$800 million (570 million euros) Clough, exclusive wholesaler of in 2007 and employs over 2,700 people worldwide. the MasonMate brand.

Simpson Strong-Tie buys Ahorn

RP12

RP22

RP42

72

Putting ideas into shape SIEBER gained a name for itself, particularly through its founder Karl Sieber, who introduced new ideas for using ‘shrunk tools’ in cold solid forming processes more than 50 years ago. Here Seiber explains the latest developments in its technology.

Shrunk, pre-stressed tools were able to absorb far higher forces and this provided an enormous boost to the cold solid forming sector. This has been part of standard technology for a long time now. The challenge today involves machining products with even greater degrees of precision, forming materials that have an even greater strength, coping with short entry curves and naturally introducing a greater degree of flexibility so as to be able to produce smaller batches in an economical manner.

Shrunk die – laboratory design It would be preferable if the tool, which needs to be very stiff, could be somewhat more flexible, particularly to provide greater precision or even cater for dimensions in a closed loop in a sensitive and flexible manner or be able to respond to material properties.

Prompted by the process of pressing inserted gear tooth designs, where the cores normally have to be remoulded – this is done by altering the drilling dimensions to a minute degree in order to provide the necessary levels of precision to cope with the effects of the material or the heat treatment processes – a tool concept has been developed where the drilling process can be adjusted in a flexible manner by up to 0.06mm without having to remove the tool.

This problem was resolved by heating and cooling at the same time to provide a shrink fit.

While the core can be heated to a temperature of up to 500°C, the outer member is cooled at the same time to provide the shrink fit. A new

kind of induction process is used to provide the heat. This allows the tool to be ready for use within less than 5 minutes after a cold start and it guarantees almost real time performance for open loop or closed loop control of the diameter of the drill hole.

In contrast to other solutions available on the market, which are only able to set the size of the drill hole by the initial stress that is exerted, this concept largely enables the initial stress load to be maintained or used to extend the working area.

The experiment uses a combined tool where the core drill hole measures 27.8mm and the diameter of the outer member 200mm. The graph on the right shows a test run that lasted 75 minutes. The dark blue line shows the temperature of the core and the light blue line the outward temperature of the outer member.

The temperature of the core was as high as 250°C after approx. 7 minutes. The temperature of the outer member was set at approx. 80°C, which means that the drill hole expands by 0.05mm. Tungsten carbide is used as the core material.

Tungsten carbide would only expand by approximately 0.035mm in the drill hole at these temperatures. By heating up the outer member to 80°C, the pressure on the shrink fit is reduced approx. by a further 20% and this enables the core to open even further by about 0.015mm. This means that the core drill hole has already opened by approx. 0.05mm at temperatures below 300°C.

Development team

After 20 minutes the core temperature was further increased to approx. 350°C and the temperature of the outer member was adjusted by the same ratio. After 45 minutes, the temperature ratio was set at approx. 300°C to approx. 50°C, which creates a drill hole opening of only approx. 0.02mm. Despite the 300°C in the core, the huge temperature difference of more than 200°C between the core and the outer member now provides a greater degree of initial pressure, which makes the opening in the drill hole smaller.

On the one hand, this tool concept opens up opportunities for handling new dimensions and responding to process or material fluctuations in a much more flexible manner.

But it also allows users to gain access to a new class of precision, integrated in a closed loop. The closed loop also compensates for the effect produced by the innate heat in the process, i.e. start-up processes are much shorter.

Given the temperatures that are reached, it is now possible to combine cold and semi-hot forming processes, with the result that other materials with higher degrees of forming can now be used.

The prototype of this development is currently being tested. The company plans to offer a complete assembly group, which can be retrofitted to any press in a practical manner. A patent for the patent and the process has been applied for.

This concept opens up a completely new product group for SIEBER and this will enable the company to continue the extremely positive developments that it has enjoyed over the past 3 years.

Hose Clip and Clamp Manufacturers in Birmingham UK Established 1978

Tel: Fax:

01384 561000 01384 411142

info@electraengineering.com www.electraengineering.com

74

The Lean solution to fastener production LeanFX is the new FORMAX® from National. LeanFX was introduced at WIRE 2008 in Dusseldorf to a large number of visitors and is now available for delivery. Jerry Bupp, vice president sales at National Machinery LLC, explains what LeanFX is and what it can do for your production.

The Why: LeanFX10 is a 4 die FORMAX with no quick change features, designed to appeal to the standard segment of the fastener market. In this market segment, cost and speed are critical, as longer production runs are normal.

Some machines available today for this market may have low purchase cost, but fall short in actual running speed. A true combination of speed at a reasonable cost is something that is still requested by the fastener world.

The How: The design for LeanFX was created at National Machinery headquarters in Tiffin, OH USA. Since 1874, National Machinery has been known for innovation in process and machine design. This experience was used to design and build the first LeanFX, which was then developed and tested via rigorous part production. The result was a global machine that can produce high quality M10 fasteners faster than any cold former on the market.

The What: LeanFX starts with high quality FORMAX features and components, such as linear feed, zero clearance heading slide and straight across transfer. The machine is based on simplicity, so options are minimal. The bed frame is the same proven construction as on

all FORMAX. Feed and kick out adjustments, as well as lifting of the transfer, are all manual adjustments on LeanFX. The “ten” in the name designates a rating to form M10 fasteners such as: ISO 4014 (DIN931) HEX HEAD ISO 4017 (DIN 933) HEX HEAD ISO 4762 (DIN 912) SOCKET HEAD ISO 1662 HEX FLANGE …but all at a speed up to 300 parts per minute. For cold forming fastener producers interested in these standard types of parts, National is finalising development of our patent pending modular tooling that will run at 300 parts per minute. In an added effort to bring tooling costs down for this option, the tooling will be sourced via our NM Group Technologies-Suzhou facility with standard components built in quantities.

The Where: In an increased effort to further reduce costs for this global fastener production machine, National Machinery made additional investments in the NM Group Technologies (NMGT) facility in Suzhou, China. This whollyowned National Machinery facility, just north of Shanghai is the location where LeanFX is assembled.

NMGT utilises the latest in machine tools, inspection, assembly and test practices. Various National Machinery experts in the areas of engineering, machining, assembly, and quality are stationed at NMGT to ensure

“National” quality of any product. Procedures for assembly and testing are the same as done in Tiffin.

Customer support for LeanFX is handled the same as with any National machine, by local service centers throughout the world in USA, Germany, Japan and China.

LeanFX is available now, so please contact your National Machinery sale person for further information. LeanFX is another great option of equipment from the FORMAX family, so choose the option that best fits your production!

Fast, Strong & Cost-Efficient

Equipped with Production-proven FORMAX Features • linear feed • zero clearance heading slide guidance • straight-across transfer

Built by National Machinery in Suzhou, PR China

an NM Group Global Company

www.nat i onal m achi n e r y.c o m National Machinery LLC 161 Greenfield Street Tif fin, Ohio 44883-2471 • U.S.A. Tel.: +1 419 447-5211 Fax: +1 419 443-2379

NME National Machinery Europe GmbH Kingenhofstraße 57 90411 N ürnberg • G ermany Tel.: +49 911 5198-0 Fax: +49 911 5198-220

Nürnberg, Germany Birmingham, England Paris, France Barcelona, Spain Bolzano, Italy Moscow, Russia

76

Johnson aiming to clean up Johnson Machine & Tool Co Ltd has supplied machinery for the cold forming and fastener manufacturing industry, both new and used in the UK and Ireland, for more than 20 years.

The company also now offers automatic cleaning equipment for small metal parts manufactured by CABER Impianti, air filtration units manufactured by AR Filtrazione for machinery that produces smoke or particulates and special purpose machines manufactured by Unimatic.

Of particular interest to distributors, as well as manufacturers, will be the packaging equipment manufactured by Imanpack, applicable to the hardware industry in general, as well as Retina inspection systems to satisfy the ever increasing demands of customers for zero defect supply.

“The principal aims of the company have always been to offer customers the most comprehensive choice of equipment, and recent developments have enabled us to offer an even wider range of equipment, some of which will also be of serious interest to the Fastener distribution sector.”

Essebi exhibits at WIRE China Essebi (Shanghai) Machinery Co., the Chinese branch of Essebi Italy, exhibited for the first time at Wire China 2008, in Shanghai.

The Company, totally owned by Essebi Italy, showed some of the cold forming machines that are manufactured under the assistance of the Italian engineers.

Essebi says that the main characteristics of the Chinese made machines are: the care of the quality of the materials used in the production – the same ones used in Italy – and the right tolerance between the different modules during the assemblies.

The Essebi machines are made to run for tens of years, which is why Essebi gives five years guarantee for the main components of the machines – so the constant improvements, by the Essebi “Easy Innovation” philosophy, are oriented to a safer and easier use of the machines in the time, neglecting the distorting technologies that could give a shorter life to the machines.

Essebi (Shanghai) has mainly focused on the Shanghai market and attended WIRE China to try and gain new business in different areas of China.

Essebi exhibited three different machines at WIRE China, all of them progressive headers, with two, three and four dies.

Reed thinks Smart Reed Machinery, Inc. will promote the patented Smart Machine Tool System for thread rolling machines at the National Industrial Fastener Show/West, Las Vegas, in November 2008.

Automated controls for thread rollers are now available with machine monitoring, process monitoring and the newly patented “smart machine tools” called IntelligentOne™. The latest technology is now available for thread rolling machines of all sizes and types from Reed Machinery, Inc. In addition to process monitoring and machine condition monitoring, IntelligentOne™ uses the latest in RFID technology to read and write data to tooling, including die holders and/or threading dies. Users can now view machine and process conditions dynamically and view historic use of tools in inventory using a hand-held reader. The ability to interrogate tooling off line facilitates tooling inventory, ensures correct selection of tools for given jobs, and provides specific

information about tool use/life as well as purchase/repair frequency.

Information is automatically collected about machine tool use and stored both in the machine as well as in the tool.

The tool’s memory can be “activated” and “read” using a handheld scanner that uses radio frequency technology to “power” the tool.

Jim Flanagan, president of Reed Machinery, Inc., claims, “The introduction of IntelligentOne™ is another step towards improving the cold forming and threading and operations with or without the purchase of new machines.

We are all very pleased that we have been able to develop this technology and make it available for threaders in a relatively short period of time.

We are now working on designs for the cold headers.”

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78

Biggest bolt maker in company history AMBA (Aachener Maschinenbau GmbH), who moved premises from the city-centre of Aachen to a nearby industrial estate in December last year, has introduced the biggest BoltMaker in its 100-year history.

The BM 10 – 800 reaches a total length of approximately 10 metres and weighs nearly 32,000kg. As well as three heading units and a pointing unit, the machine is equipped with two flat-die thread rolling units instead of only one. This means that in addition to the usual thread and end rolling, a second thread under the head can be included in the production process.

The fact that all operations are in line on the machine side makes it necessary to turn the bolt around twice during production.

However, this isn’t a problem for AMBA, which has turning units that work on numerous AMBA machines and says that it is as easy as horizontal transport, thanks to its approved conveyor system.

The new BM 10 - 800 will produce bolts from 150 to 800mm in length and will process wire up to 10mm in diameter at 80 to 90 parts per minute.

Keep things moving SKAKO COMESSA develops, produces and sells vibratory feeders and conveyors to activate, transport and separate all kinds of bulk solids.

The SKAKO COMESSA storage feeder type FV is used particularly for continuous and weight-specific charging of materials for: • Hardening and annealing furnaces.

• Preparation machines.

• Packaging machines.

• Electro-Plating machines.

• Melting furnaces.

• Machines for quality control.

• Separating plants.

SKAKO COMESSA says that its furnace feeding systems are a very important part of many industrial processes e.g. for the automatic and weight guaranteed: • Feeding of belt, annealing - and tempering furnaces.

• Discharge of industrial washing and drying machines.

• Feeding and discharge of industrial electroplating- and surface treatment lines.

“Controlled, automatic and weight guaranteed feeding of bulk material ensures a steady product quality, optimised efficiency of the downstream equipment to be feeded as well as reproducible and traceable production parameters.“ A pc-operated control (with an option for self-adjustment) constantly compares target to actual capacity and automatically supervises the through feed from the FVE-feeder and CCe-vibration trough (which also has a self adjustment option) to ensure consistent and even feeding of bulk material into the furnace.

Knurling technology with ultimate perfection:

CREATE PREMIUM PROFILES!

zeus Knurling Tools: Developed for highest expectations towards precision and surface quality.

Knurling wheels

Knurling tools

Cut knurling tools

Special tools

Hommel + Keller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH I D-78554 Aldingen I Fon + 49 74 24 . 9705-0 I Fax + 49 74 24 . 9705-50 I www.hommel-keller.de

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Founded in February 1988, Precision Technology Supplies Ltd is proud to celebrate 20 years in the Fastener Industry. We specialize in Micro Fasteners and Metric and Unified (American) Threaded Fastener in both A2 & A4 material.

Quality and service are our main priorities with every order subject to our ISO 9001 quality control.

We would like to thank all our customers for their support over the last twenty years and look forward to the next twenty.

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd. The Birches Industrial Estate, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1XZ Tel +44 (0) 1342 410758 Fax +44 (0) 1342 311464 Email Info@pts-uk.com www.pts-uk.com

80

Putting a smile on your face Schwer + Kopka GmbH has just introduced its new line of process monitoring systems for fastener producing machines such as cold headers, multi station cold formers, or thread rollers.

Schwer + Kopka says that these new systems take a completely new approach in making process monitors extremely powerful, yet simple to use and very easy to install.

The simplicity in operation is obtained by eliminating virtually all manual adjustments that previously were necessary on other types of monitors. In addition, the display does not use any text or language but shows easy-to-understand symbols and graphical elements. The very few settings are self explanatory and quickly performed on the standard touch-screen. Two different models are available, the SK1 with a 4.3â&#x20AC;? black & white touch-screen, and the SK3 with a 7.5â&#x20AC;? colour touch-screen and Windows-CE. Monitoring of the forming force signals itself is fully automatic and independent of any manual intervention. The built-in software ensures that every forming operation is monitored within the best possible limits. The quality of the monitoring performance is indicated to the operator by means of Smiley-symbols. If the Smiley shows a happy face, the operator knows that the machine is running stable, and that all monitoring limits are working at their best.

Special attention was also paid to making the installation of the system and the sensor as quick and as simple as possible. Typically, the installation New SK 3 process monitoring system can be performed by the end user.

In-line wire drawing system for 30 mm wire.

The # 1 Europe based supplier of in-line wire drawers and power-driven uncoilers.

TECNO IMPIANTI S.r.l.

Via Postale Vecchia, 67 23857 VALGREGHENTINO (LECCO) ITALY Tel. +39 0341 604801 Off-line wire drawing system for 30 mm wire.

Fax +39 0341 604289 www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com

82

Can-Eng wins contract from Turkey Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd, Niagara Falls, NY, has received a contract to supply a mesh belt furnace system to Termosan Isil şlem in Istanbul, Turkey.

Can-Eng will provide its latest technology, which it says greatly reduces fastener thread damage and foreign material potential. The new line, rated at 1,800kg/hr, will be the largest mesh belt

system in Turkey and supplied with full automation from loading through unloading. The contract also includes Can-Eng’s Level II automation system.

Termosan is a commercial heat treating company serving a diverse range of markets including the automotive sector, fastener industry, agricultural, forging and stamping industries.

TLM load lift for long screws The TLM 900L load lift is adjustable to handle long screws. The lift’s double vibrator linear selection system is designed for screw diameters from 8mm, and at least 50mm long, to 16mm and 300mm long.

Usable lift width is 700mm and the bar ascent speed can be adjusted via an inverter. A motorised adjustment system offers variable air speed.

The unit is powered through a vibrating channel, the stop/start of which is actuated by a sensor fitted to the lift's vibrating hopper. This vibrating channel can be supplied by T.L.M. or purchased directly from a specialised supplier.

Hi-speed secondary operations on Videx machines Videx has recently launched a line of hi-speed secondary operations machines which perform multiple operations on one part and do each operation in a separate station.

The parts move quickly from station to station, resulting in production rates which are six to twelve faster then on standard automatic lathes.

The machines are equipped with 2, 3 or 4 turning stations that turn, chamfer and drill the edges to virtually any requested length and diameter.

The machines will accept wire directly from an in-line drawer or will pull drawn wire from an uncoiler.

The parts move from one station to another by a quick servo-operated transfer system. All stations work simalteaniously to save time and complete the part as quickly as possible. While the first station turns the part, for example, the second station may drill or face the next part. The parts stay in each station as long as it needs to complete the operation and this time period, as well as the transfer, is controlled from the main computer screen.

The machine can be combined with other operations such as heading, flattening or marking.

ORT precision thread rolling ORT Italia says that its Precision Spline and Thread Rolling Machine RP 20 CNC/E has been designed using the most modern technical criteria.

The Precision Spline and Thread Rolling Machine RP 20 CNC/E offers a wide range of special features including:

• High stiffness of machine frame.

• User friendly man-machine interface –

this helps the worker in all his operations, from die rolls synchronisation to the change of production and 3D diagnostics.

• Production monitoring – this controls the production at 100% and verifies the conformity of the piece in real time.

• The machine working cycles are preloaded and selectable by the operator.

• Environmental friendly machine, because it uses only the energy necessary for production. The hydraulic power pack has been replaced by an electromechanical power transmission with minimal environmental impact.

The machine is completely electrical as it has a CNC control panel with a SIEMENS SINUMERIK 840 DI. It is also free from variations of temperature due to the use of an electromechanical axis instead of a hydraulic one. The panel also controls the torque on each motor.

In plunge rolling, the minimum rolling diameter is 3mm, the maximum is 50mm. The slide is electromechanical: its speed is 20mm/s and it slides on two robust linear guides. The stroke is controlled by the Siemens CNC. The positioning is controlled by a linear encoder with a 0.0005mm resolution. The head inclination is monitored in the CNC with a resolution of 0.02°.

RP16 ROLLING MACHINE WITH WASHER LOADER WALZMASCHINE RP16 MIT LADEVORRICHTUNG FÜR UNTERLEGSCHEIBEN RULLATRICE RP16 CON CARICATORE RONDELLE Machine controlled entirely by Siemens PLC, suitable for rolling diameters from 8 mm to 16 mm.

For thread lengths up to 95 mm, on maximum 180 mm of rivet shank length, with combined washer loader, able to load washers up to diam. 50 fitted with electronic operator panels and self-diagnosis with alarm visualisation, for the simplified fine tuning and adjustment of the entire system.

Die maschine wird komplett von der Siemens PLC gesteuert und ist für das walzen von durchmessern zwischen 8 und 16 mm geeignet.

Für gewindelängen bis zu 95 mm - bei maximal 180 mm rohlingsschaftlänge mit kombinierter ladevorrichtung für unterlegscheiben. Diese vorrichtung kann unterlegscheiben bis zu 50 mm durchmesser laden und ist mit einem elektronischen eingabefeld und autodiagnose ausgestattet mit alarmanzeige für eine vereinfachte einstellung und regulierung der gesamten anlage.

Macchina interamente comandata da PLC Siemens, adatta a rullare diametri dai mm 8 ai 16.

Per lunghezze fino a 95 mm di filetto su max. 180 mm di lunghezza gambo ribattino, con caricatore rondelle combinato, in grado di caricare rondelle fino a diam. 50. dotata di pannellini operatore elettronici e autodiagnosi con visualizzazione allarmi, per una semplificata messa a punto e regolazione di tutto l’impianto.

T.L.M. S.r.l. - Viale M. Dellepiane, 10/L - 15057 Tortona (AL) - Italy - Tel.: +39 0131 813043 - Fax: +39 0131 814456 info@tlmweb.it - www.tlmweb.it

84

Confounding the cynics Barton Cold Form Limited Droitwich, England It is not uncommon to encounter the perception that the UK no longer has a fastener manufacturing industry. On previous occasions this magazine has demonstrated that is far from the truth. In this instance, though, the story is one of rather more than simply survival and adaptation to today’s market.

Apparently it all started in a pub. Barton Cold Form’s founder, Cyril Field, used a room in the Barton Arms to hold initial meetings during the formation of his company in 1932. The Barton Rivet Company was duly named in recognition of the Landlord’s support and began production in an old chapel in Constitution Hill, Birmingham. A prolific inventor, Cyril Field had many patents to his name including the Fixt-nut used extensively in the automotive industry for over 50 years without a reported failure.

In 1959 the company was renamed Barton Cold Form and moved to custom-built premises on the outskirts of Droitwich, a Worcestershire town probably better known for its history of salt production and spa waters. On the death of his father in 1973, Michael Field became managing director.

In 1999 Barton Cold Form annual sales were around £3.2 million. Michael Field retired and the established management team of Eric Forgan, Paul Denning and Mike Wakefield

completed a management buy-out from the family.

Speak with managing director Paul Denning, and he is clear that Barton Cold Form is “a small company, which works within its means and is not always able to do things as quickly as its directors would like”. The statement, though, belies a remarkable growth record since the MBO, with 2008 sales expectations at the £10 million mark. “We are very proud of that achievement,” says Paul Denning, “particularly since it is all organic, not by acquisition. We have grown the relationships with our existing customer base, diversified into new business sectors and achieved growth through winning new customers.”

Currently around 80% of the business comes from the UK, with an almost exclusive focus on the automotive sector, which includes tier 1 status with GM and strong relationships with Delphi, Lear Seating and Johnson Controls – the latter particularly satisfying given

Johnson has severely reduced its supply chain from 300 companies to single figures.

Overseas business comes from China, India and Europe but, again, this business has focused its strategy to maximise return on the company’s resources. Barton Cold Form now employs a sales manager based in Katowice, Poland – an increasingly frequent flight destination for Paul Denning. “The cycles of UK recession hit confidence so we knew we had to look elsewhere. There are all kinds of trade initiatives to eastern Europe but we decided to concentrate on Poland, where we saw excellent opportunities, with very strong first investment levels as second and thirdtier companies establish and grow.” The next consideration is at what point to establish a distribution centre in Poland.

It goes virtually without saying that quality has to be core to Barton Cold Form’s strategy given its customer base. After several years of QS certification Barton Cold Form achieved TS16949 accreditation early in 2007.

STICK WITH US One look at our range and you’ll be glued.

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Price? Yes! Stock? Yes!

WE HAVE ALL YOU NEED

S.p.A

Service? Yes!

Via XXV Aprile 21 20097 San Donato Milanese (MI) Italy Tel. +39 02.515051 Fax +39 02.510660 - 02.55700633 info@ubkunbrako.com - www.ubk.it

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Dowel pins, pull dowel pins, taper pins according to ISO and DIN standards

86

Fundamental to both quality and productivity development has been a consistent commitment to investment. Paul Denning, together with chairman Eric Forgan, attended several seminars as the new directors formulated their business strategy – an appetite for knowledge and locking into available business support that remains a

strong characteristic in the business. “One seminar speaker constantly stressed the importance of making strategic investments,” recalls Paul Denning, “so we came away – and did.” He cites one example of experiencing perpetual quality issues with a specific part – until the company invested in a new CNC machine. “Quality problem solved, productivity improved and return on investment in labour costs alone within 12 months.” The company now has an array of Takamaz machining centres that have significantly improved accuracy and efficiency in secondary operations, and are controlled by a single operator.

The major investment, however, came in 2007 when Barton Cold Form committed £4 million in moving to a 5,000 square metre, specifically designed, factory on the Stonebridge Cross Business Park, outside Droitwich. It is Impressive – no question.

The efficiency advantages of the move are measured in a work force reduced, through natural wastage, from 135 to 100. “In the previous factory we often had little choice but to throw people at growth, as well as suffering the inefficiencies of operating from two sites.”

Descending the stairs from the

second story office complex to production director Mike Wakefields’ domain, the advantages of additional space and the opportunity to systematically arrange the production floor are clear. Smaller parts are formed, predominantly, on Nakashimada machines, graduating to Sacmas ranging up to an SP260 five-die. Virtually all the headers are process monitored - the exceptions only where die configuration makes interference between sensors unavoidable. Arguably the best example of machinery investment – a highly opportunist one - is a fully automated Nedschroef former, just ten months old when it was purchased from a bank following a company receivership. The five station parts former is a custom built short stroke machine, with a wire capacity up to 19.5mm and cut-off length of 70mm. “We bought a £750,000 machine without a single order for it,” concedes Paul Denning, “but we were confident the business would come once we demonstrated its capabilities, particularly for larger diameter tubular and semi-tubular parts.

We weren’t disappointed.”

Investment in efficient machinery is tough enough for any business. Having the people to operate it in the long term, in the UK as in many other western European countries, is a real challenge. “There is no reason,” says Paul Denning, “why a fastener company cannot look like a hospital. It is clearly important in terms of the perception of your customers. It is equally crucial in

environment certainly helps but characteristically the key is again in investment, this time in its people. The relocation plan included the creation of an excellent training room, including a suite of personal computers. Barton Cold Form works closely with Worcester College of Technology to provide a range of educational resources.

These include modules taught towards achievement of the European Computer Driving Licence and core literacy and numeracy training available to all employees. “We expect our people to be able to understand and work with a range of TS 16949 documentation,” explains Paul Denning, “and recognised that investing in this kind of training would deliver major advantages to the business. We will back pretty well any training to which our people commit – in addition to the knowledge acquired there are huge motivational and employee retention benefits.”

For the record, Barton Cold Form’s manufacturing capabilities extend from 2 to 19.5mm nominal shank diameter, with head or shoulder diameters up to 45mm and lengths up to 127mm. The range of materials is extensive, in addition to steel and alloy steel, the company produces in aluminium and its alloys, brass, copper and stainless steel. The emphasis, unsurprisingly, is on prototypes, deriving the benefit of early links

attracting good young people into engineering – they can see advanced technology producing complex and clever parts. ” Being able to present an outstanding modern working

with development engineers, and increasingly complex forgings.

The future? On the investment front developing warm forging capabilities is high on the target list. Commercially? “Tripling the sales again would be nice,” says Paul Denning, “but for now we are aiming for the £15 million mark.”

September 2008 - European Manufacturing & European Manufacturing Technology This issue’s Focus On is dedicated specifically to European Manufacturers, reminding the market of their capabilities and ensuring buyers have up to date contact and product details.

In addition there is a section on European Manufacturing Technology, for the manufacturing processes and machinery aspects of the industry.

Coming up in the next issue….

November 2008 – Nuts, washers and locking systems.

To reserve your entry please contact Claire Lake on +44 (0) 1727 739 150 or email Claire@fastfair.net

3C SRL

AMC (UK) Fasteners Ltd

3C is a manufacturer of hot forged bolts according to DIN, ISO ASTM and UNI or according to customer's drawings.

Qualities 8.8/10.9/12.9/B7/L7.

We start our production at M 5 up to M 30 and we are specialised in long thin bolts up to 750 mm length.

Nuts-Nuts-Nuts-Nuts • AMC is privately owned, manufacturing nuts & forged parts for more than 30 years.

All types of rolled thread ( before or after heat treatment ) such as metric, metric fine, UNF, UNC, WW and BSF can be supplied.

• Hexagon, Round & Square Nuts.

• AMC All Metal Locknuts.

Surface treatment: zinc plating,Geomet etc.

• Quality approval to ISO/TS16949 and BS EN

Certification according EN 10204/3.1 can be supplied without any problem.

We have a very strong point: since we are a small organisation we can react very quickly and we can supply if necessary very fast.

Our standard delivery time is approx. 4 weeks and if you are in a hurry, please talk to us.

We may be able to help you in 2 weeks time !!!!!

We export throughout Europe to all major trading companies in Scandinavia, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Greece.

ISO 9001.

• PPAP Level 3 and full ISIR assurance.

• Cold Forged – Hot Forged – Bar Turned.

• Manufacture in Carbon, Alloy, Brass and Stainless Steels.

• Supplier to British and International markets in Europe and Scandinavia.

• Please view our web site.

• We welcome your enquiries.

Please send us your enquiries and we will respond within 24 hours max.

Tel: 0039-0331-882.239

Email: info@bulloneria3c.it

Email: info@amcukfasteners.co.uk

www.amcukfasteners.co.uk

88

Ash Fasteners Manufacturing Ltd.

Aston Sweden AB ASTON Sweden AB is a leading Swedish screw manufacturer, specialising in the construction market. The plant in Karlskoga – hometown of the Nobel prize –produces self-tapping and self-drilling screws in stainless steel and aluminium.

Ash Fasteners is the UK’s foremost manufacturer of long length and specialist cold forged fasteners in Steel, Stainless, Aluminium or Brass.

Set up in May, 2001, the company has established itself as a proven manufacturer of cold-forged fasteners, bolts from short to long length, with a speciality in providing longer lengths, from 2 to 12 mm diameter to virtually any length a customer wants.

The company also produces specific products in stainless steel, including security screws and long bolts.

The aluminium screws are used for aluminium roof and wall sheet, popular in agriculture as well as coastal areas due to its extremely high corrosion resistance. ASTON co-operates with leading aluminium producers in order to develop tougher aluminium fasteners.

Our production is split 50/50 between major distributors and direct customers. If we don’t already manufacture it, and you want us to, we will. Ash Fasteners Manufacturing Ltd. specializes in custom-designed fasteners for all varieties of job.

The company typically works to deliver products five-six weeks from receipt of order, but can equally handle seven day turnarounds as well as two-three month schedules. Ash Fasteners Manufacturing Ltd. is efficient and flexible, and tailors its solutions to the demands of the customer.

Whatever your fastener requirements, stick to Ash!

The plant also includes a painting department, so that the fasteners can be delivered colour-matched to the roof. Naturally, only certified, façade quality powder paint is used at ASTON. Another speciality is self-tapping screws made from A2 and A4 stainless steel. There is no shortcut to a good stainless tapping screw. It is necessary to use wire that hardens a lot in processing, producing a harder thread. That is the only way to make a stainless screw that can tap, for example, pre-punched holes in high-grade steel. Our screws do the job reliably, saving money and time.

Well bolted to the market.

Tel: +44 (0) 121 328 3881

www.patternfasteners.co.uk

Bralo

www.astonsweden.com

Caparo Atlas Fastenings

Bralo, a brand where the quality is the main proposal.

Bralo, S.A manufacture and commercialize Blind rivets, Insert nuts and Riveting tools.

We began our activity in 1979, commercializing Blind Rivets and manufacturing Riveting Tools.

In 1985 we started the production of blind rivets in a 800m2 plant with 15 employees.

Nowadays, BRALO is in a 15,000m2 plant located in PINTO, MADRID sheltering the warehouse, offices and factory. Our workforce has grown up to 250 people and have our own branches in France, Portugal, Czech Republic, U.K., Germany, Italia, Turkey and factories in Mexico and China.

Our production system, with the most advanced technology for cold forming and a full computerized process enables us to manufacture more than 3,600,000,000 blind rivets per year. BRALO is recognised for its attention to technological development, becoming pioneers in adapting computer controlled manufacturing systems.

Caparo Atlas Fastenings Limited (CAF), the UK’s largest manufacture of fasteners for the Automotive and Distribution Markets. With over 120 years experience in producing critical components, CAF specialise in the supply of fasteners to the European Automotive Industry and supports a host of specialist distributors throughout Europe.

Our production ranges from DIN standards to Licensed Taptite product, to customer specials, M3 to M30 diameter, all manufactured within our TS16949 UK facility. Part of the Caparo Group, CAF can also offer parts from our sister plants in Spain (specialising in Pins) and India (DIN standards and customer specials).

Recently commissioned at CAF is our National 1250 Parts Former, representing a significant investment and commitment to UK manufacturing. This highly versatile machine extends our product range to include Piston Pins, Multi Diameter Shafts, Wheel Bolts, Hydraulic Tube End’s and Sump Plugs, Female Forgings with a typical diameter range from M12 to M42 and 200mm in length.

From our UK Warehouse, we hold customer specific safety stocks and can supply to customer schedules offering a variety of packaging solutions.

For further detail on our range of products including: Taptite, Powerlok, DIN,ISO Standards and customer specials, visit www.caparo.com or contact a member of the CAF sales team at sales@atlasfastenings.com

Quality System Certification: ISO 9001: 2000 ISO TS 16949 Certified by:TÜV CERT. Email: ignacio@alcorlo.com

Tel: +46 586 634 50

www.bralo.com

Email: sales@atlasfastenings.com

www.caparo.com

DEGOMETAL - 4F

Fastening Elements Factory SA

Our reputation is based on a 34-year experience in the industrial fastening products; in fact, 4F (one of our two factories) is the first French blind rivet’s manufacturer.

140 years with experience and high quality.

The oldest and the most famous producer of the fastening elements for track structure, mining industry, machine construction industry & automotive industry in Poland. The exporter to European Union community.

Our group sells worldwide and our plants (Certified ISO 9001:2000) run high-end machines. Thus, many famous European industrial companies have chosen Degometal quality for purchasing standard products and trust us for solving their fastening problems.

Our factories own 40 cold forming machines, from 1 die-2 blows to 5 dies-5 blows with positive extraction. Our 4 dies technique of our mandrels guarantees a constant breaking strength and a perfect control on the tensile strength and shearing resistance. Everyday we keep on investing and improving our performances and effectiveness. Our R&D department offers more than a product: a technical solution.

Our headquarter provides a large range of blind rivets (solid, semitubular rivets, special cold-formed parts). Furthermore, we also supply additional ranges, i.e : setting tools, cable ties, blind rivet nuts, self-drilling and chipboard screws, thus a building fixing range.

We produce: • Fasteners and joints for track structure: clip bolt type Hs, fish bolts, rail joint bolts, spring washers, spring clamps type SKL-12, springs type Df-2 • Bolts M20-M52 with hexagon head, square head, hexagon socket head cap mushroom head.

• Nuts M22-M48 • Spring washers M3-M36.

• Elements for mine roadway supports.

• Special elements after consulting the Head Engineer.

Our Quality Management System is in accordance with ISO 9001:2000.

For the fastening and joints for track structure we obtained the Certificates issued by Railway Transport Office and the HPQ Certificate edited by German Railways AG.

Do not hesitate to contact us for further information or any special inquiry according to your sketch or your specifications.

Tel: +33 (0)4 92 08 84 00

www.degometal.com

Faster S.R.L

www.fez.pl

Freeway Washers Ltd.

FASTER S.R.L. ETC. Italian's leading manufacturer of: • CAGE NUTS FOR ANY PANEL HOLES AND THICKNESSES • CAGE NUTS FOR MASS CONTINUITY • IN CARBON STEEL ZINC PLATED CHROME FREE, RoHS COMPLIANT • IN TOTAL STAINLESS STEEL, A2 AND A4 • CAGE SCREWS • DEEP THREADED U-NUTS FOR HEAVY DUTY APPLICATIONS • U-NUTS AND CLIPS • SPRING LATCHES WITH RETAINERS AND STUDS Established for over 30 years, we manufacture specials to customer drawings, including cage nuts in most thread forms such as metric, UNC, UNF, BA, BSW and BSF. All cage nuts, both zinc plated or ALL STAINLESS STEEL, are usually available and exported to any European or worldwide destination, because we have: • excellent quality • competitive prices • no minimum order charge • sameday despatch of exstock items • certificates of conformity if requested • technical help for individual projects and furthermore, we can supply all our products with special protective coatings (GEOMET and its various versions), 1000 hours salt spray, in a very short time.

Our most important customers are the Automotive and Domestic Appliance Industries, electrical cabs industries, etc.

For any enquiries please contact email: fasterviti@libero.itMrs. Caterina Monopoli Email: fasterviti@libero.it

Email: mm@fez.pl

www.fasterviti.com

With uncertainty from the Far East becoming certain you can depend on Freeway to provide globally competitive prices while having the confidence of domestically produced products. Freeway manufactures as well as imports all the standard range of products. While the quality and pricing of traditional importers is becoming unstable, you can depend on Freeway for continuity of quality supply with a full range of products.

Not only do we stock standard Din 7980, 127B, 6797, 6798, BS washers, we also produce hard to find Double Coil lock washers, both regular and tangleproof. As we produce these products from our in-house wire drawing facility our lead times are the shortest in the industry. Along side spring washers we also produce pressed washers and pressings to customer’s specifications/drawings.

We “round” out our product range with snap and round wire rings produced from our own manufactured wire, which we also supply to customer requirements. Please see www.freewaywasher.com for more details and our ISO Certification.

Tel:+44(0) 1535 610600

www.freewaywasher.com

90

Goebel

JCS Hi-Torque Ltd.

• Manufacture and distributor (ISO 9001:2000

JCS Hi-Torque Ltd. is one of the few remaining privately owned manufacturers of worm drive hose clips and clamps left in Europe.

certificated) • Specialized in blind rivets (all types), blind

JCS Hi-Torque Ltd. is totally self-sufficient with its own Toolroom plating shop, machine shop and design studio which ensures absolute control over the manufacturing process and, therefore, quality.

rivet nuts (all types) and setting tools • 7,000 sqm warehouse, permanent stock over 300,000,000 pieces • Delivery rate 95 % from stock by catalogue articles – rivet technology • Private label – full automatically packaging machine – 1. Mio pieces per hour

The JCS Hi-Grip and Hi-Torque ranges of clips and clamps are considered by many to be the finest quality and performance available in the market today and are used with confidence throughout the world.

• Best price level, good value for money • Animation, Please visit our website to see an animation of how our types of blind rivets work • R&D, special parts will be developed in accordance of customer request • All tests according DIN EN ISO 14589 can be made in our own labour.

Please contact us and try our service.

Tel: +49-211-245000-0

www.blindniete.org

Hi-Grip hose clips are available in either mild steel zinc plate or BS304 stainless steel and both versions are BSI Kitemark approved. Hi-Grip stainless and Hi-Torque clamps are also Lloyd’s Register Type Approved for use in marine, offshore and industrial applications.

The JCS Hi-Torque Ltd. product range is completed with their unique Tamtorque sign fixing clamps, the Multi-Torque adjustable stainless steel banding system and the M10 and M6 P-Clip ranges. The JCS P-Clip ranges are also available in either mild steel zinc plate or BS304 stainless steel and can be supplied with either standard or high temperature TPE rubber liners.

Tel: +44 (0) 1787 888031

Email: sales@jcshi-torque.co.uk

HERMANN LOHMANN

Konak Civata

High Quality Hardware Made in Germany

Konak Civata has a long term experience in producing nearly every type of screw. In the mean time KONAK works with 65 high tec screw producing machines. Special parts can be produced on request. Competitive prices, best quality, excellent service, fast delivery and private label are Konak's strengths.

HERMANN LOHMANN has stood for manufacturing innovative and high-quality wire bending and threading technology for over 100 years.

Konak Citava specialise in Brass products such as brass bolts and screws, dome nuts, machine screws, nuts, wing nuts and screws. Konak Civata offers various types of nuts - castle/slotted, rectangular, rivet, steel dome, self locking nylon and steel nuts. Some of Konak Civata's stainless steel products include stainless steel fastener and fixings, nuts, washers, wood and chipboard screws. Various other products include anchors and concrete fixings, blind fastening systems, blind rivet nuts, box bolts, window screws, wood and chipboard screws, circlips, collars, pre-pak fixings, mild steel bolts and screws, flange nuts and bolts, drop in anchors, collated nuts and screws, dry wall screws. Konak Civata also specialise in nylon and plastic plugs.

For more information on the product range Konak Civata offer, please visit our website www.konakcivata.com or email us info@konakcivata.com

For us, innovation means production permanently optimised for quality and efficiency. We not only develop a constantly expanding production expertise, but also continuously improve sourcing paths and supplier relationships.

Lean structures and short communication paths ensure exceptionally fast response times for our customers at really competitive prices.

Whether it is products from our broad standard range or items made to customers’ individual orders – we want to offer our customers one thing above all: fast, friendly and uncomplicated solutions to problems! …Screw eyes, screw eyes for scaffoldings …Hooks with Shoulder …Square hooks …Cup Hooks …Eye bent Ceiling Hooks …Swing Hooks, TUV approved …S-Hooks …Repair Links for Chains …Gate Hooks …special productions according to your needs Please visit our web site or just contact us directly.

Email: info@konakcivata.com

www.konakcivata.com

Tel. +49 (0) 2339 / 12160

Email: info@hermann-lohmann.de

MAGE AG

Masons Fasteners

MAGE AG is a specialised Swiss manufacturer whose task is to be a partner and a guarantee for quality in the demanding field of the building industry.

Masons Fasteners is a company now long

We have been producing fasteners for more than 30 years and we offer a complete program of bimetal austenitic stainless steel self-drilling fasteners for steel building. Our topex programme represents the cutting edge of today’s technology in the European market.

components.

established as a leading manufacturer of special fasteners & bespoke fastener

Hexagon bolts & Socket drive products have always been a part of Masons range and can be produced in Steel, Stainless Steel and

topex® Self-drilling fasteners in carbon and bimetal stainless steel for roofing and cladding as well as for industrial applications with drilling capacity in steel up to 18mm. topex®-ufo Ultra-low head-design self-drilling fasteners in carbon and bimetal stainless steel offering an aesthetic solution for visible fixations.

Further to our wide range of self-drilling fasteners we have the possibility to powder paint our fasteners or to NYCO-over mould our hex-head fasteners.

We provide Swiss precision fasteners with high quality that has been widely approved by International approval authorities and by leading building system manufacturers.

Brass with a variety of popular thread options and plated finishes.

Enquiries for large or small volume production are welcome.

Socket drive products are not only made to order, we have a long history of supplying companies in the UK and Europe and we have built a reputation for carrying extensive stocks specialising in unusual or hard to find items and Socket Screws are an increasing part of our stock range.

For further specification, technical or product assistance, please contact us. MAGE AG / Switzerland.

Email: sales@mage.ch

www.mage.ch

MKT GmbH & Co. KG

Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 7500

Email: info@masonfasteners.com

Non Standard Socket Screw Ltd.

MKT is one of Germany's leading anchor manufacturers, with a wide product range including chemical fixing systems, design software & technical support.

If reinforcement for the connection of successive casting segments has been forgotten to cast-in or if existing concrete structures shall be upgraded, the new MKT Injection System VME for post-installed rebar connections is the first class problem solver. This system has now a European Technical Approval (ETA-07/0299) for reinforcement bars from Ø8 - 28 mm. It may be used in normal weight concrete of a minimum grade C12/15 and a maximum grade C50/60. Also structural members made of steel may be fastened using the Injection System VME and the Tension Anchor ZA. These post-installed rebar connections can be designed by a structural engineer according to EN1992-1-1:2004 (EC 2) or DIN1045-1:2001-07.

Compared to other systems a much more efficient cleaning process of the drill hole is permitted due to the excellent properties of the VME Injection Adhesive.

Established in 1971, Non Standard Socket Screw Limited employs over 100 people in the manufacture and distribution of socket and allied products, with a range that begins at M1.4 (0 UNF - 1/8 imperial) up to M64 (2” imperial and unified) and lengths as long as 700mm. With distribution centres in Birmingham and London we aim to provide an unparallelled nationwide service, offering the widest range of socket screws in the U.K. Our manufacturing plant has been developed over the last 35 years to meet our customers special demands and includes Double Blow hot forging presses, Automatic Sprints, C.N.C’s plus Thread rolling, grinding and milling machines. Heat Treatment is performed on-site to ensure total control of the highest standard from raw material to finish product, offering full batch tractability. Socket products and special turned parts can be manufactured in most alloy and non-ferrous materials.

With BS EN ISO 9001:2000 accreditation gained for both our manufacturing and distribution departments you can be assured of our total commitment to quality, service and customer satisfaction.

Hammer drilled or compressed air drilled holes have just to be blown out using the special equipment provided by MKT. There is no need to brush the holes as required by other systems.

Email: info@mkt-duebel.de

www.mkt-duebel.de

Tel: +44 (0) 121 515 0121

Fax: +44 (0) 121 523 4440

92

Norm Civata

NORMA Group

Norm Fasteners is a unique company who produces Specials & Standards; Bolts & Nuts; Automotive & many other industries, present in both National & International Markets at the same time.

With a consolidated annual turnover of over 500 million Euros and more than 3,300 employees worldwide, NORMA Group can confidently claim to be the world’s leading manufacturer of worm drive hose clips, bolted clamps, pipe couplings, profile clamps, retaining components and plastic connectors.

Quality System has been approved by ISO TS 16949:2002 in 2003 by BV valid until 2010, Environmental Respect approved with ISO 14001 until 2009; and Q1 by Ford Motor Co. in September 2004.

Having the philosophy of flexibility, scheduling and keeping the quality of each process under control, Surface Treatment, Cold Forging, Heat Treatment, Tooling Manufacturing, Organic and Inorganic Platings made in house. 35,000 tons is the recent capacity and 60% of the total manufacturing is SPECIALS. Please contact our sales team to meet our products like; Six & Twelve Lobe Parts, Hexagon and hexalobular head bolts and screws, Hexagon and hexalobular socket head cap screws, Cup head square neck bolts, Wheel Bolts, Studs, Flange Bolts, Special Weld Bolts, Special Rivets, Inch Sizes, Hexagon Nuts, Hexagon Thin Nuts, Round Weld Nuts, Square Weld Nuts, Hexagon Weld Nuts, Prevailing Torque Type Hexagon All Metal Nuts, Prevailing Torque Type Hexagon Nuts with Non-Metallic Insert, Hexagon Nuts with Flange, Special Bushes, Spacer Sleeves etc.

Tel: 00 90 232 376 76 10

www.norm-fasteners.com.tr

Pecol-Sistemas de Fixação, S.A

This strength within the European marketplace means that the NORMA Group has become a key supply chain partner to all customers within the industrial OEM, distribution, commercial and passenger vehicle sectors. Every customer – which ranges from independent resellers through to national distributors and blue chip companies – can have easy and immediate access to our expertise as well as benefit from our market leading brands of ABA, NORMA, Breeze, Serflex, Serratub, Terry and Torca products.

Clip, clamp and connector applications can be very straightforward or highly complex but no matter what, for every application there is a NORMA Group solution.

Tel: 0046 (0) 371 58 88 00

www.normagroup.com

Premier Washers Ltd Premier Quality and Service @ Premier Washers Ltd

A wide range of products for any type of fixing…..

Pecol-Sistemas de Fixação, S.A, has over twenty five years of experience in the field of fixing systems and associate products. Apart from the screws and technical parts, which we get from our own manufacturing facility, we distribute chemical fixings (silicone, sealants, PU foams and chemical mortar), technical sprays, grinding wheels, diamond wheels, clamps, drill bits, a very wide range of anchors, hand tools, power tools, and safety and protection materials.

Despite the remarkable recession of the economic growth in Europe, Pecol reverses the current trend, and achieving launch ten new products per month in the market, and also achieve to increase the levels of billing. With the decision on preliminary antidumping tariffs for fasteners imported from China expected from the European Commission, only the company with its own capacity of production can support the actuality of a market crisis. As producers of screws, we can always differentiate our product, adapting it to the real needs of our customers and provide a prompt and effective response. Situated in Europe we can fulfill demand within short delivery times, due to the efficiency of our own operations and geographical proximity.

Email: veramelo@pecol.pt

This comprehensive range of 35,000 high-quality, technology and innovation driven products is used throughout Europe and are supplied from state of the art manufacturing and distribution facilities located in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA, Australia, China and Singapore.

www.pecol.pt

A Midlands based manufacturer, with comprehensive industry knowledge, supplying washers and pressings to the automotive, construction, white goods and other industries.

An extensive range of machines including CNC and high speed coil fed presses enable us to supply high and low volumes with production capabilities from outside diameter of 6mm up to 150mm, in thickness from 0.2mm up to 10mm.

We can supply our products in a large range of materials including mild steel, carbon, brass, stainless steel, copper and other exotic metals and in a wide variety of finishes including heat treatment, grinding, machining and surface treatments.

In house toolroom facilities enable us to produce tools quickly in response to customers ever-changing needs.

An excellent service and competitive prices, supported by our registration to BS EN ISO 9001:2000 places Premier Washers in a position to fully satisfy the requirements of all of our customers.

Tel: +44 (0)1902 307121

Email: sales@premierwashers.co.uk

Pressed Parts

Socket & Allied Screws Ltd

Pressed Parts Company are manufacturers of stainless steel and hot-dip galvanised channel nuts, and importers of mild steel channel nuts.

Channel nuts are used in conjunction with channel, bracketry, and bolts, to provide a system for the structural support of cables, pipework, ducting, air-conditioning equipment, and many other types of mechanical and electrical installations.

Socket & Allied Screws have enhanced both their manufacturing and stock lines, which now stand at over 8000 special sizes. The new base also incorporates SaS Tools & Fixings, a brand new trade and consumer outlet carrying a wide variety of tools, fixings and consumables, servicing local tradesmen and the general public.

The range we offer is M4-M16 in mild steel zinc-plated, and M4-M12 in grade 316 stainless steel, including a stainless spring, and hot-dip galvanised finish, in plain, long, or short-spring. All are available in standard, UNC or self-lock thread form.

Their core business remains the manufacture and supply of special fastener products. The larger area will allow for the increased production volumes and manufacturing methods.

We also manufacture the Topnut, a variation on the standard spring nut, which is designed to replace the need for a separate long and shortspring therefore reducing stock requirements. As the spring lies flat on the nut there is no tangling of springs involved, which is a major time-saver.

We are based in Rochdale, near Manchester, and it is our policy to manufacture to a high quality. Most standard sizes are available ex-stock.

Quality and service are the foundations that have enabled us to trade for 22 years maintaining over 80% of our original customer base. We have held BS and ISO approval for over 12 years.

Our experienced sales team can offer technical application or product advice 24 hours a day and our on site manufacturing provides the service to solve every production conundrum.

Enquiries are welcomed from all European countries for solutions to short term demands or long term production planning.

For further information visit our website.

Tel: +44 (0) 1706 359414

Our forté is recess socket driven fastenings made to order, whether that is high performance materials or bespoke dimensions, with machine capacity to manufacture 10 pieces or 1 million pieces.

www.pressedparts.co.uk

Tappex Thread Inserts Ltd. Tappex Thread Inserts Ltd. have gained from over 50 years experience of designing and manufacturing in Stratfordupon-Avon, a comprehensive range of High Performance Threaded Inserts and Anti-creep Spacers for use in all types of plastics, composite materials, wood and light alloys, covering applications in many diverse industries, across the global market.

Tel: 0044 (0) 121 386 7200

www.socket-allied.com

Temar Temar continues to increase the range of its fasteners production. It started more than 20 years ago with industrial staples, soon followed by brads and headless pins.

Then the company began manufacturing its own tools and the newest product in the Temar line is the nail. The result: a really complete line for the pneumatic fastening industry.

In direct response to customer and market demands Tappex have now recently launched a new range of self-tapping inserts manufactured in case hardened steel and 303 and 316 grade stainless steels, called Trisert-3.

Designed predominately for use in high strength thermosets and composites and engineering grade thermoplastics, and also metal alloy materials, where more stringent physical or environmental requirements demand a stronger insert or one which will withstand corrosion in hostile chemical or marine applications.

The solid cylinder construction of the Trisert design, ensures that it offers the optimum performance over other designs, whilst maintaining minimal in-place fastener cost and yet ensuring higher finished product quality and reliability.

The product range in detail: • STAPLES – From fine wire staples for manual tools to heavy wire staples for the construction sector and carton staples for the packaging industry. In iron, galvanized iron, painted galvanized iron, copper, aluminium and stainless steel.

• PINS AND BRADS – Headless pins from 0.6 to 1.2 mm diameter, brads from 0.6 to 2.2mm. In iron, galvanized iron, painted iron, aluminium and stainless steel.

• NAILS - Loose nails, collated nails and strip nails in all regular sizes.

Smooth, ring and screw shank.

• TOOLS – More than 75 models of pneumatic staplers, bradders and pinners. Furthermore special tools for corrugated fasteners, V-nails and Flex-nails. All the tools are made in Italy, for 100%.

Please refer to our website at www.tappex.co.uk to download all the product details you may require and request samples and quotations.

Tel: +44 (0)1789 20 66 00

www.tappex.co.uk

Tel. +39 051 817658

www.temar.it

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Titgemeyer (UK) Ltd Titgemeyer (UK) Ltd manufactures a high strength, 2-piece, Lockbolt pin and collar fastening system in diameters 4.8, 6.4, 7.9 & 10.0 mm.

This range is manufactured in steel, stainless steel and aluminium, with or without surface coating dependent on application requirements.

The usual pin head styles are brazier or countersink, but other configurations are manufactured and Titgemeyer will consider special requests.

The pins are designed to break at a small cross-section when the joint has been correctly fastened by application of a mating collar.

The position of this break point is dictated by selection of the correct pin to grip the thickness of the application.

The collars, which swage on to the pins to provide a vibration resistant fastening, are offered in 3 styles to suit the application.

Titgemeyer also offer a multigrip version of their lockbolt system made from steel or aluminium in diameters 4.8 & 6.4 mm.

These have the ability to fasten several different thicknesses with one size of pin, consequently reducing inventory.

VISSERIE GUERRY Since 1924, we have manufactured The Special Screw. This screw is the solution to your problem. Due to the cold heading and threading process, we guarantee you an economic and quality production. We are ISO 9000 certificate. Our company uses a variety of different materials including: steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and brass copper. Dimension form 2 to 10 mm in diameter and to 90 mm in length. Protection: Rohs zinc plated, Geomet delta protects, passivation and phophatation. We can produce screws followings Din, Iso, NFE, UNC, UNF, along with other specifications, and can guarantee a high quality level by camera sorting system if needed.

We produce a lot of Sems Screws with One or Two washers. (din 6900) A team of about 20 people manufacture more than 2,000 different models for an approximate of 150 million pieces per year.

Visserie Guerry is your choice for a large variety of fasteners.

To meet your particular product requirements, send us your enquiry.

Certified to EN ISO 9001:2000 since 2005, Titgemeyer is currently working towards ISO/TS 16949:2002.

Tel: +44 (0)121-557-9777

Email: sales@titgemeyer.co.uk

Washer Factory Ltd.

Tel: 0032 2/361.28.00

www.visserieguerry.be

Zero Clips We would like to bring to your attention the wide range of HOSE CLIPS and associated products, that we offer, which includes the two eared ZERO CLIP, which we manufacture, here in the U. K. The service we offer is first class, we feel that no other company can compete with our wide range of clips that we hold in stock.

We are the premier manufacturer of non-standard washers and light pressings.

We strive in all that we do to maximise customer satisfaction. Technical advice is offered freely, where required and we believe in treating customers fairly so if we know that a standard washer is available we will say so.

We have no minimum manufacturing quantity or minimum charge so for a friendly fast and reliable service supported by a quality product please contact us.

Our range currently includes: • Single & Double Eared ZERO clips.

• ZERO ‘P’ Clips in ZINC plated & STAINLESS Steels.

• ’JOLLY’ Brand worm drive hose clips in ZINC plated condition.

• BRITISH made BS 5315 Worm drive hose clips, ZINC plated & STAINLESS Steel.

• Continental DIN 3017 Worm drive hose clips, ZINC plated & STAINLESS Steel.

• Single Bolt Clamps, ZINC plated & STAINLESS Steel.

• Constant tension clips (Spring band, wire & Worm drive types).

• Wide range of ‘V’ CHANNEL BOLT CLAMPS. • Nut & Bolt type clips.

• Single & Double coil wire clips.

• Mini & Micro clips.

• ‘HERBIE’ Clips, EZY CLICK & SMART BAND • STAINLESS Steel Continuous Banding.

• As MANUFACTURERS, we are happy to receive enquiries for non-standard clips & specials.

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 865777

Tel: 0044 (0)121 622 3211

Our production team has many years of washer making experience.

Whilst traditional methods of manufacture are employed, our flexible approach, extensive tool stock and skilled work force mean that we can offer a fast turn around.

Having a national supplier base we are able to quickly source most materials (including non-metallics). Products can be supplied in any surface finish ranging from simple zinc to organic plating, they can be heat treated or machined.

We currently supply to a diverse customer base across many markets including construction, automotive and white goods. In many cases our products are far from the standard perception of a washer, take a look at our web site to see some examples of what we can do!

www.washer-factory.com

Email: sales@zeroclips.com

Hilker & Partner

Tecno Impianti

PACE inspection machine

Wire Drawing and Uncoiling

NEW 3 D LASER inspection With accuracies up to 0,1 µm and speed up to 100 parts per minute it can show what is possible with today’s latest technology.

Independent for any reflection and surface condition it can read any topographical shape of any surface. Used mainly for sealing surfaces or other precise surfaces.

Double crack detection with a new distance compensation to allow nearly any shape of the part to be crack detected. Special execution for crack detection on Aluminum or stainless steel widens the range of parts which can be inspected on the PACE machine.

New material and hardness test with 64 frequencies, multi channel crack detection, linear motors for the recess soft surface control are a few new high lights which where appreciated by many visitors, many of them has a PACE already, but also a lot of new customers could see the advantage of this machine.

Zero ppm guarantee with our patented 4 times redundant safety process, or simply the fact that PACE is the market leader for high class machines with over 600 machines world wide has proven to all well known Automotive and electronic companies that there is only one trust when you need a 100% reliable sorting process, the PACE. Please contact Hilker & Partner GmbH Withauweg 3 70439 Stuttgart Tel 0049 711 98 09180

Increasing difficulties in obtaining drawn wire from suppliers with constant prices, delivery times and quality have created huge problems to fastener manufacturers. As a consequence, more and more companies are deciding to install wire drawing machinery in their plants, either in-line with cold heading machines or as coil-to-coil wire drawing installations.

Italy-based Tecno Impianti, founded in 1979, is the only major European manufacturer of both in-line and off-line wire drawing equipment..

Our SKP in-line wire drawers cover a range of wire Ø from 1,0 to 35,0 mm. All our 15 different models can be personalized with accessories or solutions specifically designed for each customer’s needs. Our tailor-making approach has permitted us to sell 2,000 units all over the World.

We also manufacture complete coil-to-coil wire drawing lines, equipped with our MOP horizontal bullblocks. These strongly built units permit big productions of drawn wire. Drawn wire coils can be taken-up on wire carriers or can be compacted and bound.

Part of our production programme are also our AP power-driven uncoilers (see picture) and AT wire pointing machines.

Email: info@hilker-partner.de

www.hilker-partner.de

TOOLING INTERNATIONAL THE NEED FOR SPEED TIL has re-branded in line with its high quality product and service. The new corporate brochure is a distinct reflection of the renewed vigour with which TIL is seizing every opportunity, be that new products, new industries, new markets or new services.

As Justin Stanley, Deputy MD, said in an earlier issue, “Machine operators at screw manufacturers all over the world have insisted that our product is specified on their jobs because our Pins and Punches allow for the highest quality recesses in terms of dimension and tool-life. Quality is the backbone of TIL and we are creating new and varied customer opportunities on the back of this.”

The new TIL brand image, literature and packaging are sure testimony to this.

One such opportunity that is driving TIL forward at a rate of knots is their Breakdown service.

Email: info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com

Fax: +39 0341 604289

Zwick Roell Zwick Roell is Europe’s leading manufacturer and supplier of materials testing machines.

Our testing products are designed to ensure the highest level of performance and reliability for research, production testing, quality control, laboratory testing and education. Our systems are used to determine the mechanical properties and durability of an extensive range of raw materials and components, as well as finished products.

We collaborate with clients to provide well considered testing solutions to perform tests on metals, composites, polymers, rubbers, paper, textiles, food, medical devices, adhesives and building products.

Our wide range of material testing machines are used to evaluate tensile, compressive, flexural, shear, ductility, puncture, adhesion, creep, torsion, peel, impact strength, as well as hardness and fatigue resistance.

Richard Woods. Managing Director, proudly tells us, “We have a number of customers, key players in the world of fastener production, who are happy to turn to TIL in their ‘hour of need’. If they need a quality product in super-quick time, they are relying on us to deliver. Our motto is simple, ‘Every Second Counts: Make it Quick, but Make it Reliable.’

The industry standard Zwick testXpert® software, provides the optimum user interface to accommodate routine quality control testing, research and development, as well as complex service related testing. Our extensive software library facilitates the execution of tests in accordance with internationally recognised standards and in addition, we offer packages which can be configured to satisfy your own internal testing routines.

sales@tooling-international.co.uk

Email: info@zwickroell.eu

info@tooling-international.co.uk

www.zwick.com

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Cost pressures make efficiency essential

By Dr Gerhard Reusmann Managing director Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG, Herdecke

Micro-layer corrosion protection systems for use in the automobile industry are not only required to be high performing, environmentally compatible and globally available. In a difficult market environment with increasing pressure of costs for all market participants, efficiency and economy are decisive factors.

The automobile industry is currently in a state of upheaval and is undergoing a process of realignment. Where the established European and US volume manufacturers are implementing cost reduction programmes and are often only capable of defending market share with the aid of drastic discounts, on the other side of the world new automobile brands and market leaders are being established.

Toyota will shortly assume the position of global number 1. The company can already be

seen to be challenging for technological primacy in a number of areas. A global brand is emerging in the low price segment, in the form of Hyundai. A number of established car manufacturers are also placing their number two brands in the low price segment and experts await the next global low price brand from China.

The global production and global purchasing of the OEMs also requires a common global quality standard for all built-in components.

And this is not the end of the developments: environmental standards are also to be standardised in the medium term. An initial example of this is the European end of life vehicle directive.

Although only valid within the EU, it has an influence on motor vehicle manufacturing worldwide. After all, cars are not produced solely for the domestic market, but in order to be sold globally. In addition, Japan, Korea, China and a number of US states have similar directives. It is apparent in this that the automobile industry is also undergoing consolidation with regard to environmental protection matters and the markets have already reached a stage where they are impossible to distinguish from one another.

Global alignment on quality and environmental protection For suppliers such as the manufacturers of coating

systems this process of realignment in the automobile industry brings with it consequences – for example with regard to quality assurance. To be capable of guaranteeing the quality standard of its products around the world it is also necessary for them to be represented globally. However, this means more than merely having the products on site at the right time and with the desired level of quality. For example, the high standard of quality is not only derived from the product itself, but also to a significant extent by the coating process. Careful selection of coating companies in the scope of a user licensing system can ensure here that an optimal standard of quality is provided wherever cars and their components are manufactured in the world. In this, the coating processes worldwide will be optimised continuously on site by employees in the form of product and process audits.

Quality assurance also means anticipating the future requirements of the market via active innovation. The growing requirements of zinc flake systems and the increasingly strict environmental conditions set the standards in this. The increasing standardisation of parts – e.g. screws fitted in a car – require coating firms to possess all round qualities: in addition to high corrosion protection, a specific friction co-efficient, high chemical resistance, temperature stability at 200˚C and trouble free installation with a variety of surfaces are also required.

The Chrome(VI) question was yesterday Environmental protection requirements are also developing continuously. With regard to

DELTA® protects surfaces.

GLOBAL PLAYER

Kindergarten, Sauerkraut, Dörken: Some German words known all around the world.

Our biggest customer, the automotive industry, has made us a global player. We find the most important thing about business relations is relationships themselves, which is why we have our own representatives in every major international market, offering assistance in the local language. Quality comes not only with our products, but with our worldwide service and support as well.

We look forward to seeing you. For more about us and our products see www.doerken-mks.com

98

health endangering heavy metals, following the transition with Cr(VI) materials previously viewed as alternative are finding increasing

use, including Cr(III), Mo(VI), Co(II) and nickel.

In the long term, only those systems will persevere that contain little or no hazardous Cr(VI) replacement. Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG, Herdecke, addressed this situation at an early stage, working continuously towards “anticipatory” problem solutions. For example, a new corrosion protection system for brake discs also meets the requirements of other environmental directives such as surfactant guidelines or the conditions of REACH, with air drying also generating savings in the application process.

Systems in benchmark testing Complex industries with high quality requirements such as the automobile industry are increasingly turning to zinc flake or galvanic zinc-nickel systems for corrosion protection. In particular, connecting elements – i.e. also safety-relevant components of vehicles – are increasingly utilising zinc flake systems. There are a number of reasons behind this: The strict selection of appliers of zinc flake systems in the scope of the previouslymentioned licensing system and the frequent practice of naming zinc flake system manufacturers in automobiles specifications enables a globally standardised quality standard to be provided – in contrast to other systems. A further argument in favour of the zinc flake system is the avoidance of hydrogen-induced stress cracking corrosion in application. In contrast, the application process with galvanic coats leans to the inclusion of hydrogen. The latest investigations of the Zentralverband Oberflächentechnik (ZVO) show that the formation of brittle fracturers cannot

consequently be excluded [1]. The toxicological dubiousness of nickel – and nickel dust in particular – means that the medium-term

future of high nickel content coatings (Zinc-nickel contains 12-16% nickel) remains questionable. In addition, the problem of contact allergy (zinc-nickel allergy) is being increasingly debated.

Cost pressures make efficiency essential However, the market does not consist solely of quality and environmental regulations, there is also the general pressure of cost and subsequent decline in margins for the companies in the market. This creates pressure for common efforts to be made in the development of systems that are increasingly more efficient. This means corrosion protection systems are required to provide higher and higher quality at lower coat thicknesses or with a reduction in the number of coats required. This often leads to a significant reduction in process costs.

As these constitute by far the largest cost factor in the coating process as a whole, at around 75%, the savings potential is highest here.

An efficient coating system, for example one that meets the required specifications without sealing, can bring with it a whole range of “savings factors”.

The lack of an additional coat alone can lead to material savings of up to 50%.

This is joined by the time saving from removal of a coating process with often complex change of material. At the same time, the removal of one coating and annealing stage leads to significant savings in energy. If further efficiency increases are to be achieved, then it is necessary to examine the plant

equipment utilised in the application of the systems. This must ensure that the valuable materials are employed economically and the number of coatings kept to a minimum. This is often only possible via close co-operation between plant manufacturers, coating materials producers and coaters.

An excellent example One example of increasingly efficient systems is that of zinc flake basecoats with integrated lubricant. Here the additional topcoat for the creation of the friction factor required for screw connections is dispensated with. This saves the time and cost-consuming change of material, as well as additional handling and process costs.

Depending on which system design is compared, this corrosion protection system provides users with a significant cost reduction.

For this reason, the DELTA-PROTEKT® KL105 system was awarded the Material Efficiency Prize 2006 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

The success o the high performance zinc flake micro-layer corrosion protection system is set to continue at global level. More and more new developments in the increasing efficiency of the systems in conjunction with more efficient application technology are the keys to success.

100

Thielco offers Chromium-VI free coating technology Thielco Metal Coating BV has held the licence for the chromium-VI free coating technology from Dacral, called Geomet®, for the last three years.

This technology offers an environmental alternative for technologies using solvents, mechanical or electro-plating coatings on small metal parts.

Thielco built a complete new factory for this application in January last year, which is now fully operational and allows it to treat all kind of products, e.g. bolts, nuts, clamps, washers, etc.

In a specially built and completely automatic production line a zinc-aluminium layer is fixed on the products. With this technology an extremely high corrosion protection can be reached, and hydrogen embrittlement does not occur.

The secret of this process is in the composition of the raw material - Geomet®, a patent from the French company Dacral. To accomplish a very homogeneous raw material, this Geomet® has to be stirred for 24 hours.

For every specific product there is a unique

formula and the whole process is regulated for each individual product to obtain the best quality.

Using a special filling system the products are transported to the balance where they are weighed and separated in loads from 100 to 200kgs depending on type. After weighing, the products go to pre-treatment where oil and grease is removed. After this alkaline degreasing the products are rinsed and dried.

Chemical pre-treatment is followed by a mechanical pre-treatment, which is the base for a good cohesion between steel and Geomet®.

After pre-treatment, the Geomet® application takes place. Depending of the corrosion resistance, two or three layers of Geomet® are applied.

After dipping in the Geomet® suspension the products are transported to the first oven. Here the products are dried at 70°C then baked at 315°C to achieve a good cohesion between the steel and Geomet®. The process is repeated for layer two and, depending on the requirements, for layer three.

Depending on the requirements of the customer the parts can be treated on the third line with a lubricant which regulates the coefficient of friction. For several applications this is very important. After a process time of eight hours the products treated with Geomet® are transported to the unload position.

Samples are taken to analyse several parameters. A standard salt spray test, according to ISO 9227, takes place on the samples. Dacral, the supplier of the raw-material and the licence, also takes regularly samples of the treated parts to analyse in its laboratory in Creil, France.

With this process, Thielco is able to offer the customer a wide range of services. Thielco Staalindustrie BV, the mother company of Thielco Metal Coating, specialises in surface-treatment offering its customers: • Hot dip galvanizing according ISO 1461.

• Hot dip centrifugal galvanizing according ISO 1461 and ISO 10684.

• Mechanical plating / galvanizing.

• Powder coating (kleurzink®).

New high performance fastener coatings MacDermid has announced its latest innovation in ultra high performance coatings and says it is the ultimate in fastener engineering properties.

The new coatings are based on a unique zinc aluminium alloy offering performance benefits that MacDermid says no other coating can deliver. These finishes represent a new standard for non embrittling high corrosion resistant coatings with excellent electrical connectivity, predictable torque/friction, zero head and thread fill, no sticking and EoLVD compliance. MacDermid believes that the ability to successfully process complex geometries, including clips, nuts and fastener sizes below M6, makes MacuGuard LM the ultimate high performance fastener coating.

To meet the wide variety of today’s market requirements, two coatings options have been developed, which fulfil specific performance needs: MacuGuard LM 90 Single layer alloy deposit.

MacuGuard LM Duplex - Two layered alloy deposit.

MacuGuard LM 90 is a ‘true’ zinc-aluminium alloy which contains 8 – 11% aluminium and reduces galvanic induced corrosion between steel fasteners and light metal components. In various corrosion investigations

according to DIN, ASTM and OEM specifications, this finish proved to give the highest possible corrosion performance.

MacuGuard LM Duplex finish is based on a two layered deposit containing a primary layer of zinc and a secondary layer or zinc aluminium alloy. In various corrosion investigations according to DIN, ASTM and OEM specifications, this finish proved to give exceptional corrosion performance and very good prevention of galvanic corrosion, in contact with light metals. MacDermid points out that MacuGuard LM Duplex delivers high performance at a competitive cost, enabling the coating to be targeted at market segments currently serviced by finishes like dip spin coatings.

“In order to successfully introduce the MacuGuard LM process our approach has been to build a small, highly competent applicator base with which we work closely, ensuring technical and service competency.

The MacuGuard LM process also forms part of the ZinKlad LM quality supplier program and as such is subject to its rigorous auditing process.”

MacuGuard LM Engineering Excellence Keep A Clear Head...

Head, thread & recess fill is synonymous with some higher performance coatings...at least until now.

MacuGuard LM is the most advanced alloy coating ever developed. Designed specifically to overcome the limitations and constraints of other high performance coatings on fasteners. MacuGuard LM is the new standard in engineering excellence.

• Zero Head, Thread & Recess fill No fuss, no drama, no hassle. Just 100% usable parts.

Fully EoLVD, RoHS and WEEE compliant MacuGuard LM will meet engineering needs for years to come.

When you need reliable fastener coatings, trust the company that says, “Yes We Can”.

MacDermid.

SM

For more information, please contact us at:

www.macdermid.com/industrial

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Laying the foundations With the aim to provide the best local service with leading green technology, Atotech will enlarge its worldwide TechCenter capacity by building a new European TechCenter for corrosion protection applications in Trebur, Germany.

The laying of the foundation stone for the new TechCenter in Trebur - Geinsheim, happened in June this year and was witnessed

by Reinhard Schneider, the president of Atotech, as well as other members of the worldwide management team.

After the acquisition of the Kunz GmbH in December 2006, including its related companies, and the zinc flake and electroplating activities of SIDASA (Barcelona, Spain), the location in Trebur became the worldwide headquarters for zinc flake R&D and business development. Atotech says that this new European TechCenter for corrosion protection including electrolytic zinc, zinc-alloys and zinc flake technologies will be unique within this industry in Europe and worldwide.

“The new TechCenter will be equipped with production scaled pilot lines and world class

performance testing equipment to serve as beta test site, offering qualification runs for customers’ parts and providing development tests of new and improved technologies.

Furthermore it will serve as training grounds for

our employees, customers and OEMs.” With the TechCenter investments Atotech will further strengthen the position of the location in Trebur-Geinsheim near Frankfurt a. M. within the worldwide Atotech network.

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Abas releases new interface

Solarsoft gets Agile

Abas Java Objects (AJO) is a new interface for abas ERP, which supplements the already existing interface concept of ABAS Software AG and intuitively represents the ERP model.

Approved interfaces of the abas business software are, for example, the EDP interface, which enables an easy and fast access to abas ERP data in the network or the internet and the EFOP interface where you can specify an individual event for each event; and the FOP interface which allows you to generate reports.

Previously several interfaces were required in order to make adjustments in abas ERP, now only one interface is required.

This has reduced the number of training courses that must be attended, as well as resulting in easier maintenance of the ERP system and faster and safer execution of upgrades.

“The popularity of Java is spreading all around the world; as one of the most frequently used programming languages worldwide. Furthermore there are many freely available Java libraries, frameworks and efficient development environments which accelerate the development of your applications.”

HellermannTyton, a provider of cable management products, has announced the purchase of Solarsoft Business System’s next-generation Agile Logistics Suite.

This new system is the final stage in the implementation of a ‘finite capacity’ zero inventory, production and distribution system, which, once completed, will also reduce the requirement for costly local warehouse facilities. The new software is to be integrated with current manufacturing operations and systems in order to increase visibility across the supply chain, enabling HellermannTyton to exercise full operational control, from procurement of raw materials to product delivery.

The new Solarsoft system eliminates the need for backlog

inventory and therefore reduces storage requirements. Bob Harris, site director for HellermannTyton comments, “We had a 24/7 manufacturing operation previously operating on an ‘infinite-capacity’ production system and shipped from large inventories. Our objective was to significantly improve the service to our customers by completely changing our configuration to finite.

Our high-speed, high-capacity production will be marshalled and shipped to sites across the world from the Manchester production site.

This is expected to provide a whole range of cost benefits, including reductions in all storage and distribution costs, as well as enabling improved speed, efficiency, traceability and visibility across the supply chain.”

Focused on optimising processes As part of a technology partnership, DMS pioneer DocuWare and OCR/capture specialist ABBYY are presenting the seamless integration of ABBYY FlexiCapture 8.0 Professional in the DocuWare 5.1 document management system. The integrated solution helps companies structure themselves more efficiently.

Companies receive loads of documents in paper or electronic form on a daily basis. Organising all of these materials in a document management system helps companies to save time and money.

In order to digitise paper documents without a manual pre-sort, before linking them with other records and storing them all in one central document pool, it’s often necessary to use a special solution for automatic data recognition and classification.

However, the data capture system from ABBYY is able to automatically extract the relevant information out of paper documents (such as invoices or delivery slips), which is then later used for indexing. The system can also handle structured or unstructured information for this purpose.

DocuWare President (Product/Finance), Juergen Biffar, describes some of the synergies created with the partnership: “Data capturing systems from ABBYY, like our DMS, are easy to use, implement and administer, all with a low total cost of ownership. So even mid-sized companies are able to enjoy a well-priced solution to optimise their business processes.“ Jupp Stoepetie, president of ABBYY Europe GmbH, feels that the flexibility regarding document quantities and types also helps mid-sized companies profit from the integrated solution: “The combination of our data capture solution and the DocuWare DMS helps every company achieve optimal document handling. From the capture of data all the way to its archiving, the entire paper flow is covered.“

Progressive Solutions launches bisTrack 2 software No less than 300 enhancements have been incorporated into bisTrack 2, the latest software release from Progressive Solutions.

This powerful system, designed for use by distributors and merchants, is developed completely in Microsoft architecture and comprises sales, purchasing, pricing, stock control and financial integration.

Progressive Solutions says that the ‘Dashboard’ feature is what managers and business owners said was their favourite feature of the old system, as it gives a snapshot view of how the business is

performing. Now a new Dashboard Designer has been incorporated which means managers can set up their own dashboard to show whatever key performance indicators they want.

New optional modules include an easy to use EDI module – eBusiness, and Web Track, which can be used either as an online trading device or simply as an area of the distributor’s website where account customers can check prices or the status of their account.

The bisTrack Mobile module enables reps or remote workers to make decisions off site as it

gives them access to real time bisTrack data via smart phones. Data Warehouse is another new module which collects data from every transaction performed in bisTrack for indepth reporting and business analysis.

Progressive’s sales director, Arthur Duffy, said “Although software is just a tool, if used with the right mindset, it can help distribution companies tackle important business challenges such as maximising stock value, optimising warehouse operations, streamlining order fulfilment and providing the insight for profitable growth.”

HECO-TOPIX®-CombiConnect and HECO-TOPIX®-Therm: The perfect fastening system specially designed for facades and roof insulations Suitable for any type of insulating material The compressive forces which occur are not transmitted in the insulating material by using HECO-TOPIX®-T Shearing forces that may occur can be vastly reduced by the means of a shear block by using HECO-TOPIX®-CombiConnect Just one screw length is required for the insulated roof area Considerably fewer screws are needed than with conventional systems Installation recommendations via HECO® calculation software HCS Comes with German national technical approval Z-9.1-652 for HECO-TOPIX®-T and Z-9.1-665 for HECO-TOPIX®-CC at: Visit us d Interbuil tober, 0th Oc 26th – 3 mingham NEC Bir oth H65 o Hall 5 b Systems Ltd astener F s tu p A

HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co.KG Dr.-Kurt-Steim-Straße 28 D-78713 Schramberg Telefon: +49 (0)74 22 / 9 89-0 E-Mail: info@heco-schrauben.de

Are your sales people quick enough to catch every opportunity?

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106

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E: info@actfasteners.co.uk W: www.actfasteners.co.uk Units 13 & 16, Four Ashes Industrial Estate, Station Road, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7DB, UK.

Infor software helps companies go green Infor has announced general availability of the latest version of Infor SCM Network Design, a supply chain modeling solution used by some of the world’s most recognisable manufacturers, distributors, transporters, and retailers.

In response to increased supply chain costs and the need to implement more carbon efficient networks, new capabilities in Infor SCM Network Design help companies redesign, model and optimise their networks.

Infor SCM Network Design provides advanced modelling capabilities that incorporate relevant costs, facilities and transport modes to help companies make strategic decisions based on criteria most important to the organisation.

The latest release incorporates sustainability criteria, enabling companies to factor carbon emissions related to nodes, such as plants, warehouses and stores, and transport modes, including rail, air, trucking, and ocean freight. This enables organisations to take the first steps in greening their supply chain, by first calculating the carbon emissions generated from their

supply chain network and then fine-tuning it to lower emissions, whilst also achieving cost and service objectives.

“Supply chains can become out of tune due to factors like mergers and acquisitions and fluctuating fuel costs,” said John Pulling, senior director, supply chain management, Infor. “Infor SCM Network Design helps companies continually evaluate their networks so they can implement and maintain more cost and carbon efficient supply chains.”

Infor SCM Network Design helps companies make efficient supply chain infrastructure choices, such as the size, location, and number of plants and distribution centres. For manufacturers, it can evaluate which products should be manufactured at each location and in what quantities.

Distributors can use Infor SCM Network Design to determine where to stock products and what combination of national and local distribution centres is most efficient.

Third-party logistics providers can evaluate their transportation modes to determine optimal sourcing and replenishment strategies for their customers.

Actinic appoints director of product development Actinic has appointed Ben Dyer to the newly-created position of product development director.

Actinic CEO Chris Barling expands on why the post has been created: “There are significant changes taking place in ecommerce at the moment. This is a key strategic appointment that will help Actinic to respond to these changes, push forward future product developments and retain our leading position in the market.”

Ben joins Actinic from Xyratex, where he was an IT program manager responsible for browser-delivered software services. Prior to this he worked for BSkyB and BAE Systems. At BSkyB he was part of the team responsible for relaunching SkySports.com and its supporting infrastructure. He also worked on some of the original ‘red button’ interactive television services.

Ben comments, “I’m highly passionate both about the ecommerce and technology sector and I am delighted to be joining the talented organisation at Actinic. I am looking forward to helping build on its excellent reputation."

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Distributor Power Tools: The HITS Report The cost of inventory is rocketing, as raw material driven price increases continue to come through, and economic conditions are making customer demand less predictable. Regular contributor Jason Bader offers some straightforward thoughts on using existing data from your distribution software to control working capital exposure and tighten operating costs.

Have you ever wondered how to get more out of your distribution software? Most of us use less than 25% of the capability built into the package, yet we paid 100% of the cost.

Now I’m no math major, but that just doesn’t seem to fall into the category of best practice.

Over years of working with distributors and software packages, I have come to realise that the best way to get your money’s worth is to master the art of extracting data into meaningful reports. There are a number of ‘power reports’ that can help you maximise your investment in any distribution package.

The one I’d like to tackle here is the HITS report.

The HITS report is a little like an SKU popularity contest. We are trying to determine how many times a customer has ordered a specific SKU in a calendar year. In this report, I am not concerned with how many units they purchased when they placed the order. I simply want to know how popular an item is with our customer base. Each order is recorded as one hit.

Right about now, many of you may be asking, how do we account for requests for items that we currently do not carry? Or, how do we account for lost sales because we did not have the product in stock? These types of situations are very hard to capture from a systems standpoint. Actually, the systems can capture the data, if someone is willing to record the event. I spent many hours taking customer orders over the phone and counter.

The last thing I wanted to add to my workload was to create a non-transaction.

Let’s be realistic here. If you are determined to account for these occurrences, give the customer service person an easy method of recording the data. Something as low-tech as keeping a lost sales notebook next to the order taker will help.

Once the report has been generated, we

can use it for several different inventory management tasks. The most beneficial uses are: organising the products in your vault for logistical efficiency, helping speed up the cycle counting process, sniffing out the nearly dead items in your product mix, and determining how much safety stock to apply to an item.

I grew up in a warehouse environment where we chose to keep all products from the same vendor grouped together. The products were arranged by manufacturer SKU number so that a picker could find something

the participants confirmed that most of the picking occurs in only the first row of his facility. Make sure that you give yourself some extra room in the first couple of rows.

You don’t have to set up the facility in the exact order from the report. I have seen several different adaptations on this theme.

One client has created a small high pick zone located right next to the shipping dock.

Another client has been experimenting with using a carousel conveyor system for their high pick items. I like using the zone approach because of the different shelving requirements needed.

Remember the goal here. We are trying to increase the efficiency of our pickers by reducing additional footsteps.

If we set up velocity zones, we have automatically created an easy way to count our most popular items more often. One of the difficulties with cycle counting by velocity is that we usually have to move around the facility looking for our high pick items. This is especially true when the products are grouped by manufacturer. With a zoned facility, your counters can really focus their attention where you need it most.

Most inventory discrepancies will occur in your highest velocity products. Obviously, we should count those most often. I recommend that you shoot for 8 full counts of your fastest moving products in one calendar year.

Most distributors struggle with dead inventory. This usually ranks really high on the list of management headaches. When the dead stock dollars rise too high, there is usually a concentrated effort on blowing out the material and cleaning up the shelves.

Once the threshold of pain is met, dead stock management usually returns to its rightful place on the back burner. As items continue to lose favour with our customer base, the death toll rises and the whole cycle

“If we set up velocity zones, we have automatically created an easy way to count our most popular items more often.” relatively quickly. This was before bin locations became integrated into our distribution software package. The problem with this arrangement is that order pickers found themselves traveling all over the warehouse each time they filled an order. If you have a small facility, this doesn’t really seem like too big a deal; but if you are working in a larger warehouse, these additional footsteps really add up.

One of the ways to improve the efficiency of your order pickers is to change your warehouse layout based on product velocity.

Using the HITS report put your most popular products closest to the shipping point. As you move further away from the shipping point, the products become less popular. When you arrange your facility by product movement, you will notice that most of the activity will be occurring in the first couple of rows. I was discussing this at a conference and one of

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repeats itself. So how do we stay ahead of the game?

Our HITS report is an excellent tool in the battle against rising dead inventory. As a product begins to reach the end of its life cycle, it will fall lower on our report. An interesting bit of research, for those of us geeks who like to explore this stuff, would be to track the hits on a product from introduction to demise. In order to get ahead of the dead stock game, we should establish a terminally ill point on our report. Over the years, we have seen that 4 hits is a good threshold for most hard goods distributors.

When a product falls below this threshold, you should consider converting it to a non-stock status.

Go ahead and take a look at your list. How many stocking items fall into this category? How much cash is tied up in these items? How much shelf space are you allocating to items that your customers are clearly not interested in?

There are some exceptions to this 4 hit threshold. If you have an item that is part of a bigger item, you may wish to keep this as an active SKU. For example, you should keep a repair part for the fastest moving air conditioner unit in stock. It may fall below the 4 hit threshold, but when you customer calls, you better be able to say yes. Just manage the on hand quantity of these items. Sometimes we want to be able to fill out a display in our showroom. There will always be the oddball size or colour that fits on the plan-o-gram.

Don’t try to raise the non-stock threshold

too high. It will begin to affect your service level and your phone may ring a little less often. How much safety stock should a distributor carry? True to the consultant’s credo, I will say it depends. Safety stock is really there to cover us during times of uncertainty. If we knew exactly when every customer needed our product and exactly how much lead time it required to receive the product from our supplier, we probably wouldn’t need much in the way of safety.

Thank God, we live in a world of erratic supply and demand or we couldn’t charge the prices we do.

The solution to their dilemma usually resides in setting the safety stock. Most distribution software comes out the box, metaphorically of course, with the safety stock set equally across the board. It is up to the user to determine which products should be set higher and which should be set lower.

Do you remember the set up process of your software? What was top of mind on the go live date? I would hazard a guess that setting the safety stock properly didn’t even grace the top ten. By leaving in the factory defaults, our package treated all items the same. Thus, our fast movers sold out before they could be replenished and the slow movers kept piling up. Have I struck a cord with anyone?

Use the HITS report to set your safety stock percentages. Give the top 5% of your items, by popularity, a high percentage. A 100% safety stock percentage is not a bad place to start. As items go down the popularity continuum, drop the safety stock percentage.

Once you reach the 50% mark on your entire inventory of active SKUs, ask yourself if safety stock is really necessary. Why invest a bunch of money in items that your customers are not that interested in.

Using this report and many others like it will help you increase the return on your technology investment. If you need some help getting started, or a sample copy of a HITS report, send me an email and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Good luck.

“How much shelf space are you allocating to items that your customers are clearly not interested in?”

I like to look at setting safety stock levels as a way to say yes to our customers as many times as possible. At the same time, we need to balance this concept with our financial responsibility to the company. In order to make the most customers happy, I should really concentrate on the items that they buy most often. Enter our HITS report.

One of the most common consulting phone calls I receive goes something like this: I keep running out of my fast moving items and I have a mountain of my slower moving stuff.

Jason Bader is managing partner at The Distributor Team Inc. The Distribution Team specialises in providing excellence in inventory management training, business operations consulting and technology utilisation to the distribution industry.

Jason has over 20 years experience in the distribution field, including 10 years serving in an executive capacity.

He spent 4 years on the board of directors with STAFDA, and in his final year had the honour of being the associations youngest ever president.

Jason can be contacted on at jason@Distributionteam.com or go to www.distributionteam.com

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RIV610 to be launched at EuroBLECH During EuroBLECH 2008 Rivit will launch the new RIV610, an automatic tool for blind rivets.

The new RIV610 is a riveting tool endowed with a blind-rivets automatic feeding system. This system operates through the nose, which Rivit says allows an extremely fast working cycle and eliminates the inconvenient external-loading-mechanism, increasing safety and reliability.

With the new RIV610, installation productivity is increased, which Rivit says saves 50% on time and costs, due to the automatic loading of the blind-rivets in the gun.

“Advantages offered by the product are a wide range of actions, thanks to the hoses connecting the gun to the main unit, an excellent integration with automated production lines and no need for skilled labour.

Each unit comes equipped for a single blind rivet diameter.

For more information please visit us at EuroBLECH, Stand F37 in Hall 13.”

The power behind power tools Cambell Miller Tools, established in 1951, is a privately owned family run business with a head office in Glasgow, UK. The company supplies power tools and accessories to retailers and stocks many of the leading brand names including Panasonic, Hitachi, Makita, Skil, as well as being the UK’s largest distributor of Bosch.

“As a traditional business we are anything but content”, says MD Richard Cohn, “as a modern thinking company, we believe growth is at the core of our business, as we continue to develop our product range and service offering, we improve the ways in which we can transact with our customers.”

With this in mind, Campbell Miller recently decided to expand its Scottish base into England and Wales and has now opened a new EW Office in West Yorkshire. To mark this event, the company has also released the first edition of its Power Tool catalogue.

Free range fastening tools Senco says that since the launch of its DuraSpin cordless collated screwdrivers, the range has continued to develop in line with industry needs and technical innovation.

The Senco cordless range includes three battery powered finish nailers: the Cordless Finish 25, 32 and 41; each model having a powerful 14v battery capable of driving up to 1,000 nails on a single charge. Supporting these is a range of high-spec gas nailers that operate using Senco’s advanced ‘gas-tech’ powerdrive allowing cleaner, more efficient operation across a wider range of temperatures.

Recently, Poppers Senco, Senco’s exclusive European distributor, has also launched the TyTecker rebar-tying tool. This is a cordless tool that enables operators to create consistent, high-quality ties, without the need to bend or stoop.

TyTecker works up to 3-times faster than manual methods.

Poppers Senco will be showcasing all these tools, plus others, at Interbuild in October on stand D50, Hall 4.

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New adjustable wrenches Wright Tool offers a newly designed, wide-opening, adjustable wrench with improved features.

The extra-wide jaw opening is standard on lengths 6 inches to 12 inches to accommodate bigger nuts and bolts. The new jaw design provides a better grip, which avoids slippage or nut round off, while its creep feed ground parallel face assures smooth, tight operation.

The jaw is also longer and thinner,which Wright Tool says increases the performance of the wrench. The tool’s four-thread knurl and non-protruding jaw offer greater capacity and minimal head width, improving performance in confined spaces.

Featuring a chrome or black oxide finish, Wright Tool’s adjustable

wrenches are available in eight lengths, ranging from 4 inches to 24 inches. Inch and metric gradient scales are laser-etched on either side of the fixed jaws on all sizes.

“The fine movement and tighter tolerances of the jaw allow users to experience the high quality of the wrench,” said Greg Helbling, vice president of sales, Wright Tool.

Wright Tool manufactures a complete line of more than 4,000 professional-grade hand tools for the industrial, contractor, and MRO markets. All Wright-manufactured products carry lifetime guarantees against defects in workmanship.

Avdel® hand tools Avdel® has introduced lightweight Genesis® nG handtools with advanced features that, it says, increase reliability, ergonomics, productivity and service over the models they replace.

The new hydro-pneumatic Avdel® Genesis® nG1, nG2, nG2s, nG3 and nG4 installation tools are suitable for assembly operations that use breakstem rivets and lockbolts in automotive, manufacturing, construction and general industry.

The new tools weigh between 1.5kg and 2.28kg, with pull forces that vary between 6kN to 18.68kN. Avdel says that the tools are stronger and faster with enhanced safety, increased productivity and improved ergonomics being development criteria.

New features include an additional piston return spring that reduces installation rates to

1.2 seconds per rivet and an integrated cycle counter that tracks working strokes and alerts operators to maintenance schedules. The tools also feature impact resistant plastic bodies and heavy duty rubber. A soft rubber grip reduces operator fatigue and the air supply shutoff can be easily controlled by the trigger. This contributes to energy saving and noise reduction benefits.

The new 7537 lightweight tool for Speed Fastening® systems enlarges the range of Avdel placing tools by offering a built in version of the existing split tool 7530. In the 7537 version, the intensifier is made integral to the hand tool as with breakstem rivet tools.

This is achieved by integrating the air cylinder and intensifier arrangement with the placing head into a single placing tool. The compressed air supply can therefore be connected directly to the hand tool rather than the remote intensifier thus improving flexibility of use.

The next generation in nailing technology Paslode says that its new IM90i Fuel Injection System offers unrivalled cold weather performance and is the first cordless nailer to be powered by an intelligent electronic fuel injection system, which allows it to deliver the exact dosage of fuel required at any given temperature.

The Paslode IM90i has a working threshold of between -15°C to +49°C, which has been extensively tested under both controlled laboratory conditions and on site.

“Over 15% more powerful than any other cordless nailer available on the market, the Paslode IM90i has the capacity to drive a full head 90mm ring shank nail into standard construction timber, to achieve a more secure fix.” Explains Anthony Marsh head of marketing for Paslode.

The Paslode IM90i is centrally balanced and a rubber grip increases comfort over long working periods by improving tool handling. A double length magazine accessory is also available, with a two-strip capacity. The magazine is removable and allows quick and easy access for clearing any jams or debris from the tool.

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The Haines Interlocking Screw System

by Lee Bartlett A new generation of screw recess that cannot slip and requires no forward pressure to bore.

As screws bore they run away from the driver so a constant forward pressure must be applied to keep the driver and fastener engaged. This forward pressure can be substantial and is related to friction on the fastener from the material into which it bores. If the applied pressure is not enough then the connection between both driver and recess fails, the driver spins out of the recess and both components are damaged, often catastrophically.

The patented Haines Interlocking Screw System (HISS) is the only driver/fastener recess concept to date that achieves 100% interlock when engaged, completely negating the requirement for forward pressure on the screw and eliminating the possibility for the driver and screw components to slip or ‘spin’. The result is a fastener that requires a fraction of the effort to insert, as well as offering a massive increase in the potential torque that can be applied. The HISS system still retains many attributes of current screw technology; a key feature being that the screw and driver immediately disengage the moment power is released. The HISS system essentially enables a screw to behave as a nut but without the possibility to 'round off'. In addition, the power tool and fastener do all of the work, not the operator.

The HISS was invented by Daniel Haines, a professional builder who has spent over 20 years in the trade rounding off screws and their drivers on a daily basis.

Mr Haines sought to improve on current screw design, mainly to eliminate the requirement for forward pressure on the screw. This problem is at its most prevalent when inserting volumes of screws into awkward angles or ceilings where it is often difficult to constantly apply enough pressure to insert the fastener. To

make things worse, once you spin a couple of screws and the driver becomes damaged then the system breaks down and the likelihood of damaging new fasteners is greatly increased.

To start Mr Haines identified the weakest link in the screw design as the driver/screw connection. He felt that if he could create a screw design that interlocked in some way, then the work to input the screw would be done entirely by power tool and the thread of the screw. After four years of constant design and redevelopment, the resulting screw system is an interlocking driver/recess that requires no forward pressure to insert and, in contrast to current screw recess design, actually draws the operator in as it bores.

Removing the requirement for pressure on the driver meant the problem of screwing in awkward places was solved and limited access was no longer a problem as the driver can be ‘flexi cord’ operated without the possibility to slip. Also, driver life will be dramatically extended and screws can never be rounded off. Finally the interlocking nature of the screw means that there is a massive increase in the potential torque that can be applied to the screw and unlike any other screw it can be ratchet operated. From an everyday perspective, plumbers can remove or insert this screw in awkward places such as under baths with a flexi chord; mechanics can reach screws in car engines where limited clearance is a problem; heavy timber can be fastened using a ratchet, inserting screws while standing on a ladder is safer as the screws holds the operator in place rather than pushing them back; and doors can be hung or removed using this fastener, even after painting.

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The HISS does solve all of the problems that Mr Haines encountered. However, consultation with industry specialists to date has revealed potential for this invention far beyond its humble beginnings. Take the components spin and pressure out of the equation and it opens up a world of new possibilities. The anticipated 'initial' application for the HISS invention is that this recess be used as a specialist screw; specifically as an aerospace fastener. The ability to insert a Haines screw remotely and with no forward pressure is particularly relevant to a zero gravity environment. Other prime uses for the invention are for pipe clamps and hose clips (clamps often rotate during installation and a locking drive system would greatly expedite the removal and installation of these clamps), underwater fasteners and blind fastening and removal of fastener systems.

How it works The Haines screw works via series of interlocking lateral tapers.

Once engaged in either direction the lateral taper interlocks the driver with the screw head. It is possible to alter the angle of undercut depending on the desired level of interlock, however as it applies to screws the angles are far less than the diagrams indicate so the driver disengages immediately when the power is released. The lateral tapers can apply to any shape driver and the screw head can adopt a number of alternative designs to accommodate the driver.

See diagram The HISS is covered by multiple patents, which include the aforementioned changes in recess design. The patents allow us to change the angle on the recess, and change the shape of the recess so manufacturers can alter the design to fit their purpose. The process

of registering the patent threw up a number of previous attempts to make an interlocking screw system. Most were complex and cumbersome and none achieved the goal.

The most challenging manufacturing feature of the HISS system is creating the shallow undercut in the screw recess. A number of possible solutions have been suggested but the best to date has come from German screw machine and tooling company Wafios Umformtechnik via a 2 die, 3 blow header machine HC5FT. The expected output on a commercial scale would be approximately 380 pieces per machine per minute. There would be geometrical compromises to production and the recess shape would likely be square and not rectangular as illustrated because a symmetrical shape would help control screw head malformation on the final blow.

This manufacturing rate may not be as high as for some traditional recesses, however the HISS represents a significant improvement in design. The lower production rate will put a premium on HISS screws, however in the correct circumstances the associated benefits will more than justify the cost. It is for this reason the invention is likely to be marketed in the first instance, as a specialist screw. Mr Haines believes his invention simply shows a screw behaving as it should and firmly believes in a future where all screws interlock.

We firmly believe the HISS system achieves something no other recess has to date. The invention has just completed full registration of the patent and the inventor is currently talking to a handful of companies in different countries with the aim of licensing the manufacturing rights.

If you would like more information regarding the invention, please contact Lee Bartlett: lee.bartlett@theperfectscrew.com, or on +44 7752 692 054.

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120

No problem with EJOT®

Beat the clock

Car body manufacturing has always placed exceptionally high requirements on joining technology. There is increasingly more hybrid construction where different materials such as steel and aluminium are used. This production method makes markedly high demands on fasteners.

EJOT says that its FDS® screw provides process-sure fastening under complex working conditions. The screw allows aluminium sheet metal thicknesses of up to 4mm and steel sheet metal up to 2mm to be fastened from one-side without the need of a pilot hole.

Also in the area of detachable connections, the problems with process-safe assembley of thin pre-punched sheet metal, where the requirements increase and the sheet metal thickness is reduced, is solved by EJOT’s SHEETtracs®, which offer optimsed thread geometry.

EJOT will be exhibiting at EuroBLECH Fair 2008 in Hannover, Germany, in Hall 13, Stand C72.

Time Sport International has recently worked with Huntsman Advanced Materials to develop a unique high performance bike – the RXR. Time Sport, of Charancieu, France, is a composite sports bicycle frame and accessories manufacturer. By using special multi-part assembly technology, based on high modulus carbon composite components, Time Sport says the RXR can be built to the optimal design for individual customer requirements.

Each bicycle frame comprises three component parts made in mould ‘shells’ using Araldite® epoxy system with carbon fibre. This unique technology enables the mechanical features of each shell to be modified according to specific

requirements, giving each bicycle unparalleled performance for its rider.

Each aerodynamic frame is available in four sizes, weighing just 1,300g in total, and includes the latest state of the art Translink integrated seat tube.

The Araldite® system used to produce the carbon components is Araldite® LY 564/Aradur® 22962 which can be cured at temperatures >100oC. This amine cured laminating system has very low viscosity which makes it suitable for the latest injection moulding techniques used by Time Sport, such as Resin Transfer Moulding. It also has a long pot life (up to 150 minutes at 23oC) and high reactivity, for example curing for 15 minutes at 100oC.

Ultrasonic measurement ensures mechanical joint integrity Although measurement of the torque applied to a bolt or other threaded fastener during tightening provides sufficient feedback in most applications, there are more specialised tasks where measurement of the fastener tension is essential to ensure the integrity of the mechanical joint.

To address this requirement, Norbar has introduced the USM-3 ultrasonic bolt meter – a compact, lightweight, field-portable unit that gives precise measurement of elongation and load in threaded fasteners.

Traditionally, ultrasonic measurement has been a highly skilled task, requiring extensive knowledge of material properties to determine the correct transducer diameter, the correct transducer frequency, and to interpret the results. The USM-3 overcomes all of these challenges, and gives the operator a highly accurate yet easy-to-use tool for determining the tension in a fastener. Real time, precise bolt measurement can be

accomplished in fasteners of any metal from 1 inch to over 50 feet long.

Ultrasonic measurement is based on the time of flight principle. In use, a small transducer placed against the head or stud end of the fastener sends an ultrasonic sound wave through the length of the bolt. When the echo signal returns, the microprocessor in the USM-3 converts the transit time to a precise length, using constants based on the bolt material, and digital signal.

The USM-3’s 1/4VGA backlit LCF display provides easy to interpret results of load, elongation data and waveform. Norbar’s exclusive five point DSP algorithms also provide an evaluation of signal quality.

The USM-3 can also provide a 0-10V analogue output to precisely shut off torque tools when a predetermined bolt stretch or load has been attained. In addition, the onboard flash memory can store measurements on up to 80 bolts, with up to five measurements of load and elongation for each bolt.

One Smalley step for man…

TFC says it has taken a giant leap for spring kind by announcing that one of its Smalley springs has been used in the latest Phoenix Mars Lander mission.

TFC’s Smalley springs have been used within the protective back shell of the craft. TFC says that its springs were chosen due to their ability to function in harsh environments and their ability to endure the rigors of the terrain.

Various TFC products have been used in a mixture of difficult environments, but this is the first time that they have been used on a mission in space.

The 420 million mile mission launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US, on a Delta II rocket, and will determine whether icy ground near the planet's North Pole could ever have supported life.

TFC’s technical director, Brian Goode commented “TFC’s Smalley Wave Springs are designed for use in the harshest of climates, on Earth or in space. In this application, a Smalley Crest-to-Crest® wave spring is being used on the Mars Lander. Not only do wave springs reduce spring height by up to 50%, they allow for a smaller, lighter assembly. Often vital components such as changing from traditional springs to Smalley’s can result in substantial gains such as increased operating ratios, improved fuel consumption and being able to operate more efficiently in demanding situations.”

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Alcoa top of the pyramid "Because of the extreme Alcoa Fastening weather conditions during Systems (AFS), who construction and operation; where manufactures in the UK, has the mirrors invert to protect the won a contract to supply one of its glass during winter sand storms; specialised fastening systems to the as well as radical variations in Kuraymat integrated solar combined cycle temperature threatening thermal loosening of the power station, located 90km south of Cairo, fastener, our aim was to assure the joint's integrity.”

Egypt.

Explains Dean Bradley, AFS sales manager for The power generation process at the Kuryamat plant, due the UK, Ireland and South Africa, and for completion in 2009, starts by solar panels (U-shaped responsible for customer liaison with parabolic glass mirrors) tracking the sun from east to west. Once at NREA. 393°C, fluid in an absorber pipe on the panel is pumped into a heat “Consequently, the exchange system to create steam. This steam is then super-heated to power solution we are providing turbines and generate electricity. The solar input will account for 20 megawatts of through a combined the plant's 150 megawatt output per year.

European team effort will be Subject to harsh desert conditions (+45°C during the day and -30°C in the evening), quick and easy to install, require the fastening solution used in the construction of the platform to support the mirror no maintenance and meet the 30 structures could not be compromised. In response, and drawing on previous experience year warranty as specified in the from work carried out in the Mojave Desert, the European design team at AFS developed the C50L30 Huck fastener. original design.”

Piercing nuts used in truck manufacturer Northern Precision, exclusive UK supplier for Arnold & Shinjo, says that an increasing number of automotive companies are adopting piercing nuts and fastening systems, from Arnold & Shinjo, for the production of a variety of parts.

Truck manufacturer MAN is just one of the blue chip OEMs that benefits from the use of fasteners from Arnold & Shinjo’s PIAS PN, HN, KP and RXM series.

One instance is MAN using piercing nuts and a special-purpose tool from Arnold & Shinjo to insert, in a single stroke, the 30 piercing nuts needed for

the front-end of a driver’s cab.

In this case, the nuts are fed via a pair of feeding units, each of which has two feed hoses. This means that four feed hoses are required for the insertion of the 30 nuts, made possible by an innovative multi-feeder system that distributes the nuts to the individual punching heads.

Arnold & Shinjo fastener system components are effectively developed as bespoke press solutions for mid- and high-volume fastener insertion applications.

They utilise punching heads capable of up to 100 strokes/min coupled with

high-grade dies and seats to provide users with any - and every - possible pressing permutation for successful fastener insertion.

With four PIAS styles of piercing nuts, Arnold & Shinjo covers a wide range of applications/torque requirements for sheet from 0.6mm to 2.5mm thick.

Installation systems can feature multi fastener distributors for up to eight punching heads, quick-action couplings or simple torque testing instruments, while a variety of feeding units offer the continual supply of up to 20,000 fasteners.

September 2008 - Sheet Metal Fasteners In the run up to October’s EuroBlech 2008, Europe’s largest specialist fair for the sheet metal market, this Catalogue Rack is dedicated to the sheet metal fastening industry.

Alcoa Fastening Systems

Anixter Components

Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS) offers maximum scope in fastening solutions. From our standard product range we offer high tensile latches, 1/4 turn fasteners, Lockbolts, wire thread inserts, keylocking inserts, special inserts, lockbolts, structural and non structural blind rivets.

Tel: 0044 (0) 1952 204 607 www.afshuck.net

Avdel UK Ltd Avdel, an Acument Global Technologies company, is a leader of blind-fastening products and associated installation tools.

Avdel Speed Fastening® systems offer the following key user benefits: • High speed, blind sided assembly • Consistent clamp and shear • Short cycle times • Highly controlled assembly • Elimination of over-torquing

Anixter Components (formerly known as Heyco) distribute a comprehensive range of over 10,000 components that include cable glands, fasteners, PCB accessories, caps, plugs and cable accessories to equipment manufacturers across the globe. Their latest catalogue also includes the new range of RITE-LOK adhesives from 3M as well as new ranges of cable, wire and crimp terminals. In addition to our vast range of standard parts, we can also offer bespoke product design and Tel: +44 (0)1202 865222 Web: www.anixtercomponents.com manufacture.

Corbetta & C. SNC Our company is an ideal partner for the production of special screws, pins, rivets, tubular and helf-tubolar rivets in steel, copper, aluminium, brass or stainless steel. The items can be supplied with head and superficial treatments, according to customer’s request.

corbettaviti@corbettaviti.it www.corbettaviti.it

E-mail: enquiries@acument.com www.avdel-global.com

Verbindungselemente Engel GmbH

DEJOND DEJOND manufactures the industry’s top quality brand of cold formed TUBTARA® blind rivet nuts. Our extensive programme offers a wide choice of styles in steel, aluminium and stainless steel 304 and 316. Our ISO 9001 accreditation, short delivery times and strong technical and commercial support show our commitment to total customer satisfaction.

We are a successful wholesaler of connecting parts with years of experience in supplying the industry and dealers throughout Europe.

Our high rack warehouse in Weingarten (Germany), which houses more than 8,000 pallets, accommodates everything our customers need for their day-to-day business.

Tel: +32 3 820 34 36 www.dejond.com

Tel: +49 (0)751 407-0 www.schrauben-engel.de

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Access a vast range of sheet metal fasteners including rivets and self-tapping screws from Harrison & Clough, the UK’s leading wholesaler in fasteners, fixings, hand & power tools.

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Fastbolt is a leading wholesaler of industrial fasteners to European distributors only. Apart from a highly specialised product range ex stock Fastbolt offers individual supply solutions such as customised packing, direct container imports, pre-import quality inspections and a revolutionary online availability check and ordering system: FBonline.

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Tel: +44 (0) 870 889 22 22 www.harclo.com

Email: info@fastbolt.com www.fastbolt.com

Kundan Industries Ltd. Largest Manufacturer & Exporter of Stainless Steel Fasteners in India Products • Bolt/Nuts/Screws/Studs/washers • Socket Allen Cap • Self Tapping/ Drilling Screws Grades Stainless Steel - 304/316/310/410 etc.

Standards ISO, DIN JIS, ASTM, BS etc.

Certification ISO/TS 16949 Sectors OEM’s & Engineering Awards Various Awards from EEPC

Lancaster Fastener Co Ltd Traditionally recognised as one of Europe’s leading thread-forming screw specialists, Lancaster Fastener also offer an extensive range of Sheet Metal Fasteners.

Comprehensively stocked and available for immediate despatch, the range includes: Rivet Bushes, Self-Clinching Fasteners, K-Series Setzmuttern and CD Weld Studs.

Email: fasteners@kundan.com www.kundan.com

MAGE AG MAGE AG is a specialised Swiss manufacturer for the building industry. Our products include all sorts of self-drilling-screws for roofing and cladding applications, flat-roofing, fasteners for windows, rivets, and couplings for cast-iron and plastic transition pipes.

Tel: +44 (0) 1524 62645 www.lancasterfastener.co.uk

Our dedicated product range overview is available in English, German & French.

Masterfix Masterfix Products is one of Europe’s main blind riveting technique professionals and offers the broadest range of blind rivets, blind nuts and bolts in the business. Masterfix stands for a combination of experience, research, innovation entrepreneurship and last but not least, a healthy dose of common sence. We ship from our central warehouses in Europe and the Far-East to any place on the globe.

Tel: 0031 43 350 8484 Email: r.pisters@masterfix.com

Tel: +41 26 684 74 00 Email: sales@mage.ch

MPF / FLIP BOLT

Owlett-Jaton

MPF is a major supplier to the Merchant Trade for Self Clinch Fasteners, Machine Screws, Rivets, Rivet Nuts, Rivet Bushes, Weld Studs, Brass Spacers. We are also the European Distributor for the Flip Bolt which is a blind cavity fixing for steel box section where rear access is restricted.

Tel: +44 (0)1707 379 580 Email: sales@mpf.uk.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1785 811300 www.owlett-jaton.com

Owlett-Jaton is one of the largest suppliers of fasteners, fixings, ironmongery and hardware to the UK distributor and merchant trade.

Our comprehensive stock range includes rivets and rivet bushes, weld nuts, hexavalent chrome free self tapping screws and trilobular thread forming screws. Call our experienced sales staff today with your enquiry. Catalogues are available via our website www.owlett-jaton.com.

PSM International PSM International is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sheet metal fasteners and inserts for plastics. Supported by our Asian Sourcing team we are now offering complete inventory management solutions. Supplying single items to managing fully integrated component supply systems, PSM are committed to becoming the worlds preferred fastener supplier.

QEF Global England Ltd QEF Global England, along with our other locations in Ireland, Scotland, Hungary, Asia, and U.S.A. proudly represent the world leaders in sheet metal fastening - PEM, Southco, Richco, Tinnerman, Rivet King and more.

Call us for a quote today.

Tel: +44 (0) 1384 276280 Email: sales@qefglobal.com

Email: info@psminternational.com www.psminternational.com

RIVIT S.r.l.

T.I. Midwood & Co Ltd (TIMco)

Founded in 1973, Rivit is a European leader for fasteners and tools, proposing a complete programme of fixing systems, tools, machines and technical support for the whole sheet metal universe (automotive, electronics, household appliances, sheet metal working, air-conditioning, building, roofing, metal door and windows frames, etc.).

Importers and wholesalers of TIMco screws and fixings and Addax power tool accessories to distributors throughout Europe. The range includes woodscrews, Classic Multi-purpose screws, drywall screws, anchors and other screw types, and in the Addax range the products consist of SDS bits, Masonry bits, TCT Multi-purpose drills, cobalt drills, Holesaws and many more.

Email: rivit@rivit.it www.rivit.it

ttap®

Tel: +46 35 101 260 www.ttap.eu

QEF Global England Ltd

ttap® is the new patented hex-lob (Torx® compatible) screw system that eliminates wobbling and ensures stick-fit, more information available online. ttap® is now sold to more than 90% of all DIY/Hardware outlets for professionals in Finland, as well in Sweden, Norway, Germany, Spain, France, Korea, USA and more.

We are now searching for new distributors/partners in Europe – don’t hesitate to contact Ttap AB for further information.

Tel: +44 (0) 1829 261 111 www.TIMcouk.com

Vipa Vipa S.p.A leader in the business of fasteners; a reference company for its services and product quality. At the moment the head office ground lays over 130,000 sqm. The warehouse is the major part of it; with modern technology systems, software and hardware, to maximize the efficiency in the production and distribution of all products. The wide spaces allow availability of 40,000 different types of fasteners in a wide range of treatments ready for prompt delivery.

Find us at Fastener Fair Budapest Stand D61

Tel: +39 0522 658 900 Email: info@vipaspa.it

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Henkel’s wide ranging solution Henkel’s ever popular Solutions Guide has been updated and includes comprehensive details about some 170 products from the Loctite and Teroson ranges.

Not only are the product details featured but, helpfully, the brochure also shows they can be used to solve a wide range of engineering problems.

Alongside facts relating to adhesives, threadlockers, retainers, sealants, lubricants, gasketing products, surface preparation materials and cleaners, there is information about the selection of Loctite dispensing equipment and details concerning the instructive maintenance workshops offered by the company.

“One particularly useful feature is the series of cutaway illustrations of components such as pumps, gearboxes and shafts that clearly show where the products can be utilised to overcome problems such as wear, corrosion and leaks.”

Winging it EMKA has introduced a polyamide version of the wing handle to complement its Program 1000 range.

The 1000-U753 is a polyamide wing handle with polyamide barrel and cam for closure of electrical enclosures, cabinets, wall mounted boxes, toolboxes etc. Its corrosion resistance ensures suitability for wet environments and its pleasing aesthetic appearance coupled with low cost are beneficial.

The 1000-U753 features a smooth tactile finish in black, in line with the rest of the Program 1000 range which is available in zinc die.

Finishes for these IP65 versions are either in chrome, black or black moulded polyamide. Zinc die versions are offered with various body lengths and steel cams to suite different body/door configurations.

Creating impact System-Cases (UK) Ltd., has been selling storage cases into the UK Market for 20 years.

During this time it says the demand for cases with customers own logo has dramatically increased to the extent that now in excess of 80% of case production is ‘own branded’ for customers.

System-Cases® has around 400 different brands in the silk screening department and new brands are regularly being added by customers seeing the virtue of their customers carrying the advertising for them.

During the past year System-Cases® has changed production methods which allows for silk-screen printing of lower unit quantities, it is now possible to economically print from two cartons per product which has increased the demand for this service significantly.

The company does not actually charge for onecolour printing as the belief is that extra sales generated from offering this service outweigh the production costs. If required two and three colour printing is available for an extra charge.

Thorsman launches updated catalogue Thorsman, a company of Schneider Electric, has launched an updated product catalogue to include some exciting new products.

The new priced catalogue is packed with all the latest innovative products, adding to the existing ranges of cable clips, screws, fixings and hand tools. The updated catalogue also incorporates some new additions, such as a range of site power products, including portable tool transformers, and ChargPak an ingenious power supply unit for use on building sites.

Also featured is a new improved range of Goliath worklights. Some of the worklights have a unique rechargeable battery pack feature, providing light for up to 1 hour, with the added security that the unit will automatically switch to battery mode in the event of mains failure.

“Our catalogue provides electricians with the best resources possible to enable them to be equipped and tooled up for the job in hand.”

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INSTA-STIK™ for when the going gets tough INSTA-STIK™ roofing adhesive - used to attach insulation boards and waterproofing membranes to a variety of substrates on flat roofs - uses a unique delivery system allowing precisely controlled doses, so less product and time is wasted.

INSTA-STIK™ comes in a portable, pressurised container which needs no external power source. Unlike liquid polyurethane adhesives, the product is already expanded when dispensed and application can be accurately controlled.

Other benefits include: • No primer needed and no need to allow for drying time.

• No fumes during application, making it safer for contractors to use than bitumen adhesive systems.

• No noise, dust or vibration to the substrate from mechanical fasteners.

• Consistent application thanks to the unique wand applicator.

• One canister can be used to adhere 100m2 of insulation board.

INSTA-STIK™ is also compatible with a range of insulation boards including extruded and expanded polystyrene, glass fibre tissue faced polyurethane and polyisocyanuarate, mineral and glass fibre, cellular glass, cork, wood fiber and foamed silica.

“Contractors looking for a portable, quick, clean and easy to use system providing fast adhesion are increasingly turning to INSTA-STIK™ to suit their needs, as they appreciate being able to apply the product with the specially designed application wand.” says Nick Mills, MD of roofing products company InStar, who distributes INSTA-STIK™ for Dow Building Solutions in the UK.

Standard Listed – you know who’s best!

But contact us for all the rest . . .

Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

Fax:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8570

Email:

sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Non-preferred Metrics – Intermediate Sizes Short and Long Lengths – Slotted Grub Screws A4/80 Bolts & Socket Caps – 6 Lobe (TX) Drive Screws All Metal Self-Locking Nuts – Studding Connectors And many more . . .

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK

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DIRAK offers compression of 10-12mm The DIRAK 1-081SL Compression Latch offers a compression range of up to 12mm, which DIRAK says is significantly greater than other compression latches on the market today.

The compression range can be modified depending on the length of the cam.

Standard cam heights are 22 and 28mm with other cams available upon request.

The innovative use of a planetary gear for actuation gives compression at extremely low torque whilst ensuring strength and durability. The use of a roller at the end of the cam minimises scrape damage to panels often caused by traditional cams, and also reduces the required closing force.

In addition, the 1-081SL Compression Latch incorporates two of DIRAK’s innovative technologies, D-SNAP Technology and Design Symmetry. D-SNAP Technology provides fast and simple installation without hardware or tools. All components of the latch are pre-assembled making installation into sandwich type panels easily accomplished from the front of the panel.

Design Symmetry allows the same latch to be installed on both right- and left-hand doors. The 180° rotation range of the cam eliminates the need to re-install for a rotation of door to/from right- and left-hand doors giving flexibility in applications and reducing inventory.

The latch can be actuated with standard inserts, double bit 3 and 5mm and square 8mm with others available on request. The latch also meets IP65 requirements for water and dust resistance.

Barnes adds 4,200 products to catalogue

Barnes Distribution, an international, full service distributor of maintenance, repair, operating and production supplies, has launched its new Master Catalogue, adding more than 4,200 new products to its regularly stocked items.

The new catalogue offers customers a comprehensive product portfolio, with Barnes saying it is a one-stop shopping tool equipped to serve customers of any size or type in any industry.

New features in the catalogue include a welding section, a re-designed fittings and hose section, and a numeric part number index to help customers quickly and easily locate what they need.

Barnes Distribution analysed its catalogue products to determine the most beneficial products to add to its in-line offering. “The addition of these products reinforces the vertical marketing strategy the company announced last year in the transportation, manufacturing, government and natural resources markets.”

Douwes adds to range Douwes International BV has recently added the non–recess TRF® security screw to its range. Douwes has been supplying the SecuFast® security screw range, a registered trade name of Douwes, to Europe for the last 15 years.

The SecuFast® Non – Recess TRF® is a shear bolt that can be fastened with a normal cross recess driver. Once a certain torque is reached, the hexagon head brakes of and removal of the screw is impossible.

Non – Recess TRF® are available in machine screws M3, M4, M5 and M6 in stainless steel, lengths from 6 – 25mm.

®

Douwes has also announced that the SecuFast® Torx Pin security screw is now available in steel zinc plated material.

“Security screws have mainly been used in outside applications and therefore delivered in stainless steel. Nowadays, we believe there is more demand for SecuFast® security screws to be used in inside applications.

The SecuFast® Torx Pin is available in metric screws M4 – M6 and sheet metal screws 3.5 – 4.8. They can be delivered with both button head and countersunk head. Screws are Cr6 free and therefore comply with the ROHS directive.

KOBSERT is the answer Bollhoff Fastenings Ltd has introduced the KOBSERT® thread insert, a one-piece, high-performance threaded insert for mounting high strength, durable internal threads deep into low shear strength metals such as aluminium or magnesium alloys.

The KOBSERT® has a resistance to high torque loading and vibration, and maintains joint integrity throughout the range of M6 to M30 screw thread assemblies. Variants are also available with a heat resistant underhead ring, to seal against gas or fluid pressures.

KOBSERT® thread inserts are installed from only one side of the work piece, into a pilot hole within the component. On setting, the external thread form is driven down into the softer host material and the serrated flange bites into the surface to form a flush finish and resists any possibility of rotation or backing-out under dynamic load or extreme temperature. A thread anchorage is thus achieved without the need for additional locking pins or adhesives. KOBSERT® can also be used in any rectification or maintenance process which may arise from damage to threads initially produced by other means.

WITH

EASY AS 1-2-3 Apply adhesive and leave to stand 4-5 mins

Press board to wall and hold for 1 min Plaster after just 1 HOUR This revolutionary new product saves hours compared to messy conventional dry wall adhesives.

Everbuild Building Products Ltd Site 41, Knowsthorpe Way Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds LS9 0SW Tel: 0113 240 3456 Fax: 0113 240 0024

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Arnold implements Effective Programme Arnold Umformtechnik has responded to the pressure of rising prices and increased quality requirements in the automotive industry by implementing a special ‘Effective Programme’.

Based on the three pillars of ‘innovative technology’, ‘optimum quality’ and ‘intelligent logistics’, Arnold says that this new concept helps to make production processes in automotive manufacturing more cost-effective long-term.

A study carried out by the Fraunhofer- Gesellschaft, a German research institute, provides evidence that the cost drivers for components reside not so much in the cost of materials but in the processes themselves.

For component suppliers this is an opportunity to take a step back from the pressure on unit prices by implementing intelligent concepts and expanding their own service portfolios with a long-term and reliable cooperative partnership with the manufacturer.

Arnold says that its ‘Effective Programme’ helps to reduce the project development cost by up to 70% by applying ‘innovative technology’ starting at the design stage. A forward-looking assortment policy simplifies the number of different small parts needed. Here, ‘optimum quality’ is the lowest common denominator within the parts selection process, as is an ‘intelligent logistics’ system, tailored individually to each trading partner.

“The foundations for these pillars are formed by continuous engineering support, a process-oriented approach, as early as the predesign stage, as well as the outstanding quality of parts and services supplied,” said Michael Pult, marketing and communications manager at Arnold Umformtechnik.

New Spiralock Drive Notch™ Wire Thread Inserts Spiralock says that its new Drive Notch Wire Thread Inserts (DN™) allows user to combine the benefits of a streamlined, “no tang” installation option, with vibration loosening resistance, more even load distribution, reusability, and decreased galling.

Independent tests prove that bolts installed into the wire thread inserts have shown no loss of tension after 24 hours of continuous vibration testing (one million cycles) and no indication of fatigue problems.

Unlike tanged wire inserts, which require breaking off, retrieving and accounting for tangs, the DN™ Wire Thread Inserts require no such extra steps. Using the Drive Notch installation tool, the inserts simply thread into any NAS 1130, STI tapped hole with no need to break off, retrieve or account for tangs, because there are no tangs.

“This speeds installation and improves quality, consequently reducing costs on multiple fronts. DN™ inserts eliminate the possibility of loose tangs short-circuiting electronics or causing foreign object damage. It also prevents harm to expensive castings by invasive tang removal techniques.”

The Spiralock Drive Notch Wire Thread Inserts use Spiralock's patented 30-degree "wedge" ramp formed into a unique 5-sided wire. When wound into a coil shape, it creates the ramp at the root of the female thread.

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Heinz Soyer on the ball Heinz Soyer says that its new and innovative KSV-12 SOYER Ball Welding System creates new possibilities for both design and application.

Besides standard weld studs and pin-shaped weld fasteners, it is also possible to fully automatically feed steel and stainless steel balls from 2 – 12mm in diameter into hand-held welding guns or stationary welding heads and to reliably weld them onto metallic work pieces.

“The KSV-12 SOYER Ball Welding System offers major user benefits and opens up new fields of application for the entire metalworking industry.“

Adhere launches premier cyanoacrylate Intertronics has announced a new range of professional grade cyanoacrylate “instant” adhesives under its Adhere brand.

Curing at room temperature in seconds, Intertronics says the new range provides excellent bond strength on a wide range of substrates including rubber, plastics, metal, wood, leather, ceramics, ferrites, stone, cork, glass, composites and paper.

The range includes surfaceinsensitive, fast cure, low odour and low blooming formulations.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives (CA’s) are known generically as “superglues” or “instant adhesives” and are extensively used in all manner of industrial applications.

Adhere cyanoacrylate single component systems require no mixing or heating and parts being bonded do not need clamping.

They are also solvent free, achieve high tensile and shear strengths and have a long shelf life.

The range includes a rubber toughened “flexible formulation”, an activator for even faster cures, and a primer which facilitates bonding of difficult to bond plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene or silicone rubber – even PTFE.

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Rino pulls the plug

Jergens thinks Kwik

A range of plugs have been introduced by precision engineered component’s specialist, Rino Industries Ltd. The range encompasses several different types from hexagon socket flange head screw plugs, with or without O-rings (in steel or stainless steel) or with oil seals, hexagon socket head parallel screw plugs, in either standard, perforated, shouldered or short versions, to finally socket head cap screw plugs in steel or stainless with or without pre-coat seals.

The hexagon socket flange head screw plugs are particularly useful in high pressure hydraulic systems capable of impact pressure up to 49MPa. They are therefore most appropriate for high pressurised hydraulic machines, compacted and safety enhanced applications. The O ring version is attached and due to the screw’s parallel threads, there are no instances of distortion in the thread system.

Metric fine thread to both 120ºC (sizes M10 to M33) and 200ºC (sizes M42 & M48 only) are available as standard in the hexagon socket flange head screw plugs and all are suitable for high pressure hydraulic uses.

Hexagon socket head parallel screw plugs of various types are useful in holding down compression springs and to adjust spring load. There are short, standard, perforated and shouldered types in S45C black ferrosoferric oxide coating. Sizes range from M6 x 1 up to M45 x 1.5 depending on which type is chosen.

Socket head cap screw plugs in both steel and stainless are available with both standard and pre-coat seal options. The pre-coat seal version does not need sealing tape or sealing agents and is resistant against oil, gasoline, water and heat.

Jergens, Inc says that its range of Kwik-Lok™ Lifting Pins provide convenience, speed, and safety in challenging applications and environments.

When quick-change connections are required for material handling, construction, utilities, rigging or other applications, Kwik-Lok™ Lifting Pins can deliver confident lifting. Engineered to provide a 5 to 1 strength factor, these lifting pins are 100% stainless steel, with a 17-4 PH stainless steel forged lifting ring to resist corrosion in harsh environments.

The rings’ large opening accommodates a wide range of lifting hooks or hardware and a load spreader bar on each of the rings helps to prevent accidental actuation.

The Kwik-Lok™ Lifting Pins range has maximum lifting loads from 400 to 1,400lbs and is available in both inch and metric sizes. In inches, nominal pin diameters range from 1/4" to 5/8" and grip lengths range from 0.5" to 3". Metric lifting pins are available with nominal pin diameters of 10 to 16mm, grip lengths of 15 to 75mm, and maximum lifting loads from 4.4 to 6.2kN. For applications where the required hole size cannot be achieved, threaded receptacles are available in both inch and metric sizes.

New Bülte website Bülte has re-launched its newly designed website, 10 years after the original website was released.

Bülte says that the website has had 340 000 visitors in the last three years and it approximately receives 600 visitors per day, As well as a completely new design and layout, the website offers expanded content, added site options and enhanced navigation and usability.

Among its many new features, the website includes a more detailed presentation of each product (technical application, dimensions, unit of sale, etc).

The website has also been designed so that all the catalogue pages, the ISO certificate and the RAL colour chart can be uploaded in a simple and efficient way.

ThreeBond launches Gold Series Generic Cyanoacrylates have earned the reputation of “instant” adhesives from their ability to be used immediately with little preparation and to cure in very short time periods.

ThreeBond says that its new TB7700 Gold Series now takes that a stage further with Ultra-fast curing (as low as 2 seconds), very high initial bond strength and enhanced substrate applicability, even encompassing porous or hard-to-bond materials such as PBT, PCM or PPS.

ThreeBond TB7700 is based primarily around ethyl-x-cyanoacrylate technology re-formulated to bond remarkably quickly to an extensive range of common materials and providing tensile shear strengths frequently in excess of the substrate itself. Suitable substrates include many metals, polyethylenes, polycarbonate, nylons, rubbers, papers, woods, ceramics etc.

The Gold Label Series was created by ThreeBond in response to the needs of industrial processes to bond parts quickly, dealing with varying permeability and even in place of traditional jigging fixtures to hold assemblies while epoxies or acrylic adhesives achieve full cure and maximum strength.

ThreeBond says that its test results with clean, but untreated surfaces, in relative humidity of 50% at 25°C have shown remarkably aggressive performances.

ThreeBond Gold Series is available in 20g, 50g and 500g bottles to suit production/installation requirements.

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Arndale are manufacturers of special fasteners and machined parts which are produced using the latest CNC machinery.

NO MATTER WHAT THE SIZE...YOUR ORDER IS ALWAYS SPECIAL TO US

NEXT TIME YOU ARE ABOUT TO REGRET AN ENQUIRY - DON’T Ask us first, we can help ARNDALE ENGINEERING Western Approach, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 5NN Tel: 0191 455 6086 Fax: 0191 455 2447

An appreciation for innovation Kem Edwards has recently launched an on-site materials handling and storage range, as well as a expanded pre-fabrication service and new framing systems from Big Foot.

The new range of material handling carts, trolleys and mobile storage cabinets makes managing and moving site supplies, easier, quicker, safer and more secure.

Developed specifically by Kem Edwards for common site materials, the range can be tailored for each customer to suit not only usage, but site requirement and working practices.

Saving time and skills required for cutting and assembling supports on-site the dedicated Pre-fabrication Facility also reduces waste.

By working to a customer’s schedule, Kem Edwards can quickly supply a fully palletised delivery of pre-fabricated support assemblies.

Kem Edwards has also now opened branches in Bristol and Manchester in addition to its London (Sunbury) location and will soon open its dedicated Fabrication Division near Heathrow as part of a £2million investment programme.

PACE inspection machine NEW 3 D LASER inspection With accuracies up to 0,1 micro meter and speed up to 100 parts / minute it can show what is possible with today’s latest technology.

Independent for any reflection and surface condition it can read any topographical shape of any surface. Used mainly for sealing surfaces or other precise surfaces.

Double crack detection with a new distance compensation to allow nearly any shape of the part to be crack detected. Special execution for crack detection on Aluminum or stainless steel widens the range of parts which can be inspected on the PACE machine.

New material and hardness test with 64 frequencies, multi channel crack detection, linear motors for the recess soft surface control are a few new high lights which is appreciated by quality concerned customers, many of them are using PACE already but also PACE can show its advantages in a lot of new fields for 100% inspection.

Zero ppm guarantee with our patented 4 times redundant safety process, or simply the fact that PACE is the market leader for high class machines with over 600 machines world wide has proven to all well known Automotive and electronic companies that there is only one trust when you need a 100% reliable sorting process, the PACE. Please contact Hilker & Partner GmbH Withauweg 3 70439 Stuttgart Tel 0049 711 98 09180 • info@hilker-partner.de • www.hilker-partner.de

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Constant tension clamp innovation TRIDON says that its newly patented Waveseal 360 TM constant tension clamp solves leak issues for diesel passenger cars, trucks and engine manufacturers.

Developed to tackle leak path issues caused by thermal cycling or temperature fluctuations, the clamp also focuses on compensating for non-uniform hose.

TRIDON says that recent leak pressure tests show that the Waveseal 360 TM series performed better than typical worm gear constant tension clamps in thermal cycling, and that the constant tension clamp works as good as or better than Belleville spring or spring loaded t-bolt styles.

The low profile clamp fits in tight spaces and can be used on radiators, charge air and cooling systems, as well as other fluid and air conducting applications.

On the surface, the clamp looks like an ordinary worm gear clamp with a special liner designed with two inward pointing ridges that form points of high pressure and an alternate low pressure center. This effect creates an o-ring sealing function and prevents cold flow. The clamp seals in a steady 360-degree pattern in response to pressure and temperature changes.

Waveseal 360 TM is available in diameters from 21mm to 148mm and distributed by TRIDON in Europe.

& No Riveting – Self-piercing Hardened Self-Clinching Fasteners ● Press Nuts ● Binding screws ● Rivet Bushes ● Prestincerts ● Eccentric studs ● Floating Nuts

MANUFACTURERS OF LOCKS HANDLES HINGES TENSION LATCHES 1/4 TURN FASTENERS SINCE 1965

www.fastloc.it

RoHS Compliant

Autonic Engineering Co. Ltd Salisbury Rd. Rye Park, Hoddesdon, EN11 0HU Tel: +44 (0)1992 471101 Fax: +44 (0)1992 471102 Email: enquires@autonic.co.uk www.autonic.co.uk

FAST.LOC S.p.A. Via Signagatta 16, 10044 Pianezza (To) - Italia ph. +39-011-523.35.43 - fax +39-011-520.10.03

Solar fasteners for solar panels Solar energy is one of the fastest growing new sources of energy and with supplies of gas and oil become scarcer the search for alternative sources of energy is becoming more acute.

There are several ways to take advantage of solar energy, such as solar panels and solar boilers. As in most industries it is extremely important in the solar energy industry that fixings are rust and corrosion free.

Nestinox’s says its range of stainless steel fixings solve any problems with rust and corrosion and are suitable for use within the solar industry.

One such product is Nestinox’s Solar fixings (A2 stainless steel), which allow solar panels and complete photovoltaic systems to be fixed with ease and reliability.

Nestinox also offers a complete range of stainless steel fixings used in the Solar branch, such as: • Self-tapping screws.

• Treatment of screw thread.

• Hexagonal bolts and nuts.

• Hammerhead bolts.

• Hanger bolts.

• Security screws.

• Sealing rings.

• Thread ends.

• Technical sprays.

In addition to all the common DIN fasteners Nestinox also offers a wide range of specials.

Packed and ready to go Dematic has introduced its high-performance system AMCAP, which can produce mixed pallets - fully automatically.

One of the centrepieces of the new system is the newly developed, innovative universal grab system, which has a patent pending. It can handle all standard types of packaging without stopping.

Dematic made a conscious decision not to use pneumatic suction technology, so that it could work irrespective of the nature of the packaging. It therefore focused on the development of a fast, reliable grab, which would not damage packed items. The weight of the goods played only a secondary role.

The overall design, which also has a patent pending, is targeted equally toward both speed and reliability. The cycle of feeding, grabbing and placing articles achieves extremely high throughputs.

Palletisation continues even while pallets are being changed.

How does the system manage to stack stable pallets? Dematic says that ingenious software calculates the way the pallet needs to be stacked in advance. The stacking sequence is worked out from master data, such as external dimensions, and the weight, goods and packaging groups. The calculation of the contact surfaces and the essential binding of the individual packages are the keys to producing a stable palletizing pattern.

Dematic has also integrated the stretch wrapping of the pallet into the machine. A number of layers which have been stacked on the pallet are wrapped during the palletizing process. This means that a fully wrapped pallet leaves the system when the picking process has been completed.

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Sherex Fastening Solutions launches RIVFLOAT™ Sherex Fastening Solutions, a manufacturer and distributor of blind rivet nuts, says it has introduced the next generation of fastening technology - a patent pending rivet nut with internally floating threads called RIVFLOAT™.

“The vision here at Sherex Fastening Solutions has always been to become a worldwide leader in the manufacture, design and distribution of blind rivet nuts and specialty fasteners. Because of the competitive nature of our business, we are focused on utilising our superior engineering and manufacturing capabilities to solve our customers fastening problems. RIVFLOAT™ solves the issue of attaching components in off center applications” said Adam Pratt, vice president of Sherex Fastening Solutions.

“We are excited to be officially launching RIVFLOAT ™ during the National Industrial Fastener Show in Las Vegas, November 3rd and 4th, 2008.”

The internally floating threads on RIVFLOAT™ allow for component attachments in off center applications and can accommodate for tolerance stack up in the manufacturing process. The floating nut (020” radial float) aligns to drive the angle of the screw and thus eliminates cross threading and spin out.

RIVFLOAT™ was designed for post installation in applications where cage nuts, clinch nuts, floating nut plates or weld nuts are typically used.

“Sherex rivet nuts are ideal for providing load bearing threads in thin materials and blind applications. All blind rivet nuts and brass inserts are manufactured by our own TS16949 production facility and we provide unsurpassed customer service and support before and after the sale.”

Worm Drive Clamp specialisation By historic standards Kale is a new name in the supply of Worm Drive Clamps, but it says it is looking to the future with increased enthusiasm.

“Moving quickly to satisfy home market demand we have cascaded into the international market just as global competitive temperature is at its highest. This has tested our young dynamic team to the utmost but innovation in production has kept us in the forefront of supply & demand.”

“Our plans are to invest further in the most up to date technology of production in co-operation with our machine suppliers, which will further strengthen our supply position, and also offer all clamp users the variety necessary for a modern market place. This approach will enable us to continue to offer a quality clamp at competitive prices even after taking global offerings into account.”

“We are concentrating our production and working closely with a sound distribution market which, offer you the customer the best of both worlds. The UK has been successfully dealt with by Pinstructure Ltd for many years and we are sure they will be pleased to discuss any customer needs both immediate and long term.”

P r e c i s i o n

P e r f o r m a n c e

P a r t s

“State of the art” facility World class manufacturing system ISO/TS16949 & AS9100B quality standards ERP controlled Hi-Tech handling system

• Socket screws class 12.9

• High tensile bolts and flange screws class 10.9 / grade 8

• Automotive fasteners and special parts

Autocraft Industrial (Shanghai) Ltd. 168 Nanlu Highway, Nanhui Industrial Zone, Shanghai 201300, China Te l : + 8 6 2 1 3 8 1 8 1 0 6 8 F a x : + 8 6 2 1 3 8 1 8 11 9 9 E-mail: info@autocraft-china.com w w w. a u t o c r a f t - c h i n a . c o m

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Stanley Bostitch provides nailed-on cyber solution International tool company Stanley Bostitch is taking to the information super highway with the launch of a new multi language website.

Launched in twelve different European countries – the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Czech Republic, Austria and Poland – and available in seven languages, the new Stanley Bostitch site offers a multi-service information platform showcasing products and services for the company's European business operation.

Its multiple functions and easy navigation – application, industry sector or products can all be accessed by simply clicking on the appropriate link – are designed to make the Stanley Bostitch site one of the most user friendly and customer engaging sites in the sector.

A Where to Buy outlet locator covering all of Europe allows customers to locate their closest Stanley Bostitch stockist by simply entering in their postcode. Visitors to the site can also find out about the history of

the company, access contact details and discover all the latest news and events including the tool shows and exhibitions which Stanley Bostitch will be attending this year.

Other features include full specification details for all Stanley Bostitch European tools, including noise and vibration information, a service and support section giving comprehensive advice and information about nails and staples and guidance on choosing different products, such as a compressor. Information on the extensive and rigorous testing processes that all Stanley Bostitch tools go through is also available.

Tim Ramsey, Stanley Bostitch European marketing manager, said: “The new Stanley Bostitch website adds an important dimension to our global business operation. People can now access on-line a whole array of information relating to the products we offer and the services we provide. We are already seeing a lot of people visiting the site and expect that interest to continue particularly given the added site functions we are planning for the future.”

TIMco delivers In these challenging times, being confident that you’ll get both quality and availability from your suppliers at all times is essential.

T.I.Midwood & Co Ltd (TIMco) says that with it selling over 200,000,000 window screws of its PVCu window fabrication screw range every year, you can be.

In addition to its stock holding, TIMco keeps a rolling stock equivalent to 9 months’ forecasted sales to ensure regular supply at all times.

All TIMco’s window screws conform to BS7412, as well as BPF and GGF guidelines. For salt spray testing, all carbon steel window screws must withstand 240 hours and stainless steel window screws must withstand 500 hours. TIMco’s exclusive coating, TIMcoaT, is applied to the Martensitic Grade 410 stainless steel window screws to give exceptional resistance properties and this independently tested by UKAS test centres.

TIMco’s dedicated in-house quality department

carry out on-site tests on all screws including visual, dimensional and plating-depth checks, as well as torque and drill tests.

TIMco’s range of window screws consists of reinforced and unreinforced frame screws, friction stay screws and cill screws, as well as baypole and mechanical joining screws.

“Thanks to our massive investment in stock holding, we can provide a next-day service to all distributors around the UK and Ireland.”

Spirol extends compression limiter range SALES REPRESENTATIVE Orbital Fasteners Ltd. is an established leading distributor of 26,000 lines of Fasteners, Fixings and Tools to construction sites, fabrication and other associated industries throughout the United Kingdom including Central London. Our web site at www.orbitalfasteners.co.uk shows the range of the most popular products that we stock.

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced person to join our successful external sales team to help us archive our goal of reaching £6 million turnover this year.

The ideal candidate will live in, or close to the territory which consists of the HA, N, NW, E, EC and WC postcodes.

A proven track record of sales in Fasteners or Fixings is essential, as are organisational and planning skills. In return we offer a competitive salary, commissions, non contributory pension scheme and company car.

Please send your CV via email to:paul.widdison@orbitalfasteners.co.uk Paul Widdison External Sales Manager Orbital Fasteners Ltd.

Spirol Industries has introduced the new Series CL500 and CL550 compression limiters for moulded in applications.

The CL500 Series has radial grooves along the length that offer maximum retention in the plastic. The CL500 was designed around standard industry accepted clearances for 6mm and 8mm bolts, with the CL550 Series providing additional clearance around the bolts to accommodate greater positional tolerances.

Spirol compression limiters are used to preserve a threaded joint’s integrity when fastening plastic-to-plastic assemblies, or plastic-to-metal assemblies.

As a bolt is tightened to achieve the required friction between threads, the plastic is compressed.

Without the compression limiter, plastic will creep, resulting in the loosening and eventual failure of the joint. The

compression limiter absorbs the load generated when the bolt has been tightened to its recommended value. The plastic is isolated from excessive compressive loads and plastic creep is not a factor in ensuring that the joint remains intact throughout the life of the product.

The new series are available in standard low carbon steel with a zinc plate finish for corrosion protection. They join Spirol’s existing Series CL200 and CL250 (split seam) and Series CL101 and CL111 (solid knurled) designs.

Rawlplug Limited, part of the Koelner Group is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of specialist anchoring and fixing systems and has major customers in the DIY, retail, builders merchants and construction sectors. Based in Glasgow we have subsidiaries in France, Ireland, Sweden and Dubai.

Due to continued expansion, the company is looking to recruit the following roles:Business Development Managers 1 x Roofing and Insulation and 1 x Builders Merchants/Trade Accounts An excellent opportunity for strong new business developers looking for a new challenge within a demanding industry, selling to roofing and Insulation Contractors and Distributors or Trade Accounts.

These opportunities have come about through the launch of a new range of products from Rawlplug UK that are already selling via our parent group across Central and Eastern Europe.

You will be responsible for identifying target customers and presenting our products to them, this is a massive growth opportunity and the successful applicant will be able to develop and progress within the Rawlplug business.

Technical Area Sales Managers (1x North West + 1 x South England An opportunity has arisen for experienced construction professionals to join the Specification team. Reporting to the Technical Services Manager you will be involved in all areas of the construction process including advising structural and civil engineers, contractors and distributors on the correct selection and installation of high performance anchors. The role will also involve site testing and product training.

Junior Area Sales Managers (1 x South London + 1 x North London) Reporting to the National Sales Manager, you will have the responsibility of developing new and existing accounts through an established network of distributors and contractors.

Main duties are • Working with distributors and contractors to ‘back sell’ Rawlplug products • Introduction of new products through product launches etc.

• Selling of promotions • Responsible for designation geographical area We are therefore looking for highly motivated individuals who have a proven successful track record, be an enthusiastic self starter with first rate communication, negotiation and presentation skills, results focused commitment to account management and be able to demonstrate an organized, positive and tenacious attitude. Experience in these sectors is preferred but not essential as full training will be given.

Excellent IT skills are required (PowerPoint, excel and word) Package Competitive salary & bonus + excellent benefits package including company car, company pension scheme and 25 days holiday + stats.

Please submit your CV and introduction letter by email to tracy.somers@rawlplug.co.uk

Achilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 Action Can . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Adolf Pühl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Adolf Schnorr GmbH & Co. KG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Advance Spares . . . . . . . . . . .53 Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co . . .33 Alexander Paal GmbH . . . . .19 Alfran Fasteners Ltd . . . . . . .13 Allbolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Alloy & Stainless . . . . . . . . . .23 Alltech Engineered Finishes . . .99 Anixter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Apex Stainless . . . . . . . . . . .135 Arndale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Arpel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Asprays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Atotech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Autocraft Industrial . . . . . .143 Autonic Engineering Co Ltd .140 Avdel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Avon Stainless . . . . . . . . . . .128 Baker & Finnemore . . . . . . .19 Bendfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Blakeacre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Bollhoff Fasteners . . . . . . . .59 Bossong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Bralo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Brighton Best . . . . . 6, 8, 10, 12 Brintex Events . . . . . . . . . . .115 Bülte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Carlo Salvi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Chatsworth computers . . . .107 Classic Metallic . . . . . . . . . .103 Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 Don Quichotte . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Douwes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Dresselhaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 DS Fasteners Ltd . . . . . . . . . .33 EDP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Electra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Eurobolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Everbuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 Fastbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 FAST.LOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Ferroforma . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Fischer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Fixi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 FK Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Fwu Kuang Enterprises Co. Ltd .107 Hafren Fasteners . . . . . . . .103 Heco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Heinz Soyer . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Hilker & Partner . . . . . . . . .138 Hommel + Keller . . . . . . . . . .78 Icon Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ingramatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 ITW Fastex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Kohlhage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Lederer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

London Screw Company Ltd . .141 M&W Fastener Co.,Ltd . . . . .25 Mac Dermid . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Machine Screws Ltd . . . . . . .59 Martyn Price ( Bolts & Nuts ) Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Masons Fasteners Ltd. . . . . .55 Masterfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Mecavit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Microplastics . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Millennium Steel . . . . . . . . . .67 Mofast Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 Morgalv Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 National Machinery . . . . . . . .75 NIFS West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Nord-Lock Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Nordic Metalblok Srl . . . . .105 Norm Civata . . . . . . . . . . . . .129 Norma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Olympic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Orbit International Corporation Limited . . . . . .128 Orbital International . . . . . .144 Ornit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Pinstructure . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Prelok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 PTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Protex Fasteners . . . . . . . . .132 PTG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Rawlplug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 Ray Fu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134 Reyher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Rivit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147 Rotor Clip Ltd . . . . . . . . . . .102 S D Products Ltd . . . . . . . . .103 Sariv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Schröder Schrauben . . . . . . .39 Shin Chun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Smith - Bullough . . . . . . . . .129 Socom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Spirol . . . . . . . . . . . .53, 79, 129 Stafa Holland BV . . . . . . . . . .47 Star Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . .111 Steven Walker & Sons Ltd . . .39 Ttap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Tecfi S.p.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Tecno Impianti . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Technox Technika . . . . . . . .127 TI Midwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Titibi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 TLM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Top Screw Metal Corp. Ltd . .119 TR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Trojan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Trutek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 UBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Viraj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Voestalpine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG . . . . . . . . . . .27, 73, 111 Volt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Vorpa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Zero Clips Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . .73