Fastener + Fixing Magazine #50 by Fastener + Fixing Magazine

CONTENTS NEWS Europe and World . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 Asia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Russia & CIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 COVER STORY Safety - a passion at fischer. . . . 30-31 EXHIBITIONS IIHT Expo 2007 + Fastener Expo 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Fastener Fair Budapest . . . . . . . . 36-37 Fastener Fair Coventry . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ANALYSIS Carbon Steel Antidumping . . . . 46-50 FACE-2-FACE Aa to Zz corporate change . . . . . 40-44 Westerly Breeze aids round world ambitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-54 Some people just have pizzazz. . 56-58 INSIGHT Progressively forging the future. 60-62 Twenty years under the microscope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-68 Rivit's travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82-83 TECHNICAL No Cadmium? Not Yet! . . . . . . . . . . 64 New nosepiece and setting method aims to lower blind rivet installed cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144-146 CATALOGUE RACK Fasttec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-77 WIRE 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129-130 SPECIAL FEATURE Looking back over 50 issues . . 78-81 CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS Anchored to integrity. . . . . . . . . . 84-86 A tall Dutch story? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90-92 FOCUS ON Decking, wood and collated screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94-97 APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . 98 WIRE 2008 PREVIEW WIRE Dusseldorf Introduction . . . . . 99 Indepth company previews . . . 100-110 Fastener related exhibitors . . . . . . 112 Exhibitor News . . . . . . . . . . . . 114-128 MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS Chinas new labour law A CRM Solution isn't going to help salespeople sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131-132 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 TOOLS News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-138 DIY Show/Totally Tools new products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140-142 PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147-160 RECRUITMENT & ADVERTISERS

INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

elcome to our fiftieth issue – and our tenth anniversary. You might well notice a few differences – in fact, I hope you do, since our production manager, Gemma Edwards, has worked incredibly hard to interpret our ideas for an updated design. I feel she has done an outstanding job, giving us a fresh, modern style, of which to be proud. Hopefully, you will also feel the transformation is a positive one. As always, if you like it, share it with your colleagues: if you don’t, please tell us why – we are always open to improvement.

Fastener + Fixing Europe

18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 OJJ, UK By Phil Matten

One significant change has been to the title - for two reasons. Firstly, it has interested me to hear how the magazine is described – mainly it is positively, I am relieved to say, although unavoidably we ruffle a few feathers from time to time. For the majority, supportive or critical, we are known as “Fastener & Fixing Magazine”. In reflecting another significant change over the last year, which is the way our readership has dramatically expanded across the globe, courtesy of digital technology, this name change also made perfect sense. So Fastener & Fixing Magazine we now are. As I have said in later pages, reflecting on the 50th issue milestone, our natural home remains the Europe industry in which we are deeply ‘embedded’. Nevertheless, it is a shrinking world, and like it or not, events right across it regularly and irrevocably impact the most local of fastener businesses, so our horizons have expanded accordingly. It is worth a look at our 50th issue pages, particularly for Jerry Ramsdale’s reminder of how the magazine started. Some of the headlines may also bring back some memories! On the subject of one potential change, which is already affecting the industry even though the final outcome remains far from clear, we have published a range of your views on the current antidumping investigation. We invited literally hundreds of manufacturers, importers and distributors to tell us what they thought and I am grateful to those who took time to provide some carefully considered opinions. Of course, we can only publish what we receive. Because some editing was unavoidable because of space constraints we will publish all submissions in full at our website, www.fastenerfair.com - something else you will also find has undergone a well overdue transformation. Again Gemma’s design skills played a part, but the main credit goes to Emma Ramsdale, for working through the inevitable frustrations of originating a completely new website. Our interview with Alfons van der Aa, CEO of FABORY, also centres on change. One aspect of a very interesting conversation was his views on potential industry consolidation, and who, in a post credit-crunch world, may prove to be the strategic buyers. It certainly set me thinking!

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 Manager Jamie Mitchell jamie@fastfair.net

Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry@fastfair.net

Production Gemma Edwards production@fastfair.net

Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade. Disclaimer

Talking of expanding horizons, you will also notice the launch of a completely new Fastener Fair - in Budapest. Looking back over previous issues, I did find an article, several years ago, tentatively exploring the possibility of a Fastener Fair in Eastern Europe, so it isn’t entirely a new concept. Nothing tentative this time, but still something of an exploratory venture, aimed at meeting the needs of a number of fastener suppliers that recognise the expanding potential of these South Eastern European markets but are, perhaps, not so clear about where exactly to find an entry point. One thing is certain; Budapest is a glorious city to choose to do some exploring! I cannot close without expressing a deep, and very personal, sorrow at the untimely death of Heinz Storch. As some will know, I had the privilege of working for Heinz for several years – Fastbolt was my introduction to the fastener industry. I am grateful for many things I learnt from Heinz – not just about fasteners, or even business but also about how to conduct oneself in life. I shall certainly miss him, but that is as a shadow to the loss his family has experienced. To them, on behalf of everyone at Fastener & Fixing Magazine, I would like to express our deepest condolences.

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 £60/€90

“Today is more dramatic than 2004” Sobering words from a Senior Steel Trader addressing the fastener section meeting of the Confederation of British Metalforming as we went to print. The meeting heard, “Although world steel demand is quite soft prices are going up and up.” Underlying reasons are similar to 2004 – iron ore and coking coal prices, as well as energy costs, are all increasing dramatically. A prime factor in availability of raw materials is continued shortages in bulk sea freight capacity to move ore and coal to steel producing nations. Iron ore contract prices for the year from April are rapidly being concluded, with increases between 65 and 71%. While this level has clearly been anticipated in latest steel price increases it is unlikely the full impact has yet fed through. Lack of steel availability is a major issue. During 2007, Chinese participation in the world steel market diminished and then virtually ceased. Chinese producers’ ability to compete in world steel markets has been radically curtailed by the replacement of export rebates with surcharges, as well as government measures to reduce pollution. In Europe some mills are reported to be standing still for want of raw materials. Turkey, particularly is suffering from not being able to obtain supply from Ukraine and the CIS, where domestic steel demand is continues to be rampant. The implications for cold heading wire are rapidly becoming apparent. In Europe wire increases of over 100 euros a tonne have been predicted for April. In Asia, China Steel Corporation announced its largest ever steel price increase for Quarter 2, averaging 19% for Taiwanese domestic customers. CSC will add NT$4550/ton (97 euros) to the price of wire rod. The increase is substantially higher than predicted by US fastener importers recently in Fastenernews.com

- see our American News page 24. The impact of Asian cost increases on US importers is virtually immediate because of the direct and weakened relation between the US Dollar and the RMB in particular. In Mainland China, Baosteel and other major steel producers have already announced similar increases, warning that new prices may not hold for the full Quarter 2. Fastener industry sources in China report a 300 RMB (28 euros) increase in the cost of cold heading wire in the last week of February, followed almost immediately by a further jump of 10%, pushing C1035 and C1010 to RMB 5,700/tonne. Officially quoted price averages for wire rod confirm the trend. Fastener factories are reported to be contacting customers with 8 to 10% price increases for orders shipped from April 2008, and warning to expect further increases as wire costs continue to increase and the RMB appreciates further in relation to the US Dollar. Clearly every stage in the supply chain from raw materials to delivered fastener has a vested interest in ‘talking up’ the situation – particularly where the participant is sitting on significant levels of inventory. That clearly risks a degree of ‘bubble’ in the equation. However, the underlying inflationary factors impacting steel appear real and sustained. A handful of raw material extractors, currently three companies provide some 80% of the world’s iron ore, and that could still become two. There has also been major consolidation in the steel industry. While there may well be sharp fluctuations along the way the cost of fasteners looks certain to be driven higher once again.

Heinz Storch dies in February Fastbolt chairman and founder, Heinz Storch died on Friday 15 February in hospital near his home in northern Germany, at the age of 63. Heinz Storch founded Fastbolt Distributors (UK) Limited, with then partner Bernard Myers, in 1982 at Milton Keynes, UK. The business grew rapidly through Heinz Storch’s personal drive and in 1990 it relocated to the custom built warehouse from which it continues to operate. In 1995 Heinz Storch opened Fastbolt Schrauben Grosshandels

GmbH in Gronau, Germany, again growing the business rapidly under his personal direction. The company also located to custom built premises, which were substantially extended in 1998 and are currently undergoing further major expansion. ‘Dedication to the distributor’ has been a key tenet of the Fastbolt business, insisted upon by Heinz Storch from the beginning. It represented an integrity that, alongside Heinz Storch’s unremitting energy for growth, was fundamental to Fastbolt’s success and the respect the man himself

commanded across the European industry. Heinz Storch also played a pivotal role in reenergising the British Association of Fastener Distributors, injecting his personal drive to reverse long-term decline and establish the foundation for its subsequent restructuring.

Industri Kapital acquires Groupe Etanco Industri Kapital (IK) has signed a share purchase agreement with the Lebraut family for the acquisition of Groupe Etanco in partnership with Ronan Lebraut, CEO and member of the founding family along with management. Groupe Etanco was founded in 1952 and specialises in the design, manufacturing and distribution of building fastener and fixing systems. The family business based outside of Paris employs 600 people in six sites and generates a turnover of 130 million euros. The Group has a full range of 80,000 products grouped under four categories: Fastening, Over-Roofing, Safety, and Façades which allow it to offer products adapted to the specific market requirements particularly in terms of environmental and European regulatory constraints. Commenting on the purchase agreement Christopher Masek, Partner at IK said “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the Lebraut

IK to accompany us in the family. Our objective is to actively implementation of our dynamic support existing management led growth strategy due to its track by Ronan Lebraut, in its growth record in developing businesses strategy which is based on the internationally.” extension of its product offering and the reinforcing of its market The transaction is subject to positions across Europe. We aim approval by competition to pursue targeted acquisition authorities. opportunities in order to broaden the Group’s geographical coverage, thus creating the the European Welding Tim Jessop, TWI’s leading European Federation acts as the associate director, group specialised representative of the in building fastener Professional Affairs and Certification, has welding and joining and fixing systems.” community in Europe been elected as the next president of the and, at present, has Ronan Lebraut, CEO European Welding 27 national welding of Groupe Etanco societies as members. Federation. says: “The amount Its role is to prepare accomplished by harmonised rules for He succeeded Mr the Group over the the education and German Hernandex at past few years training of personnel the last EWF General makes us involved in welding, Assembly in confident that we joining and related Dubrovnik, Croatia and can continue to technologies and to his three year term of grow and develop in the future, both office began in January facilitate the exchange of scientific and 2008. in France and technical information. abroad. We chose Established in 1974,

New President of EWF

Finnveden creates two independent units Finnveden has announced that Bulten, under the management of Tommy Andersson, and Metal Structures, under the management of Johan Westman, are to become independent business units, and continue enhancing profitability and strengthening growth in their respective markets. Johan Lundsgård, president and CEO of Finnveden Holding AB, will be leaving Finnveden after heading this restructuring for two years. "During his time as CEO, Johan Lundsgård has headed the work on developing two strong, independent units in Bulten and Metal Structures. We have now reached our objective of having two clear structures in place, and the Board of Directors has worked together with Johan Lundsgård and decided that the time is now right for the two units to continue independently, with full responsibility for their continued development," says Roger Holtback, chairman of the Board at Finnveden Holding AB. "Finnveden has handled some major changes over the past few years, and it is with great confidence that I now hand over control to the respective business areas for their continuing growth and development," says Johan Lundsgård. Johan Lundsgård will be leaving his position on 31 March. The position of president of Finnveden Holding AB will be taken by CFO Owe Wedebrand. Bulten develops and manufactures fasteners, and is a full service provider, to the automotive industry in Europe, Asia and USA. The company is a main supplier to Nissan, Volvo Car and Volvo Trucks, Autoliv, Scania, Ford and GM, amongst others.

Bossard reports record 2007 Bossard has reported preliminary results for 2007. Sales were up 7.4% to CHF 601 million (373 million euros), which Bossard says was marginally higher than forecast and entirely attributable to organic growth. Consolidated net income is expected to be more than double the 2006 result of CHF 12.2 million (7.56 million euros), which would represent a group record. The full Annual Report will be published by March 12. Bossard also announced that Steen Hansen takes responsibility for North American business on March 1 and will become a member of the Group’s executive committee. Scott Mac Meekin, who led the North American business through reorganisation, will now concentrate on Asia. Hansen has been with Bossard since 2001.

Kee Klamp Ltd changes to Kee Safety In a major company initiative which reflects the continuing evolution of the business, Kee Klamp Ltd has announced that it will now operate as Kee Safety. As Kee Safety Ltd, the company will continue to provide Kee Klamp® fittings, KeeGuard® roof edge protection and other popular

product and system brands. This name change is being instituted across all the Group companies around the world in Canada, France, Germany, UAE and USA to create a truly international safety company. "The change to Kee® Safety underlines our commitment to providing customers with a

Kem Edwards bought by SIG On 1 February Surrey-based Kem Edwards was acquired by SIG plc for an undisclosed figure. Kem Edwards, a family-owned and managed business, was founded 40 years ago. Through the 1990s the company became a ‘first-fix’ specialist and has supplied many prestige contracts including Heathrow Terminal Five and the Wembley Stadium. Strong growth resulted in Kem Edwards reaching £10 million (13 million euros) in 2007. The SIG group is a supplier of insulation, roofing, commercial interiors and specialist construction products with operations throughout UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. Preliminary reports put SIG sales for 2007 at £2.45billion (3.2 billion euros), a 32% increase on 2006. Profit before tax is expected to be not less than £139m, up 28% on 2006. UK and Ireland accounted for 62% of sales. During 2007 SIG made 27 acquisitions for a total consideration of £325m.

diverse range of effective safety products and solutions" says David Hill, group marketing director at Kee Safety Ltd. It’s a natural evolution and one that will ensure we are better placed to meet our customer’s requirements in the future and the challenges that lie ahead in creating a safer environment for us all.”

Aerospace fastener distributor names general manager Robert Serabin has joined Freundlich Supply Company as general manager. The company is a major distributor of aerospace fasteners, based in Staten Island, New York. Mr. Serabin has more than 25 years of sales, marketing and general management experience, including 12 years in the fastener industry. He was senior product line manager for SPS Technologies, a leading

manufacturer of aerospace and industrial fasteners. Later, he joined Bowman Distribution Division of Barnes Group, a distributor of MRO items, where he was responsible for $70 million in annual fastener and assortment sales. He has written several technical articles about fasteners. As a member of ASME, he participated with the fastener standards committee and was chairman of the subcommittee for the Fastener Glossary of Terms.

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NFDA celebrates 40th anniversary The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) commences its 40th anniversary celebration during the 2008 NFDA Annual Spring Meeting, April 9-12 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. "We look forward to commemorating such an important milestone in our Association's history," said NFDA president, Joel Roseman “To have 40 years behind us is a true legacy and to be able to reflect

on that journey at our Annual Spring Meeting is going to be incredibly exciting.” “We have put together a strong educational line-up this year with practical hands-on knowledge that our attendees can take back to their businesses,” Roseman said. “We are extremely proud to offer such value to the industry.” NFDA’s 40th anniversary is commemorated throughout the four-day event, highlighted by the Ruby Reception, Silent Auction

and Gala Dinner on Friday, April 11. The culmination of the conference takes place at the farewell dinner where attendees can reminisce about the first 40 years of NFDA and discuss plans for the future. "It is a great time to reflect on where we've been and how far we've come,” stated Roseman. “Our 40th anniversary celebration not only looks at the past, but really hones in on the future of the fastener distribution industry. Here’s to the next 40 years.”

Cleancon® defines ‘technical cleanliness’ In recognition of the growing importance of ‘technical cleanliness’, fastener specialist Arnold Umformtechnik, working closely with the Fraunhofer Institute1, has developed a cleanliness compliance procedure for fasteners – Cleancon®. Arnold has set up its own test laboratory, which develops and adapts test specifications to stipulate the degree of component cleanliness required in production and throughout the entire supply chain. What have always been rather general cleanliness requirements for components can now, for the first time, be precisely categorised. This fascination for technology has its price, not least in the electronics and hydraulics sectors. Very complex units and component assemblies are becoming increasingly compact and more powerful which means the risk of malfunction is rising at a disproportionate rate. In many cases microscopically

small particles cause the malfunction. Such tiny particles have an effect on essential mechanical and electronic components. The importance of component cleanliness has increased as the trend for complexity continues. What has become known as ‘technical cleanliness’ is a value-adding component of a product, affecting its quality, function and service life. Considering the, todate rather undefined, requirements imposed by its customers, which simply state maximum permitted values for contamination on products, Arnold Umformtechnik has now developed Cleancon. The procedural system can be used to implement the cleanliness requirements of VDA 19 and ISO 1623201. Working closely with the customer, Arnold establishes a test procedure to determine the maximum values of a cleanliness class for each component. Where necessary, Arnold makes its own fully equipped laboratory and the test specifications available to the customer.

Arnold scores gold for ‘Fastener Express’ Arnold Unformtechnik won the gold award at December’s ‘turntec’ Fair in Frankfurt, for its rapid prototyping concept, ‘Fastener Express’. The jury was convinced by Arnold’s concept, principally because of its process reliability, and the resulting extremely complex prototypes, produced to near-series characteristics in a quarter of the usual time and at a quarter of the usual cost. The decision was also influenced by Arnold’s unique “bulk production check” carried out by Fastener Express experts on every component commissioned. This process assesses, at prototype stage, the optimum full scale production process, for example cold forming or turning. The award, determined by a jury of experts representing users, universities and the technical press, was presented by Dr Joachim Wuermerling, state secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology.

FERA Seminar – Bolt tightening strategies The Fastener Engineering and Research Association presents its next seminar on Tuesday 29 April 2008, at the National Metalforming Centre, West Bromwich. The way designers select bolts and nuts for particular applications remains a mystery to many people. This seminar gives some insight into the way those decisions are made, and how the tightening of bolts can be specified. Ralph Emery was the engineer responsible at Rover for making the detailed decisions on fixings for the Rover K-series engine. Most of the bolting was straightforward in this engine,

but the 17.5” length cylinder head bolts presented some unique problems. In this talk, Ralph discusses why Rover decided to use these very long bolts, and how the properties and performance of the engine influenced the decisions he made on the cylinder head bolting and sealing, and the way they bolts were tightened. Simon Cole is the Ford Key account manager at Atlas Copco Tools, who have developed comprehensive software to predict the performance of various tightening systems. In this talk he shows how the software can give guidance on the performance of various

Bolted Joint Engineering – new book Beuth has published Bolted Joint Engineering Fundamentals and applications, authored by Tomotsugu Sakai.

tightening methods, in particular, the influence on the confidence of achieving consistent clamp load. Brent Seager is Engineering Advisor to JoMatt Consultancy, which has the agency for a new Japanese built electric impact wrench. This product avoids the traditional problems with this type of tool, being rugged and durable, but has control and data storage capability. It is believed that this tool represents a real advance in fastener tightening technology, being lighter and easier to handle than many alternatives.

Sonderschrauben Güldner relocates The manufacturers of special screws and CNC turned parts relocated its company site to Niederstetten at the end of last year. Güldner produces small and medium-size lots using the latest CNC equipment. The production, stores and administration will be geographically combined at the new site.

This English language book describes in detail the design and manufacture of bolted joints and investigates sources of error in commonly used types, helping selection of the right joint. Calculations of bolted joints are also illustrated in the form of practical exercises. Beuth says that for students of engineering and young professionals these offer an in-depth introduction and encourage a differentiated approach to the subject, while for more experienced engineers the book is an essential source of information. The book is available from www.beuth.de at 49 euros plus delivery costs.

Yearly UK training under way Fischer fixings’ yearly programme of training for distributors and end-users in the UK is under way. These training sessions offer an opportunity to gain a good working knowledge of all different fixing types, from lightweight wall plugs through to heavy-duty metal anchors and resin systems. They include both theory aspects of fixings technology and also plenty of hands-on practical experience with the various fixing types. Specific issues, such as fixings for plumbing and sanitary applications, can be covered in considerable detail,

depending on the requirements of the trainees. The dates for the remainder of the year are as follows: Wednesday 30th April 2008 Wednesday 9th July 2008

These sessions are held at fischer’s UK head office in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, and run from 9.30am through to 4.00pm with a light lunch included. The formal training sessions at Wallingford are in addition to a large amount of site training and sessions held at customers’ premises. There are also bespoke training sessions organised with particular customers and CPD-approved seminars for architects, engineers and local authorities.

Wednesday 17th September 2008 Wednesday 19th November 2008

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Fast profit for Black Country boys Two Black Country men were galvanised into action when their employer of more than three decades went into administration. Eighteen months on and Kevin Jew and Kenneth Mole have exceeded all forecasts and are looking to turn over £500,000 in their second year of running their own business, K J Fasteners of Dudley. The pair, who had both worked for century-old Thomas William Lench up until it ceased trading in May 2006, turned to Business Link West Midlands for advice on striking out on their own as nut and bolt distributors. And, following grant aid to pay for consultants to draw up a business plan covering the nuts and bolts of going it alone, they turned in a reasonable profit, as opposed to a predicted loss of £1,000, in their first twelve months. Now, after help and advice from their quality

consultant Peter Hackett to meet quality standards ISO 9001 and BS8555 –the Acorn environmental accreditation - K J Fasteners, is aiming to add to its customer base and increase its workforce. Kevin, a former sales manager with Thomas William Lench, believes the key to their success is flexibility and an ability to respond to very short lead times. He explained: “Customers in today’s market are not prepared to stock and, therefore, require exact counts when and where they are needed. By holding high volumes of strategic stock and packing into specific sets we are able to meet this demand.” Fellow director Ken Mole said “After each working for the same company for more than 30 years going it alone was a big step for us, but we both felt we didn’t want to work for anyone else and that the market was there for a small company.”

Kee Safety expands sales team Kee Safety Ltd has appointed David Simpson as sales executive to its Safe Fixings business which includes its BeamClamp® and BoxBolt® secondary steelwork fixings used in curtain walling and other applications. David joins Kee Safety Ltd from curtain walling specialist, Kawneer UK, where he worked as an Architectural Advisor. “I am delighted to join the Kee® Safety team” says David. “I joined the company due to its market presence and its pro-active approach to selling products worldwide. I’m looking forward to growing our business in curtain walling and a range of other applications - it’s a very exciting time to be involved.”

Jubilee® Clips moves forward Jubilee® Clips Limited, manufacturers of the Jubilee® worm drive hose clip has moved its operations to larger premises within the Medway Towns Still located in Gillingham, UK, where the business was founded in 1921 and home of Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Lumley Robinson, inventor of the Jubilee® Clip, the new building is located on the banks of the river Medway. L Robinson & Co (Gillingham) Ltd, the parent company and owners of the registered trademark Jubilee®, completed the move within a year without any disruption to business or customers on any of the six continents where the product is used.

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Running for the ambulance A perfect sunny, 26-degree Spanish day - just what you need when running 26 miles 385 yards. “It was just a bit warm by midday”, says Gary Dixon, “so I was very happy with 4 hours 23 minutes.” In saner moments, of course, Gary is commercial director for Caparo Atlas Fastenings. On March 2, though, he was one of over 9,000 competitors in the Barcelona Marathon. Gary was running for the benefit of the St. John Ambulance ¬ an independent UK charity that, through 45,000 volunteers, delivers 5 million hours of community service each year and provides the UK’s largest fleet of ambulances. Gary will be back in action, for the same charity, at the London Marathon on 13 April. To show your support with a donation contact gary.dixon@atlasfastenings.com

Bank of England governor visits McArthur UK based McArthur Group received a visit from the Bank of England governor Mervyn King, during his visit to the Bristol in January. The McArthur Group is the only family-run company King visited during his tour of the region. Established in 1839, the company now operates out of thirteen offices nationally, employs over 480 members of staff and has recently passed the £100 million turnover mark for the first time in its history. During his visit King met the fourth generation of

McArthurs, brothers and directors James and Dayrell McArthur, who are still very much involved with the day to day running of the company. Director Dayrell McArthur says: “It was an honour to welcome Mervyn King to McArthur Group and to have the opportunity to showcase our work here. McArthur has been trading for over 160 years, and has recently undergone considerable growth. “During his visit Mr. King met members of staff in the galvanising plant and saw the galvanising process in action.”

New appointment looks to the future WTI Fasteners Ltd, the UK based manufacture of wire thread inserts, has appointed John Rendle to the newly created position of technical sales engineer. John will have the responsibility for developing the customer bases of both WTI Fasteners and also WTI Nonpareil, the manufacturer of close tolerance taps and dies. With 47 years experience in specialist engineering, 14 of which have been in sales and technical support on wire thread inserts, John brings a wealth of experience to the rapidly expanding WTI Group.

By John Wolz editor@FastenerNews.com FIN Survey: North American fastener prices up in 2007 with more increases ahead • More than 65% of survey respondents reported a rise in costs during 2007. • The average pay raise dropped to 3.2% in 2007 from 4.6% the previous year. The number of companies holding the line on employee compensation nearly doubled from 2006. Three-quarters of fastener companies raised prices an average of 8.2% in 2007, according to the End of 2007 FIN Survey of the Fastener Industry.

• Nearly three-quarters of fastener companies increased their workforce or maintained current staffing levels in 2007.

• More price hikes are anticipated in the first half of 2008, as 92.3% of importers, 73.9% of distributors and 70% of manufacturers expect to raise prices in the next six months.

• Economic confidence is down. Executives expressed more confidence in the global economy than in North America. Confidence in the White House and the U.S. Congress on business issues continued to slide to record lows at the end of 2007.

• The percentage of fastener firms reporting sales increases in the 29th annual FIN Survey dropped from 70% for 2006 to less than 50% for 2007. Profits were steady as the FIN Profit Index remained the same as the year before. • The first month of 2008 brought increasing headlines about the U.S. economy heading into a recession. Though the percentage of fastener companies reporting actual sales increases declined from 2006 to 2007, the majority still had sales gains last year, observed Tony Casilio of AWP Research, who has been conducting the FIN Survey for 14 years.

• The FIN Company Performance Index held even at 6.8. The Index asks survey participants to rate their current company performance from 10 indicating record growth and profits to 0 for bankruptcy.

FIN survey indicators for 2008 Raw Material Prices – More than 75% of manufacturers expect raw material costs to increase during 2008. Sales – Nearly 60% forecast 2008 sales will be higher than 2007, down from the 69% prediction a year ago for 2007. Only 11.5% anticipate sales will drop. Profits – A 57.5% majority predict higher profits for 2008, while 23.9% expect profits to remain "about the same" and 10.6% are bracing for a drop in profits. Costs – A majority of survey participants are bracing for rising costs, with more than 56% anticipating at least a "moderate" cost increase. Only 26% think costs will remain stable. Capital Investment – A 39.8% majority plans to maintain their current rate of capital spending in 2008, while 30.1% anticipate increases. Pay Raises – Just over 60% of respondents plan to boost pay an average rate of 3.2%. Operating Capacity – Manufacturers anticipate increasing operating

capacity to a level not seen since the 1990s. Of the End of 2007 FIN Survey participants, distributors totaled 40.7%, manufacturers 35.4% and importers 11.5% of participants. The 29th annual FIN Survey is the first conducted entirely online and drew responses from 113 companies. Fasteners accounted for an average of 83% of the companies' sales. The companies averaged 3.3 plants/warehouses and ranged from one to more than 20 facilities. Eight participants reported annual sales under US $1 million, and five reported sales in excess of US $200 million. A total of 37.2% reported annual sales under US$5 million. A total of 4.45% had sales topping US$200 million. The End of 2007 FIN Survey questionnaire was available online from late November 2007 to the beginning of January 2008. Copies of the End of 2007 FIN Survey are available online or in print for US$95. E-mail: FIN@FastenerNews.com Tel: +1 503 335-0183 Fax +1 503 335-3451

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FINdex sees double-digit growth for second straight year The FIN Fastener Stock Index saw doubledigit growth for the second year in a row, gaining 19.9% during 2007, compared with a 6.2% increase by an index of related industrial stocks. During 2006 the FINdex rose 19.7% While Precision Castparts achieved a strong 77% gain in share value, B/E Aerospace

bested all other public companies that handle fasteners by doubling its share value in 2007. Other companies with share growth of at least 30% included Barnes, Honeywell, Kaydon, Park-Ohio and Dorman. Companies whose stock lost value during 2007 included Black & Decker, Chicago Rivet, Lawson and Paulin.

Rate of China fastener export growth slows The rate of growth for steel and copper fastener exports from China slowed in 2007, though the overall tonnage continued to climb, according to official figures from the Chinese government. China fastener exports increased 24.2% to 2.59 million tons in 2007, down from the 37.3% growth rate recorded in 2006, Xinhua News Agency reports. The export value gained 37% to US$3.34 billion last year, slightly higher than the 33.1% increase in value during 2006. During the final month of 2007 China exported 210,303 tons of steel and copper fasteners, with the shipment value pegged at $288.84 million. According to government figures, China fastener exports grew 33.8% to 1.14 million tons in 2004, while exports growth reached 32.7% to 1.52 million tons in 2005.

Aerospace fastener sales robust in 2007 Many publicly traded fastener companies saw strong sales and income growth in 2007, most notably those with aerospace fastener holdings. Precision Castparts reported a 24% overall jump in fastener product sales during their fiscal third quarter. Aerospace sales grew even faster, posting a 40% gain on the strength of Cherry Aerospace's performance. Other companies with double-digit revenue growth included Fastenal, Nucor, Anixter, Grainger and Bossard.

Bossard CFO Stephan Zehnder proclaimed 2007 "a very successful year," with organic sales growth of 7.4% to a new company record. Anixter achieved revenue gains of 19% as it pushed to expand market share in Europe, where sales growth topped 30%. Anixter started 2008 with a "strong backlog." Companies serving automotive markets had to settle for more moderate gains. ITW's fastener products revenue in North America rose 1.5%, hampered by weaknesses in the housing and OEM markets.

The year's lone stock split among fastener companies was offered by Paulin during the second quarter of 2007. No public fastener companies were bought out by private investors during 2007. During 2006, companies divesting their fastener holdings or being taken private during 2006 included Aviall, GE and Textron.

Global Fastener Study: Worldwide sales to top US$50.3 Billion Worldwide sales of industrial fasteners are projected to exceed US$50.3 billion by 2010, according to a new report by San Jose, CA-based Global Industry Analysts. "Growth in the global industrial fasteners market over the next 4-5 years is to be powered mainly by an economic boom in the developing nations, particularly in the Asia and Latin America" according to Industrial Fasteners Market Report. "Increased construction activities and a spurt in production levels of consumer durables are to increasingly drive demand for fasteners in both the advanced and developing nations," the publisher announced to FastenerNews.com. The 506-page report found that industrial fastener demand will growth mostly in the areas of electronic and construction markets. Demand for industrial fasteners is growing significantly as a result of the boom in the construction industry, particularly in the non-housing sector. However, the U.S. market is expected to slowdown in 2007 & 2008 due to housing slump and weakness in industrial and automotive sectors, the report found. "A steep decline in profit margin along with a need to maintain the highest quality is driving relatively smaller players in the global fastener industry towards consolidation. An increasing number of players are tying up with other part/component manufacturers, positioning themselves as 'industry specific' system and service providers." Bolts represent the largest product segment worldwide, with sales estimated at US$22.4 billion in 2007. The market for screws is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 5.8% over the analyzed period 2001-2010. The automotive industry remains the largest end user for industrial fasteners, accounting for about 26% of the global sales value in 2007. However, the mechanical engineering segment is projected to post the fastest annual growth among end-use segments by 2010. Europe dominates the global market with sales estimated at US$13.6 billion in 2007. Germany is poised to emerge as the regional market with fastest annual growth rate, at a CAGR of 5% over the period 2001-2010. Bolts and screws dominate the US fasteners market with an estimated market share of 53% and 22% respectively in 2007. The report also noted that the use of plastic fasteners is a trend catching on with consumers. Industrial Fasteners Market Report includes 212 market data tables and utilizes information from 265 companies. The complete report sells for US$3,950. It can also be purchased in sections. Web: strategyr.com/Industrial_Fasteners_Market_Report.asp

Brazil's iron ore price jumps 65%, pushing steel higher Major Asian steelmakers agreed to a 65% increase for iron ore from Brazilian miner Vale effective April 1, 2008. Jikyoon Park, director of purchasing for XL Screw Corporation, predicts another 5% to 10% fastener price increase from Taiwan and another 7% to 15% increase from China in the next three to six months. Park told FastenerNews.com the iron ore prices will result in "more price increases, a shortage of steel and longer lead times. High prices are here to stay with some small degree of fluctuation either way. There is a lot more upside than downside in price."

Iron ore price agreements with Nippon Steel Corp. and JFE Steel Corp. of Japan and Posco of South Korea are likely to increase prices to Chinese steel makers as contracts expire. Wire rod dealers in Taiwan and China have stopped selling in anticipation of getting higher prices as soon as steel mills announce second quarter prices, Park explained. Taiwan steel producer China Steel Corporation is expected to announce second quarter prices on March 6. "Our suppliers are predicting that CSC will increase prices 13% or more," Park reported. CSC has been the lowest price at US$150

to US$190 per metric ton and the second quarter price could jump US$100. The tight supply will impact factories without large quotas from major steel mills such as CSC and Baosteel of China, Park added. Smaller factories "have no choice but to buy material they need from local wire rod dealers at spot market price," Park explained. Subsequently some fastener factories are refusing orders unless customers agree to late August delivery because they cannot get the wire rod they need. Even the winter weather in China has constricted supply, as

steel could not be moved from mills to dealers and fastener factories. "The snow storm also damaged many facilities around the country," Park said. In just one month, Taiwan material costs have gone up by about US$96/mt (11%) for low carbon steel; US$120/mt (13%) for medium carbon steel; US$96/mt (9%) for alloy steel. Steel prices in China have jumped 5% to 7% since the lunar New Years holiday. What will happen after hosting the Olympics this summer "is anyone's guess," Park told FastenerNews.com.

Eck to succeed Grubbs as Anixter CEO Robert Grubbs will retire as president and CEO of Anixter International Inc. at the end of June 2008. Grubbs, who has held those posts since 1998 and has been with Anixter for 30 years, will continue to serve on the company's board of directors. Anixter COO Robert Eck, 49, will succeed Grubbs. Eck has been with Anixter for 17 years, holding senior management positions, including executive vice president of Enterprise Cabling and Security Solutions (2004-2007) and senior vice president â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Physical Security Products and Integrated Supply. After promising in 2005 to build a world-class fastener business, Anixter acquired UK-based Infast Group (2005); Italian fastener distributor MFU Holding SpA (2006); aerospace fastener distributor Eurofast SAS (2007); and UK-based fastener distributor Total Supply Solutions Ltd. (2007). The companies became part of Anixter Fasteners, which includes Anixter Pentacon,

U.S. fastener maker touts weak Dollar benefits

Walters Hexagon and Distribution Dynamics. Anixter Fasteners' 2,000 employees provide more than 185,000 products from 75 facilities in the U.S., UK, Canada, France and Italy. Sales for Glenview, IL-based Anixter topped US$5.85 billion in 2007, including 13.7% revenue growth to US$4.1 billion in North America.

China's Baosteel increases Prices 17% to 20%; Fastener prices to follow Baosteel of China announced steel prices will jump 17% to 20% as raw material costs surge.

While domestic consumers bemoan a weakening U.S. dollar, a Connecticut fastener manufacturer issued a press release touting the benefits of lower domestic currency value. Burlington-based precision fastener supplier Crescent Manufacturing said a weak U.S. dollar presents "strong international opportunities." "With the softening of the U.S. dollar against the European euro over the past year, many European marketing opportunities have presented themselves to US manufacturers," the company stated. "Crescent Manufacturing has expanded its international markets with the help of [the company] website,

European sales representatives and the Fastener Fair." Crescent said more U.S. companies are opening plants in Europe, prompting many U.S. distributors to open offices to support their customers. "This seems to have peaked some interest in U.S. fastener manufacturers by other European distributors as a viable source." Crescent cited "significant" interest for its products at Fastener Fair Stuttgart in September 2007. Crescent supplies fasteners and components to distributors in the aerospace, aviation, automotive, military, electronic and telecommunications industries.

"This increase is much higher than market expectation," Jikyoon Park of XL Screw reflected. "Our Chinese suppliers just notified me that all pending quotes are null and void and subject to final confirmation by their factories." Previous predictions of 7% to 15% fastener price increase in the next three to six months "is already here," Park told FastenerNews.com. "Inventory in our warehouses and many open orders have significantly cheaper cost compared to inventory that will hit our door after April 2008." The steel price increase in China follows an agreement by major Asian steelmakers to a 65% increase for iron ore from Brazilian miner Vale effective April 1, 2008.

Messe Frankfurt launches new fastener show in Guangzhou Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd will stage Asia Fastener at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, from 24 to 26 September 2008. The show will run alongside Asiamold, a fair covering mouldmaking and tooling, including design and development, first staged in 2007. The Asian show has developed from the strongly established Euromold event held in Frankfurt. The organiser says it is targeting 2,500 square metres of exhibition space for the inaugural fastener event, which it sees as

providing two ‘platforms’. The sourcing element of the event will be populated by fastener producers and suppliers coming mainly from China, Taiwan and other Asian countries – although the organisers are keen to entice European and US exhibitors seeking to penetrate the southern Chinese end user market. Deputy general manager Louis Leung says this element of the show will target high quality buyers and industrial user groups from not only China but also from overseas countries. The second element of the event will be a ‘manufacturing technology

platform’ with exhibitors offering manufacturing equipment, inspection machines, tooling and dies, and materials aimed at manufacturers of fasteners and similar parts. “We expect over 50% of the exhibitors here will come from outside China,” says Leung. Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt is not exaggerating the scale of the first Asia Fastener show and has made it clear it is committed to developing the event in the longer term. The show will come just two months after the 9th staging of the Guangzhou International Metal & Metallurgy Exhibition in Guangzhou (organised by Julang

Exhibition Co Ltd), which includes fastener, spring and manufacturing technology exhibitors. Louis Leung says his company has researched the opinions of exhibitors from the Julang event and believes that they need “another event that is more international, dedicated to the industry rather than mixed with unrelated exhibits in the same hall, and organised by a strongly established brand.” Julang, as this magazine reported after the 2007, has been extremely “enthusiastic” about the volume of visitors it attracts to the Metal & Metallurgy Exhibition.

Asia Fastener clearly has the backing of an internationally renowned exhibition organiser and demonstrates high levels of professionalism in its approach. Moreover, it has been far more realistic in its expectations of a first event. It does face the same challenge as Julang in attracting serious, high level buyers from and undoubtedly massive industrial base in Guangdong and the south of China. There is no doubt it recognises the challenge and is resolved to meet it and the opportunity for a professional fastener event in China certainly exists. Whether Guangzhou will ultimately prove to be the right collection remains to be proven.

Viraj increasing fastener capacity Indian stainless steel producer Viraj Group has announced it is expanding its fastener manufacturing capacity to 36,000 tonnes per annum. The new plant is being built in Tarapur, near Mumbai at an initial cost of over 13 million euros. Viraj started production of bolts, screws and threaded bars in 2006. The company says it sees strong growth prospect in the fastener category and this move will further consolidate its market position as a quality producer of stainless steel fasteners.

Jiaxing Association goes public on AD in Brussels In an extremely unusual move, senior figures of the Jiaxing Association of Fasteners held a press conference in Brussels in February. They called on the EU not to hit their members’ exports with antidumping duties, arguing that European consumers and companies would also suffer. Members of the association are responsible for supplying an estimated 149 million euros of fasteners into Europe. "We want to use this channel to urge

European Union consumers and importers to fight with us as this case represents their interests too," said Tu Zhiqing, deputy secretary of the Jiaxing Association of Fasteners Import and Export Companies. Mr Tu went on to say that European fastener makers no longer produce equivalent product to that exported by China. He argued that EC investigators should exclude from consideration the arguments of European fastener producers who also have plants in China, saying that doing this would bring the market share of complainants to less than the

minimum required to justify an investigation. Trade lawyer Robert Maclean, acting for the Association, argued that these companies could escape duties on shipments to Europe if the Commission deemed their business practices to be in line with a normal market economy, something not usually granted to Chinese companies. The Jiaxing Association also pointed out that increases in the cost of steel have resulted in a 50% increase in their export prices. If duties are applied by August, Mr Tu added, Chinese producers could ask their government to take action against the EU at the WTO.

by Elena Semak, editor-in-chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine. www.metiz-info.com.ua Rechitsa making self tapping screws Rechitsa Hardware Plant has started producing self tapping screws following a major investment in production equipment, including heat treatment and plating, last year. General director Adam Vashkov says the first 200 tonnes of screws are being shipped to Russian customers. This represents approximately one month’s production for the Taiwanese headers and thread rollers installed in 2007. Rechitsa also installed a phosphate coating line with 80 tonnes per month capacity and an automatic

packaging line. Screws are being produced from wire rod to SAE 1018 from the Belarusian steel works. Rechitsa’s plant, which was established in 1912 and employs 2,000 people, is located in the south east of Belarus, near the Ukraine and Russian borders. The plant manufactures bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, woodscrews and wire as well as the nails for which it is mainly known. Over the last 9 years export business has grown from around 2 million to 20 million euros, with 85% of product now destined for Europe.

Wire & Fasteners Ukraine 2008

Severstal-metiz buys hot-forge press The Orel plant of Severstal-metiz has taken delivery of a hot forge press in order to develop its fastener making capability. Until now the plant has only produced fasteners using cold heading equipment. The press, delivered from Belgium, will produce fastener hardware by means of hot forging with an initial temperature of

800ºC. The high productivity, automatic machine is designed to produce internal thread fasteners from M20 to M30 for bridge and mechanical engineering. Its introduction is intended to reduce the production cost of certain fasteners and allow the development of new ranges. Installation of the press is planned in the first half of 2008, so that it can be launched in July 2008.

MMK-METIZ develop low-waste production techniques In 2007 a group of experts from the central laboratory of the enterprise, engineering office and press shop of the JSC MMK-METIZ conducted scientific research on development of lowwaste technologies of manufacturing specialpurpose fasteners. The commercial relevance of the research is in presenting possibilities to increase the competitive

capacity of production through quality improvement and cost reduction. The result of the research was the introduction of advanced low-waste manufacturing techniques in four types of fasteners. This included the technology to produce a new product type, an M12 bolt with a reduced head and fine pitch thread. The new manufacturing method, which represents

a significant advance on comparable processes, provides extended service life and fail-safety of the fastener, together with a reduction in metal consumption. The new techniques are being applied to terminal-block bolts, hexagon head bolts and special bolts with fillister heads. Installation of the press is planned in the first half of 2008, so that it can be launched in July 2008.

Wire & Fasteners Ukraine 2008, will be held as part of the Kyiv Technical Trade Show at the Kyiv Expo Plaza, 18-20 June 2008. An international and all-Ukraine wire conference will be staged alongside the exhibition, which includes sections dedicated to tube products and technology, sheet metal and surface engineering. Metiz Magazine will participate in the exhibition and is hoping to stage a seminar on “Modern equipment for hardware production”.

Denker plans 45 million euros investment at Silur and Stalkanat plants LLC Industrial and Investment Company Denker, the strategic investor in OJSC Silur and OJSC Stalkanat, is about to invest 45 million euros into modernisation of the two works in the period 2008-2011, according to InterfaxUkraine. Sergey Firemark, chairman of Denker board of directors, told the information agency, that a complex program of

technical retooling and modernisation will be implemented in a phased manner. “We have a program of technical retooling and modernisation for the next four years that will be realised step-by-step together with a gradual reconstruction. We will renovate the whole metallurgical complex of both enterprises,” he explained. According to Mr Firemark,

the plants have already begun to renovate the equipment. He noted that finance for the program would come from the operating profits of the plants and from external credit resources. He also commented that hardware plants in Ukraine, generally, operate on worn out and outdated equipment, “so the growth rates of production costs are enormous nowadays and there are great risks that

Ukrainian economics may not cope with it” Concerning production cost components the chairman of board of directors of IIC Denker noted that natural gas comprises only a small element of total production cost of manufactured goods, so it has a minimal influence on the hardware industry. However, the cost levels of feedstock for producing hardware have a major impact on the value of the yield.

“We have our own method of surviving in complex economic conditions, this is reconstruction, and this way we will work,” stressed the head of the company. At the same time he added that IIC Denker is ready to work with any raw material – Ukrainian (rod produced at Arcelor Mittal Krivoy Rog and Makeevka metallurgic plant), Russian or European.

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Safety – a passion at fischer Fischer is widely known for the innovation of its products, unsurprisingly since the company invented the world’s first nylon construction fixing, the first steel anchor to work on the undercut principle and it was responsible for a number of other innovation milestones. What should be equally appreciated is the way that this innovation feeds into the safety Safety is something of an obsession at fischer. That is why all its fixings are rigorously tested and the fischer group has more fixings with European Technical Approvals than any other company. It also represents a commitment which goes far beyond the actual products themselves and is rooted within the company’s philosophy. Any discussion of fixings safety needs to be a lot broader than a mere consideration of the technical competence of a product. It should consider a wide range of issues including correct specification of fixings for the task required, the substrate involved, and also correct installation practice. Whenever rigorous analysis is conducted into reasons for fixings failure, it is often found that there is not a single

cause that can be laid solely at the door of product failure, but that many other factors have contributed as well. To assist the market in this regard fischer has carried out training sessions with end-users for many years. In fact fischer has

trained some 3,000 people in the UK over the last two years. fischer’s training includes a mix of formal sessions carried out at the company’s premises and also less formal sessions carried out at the customer’s premises or even on site from one of the special fischer technical support vehicles. This year fischer is announcing a major product launch with safety at its heart. Firestop from fischer is a complete range of fire prevention products for use in construction projects. The range includes mastics, foams, sealants, putties and pipe sleeves, all offering fire protection capabilities and designed for use in building and refurbishment projects. The product range meets all the relevant British Standards for fire resistance and comes with the usual fischer guarantee of quality. The entire range, including different sizes and variants, comprises over 60 products and will make a major contribution to fire safety in construction. Fire protection is also built-in to fischer’s standard fixings range. Fire protection is of critical importance in fixings technology, for example to secure the functionality and structural stability of railings, utility systems and ceiling elements. Many fischer fixings, in

particular its electrical fixings, carry a fire rating. Fire inhibiting fixings carry a rating of F30 or F60, meaning they resist fire for 30 or 60 minutes, while fire resistant fixings carry a rating of F90, F120 or F180. Aside from fire, possibly the greatest potential impact on the integrity of a fixing is corrosion, caused by a chemical reaction in which the metal deteriorates. This can happen in any environment, but mostly in external installations and the worst corrosion takes place in typically aggressive environments, such as transportation tunnels, saline environments or swimming pools with a chlorinated atmosphere. Steel fixings are available in a variety of formats – such as zinc-plated, which gives only limited corrosion-resistance in a dry environment, or in A4 which are alloyed with chrome for greater protection, or in a specialist alloy such as 1.4529 for the best, but most expensive, survivability in the most aggressive environments. When unfortunate instances of fixings failure occur, which can have tragic consequences, it is not infrequently found that a cheaper zinc-plated fixing has been used when the installation in reality demands a higher corrosion resistance. Another factor which must be born in mind is the issue of cracked concrete. Cracks can occur in concrete structures at any time. Causes can include dead weight on the concrete, traffic loads, wind loads or subsidence. Faced with these types of stresses, the steel

stairways, handrails and steel constructions of all types. It is therefore designed for use in the building services sector, steel construction, civil engineering and refurbishment projects. The FBN II is fire-resistant to F120. A key feature of the FBN II is its long threaded length. This permits considerable flexibility in terms of embedment depth and also enables the installation of stand-off fixings. It is also easier to install than many competitor products, requiring fewer hammer strokes and just a few turns of the nut. A popular and unique fixing is the fischer FNA II Nail Anchor, which has been developed to enable straightforward anchoring in any conditions. Drill the hole, strike three times with a hammer, and the FNA II sits tight. It’s as simple as that – and the unique aspect of this anchor is its ability to combine ease of installation with a high degree of safety, since it is the first anchor of this type to boast a European Technical Approval for use in ceilings made from concrete of class C12/15 (B15). reinforcements within the concrete are able to stretch and take the strain, but the concrete itself has no such elasticity, and small, mostly invisible, cracks open up in the so-called tensile zone. It is therefore important that fixings selection bears this in mind and a fixing is employed which is suitable for use in cracked concrete. Typically this will be an undercut, expanding anchor or special resin anchor. Safety aspects have been at the top of the list of considerations with fischer’s latest generation of Mk.II fixings. These are typified by the characteristic ‘black belt’ – an expansion clip finished in black which distinguishes these fixings from any others. The fischer FH II is an example of a high performance sleeve anchor which offers the highest performance in both cracked and non-cracked concrete. It has a European Technical Approval at Option 1 for use in cracked concrete and F90 Fire Resistance capability. The FH II offers up to 21 per cent higher permissible tensile load capacity and double the shear load capacity of its predecessor, the FH. The fixing achieves this impressive performance as a result of the interaction between the expansion sleeve and the cone. When the screw or nut is tightened, the cone is pulled into the expansion sleeve and tightens against the inside of the drill hole. This fixing is particularly suitable for use in situations where the aesthetic appearance is important. Unlike with bolt anchors, where a length of threaded bolt can protrude from the

fixing, in the case of the FH II, the head of the fixing will remain flush with the surface, if the countersunk head option is chosen. Applications include the installation of stairways, railings, brackets, ladders, shelving units, steel constructions or shuttering props. All of these can be installed in safety guaranteed by fischer technology, eliminating any risk of personal injury or damage to property. For non-cracked concrete fischer offers the FBN II metal anchor. The FBN II is ideal for anchoring such fixtures as cable trays, ladders,

The benefits of the fischer FNA II Nail Anchor are particularly evident in series installation. The small drill hole diameter and the low anchoring depth save time and money during installation. No special drills or other tools are required. Notwithstanding its ease of installation, the FNA is no lightweight, with retaining values of 1.2kN and a minimum anchoring depth of 25mm. The FNA II is offered in zinc-plated steel, stainless steel grade A4 and highly corrosion-resistant steel grade 1.4592 in a variety of different head designs.

Fastener Fair Coventry 2008 Where: Coventry, UK When: 11 Jun - 12 Jun 2008 Web: www.fastenerfair.com What: The fastener event for the UK and Ireland markets

WIRE Dusseldorf 2008 Where: When: Web : What:

D端sseldorf, Germany 31 Mar - 4 Apr 2008 www.iwma.org/dusseldorf.cfm Wire and cable, including fastener manufacturing technology

Mosbuild 2008 Where: When: Web : What:

Moscow, Russia 1 Apr - 4 Apr 2008 www.mosbuild.com Construction technology, materials and equipment

Construma International Building Trade Exhibition Where: When: Web : What:

Budapest, Hungary 9 Apr - 13 Apr 2008 www.construma.hu Construction technology, materials and equipment

Hannover Industrial Fair Where: When: Web : What:

Hannover, Germany 21 Apr - 25 Apr 2008 www.hannovermesse.de Industrial products, technologies and services

Technical hardware, Fastener & Technologies Fair Where: When: Web : What:

Istanbul, Turkey 5 Jun - 8 Jun 2008 www.technicalhardwarefair.com Technical hardware, fasteners & technologies

The 9th China (Guangzhou) Metal and Metallurgy Exhibition Where: When: Web : What:

Guangzhou, China 23 Jun -26 Jun 2008 www.julang.com.cn/english Metal industries and materials including fasteners.

China Building and Decoration Fair Where: When: Web : What:

Guangzhou, China 6 Jul - 9 Jul 2008 www.cbd.merebo.com Building and hardware material

Practical World Shanghai Where: When: Web : What:

Shanghai, China 17 Sep - 19 Sep 2008 www.koelnmesse.com Hardware and DIY sector

National Industrial Fastener Show/East Fastener Fair Budapest Where: Columbus, USA When: 20 May - 21 May 2008 Web : www.fastenershows.com What: Fasteners and fastener manufacturing technology

Hardware + Tools Middle East Where: When: Web : What:

Dubai, UAE 25 May - 27 May 2008 www.messefrankfurtme.com/hardware Tools, hardware, ironmongery, workshop and woodworking

Where: When: Web : What:

Budapest, Hungary 22 Sep - 23 Sep 2008 www.fastenerfair.com The fastener event for the eastern europe market

Asia Fastener Where: When: Web : What:

Guangzhou, China 24 Sep - 26 Sep 2008 www.asiafastener-china.com Specialist fastener show aimed at user market

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Indian show looks to develop fastener content IIHT Expo 2007 + Fastener Expo 2007 Mumbai, December 2007 IIHT is the India International Hardware and Tools exhibition. The 2007 show, which incorporated a specific fastener event, was the sixth edition, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. India is currently witnessing the highest growth in both the construction and automotive markets during the last two decades and organiser, Unitech Exhibitions, is keen to promote the role of IIHT as “India’s only and exclusive event for hand tools, power tools, fasteners and related products”. It is a relatively young exhibition company established in 2001, which appears to be developing a track record in niche trade shows, ranging from hardware to bottled water, and roofing to bus and truck, both in India and in the United Arab Emirates. From reports provided by the organisers and also from Bracecorp Publications Pvt. Ltd., to whom we are very grateful, the reality is that IIHT is still a small show, with a total in 2007 of 145 booths occupying a gross exhibition area of 5,000 square metres. Of these 20 were Taiwanese, 42 Chinese and 70 Indian. Fastener exhibitors included Avdel India, Sundram Fasteners, Caparo Fasteners, Right Tight Fasteners, Viraj Fasteners, Alcoa Fastening Systems, MKS Dorken, Deepak Fasteners, Sterling Tools, Forex Fasteners, Micro Screws, Rajaratna Fasteners, Atul Fasteners and Kamtress. International tool brands included Gedore, Wiha, Nitto and Miyanaga, in addition to a substantial number of well-known Indian producers. Unitech report 4,200 visitors to the three day event and highlighted the attendance of buyers from major engineering and automotive companies including: “TATA, Hyundai Bajaj Auto, Indian Railways and Shipyards”. Overall the visitor profile is extremely mixed. Unitech lists: exporters and importers, distributors, traders and retailers, engineering firms and OEMs, builders, contractors and furniture manufacturers, architects and designers, as well as a long list of service trades – carpenters, locksmiths, plumbers, garden services, and decorators. This year IIHT will be held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, 19 – 21 December.

Fastener Fair – Budapest A new exhibition for Eastern Europe their own right is proving highly attractive to manufacturing and assembly. Peugeot Citroen, for example, reduced its western European

In recent years China has exported deflation, making the decision to relocate assembly to the Far East a clear, even compulsory, one for western producers. Now, though, a rapid reversal is occurring. Rampant raw material increases; sea freight costs to Europe more than doubled in 2007; labour costs set to increase by 40% in 2008 as a result of skills shortages and new labour laws. China’s imperative to be cleaner and greener in an Olympic year impacting manufacturer. Europe’s ‘near East’ still presents some challenges but the attractions of near market, low-cost economies - some newly members of the EU, others working hard to achieve acceptance – which are also rapidly developing as market places in

workforce by over 10,000 last year but increased production at plants in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Turkey. Controversially, Nokia is closing a factory in Germany and opening a new plant in Romania. Daimler is

reported to be choosing between Poland and Romania to locate a new Mercedes car plant. Slovakia now will soon have the

highest per capita output of cars in the world. Samsung is adding an LCD plant in Slovakia to existing computer monitor and TV factories. Hungary’s exports grew by 18% in 2006 and 15% in 2007. Romania attracted 9 billion FDI in 2006. Croatia is committed to achieving EU entry standards by end of 2008. This year the Ukraine is expected to ratify WTO membership, paving the way to more open trading relationships. Throughout the region construction is burgeoning. Labour costs are, of course, crucial. Polish hourly wages are around a quarter those of Germany, Romania about a seventh. Slovakia combines one of the lowest wage

economies in Eastern Europe with exceptional labour flexibility. Hungary has the lowest earnings for the highest productivity in central and eastern Europe. Workforces are often highly skilled, in countries with strong traditions and standards in engineering, science and technology. The attractions are obvious, and governments are keen to facilitate the establishment of prestige and high technology companies. Hungary is at the centre of this development, with Slovakia, then Czech Republic and Poland to the North; Ukraine to the West; Romania, with Bulgaria beyond, to the South West; Croatia and Serbia to the South; and Slovenia and Austria to the West. In population terms central and

solution – join us in pushing new boundaries at Fastener Fair Budapest 2008.

eastern Europe represents a market of over 150 million people, equivalent to Russia, or greater than the markets of Germany and France combined. All of which, of course, means the consumption of all kinds of fasteners and fixings – the demand for better, more cost effective, innovative solutions. Solutions your company is already tried and tested at offering. So, to explore new relationships, gauge new potentials, maybe to link up with existing customers, where better than one of Europe’s most beautiful, and in business terms, strategically located cities. Sure, pushing new boundaries is never risk free, but how else do you discover new opportunities? Where do you start? How do you control the cost? We have a time and cost effective

The exhibition takes place on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2008. With a comprehensive air network into Budapest’s and a nearby venue, exhibitors could ‘do’ Fastener Fair – Budapest in three days. Unless of course you’d want to enjoy one of Europe’s favourite cities, and go for the weekend. In addition to the visitors you’d expect to see at a Fastener Fair, this exhibition will be marketed to large end users. From an exhibitor prospective this visitor profile provides a gauge of both ends of the market, from the end user to the distributor. Visitors will be easily identifiable, making recognising potential prospects simple.

Exhibitors have a range of shell scheme packages to choose from. This straightforward stand ‘menu’ provides exhibitors with hassle free preparation; it is literally a fly in, fly out exhibition. Come in on Sunday, set up: do the show on Monday and Tuesday, and be back at your desk by Wednesday. Utilising Fastener Fairs event organisational skills everything will be done on www.fastenerfair.com from booking your hotels, ordering your stand, and if you’ve got the time, reserving your ticket for the evening river cruise on the Danube on the first night of the show. For more information about reserving your stand please contact the sales team on +44 (0) 1727 739 150 or email jerry@fastfair.net

All systems go for Fastener Fair Coventry! With Fastener Fair Coventry’s exhibition space almost full and large numbers of visitors already pre-registered, it looks like this summer’s industry event for the UK and Ireland is one not to be missed.

about the implications of the latest round of raw material increases.

Taking place at the Ricoh Arena on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June 2008, Fastener Fair Coventry represents all aspects of the market. It brings together well over 100 exhibiting companies, representing manufacturers, machine suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters and tool suppliers, in addition to trade associations and suppliers of services and related products.

In addition to the serious business of the exhibition, Fastener Fair Coventry is the one time every two years when the UK and Ireland industry comes together to “network and play”, in the words of Jerry Ramsdale. The highlight of this is the industry’s famous Gala Dinner, which is always held on the first night of the show. This year, diners will be entertained by one of the UK’s top comedians, John Moloney.

Although Fastener Fair Coventry is exclusively for the markets of the UK and Ireland – compared to the internationally focused Fastener Fair Stuttgart – its exhibitors are drawn from all over the world, with the specific intention of getting ‘face to face’ with the two markets.

The Gala Dinner will be supporting Dreams Come True. This charity – which helps make the dreams of terminally or seriously ill children a reality – is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the aim of increasing the number of dreams fulfilled by 20%.

There’s a lot of speculation about how things may change when the European Commission reports later this year on its anti-dumping investigation into a wide range of steel fasteners imported from the China. Some manufacturers see opportunities if tariffs are imposed and are keen to position themselves at Fastener Fair. For the importers the show is an important opportunity to talk to customers, not just about the possibility of antidumping measures but also

Among the fun to be had in the evenings is the on-site casino. Called the Isle, it offers as much for visitors who don’t want to gamble as those who do. The Isle has five bars, a live performance stage and three restaurants in a themed tropical environment, which even features a 35metre high indoor waterfall.

Thinking of visiting? To pre-register: Go to www.fastenerfair.com and follow the links. Venue: Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 6GE Exhibition dates: 11 and 12 June 2008

Fastener Fair Coventry visitors and exhibitors will be entitled to a special two-forone drinks offer; but don’t forget your photo ID, which you’ll need to access the casino. last few stands (red) available at Coventry

+44 (0) 1727 739 150

For more information call:

Fastener Fair - Gala Dinner 2008 Ricoh Arena, 11th June

Fastener Fair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Coventry 2008 Ricoh Arena, 11th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12th June

Alfons van der Aa Chief Executive, FABORY Group Transforming a major fastener distribution business from family ownership, through two majority private equity ownerships to become a tightly focused, profitable global player, poised for energetic growth is no mean feat. It takes extraordinary commitment from an extraordinary individual. Phil Matten met Alfons van der Aa at FABORY’s headquarters in Tilburg, Netherlands.

Alfons van der Aa is 48 years old, proudly a family man with four young children. He was born and now lives in Rotterdam. He studied originally at Delft for a Masters in electrical engineering and was first blooded in the fastener industry, early in his career, as sales and marketing director for Emhart Teknologies, based for three years at Birmingham, in the UK. “From there Black and Decker transferred me to corporate roles,” explains van der Aa, “moving me to Dubai as general manager for all its products, including power tools, with responsibility for a market that extended from India and Pakistan, through the CIS countries and Middle East Africa.” “It was a good time and a lot of travelling,” he recalls. “Then we had our first child, so we returned to the Netherlands, where I joined Philips Electronics.” There, already with strengths in sales, marketing and general management, van der Aa gained crucial expertise in mergers and acquisitions. “Firstly I managed Philips batteries, which I successfully sold to Matushita (Panasonic).” He was promoted to CEO of Philips Luminaires – a billion Euro business with twenty-five factories and 10,000 people. “ I wanted to buy it because it was in very bad shape but they would not allow it.” So van der Aa announced his departure from Philips.

“It was quite by coincidence I came back into the fastener industry. I was looking around and a headhunter set up a meeting with John Borstlap. From the first second there was a very good relationship between us – that was the trick, really, for everything that came after.” From the beginning Borstlap also made it clear that he expected van der Aa to sell the business out of family ownership. “I was not only to be CEO but also to arrange the sell-off.” Alfons van der Aa was appointed CEO of, then, Borstlap Masters in Fasteners in September 2002. In December 2004, supported by ABN Amro Capital he engineered a ‘classic management buy out’. “In the intervening two and half years I really focused on reorganising, restructuring and changing the strategy.” It is an important point. At that stage Borstlap, while already operating in 14 countries, was what van der Aa describes as a ‘wholesaler plus’ servicing all kinds of customers. “I changed that to a company focusing on two branches –large OEM customers, through a key account relationship – and smaller MRO customers, through the FABORY Centres.” 2002 and 2003 were not good economic years for Europe but van der Aa is clear this was not the motivation for the sale. “It was coincidence but sometimes it is possible to turn negative to positive. The economic climate gave me the opportunity to convince the family to release people from the business. It had never happened to that moment and it took a lot to convince the family, even though the numbers were not huge. It was crucial, though – a strong signal that change was around the corner.” Alfons van der Aa is emphatic that, throughout its 61 year history, the business was never in a loss making situation. “However, we always knew we could do a lot better – and we did.” When he joined the business it had revenues of around the 200 million euros. Van der Aa sold off a number of businesses that did not fit his strategic objectives, both in the Benelux and in

the Caribbean. “Nice businesses to

The sale to ABN Amro in 2004 naturally changed many things – not least, says Alfons van der Aa, the focus on cash. Typical of a family owned business property was largely owned. “We sold off the real estate, and also generated a lot of cash in other areas of the

market provides excellent growth potential and also a level of diversification that is fundamental if economic conditions do deteriorate. “The OEM branch tends to come earlier in the economic cycle, the MRO somewhat

growth in real terms. “In 2001-2003 the growth potential was not good. Yes, the economy was not so strong but the potential and mechanisms for growth were not there in the business. Now we are on a level of 8 to 10% autonomous growth annually.” Part of that strategy was enacting a clear focus into the two distinct but interlinked ‘branches’ of business – direct supply to OEM on one hand, characterised by defined, high unit volume ranges, and MRO, with a massive inventory supplying a high number of small, relatively low volume individual transactions. One of the keys to both businesses was the existing, highly automated, warehouse and logistics centre at Tilburg handling some 50,000 fastener articles and another 30,000 tools and ‘C’ part lines.

business. Combined with the strong growth of the FABORY Centres this helped us to sell the company again.”

later, so we have an important balance here. We are a ‘two-trick pony’, whereas many of our peers have only the one trick, which means they are more influenced by the economic cycle.”

have and to visit,” he says, “but I came to the conclusion it was better for local management to own them. I am glad to say we still have a good trading relationship.” In total the sell-offs represented around 20 million euros revenue. Currently FABORY turns over 270 million euros, a 90 million euros

Most private equity ownerships have a time defined exit strategy. In this case, though, the initiative clearly emanated from Alfons van der Aa. “In private equity timing is key. You can run a great company but if there are no buyers nothing happens. I strongly believed, twelve months ago, that the timing was right to sell. Looking back I am sure of it.” Alfons van der Aa acknowledges that the hybrid nature of the FABORY business, 50% OEM, 50% MRO, put off some fastener industry buyers. “The fact we could attract a major financial buyer, like HG Capital, is a clear indication that there is still plenty to leverage and improve in the business. They could clearly see the top line growth opportunity, in particular the growth of our FABORY Centre concept.” Alfons van der Aa is emphatic that the two pronged approach to the

OEM business is profitable for FABORY. “We make benchmark level margins,” says van der Aa, “We do this because we choose not to focus on the very big customers, like automotive. Our customers are slightly smaller, still very large, but ones where we have better leverage and can focus strongly on service. Price will always be part of the equation but if the customer puts it top of the list it is not a good fit for FABORY. May be they are good customers for other people, but not for us as our focus is on cost saving in the fastener acquisition process. Our logistics capability is a major strength, as is our global presence, in North America and China as well as throughout Eastern and Western Europe.” “The other strong branch we can grow is the FABORY Centres,” he continues. “Particularly in Eastern Europe the opportunities are ample although we have also succeeded here in Benelux, France and in Portugal. We added over 50 centres in the last two years; this year we expect to add more.” FABORY has tripled Eastern Europe sales over the last five years and continues to push the boundaries. It opened in Romania in 2006. “Now we have two Centres and

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month we opened in Bulgaria where there is also great potential.” Again FABORY’s logistics capability is key in servicing the market to exceptionally high levels. FABORY’s sourcing, inspection and packaging operation in China, Bopac, now handles 20,000 tonnes of fasteners per year. In 2002 little more than 5% of FABORY’s incoming products came from Asia, now the figure is nearer 60%. The transition has been managed without in any way compromising FABORY’s commitment to quality. “What it means now is that each container we receive at Tilburg is unpacked by a robot,” says Alfons van der Aa. “We have achieved both high levels of efficiency and confidence in our supply chain, which is part of the assurance we provide to all our customers.” Tilburg acts as central warehouse for the group’s European operation and despatches product direct to FABORY Centre customers in Benelux, Germany and parts of France. A similar, although predominantly manually operated, central warehousing and logistic operation services

Eastern Europe FABORY Centres and customers from Brno. The FABORY Centres each hold a core stock for immediate collection by or delivery to local customers. ‘Local’ is a key word. Each Centre has a local focus and it is fundamental to the concept that management and personnel are also from the locality. “This is how I typify the FABORY Centres,” explains Alfons van der Aa. “It is the local Mam and Pop shop, but with a highly efficient back office and logistics operation in the background. The service relationship is a local, intimate one.” There are four sales channels integral to the concept. Each FABORY Centre has one or two external sales people and a sales counter. Additionally there are regional call centres, again carefully staffed to ensure that inbound calls are answered in the right language, and accent. Finally, for e-business, there is an online shop: http://order.fabory.com. FABORY monitors the performance of each channel, in each location, as part of a range of key performance indicators. “Traffic through the channels does vary dependent on location and the maturity of the market,’ says Alfons van der Aa, “but

the policy and preference of the local management is an equally strong factor.” “We now have close to 100 shops and we are shifting to a higher gear. We have recently piloted a new style of FABORY Centre here in Holland, more retail in its layout and operational systems. The next phase is a major increase in the number of FABORY Centres, perhaps to a final total of 400 or more.”

other Asian countries and route product through Bopac to achieve these logistical efficiencies.”

There are clear parallels with consumer service groups. Van der Aa refers to Starbucks and McDonalds. “I have invested in the marketing department which is now responsible for the FABORY Centre concept. Every shop looks the same and has the same way of working. The standardisation allows rapid rollout and a seamless interface with the logistics network.

Finally, then, what of his own future? “I have announced that I am leaving FABORY,” he replies. “I plan to leave by the summer, as long as my successor has been appointed by then. It will be to do something else, but I do not know what yet. I have a very young family and I would like to do less

“I am a little afraid that the complexity of the case means that, in the end, they will base their decision on some political reasoning. Fasteners is a very small part of a much larger political issue. I can only hope that they will make a wise and informed decision.”

Two questions remain to be poised to Alfons van der Aa. The first is

travelling and spend rather more time with them.” the same as on many people’s lips in the European fastener industry. “What about antidumping?” It is an issue in which Alfons van der Aa is deeply involved, working on a coordinated response to the current complaint from the top European distribution players. “We strongly believe that there should not be any antidumping penalties. We believe in free trade. AD measures help the weak - with free trade the best win.” “We attended a hearing in Brussels and I think we made some strong points, not least that fastener importers are not small, insignificant businesses in Europe. It is a complicated matter, something we also tried to explain. You cannot simply see the quality of the product so how do you make proper comparisons? That is complicated enough with just one product, but then look at it when you have 50,000 articles in the catalogue, as we do.” “Of course, the imposition of tariffs would affect the FABORY business. However, we source high quality in China and pay higher prices accordingly. There is no question of dumping. Bopac also delivers logistical efficiencies, which are not taken away if antidumping measures are applied. You have also to recognise that the operation is situated in a bonded zone. We already source from

“It is also fair to the company. It is important it has a CEO who has the right motivation to give more than 100% of his time. I must say I feel quite happy with what I did with the company – I really changed it, not only improving it financially, but also making it into a different style of business. Could I change it again – Probably. Would I like to do it again – No.” “It is time for someone fresh to look at the company. Maybe with a fresh vision, certainly with the energy and commitment to follow it through.” “I do feel a strong affinity to the fastener industry and the future is fascinating. There will be a lot more consolidation, look at the Würth Group buying Arvid Nilsson this year already. There will also, I am sure, be major changes on the supply side. I think antidumping will prove to be just a blip on the screen amidst a much bigger picture. There will be consolidation in China and in India also and, with the dramatic changes in the western financial markets, I think there are very likely to be acquisitions forward along the supply and value chain. Maybe antidumping will accelerate this but certainly it is clear the coin is dropping and Asian manufacturers are becoming aware that the real value in their product is to be realised further along the chain and they have deep pockets now.”

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Carbon Steel Antidumping What the industry thinks We asked associations, manufacturers, importers and distributors from throughout Europe for their opinions. Limited space means some editing and selection has been unavoidable. We will, therefore, publish the full textâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of all comments at www.fastenerfair.com and will also provide space in our next issue for further comments or responses, which should be emailed to phil@fastfair.net Jean-Paul Micheau President, the European Industrial Fasteners Institute Where would be the world without fasteners? Fasteners are a fascinatingly complex business due to the large number of companies involved, the huge number of different products and the vital importance of fastener quality in the different applications..... The European fastener industry has always been a key player in this business area and is showing a strong innovation capacity and dynamic which are the most important tools to keep and increase its position on the world market. Many of the European fastener companies are involved in many different countries, they expect to compete and they need to operate in an open market. They are aware of the natural advantages of the Asiatic producers in term of manpower or production cost and they know they have to develop new technical market segments where they can make the difference. But it is one of the roles of a European association to defend the interest of its members when, in addition to the natural advantages, subsidies and other trade imbalances clearly exist, generating an unfair competition field. One of the legitimate tools is the antidumping complaint, which is not just a way to protect a specific area but also a clearly ruled process giving the opportunity to all the actors involved to express and defend their position. The European fastener companies do not want to just be the specialists, leaving the standard business to low cost producers just because in our job volume is king. Letting the standard business just go would lead to a strong price increase in the engineered fasteners business area, which is not the interest of the producers

but also not the one of the distributors or end customers. Let us see what happens now. The European commission is working on this case and the EIFI expect a decision before mid 2008. Whatever this decision will be EIFI will accept it and continue to fight to preserve a level competition field in this key industry area. Bernard Berrang President, European Fastener Distributors Association The official complaint document from EIFI came as no surprise to the European fastener distribution industry. Astonished by the arguments presented and the conclusions drawn, and forced into a rigid timeframe by the European Commission to react, it took considerable efforts but EFDA managed to present its views and identify where we felt corrections are needed for the Commission to work efficiently and be properly informed. There is no logic in the complainants requesting protection and, in consequence, prices increasing for products where insufficient European production is available. If at all, Anti Dumping measures are likely to be applied to no longer comparable market situation due to the dramatic price increases in raw materials and transportation costs from China. However, it is the right of the complainants to utilise all legal possibilities and to interpret things in a way that strengthens their position. The case is now in the hands of Brussels: the procedures are running, investigations have started and selected distributors have been invited to open their books, unveil their businesses and to answer the extensive questionnaires which demands serious, time-consuming and very detailed analyses. We count on the

Commission to remain independent and to draw its conclusions and decide intelligently and on a fair basis. The key question; what can be achieved with new trade barriers? Will the time gained be used to restructure the complainant companies, obviously currently unable to withstand international competition, to allow them to positively respond to the changed economic environment? We experience, almost daily, the outsourcing of production capacity from European industrial producing companies to more favourable economic areas: not only because of lower labour cost but also because of less administration and protectionism and the attractiveness of new opening markets. Supposedly these favourable circumstances are also the reason for many European fastener manufacturers to invest in China starting their own production facilities there, serving local and/or international markets. European industrial fastener users are in full worldwide competition. They need the best in class services at the lowest available costs. In a world of globalisation, to put one part of the supply chain in a protected area whilst other parts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for example distribution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have to survive the headwind of full international competition does not seem logical. As a result of the free competition in the newly formed European Market, the distribution sector has in the last decade been forced to develop innovative service concepts, worldwide procurement, and install total quality and lean-management-programs. The focus has switched from product added value to service added value. Various types of fasteners are no longer produced in Europe. There is a market demand for these products, which can be

met neither by cost nor by capacity by the European manufacturers. We do need a European standard fastener industry for quality fasteners able to compete with world standards. As experiences of the past in other industries shows, new tariffs or duties are not a long-term solution, because they limit what made us so strong worldwide fair competition and trade.

very large problems for less developed countries. The anti-dumping action also comes at a bad time as we are experiencing large price increases from China as the world price for steel has shot up. The value of currency value in China has appreciated and the country has lowered their subsidies. Shouldn’t we be grateful to China?

Paul Denning Managing Director, Barton Cold Form Ltd, UK

Most of the world agrees with the fact that free trade is the only right way to go. This being the case, shouldn’t we have more of a long term plan on how to make this happen?

This is a very difficult question to ask Barton Cold Form Ltd. We still continue to make approximately 80% in the UK but we also buy products in from low cost countries. It has been many years since the UK made any volume standard parts. However, if by applying anti dumping tariffs we would ensure companies attracting more business we would be very supportive of this lobbying.

The EU can hardly move into every area and establish regulations as this would only create bureaucracy and set the wrong foundation for the future. Who would want to start an industry knowing that company profits would depend upon whether an antidumping toll regulation exists?

In reality it is likely that any importer of products will automatically move to the next LCC e.g. Vietnam, Brazil, Korea etc. It is our opinion that it will have little impact, long term, on production outputs in UK and Europe and will cause a short term disruption to the supply chain, which will do more damage to those companies importing as they will find it difficult to pass the price increases onto the customer. If the application is accepted you could also see further migration of companies setting up in China to overcome the tariffs. In summary we are not in favour of Anti Dumping Controls. Hans Björstrand Managing Director, BUFAB Sweden AB Hans Björstrand provided an insightful consideration of the wider economic, social and environmental context that now surrounds the antidumping issue, which we plan to publish in full next issue. Here, we quote his specific comments on antidumping. All subsidies, export supports and other contrived methods always harm the market. Let us not forget that almost one half of the EU budget goes to subsidies to the European agriculture. This creates

The USA may adopt protectionism to reduce the trade deficit and restore the its reputation in the world. This scenario will force China and other Far Eastern countries to direct more export to Europe, which will be pressured to adopt protectionist policies. The EU seems to have misunderstood the situation regarding the rising prices of imports. J. C Trichet cannot lower inflation by increasing the interest rate. The reason for increasing prices comes from China’s appreciated value and rising world market prices on steel. This will only lead to stagflation, meaning increasing prices with lowered consumption and reduced GDP. Giuseppe Verdoliva Sales Manager, Mecavit S.r.l., Italy It is true that we supported the complaint, after UPIVEB asked us to do so in order to achieve the minimum percentage of EU manufacturing required. We hope, certainly, that this proceeding will have a positive result. However, we believe, that eventually it will not affect business so much, between European manufacturers and distributors. In fact if the eventual tariff percentage is too high, the bigger distributors will find, for sure, a way to import from other countries to circumvent the duty.

The European manufacturer on the other hand, facing a global market, has no choice but to continually update his production technologies and make large investments in his business. Jack Lin President, Kwantex Research Inc, Taiwan Uneven prices as well as China's noneconomic system do indeed bring unbalanced market competition in Europe. Moreover, we should consider the quality risk and security issue of the products made in China. Before implementing antidumping, we hope the EU carries out a thorough investigation of both the product quality level and prices. This not only provides advantages for EU importers to bring up the prices but also pushes China manufacturers to improve their company management and product quality. It should not be only one high antidumping rate for all grades of products; otherwise it is not beneficial for some EU countries that do not manufacture relevant screw items. Jon Hodowany General Manager, JC Grand (China) Corporation Although the proposed antidumping legislation directly affects our Chinese operations, and as such, it is impossible to give a truly objective opinion, I will try to be as fair as possible. Fasteners are a key component for many other products and industries, but the production of fasteners involves a series of fairly low-tech, low value-added activities. Fastener production is tailormade for developing economies like China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and some countries in East Europe. It is more efficient to have these types of parts manufactured elsewhere. Moreover, EU importers will not simply start resourcing from Europe, since they are under tremendous cost pressure. They will still have many options to import cheaply from Asia, even after antidumping penalties are imposed on China-produced fasteners. Anti-dumping penalties are appropriate if they are well-targeted and timely. Assuming there really is a case for anti-

dumping, then all appropriate countries should be included. As it stands, if industry players operating in China are penalised, but neighbouring countries are not affected, then production will shift immediately. This was certainly the case for stainless steel fasteners, and will be the same for carbon steel fasteners if Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc. are exempted. If the fastener industry simply shifts production to SE Asia - which it will then the anti-dumping "tool" will have one other potential unintended consequence: lower quality. Why? It has taken China several years to build a reliable steel supply, tooling, knowledge, etc. It will take time to build this infrastructure, although not as long as before, because it will be the Taiwaneseowned and Chinese-owned factories that will continue to dominate Asian production and supply. The last issue is timeliness. Even if we agree that dumping took place, the environment has changed a lot in the past two years. Penalties should have been considered then. What the EU lacks in speed, basic macro-economics has compensated. Exchange rates, Chinese tax policy, labour and commodity costs have all moved against Chinese manufacturers. Factories were already contemplating moving to neighbouring countries and many have. Now if EU antidumping legislation finally makes its way over, it almost seems like an anachronism - too late and merely icing on the cake. German distributor Name provided Don’t talk to me about anti dumping duty. After giving me a quote our supplier (an importer/wholesaler) then said that they could not accept our order for a full container because of this! Geoff Hopwood Chairman, Owlett-Jaton & Vice Chairman, British Association of Fastener Distributors The announcement of the an Anti Dumping investigation triggered significant concerns amongst fastener distributors throughout Europe and a chain of reactions, which no doubt will continue through 2008 and maybe 2009

as well. The BAFD agreed to oppose Anti Dumping Duties and I ‘volunteered’ to lead our response, part of a wider European response led by EFDA and the FDS. Because the WTO does not yet recognise PRC as a ‘market economy’, its domestic prices are not considered valid in calculating possible dumping. The complainants chose India as the country of reference, exaggerating the ‘domestic’ price and alleging dumping margins of 90% to 195%. If duties were applied at these levels product costs could easily double or treble. The repercussions would be horrendous, causing chaos in fastener markets. Few realistically believe that European manufacturers would take up the volumes currently imported from China. Business would almost certainly migrate to other low cost economies, probably in the Asia Pacific region. However, that capacity does not exist in the short term and the period of transition, whilst suppliers and importers adjusted, would create considerable uncertainty over capacity, cost, quality and reliability of supply. One of the biggest concerns is the range of products involved. While there is still significant European production of bolting products, mainly in Germany and Italy, the situation is very different for other tariff codes cited in the complaint. A much lower proportion is made in Europe and is generally focused on the high quality end of the market (aerospace, automotive and high performance brands) rather than standard/commodity product. It is very clear that the European manufacturers would neither want nor be able to take on the volume of product currently imported from China. Many European manufacturers declined to support the complaint and it is telling that the complainants represent less than 30% of European production. As with many other products, imports from China satisfy the demand for standard, high volume, commodity products whereas European production has concentrated on higher added value and special application quality products. In many cases there is little conflict.

For bolting products, whilst the proportion of European production is higher, there are only a few volume producers of standard products and this, in the past, has not been sufficient for a healthy competitive market. A return to this situation would be highly undesirable. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, markets are already reacting to the threat of Anti Dumping Duty even though their application or level is undecided. China costs are already rising rapidly due to increased costs of raw materials, labour, energy, and shipping. However, prices seem to be rising even faster, possibly because the Chinese are trying to anticipate Anti Dumping Duty and close the gap in the meantime. Market forces appear to be rapidly resolving any imbalance. The timing and level of any duties is unknown, leaving individual companies to anticipate and try to mitigate any decision – all of which leads to distortions of the normal market. Provisional duties may be applied at any time up to August, and would catch orders in the pipeline. Distributors and customers with fixed price contracts have little idea how best to account for the uncertainty of the next few months, or how to ensure continuity of supply to their customers, without risking potentially disastrous financial consequences. The investigation proceeds in its own rather mechanistic way and companies like our own invest substantial amounts of time and resource cooperating with the investigators to establish the reality of a highly complex situation. However the biggest opportunity to influence the outcome, whatever technical answer on dumping and injury results, relates to the issue of ‘Community Interest’. This is where everyone interested in, or likely to be affected by, the result needs to clearly express their views – by writing to political representatives, to national Departments of Trade (in the UK this is the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform www.berr.gov.uk), the national press and industry magazines. It is your business at stake don’t complain later if you haven’t made a n y e f fo r t to a rg u e t h e c a s e !

classic • system • automotive

The well-tried concept of the “Big Bolts” and the “Long Thins”. A stock programme of screws with hexagon socket and hexagon insert according to DIN/ISO for special niches and ranges.

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A stock and procurement programme of automobile spare parts according to drawing, sharepart-number and DIN/ISO-standard.

Achilles Seibert GmbH Philipp-Reis-Straße 3 · D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg · Germany Fon: +49 4193 89 55 · Fax: +49 4193 89 56 99 info@achill-fasteners.com · www.achill-fasteners.com

Achill Office Shanghai for: • quality control and direct imports • prompt and direct communication for our customers with our business partners in China

Westerly Breeze aids round world ambitions Lars Nordin Managing Director – Distribution and Industry Norma Group Last March we reported on the merger of Swedish clamp group ABA with once arch German rivals Norma, to form the new 350 million euro, European market leading Norma Group. This January Phil Matten, again, met with Lars Nordin, managing director of Norma’s Distribution and Industry Division, at the group’s headquarters in Maintal, Germany. The plan was to catch up on the integration of the new group - it didn’t take long before the discussion turned to another dramatic step in global clamping technology leadership. “We had an absolutely fantastic 2007 organically,” says Nordin, “Really good.” A primary contributor to the group’s success was higher Norma content per vehicle in German built vehicles.

“While there are less units being produced in Germany now, we have higher content,” explains Nordin, “and we are confident that trend will continue with more complex exhaust systems requiring more sophisticated clamping technology and the continued impetus to reduce costs by replacing rubber and steel in other automotive systems with plastics.” In Nordin’s own division, Distribution and Industry, two of the leading growth providers have been drainage couplings and the NormaConnect® pipe connection range. Norma offers a comprehensive program for connecting cast iron and steel, as well as plastic pipes. It is a range that has contributed strongly to growth throughout Norma’s European operations, and made a major impact in developing markets, particularly Russia. “Construction is booming there, both new build and renovation, so it was an excellent opportunity for this range. Once something is approved the demand really kicks in, as we also saw with a heavy duty clamp that we produce in Poland – we were literally shipping truck loads into Russia.” In fact the Russian sales more than doubled for Norma, and the group has now introduced its own engineers to provide support through its three main Russian distributors. In its primary European markets the new group has inevitably needed to eradicate some overlaps. The most notable has been in the manufacture of DIN standard clamps, which ABA was producing in northern Germany under the Gemi brand. “We have closed Marsberg as a factory,” says Nordin, “and transferred the production of Gemi clamps to Norma production facilities, here at Maintal and elsewhere in Germany.” The Marsberg site has, however, been retained and converted

to a ‘Norma Distribution Centre’ primarily servicing the German distribution and industrial market. “We have now consolidated the inventory for ABA, Gemi and Norma brands at Marsberg, including the drainage couplings and NormaConnect. That has delivered substantial improvements in the leadtimes and reliability we provide our German customers.” The Group has also strengthened its position in the German industrial market through the acquisition of two distributors, one selling ABA brand, the other Norma. Sales growth and manufacturing rationalisation has placed increasing demands in production, particularly at Maintal where expansion has already reached the boundaries of the extensive site. The operation now works three shifts, following the absorption of Gemi production, and on DIN specification clamps concentrates on 9mm band production, with 12mm production in a separate plant in Eastern Germany. “We have also seen continued efficiency results from the work of a Japanese consultant Norma brought in around three years ago,” explains Nordin. “Set up times have reduced from three to four hours to less than 20 minutes on most machines, with straightforward size changes taking just a few minutes.” So post-merger, European performance has been extremely pleasing. “3i, our investors, have been very satisfied with this aspect of our business but soon began to pose the question about how we would make it a truly global company, with a strong customer base in China, in Asia and in the USA.” In Asia, for the Chinese, Japanese and India markets, the new group already had a clear, if nascent, strategy. “We had some good projects in Asia,” says Nordin, “but in the US we really did not have the right product. It was clearly essential to supply to US standards – correct steel qualities, inch dimensions and band widths. We could argue that European technologies were more advanced but if they didn’t match the market requirements we were not going to succeed.”

54 internal debate started: “Should we The set up manufacturing, establish a new brand? How long would it take, how much would it cost? How soon would we see a return?” The alternative was another strategic alliance. There was a clear target. “Breeze Industrial Products Corporation are the established quality supplier in the North American market,” explains Nordin. “Significantly they were also owned by a private equity firm.” The strategic fit was clearly there - the question was whether the timing was right. “We entered into discussions and concluded the acquisition on 14 November 2007,” says Nordin. “Just a few days ago we held the integration meeting here in Maintal.” The result, in a period of little over one year, is the establishment of a group with an extremely powerful presence in North American and European markets, with the resource and technology base to develop rapidly and effectively in Asia. “Breeze have the ‘engineered’ clamps in the US market, paralleling our own market position throughout Europe. They have a very strong presence in the big truck and heavy machinery sectors and they provide standard product for the distribution sector.” Breeze sales prior to acquisition were around 115 million euros which means the new group is now looking forward to consolidated sales of over 500 million euros for 2008. “Breeze management will remain unchanged and will take the lead in the North American market. Clearly they know the market far better than we do. The futures of the existing Norma and ABA operations in the US will also be assessed and determined by Breeze. In Asia we are now looking together at what to do.” The Breeze acquisition has also brought technology advantages, particularly in the exhaust clamping sector. Breeze had already acquired Torca, specialists in this field with manufacturing in Germany as well as the US. “There is virtually no overlap,” says Nordin. “Torca has highly innovative ranges ready for development worldwide. They give us some really new exhaust clamping products – an extra ‘kick’ from an otherwise excellent strategic merger. In its Clamp-All program Breeze also provides a very good development base for drainage couplings in the US market.” Now, says Lars Nordin, the group really can focus on strengthening its position in Asia and

achieving a truly world leading position in the clamping industry. For China the board has authorised development of a green field project at Qingdao, the coastal city renowned as the home of Tsingtao beer and host, this year, to the Olympic sailing events. More relevantly, Qingdao is a university city, which has ten automotive plants in its region. It is well positioned logistically for both Shanghai and Beijing, between which it sits almost exactly half way. “The intention is to start with fluid lines and plastics extrusion technology,” says Nordin. “Here we already have contracts that provide core business. We shall also integrate the existing clamp assembly operation, currently based in Guangzhou.” The land for the plant has already been acquired and the plan is to build an initial 4,000 square metre facility, to commence production in the second half of 2008. In India Norma is also committed to establishing a new centre for automotive related manufacturing, again expected to be realised during 2008. In Japan Lars Nordin is currently exploring strategies to build on an existing strong distribution partnership, where Norma has substantial distribution and industry potential and an already firm foothold in the truck market. “Overall the timing has proven excellent,” says Lars Nordin. “We have had just enough time to consolidate the Norma and ABA merger.

The Breeze acquisition has provided the ideal solution in North America and the combined strengths provide a unique resource to develop in Asia. We now have 34,000 products allowing us to supply every possibility for connections and are ready to meet the global demand Norma assured quality and performance in clamping technologies.”

Some people just have ……. pizzazz. Now, you have to be careful using words like that, so many have changed meaning in today’s patois. Not this one – it still means, according to the urban dictionary, spirit and passion, flair and panache. Well, Jo Argent has got all of those, in heaps, and more to the point, has set her sights on the UK fastener distribution market. Beware or be happy – read on to decide. Jo Argent has worked for TR for 20 years – “hard to believe when you meet this gorgeous, 21 year old vision, isn’t it?” She rapidly moves on. She started in telesales and freely admits she hated it. “Luckily for me someone went on maternity leave and I switched to looking after one of TR’s very first VMI accounts.” It was a real break, for TR as well as for Jo, because it allowed her to demonstrate a clearly outstanding ability in customer service and in people management. Through the years Jo graduated through sales to management roles with, she says, a single key principle: “treat others as you would wish to be treated.” It’s one that proved its worth in consolidating best practice through the TR network and in building and bonding teams that could communicate and work together, whatever the language barriers, and that including French and Polish. In more recent years those capabilities have been dedicating to building TR’s sales teams across Europe, seeking out the self-reliant ‘hunters’ needed to scour territories for new potential. Now Jo has joined the team of European marketing director, Keith Gibb, and her sights are set on revitalising TR’s relationships with

distribution companies in the UK. “Alan Bate has done a fantastic job at developing the distribution structure for TR branded products in Europe,” she explains. “He is now heading up our Master Distributor program in North America, and Adam John has taken on the role of European Sales Manager to continue the next phase of development in Europe.” “Throughout all the success in Europe and the States, though, we have to admit we rather neglected the UK distribution market – and that’s something we are going to put right.” Now, when Jo says (a weak word for what should really be described as a three-dimensional, multi-channel presentation) something like that you take it seriously.

that we are proud of the qualities and values of our TR branded range, and that we intend to present an honest, exceptional value for money, package. So TR Distributors it is, from now on.” TR already has a core of

solid business from the UK distribution market. “We have over 60 customers who have realised the benefits that TR offers. The fact that we enjoy this business, despite the lack of attention, demonstrates the value recognised in TR product, the consistency of our stock availability and the relationships that have been built by our office sales people.” “What we need to do now, is confirm to the many occasional customers and to other distributors in the UK, that TR offers consistently high quality

“The first thing we have done is to clear out a bit of history. The Fastener Factory is no longer. In the early days we hid behind the name, to disguise the fact it was

really TR. Of course, everyone knew anyway. From an internal as well as an external viewpoint we needed to make it completely clear that we are focused on the UK market,

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“Yes I do mean competitive,” emphasises Jo, hands punctuating the statement. “When you look at the total package we offer – assured product quality, excellent availability and support than not only includes some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry but also the unique product identification and technical information available from our website – it is exceptional.” People are particularly important to Jo Argent. “People buy from people – and we’ve made sure our distribution customers will have a great team to deal with.” “Over recent years some of our distribution customers will have received an occasional visit. That’s changed now. Helen Nelson is our business development manager. She’s been easing into the job over the last 3-4 months but from February she will be on the road four days a week visiting customers, putting the face to

TR Distributors, and promoting our ranges.” “In the office we have Joe Mills, the front line sales guy on the phones, providing the quotations. He’s great on the phone, he knows our systems, and he knows the TR branded products inside out.” “The newest member of the team is Carol Houkes. She will be concentrating on outgoing phone contact with many of the customers who have occasionally sourced from TR. We’re not going to badger people. What we want to find out is what they need from us, what TR can do to re-establish relationships and, above all, identify opportunities to work closer together.” If you sense that the interviewer hasn’t managed to get a word in edgeways for a while – well, actually you’d be right. Ah, sorry Jo, didn’t mean to interrupt. “Now it is just a case of making sure everyone knows about it.” And she will – be in no doubt. If you want to experience the pizzazz first hand, there will be no better

place than Fastener Fair Coventry. “That’s where we really want people to come and meet the whole team,” says Jo. “I want them to be able to shake Joe by the hand, and get to know the man on the end of the phone line; to meet Helen so that the next time she phones and says ‘I’m in your area, I’d really like to come and see you’, people will be happy to say, yes.” And, of course, Jo will be on the stand, to personally convince any doubters. We have published her picture for you – but don’t worry you would have recognised her anyway – it’s pizzazz, you see.

From left with Jo: Carol Houkes, Shirley Creasey and Joe Mills. Helen Nelson managed to evade the photo but we'll catch up with her at Fastener Fair.

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Progressively forging the future Caparo Atlas Forgings Darlaston, UK 120 years of engineering history carries many positive attributes. When it comes to managing change and driving a business forward in a global marketplace it also, inevitably, presents significant challenges. Caparo has squared up to those challenges at the UK’s largest fastener manufacturing plants. Darlaston, just north of Birmingham, still has the literal skeletons – roofless buildings whose walls still carry the faded blazon of once famous names – of a proud British fastener manufacturing industry. Caparo Atlas Fastenings (CAF) is a survivor, in an industry that, in manpower terms, is barely a tenth that of the early 1970s. Survival, in itself, is testament to the resilience needed to endure the, sometimes painful, evolutionary process undergone by a company that started its life as FW Cotterell Ltd in 1887. By 1928 it was part of the Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds conglomerate that dominated UK fastener making well into the 1970s. By 1982, though, GKN had focused on other strategic markets, and the sale to the Armstrong Group heralded the formation of Armstrong Fastenings Limited. In hindsight 1987 proved pivotal for the company, marking its acquisition by Caparo. During the decade that followed Armstrong negotiated an often difficult balancing act between standard fastener production supplied to distribution and strengthening direct OEM relationships built on increasingly specialised manufacturing. That the company should, eventually, minimise standard range production to focus on specials was inevitable. “Caparo Atlas Fastenings Limited is now an integral element of the Caparo Vehicle Products (CVP) division of the Caparo Group, which also includes companies dedicated to automotive braking, tubing technologies, composites design and to the highly advanced design, engineering and manufacture of chassis and crash systems for automotive, aero and marine vehicles” states Gary Dixon, commercial director of CAF. CVP is the cradle for the extraordinary hypercar, The Caparo T1, a sports racing car, with near Formula One performance and the

accolade of being the first road car to generate over 1,000 bhp per tonne. “Of course it is an immense attention grabber,” says Gary Dixon, “but more significantly it evidences the advanced technologies to be found in Caparo.” The Caparo Group has businesses globally that employ over 6,000 people and generating anticipated 2008 revenue of in excess of one billion euros. The Darlaston operation has two sister businesses; Caparo Atlas Espana, in Barcelona, specialises in the manufacture of grooved, cylindrical and spring pins as well as customer specific engineered parts in carbon and stainless steel, brass and aluminium. Recently opened in Chopanki, India is a 46,000 square metre fastener plant, with a current capacity of 10,000 tonnes – and growing. In the UK, CAF operates from a substantial site. The traditional buildings present constant challenges but the production floor has seen a transformation over recent years, with productivity and flexibility clear watchwords. Some 70 forging machines and 102 finishing machines produce around 2,000 different parts every month, adding up to an annual capacity of around 15,000 tonnes. Machines are generally located in ‘family’ cells – for example a rank of Nedschroef boltmakers are core workhorses, grouped to ensure maximum efficiency in setting and machine control. Most of the forging machines are fed through inline RMG wire drawers and CAF has recently switched to 2 tonne wire coils for larger diameters. Similar cell layout has been applied to secondary operation machinery, ranging from

SEMS rollers, including two twin SEMS units dedicated to producing a high volume automotive part, through a diverse array of thread rollers, to bar turning lathes. CAF also retains the ability to hand forge and thread short run or really complex components. These are crucial capabilities for one, recently won, stainless steel part. Complex and highly visible when assembled on the finished motorcycle, it demands high levels of aesthetic as well as technical care. For CAF managing director, Ian Clarke, it epitomises CAF’s UK future. It is not hard to see the commercial value as well as the technical achievement involved. Over recent years an already versatile machine inventory has been supplemented by equipment from acquisition of smaller UK fastener making businesses. CAF has been careful to acquire knowledge and experience along with the machinery. For example, a pair of M20 formers and a half-inch, long-stroke header producing lengths up to 200mm, are all tended by the same experienced setter who worked on them at the previous company.

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female as well as male parts. “We have undertaken significant investment in these machines in order to offer the market an extensive product portfolio of female fasteners, specialist forgings and forged tubular parts,” says Ian Clarke. Throughout the plant, other acquired machinery has been commissioned and is maintained to provide a versatile, ‘ready for use’ resource.

Currently CAF has four heat treatment lines. Around 80% of heat treatment is carried out in-house – exceptions are case hardened parts and long bolts requiring jigging prior to heat treatment to prevent distortion. A dephosphating cleaning line is used for heat treated parts and also to clean components destined for critical secondary operations. A thoroughly equipped materials laboratory exercises stringent control over incoming raw materials and heat treatment. Separate incoming inspection is applied to parts that have been coated or heat treated off-site, most of these services being provided through a strong relationship with the Anochrome Group. Most CAF parts are also subjected to final inspection using a mix of camera and laser equipment – a clear indicator of the precision market in which CAF now competes. The final inspection and packaging facility will play a growing role in ensuring customer specified quality assurance. Some parts manufactured outside the UK are received at Darlaston and inspected before delivery to one of CAF’s major engine customers. Increasingly, finished product is stored either as bonded stock, ready for call off by customers whose own storage capacity is restricted, or held against contract to allow CAF to manufacture economic batches. “As we continue to transfer production of certain parts to our sister facilities, making way for complex parts manufacturing here in the UK, our logistics capability becomes more and more important,” says Ian Clarke. Most recently this has included extending the logistics competence to being able to provide direct line feed services to existing CAF customers. Ultimately, of course, it is people just as much as equipment that ensure high-grade special fasteners consistently meet customers’ requirements. CAF has a rich resource in experienced personnel throughout its operation. Core members of the team are design & test engineers and application engineers who work with Customers to design application specific solutions. The correlating challenge, though, is to ensure continuity as that crucial resource ages. CAF’s training school represents a clear commitment to meeting that challenge. Currently seven

technical apprentices, six male and one female, are following a three-year course, dividing time between a local technical college, the training school part classroom and part machine environment and the production floor. CAF now also has a commercial apprentice. The apprentices decorated and fitted out the school, including painting all the machines. There are other examples of what represents a fundamental transition for CAF, generating an environment in which personal commitment and flexibility is recognised as an essential element of modern manufacturing. Recently an experienced operator took responsibility for a complete forging cell. “The initiative came from the operator as a way to increase productivity,” says Gary Dixon. Similarly, threading machines have been relocated to an associated header cell, allowing cross training of operators to work on both machine technologies. Nowhere is technology and experience so tightly allied as in tooling design, where CAF uses advanced simulation software to design or redesign tooling to meet both new demands for complex parts and to tease out more efficient ways to produce existing parts. Tooling is maintained and re-engineered in CAF’s extensive tooling room. These days it is evident that CAF is a highly focused business, generating sales through direct supply to a list of OEM and Tier 1 customers that reads like the Who’s Who of the European automotive sector. Tight relationships with major OEM dedicated logistics and distribution companies account for a significant proportion of the balance of the business. An extensive list of manufacturing licences, including Taptite®, Powerlok® and Whizztite® plays a crucial role in CAF’s offer. Bolt manufacturing capability now extends from M3 to M33 diameters, and up to 200mm long. Wheel nuts and female parts can be produced up to M40, and studs are cold forged from M6 to M14, up to 120mm long, and bar turned from M6 to M24 and 400mm long. Engine and high temperature

applications are a particular competence. Strength grades range up to Grade 12.9 in carbon steel, with production capabilities in stainless steel including high temperature materials. Application engineering is at the core of CAF’s relationship with its customers, with reduced assembly time and cost savings critical foci. The rapidly growing demand to achieve reductions in overall vehicle weight – the target for one major OEM’s next generation of vehicles, for example, is a 20% reduction – is now enshrined in what CAF calls its ‘Weightwatchers’ program. Currently the CAF management is coy about progress, but there is an air of quiet confidence that suggests CAF will not be long in announcing a significant breakthrough in this area. In the final analysis, though, CAF feel that being part of Caparo is fundamental to the future. Ian Clarke is clear, “Roll together all the capabilities and technologies of CVP and our value proposition to the prospective customers is infinitely more interesting. No question that the type of customers with whom we are now talking would not have given us houseroom a few years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that part our attraction is in having roots in India. Many companies desire to access low cost country manufacturing but desire and capability are two different things. For Caparo it is a reality today.”

No cadmium? Not yet! By Dr John Newnham Confederation of British Metalforming Manufacturers of automotive and industrial components may be excused for thinking that cadmium plating is a thing of the past. For these industry sectors, cadmium plating was eliminated many years ago, and replacement coatings have been the standard for a generation. Throughout this time the aerospace industry has continued to be exempt from this ban, and designers have specified cadmium, as a sacrificial coating to prevent galvanic corrosion, in successive new projects. Millions of fasteners are cadmium plated every year for aircraft use. A few years ago, the electrical and electronics industries were the largest

on the use of cadmium, so for fasteners of 1250 MPa strength, alloy steel was specified, with cadmium always used as sacrificial coating. For the later variants, such as A340600 in 2001, most of the steel parts were carried over into the new plane, and only where strengthening was required to support the extra load were alternate materials chosen. After these, the next major Airbus project was A380, and initially restrictions on the use of cadmium were imposed. But alternative standards had not been developed, and there are still many cadmium plated bolts, nuts and studs in the design. Normally, if any variants of A380 are designed, the existing fasteners are always specified except if higher strength is an issue, so there is potential for future A380 variants to have cadmium also. The military transporter A400M has fewer applications with cadmium. Here, many alternate materials have been selected instead of alloy steel, for example nickel based alloys. Alternative nuts were a problem however, because the alternative standard parts had not been developed, so there are cadmium plated steel nuts and some bolts and studs also in the design.

C ourte ourte s y of of Airbus S.A S.A .S users of cadmium, but the European ban on cadmium in new electrical products from July 2006 means that aerospace is probably the biggest user since then, with cadmium plated fasteners almost certainly the biggest individual class of items. However, the manufacturers of large commercial aircraft now have self-imposed restrictions, and cadmium is only specified in special circumstances. Aircraft engine manufacturers have virtually eliminated cadmium plated fasteners from their products. The last remaining threaded fasteners with cadmium plating were, eliminated from new designs over twenty years ago, so it is only rarely that they are manufactured for spares for old engines.

The philosophy for A350, due to fly in 2012, is for a total ban on cadmium. So this self imposed restriction is now aligned with the external bans. However, it can be expected that Airbus will be manufacturing some of the existing aircraft for at least another 20 years, so unless bans are imposed on the actual plating operation, cadmium will be required for that period.

The main European airframe manufacturer, Airbus, has gradually changed its philosophy towards cadmium in new designs over the last few years. A330/A340 were designed in the late eighties / early nineties, and the A320 series before that, all without restriction

Aircraft manufacturers have sought to find a replacement coating for many years. In Europe, British Aerospace and Airbus have had many research programmes to evaluate possible alternative coatings, for example in group sponsored projects like RECAP, REFOCUS,

and GARTEUR that were running for over a decade. The major problems for aerospace are firstly that there is no coating that behaves exactly the same as cadmium. Possible alternative coatings have problems such as corrosion resistance on steel, lack of coverage in sockets and recesses, torque-tension, or high friction in interference fits. Secondly, the zinc based coatings that were the replacements for cadmium in the automotive industry cannot be used in contact with aviation fuel. So the steel or stainless steel fasteners in aircraft wings or tails, which are also the fuel tanks, cannot use the normally accepted replacement formulations. In the absence of a satisfactory replacement coating for use on steel, aircraft manufacturers have turned to alternate fastener materials such as stainless steels, high strength titanium, and nickel based alloys, which are much more expensive than alloy steels. It would be very expensive to retrospectively engineer these new materials into the existing alloy steel applications. It remains to be seen whether further European community bans are imposed which affect the aerospace industry.

Tr en t 900 engine

C ourte ourte s y of of Airbus S.A S.A .S

Standard Listed – you know who’s best! But contact us for all the rest . . . Non-preferred Metrics – Intermediate Sizes Short and Long Lengths – Slotted Grub Screws A4/80 Bolts & Socket Caps – 6 Lobe (TX) Drive Screws Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

All Metal Self-Locking Nuts – Studding Connectors

Fax:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8570

And many more . . .

Email:

sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

S.p.A

THE MOST COMPLETE RANGE OF PRESSURE PLUGS BSPT, NPTF, DIN 906/908/910/7604 AND SEALED PLUGS (ALL SIZES IN STOCK)

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

Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK

Twenty years under the microscope Precision Technology Supplies Limited East Grinstead, England Today PTS commands worldwide recognition as a specialist supplier of stainless steel micro screws and American thread fasteners. The Sussex-based company started in February 1988, full of confidence and ambition. It didn’t entirely prove to be a bed of roses. We persuaded managing director and founder Steve Edwards, along with co-directors Jason Collyer and Andy Knight, to reflect on twenty eventful years. Steve Edwards remembers PTS’ first day vividly. “I left my previous job, walked into a small sub-let office and managed to pick up six grand’s worth of business before the close of that day – I thought easy!” In hindsight 1988 was probably one of the worst years to start a business in the UK. “Straight after we started we went into recession big time,” recalls Steve. “Interest rates went berserk. It all became very difficult very quickly.” The ‘grand plan’ was to work in cooperation with a UK-based hard disc manufacturer, to gain quality approval and source four main

components. “This was a piece of business worth a few million a year,” says Steve, “at a more than comfortable profit margin. We were about to get final approval for the last of the components when the company in question was taken over. Almost overnight the whole of the disc drive industry switched to Singapore. As a result the UK company shut its doors. We had to start all over again from scratch.” By then Jason Collyer had joined his former colleague, which had always been part of the plan. Steve explains, “Jason joined the company knowing there was little to be had financially at that time but shared the belief we could make the business develop – and he could keep me sane during the process! His contribution since has been absolutely awesome.” “We started picking up bits of business; began dealing with quite a major company and moved forward.” Some customers were local, others further afield. “We didn’t mind that,” says Jason. “It meant they couldn’t just pop in and see the reality of the business that was supplying them.”

Andy Knight joined 16 years ago. “We both knew Andy well,” says Steve. “He knew the situation was still not 100% guaranteed. On his first day he asked us what we needed him to do. We said, you know what to do so get on with it – and he’s got on with it ever since.” “Those first few years were really, really painful. On reflection,” Steve’s tone becomes uncharacteristically serious, “I would probably have been more sensible to walk away from it all.” The prospect of turning his back on liabilities, though, was and is anathema to Steve Edwards. “We bit the bullet and stuck it out.” Slowly but increasingly steadily PTS did build up its customer bases and its reputation. Andy Knight was responsible for introducing its first computer system and for steering PTS through quality management accreditation in 1996. The following year, having worked from their third but still small premises, the company moved into its current warehouse and offices on the outskirts of East Grinstead. “We were batch coding everything and we were importing more and more,” explains Jason. “We experienced a very good period of growth that enabled us to look at this unit. It had been empty for a few years, stripped out by the scavengers, and in quite a state. We did a deal with the landlord and spent an awful lot of money replumbing and wiring, replacing cladding, installing partitions for offices and putting in the racking.” “The strange thing,” interposes Steve, “was that we moved from premises a fifth the size and when it was all done it looked as if we’d filled the new place. We’ve been levering in more product ever since.”

L-R Andy Knight, Steve Edwards & Jason Collyer

Systems were upgraded and the team, which now totals ten, increased. Steve Edwards’ son, another Andy, had

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

already gone from being coerced into

doing the occasional delivery to taking responsibility for warehousing and distribution. “Then Trevor Davis joined us,” says Steve. “I’d known him since I started in this trade. A selftaught engineer he had been involved in fastener manufacturing. He brought a wealth of technical knowledge; he knew whether a part could be made, in which kind of materials, and on what kind of machine. That helped us tremendously in developing our specials business.” Direct importing started very early. “We imported micro screws virtually from the beginning,” says Jason, “and still maintain close ties with those people today.” Maintaining good relationships with suppliers and manufacturers has been fundamental to PTS throughout the twenty years. “The strength of these relationships has given us peace of mind that we are buying the right quality,” adds Jason. “We know we are not using the cheapest manufacturers. We get plenty of offers, from all over, to make our screws cheaper. Some of the prices are fantastic, but if the product can’t be used then fantasy is exactly what it is. Our suppliers know us, they know how pernickety we are about quality issues, they know what we expect, and it works well.” “Quality has always been number one,” says Andy. “We work on the principle of getting it right first time. That way it doesn’t cost you money – or reputation.”

we knew quite a bit about the market already. At times we scrabbled to get an order together to meet shipping minimums but now we have excellent relationships with our suppliers, consolidating orders and shipping every week.” PTS now has two catalogues – one dedicated to stainless steel Metric micro screws starting at M1 diameter, ranging generally to around M4, stretching to M6 in some areas. The other is the American Threaded Fasteners, again, in stainless steel. “We produce our catalogues based on the stocks we actually hold,” says Andy. “It was a very conscious decision. We sat down and said if we are going to produce a catalogue of the complete range of micro products, we need the stock to back it. It’s not a catalogue of wishes, it’s a catalogue of facts.” That commitment means a current stock range of around 28,000 items. “Of course, some sizes we do carry a million on the shelf,” says

The American threaded range has also been part of PTS for a long time. “We dabbled in it from the early days,” explains Steve, “because

Today, a fifth of PTS business is export, literally supplying customers worldwide. Andy Knight joined with export experience and steadily built both business and contacts, until the company was able to commit to exhibitions to

broaden its recognition. Recent international fairs have included Practical World, Fastener Fair Stuttgart, and the Las Vegas, National Industrial Fastener Show, to which PTS expects to return this year. The company website has been equally important in building recognition of their special capabilities. “Throughout all of the things that have happened to us, we’re learned lots about how our business is developing and the ways we want it to go. That has really driven us forward,” says Andy Knight. “We know we’ve made some mistakes along the way, I’m sure we will in the future, but we do learn something every day,” adds Jason Collyer. “The product doesn’t change so much, but it’s the nature of the industry that it changes all the time.”

Jason. “They’re the ones we know we will shift regularly all over the world. For others we’ve had to buy a minimum production run and we know we’re going to be holding that stock for a long time. On the other hand we really do have the 7mm long, the 14s, 18s and 22s.”

The tone of Steve Edwards’ final word may be light hearted, but there is no disguising pride in achievement. “I believe our product knowledge and service is amongst the best. Somebody said to me not so long ago, “you’re lucky having those boys” and I responded “they wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think they were the best”. Unfortunately Andy overheard the conversation and he was astounded – I’ve never paid any of them a compliment before!”

March 2008 – Russian & CIS Markets

The Russian and CIS Markets are experiencing phenomenal construction growth and there are also positive indications from the automotive, engineering and other sectors. Fastener & Fixing Magazine has spent several years developing a growing readership and strong relationships in these important markets. It is not always easy, though, to make the right connections in order to start winning a share of this potential. This special edition of our ‘Catalogue Rack’ is therefore, specifically designed to highlight companies who are looking to establish their own relationships and partnerships in Russia and the CIS.

As well as being included in the March issue of Fastener & Fixing Magazine, the ‘Catalogue Rack’ is published as a special booklet exclusively for FASTTEC 2008. As an added benefit to visitors the entire booklet will be printed in Russian. Use this convenient service to call, fax or email the companies to request their latest catalogue.

3 Marcos

Tel. +351 234 600 200 Email: 3marcos@3marcos.com

ABA

Our products are produced in different steel resistance grades (4.6, 6.8, 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9), stainless steel, brass, copper and aluminium, in the different surface finishing and thermic treatment. Over 18.000 pallets in stock. We are specialist in the production of special parts, equipped with high performance multi-station equipment and laser inspection systems. We are certified in the manufacturing of rivets, screws and fastening products by cold forming by the BVQI16949.

ABA® - Safeseal Technology Hose and pipe clamps produced under the ABA® trademark are available in many types and standards ensuring that our customers enjoy the benefit of the highest achievable results on clamping force, tightening and breaking torque. ABA® is one of the very few manufacturers in our industry with access to extensive in-house system testing facilities. www.normagroup.com

ACTON

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co KG

For many years ACTON has been distributors’ first choice for stainless steel fasteners. Besides its huge range of products in A2 and A4, Acton also carries a complete line of zinc-plated self-drilling screws. A same-day despatch service can be provided to worldwide customers thanks to our important stock capacity and the efficiency of our ISO 9001/2000 organisation.

Pühl Stanztechnik is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of stampings for mechanical fastenings, especially washers. We produce to national standards (ASTM, BS, DIN, NFE, SS, etc.) as well as to drawings or samples powered by professional in-house tooling. Wholesalers and end-users throughout Europe are satisfied by our excellent service, quality and valuable prices. Fax: 0033 4 77 73 56 25 Email: gilc@acton.fr

Tel: +49 (0)2391 8107-0 info@puehl.de

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co Albert Pasvahl offers you its experience and expertise in special connection elements and accessories resulting from over 75 years in business. In the course of this time, we have become a leading stockist of special standard screws.

Tel: 0049 (0) 40 532 852 0 www.pasvahl.de

For example: Direct from stock DIN 609/610, DIN 561/564 DIN 478/479/480 DIN 464/653/466/467 DIN 906/908/910

Alloy & Stainless Fasteners Alloy & Stainless Fasteners services the Energy, Power and Heavy Construction Industries with Anti-Corrosive, High Strength, and Extreme Temperature Service products. ASFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendly knowledgeable staff has freight forwarding experience and support services with a 6,000 metric ton inventory and 250 production machines for long and short-run manufacturing. Tel: +1.713.466.3031 Email: INTERNATIONAL@GoASF.com

Arma Kalip

Arpel Ltd

ARMA FASTENER was founded in 1987. Our company is specialised in manufacture of fastening clamps, components, clips, caged nuts and able to produce for special demands of our customers. Considering the quality, timely delivery and unconditioned customer satisfaction as its main principles has been holding ISO-9001-2000 Quality Assurance Certificate since 2002

Arpel offer a complete heavy duty fastening system for the automotive, structural steel, railways and security fencing markets. This consists of a bolt (steel, aluminium, or stainless) 4.8mm up to 36mm diameter onto which a collar is swaged to give a secure high strength tamper proof fasteners. Other single piece fastener available. Tel: +90 212 549 57 31 www.armakalip.com.tr

Tel: 00 44 1384 296660 Email: sales@arpelchilterns.co.uk

ASTON Sweden AB ASTON Sweden AB is a leading manufacturer of specialty fasteners for the construction industry. New catalogue available

March 2008

info@astonsweden.com Tel: +46 586 634 50

ASTON stands for high product quality and cost-effective customer solutions. Products include: Self-drilling screws in steel and stainless steel Screws for sandwich panels, steel and stainless Farmer screws and other painted screws.

More than 40 years of experience in producing and exporting connecting fittings of plastic and/or metal! Our large warehouses located in Germany enable us to supply customers around the world with large quantities of various articles flexibly and at short notice. Ask for our free catalogue now.

Tel: +49 (0) 27 53/59 56-0 www.bum.de

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CAN-ENG Mesh Belt Furnace Systems Can-Engâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mesh Belt Furnace Systems are field-proven leaders in reliability, fuel-efficiency and to production uptime. Standard capacities range from 250 lbs/hr to 7,500 lbs/hr (100 kgs/hr to 3300 kgs/hr). Processes available include sintering, clean hardening, light case carburizing & carbonitriding, austempering, and martempering.

B+M Breitbach + MĂźller GmbH

Carlo Salvi CARLO SALVI manufactures a full range of cold forming equipment including single die two blows, 2-die 4-blow and precision parts formers to handle 1 to 20 mm. wire diameters, with quick tool-change and linear feed. The equipment has been specially developed and supplied to high tech industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics etc. Visit our booth 3101 - Hall 7 at Fasttec Moscow

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Tel: +1 905 356-1327 Email: furnaces@can-eng.com

Tel: +39 0341 654611 www.carlosalvi.it

Clyde Fasteners

Tel: +44 (0)1355 225451 www.clydefasteners.com

For over forty years, CLYDE FASTENERS has been recognised as a premier manufacturer of high strength Industrial Fasteners. Whilst specialising in Socket Screw Products, a large part of our production now concentrates on the manufacture of fasteners to customer specifications. Our manufacturing range covers diameters from 4mm to 20mm by cold forming and from 12mm to 56mm by hot forging. We also manufacture non-forged components in the diameter range from 12mm to 65mm.

Corti Domenico S.r.l Mssrs CORTI DOMENICO has been working in the field of packaging since 1978 and is specialized in the supply of complete lines “on stream”, automatic packaging, weighing, counting machines for small metallic and plastic parts, powders, springs, special wire forms. The lines are composed of various units, assembled and synchronized to get a sequence of operations to make the packaging cycle fully automatic. Tel: +390341498344 www.cortidomenico.com

DEJOND

CTR Carbide Dies Ltd

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.

Formed in 1973, CTR Birmingham has been supplying fastener tooling into the Automotive, Aerospace and Building industy. Sales Manager Peter Ruitenberg says: We specialise in the manufacture of complete tool kits and offer a fast turn around service, helping our customers achieve their own schedules on-time and in full, which is why we are one of the largest fastener tool manufacturers in the world today. Tel: +44 (0)121 772 0817 www.ctr-uk.com

Tel: +32 3 820 34 36 www.dejond.com

Dörken

DIV d.o.o DIV d.o.o. – over 30 years of tradition resulted in the largest fastener factory in Southeast Europe. This reputation is based on 20.000 pallet positions and more than 60.000 fasteners in standard and nonstandard dimensions. With 7 locations, and ISO 9001:2000 certification, we represent a reliable partner which can satisfy long-standing customer needs.

Dörken MKS-Systeme has been developing micro layer corrosion protection systems for over 25 years. Under the brand name DELTA-MKS®, Dörken produces and configures extremely effective surface protection mainly for the automotive industry. Our worldwide approved products like DELTAPROTEKT® are without any heavy metals, such as chrome (VI).

Tel: +49 2330 63243 www.doerken-mks.com

Tel: +385 1 3377 000 Email: div@div.com.hr

EDS Gesellschaft für Trockbausysteme mbH

Ebinghaus A leading European manufacturer and distributor of socket set screws, and turned special components. Products: Socket Set screws and turned special components. Materials: Alloy steel, mild steel and stainless steel. Service: Daily delivery. Special packaging.100% check.

We are a leading company manufacturing and distributing fastener and fixing products, with an extensive stock in Germany and France. Our products are subject to a permanent quality control and we supply to European markets.

Tel: +49 (0) 5224 1233 www.eds-trockenbausysteme.de

Tel: 0049 2324 9340 0 www.ebinghaus.de

Verbindungselemente Engel GmbH We are a successful wholesaler of connection fittings with years of experience in supplying the industry and dealers throughout Europe. Our high rack warehouse in Weingarten, which houses more than 8,000 pallets, accommodates everything our customers need for their day-to-day business.

Erich Ulrich A leading European manufacturer and distributor of socket set screws, cold forged and turned special components. Products: Socket Set screws, Cold forged and turned special components. Fasteners for aluminium profiles. Materials: Alloy steel, mild steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminium. Service: Daily delivery. Special packaging.100% check. Tel: 0049 77 26 9 21 50 11 Email: info@erich-ulrich.com

Tel: +49 (0)751 407-0 www.schrauben-engel.de

Exports Unlimited

FAR S.r.l

Exports Unlimited is into manufacturing of Brass Turned Parts, Brass Fasteners and Fixing Systems, Drop-in Anchors, Brass Hose & Pipe Fittings and Brass Electrical Components. We offer Precision Brass Turned Parts as per Customers Specifications. Our well established Quality System and Work Procedures are commited to provide Guaranteed Quality, Assured On-time Deliveries, Competitive Pricing and Complete Customer Satisfaction. Visit our booth 4306 - Hall 4 Fasttec 2008 Exhibition in Moscow

Far is a leading company in the manufacturing of high quality fastening systems (blind rivets, threaded inserts, tools, automated riveting systems and structural products). The wide range of aluminium, steel, stainless steel and a full portfolio of placing tools will satisfy even the most demanding needs. All Far products are manufactured in Italy. FASTTEC - 2008 March 18-21, 2008 Hall 4 - Stand 3702

info@exports-unlimited.com www.exports-unlimited.com

Tel: +39 051 6009530 www.far.bo.it

Faster s.r.l

Fastbolt Fastbolt is a leading wholesaler of industrial fasteners to European distributors only. Apart from a highly specialised product range exstock 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.

Italy’s leading manufacturer of cage nuts, profile cage nuts, cage nuts for mass continuity, cage screws, u-nuts - self tapping and metric screws, clips, both in spring steel and stainless steel QS ISO 9001:2000 awarded. We also manufacture the following products, cage nuts J type, deep threaded u-nuts, push in fixings, hose clamps, latches, studs and edge clips. Tel: +39 02 98260080 www.fasterviti.com

Tel: +49 (0)256 59 32 50 Email: info@fastbolt.com

Growermetal

Friulsider

Growermetal is a modern family owned company located in Calco, Italy.

Friulsider S.p.A., one of Europe’s leading manufacturers in Fixings and Fasteners, offers a vast range of fixings including numerous certified products and innovative solutions. Friulsider’s management policy of continual improvement ensures the highest quality production and service as validated by the accreditation ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates achieved in the early days of their conception.

Founded in 1950, Growermetal is a leading manufacturer of security washers. We produce standard washers as well as special parts according to customer specifications. For further information please see our Website or contact Mrs. Anke Diehl: Tel: +39 0432 747 911 www.friulsider.com

Tel: +39 039 9902504 www.growermetal.it

Güldner Sonderschrauben GmbH & Co. KG Güldner manufacture special purpose screws and fasteners, special bolts and nuts and CNC lathe-turned parts. As a TÜV certified manufacturer they process heat resistant, stainless steel materials, brass and ASTM materials based on customer specifications and drawings. Attestation in accordance with EN 10204 - 3.1 or 3.2 can be supplied. Tel: +49 7932 9155 11 www.gueldner.com

Iman Pack Since 1975, Iman Pack offers a complete range of packaging equipment to meet the needs of every industry. Our production includes horizontal and vertical wrappers, carton forming/filling equipment, high speed electronic counters, robotic palletizers, a variety of product handling conveyors and downstream packaging solutions. FASTTEC Hall 4 Booth: C1151 Tel: +39 0445 578 811 www.imanpack.it

Ingramatic Founded in 1966 Ingramatic has produced and distributed all over the world more than 3000 thread rolling machines, becoming the leading brand not only in Italy but worldwide. Since 2004 Ingramatic is part of Sacma Group, representing a unique technical, productive and commercial synergy concept. Quality, reliability, performance, safety and state of the art technology are prime characteristics for our new generation thread rolling machines.

Kohlhage Competent Partner for fixing solutions for over 75 years. Offers cost-efficiency, logistic services, consulting, global sourcing, high quality. Delivery Program: standard nuts, special nuts, special bolts, turned parts, cold formed parts, hot forged parts. For more information please contact:

Tel: 0039 0131 87 161 www.ingramatic.com

Konak Civata KONAK has a long term experience in producing nearly every type of screws. In the mean time KONAK works with 65 high tech screw producing machines. Competitive prices, best quality and excellent service, like fast delivery, is KONAK’s strength. In Turkey Email: erdalceylan@konakcivata.com www.konakcivata.com

Tel: +49 2394 61937 Email m.schreiber@kohlhage.de

Kundan Industries Ltd Largest manufacturer & exporter of Stainless Steel Fasteners in India Range: Dia 1.6mm to 36mm & Length 4mm to 250mm Products: •Bolts/Nuts/Screws •Socket Allen Cap •Break Nuts / Weld Nuts •Carriage Bolts •Self Tapping/ DrillingScrews •Trilobular Screws •Security Fasteners Grades: S.S. 304/316/310/410 etc. Product STD: ISO, DIN JIS, ASTM, UNC etc Certification: ISO/TS 16949 by DNV Visit our Stall No. C-08 at Hannover Messe 21-25th April 08 Germany

Email: fasteners@kundan.com www.kundan.com

Lindapter

Lederer GmbH Lederer is one of Europe’s most specialised suppliers for stainless steel fasteners. It has more than 20,000 different articles in stock, primarily normed and standardized parts (ref. DIN, ISO and others). Industrial consumers, as well as retailers and wholesalers, all over the world rely on Lederer’s more than 37 years of experience.

Tel: +49 (0) 2333/8309-18 www.lederer-online.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1274 521 444 www.lindapter.com

Established in 1934, Lindapter is the leading brand in the field of steelwork fixings systems. Product offerings include Girder Clamps, Hollo-Bolt, Floorfast, Multi- wedge, Alphawedge and the TR60 range of decking fixings. Customers are supported by a network of dedicated and fully trained distributors, whilst Lindapter focus on specifications with an internal and external team of experienced engineers providing standard product or bespoke solutions for construction, maintenance or OEM customers worldwide.

MAGE AG

Mastercraft Mastercraft Innovative manufacturer of special fasteners and screws: 'Turbosharp' - the high-performance, multi-purpose wood screw 'Loglok' - the extra-long timber screw 'GRrilla' - the powerful and special concrete anchor bolt 'Turbodekk' - the newest in decking screws Top quality manufacturing, product development, OEM, packaging, merchandising, integrated logistics and multi-lingual client service Tel: +86 (21) 68558801 are all part of our comprehensive www.mastercraft-systems.com solutions package.

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: +41 26 684 74 00 Email: sales@mage.ch

Masterfix

MAX MOTHES GmbH MAX MOTHES has been one of the leading suppliers of high quality fasteners in the European market for 90 years. We stock more than 90,000 items and provide you with non-standard sizes and drawing parts from our own manufacturing.

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.

Please contact our Russian speaking sales department.

Email: r.pisters@masterfix.com www.masterfix.com

Tel: +49 (0)211 9332 168 www.maxmothes.de

NORMA

Ningbo Weiye Corp Weiye’s factory and warehouse is located in Ningbo,China. It uses ERP management system and also holds certification of ISO9001. Our products include fasteners & fixing with different kinds of material, e.g. steel, stainless steel, PE, nylon ect. We welcome customers worldwide to work together. 5% off in March. Contact us now!

NORMA® - Your Systems Partner for State-of-the-Art Connecting and Retaining Technologies We have developed, produced and delivered for more than five decades customer-specific system solutions which have successfully been used to meet various and complex industrial requirements.

www.normagroup.com

Email: admin@weiyecorp.com www.weiye-fixing.com

omniTECHNIK

Ornit Blind Rivets Ornit Blind Rivets, a leading manufacture of fastening solutions, provides a wide range of standard, multigrip and structural blind rivets from 2.9mm to 7.8mm, using all material types.

More safety - with precote thread coating precote products provide ideal conditions for: • process controlled assembly • perfectly locked thread joints, even at highest dynamical loads up to 200° C • perfect sealing, also against highest pressure • nondestructive disassembling during the entire operating duration up to 700° C

Ornit products are used in several markets, i.e. Automotive (TS), Construction, Commercial vehicle and others. Ornit’s personalised customer support offers clients attractive and practical solutions. Tel: +49 89 143381-0 www.precote.com

info@ornit.com www.ornit.com

We are looking for a distibutor in Russia.

RapierStar

Pfitzer Verbindungstechnik GmbH

A Breakthrough in Performance The cradle of inch-sized fasteners

Tel: +49 7131 797769-0 www.pfitzer-verbindungstechnik.de

Leading distributors of Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, Washers & Specialty Fasteners according to American & British non + standards Furthermore we offer you a first class procurement management in the special parts sector, especially turned and milled parts as well as parts based on sketches on the inch and metric sector. Self-responsibility and quality in all areas.

The award winning Rapier StarTurnTM is the highest quality universal woodscrew. The patented StarFormTM thread provides lower drive-in torque and quicker assembly times - without pre-drilling. For samples or to see the full RapierStar range of fixings, please contact us now.

Tel: +44 (0)870 3003313 www.rapierstar.com

Reyher

Rivit

Reyher is one of the leading trading companies for fasteners and fixings in Europe with more than 110,000 different products with a constant availability of more than 98% stock.

Founded in 1973, Rivit is now a European leader for fixing systems, proposing a complete programme of fasteners, 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.)

Various services, i.e. the webshop RIO – Reyher Internet Order – for checking the present stock situation online, fast delivery & professional technical advice, are developing the business activities to the customer's advantage. www.reyher.de Tel + 49 40 85363-695 (Ms. Irina Winkler)

Email: rivit@rivit.it www.rivit.it

SACMA

Schäfer + Peters GmbH Your specialist in stainless steel fasteners. An independent & reliable partner. We carry a stock of over 25,000 different products from the DIN/ISO standard parts sector which are available to you immediately. Our logistics partners guarantee shortest lead times worldwide. We combine quality and service. Take advantage of our excellent business connections. Tel.: +49 (0) 7941-6094-0 www.schaefer-peters.com

Since 1939 Sacma designs, manufactures and supplies a vast range of progressive headers for special parts and combined headers for special bolts widely used in the automotive world. Quality, reliability, performance, safety and state of the art technology are the prime characteristics of our new generation quick tool change machines. Tel: 0039 02 99 45 21 www.sacmalimbiate.it

S + P - Competence in Stainless Steel

Shanghai Links Stainless Steel Rivets Co., Ltd

Sicatech GmbH Sicatech is a quality orientated importer and stockist selling self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws, thread-forming screws, thread-cutting screws, Sica-Plas screws for plastic, brass fasteners and security screws at competitive prices.

We are professional because we only produce stainless steel blind rivets including open type, sealed type, unigrip and multigrip.

Fax: +86-21-66312723 fastenique@21cn.com

Tel: +49 (0)25 65 40 55 0 www.sicatech.com

For many years we have been the partner for fastener distributers in Europe with top service also for smaller quantities and fast deliveries. We stock fasteners with Cr6-free zinc plating too.

Spirol Industries Ltd SPIROL® Disc Springs are conically-shaped, washer-type components designed to be axially loaded. SPIROL offer a standard-size range in outside diameters from 8 mm to 200 mm to meet your diverse application needs. SPIROL standard disc springs meet all DIN 2093 performance, tolerance and quality specifications as well as DIN 2092 design criteria.

Spirol Industries Ltd Versatile SPIROL® Coiled Spring Pins provide flexibility, uniform strength, equal stress distribution, closer diameter tolerances, no interlocking, substantial advantages in trouble-free automatic feeding, and they reduce costs. Heavy, standard, and light duty pins provide combinations of strength, flexibility and diameter to meet the specific engineering objectives of your pinning applications. Tel: 0044 (0) 1536 444800 www.spirol.com

Tel: 0044 (0) 1536 444800 www.spirol.com

Stainless Threaded Fasteners

Stafa Holland Stafa is an importer/wholesale dealer of fasteners, and founded in 1977. Our strength? A selected assortment and quick deliveries from extended stocks. Quality and competitive prices mark the important position that Stafa carries throughout Europe with the deliveries of bolts, nuts, screws, washers, threaded rods and products acc. to drawings or samples.

Stainless Threaded Fasteners, a member of the SRB Ltd Group of Companies, is one of Europe’s largest fastener distributors. • • • • • • • • Tel: +31 (0) 495 599 888 www.stafa.nl

Tel: +44 1902 499210 www.stf-fasteners.com

Vipa

TLI Thomas Lage GmbH Wholesaler, Import & Export, sells fixings like: Chipboard Screws, Roof & Cladding Fixings, Window Frame Screws, Distance Screws, Drilling Screws Din 7504, Fast-Fixing Scews Focus: Surface Treatment/Finishing according to RAL or Sample

Email: info@tli-gmbh.de www.tli-gmbh.de

Stainless Steel A2, A4 and A4-80 Brass Non-Standard Specials High Grade Alloy Fasteners Construction Fixings 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, 14.9 Fasteners Marine Hardware 316SS BS EN ISO9001:2000 Accreditation

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 in Hall: 4 Stand: 3801

Tel: +39 0522 658 900 Email: info@vipaspa.it

Wenzhou Yuanda Standard Components Manufacturing CO.,Ltd.

Visserie Guerry S.A.-N.V. Since 1924, we manufacture the special screw which answers your problem of fixing. Thanks to the process of cold striking, we guarantee you economic productions of quality - certificate ISO 9001. We work out our screws - steel, stainless, aluminium, brass, etc both for complex industrial applications.

Wenzhou Yuanda Standard Components Manufacturing CO.,Ltd. Established in 1994. The company is situated in Wenzhou city zhejiang China. Now, our company is majoring in the nuts series of fasteners. It is including Rivet nuts, Wheel nuts ,Welded nuts, Self lock nuts, Flange nuts and Cap nuts. Tel: +32 (0) 2/361.28.00 www.visserieguerry.be

cyd@chinayuanda.com www.chinayuanda.com

March 2008 – Russian & CIS Markets

3 Marcos

Tel. +351 234 600 200 Email: 3marcos@3marcos.com

ABA

ACTON

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co KG

Tel: +49 (0)2391 8107-0 info@puehl.de

Tel: 0049 (0) 40 532 852 0 www.pasvahl.de

For example: Direct from stock DIN 609/610, DIN 561/564 DIN 478/479/480 DIN 464/653/466/467 DIN 906/908/910

Arma Kalip

Arpel Ltd

Tel: 00 44 1384 296660 Email: sales@arpelchilterns.co.uk

ASTON Sweden AB ASTON Sweden AB is a leading manufacturer of specialty fasteners for the construction industry. New catalogue available

March 2008

info@astonsweden.com Tel: +46 586 634 50

Tel: +49 (0) 27 53/59 56-0 www.bum.de

B+M Breitbach + MĂźller GmbH

Tel: +1 905 356-1327 Email: furnaces@can-eng.com

Tel: +39 0341 654611 www.carlosalvi.it

Clyde Fasteners

Tel: +44 (0)1355 225451 www.clydefasteners.com

DEJOND

CTR Carbide Dies Ltd

Tel: +32 3 820 34 36 www.dejond.com

Dörken

Tel: +49 2330 63243 www.doerken-mks.com

Tel: +385 1 3377 000 Email: div@div.com.hr

EDS Gesellschaft für Trockbausysteme mbH

Tel: +49 (0) 5224 1233 www.eds-trockenbausysteme.de

Tel: 0049 2324 9340 0 www.ebinghaus.de

Tel: +49 (0)751 407-0 www.schrauben-engel.de

Exports Unlimited

FAR S.r.l

info@exports-unlimited.com www.exports-unlimited.com

Tel: +39 051 6009530 www.far.bo.it

Faster s.r.l

Tel: +49 (0)256 59 32 50 Email: info@fastbolt.com

Growermetal

Friulsider

Growermetal is a modern family owned company located in Calco, Italy.

Tel: +39 039 9902504 www.growermetal.it

Tel: 0039 0131 87 161 www.ingramatic.com

Tel: +49 2394 61937 Email m.schreiber@kohlhage.de

Email: fasteners@kundan.com www.kundan.com

Lindapter

Tel: +49 (0) 2333/8309-18 www.lederer-online.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1274 521 444 www.lindapter.com

MAGE AG

Tel: +41 26 684 74 00 Email: sales@mage.ch

Masterfix

Please contact our Russian speaking sales department.

Email: r.pisters@masterfix.com www.masterfix.com

Tel: +49 (0)211 9332 168 www.maxmothes.de

NORMA

www.normagroup.com

Email: admin@weiyecorp.com www.weiye-fixing.com

omniTECHNIK

info@ornit.com www.ornit.com

We are looking for a distibutor in Russia.

RapierStar

Pfitzer Verbindungstechnik GmbH

A Breakthrough in Performance The cradle of inch-sized fasteners

Tel: +49 7131 797769-0 www.pfitzer-verbindungstechnik.de

Tel: +44 (0)870 3003313 www.rapierstar.com

Reyher

Rivit

Reyher is one of the leading trading companies for fasteners and fixings in Europe with more than 110,000 different products with a constant availability of more than 98% stock.

Email: rivit@rivit.it www.rivit.it

SACMA

S + P - Competence in Stainless Steel

Shanghai Links Stainless Steel Rivets Co., Ltd

We are professional because we only produce stainless steel blind rivets including open type, sealed type, unigrip and multigrip.

Fax: +86-21-66312723 fastenique@21cn.com

Tel: +49 (0)25 65 40 55 0 www.sicatech.com

For many years we have been the partner for fastener distributers in Europe with top service also for smaller quantities and fast deliveries. We stock fasteners with Cr6-free zinc plating too.

Tel: 0044 (0) 1536 444800 www.spirol.com

Stainless Threaded Fasteners

Stainless Threaded Fasteners, a member of the SRB Ltd Group of Companies, is one of Europe’s largest fastener distributors. • • • • • • • • Tel: +31 (0) 495 599 888 www.stafa.nl

Tel: +44 1902 499210 www.stf-fasteners.com

Vipa

Email: info@tli-gmbh.de www.tli-gmbh.de

Stainless Steel A2, A4 and A4-80 Brass Non-Standard Specials High Grade Alloy Fasteners Construction Fixings 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, 14.9 Fasteners Marine Hardware 316SS BS EN ISO9001:2000 Accreditation

Tel: +39 0522 658 900 Email: info@vipaspa.it

Wenzhou Yuanda Standard Components Manufacturing CO.,Ltd.

cyd@chinayuanda.com www.chinayuanda.com

How it all started It seems a long time ago that we decided to stick our necks out and publish a magazine dedicated, then, to the UK fastener industry. We’d already stuck our necks out three years previously and launched the very first Fastener Fair. The motivation was partially need and partially opportunity. The need was to really find an effective platform to support and promote the Fastener Fair. The opportunity, as is often the case, came from being able to encourage the right people to get involved. Ross Durkin was a friend and neighbour, and an experienced editor of a car magazine. I spoke to him about my plans – he offered his services. Alan Robinson was advertising manager for Engineering Distributor, which had been bought out facing Alan with a long journey to work, at exactly the time he was looking to wind down towards retirement. A part time role, close to home, suited him perfectly. Alan can only be described as a determined ‘old pro’, from whom I certainly learnt some tricks. With Ross and Alan in place, I had people with knowledge to produce and sell advertising in a professional magazine, and with the database of Fastener Fair visitors and exhibitors we had the initial magazine circulation. Looking back at the first issue, much has changed in the industry over these last ten years. Some companies are no longer around, some metamorphosed completely, and a stalwart few have advertised in every issue – Brighton Best, Electra, Hafren, Bendfast, London Screw and, of course, Fastener Fair. By happy chance it was fischer that advertised in that first issue and also adorn this 50th issue front cover.

Ten years ago it was a 36-page magazine, published once a quarter for the UK market. Now, of course it is well over 100 pages, six times a year, with a print circulation that spans Europe and a digital circulation that has truly taken it worldwide. In that first issue was an application form for the first Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide, published in Issue 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all seven pages of it. Now we have two Business Directories that have become invaluable references for fastener buyers and production management.

Much has changed but Rossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first editorial is still true today - in future issues you will continue to see coverage of a wide range of topics, some directly related to the everyday running of your business and others which, though only of marginal interest to some, will be particularly relevant to others in specific industry sectors. One theme that has run throughout our coverage is that it has and continues to be aimed fairly and squarely at companies in the fastener and fixing industry. I want to say thank you to everyone who has worked on the publication, and all our editorial contributors and readers. Above all to our continually expanding readership, some of whom I know still have that first issue, I hope we have brought value and support to your business. That has been and continues to be at the core of what we do.

Jerry Ramsdale Publisher

Broadening our horizons It is six years ago that Jamie Mitchell and I met. We were in a car heading for WIRE Düsseldorf – a journey during which, I seem to recall, Jamie was nursing something of a hangover. Of course, as is becoming of a recently appointed advertising director, to say nothing of father of three, he’s put that sort of thing behind him these days…! There wasn’t a lot of conversation on that road trip. There has been an awful lot since, mainly focused on how to transform a UK trade magazine to a publication that truly reflected the European fastener and fixing industries - its players, its interests and the global forces impacting it. It’s a working partnership that I have greatly enjoyed, and Jamie’s directorship is recognition of a crucial contribution to this magazine that often goes unseen. One thing we both realised very quickly was that this is a ‘people industry’ and that there would be no substitute for visiting businesses and events personally, meeting people face-toface and absorbing some of the rich knowledge base they collectively possess. As a result we have clocked up some serious miles in the last six years, stretching our boundaries further and further. One important result has been a unique network of news partners – in the USA, in Russia and the Ukraine, in China and Taiwan - invaluable in broadening our horizons and contributing to the understanding of an increasingly complex world market. John Wolz, editor at FastenerNews.com in Portland, Oregan deserves a special mention – his example as an experienced journalist and contributions to this magazine were invaluable in helping me to come to terms with the disciplines of an adopted profession, for which I certainly had no formal training. How have we done? That is really for you to judge, not us. It is an unavoidable economic

practicality that we cannot publish in every language we would like. With that single limitation and, while we constantly seek ways to improve, we believe we have become pretty effective in meeting the needs of readers throughout Europe and delivering genuine value to our advertisers. The combination of our constantly improving capability to provide analysis of what is happening globally, and the innovation of digital publishing technology, also means that, since January last year, the magazine has won extensive and growing readership outside Europe, quite literally to every corner of the world. Where do we go now? Our main constituency remains the European industry and we are committed to bringing insights, analysis and news from and about it. We want also to continue to set standards as a trade publication â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this issue is the result of major exercise in upgrading in our presentation. The world, though, has grown small, criss-crossed with a web of interdependency that means the most local of fastener businesses is unavoidably impacted by changes thousands of kilometres away. Part of our aim is to go on getting better at cutting through some of that complexity and informing our readership, hopefully to the benefit and improvement of their own businesses. In that I am now supported by Will Lowry, who joined a year ago as assistant editor. Will had the unenviable task of getting to grips with the nuances of this industry very quickly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a task he seems to have survived with remarkable cheerfulness, to become an important office-based anchor for a singularly peripatetic editor. My thanks, finally, to all of those companies that have allowed me access to their businesses, and all of those people that have generously given their time in explaining what they do and what they see happening in this fascinating industry. If I have managed to bring anything distinctive to this publication it is the accumulated and concentrated knowledge of all those visits and meetings. Phil Matten editor

2007 was a busy, and very satisfactory year for Rivit s.r.l. The company achieved overall growth of 27%, reflecting a huge increase in international activities, with export sales growing by almost 60%. During 2007 Rivit increased the number of countries with which it has developed important relationships or commercial partnerships to 32 nations on 5 continents. “Participation in many exhibitions proved to be an excellent policy allowing us to meet many new people and start new relationships,” explains Manuele Avanzolini. “This has allowed Rivit to become more and more popular and has also allowed the completeness of the ‘fasteners&tools’ programme, as well as the high quality of its products, to be fully appreciated by customers.” Manuele is clear that the sales team’s extensive travels has allowed Rivit to make it strengths even better known. “The extent and depth of the range of products, their high quality, is backed by constant innovation and development of new solutions, excellent stock availability and an effective after-sales service. All these things make both a commercial and human being oriented company.” Rivit’s intensive efforts over a number of years has succeeded in achieving high levels of international recognition for its brand. “The Rivit brand has gained in popularity due to this recognition,” says Manuele, “and we firmly believe it is now synonymous with reliability and quality of product.” The extent of Rivit’s visits to distributors and customers, as well as participation in the exhibitions, means the company has developed a very direct knowledge of the foreign markets and the culture of the different countries in which it is present. “These meetings are really indispensable to the Rivit management,” says Manuele “as they provide a uniquely effective way of realising the needs of the markets as well as gauging Rivit’s position and commercial strength in each territory.” Rivit looks at 2008 a year of further growth as well as consolidation of the positions it has already achieved. It is also celebrating 35 years presence in the market. “In order to prove more and more competitive and ready to accept the new challenges that the market imposes,” says Manuele, “the Company is focusing on its team, the opportunities it has developed, in particular the partnership relations with distributors and, overall, the companies diversification across both domestic and foreign markets.” Rivit’s investment has not solely been in personal contact with its markets. Two years ago, at its custom built warehouse and headquarters outside Bologna, the company invested in an innovative automatic warehouse. “The system is located in a 18 metre high and 90 metre long tower, where two traslo-elevators operate,” says Manuele. “Along two aisles there are 24,000 trays, which can contain up to 100,000 references. The rapid and precise logistic management of our inventory is part of a wider commercial policy, with the final aim of greater speed and precision in the execution of orders.” Following Practical World at Cologne, Rivit will exhibit at EuroBLECH 2008 in Hannover, on stand F37 in hall 13. At both fairs the company looks forward to initiating the next 35 years of partnership.

Anchored to integrity TIMco launches new construction fixings ranges T.I. Midwood, a UK based company, is introducing a new range of anchor and fixing systems to the UK and Ireland market. A family company, TIMco prides itself on the service and support it gives to its customers, believing it is the level of commitment and care it takes in these areas, as well as the consistently high quality of its products, that ensure the continued high level of customer loyalty it enjoys. “The majority of our customers are very loyal and this is down to the solid TIMco reputation we have developed over the years” explains Simon Midwood, sales and marketing director. “We have over 1,000 UK and Ireland customers but we try to minimise overlap and are careful to ensure

each has a reasonable geographic area to service with TIMco products.” Retaining that customer loyalty is fundamental to the TIMco business and the company is keen to ensure that it continues to meet customer expectations. To this end Simon Midwood spends a significant proportion of his working week visiting customers and seeking detailed feedback on the service provided by TIMco. “We want to find out what we do right, what we do wrong and what we could improve on.” As well as speaking to the buying contact or managing director, Simon makes sure he also speaks with the people dealing with TIMco and its products on a day-by-day basis, in particular warehouse operatives who have to receive, store and pick the product and accounts who have to reconcile delivery documentation to invoices. “The visits have been generally very positive, but a recent visit highlighted the nuisance value of polystyrene packing chips. As a result we have invested in new equipment and changed to sealed air packing.” The TIMco approach reflects the marketing adage that it is substantially more effective to develop growth through existing customers, and achieve high levels of retention through attention to service issues, than it is to constantly win new customers. “Our objective is to continue selling to and through our existing customer base, rather than fighting to enter new markets,” explains Simon. “This is why we are constantly looking to develop and extend our ranges, so we can offer our customers more of what they need.” The first step T.I. Midwood takes before introducing a new range is to make sure that it has the technical expertise to support its customers and to ensure the quality and performance of the new range meets the rigorous standards the company sets itself. “Releasing the Addax range was a good

learning curve,” explains Simon, “and highlighted the crucial importance of having the depth of technical experience and knowledge to effectively support the range.” That’s the reason why Jon Freeman has been appointed as the TIMco technical expert for the anchor and fixing systems range. Jon has extensive experience of the construction fixings market having worked for a number of well-known suppliers in the sector. Product quality, range and the expertise to support it are all fundamental to the success of launching a new range into a highly competitive market sector. Presentation and shelf-presence are also increasingly important. TIMco worked hard to differentiate the Addax range in this respect to ensure that the range presented an attractive merchandising program. Similar care and attention to detail has been applied to the new anchor and fixings program. New style boxes are designed to make storage, selection and installation simpler. The one-piece box has a picture of the product on all facets for easy product recognition and the label on the front gives the exact product size specification and includes a bar code. There are also full installation instructions on the base

85 Hardened steel nails TR85 Shank diam.: 2,5mm L=20-25-30-35mm Washer diam.: 8.5mm Hardness: 52 /55 HRC

Setting tool

Valuable products for reliable jobs TRAFILERIE CHIODERIE TORRE DE BUSI sas Via Sonna, 10-fr. S. Gottardo, I-23806 Torre de Busi (LC) Italia Tel +39 035785050 Fax +39 035785445 e-mail: titibi@titibi.com http://www.titibi.com

of the box, in pictorial form. Highlights of the new TIMco anchor and fixings range include: Ceiling anchors - rigid, all steel, fire resistant anchors, with large diameters heads to support the load. This is a complete and fully assembled fixing with a hammer driven section designed to create the expansion. It is suitable for overhead applications such as suspended ceilings, light fittings and ventilation as it is simple and rapid to install. Metal Nail In and Wirehanger anchors Both are all steel and fire resistant, the Metal Nail In is a hammer fixed anchor for light gauge track and top fix brackets in suspended ceiling systems. The Wirehanger is an anchor with a 6.5mm hole for suspending wires for ceilings and ductwork applications, designed to provide simple and rapid installation. Express Nails - A popular fixing system in Ireland for the attachment of timber frames and battens to soffits and walls. Fire resistant due to all steel material they can be used as an alternative to frame and hammer fixings.

Skru-Bolt – A high performance and versatile anchor system, for hard masonry materials, it has a quick start thread for rapid installation and cuts its own thread into the substrate.

The Skru-Bolt comes with DIN standard head sizes, with the length and drill diameter stamped on the head. It can be Zinc plated (35 microns) for normal corrosion resistance or silver ruspert (1,000 hours salt spray) for external application.

approval and are fire rated from F30 – F120.

Metal Speed Plugs – Due to be released in April, the new TBAZS meets the market demand for a generic style of self drilling plasterboard anchor.

where the specific requirements and

The EPOXY300 has non shrink free flow characteristics for deep holes and high performance applications such as starter bars and critical anchoring applications. The PE410 and PE310 is a general purpose resin for use performance of the EASF and EPOXY are not required. Full technical, safety data sheets and

Throughbolts - Independently tested at Imperial College, London, in accordance with Annex A, ETAG No 001, 1997 the TIMco throughbolt was tested with two embedment depths for each anchor size. This enables the customer or user to select the most suitable and economic anchor for his application based on the performance of the anchor at given embedment depths.

performance information are available on all

Shield Anchors - A traditional style expansion anchor with the benefit of a four piece body, captive expansion cone on all styles and an all steel construction. Available as shield only, bolt projecting and loose bolt versions.

hole cleaning blow out pumps and hole

the resins and, in particular, the EASF has performance figures at standard, deeper and shallower embedment depths, and performance with higher grade studs. TIMco also supplies all the necessary equipment for safe and secure installation of anchors and can offer PGM approved drill bits, cleaning brushes. With plans for a new warehouse extension, training centre, offices and further expansion of the TIMco and Addax product ranges it is

Wedge anchors - Available in standard or lipped versions, suited for HVAC and M&E applications. The M16 is suitable for the TIMco scaffold ring bolt when fixing into concrete. This hammer set anchor should be installed with the TIMco setting tool or punch. Resin Anchors - The TIMco range of pumpable cartridge resins includes a Polyester resin (PE), an Epoxy Acrylate resin (EASF) and a pure Epoxy resin (EPOXY300). The PE and EASF are available in a 410ml Coaxial cartridge and all three resins are available in a cartridge suitable for use with a standard style sealant tool. The EASF410 and EASF310 are styrene free, have full CE marking, an ETA

clear that T.I. Midwood is continuing to look forward. Most importantly, though, the company remains fully committed to the core values that made it successful in the beginning and have ensured an enviable level of customer loyalty in the UK and Ireland.

NEW GENERATION CHEMICAL ANCHORING INNOVATION IS INSIDE

in PRIVATE LABEL

ZI Les Mourgues - 30350 CARDET (France) Tél : 33 (0) 4 66 83 87 92 - Fax. : 33 (0) 4 66 92 07 87 www.socomfr.com - e-mail : sales@socomfr.com

Not such a tall story J.H. de Wit en Zonen B.V. Helmond, the Netherlands It is three-and-a-half years since Don Quichotte moved three hundred truckloads of equipment and material into a brand new, custom-built factory in Helmond, Netherlands. It seemed a tall story, even for these exceedingly tall Dutchmen, to succeed in continuing to make the highest quality hardened steel nails in Europe. Recently we called called in for an update.

walk through a large nailmaking hall, with production running full bore all around you, and still be able to carry on a quiet conversation. Each machine is completely encased in a sound reduction and fume extraction cabinet. At the heart of the plant, between production and packaging, is a row of heat treatment lines, where closely guarded processes ensure the consistent performance and durability for which the Don Quichotte brand is renowned.

In 2003, managing director Willem van Zantvoort gave this magazine a preview of a longstanding dream – an artist’s impression of the new factory he planned to build, to overcome the limitations of a plant, that in some places dated to the company’s foundation in 1921. A year later it was in production and when this magazine visited, output was already running 50% higher than before, without any significant increase in production equipment.

A walk through the goods outwards areas is another reminder – this time of the extraordinary range of destinations, literally throughout the world, to which this company sends its products.

The new factory has 11,000 square metres covered on a total 25,000 square metre site. The talk now, though, is of expansion again. Range and sales increases mean that the original warehousing capacity is getting tight – and Don Quichotte is looking to build additional stockholding capacity. A return visit is a reminder of what a remarkable operation this is. The strangest experience is to

Growth is not entirely without its pains. Toward the end of 2007 Don Quichotte completely replaced its computer system – a process that it seems no organisation can ever go through without disruption and heartache. It’s done now, though, and Willem van Zandvoort is looking forward to benefiting from production and business planning capabilities, about which the company could only previously dream. What of the tall men themselves? Wherever we meet them they radiate a boundless enthusiasm for their business - and why not? We once suggested that some might consider building a modern Dutch factory to make the finest hardened steel nails as reminiscent of the windmill tilting escapades of their brand hero. Four years have proven it really wasn’t such a tall story.

Manufacturers of Masonry Nails, Cartridge Tool Nails, Washered Nails and Capping Nails

J.H. de Wit en Zonen B.V., P.O. Box 60, Gerstdijk 17, Industrial Zone No. 9081, 5700 AB Helmond,The Netherlands. Tel: +(31) 492 - 588888 Fax: +(31) 492 - 547585 E-mail: info@don-quichotte.nl www.don-quichotte.nl

New form of suspension fixing Fischer Wireclip is a new form of suspension fixing which is being introduced to the UK market to provide a time-saving, simple-toinstall system for suspending heavy loads in commercial applications. Fischer Wireclip comprises a zinc block, housing a spring and locking mechanism which grips firmly via serrated wedges on to wire cable of 2-4mm in diameter. Purchased as a range, fischer Wireclip provides a complete system for a wide range of applications, including suspending cable ducts, cable trays, ventilation ducts, lighting systems, signage, false ceilings, pipework and much more. The system works simply by threading the wire cable through the Wireclip, making a loop and locking it with the locking mechanism, before attaching it to the item to be suspended. The complete range comprises: Wireclip in a choice of diameters from 2mm to 4mm, with recommended loads of up to 2.3kN; cable in corresponding diameters and a choice of lengths; cable sets complete

with eyelets; and wire cutters for cutting cables cleanly without fraying. The blocks are die-cast in Zamac 5 zinc alloy, giving excellent anticorrosion properties. The cable is made from braided steel with zinc electroplating, while the internal springs are made from A2 stainless steel. “This is not an area of the fixings market which is known for great product innovation, so we believe that fischer Wireclip will be the subject of considerable interest among contractors in this sector, as it has so many advantages over conventional solutions,” says Dr Pietro Grandesso, managing director of fischer fixings UK Ltd.

ETA awarded to JCP throughbolts.

Undercutting the opposition

JCP the specialist fixing division of Owlett-Jaton, has been awarded with the European Technical Approval for its latest range of throughbolts.

The Universal Screw just launched to market by M-Cut Anchor Systems Ltd saves time and money because there is no need to use nylon or plastic plugs when fixing into concrete, brickwork or aerated blocks.

The ETA gives specifiers and users confidence that the approved anchors will work reliably and carry the quoted loads.

Using a patented high pitch triple helix thread, the screw creates a positive mechanical interlock (undercut) between the screw and the substrate as the threads bite into the material around the edge of the drilled hole.

The JCP range of approved products now include: • • • • • • •

Throughbolts Clear Zinc Plated Throughbolts in Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Anchors Hexagon Bolt Heavy Duty Anchors Hexagon Nut Heavy Duty Anchors Countersunk Spin in Glass Capsules used with Zinc Plated Studs Spin in Glass Capsules used with Hot Dipped Galvanised Studs • Spin in Glass Capsules used with A4 Stainless Steel Studs • Vinylester Injection Resin Reference should be made to the European Technical approval for full design information where the anchors are used in safety critical applications.

“This interlock gives astonishing loadbearing; no longer is the strength reliant on simple frictional resistance as with a screw in a nylon plug.” Other advantages include the absence of any need for pre-marking and pre-drilling – the smaller diameter drill required allows holes to be drilled through the fixture and the screws to be driven straight in – and the ability to finish many jobs single-handed, as the ‘just drill and screw’ operation allows one end of a long fixture to be held in final position while the other end is aligned, drilled and screwed. “In short, the M-Cut Universal Screw makes fixing into materials that would otherwise require a nylon plug as easy as fixing into timber (in which, along with chipboard, the screw can also be used). One screw really does it all!”

AUTOMOTIVE SPRING PIN速 The logical solution. 100% control plus+. Optimal chamfer angle. Easily Installed. Greater Fastening Security. Reduces Fastener Costs.

www.jvu.de

Spannstiftstrasse 2 D-58119 Hagen T. + 49 (0) 23 34.957-215 spannstifte@jvu.de

For more Information please contact our sales department

Fixing letters is a breeze As you arrive at the Trinity Road end of Villa Park, the largest football ground in the Midlands, one of the first things you see is the club's name, signed in imposing lettering two metres high and fifty metres wide. When sign maker Omega Signs was commissioned to build and install the lettering, one of the first problems they needed to solve was how to fasten the sign into place. Lindapter provided the quickest and easiest solution, with the bolt-on CF high friction clamp. This allowed the lettering - which is mounted onto two channel sections - to be bolted onto the stadium's structural steelwork without drilling or welding.

New catalogue from Olympic Fixings The 2008 catalogue from Olympic Fixings is now available in a GBP priced version and also a euro priced version. The full colour, 208 page catalogue features a range of products now exceeding 3,200 items all of which are held in stock at warehouses in the UK and Ireland. One of a number of new product groups is a range of fixings in Tubs which includes Plugs, Cable Clips, Self Drives and various types of screws.

Screw-Tite® the one to choose British Woodworking magazine tested premium branded woodscrews and concluded that Screw-Tite® was the one to choose. Nick Gibbs, editor and publishing director, commented: ‘When we tested screws in the first issue of British Woodworking we’d never even heard of Screw-Tite®. We conducted a series of objective tests, and the Screw-Tite® screws came out top for speed and entry into hardwood, as well as runner-up for strength, entry into softwood and for finish. “The unexpected success was the Screw-Tite®,” we said in our Final Verdict.’ This is the second Screw-Tite® has been recognised for quality and innovation, having taken second prize at the Fastener Fair, Stuttgart, 2005, in the New Product Showcase. Tite-Fix has just made a new appointment aimed at continuing to strengthen the development of new products and markets. Zoe Adamson joins Tite-Fix as business development co-ordinator, working closely with Simon Johnson. This is a new venture for Zoe who brings experience of working for a large fastener and fixings wholesaler in a number of roles.

UniBond launches ‘premium’ sealants range Henkel is launching a new ‘premium’ range of sealants under its leading UniBond brand.

Sealant colours across the different products in the range include white, translucent, ivory, brown, black and grey.

Henkel says that its solutions-driven products evolved out of the huge success of the UniBond ‘Anti Mould’ proposition, which it says changed the dynamics of the sealant market by targeting specific consumer concerns.

Mark Hampshire, Henkel’s brand manager responsible, says: “Our new UniBond sealants give retailers a significant opportunity to increase revenue by selling premium sealants that deliver real consumer benefits”.

Each of the five advanced product formulations matches specific areas: ‘Anti Mould’ Shower & Bathroom sealant, ‘Anti Stain’ Hygienic Kitchen sealant, ‘Easy Finish’ All Purpose interior & exterior sealant, ‘Weather Protect’ Window & Door Frame interior & exterior sealant and ‘Multi Repair’ 3 in 1 sealant, adhesive & filler. Packaged to differentiate it from other UniBond sealants, the premium range is clearly distinguished by the prominent ‘swoosh’ graphic onpack proclaiming its ‘Anti Mould’, ‘Anti Stain’, ‘Easy Finish’, ‘Weather Protect’ or ‘Multi Repair’ properties.

Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd SPECIALISTS IN STAINLESS STEEL Apex Stainless Fasteners, the U.K’s leading Stainless Steel Fastener distributor, stock a large range of Stainless Steel chipboards and traditional woodscrews. In the coming months due to an increase in demand from customers who prefer the increased penetration speed coming from the sharper threads that the chipboards have, a range of A4 Pozi Csk and A2 Torx Csk will be added to the current inventory of A2 Pozi Csk and Pozi Pan. For quality Stainless Steel chipboard and woodscrews at very competitive prices contact Apex on:

Verbindungselemente Engel GmbH We are a successful wholesale business of connectors and have been present as a supplier to European industry and commerce for many years. We handle over a thousand million connectors of all kinds every year, holding a full assortment of standard items to customized parts. Over 8,000 pallets in our high rack warehouse in Weingarten accommodate everything our customers need for their daily business. To make sure that our customers are satisfied we maintain a high quality standard and use our wide experience and sophisticated ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to their benefit. Competence in woodscrews. Chipboard screws are a main focus of our range. Available from stock, whether countersunk, raised countersunk, pan head, zinced yellow or blue, stainless steel, Pozidriv or Torx, with or without ribs, drill point, etc. Special screws like Jetting, Rapid, Dual, Komprex are also available at short notice. Please contact us:

Tel: +44 (0)1788 537979

Fax: +44 (0)1788 547974

Essence Method Refine Co., LTD Established in 1997 in Taiwan. We especially make wood screws, structure screws, and special screws. Including Chipboard, Drywall, Particle-Board screws, Concrete screws, Tapping screws, Self-drill screws, Roof screws and screws of customers’ drawings (made to print). Our RD department has developed variable kinds of productions. acexma-a – Spire-sharp triangle core, rapid without wood split. GSWR - Making “Saw” in screw thread. PSP - PZ + Star combo recess for DIY market and reduce stock cost. TCA - Tornado cutting TWDS - Anti wood split screw Eco-nano coating - Variable colors and superior adhesion. Above patents belong to EMR, and we have the ability to apply screws to your market.

Tel: 0049 (0) 751 407 0

www.schrauben-engel.de

E.u.r.o.Tec GmbH E.u.r.o.Tec - Hardwood Decking- and Wood Screws are created to offer the professionals most possible benefits which are guaranteed by the main characteristics as: Cut point cutting fibre immediately for easy grip without pilot-drilling. Thread geometry to reduce the screwing time by approx. 40%. A milling thread between thread and shank to reduce screwing torque for stressless and fatigue-proof working. Ribs under the head to avoid splitting and guarantee flush countersinking. Special case hardening to offer a bending angle of more than 40° to follow movement of the wood. Tec-waxing for easy drilling. Available also in outdoor coating resisting more than 1.000 h saltspray. Dimensions: 3,5-10 mmØ, 6, 8 and 10 mmØ also with flanged head (also in hardened stainless). Hardwood Decking Screws with the same characteristics and available in hardened inox, A4 (acid resistant) or A5 (chlorine resistant) “Terrassotec” screw types with cylindrical head design to pull the hardwood fibre into the drill hole to have a clean surface without supplementary operation. Hidden fastening systems for hardwood deckings in weatherproof composite material for easy fastening without special tooling.

We welcome any type of co-operation.

Tel + 886 6 5966119

Samples and full details are available by calling us or by visiting our web-site. emr@emr.com.tw

Tel: 0049-2331-6245-140

www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

Fastbolt

fischer fixings UK Ltd

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.

All Hands on Deck

As a true "small screw specialist" we also offer a complete range of chipboard screws. The stock range covers cross and T-Multidrive recess in bright zinc and zinc yellow from 2,5 x 10 to 6,0 x 200mm (further sizes will be added soon). Just like all other small screws from Fastbolt the high quality FB chipboard screws come in the original FB box (45°/90mm).

info@fastbolt.com

www.fastbolt.com

Harrison & Clough

The screws are supplied in sizes of 4x50, 4x60, 4x65 and 4x75 and in quantities of 200, except for the largest size which is sold in 150s. They are manufactured to a proven design, which features an extra-sharp point, serrations in the end threads, a threaded section for two-thirds of the screw length, a posidrive head and weather-resistant coating. fischer deck screws are suitable for use in both hardwood and softwood. They are also available to stockists for own-branding, subject to volume.

Tel: 01491 827900

www.fischer.co.uk

H.Schreiber H.Schreiber limited have been established fo more than 25 years, during this time we have developed into a major importer and distributor of fixings and fasteners throughout the industry. The recent move of our warehouse to Brierley Hill, has enabled us to improve the chain of supply to our customers.

TimberMate Creates the Perfect Fix As a well-established name, TimberMate has dedicated itself to providing the Tradesman with all the fasteners they need to do the job. As part of this continued commitment, they recently noticed a gap in the market and took the appropriate actions. With this in mind, the brand has launched a new range of quality, collated dry wall screws called TimberMate Plus.

Our extensive range includes good stocks of:

Manufactured from premium quality steel, these collated dry wall screws are equipped with a sharp, needle-point to provide quick and easy penetration combined with a 'Philips' drive and deep recess to give more grip to the driver. Bugle headed they offer the ideal solution for a flush or slightly recessed finish in plasterboard and prevent paper tearing, ready for 'spotting' and the final plastering. Specially coated to give a high resistance to corrosion, the screws are available in sizes 25mm to 75mm, in Coarse or Fine thread with a Grey Phosphate finish or Fine thread and self-drilling with a zinc coated finish. These high quality screws are held on non-jamming plastic strips of 50 screws and are designed for use with all the popular manufacturer's machines. For more information contact Harrison & Clough Ltd: Tel: +44 (0) 870 889 22 22

The market for decking and associated fixings continues to grow. Indeed as the smoking ban in indoor areas is rolled out across the UK, this is projected to boost further the demand for decked areas in the commercial environment. fischer offers a range of decking screws, packaged in sturdy fischer-branded translucent buckets with handles.

www.harclo.com

• Drywall • Concrete Anchors • Nylon Fixings • Drill Bits • Twinthread • Chipboard • Brass and many other associated products. As part of the ever increasing The One Group of companies, www.onegroup.ie we will also have access to: • Hex Head Self Drilling Screw • Mechanical and Electrical Products • Cable Management and much, much more. We have much improved on our collated range and our new green and silver box is stronger than ever. For more information contact our sales team on 01582 575727 or e.mail sales@techscrew.com

McArthur Group Ltd Turboqwik Woodscrews : a ground- breaking new range of woodscrew distributed by McArthur Group.

Owlett Jaton WOOD AND DECKING SCREWS & COLLATED SYSTEMS FEATURE

• Duracote Finish -1000 hours Salt Spray tested, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use - far outlasting the usual ZYP variety • ‘Easy Start’ Gash Point 17 c/w serrated thread providing a vastly superior drive speed compared to conventional screws. • Double Csk Pozidrive Reinforced Head provides a flush finish. • Available in both Small Window Box packing or in Metal Storage Selection Kits comprising the Top 16 screw sizes. ( Range 3.5 x 20 up to 6.0 x 100 ) McArthur Group offer a wide range of Collated Fasteners assembled at their West Midland Plant including Drywall & Decking Screws. To augment these products they stock Makita 18v Cordless Auto-Feed Screwdrivers c/w the revolutionary quick-charge & lightweight Lithium-Ion Battery. Electric Models in both 110v & 240v are also available..

For more information contact McArthur Group Ltd: Tel: +44 1780761417

www.mcarthur-group.com

Poppers Senco UK Ltd As the decking season approaches it’s worth remembering that Senco has a range of fully- proven and new tools, plus a huge choice of specialist fasteners designed to make your job easier, quicker and more profitable. DuraSpin Particularly appropriate for decking applications are the DuraSpin 275-18v and 275-AC; plus the heightadjustable DuraSpin 300-24v and 300-AC models. All these topperformance tools incorporate a high-torque 3000-rpm motor and drive a range of screws from 25 – 75mm. The two AC mains-powered tools are available as 110v or 230v models. New Gas Nailers New this year are the Senco Gas Framing Nailers. Features include powerful, motors, thumbwheel depth of drive control and easy-load metal magazines. They also drive a range of nails from 50 – 90mm length.

Exterior Screws Owlett-Jaton were the inventors of the green organically coated exterior screws. Our original design is still the best screw on the market and is famous for its weatherresistant green coating, superb deep-cut thread and sharp point for easy starting. The organic green coating is environmentally friendly as well as resisting the British weather. TimberDrive Screws TimberDrive is a heavy duty fixing for both timber to timber and component to timber applications. It has been specifically designed for ease of use and speed of application when used with a power tool. The green organic coating has a proven weather resistant record and is recommended for use with treated timbers. The hexagon bit ensures drive is consistently engaged and allows for high torque when required. The under-head ribbing allows the head to be self-countersinking and the heat treated shank ensures optimum product strength. Additionally, the thread is designed to facilitate ease of penetration and still give the maximum pullout strength. TimberDrive can be used when fixings Beams, Rafters, Stairs, Floor Joists, Timber Decking Projects, Wooden Landscape Retaining Walls and Fencing. Each TimberDrive pack includes a free purpose designed hexagon driver bit for maximum drive efficiency.

Tel: 00 44 (0)1785 819 819

Fax: 00 44 (0) 1785 819

RapierStar Award winning patented decking screws. The Rapier StarDeck™ decking screw is the ultimate fixing for today's treated exterior timber. Providing exceptional corrosion resistance with a fast, clean insertion into all wood types. o Patented StarForm™ Thread - Quick start, fast insertion, no pilot hole required o Countersinking Ribs - Flush finish, without splitting o StarDrive™ Recess - Drive directly into hardwood without rounding out o StarCoat™ - High tech protective coating for the toughest environments (ACQ) o StarLok™ - Heavy duty woodscrew also available for larger land scaping projects. Non-slip hex head, up to 6.3 x 250mm in length. o StarTurn™ - Highest quality universal woodscrew. Quicker assembly for all timber joinery.

Specialist Fasteners With the introduction of new pressure treated timbers, more attention now has to be paid to the type of screws and nails you use. Poppers Senco has a wide range of fasteners, including stainless steel and Weatherex® Class 1 galvanised, for maximum corrosion resistance. For specialist advice, contact Poppers Senco.

Order NOW for special offers for your 2008 decking program

Tel: 0044 (0) 870 033 0200

Tel: +44 (0) 870 300 3313

Email: sales@poppers-senco.co.uk

www.rapierstar.com

T.I.Midwood & Co Ltd

Reisser®Ltd Reisser R2 Cutter High Performance Woodscrews

Classic Multi-Purpose Screw

The latest addition to the REISSER® quality branded products is the R2 Cutter, which offers the following features and benefits:

With over 35 years experience in supplying the fixings and fastener industry TIMco has become a well established brand, as has its MultiPurpose Classic Screw. The exceptional reliability and strength of the TIMco Multi-Purpose Classic Screw enables the user to rely on one product for a variety of applications. It is specifically designed as a multi-purpose product, the 25 degree sharp point, special thread design, lubrication and corrosion resistant plating ensures the screw will consistently perform efficiently in hardwood, chipboard, MDF, plastic and thin sheet metal, whilst offering exceptional holding power.

* Immediate start due to needle point. * Prevention of splitting close to the edge due to 2 patented slots. * Self Countersinking, due to distinct Ribs and Tucks under the head. * Reducing the risk of “cam-out” and snapping due to re-enforced collar. * Reducing driving and torque resistance due to lubricated, sharp, wide, deep thread. * Greater rust resistance.

The Classic Multi-Purpose is available in four finishes: Zinc/Yellow, Zinc, Stainless Steel and Black.

The screws are packed in informative, distinctive packaging and are available with practical display systems. For details regarding becoming an Authorized Stockist please Contact:

For Further information contact:

Tel: +44(0) 161 483 5557

Tel: +44 (0) 1829 261 111

info@reisser.co.uk

T.I.Midwood & Co Ltd Yellow Strip Collated Drywall and Flooring Screws TIMco’s Yellow Strip Collated Drywall screws have been specifically designed to be compatible with all leading branded power tools. The collated belt has a double chamfered plastic collar to ensure the screws are delivered at the correct angle and released quickly without resistance. It has been manufactured from NA207/66 plastic and injection moulded. The collated strip is available with 5 different screw types: Phillips Bugle Head-Coarse Thread Sharp point available in Zinc, Phillips Bugle Head-Sharp Point available in Zinc, Phillips Bugle Head Self Drilling available in Zinc, Phillips Countersunk Flooring Screws Zinc and Yellow Passivated, Wing Tip Self-Drilling available in Zinc.

www.TIMcouk.com

Tite-Fix Developments and advances in timber treatments, along with new materials now used for outdoor construction means more demanding fixings. One company that has kept pace with the change is Tite-Fix, offering the complete package. Whether it’s deck construction, fencing, cladding, posts, landscaping or any other outdoor application we have a product to suit. Innovation is the key to our success, innovation in construction materials matched by our own innovation to answer specific application and design problems; so supply the best with: Deck-Tite® Deck-Tite® Collated Deck-Tite® Composite Deck-Tite® Plus Deck-Tite® Brackets Timber-Tite® Timber-Tite® Bolts Lost-Tite® Screw-Tite® The brands to trust for outdoor construction If we haven’t got a fixing that suits we’ll develop it. All our Outdoor fixings are backed by the Timber Decking Associations DeckMark™ accreditation

For Further information contact:

The revolution continues… Tel: +44 (0) 1829 261 111

www.TIMcouk.com

Tel: 0044 (0)870 043 4571

www.tite-fix.co.uk

Ten year flight Alcoa Fastening Systems Ltd (AFS) is celebrating a ten year business relationship with Miloco, one of France’s leading air cargo container producers. Located at Roissy-Orly near Paris, Miloco employ 40 people to construct and repair air cargo containers for Continental Airlines, Air France, Corse Air and the French air force. It is also the only manufacturer of cargo container trailers in France through its factory in Britanny. Using Huck Magna-Grip® fasteners, Miloco repair between 25,000 and 30,000 containers per year. It also constructs approximately 7,000 new ones which arrive at the factory in a kit format. Jean Aubin Kandissounon, production manager at Miloco explains the process and why, after ten years, they are still very happy to use AFS products and tooling. He said: “Containers can be expensive to repair and the fact we only require one type of fastener, easily installed by one operative instead of two, means we can carry out the necessary work or production quickly and efficiently, thus providing a faster response and better value for money. In addition, our customers always comment that Magna-Grip provides the completed product with a better aesthetic finish compared to standard non structural rivets, which we had previously used.”

Latching on the moggie

IGS springs into action

Simmonds of Malvern has selected an over-centre latch solution from Protex Fasteners to secure cases to luggage racks on Morgan sports cars.

HighWater Designs, a pre-press business in the commercial print market, is using a bespoke gas strut solution from Industrial Gas Springs (IGS) for safe operation of its latest computer to plate (CtP) imaging system.

Simmonds of Malvern has over 30 years’ experience in designing accessories and conversions for Morgan sports cars, and when owner Steve Simmonds required a customised solution to secure cases to the vehicle luggage racks, he turned to Protex, who designed and manufactured the 320-1260 anti-tamper catch, featuring a patented automatic snap-lock mechanism. “From our experience, Protex always listens to its customers and we work with them to get the result we want,” explains Steve. “It was very important to get this lock mechanism right. The clamp holding the luggage in place has to be absolutely reliable if the drivers are to avoid losing their belongings on the road. It just snaps shut and locks automatically, guaranteeing that everything is safe and secure – a relatively simple but brilliant solution.” “The catchplates that come with the catches have to be welded onto the tubing, so it made sense to follow the supplier’s recommendation to use Protex products. That was 10 years ago and they have never let us down.”

HighWater has been a regular customer of IGS for more than a decade and uses gas springs in the design of its digital integration and creative imaging products for the pre-press and related graphic arts industries. For its new Cobra 8 manual load/unload engine, it once again turned to IGS who assessed the requirements, based on the specification provided, and supplied samples for HighWater to trial. After various trials the final design which was agreed upon was a 150mm stroke size 6 gas spring, which features metal eye end-fittings and is pressurised to

meet specific criteria. The correct design of the gas strut is critical as it is required to provide a push and pull effect, so that the lid on the Cobra 8 manual load/unload engine will remain secure in the open position with the spring at full extension. The application demands minimal operator closing force, relying on the weight of the lid to ensure that it shuts firmly. “It is very important that the lid closes

in this way,” explains product manager Tony Lambert. “Weighing around 18kg, it needs to stay put when fully raised and not slam down when closing. The correct damping effect of the springs is therefore vital to ensure operator safety – so this was a major factor in our going back to IGS for a solution we were confident would give us the quality and reliability that our equipment is known for.”

WIRE 2008 set to break records WIRE 2008 will be staged 31 March to 4 April in halls 9 to 14 of Messe Düsseldorf – alongside TUBE 2008 and, for the first time, METAV, Germany’s leading trade fair for manufacturing and automation technologies. Messe Düsseldorf is already reporting exhibitor numbers and space for both WIRE and TUBE had exceeded 2006 levels. By mid January 1,080 companies from 50 countries had registered for WIRE’s main sectors of cable and glass fibre machinery, spring production, metal forming, wire and cable. Based on 2006 visitor numbers Messe Düsseldorf anticipates 37,000 visitors to WIRE alone, of which 60% are expected to come from outside Germany. Exhibitors have also exceeded 1,000 for the TUBE 2008, with 29,000 visitors expected. METAV, the manufacturing and automation technology show, will be stage in Halls 1 to 5 and 15 to 17. The majority of fastener manufacturing equipment exhibitors are located in WIRE halls 13 and 14. These exhibits cover technologies ranging from wire drawing and feed systems, cold-forming, thread rolling and tapping, other secondary operations, process control, inspection and packaging, heat treatment, simulation software and an extensive ranges of tooling, dies and punches. Material suppliers, as well as spring making and wire forming equipment throughout Halls 9 to 14. In the following pages you will find a listing of fastener manufacturing companies and stand numbers, together with in depth articles provided by some major exhibitors and preview information on many more stands. Associations supporting WIRE 2008 include the International Wire and Machinery Association; the Italian Wire Machinery Manufacturers Association; the International Wire and Cable Exhibitors Association; and the Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association. The WIRE 2008 website, www.wire.de includes a comprehensive exhibitors list and search facility as well as full information on opening times, travel to Messe Dusseldorf, and facilities on site. Fastener and Fixing Magazine will be in Hall 14 Stand E40 where we will be pleased to welcome you.

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Advanced technology: the reasons for a choice Dr. Sergio Ziotti, C.E.O., Carlo Salvi S.p.A Since its establishment seventy years ago, Carlo Salvi has proposed highly technical solutions specifically designed to grant to its partners a concrete and competitive advantage. Nowadays, manufacturing industries throughout the world are facing extremely complex challenges and a globally expanding market, which becomes increasingly competitive with each passing day. The background changes continuously and managers and entrepreneurs are always searching for the best means to improve the capacities of their own companies. In these past years, there have been a number of growing companies who decided to look to the future by investing in advanced technologies. The search for supplies at the lowest price or for relations which seem to grant an immediate (but ephemeral) advantage seem to have had their day, and now advantaging investments point in a precise direction: Optimising the production process in order to maximise efficiency and reliability These factors produce higher speed and increased production abilities. This allows a company to manage a steady containment of production costs and, therefore, to increase their operative margins.

This means investing in advanced technologies. Buying machines that are originated from experience, know-how and research gives a company a real opportunity to compete, based on real and constant values, on a “project” that did not originate from an attempt to gather some opportunities, but from the wish to build – day by day – a path that travels very far. But it is not sufficient: the entrepreneurs that have invested or are investing in high

technologies are experiencing a new alternative to the delocalising of the production in areas where the cost of labour is lower. Choosing advanced technologies, indeed, means to first warrant all production with absolute and constant quality, and also to reduce to extremely low percentages the cost of labour, often even under 10% of the finished products. If it is possible to restrain the labour cost – and, at the same time make use of skills and abilities which are very hard to improvise – very often the difficult decision to move the production to other countries can be avoided

Carlo Salvi is an expression of all of the above qualities, and even more. 1-die 2-blow, 2-die 4-blow or 6-die 6-blow progressive machines, created to produce very difficult parts and components, are the cornerstone of the company.

To produce the necessary quality to support its own place in the market, companies need partners who are able to propose the best solutions, and who have a long tradition of work, research and testing. Ones that are able to suggest the best solutions because for decades they have kept a strong and direct relation with the users and with them have imagined, drawn, developed and built machines which eliminate all of their problems. Plants and technologies have become reality thanks to people who know their job and who know perfectly the final use of the machines they are making, as well as technicians and workers whose talents contribute to the history of an industry.

These are the features of great companies.

Hall:13 Stand: E02

Quality cannot be improvised; it is a complex recipe, for which each ingredient - even the smallest – plays a role that cannot be substituted. And the end result is a machine which represents innovation, power, precision, quality, constant productivity, and absolute reliability.

All this is possible because Carlo Salvi has a seventy year history and can boast more than three thousand machines working all over the world. Because it is a trademark which has been able to develop a prestige which is based not on a slogan but on know-how, on continuously researching for quality, on the daily commitment of responsibility to its own customers, on continually producing even better-performing machines, and even by respecting the environment and keeping management costs lower and lower. These are not only words! And Carlo Salvi will demonstrate it during the exhibition Wire 2008, booth 13E02 Hall 13, where we will be more than pleased to welcome all of our customers.

Qualität beginnt mit Konstanz!

Während jedes Walzbacken - Werkzeug anfänglich gute Ergebnis erzeugt, liegt die wahre Herausforderung darin, eine konstant gute Qualität über den gesamten Lebenszeitraum eines Roll- oder Walzbacken-Werkzeuges zu liefern. Dank der Verwendung von besten Rohstoffen und einer besonderen Herstellungstechnologie, können mit den von OSG produzierten Walzbacken, kontinuierliche und qualitativ einmalige Ergebnisse erzielt werden. Bei OSG ist Qualität bereits in allen Gewindewalzwerkzeugen enthalten:

Flachwalzbacken • Rundwalzbacken Rollen-Segment-Werkzeuge • Trimmwalzen

Tel: +49 (0) 711 550936 0 Fax: +49 (0) 711 550936 50 info@osg-germany.de www.osg-germany.de

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High speed 360° thread inspection By Jochem Schütz, technical manager, GEFRA GmbH Compared to the recent past the expectations, today, on inspections systems and the requested resources of inspection possibilities is increasing enormously. The engineers of GEFRA have responded to these demands through the development of new systems or by creating new inspection possibilities. Nowadays, an increasingly relevant criteria on screws is a faultless thread without any marking or other deformation. This criteria can only be ensured by a truly 360° surround inspection of the threaded area. Therefore, GEFRA developed the first truly 360° surround thread inspection by using camera systems and reflection light process and its own special inspection tool. This system can be adapted on any model of the inspection system OPTISORT, like the disk system OTN or the latest screw inspection system OTS. Herewith it will be possible to inspect the complete surface of the threaded area on the screw with speeds of up to 600 parts per minute. The same system can also be used to inspect surround surfaces on cylindrical parts like tubes.

360º Surr ound inspection equipmen t F or Surf ac e and thr e ad inspection

Hall:14 Stand: F11

Of an even greater importance is the inspection of cracks on nuts or screws. Cracks can appear on the outside shape as well on the surface or based on the recess. Here the newest developments of GEFRA are: improved equipment for illumination of the parts, improved optical capabilities and, last but not least, an improved algorithm. With this equipment it will be possible to recognise close to any crack with just one camera, which guarantees much higher performance than other systems. Another important point was to effectively screen for bad screws with filled recess in some area using an inspection system that does not require any mechanical contact with the screw itself. The OPTISORT vision system is able to identify these parts without any speed limit. One other piece of important news is screw inspecting on the disc machine, which is now possible for some special types of screws with big heads and short shanks.

All OPTISORT systems and feeding systems are, therefore, developed in such a way as to ensure gentle handling of parts so that damage will not occur through the inspection process. Finally the OPTISORT line is completed with various models of packaging systems, some of which will be shown at the WIRE show. In summary visitors to the GEFRA stand at WIRE will be able to see 2008 latest models of inspection system for screws, washer or nuts with: • Truly 360° surround surface and thread inspection. • Inspection system for top heavy screws. • Improved crack inspection for various types of cracks by improved optical and lighting equipment as well on an improved algorithm. • Enhanced recess inspection. • Upgraded thread inspection for nuts. • Increased statistic and inspection reports.

Crack detection

Recess inspection

360째 inspection for thread damage

H14F11

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Innovating for productivity and quality Mr. Cesare Bertoni, commercial director, Sacma Group In these last few years SACMA has brought to the market various new features and accessories which make SACMA machines even more user friendly and production orientated than ever before.

Computerised Motorisation of adjustments of feed length, wire stop, die side threaded sleeves and die kick out levers, with extraordinary accuracy and repetition.

Hall:13 Stand: A18

It is all the more in the spirit of assisting the end-user and the technical personnel that utilise SACMA machine, that promotes SACMA to study, develop and bring to market new technical solutions that make SACMA machines highly appreciated by the cold forming industry, worldwide. The zero clearance idea is important for making net shape forged products ; SACMA has introduced a first class “SACMA ZERO CLEARANCE“ solution to keep punches of the heading slide always perfectly aligned with the dies, at all times. The alignment is

generated by a dynamic force which acts constantly throughout production runs, making sure the slide stays always on centre. This great feature makes production of hollow parts and parts that require extreme precision of concentricity an easy task when using a SACMA. Another important characteristic of SACMA machines is the “CR“ and “CRM“ series of 4 die, 5 die, and 6 die machines, in the Progressive Header, Cold Former and Combined Header range. The “CR“ concept represents a very modern solution of quick tool change for removing punch blocks, die blocks and transfer units. The whole CR system is specially designed to make life easy for the machine operator, in such a way that they find everything at hand’s reach and with servo assistance. The “CRM“ concept, in addition, provides the SC-MATIC

Another important SACMA development is represented by the “SACMA TRANSFER SUPPORT ASSIST PACKAGE”, another patented system, perfectly timed with the die kick out motion, to provide in each station a perfect support for parts very difficult to transfer and multi shoulder parts, making life easy for tool designers and machine set-up personnel. The “ELECTRONIC HANDWHEEL“ another patented device that helps check tool alignment in the machine and timing of transfer fingers a piece of cake for the operator. The integration of Ingramatic in the Sacma Group required a big change in the industrialisation of our products and a widening of the range of our thread rollers. Industrialisation means a new system of production following the Sacma concept, organised by the planning of batches for every size of machine. The warehouse is the essential step for this process and the computerised inventory control system is its operating mean. The final goals are quick delivery, precision, repeatability, interchangeability of the mechanical components and a high quality standard of our machines.

The production range is now completed by the new RP52 (M14), RP82 (M24) and RP92 (M33) flat die machines. New technical solutions have been adopted, such as: - New materials, like aluminium alloy slides, characterised by high resistance and minimum weight; - Rejection rails connected to a load monitor control for the most reliable automatic rejection of the parts out of tolerance; - Die match control through automatic cycle with a new software developed by Ingramatic; - Automatic die match adjustment with visualisation of die position on touch screen panel; - Electronic handwheel, already used on Sacma headers, now also available on Ingramatic thread rollers, to simplify set-up adjustments. These new solutions integrate and improve the traditional Ingramatic high quality, modularity and reliability standards.

Sacma Limbiate S.p.A - Viale dei Mille, 126/128 - Limbiate - (Mi) - ITALY Tel. +39 02 994521 - Fax +39 02 99050185 - com@sacmalimbiate.it - www.sacmalimbiate.it

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Retina’s Next generation vision products Karl Cressotti, research & development director, Retina Systems Inc. Retina Systems, Inc. has always been focused on providing inspection solutions achieving a blend of the customer’s quality and manufacturing goals given the current technology available. Retina Vision products have long been based upon Microsoft™ or Novell™ Disk Operating Systems or DOS for short. Inspection programs built on DOS have been streamlined, efficient and fast. They have also been custom built and dedicated. The current computer technologies, third party hardware and software products and support, and the Microsoft Windows OS allows for greater flexibility of the inspection application, system design and support. The time to deploy an inspection application, even a custom one, can be relatively short. Standards adopted by Windows based developers guarantee easy exchange of collected data and images allowing for a clearer, easier presentation, scrutiny and storage of the data with the intent to improve the overall manufacturing process. Internet access via Windows based software permits remote data access and remote customer support. Both are crucial elements for lessening downtime

due to routine monitoring of the system’s and production’s performance and the service associated with abnormal operation or application enhancements. Production data collected by the system can easily be accessed and shared with management in order to monitor and adjust production. Retina Systems has long offered its customers DOS and Windows based Turnkey Automated Vision Inspection Systems. Why choose one over the other? The answer is relatively simple and straightforward. DOS has always provided a dedicated platform for Retina’s vision inspection software. Image acquisition and processing times were very fast achieving inspection rates in excess of 700 parts per minute. The platform was and still is extremely stable and reliable. With new vision hardware and software coming to market everyday for Microsoft Windows™ based computers, Retina has made the switch relying on the operating system most use in the office and at home. This decision was not taken lightly. Retina’s reputation of providing a complete inspection solution is based on its systems’ dependability, durability, and longevity as well as uncompromising customer service

for Lengths, Diameters, Threads, Hard/

and support. This was primarily accomplished with DOS based systems. Extensive testing was done at our Seymour, CT (USA) facility to determine system performance using the Windows operating system and our Retina inspection software. “Today, we can tell you that our vision inspection systems have never been more capable, more dependable, and most importantly, more affordable. Frame reset Firewire™ vision modules, huge amounts of system memory for image acquisition and processing, the latest liquid cooled processors, touch-screen monitors with plug & play barcode scanners for easy user interface are all things you will start hearing about.” Combine all those features with Retina’s statistical testing to guarantee Zero-Defect inspection levels, M.O.R.E. Reporting (Monitoring Operations & Runtime Efficiencies) to provide production feedback from the process and the inspection system, and a company with a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction and you have a solution to your inspection needs for years to come. In June, Retina will be installing our Windows based Vision Inspection System right along side a DOS based Vision Inspection System manufactured in 1995, still in operation.

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Advantages of continuous mesh belt furnaces Steve Cropper, sales manager, Standard Product Group, Can-Eng Furnaces International Limited. Can-Eng is the industry leader in Continuous Mesh Belt Furnace equipment. Over the past 20 years, Can-Eng has supplied over 150 systems ranging from 100 kg/hr to 3,300 kg/hr production capacity. Traditionally, Continuous Mesh Belt Furnace equipment has been used for lower production rates, while cast link belt equipment has remained dominant for production rates greater than 1,000 to 1,500 kg/hr. Can-Eng Furnaces broke through this barrier in the early 1990’s with systems producing 2,700 kg/hr. Can-Eng has continued to improve and refine its technology with new systems that push production boundaries. System production rates now run as high as 3,300 kg/hr. Can-Eng’s high capacity Continuous Mesh Belt Furnaces Systems provide an alternative to traditional cast link belt furnace equipment. Continuous Mesh Belt Furnaces have many advantages over cast link belt furnaces, primarily soft part handling. Soft part handling is particularly important with externally threaded fasteners. Any thread damage can cause problems ranging from sorting, to rejects, and ultimately part recalls. A number of design features combine in Can-Eng’s Continuous Mesh Belt Furnace System to provide this advantage. Gentle part loading In a cast link belt furnace parts are fed via steeply angled chutes that are

enclosed and fitted with swing and guillotine doors. Parts gain momentum in the angled chute and crash into the doors / feeder / belt / or each other, causing thread damage. Whereas, mesh belt furnace systems are continuously loaded by an open top horizontally mounted vibratory feeder. The transfer elevation difference is less than 50mm. The uniformly distributed parts transfer from the vibratory feeder to the furnace belt in a smooth steady flow. Impacts are minimal. The part feed rate is tightly controlled, resulting in a consistent, repeatable process. Viewable loading conditions With a cast link belt furnace, the part loading takes place inside the furnace. An operator cannot observe the parts at the point of placement on the belt. In contrast, part loading for the mesh belt furnace system takes place outside the furnace. Parts are clearly visible prior to furnace entry. Simple load height sensing As noted above, parts are deposited on the cast link belt inside the furnace, making it extremely difficult to detect load height on the belt. Should there be a hang up in the loading chute or if a door misses a cycle, it is possible to have a transient ‘heap’ on the belt. Parts within the heap may not attain full temperature and therefore reach proper metallurgical properties. The resultant quality issues are tremendous. Exterior loading of

parts on to the mesh belt makes it very easy to detect load height. Parts are in the open and at room temperature. A non contact light curtain over the belt provides graduated sensing of the load height. Not only does this provide a maximum furnace load height limit alarm, but it also provides warning alarms on a part by part basis. An allowable maximum load height is integral to each part recipe. Minimal Part Drops Can-Eng designs the entire furnace line with soft handling as a priority. Chutes and hoppers are fitted with polymer linings to minimise thread damage. Transitions between equipment are closely coupled to eliminate hang up points and minimise the potential of part mixing. Can-Eng Furnaces’ experience, customer feedback and continuous improvement all contribute to the best soft handling continuous furnace equipment on the market today.

Hall:14 Stand: D34

TECHNICAL FEATURES Dies dimension Minimum thread diameter Maximum thread diameter Maximum shank length with washer Maximum shank length without washer Maximum thread length Production speed

190-210x43x125 (W30) M8 M14 130 220 120 20-200

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ENKOTEC launches thread rolling machine Bent Just Petersen, managing director, ENKOTEC A/S Danish-based ENKOTEC A/S officially releases its latest technological innovation, the thread rolling machine type TA01, at the Wire 2008 exhibition in Düsseldorf. The TA01 has been designed for making screw shank or annular nail profiles with a working area of 1.8-4.2 x 32-105mm nail length and a profile height of 27-75mm. At the end of 2007, ENKOTEC’s long-standing Italian customer, Trafileria-Punteria Ghezzi SNC, finished field-testing the TA01 and, totally satisfied with its performance, decided to buy the machine. Manager Mr Matteo Ghezzi states: “The ENKOTEC threader distinguishes itself by providing nail profiles of high uniform quality at an impressive speed without compromising the production stability. With its userfriendly interface it is easy to make adjustments, and diameter changes and

tooling changeovers take no time”. The idea behind the ENKOTEC thread rolling machine was to develop a top-efficient machine offering real competitive advantages, just like the high-speed ENKOTEC rotary nail machine, and capable of running inline in a nail manufacturing line or as a standalone machine. New insertion principle One of the innovative features of the new TA01 is the very accurate insertion principle. A specially designed nail injector, located in the transition between the feeding screw and the tooling, allows to straighten up and guide the nails into the profiling tooling in upright position. The constant quantity of nails engaged and the precise insertion of the nails into the tooling make it possible to obtain a very high and uniform profiling quality.

Hall:14 Stand: E31

Manufacturers & Designers of Thread Rolling Dies Knurls & Engineer’s Chasers

EJOT Delta PT

High production speed The new nail insertion principle contributes to making it possible to profile the nails at a speed of up to 2,500 nails per minute, without affecting the production stability, no matter whether the profile chosen is screw shank or annular. The actual production speed is depending on the nail type, the profile type, and the feeding rate from the vibratory parts-feeder bowl, which is supplied as standard with the machine.

TAPTITE®

www.mayesandwarwick.com contact us via email: sales@mayesandwarwick.com tel: +44 (0)1543 682561 fax: +44 (0)1543 686232

Hall:14 Stand: F01

Fast tooling changeovers In order to ensure high production efficiency, the TA01 has been designed to allow quick and easy tooling changeovers, so that it only takes approx. 30 minutes to change tooling. Touch-screen user interface The TA01 is controlled from a userfriendly touch screen on the control panel, where it is possible to choose the nail type (screw shank or annular), and from which the machine can be started and stopped, initialised, adjusted and monitored. Low noise level The machine includes covers over the process zone and around the circular feeder, protecting the user and reducing the noise level to approx. 87 dBA. Exhaust ventilation The TA01 is equipped with a connection to exhaust ventilation, which makes it possible to exhaust dust from the process zone and from the ejection area.

ENKOTEC appoints new MD Mr Bent Just Petersen, 53 years old, has been appointed managing director of ENKOTEC A/S. The appointment is the last step of a planned generational hand-over, starting with the Danish Bikuben Foundation acquiring ENKOTEC in December 2006. Mr. Petersen succeeds Mr Svend-Helge Sørensen, who has retired after 14 years. Mr Petersen has solid experience within management, market development and international sale of technical products, documented through excellent results from his earlier jobs in various Danish industrial companies, most recently as director of Campen Machinery A/S. He originally trained as an electronics engineer, spending several years with Purup Electronics as Technical Manager in the USA division. ENKOTEC chairman, Vagn Rosenkilde said. “We are convinced that Mr Petersen is the right person to lead the continued international growth and strategic development of ENKOTEC.”

Hall:13 Stand: A02

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WIRE 2008 - Fastener related exhibits Hall 13 Company

Hall 14

Stand Number

AICHELIN GmbH

13A11

ASAHI SUNAC Corporation

13D14

Beneke Wire Company

13F26

Carlo Salvi S.p.A

13E02

Drawing Technology Inc

13A02

EwMenn GmbH

13C18

Helpro

13F18

IFMSA

13C26

Ingramatic S.p.A

13A18

JCC Incorporated

13F12

Johnson Machine & Tools Co. Ltd

13F18

Kovopol a.s.

13F29

Mectron Inspection Systems

13A02

Metal Forming Systems Inc

13D07

National Machinery

13A02

ORT Italia

13E22

OSG Tap and Die Inc

13D23

Ransohoff A Division of

13A02

Cleaning Technologies Group Reed Machinery Inc

13D25

Retina Systems Inc

13F18

SACMA Limbiate S.p.A

13A18

SAFED Four Electrique

13A11

Delemont S.A Sala Punzoni

13E18

Sterling Die, Inc.

13D23

Tecno Impiante Srl

13E17

Transco Drehautomaten GmbH

13A01

Videx Machine Engineering Ltd

13A65

WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft Wrentham Tool Products

13A30/13C29 13C24

Company

Stand Number

Dr Ing Brankamp, K. System Prozessautomation GmbH 3View. Com Inc Aachener Maschinenbau GmbH Bilwinco A/S Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd Chun Zu Machinery Industry Co CTR Carbide Dies Ltd Econox S.A Eldes snc di Bellotto Paolo & Co Ltd Enkotec A/S Essebi S.r.l GEFRA GmbH General Inspection Hariton Machinery Co Inc Hatebur Umformmaschinen AG Hertweck GmbH & Co. KG HILKER & Partner GmbH IMAN PACK S.p.a Jagular Industry Ltd Jern Yao Enterprises Co Ltd Jian Hwa Enterprise Co Ltd Lazpiur S.A Manassero & C S.r.l Mayes & Warwick Ltd Nedschroef Herentals N.V. Pioneer Trading Co Ltd Plan-E-Tech Inc PTG - Precision Tools Group Redimo GmbH Rockford Manufacturing Group Inc Rolling Tools Srl S.M.A.R.T Srl Sack & Kiesselbach Maschinenfabrik GmbH Sakamura Machine Co Ltd San Yung Electric Heat Machine Co Ltd Schwer + Kopka GmbH Sieber Forming Solutions GmbH SKAKO COMESSA A/S T.L.M Srl Talleres Saspi S.A Tooling International Ltd U.K. Dies Group Ltd Unimatic Engineering S.R.L UTA Auto Industrial Co Ltd Weighpack, WPI Systems B.V.

14D32 14D54 14E43 14B15 14D34 14F31 14E12 14E16 14E37 14F01 14D12 14F11 14F50 14A19 14A12 14E23 14F27 14D16 14F02 14D48 14F12-01 14A02 14E47 14E31 14C02 14B12 14A17 14C11 14A16 14A16 14C05 14F19 14B02 14E01 14F18-05 14D02 14B06 14D21 14D24 14B16 14E31 14D28 14A01 14F12-04 14D44

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Beneke Wire Company 13F26 40th anniversary for Beneke Beneke Wire Company is celebrating its 40th year as a manufacturer of round drawn aluminium wire and rod for cold headed fasteners. Beneke Wire is an ISO 9001:2000 certified, family-owned and operated company that manufactures round drawn aluminium wire and rod in coil and straight length form utilising heat treatable and non-heat treatable aluminium alloys. Products are available at standard or tighter-than-standard

tolerances. Special finishes that improve tooling, formability and efficiencies are available that can decrease or eliminate unacceptable parts or sorting woes. Cold heading, nuts, bolts, screws, solid, semi-tubular and tubular rivets, escomatic wire, screw machine stock, straight lengths, bar stock, fence, carabiners are just a few specialty fasteners and applications made from its wire and rod for sectors such as automotive, aerospace, marine, apparel, building and construction.

BILWINCO A/S 14B15 BILWINCO will display a number of multihead weighers from the BW series, as well as additional equipment for the weighing and packaging of all types of hardware products, at WIRE Dusseldorf. The multihead weighers can handle the whole range from 10g portions in blister packs to 25kg portions and item weights from less than 1g up to more than 500g. BILWINCO says that the primary advantages of its multihead weighers compared to classic linear weighers, is the improved accuracy, and very short change-over time to new products as no mechanical adjustments are required. An example of one of BILWINCO’S multihead weighers is the BW210H which was developed for the handling of very heavy, wide and long products. It is strong and sturdy enough to weigh bolts, nuts, or other objects with a piece weight of more than 500g, and it ensures an output of 200-300kg per minute. BILWINCO is a solution supplier, and therefore it promotes a state-ofthe-art solution consisting of the BW110H multihead weigher connected to a box conveyor with a filling station with fully automatic change over functions for quick and easy change-over from one product or packing to another. The whole weighing and change-over

process is controlled by a PC solution to guarantee cost efficiency through accuracy, high capacity and quick change-overs. Another multihead weigher is the BW007H, which is for capacity demands up to 20 portions per minute and frequent changes of product/package (large flexibility). The low-priced weigher weighs out portions from 10g to 2,500g with multi-discharge function for larger portions. To add to the multihead weighers, BILWINCO has a wide range of paralleling units that automatically parallel products to reduce volume in the filling process. The latest addition to range is the 4PU, which can upgrade your filling process from three to four boxes at a time, and consequently obtain a considerable capacity increase.

Dr. Ing. K. Brankamp system Prozessautomation GmbH 14D32 Screws with a “smart head” When manufacturing screws, transfer in the correct position for the final forming stage is important. Especially at high production speeds, this is an area where process errors can occur. On collar screws with a hexagon head, the characteristic “ears” are pressed. The cause for this is a loosening antirotation lock on the ejector or incorrect adjustment of the hook finger.

The advantages are self-evident: in addition to a cost-favourable guarantee of screw quality using in-process quality control directly in the machine, the arrangement also dispenses with time-intensive downstream end-checks on each individual part using cost-intensive optical testing stations. Furthermore, the system allows for high productivity with no loss of quality – even at high production speeds. The operator is supported right from the set-up phase, since adjustment errors are immediately detected via the Brankamp Rotator signals.

Errors like these can be avoided by using the Brankamp Rotator, which is an innovative new process monitoring system that has been especially developed to detect transfer errors and avoid their consequences. Even the smallest of signal changes are recorded by the high-performance Kombiflex sensor. Using Quattromatic envelope curve technology makes signal evaluation simplicity itself.

The system recognises excessive reject production, with no prior time delay. Immediate correction of the press settings can eliminate further rejects. Rotator can be retrofitted on newer-type Brankamp PK systems which have already been installed. A further recommended product is Brankamp Screw Scout. This deflector unit ensures problem-free production flows and is thus the ideal add-on.

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Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd 14D34 Latest developments in heat treating technology Can-Eng Furnaces will be showcasing its latest developments in heat treating technology, for the thermal processing of wire and fasteners, at WIRE Dusseldorf. According to Can-Eng, its ability to design and manufacture any or all of the components of a fully integrated and automated mesh belt furnace system including furnaces, ovens, quenches, washing systems, atmosphere generators, material handling systems and process control systems, makes it one of the leaders in the industry. Can-Eng mesh belt systems have the following qualities: • Proven field reliability. • Continuous production that delivers superior fastener quality.

• Standard production capacities from 100 to 3,300kg per hour. • Superior part quality and repeatability of heat treatment process. • Systems engineered to address foreign material and part damage issues. • Maximum fuel efficiency through innovative design and energy recuperation. • Heat Treating processes include clean hardening, carburising, carbonitriding, austempering and martempering. “We have the depth of experience to custom engineer heat treating equipment for the most demanding applications and we pride ourselves in providing innovative, state-of-the-art equipment that helps our customers improve their bottom line and gain a competitive edge.”

Eldes snc di Bellotto Paolo & C 14E37 Alignment of thread rolling dies Since the first moment Eldes faced this problem, its research focused on the push received reciprocally from the two dies when they are misaligned, whose main component is orthogonal to the mutual pressure acting through the part being rolled. The Eldes method does not require memory of previous production of the same type nor calibration of sensors. The use of the absolute force sensors in Eldes technology does not play a role in the alignment; it is eventually used only to ensure the desired profile shape. After a rough set-up, performed with the traditional method of coinciding the two traces after the first half turn, the machine will be started in continuous mode but, being controlled by the supervision equipment “Titanus 2F”, it will be halted after the first non-idle cycle.

Essebi S.r.l 14D12 Essebi will exhibit its 5-die 5-blow machine SB 506, which can cut wire up to 8mm diameter and is targeted at the manufacture of special parts. Also at Wire will be the new 6-die Header AM 614 which cuts wire diameter up to 17mm. The main characteristic of this machine is the fully automatic set up: as part of the extra table for preadjustment of the die-holder and punch holder, a computer controls 18 motors allowing quick set up of punches, ejection cams and the ejection levers. Additionally the user can save, in the computer memory, the data for a part, so that the next time the user has to manufacture it, the computer will remember the specifications and immediately regulate the main machine components.

Titanus, on the basis of the entire deformation activity, processes the difference between the measurements relevant to the idle cycle and the productive cycle of the machine, and the result is presented to the operator in concise form, as results from the annexed figure. After following some steps, when the central area of the screen is reached, the alignment is satisfactory, and the production can be launched in continuous mode. Getting the result, while the machine is running at its normal speed rather than with a static control, prevents further adjustment during a normal job. The measurement ‘keeps alive’ during the production, thus extending to the alignment the supervising action of the Eldes monitoring equipment.

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Helpro 13F18 Pimp up your production! Helpro is planning to present its entire range of monitoring units at Wire Dusseldorf, including the latest addition to its monitoring family, the Helpro UP. The Helpro UP range demonstrates numerous features combining high performance at a low price which was Helpro’s prime aim when designing the range. In addition, visitors will be able to see the Helpro data collection system operating in real time. As well as the Helpro UP, there will be the Helpro MP for multi purpose process monitoring, designed on the basis of modern PC technology

platform for control and analysis of cold forming process. The unit is easy to operate, i.e. the operator can use all the powerful features of the MP, getting results immediately without intensive training. Finally there is the FactoryM which is Helpro’s new communications solution. This innovation saves on time and allows for optimal use of capacity on machines. “FactoryM is designed in such a way that the user decides which data is useful in optimising their production. We have bundled together a wide range of reporting options as intelligent packages, allowing you the opportunity to buy and pay for those elements which are truly essential for your operations.“

HILKER & Partner GmbH 14F27 New 3D laser scanner PACE has developed a new 3 D laser Scanner which it says has unlimited possibilities for the inspection of any 3 dimensional part. The new scanner can detect any surface independently on the light reflections, independent of the material or the degree of surface pollution, with an accuracy of 0.1um with an extreme high speed. It delivers a complete and real 3D picture which can be used for any analysis needed.

Integrated into the PACE inspection machine it can be combined with all the other inspection systems such as crack detection , or a new material and hardness test with 8 frequencies working in conjunction with a high speed multiplexer, to archive a much finer dedication of hardness variations. New linear motor driven spindles for recess inspection can guarantee a very smooth contact with the part, this is very important for the today’s organic coating surfaces which are very sensitive for any mechanical damage.

Iman Pack S.p.A 14D16 Iman pack has a new Multihead weighing machine which is designed for packaging hardware products. The new Multihead weighing machine consists of a vibrating bowl with 6 exits each with a weighing basket, with an additional weighing basket loaded from the upstream basket. In total the system has 12 weighing baskets, with programming, to allowing it to select 2 or more baskets to obtain the required weight of a batch. It has the possibility to discharge simultaneously into selected baskets or alternatively with a time delay, this permits regular discharge of long pieces and avoids any jams. This machine enlarges the wide range of weighing and counting/weighing machines manufactured by Iman Pack to handle different hardware products and to weigh different quantities.

Johnson Machine & Tools Co 13F18 Johnson signs agreement with Iman Pack Johnson Machine and Tool Co Ltd of West Midlands, UK, has just signed an agreement with Iman Pack of Italy to market the full range of Iman Pack packaging equipment within the hardware industry in the UK and Eire. Iman Pack established itself in the world of packaging in 1975, with the introduction of its first small horizontal form fill and seal machine, the Micropac. Today the company with over 100 employees and three active branches in the world offers a complete line of automatic

packaging equipment to meet the needs of any industry such as food, non-food, medical, hardware and technical products. “By adding Iman Pack to our current range it really means that we have become a one stop shop for both fastener manufacturers and distributors.” This latest addition completes the comprehensive range of product on offer from Johnson Machine; the range extends from production machinery, tooling, design, consultation, through to automatic inspection and packaging.

Hall:13 Stand: A02

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Manassero & C S.r.l 14E47 Manassero tells it in pictures This year at WIRE 2008, Manassero Srl has decided not to display any machines on its stand as it says the logistics have proven complicated in the past. “If you introduce something technically new there may be a reason in doing this, but with used machines the purpose may just be to attract more visitors, but in our opinion it doesn’t happen. People have a tight schedule and will not be willing to lose any time; if they are looking to buy or sell used machines they will stop at your stand regardless of the fact that you are exhibiting machines or not.”

“We will instead concentrate on showing videos of our machines in production and detailed pictures of each item; we believe this is more important to the customer.” Manassero has participated at Düsseldorf Wire since it started approximately 20 years ago, but until 2006, was always on stands of the companies it represented. “The decision to have a stand of our own has immediately proved the right one as we straight away sold machines to new customers we got to know there. Our objectives for WIRE 2008 are to get to know new customers and strengthen all the business relationships we have built over the years.”

Mectron Inspection Systems 13A02 Mectron debuts new inspection capability Mectron Inspection Systems will present its full line of automated inspection systems utilising Windows XP operating systems and swivel touch screens at WIRE Dusseldorf. Inspection systems are available in two, six or eight laser configurations and can be outfitted with eddy current and vision add-ons to provide complete part inspection. New technology that will be on display at Wire Dusseldorf 2008, includes Mectron’s newly integrated tilt laser array plate to accommodate products with extreme cosine error, and a newly developed length and acceleration analyser. Also, the new MI 8500 eddy current only machine is a solution to metallurgical inspection, and will be on display. The length and acceleration analyser will provide better feedback information (tolerance wise) and will now be able to measure stack-up lengths, head height, partial lengths, and overall length to +0.0015 inches with zero mechanical adjustments.

“The QuAlifier™ Q-5000 combination of 360 degree laser inspection for dimensional measurement and MI-9500 Magnetic Imagery™ inspection for metallurgical defects create the most complete high-speed systems available in the world. Measurement capabilities of .0002” on diameters and +/.0015” on stack-up lengths highlights the many features Mectron systems can inspect. Manufacturers can inspect products dimensionally to part prints at speeds up to 300 pcs./minute.”

National Machinery LLC 13A02 New era of production at WIRE National Machinery says that WIRE Dusseldorf 2008 will mark a new era of production for precision fastener products, as it will unveil a combination of a new FORMAX® style machine with Modular Tooling. The new machine concept will be demonstrated in line with a DTI payoff unit and Ransohoff cleaning machine. A second machine, a FORMAX Plus, will also be on demonstrated for the attendees. National will also showcase it’s partner products from Nakashimada, Mectron, Ransohoff and Drawing Technology Inc.(DTI). Nakashimada will feature its Microformer and cold heading lines including NS double stroke and NP 3B2D machines. Ranshoff with its line of cleaning equipment, will demonstration its economical Washmaster 320 Drum unit and a 15” LeanDrum. Both deliver a quality part cleaning in conjunction with minimal space requirements. DTI will have on display two wire payoff units and a 3807 wire drawer

with 610mm(24”) capstan diameter. Mectron will display a QuAlifier™ Q5000 combination 360° laser inspection and MI 9500 Magnetic Imagery™ inspection for metallurgical defects. The new stand alone MI 8500 eddy current machine will be shown as a cost effective solution to metallurgical inspection.

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Nedschroef Herentals N.V 14C02 Nedschroef on form Nedschroef plans to show the Nedform NH612, a 6 die multistation metal forming machine for the production of short and long complex net-shape parts, at WIRE 2008. Precision engineering keeps the Nedform running smoothly at speeds up to 240 products per minute. This mid-sized machine is one of a range of machines suitable for wire-diameters from 5 to 28mm and products lengths up to 260mm, providing unlimited new product opportunities.

Also shown at WIRE will be the Nedshear, a high speed impact cutting machine in combination with a high precision linear feeding system for the production of blanks from coiled wire, featuring Nedschroefs allnew NED-DRIVE direct-driven technology. Shearing speed 10m/sec, length variation independent of cut-off length, programmable without any mechanical settings and an accuracy of +/- 0.01mm are achievable. That isnt all Nedschroef has to offer, “we can offer more than machines, our experts are happy to help you to explore new possibilities which can lead to process or product improvements, or even to upgrades, new equipment or new tooling.“

OSG Tap and Die Inc 13D23 OSG offers wide range OSG will be showcasing its planetary and cylindrical dies, which are precision ground for longer tool-life and consistent thread profiles, at WIRE Dusseldorf. In the current competitive environment of thread rolling, a lot of manufactures have been trying to roll after heat treating parts to save the cost of additional operations and set-up time. OSG offers a variety of tool steels including D2, Premium D2, M2, and M42 steels, which along with a coating can handle most after heat treating applications. “Our premium D2 can hold a higher Rockwell than the standard D2 material, so it provides a very economical way to roll stainless steel parts with better production rates than standard D2 material, and better pricing than M2 high speed steel.”

Also at WIRE Dusseldorf, in the area of cutting tools, OSG will display nib taps and trim dies, which it offers in a variety of coatings to match up with a customer’s special application. “We will also feature drill point dies which provide faster drilling speed, longer tool life, and consistent stability. They can be manufactured from carbide or high speed steel depending on the application.”

Reed Machinery Inc 13D25 Carlo Salvi and Reed Machinery agree partnership Reed Machinery has agreed to cooperate in sales and marketing, in the North American market, with the US operations of Carlo Salvi S.p.A. Reed Machinery will now offer the complete line of Carlo Salvi cold forming machines in the North American market in addition to its Reed®, Hartford® and Waterbury® brands. The Waterbury brand of heading machines will be discontinued by Reed but new Waterbury thread rollers will continue to be made available as well as parts, repairs, service and rebuilding for all Waterbury machines. The recently modernised Reed and Hartford brands will be unaffected by the new partnership. While the partnership provides Reed Machinery with a modernised, technically advanced line of cold forming machines it also provides Carlo Salvi with a more extensive network of US-based personnel and the ability to offer more complete solutions of heading and threading in the served market. Reed will work closely with the Carlo Salvi USA team on all projects. Spare parts will continue to be shipped from the inventory at Carlo Salvi’s Sylvania, Ohio facility. Jim Flanagan, president of Reed Machinery, Inc., claims, “We have focused on developing products to improve the productivity of all of

the Reed® and Hartford® machines. The addition of the Carlo Salvi product line provides our customers with a modern and cost-effective solution for new cold forming applications. We are very excited about having a migration path for our Waterbury header customers with new application needs.” “The North American market accounts for approximately 25% of our installed machines and will remain important for our future growth,” states Dr. Sergio Ziotti, chairman of Carlo Salvi USA and CEO of Carlo Salvi S.p.A. “We are pleased to partner with Reed Machinery, another well respected brand.”

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Retina Systems Inc 13F18 Model Performance from Retina Retina Systems, Inc. in Seymour, CT USA, will be joining its UK representation Johnson Machine & Tool (West Midlands, England) at WIRE 2008 in Dusseldorf, Germany. On display will be a Model 311 turnkey automated inspection system verifying multiple dimensional attributes of miniature screws. This Windows® based machine is statistically certified;

including RETINA VISION inspection software, U.S. Patented material handling system and a touch-screen monitor for simple user interface. Also included is M.O.R.E. Reporting (Monitoring Operations & Reporting Efficiencies), featuring standard production reports based on run-time data from the inspection system. Finally, Remote Access Support utilises the internet for diagnostic capability anywhere in the world.

SACMA Limbiate S.p.A 13A18 Sacma appoints new agent Sacma Group will be appointing Forming Solutions (UK) Limited as its new agent covering the UK and the Republic of Ireland, for the range of Sacma Cold Forming and Bolt Making equipment along with Ingramatic Thread Rolling and Roll Forming Machines. The formal announcement will be made by Sacma Group at Wire 2008, Düsseldorf, and this marks the commencement of the appointment. Clive Cross, managing director of Forming Solutions (UK) Ltd, has had an association with Sacma in excess of 25 years. Prior to the launch of his manufacturing consultancy in 2004 Clive was employed at Avdel Fastening, UK, for 31 years. Whilst there he was initially involved in the development of new fasteners and

Talleres Saspi S.A 14B16 SASPI builds in process monitor At WIRE 2008, SASPI will be introducing for the first time at a show in Europe, one of its new Thread Rollers with a graphic process monitor integrated into the machine touch screen. Load sensors have been designed and mounted into the machine frame. This allows for greater and more accurate signal strength. Having the process monitor on the machine’s touch screen controls simplifies the monitoring. The touch screen control combined with the process monitor is very user friendly, which is important to Saspi’s customers. For several years, Saspi has been working with its customers to develop and set up a process monitor and sensors that would be integrated into the machine. “We realise that process monitoring is not new, but believed there was a need to make it simple and part of the machine.”

processes progressing onto volume production improvement involving machine specification, purchase and commissioning of new Sacma equipment. His wealth of experience has enabled FSL’s portfolio to grow from a cold forming consultancy into a one-stop supplier of specialist industrial items. The growth as a company providing products, equipment and services combined with a comprehensive knowledge of both the heading and rolling process has been recognised by the Sacma Group as being an invaluable asset to both them and the cold forming industry as a whole. Cesare Bertoni, commercial director Sacma Group states, “This appointment raises the association between the two parties to a new level. The combination of both Sacma and Ingramatic as recognised global brands in both forming and rolling in conjunction with Clive’s recognised expertise in both processes provides a strong platform for growth within this demanding marketplace”.

Hall: 14 Stand: E12

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S.M.A.R.T Srl 14F19 S.M.A.R.T was founded in 2001. Up to that time, the company says, all secondary operation machinery used old technology, characterised by complicated set-up procedures and high wearing areas, requiring heavy and expensive maintenance. Moreover, the mechanical complexity required very long set up times, high maintenance costs and real productivity lost. In this climate, S.M.A.R.T got the encouragement to design and to manufacture a totally new machine range, able to satisfy the end users’ needs and to address properly the continuous evolution of the actual market. The Smart philosophy, based on simple but fundamental concepts, such as simplicity, construction modularity and, above all, the use of the new technologies, which it says has led to it achieving advantages such as total automation of the set up, total stability, and total reliability during the production process. S.M.A.R.T says that due to its innovative solutions and close cooperation with its customers, it has allowed it to create a ‘New Generation’ of machines (from M2 up to M48).

Sterling Dies Inc 13D23 Special dies from Sterling Sterling Die, a manufacturer of flat thread rolling dies in the United States, will be featuring its special dies, which it supplies to licensed fastener manufacturers, at WIRE Dusseldorf. Sterling is licensed to supply many proprietary fastener designs including: MAThread™, Ejot™, and Reminc. These products were developed to provide fastener solutions for the automotive, electronic, and construction industries. In addition to providing dies manufactured to proprietary designs, Sterling’s engineers can design

dies for a variety of applications which include thread forms, grooves, annual rings, and knurls. Die design is accomplished by utilising the latest technology in design software. Once dies are designed, the designs are verified utilising simulation software to ensure that die geometries match the intended application. These dies are available in a variety of tool and high speed steels; with or without surface treatments. Sterling Dies in house heat treatment facility also ensures that metallurgical properties can be tailored for specific applications.

Tooling International Ltd 14E31 New Service, New Brand Image …….. New TIL Tooling International Ltd is using the WIRE 2008 exhibition as the launch-pad for its new corporate image. There have been many changes at TIL since its acquisition by the Künzelsau (Germany) based Würth Group of Companies, and TIL is now inviting exhibitors to ‘come and take a look at the new ‘us’’ at WIRE Dusseldorf. The new TIL corporate brochure is a distinct reflection of the renewed

vigour with which TIL is seizing every opportunity, whether it’s 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 toollife. 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.”

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

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Videx Machine Engineering Ltd 13A65 The new Videx line of machinery incorporates turning operations with traditional straightening and cut operations.

bars go to the second station where another turning operation is performed.

The machines work from coil and are faster then the standard turning machines from bars. By working from coil, the customers save 5%-7% on the material cost as there are no end-of-bar short cuts that have to be disposed.

The heavy duty turn heads are mounted inside bearings, yielding a very good surface quality and a high diameter accuracy at 0.1mm, together with long life of the carbide tips. The whole machine is computer controlled with servo drives, enabling to change parameters within seconds.

The VC-MCCT transfer machines are performing the following operations: • Wire straightening and cut to length. • Secondary operations like facing, chamfering, drilling, stamping, marking, grooving and even pin assembly. • The above operations are done simultaneously on the two sides of the bar! • Optional Thread Rolling and Bending. The VC-MCCT machines first cut the wire to length with a length accuracy of 0.1mm. The cut parts go to the first turning station, where they are turned on both sides simultaneously. From the first station, the

WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft 13A30/13C29 WAFIOS presents a wealth of novelties

2008 to present its new corporate design which manifests itself in the new appearance of the WAFIOS booths.

WAFIOS has a total of three booths where customers and trade visitors can view their broad range of machines and equipment for the processing of wire and tube material.

The main WAFIOS booth will be located in hall 10, booth F22. It is there you will find everything around spring coiling, wire bending, straightening and endworking machines including accessories and corresponding services. To pay tribute to the importance of the WIRE show, WAFIOS plans to reveal a novelty on the world’s spring coiling market, as well as a wire bending machine which has never been exhibited before. In addition, the WAFIOS Group is also using WIRE

This year will also be the first time that WAFIOS and Mewag AG, which has belonged to the WAFIOS Group since January 1 2008, will share a common booth in TUBE hall 8a, booth B30. The two former competitors have joined forces and can now offer a range of tube bending machinery for tube diameters up to 170mm. The third pillar of the WAFIOS Group is the cold forming machines which are on exhibition in hall 13, booth A30. The fastener spectrum reaches from wire nail machines over screw-making machines up to machines for the production of formed parts.

Weighpack, WPI Systems B.V. 14D44 Weighpack feeds the furnace At WIRE 2008, WEIGHPACK will show a complete new method of furnace feeding and collecting for high tensile fasteners. WEIGHPACK developed the double Furnace Feeding System for a capacity of 2,500kg per hour. Over a width of 2,000mm the product is spread equally and in one single layer assuring a

constant and regular product heating in the furnace. The output is adjustable in steps of 50kg per hour. The “lump free” handling will result in a better quality of heat treatment. To collect the heavy parts at the end of the furnace a new developed Softdrop® System can be installed assuring damage free loading of fasteners and supporting thread quality.

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March 2008 – Wire Düsseldorf

Cometo

Can-Eng Furnaces International Limited MESH BELT FURNACE SYSTEMS Can-Eng’s Mesh Belt Furnace Systems are field-proven leaders in reliability, fuel-efficiency and to production uptime. Standard capacities range from 250 lbs/hr to 7,500 lbs/hr. (100 kgs/hr to 3300 kgs/hr) Processes available include sintering, clean hardening, light case carburizing & carbonitriding, austempering, and martempering. Tel: +1 905 356 1327 www.can-eng.com Hall 14 – D34

The ASM type is made up of only one straightener , whereas the ADM type consists of two straigteners working together and positioned at 90°. This is a robust straightener manufactured with centesimal tolerances and adjustable on 2 rows of rollers to ensure prorer wire straightening, therefore it is used on machines producing screws and springs and also on bending and other special machines. Hall 10 – D38

ENCO Tecnologie srl

Eldes New line of control equipment for cold headers and thread rollers, with increased performances: Reduction of interferences between forces in progressive headers Setup of thread rollers without need of absolute force measurement neither memory of previous experience Extremely simple man machine interface, without compromise performances Remote service through UMTS connection.

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DWG NUMBER

98407061

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Enco Tecnologie Via Osnago, 33 23871 Lomagna (Lc) ITALY

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tel/fax +39-039-5300659 e-mail enco.tecnologie@tele2.it

We specialise in the design and manufacturing of forming tools for fasteners and in the marketing of nut/screws and bolt formers. The many solutions Enco Tecnologie provides are all supported by a full client consultancy service. VISIT US AT WIRE 2008 HALL 14 STAND E49

Email: info@eldes.net www.eldes.net

info@encotecnolgie.it www.encotecnologie.it

Hall 10 – D28

Hall 14 – E49

Helmut Steinfels GmbH & Co. KG

www.steinfels.net

Tel: 0039 0341-263090 www.cometo-italy.com

Your dealer for used machinery for the wire & the fastener industry from Germany. Speciality: Wafios, Hilgeland, P&E, National and E.W. Menn. Wire nail presses, wire weaving looms, chain link fence machines, barbed wire machines, wire bending machines, chain production machines, crimping machines, mesh welder.

Tel: +49 40 522 60 13 www.steinfels.net Hall 14 – E44

Hilker & Partner GmbH NEW PACE machine with fatest crack detection, up to 230 parts / Minute NEW eddy current multifrequency system for crack and hardness test NEW PACE 3 D Laser inspection system for ANY fine inspection of cracks, sealing surfaces or any possible damage on extreme high speed NEW IPH mass sorting machine for sorting speed from 2.000 - up to 4.000 parts / minute Hall 14 – F27

Tel: +49 (0)711 9809180 info@hilker-partner.de

HELPRO

Iman Pack

Helpro will present its entire range of monitoring units at Wire 2008 including the latest addition to the monitoring family. This addition demonstrates numerous features combining high performance at a low price which was our prime aim when designing the new Helpro UP range. In addition, the Helpro data collection system DC 5000 can be seen operating in real time.

Since 1975, Iman Pack offers a complete range of packaging equipment to meet the needs of every industry. Our production includes horizontal and vertical wrappers, carton forming/filling equipment, high speed electronic counters, robotic palletizers, a variety of product handling conveyors and downstream packaging solutions.

Email: info@helpro.de www.helpro.de

Hall 13 – F18

Tel: +39 0445 578 811 www.imanpack.it Hall 14 – D16

RLS Tooling Ltd The company is ISO 9001:2000 certified and manufacture a range of standard and special dies. We are licenced to make dies for the Taptite® and Mathread® range of products and are experienced in the manufacture of dies for decking screws, self drill screws, and fasteners for anchor systems.

Streicher Maschinenbau GmbH Experience and competence in tapping technique. New standards in tapping technology. Automatic nut tapping machine with bent shank. Suitable for all kinds of standard, flange and round nuts as well as special parts. Top-Cut 16 D: Max. output (square/hex nuts) 17.520 pcs/h

Tel: 0044 (0) 1543 271 808 www.rlstooling.co.uk Hall 13 – F18

Tel: 0049 7543 60510 Email: info@streicher-maschinen.de

Hall 13 – A29

Tecno Impianti S.r.l.

TRANSCO GmbH

Tecno Impianti will be present at Wire 2008 with two in-line wire drawing machines: SKP16 for maximum inlet wire diameter of 16,0 mm. SKP30 for maximum inlet wire diameter of 30,0 mm. This machine will be equipped also with a feeding/pre-straightening unit, Mod. PR/30-skp.

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

The concept of the AUDREMA Automatic Lathes is designed for the economical second operation machining of preformed parts. Very short loading times combined with high precision are decisive reasons for the successful deployment of the transco automatic lathes in the production line of many years.

Tel: +49 08362 918642 www.transco-gmbh.de

Hall 13 – E17

Hall 13 – A01

Videx Machine Engineering Ltd. Wire Industry: - U-Bolt machines. - Straighten and Cut machines. - Chamfer, Turn, Face and Drill. - Extrusion machines; Hand-Feed & Fully Automatic

Email: videx@videx.co.il www.videx.co.il Hall 13 – A65

Fastener: - Thread Rollers for Pre-Hardened fasteners. - Straighten and Thread. - Double Spindle Thread Rollers. - Long Bolts Cold Headers, 250mm-3,000mm. - Planetary Thread Rolling dies.

WRENTHAM TOOL PRODUCTS Wrentham Tool Products has been a leading supplier of cold heading tools since it’s founding in Wrentham Ma. in 1948. WTP has aggressively expanded their offerings to include Aerospace recess tooling such as ACR TORQ-SET®, TRI WING®, ACR PHILLIPS HEXLOBE® and the newly introduced MORTORQ® Spiral Drive System. WTP is a TORX® and TORX-PLUS® licensee.

Tel: 001 508-966 2332 Email: jehrhardt@wrenthamtool.com

Hall 13 – C24

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A CRM Solution isn't going to help salespeople sell Adam Williams is a senior Sales Consultant at Vecta Sales Solutions Ltd. Adam has worked for several high profile UK companies, specialising in turning around the futures of under performing sales teams. Adam uses structured sales processes to improve team results, finding it is possible to double or even treble overall performance using his methodology.

All companies rely on sales for their business at one level or another and are having to come to terms with a changing world. The vast amount of information available via the Internet within just a few mouse clicks, means the roles traditionally assumed by salespeople and customers are changing. The sales process is no longer dominated by the presentation of facts and figures about a product, and there's no point in claiming to offer the best price on the market when the competitionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; web site is contradicting you in the next window. Because modern IT has brought about changes to buying - and attitudes to buying, software developers have been addressing the issue that commercial organisations really ought to have some control over - i.e. selling. This has led to the formation of a growing industry built loosely around Customer Relationship Management

software (CRM). But relying on CRM is fundamentally the wrong approach if what you really want to do is achieve more sales.

What's CRM for? The problem with using CRM to boost sales, is the fact that it's not really designed for this. What CRM essentially boils down to instead, is making the buying process a better experience. Automation is introduced at every possible stage, from the moment the customer logs on or picks up the phone, to the credit card transaction and the delivery of the goods. Databases are configured to give sales staff up-to-date relevant information about customers' account histories and direct mail campaigns are intelligently designed to hit the right doormats more of the time. All of these are valid contributions to the marketing mix, but none is focused on improving sales performance. Many companies have implemented CRM in response to a tougher selling climate, but effectively they're focusing on reactive service rather than investing in improving their proactive sales process. That's fine if you're sure your customers will be calling you but not much use if you need to go out and generate opportunities. Small wonder then, that CRM solution providers struggle to demonstrate a genuine ROI and talk instead of fundamental changes in attitude and

healthier, customer-focused business practices. If it's a boost in sales you want, CRM is not enough. The fact is that, although buying has undeniably changed, people do still need perhaps even like - to be sold to. You can bolt on a CRM "solution" to help you make sense of your other enterprise applications, but it's not going to close a deal for you. For this, there is no substitute for effective sales practice.

A role for technology So does that mean that IT has no part to play? On the contrary, technology is an inescapable part of today's sales process - what salespeople could live without their mobile phones for instance? Technology though, needs to be used appropriately. No amount of technology is going to turn a poor salesperson into a great one. But there are ways to turn ordinary salespeople into effective players. Consider the following scenario: You run a successful stationery distribution company.

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You have a product book of some 20,000 lines and a customer base numbering around 3,000. You have an outbound sales team of six representatives. The success of your company depends on the performance of these halfdozen individuals, but how do you know that they are reaching their full potential? To succeed, your sales force must not only have an in-depth knowledge of their product lines, they must also be fully aware of the opportunities and threats within their existing and potential customer base. The jargon for this balance between technical and commercial awareness is "product and situational fluency," and it's a lot to grasp for one individual. The very best sales performers succeed because they can achieve this dual fluency, but for the majority it's a struggle, and there are inevitably compromises. Some salespeople become product specialists, adept at identifying cross-selling opportunities but with a tendency to focus on a narrow selection of favorite customers and to miss the bigger picture. At the other end of the scale are those who devote themselves to knowing the market inside out and can tell you exactly who's buying what from whom but, through lack of sufficient product expertise, may miss subtle sales opportunities when they're in front of a customer. For most, this choice is simply the inevitable consequence of having to deal with a huge volume of information or data. But managing data is what computers are so good at, so it makes sense to look for a way to use IT to improve the working life of the salesperson by removing this need to compromise.

Sales intelligence Successful sales depend on identifying the right opportunities and delivering the right package. All the information needed to find these opportunities and make the right deals is somewhere within your company's databases. A sales intelligence solution will automate the extraction of this knowledge and deliver it to the sales troops. Sales intelligence software monitors and analyses the buying patterns of customers by drawing data from existing accounts and enterprise software. Irregularities, and other trends in customer spending, trigger alerts that translate into sales leads delivered straight to the relevant sales representatives. The result is an increased share of customer spend, higher profitability, improved customer retention and increased marketing response. Companies that have implemented sales intelligence solutions, regularly report a return on investment of 20 to 30 percent. What CRM vendor can boast that? Looking at what IT can do for sales is not ‘rocket science’ and it does not involve re-engineering your business. It's simply a question of promoting situational

fluency and providing salespeople with the tools they need to venture beyond their normal boundaries and become high achievers. The late American newspaper columnist Ann Landers once said, "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognise them." Sales intelligence software will unmask sales opportunities so the sales person can concentrate simply on closing the deals.

EDP VECTA Sales Intelligence EDP’s VECTA Sales Intelligence solution is specifically designed to address all the issues above, enabling manufacturing, distribution and wholesale companies to significantly improve sales effectiveness and performance, allowing them to sell more intelligently. Those that want to experience significant sales growth – quickly and cost-effectively, must begin identifying new sales opportunities at existing customers. After all, in today’s tough selling climate, what does help sales people sell is knowing exactly what their customers have bought, need to buy, could buy and should buy. VECTA Sales Intelligence incorporates many important elements of CRM, yet goes much further for sales focused people. VECTA allows sales and marketing managers to identify purchasing patterns, customer drift issues and opportunities within existing accounts. VECTA’s active alerts and reminders foster a more proactive sales approach, informing you of what your customers have bought, might buy and have stopped buying, enabling you to act quickly and generate up-sell, cross-sell and switch-sell opportunities, using targeted VECTA marketing campaigns.

For salespeople out of the office on the road, VECTA is directly accessible from web browsers and via mobile phones, ensuring the delivery of Sales Intelligence to the point-of-sale. Research shows that an average salesperson costs companies £254 per day to employ. For far less than the price of a sales rep's monthly mobile phone bill, why wouldn’t you provide them with a sales tool that is even more valuable? With VECTA, salespeople now have the means to sell more on every call they make.

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Merlin works its magic Cutting tool stockist Tallentire Tooling Limited, based in Annfield Plain, County Durham, has become the latest member of the THS Tools group to choose the Merlin Business Software from Chatsworth Computers. Shane Tallentire says “Our existing software had served us well for a number of years but we needed something more modern and industry specific to help aid the future development of the business.”

“Having considered various systems we chose Merlin and Chatsworth. We knew Merlin was already working successfully for many local and national tool stockists and for several companies in our buying group which was a big attraction. Chatsworth’s extensive knowledge and understanding of our industry was also a massive factor.” “We are now looking forward to going live on Merlin and building a long term business relationship with Chatsworth’s experienced team.”

IBM and SAP pen joint software agreement IBM and SAP have announced plans to deliver their first joint software product codenamed “Atlantic” that will integrate IBM Lotus Notes software with SAP Business Suite. The combined efforts to create “Atlantic” will result in a new style of applications that present information and data in the context of users familiar with the Lotus Notes desktop. “We’re creating a richer collaboration environment,” said Michael Rhodin, general manager, IBM Lotus Software. “Businesses are looking to find better ways to collaborate and manage their business processes. This IBM-SAP solution addresses both challenges in one seamless package for millions of users.” Currently planned for inclusion in the first release of project “Atlantic” is support for SAP workflows, reporting and analytics, and the use of roles from within the Lotus Notes client. In addition, tools are planned to be included to provide the ability to extend and adapt these roles and capabilities, as well as adding additional collaborative and offline capabilities inherent in Lotus Notes and Domino products. The initial release is planned to ship in the fourth quarter of 2008 and will be sold by both companies.

VMI added to prof.IT.plus The new Vendor Managed Inventory solution for merchant software prof.ITplus, is the latest development to an already extensive software package designed for efficient stock control and order processing by UK IT experts, OGL Computer. The new VMI addition to the software enables stockists, distributors and merchants to automate a variety of processes involved with managing stock in remote locations, thus eliminating the need for lengthy manual procedures and ensuring full product availability for customers. By efficiently managing stock held at customer

sites, merchant businesses have the ability to pre-empt shortages and take steps to ensure their customers maintain optimum stock levels at all times. As well as increasing profitability by minimising the risk of sell-outs, the VMI solution also enables users to identify priorities much faster, keeping their business one step ahead. With VMI for prof.ITplus, all parties in the supply chain will benefit from greater visibility of stock, more efficient forecasting and the easier implementation of promotions. Not only does it enable businesses to provide excellent service to their customers but suppliers will also benefit from the stabilisation of purchase orders and the reduction in ordering errors.

New era of document management The Web 2.0-technology at the heart of the new DocuWare Web Client allows users to quickly access a central document pool without installing software or plugins on their local PC. Whether it’s scanned documents, e-mail, PDFs, MS-Office files, or even CAD drawings – the new DocuWare Web Client provides quick access through a Browser, from anywhere in the world. Data can be searched, displayed,

downloaded, stored and edited via the Internet. It also allows the user to check the status of an order or shipment at any time, or even check invoices and authorise them with an electronic stamp. Since there is no need to install a client program on a local PC, maintenance costs do not apply. DocuWare Web Client can be set up on a server and every configuration can be customised, for example, to reflect a certain look-and-feel, special features and

access rights to specific file cabinets and dialogs. Access to a configuration is possible with a straight login or via single sign. Upon registration, a user can immediately search features, select lists, as well as familiar search parameters and full-text searches being available. The highest security requirements are met since the DocuWare Web Client uses all the security mechanisms of the integrated document management system.

DocuWare president (Product/Finance), Juergen Biffar, emphasises the product’s usability, “In developing the new DocuWare Web Client, we remained true to our philosophy of ‘simple installation, simple administration and simple usability. Even mid-sized companies can easily – and without additional costs – allow external employees, vendors and customers to make the most of their central document pool.“

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New TIMco and Addax brochure T.I Midwood has recently introduced a new, user friendly, brochure which will include new products from both the TIMco and Addax ranges. Each product page includes pictures of the product and packaging, as well as test results, correct fitting procedures and advice on materials to which the product is best suited.

would not necessarily understand the products as well.” The new brochure includes products from the Addax range such as the Addax Plus Turbo, a bit for use in rotary hammers with the SDS plus tool system. The Plus Turbo also has a vibration reducing MS5 flute and aggressive self centering tip design.

When designing the brochure T.I. Midwood used a qualified engineer to put it together and to produce technical drawings.

Professional Screwdriver Bits are now available in 3 packaging types – candy jar, mini bit pack and blister pack. The Screwdriver Bits are provided in four quality grades - Professional - Grey Phosphate, Premium -Titanium Nitride, Super Premium Titanium Carbon and Super Premium Diamond coated for extra grip in the fixing recess.

“We felt that employing someone who understands the technicalities of the products was essential in order to make the brochure as understandable to the industry user as possible. This we felt was not going to be the case with an external design company who

Other products that T.I Midwood have introduce to the Addax range include the SDS Shank Rebar Cutters, HSS Broaching cutters, Diamond Holesaws, diamond blades, resin bonded abrasive, TCT Hole Saws and Flat Wood Bits.

To add to this, packing details such as boxing quantities, carton quantities and pallet quantities, are also shown, with sizes in both metric and in imperial wherever possible.

Tighter schedules, tighter ties Fast, effective, reliable tying of rebar up to 65mm diameter is now possible with the launch of the new MAX RB655 Rebar Tie tool from Young Black. The new tool utilises an innovative reverse motor mechanism to achieve tighter, consistent ties with the minimum of wire wastage helping contractors to meet the tightest concrete construction schedules quickly, safely and efficiently. The new MAX RB655 uses thicker 1.5mm wire - the same gauge as used for

hand tying – which allows it to tie up to a 65mm reinforcing bar. Using thicker gauge wire allows the tool to tie efficiently using a single strand, making the MAX RB655 efficient and costeffective to use. Wastage is reduced to virtually zero since the tool only uses the exact amount of wire required and does not leave waste wire in the cage to be cleared up before pouring. “The quality of the tie is guaranteed to be effective since the MAX RB655 always achieves a tight, consistent fix. Each slash tie takes less than

one second to complete – approximately five times faster than even the most experienced steel fixer can complete by hand. This makes meeting deadlines more achievable, while still adhering to the highest safety standards.” The ergonomic, smooth operation of the MAX RB655 also makes it a low risk for repetitive injuries. On site trip hazards are also reduced since the tool uses small, compact reels of wire instead of the large, 25kg rolls traditionally used when hand tying.

SCREWS & FIXINGS

POWER TOOL ACCESSORIES

Also included in the new brochure are products from the TIMco range, which include the Classic Plus, In-Dex Screws, Metal Framing Screws and anchors from its new anchors and fixing systems range.

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New IQ Wrench Opta sets new standards Crane Electronics’ says that its new angle and torque wrench range, IQWrench Opta, is both more simple to use and more versatile than a simple audit wrench.

response to the growing need for full torque traceability, accurate torque/angle measurement and removing human error from the fastening/audit process.”

Crane has merged comprehensive SPC functions with advanced torque readout and a superior torque/angle wrench into an ergonomic package. The new wrenches cover a torque range from 0.1Nm to 1,500Nm.

To achieve torque traceability, the IQWrench Opta can store torque and angle data, as well as information of who used the wrench, what work was done with it, and when it was carried out.

“The IQWrench Opta is a light, smart and fast torque tool that has been designed to meet the demands of both shop floor operatives and quality management personnel. It has been developed in direct

A choice of vibrating, visual and audible alarms gives the operator a clear indication of the fastening status and whether he has met the defined torque/angle specifications. IQWrench Opta is also point of load insensitive ensuring precise measurement however the wrench is held.

New 5kg hammer completes Makita range The new Makita HR3210C AVT 5kg rotary hammer drill extends the recognised supersafe, low vibration Makita AVT range of hammer dills for the protection of construction industry operators. Together with the new HR4511C AVT 8kg SDS max hammer, Makita now have a complete low-vibration drill range from 5kg to 30kg for safe use in all drilling and breaking operations. Powered by an 850watt motor and generating 6.4 joules of impact energy and with up to 3,300 blows per minute available, the new Makita HR3210C AVT will punch a 32mm hole into concrete and drive a 90mm CT core cutter. This 3-function machine provides rotary-only operation for drilling with a no load speed of

between 315 and 630rpm. Rotary action with hammer support can be selected as can pure hammer-only action for heavy-duty breaking and demolition work. The HR3210 has a variable speed control and is fitted with a torque limiter device that instantly disengages the drive should the drill bit or core snag during operation. This action protects both the operator from physical injury and the machine from mechanical and electrical overload. This new, heavy duty Makita hammer has an ultra low vibration rating of just 7.5m/s2 in

hammer mode and 10m/s2 in drilling mode. Available in both 110v and 240v variants, both with fully protected double insulation, the HR3210C FCT model comes with an LED job light and with a quick change chuck option.

Wright Tools offers complete line Wright Tool Company offers a complete line of professionalgrade ratchets, available in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch and 1-inch drives. Wright Tool’s 1/4-inch drive ratchet (Part. No. 2426) features a compact round head, designed to fit in confined spaces. The 1/4inch heavy-duty ratchet (Part No. 2492) is the strongest 1/4-inch drive ratchet in the market.

Wright Tool’s round head 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch ratchets provide greater strength and smoother ratcheting action with less effort. These ratchets feature a double pawl design that allows 41 teeth to operate like 82, allowing for a 4-1/2 degree arc swing, ideal for confined spaces. The 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drive ratchets are available in various styles and lengths most featuring three choices of handle designs,

Cushioned Comfort Grip, Traditional Knurled Grip and Ergonomically Designed Contoured Grip.

length as well as the industry’s longest one-piece 42-inch design. This length provides greater leverage with reduced effort.

Also offered in 3/8-inch and1/2inch drive is the open head ratchet, which is ideal for use in environments where heavy dirt and grime are present.

“All Wright Tool ratchets are durable and have been tested for more than one million cycles under load without any appreciable wear,” said Greg Helbling, vice president of sales, Wright Tool.

In 3/4-inch and 1-inch drives, Wright Tool offers the standard

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DIY Show/Totally Tools new products In the January issue of Fastener & Fixing Magazine we gave you a quick report on London DIY and Garden/Totally Tools show, as well as highlighting some of the products that caught our eye. For this issue we have followed up with some of the exhibitors to provide you with more detail on some of those products. Everbuild rolls out a winner Everbuild Building Products Ltd won the DIY show’s Gold Award for Best New DIY Product, with Roll & Stroll. Roll & Stroll is available in two grades: carpet and hard surface – both are self-adhesive floor protectors that are reverse wound for ease of use. Roll & Stroll is the ideal way to protect floor coverings from spillages, mess and dirt which can cause expensive damage. The unique nature of Roll & Stroll attracted a lot of attention at the

to show no mould growth after 10 years simulated aging. Other new launches products that were launched at the show included an extended range of carded adhesives and superglues, and spare nozzle packs including the unique ‘twisty nozzle’ available exclusively from Everbuild. Everbuild says an impressive stand, which was always busy, showcased a large product range – and this combined with a high level of orders taken throughout the duration made this a very successful show indeed. Awards for Evolution

show from new and existing customers, with particular interest in the health and safety aspect – where because of the adhesive on the product there is no risk of tripping, which can occur when using dust sheets. Everbuild also unveiled a new range of Forever White Tile Adhesive and Grouts, containing Mould Shield technology to stop black mould growth in areas of high humidity. The Forever White products, which already includes silicones, are all certified by a NAMMAS accredited microbiological laboratory

Evolution Power Tools also won some awards at the show, the RAGE4 185mm Multipurpose Advan-Saw and the RAGE3-S 210mm Multipurpose Sliding Mitre Saw both won the silver award for Best New Power Tool. The RAGE4 185mm Multipurpose Advan-Saw is the powered alternative to a hacksaw and far more portable than a cut off saw. “This is the perfect tool for slicing through threaded bar, bolt trimming and other small awkward applications. The RAGE4 also has the

capacity to cut 4” x 2” planed timber and will make easy work of reclaimed timber riddled with foreign objects such as nails or screws.” The RAGE3-S 210mm Multipurpose Sliding Mitre Saw is a smaller version of the revolutionary RAGE3 255mm Sliding Mitre Saw. The compound tilt and slide mechanism on the RAGE3-S allows larger materials to be cut on a mitre, which would not be possible otherwise. Other key features include a unique in-line handle and switches enabling right or left handed use. Both the RAGE4 and RAGE3-S Utilise Evolution’s RAGE® technology, which allows

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them to produce a fast and clean cut through Steel, Aluminium, Wood and Plastics. Also, when cutting steel they both cut cold (no coolant is required), leaving an instantly workable finish. New Pro power tools from Silverline Silverline Tools launched a new range of Pro power tools and its new Catalogue at the show. The comprehensive range includes cordless and mains power drills, angle grinders and woodworking tools. Silverline’s managing director James GoddardWatts, commented: “The new Pro range of power tools has been designed and engineered to deliver outstanding performance backed by a three-year guarantee.” "The range is an excellent example of taking our Power Tool range to another level of performance whilst maintaining our commitment to excellent value for money.” Drill the hardest Tiles known to mankind! ForgeFix’sTile Max Drill Bits have a newly designed and unique “P95” precision tip which have been diamond ground from the best quality tungsten. This enables the user to drill through a wide range of materials such as: PEI 5 Class porcelain, ceramics, fine stoneware, marble, concrete, engineering brick and even granite. The asymmetric drill design reduces resistance by 25% ensuring that there is no wandering on start of drilling; there is also less chance of cracking or chipping (dependant on tile type) which leads to a perfectly formed round hole. The low stress, high temperature brazing method used to attach the tip to the shank, ensures that it remains attached under the most extreme drilling conditions, and the deep and wide fluting is able to cope with the maximum amount of spoil removal. The triangular shaped shank guarantees no slip rotation in the drill machine chucks. Due to the tips unique self renewing design, after frequent use on the hardest materials, the drill can be then used on softer substrates.

The drill bit works best on low revolution speeds and its life will increase when used with water to cool the tip down. The drill bit should only be used on the rotary setting and

differentiated from the existing Loctite range, by using stylish black packaging and wavy cutout blister cards.

Loctite’s first flexible superglue

“This is a major future step for superglues and the sort of innovation that the trade expects of us as market leader” says Henkel product manager, Jemma Barton.

At the show, Loctite’s exhibited its new topof-the-range Ultra Gel is the first superglue to feature a rubber infused formula - giving the adhesive both flexibility and ultimate power, as well as being water resistant.

“We know that consumers are happy to pay for better performing premium products and we will be promoting its unique benefits to them through a new television commercial and fabulous point of sale.”

must not be used on the hammer setting.

Its gel formula, already familiar to superglue users, has the benefit of being non-drip, and is ideal for use on vertical or overhead surfaces and is more effective than liquid superglue on porous surfaces. Loctite Ultra Gel is available in a 3g tube and 3g control applicator, with packs clearly

Ranger 40 18G Brad Nailer & 16G Finish Nailer The Ranger 40 18G Brad Nailer and 16G Finish Nailer, from Tacwise, will offer professional trades a precision option when seeking the freedom and convenience of cordless fastening. Apart from delivering accurate, flexible nailing, the Ranger 40 Nailers enable a high degree of accuracy when fixing – while a neat swivel nose gate provides for rapid clearance in the unlikely event of a stoppage. The nose is also fitted with a detachable over moulded rubber surface protector for preventing indents on soft wood. The nailers include a robust, durable magazine which feature a professional quick release for fast and easy loading. A viewing window instantly reveals how many nails are “on board” at any one time, while an adjustable power level provides control when tackling a wide range of timbers and surfaces.

...and now from Arpel more quality fasteners. The range of high strength structural threaded inserts maximising grip range are now available in stainless steel and hexagon body in steel. Other types of standard inserts, rivets, pin and collars and all associated tooling boringly available from stock at quality prices with Live Chat Entertainment!

Tel: 01384 296 660 Fax: 01384 280 320 Email: sales@arpelchilterns.co.uk

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New nosepiece and setting method aims to lower blind rivet installed cost Harry E. Taylor has over twenty years experience in the fastener industry. Since 1996, his Manchester Consulting Group has worked with fastener organisations to increase revenue growth through growing market share, strategic acquisitions, or innovation and new product development. Here he postulates the potential cost benefits of a patented modification to a setting nosepiece in reducing the mandrel length of blind rivets.

Very little has changed in blind rivet or setting tool design over several decades. The basic blind rivet still appears about the same, a body resembling a tubular rivet with a nail projecting above the flange by more than 25mm. Setting tools with several interchangeable nosepieces that increase in length with blind rivet diameter remain the standard method of installation. Over 90% of the mandrel in an assembled blind rivet continues to be discarded after the rivet is set, producing waste that accounts for a significant portion of installed cost. Manufacturing and assembly equipment advances, as well as efficient production processes, have led to higher productivity for assembled blind rivets. Blind rivet fastening systems have evolved to meet customer needs such as automating the process to insert a blind rivet mandrel into the nosepiece of a setting tool, or to collect the spent mandrel after a blind rivet is set. These innovations have generally been offered to high-end customers when the needs for increased productivity and a lower installed cost have been requested. Over the past fifty plus years, however, the basic blind rivet, as well as the setting tool nosepiece and front end design have remained generally unchanged. When customers asked for a lower installed cost fastening solution, application engineers generally advise them to purchase a setting tool system to increase installation productivity, and continue to use the same blind rivet. This response left, less demanding, low end customers satisfied with standard available tooling, no alternative other than to source blind rivets from a low cost importer if the installed cost of the blind rivet needed to be reduced New blind rivet and modified nosepiece. U.S. Patent Application 11/654,123 is the result of stepping â&#x20AC;&#x153;outside the boxâ&#x20AC;? and taking a fresh look at the needs a blind rivet fastening solution fills. By closely examining the blind rivet, the

setting tool, and the setting process, and listening to the needs of blind rivet customers, an innovative blind rivet and the necessary setting tool modifications were conceived. The setting tool nosepiece and front end setting tool design were examined to understand why a traditional 6 size nosepiece was longer than a 5 size nose piece, which was longer than a 4 size nosepiece, etc., and how the overall length of the nosepiece could be minimised to enable a blind rivet with a significantly shortened mandrel to be used. It was reasoned that if the critical physical characteristics of the mandrel were left unchanged, i.e., the mandrel diameter, tensile properties, and break load, a shorter mandrel would lead to considerable savings in blind rivet product cost. The innovative nosepiece redesign is illustrated to the right. Here, a new modified technique to open the jaws in the front end of a blind rivet setting tool allows blind rivet mandrels, regardless of diameter, to project a similar distance above the rivet flange. The excessive length of the current nosepiece was reduced while retaining a design that would also preserve the ability to set several different diameters of blind rivets with a single setting tool. This new nosepiece design makes possible a blind rivet with a substantially shortened mandrel. The design significantly reduces the cost of all blind rivets in an inflationary raw material environment. Alone, the nosepiece redesign enables blind rivet mandrels to be reduced by about 30 to 40%, dependent on blind rivet size and manufacturer, with higher savings occurring as blind rivet diameter and product cost increases. The set and installed blind rivet in Fig. 2 (Prior Art), is identical to the set and installed rivet in Fig. 4 since the mandrel diameter, tensile and setting loads remain unchanged. The only difference between Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is that a smaller amount of spent mandrel is discarded in Fig. 4. Installed savings for blind rivets, especially aluminum blind

Tel: 01384 424767 Fax: 01384 424833 Email: sales@martynprice.co.uk

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This innovation will require further collaboration with a setting tool manufacturer to implement existing “state of the art” load sensing, and feedback control techniques. As raw material costs continue to rise, however, this disruptive innovation is expected to be adopted in high volume applications. The blind rivet setting process for the modified stepped approach is illustrated below (figure 9a to 9f). Blind rivet mandrels now contain about two-thirds of the total material, by weight, of an assembled blind rivet. The cost proportion is usually greater as cost per kg. of blind rivet mandrel wire is generally more expensive than that of the blind rivet body.

rivets with costly highly stressed aluminum mandrels or stainless steel blind rivets with costly stainless steel mandrels, are considerable. Savings result as mandrel length and raw material are reduced. With solely a nosepiece redesign, productivity is identical to current methods and may even be slightly higher. This higher productivity will be experienced as the shorter mandrels feed to and from the setting tool more efficiently. Mandrels are less likely to bend and jam in the setting tool as the mandrels travel through the tool and are later disposed. Installers collecting the spent mandrels will also find the bottles will not have to be emptied as frequently. Production, packaging expenses, and transportation expenses for assembled blind rivets will also be lower. Mandrel production and assembly speeds will be increased and packaging productivity will be higher as a greater number of blind rivets are shipped in existing or smaller shipping cartons. With a lighter product, shipping costs will also be reduced. Further mandrel length reduction possible with a modified stepped setting process An additional embodiment of the invention and US and International Patent Applications details how to further shorten mandrel length by another 20%, and set blind rivets in a modified stepped approach. Here, mandrels extending less than one-half inch above the blind rivet flange can be set by using a process that is a function of the Load / Mandrel Displacement curve or “Fingerprint” (Illustrated top right) for a particular blind rivet application. In the stepped setting method, a substantially shortened mandrel is first pulled under low load with partial jaw engagement into Zone C. The setting tool jaws are then released and, within a split second, reengaged fully, to bring the mandrel to the breaking point and set the blind rivet.

With significantly less material being required for the basic blind rivet, large users of blind rivets, such as those in the automotive, commercial aircraft, and fabricated metal parts industries can now reduce their overall blind rivet installed costs. An additional benefit may also be a small contribution toward reducing global warming as less energy is used to produce and ship the unnecessary mandrel length. End users or blind rivet and setting tool manufacturers desiring to help bring this blind rivet to the “tipping point” or learn more about the global blind rivet fastening solution market segment are welcome to contact me at: htaylor@mba1974.hbs.edu

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New additions to the Profile range. Profil UK has some new additions to its high strength mechanical assembly systems, such as the threaded NBR stud, RSR electrical earthing fastener and SBF ball pin fastener. The NBR threaded stud, builds on the plain shank NBR fasteners employed by BMW to provide precise location of front subframe assemblies on the new Mini. The latest product incorporates a shouldered design for accurate component positioning and a generous thread lead-in for use with high speed nut running equipment. The stud is suitable for a wide variety of materials and enables secure, watertight fixings to be achieved with an absolute positional accuracy of +/- 0.2 mm. The next product is Profil’s new RSR nut, a self-piercing fastener which provides high strength location and electrical earthing of

components in sheet metal assemblies. Suitable for panels up to 2mm thick, RSR nuts incorporate a skirted profile that ensures watertight sealing and maximum metal-to-metal contact. Electrical conductivity is further enhanced by the fastener’s large, flat area of contact and the attachment of terminations using self tapping bolts or screws. In addition, the RSR nuts body ensures a 7mm stand-off from the base panel, eliminating the risk of unwanted electrical contact or damage to the finished surface. Finally, Profil says that its SBF ball pin fasteners offer a fast and cost-effective method of achieving high strength pivot points in sheet metal components from 0.8-2mm thick. They feature a cold forged 10mm diameter head which is compatible with industrystandard gas springs, making them just as suitable for domestic appliance as vehicle tailgate and bonnet applications.

INOXDADI adds to range Since the beginning of this year, INOXDADI has started producing rivets in stainless steel, copper, aluminium, steel and dressed steel. These latest offerings come in various colourings to satisfy various customer needs, and by adding this new item to its range, INOXDADI S.R.L believes that it is completing the range of fixing products it offers. Now, in addition to threaded fasteners, bolting and other screws, INOXDADI is offering riveting and fixing solutions. INOXDADI believes that is new range will especially appeal to the mechanical construction and light carpentry companies, who are looking to adopt a speedy fixing system, at a low cost, without having to resort to welding.

hild’s Child’s C Play There are some self adhesive floor protectors that require the purchase of a rather expensive applicator to unroll the product. Others, have the adhesive applied to the inside of the roll and require more than a degree of brute strength to force the protector to unroll.

CARPET PROTECTOR

oor Kicks other fl to touch! protectors in

Because Roll and Stroll is uniquely reverse wound with the adhesive on the outside, all you have to do is give it a gentle nudge with your foot and just like the label promised…Roll and Stroll…ready for use...it’s Child’s Play.

Available in Carpet and Hard Surface grades at all good Merchants and Decorator Centres

Everbuild Building Products Ltd Site 41, Knowsthorpe Way, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds LS9 0SW Tel: 0113 240 3456 Fax: 0113 240 0024 Website: www.everbuild.co.uk

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Norm promotes nut making capability Norm Fasteners has long been distinctive in producing both male and female products. Now it has embarked on a very active period in marketing this capability Europe-wide.

Anixter adds Rite-Lok™ range Anixter Components has announced the addition of 3M’s popular Rite-Lok™ adhesives to its 2008/09 catalogue. The new range includes Rite-Lok™ cyanoacrylate and anaerobic adhesives, which Anixter says form strong bonds to secure components firmly in place. With 56 different formulations, there is a product to suit nearly any job, including the bonding of metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, rubber and composite materials. Rite-Lok™ cyanoacrylates are solvent-free adhesives with high-tensile and shear strengths that can be applied using manual or automated equipment. There are 30 formulations of cyanoacrylates available which feature a wide range of characteristics. Used in component assembly, maintenance and repair, and when used in conjunction with the Rite-Lok™ Primer, the adhesives give a high performance on difficult-to-bond substrates such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The Rite-Lok™ anaerobic adhesives are a range of 26 formulations of high-performance engineering adhesives that cure in the absence of air and in the presence of metal parts. These can be used in a variety of applications: as threadlockers to minimise vibrations and loosening between metal threads; as retaining compounds to increase the load-bearing stress of cylindrical joints; and as gasket makers to eliminate pre-cut gaskets and improve seals and strength.

Norm Fasteners has produced female products for its domestic market since 1977 and in 2004 it improved the production of its special female fasteners for the Turkish automotive industry. Now, as a result of investments and gaining experience, Norm believes that its nut production is ready to support the worldwide automotive market. Norm has a wide range of nuts available including Special nuts, Security nuts, Non-metallic insert & All metal self locking nuts, Threaded & Non-threaded weld nuts, Flange Nuts, Nuts with washer, Bushings and Spacer sleeves. The nuts range from M4 to M24 and all types of DIN, ISO, ASME standards are served by Norm’s nut production facilities. “With inhouse tooling company Ne-DU and also inhouse Zinc ( Cr6 Free ) and Delta Protect ( Dörken ) coating lines we are meeting the exact needs of our customers, who demand higher resistance and full Norm quality experience. “

Invicta launches locally produced lock bolts South African group, Invicta Bearings and Transmission has launched a new range of locally manufactured Lock Bolt pins and collars, said to meet stringent quality and safety specifications. “This two piece fastening system is designed for heavy duty applications and is fully compatible with existing tooling, ensuring consistent controlled clamp up,” says Darryl Campbell, sales director, Invicta Bearings and Transmission. “Lock Bolt pins and collars, which are designed to replace bolted and welded joints, are vibration resistant, tamper proof and easy to install. They provide high shear and tensile strength and an important advantage is no re-torquing is necessary.”

Lee Springs into 2008 New constant force and wave springs were added to Lee Spring’s portfolio of products in January 2008, increasing its stock spring range to over 15,500 different types of spring. Manufactured from high yield 301 stainless steel strip Lee Spring’s constant force springs exert a near constant restraining force to resist uncoiling. This natural inbuilt stress resists load at an even rate and makes them suitable for use in retractor mechanisms. Constant force springs are usually tightly coiled on a drum and

either the free end or the drum can be attached to the load. Four life cycle ranges are offered: 2,500, 4,000, 13,000 and 25,000 covering loads from 0.30 to 7.48kg. Lengths vary from 356 to 1,524mm, thicknesses from 0.10 to 0.51mm and widths span the range 6.35 to 31.75mm. The Wave springs are produced in stainless steel type 17-7 PH and offer performance in static or slightly dynamic applications where space is critical or where radial and axial tolerances are tight. Stock sizes range from rod sizes

These pins and collars are designed for use in industries that include mining, engineering, railways, construction and milling. of 6.35 to 25.4mm to suit hole diameters from 9.53 to 31mm, and in spring rates from 0.81 to 5.33kg/mm.

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www.lindapter.com telephone +44 (0)1274 521 444

Lindapter Hollo-Bolt The unique, cost effective solution to cavity fixing problems. The Lindapter Hollo-Bolt is a patented method of securing square, rectangular or circular hollow section steel, or to conventional steelwork where access is available from one side only.

steelwork fixings cavity fixings crane rail fixings floor fixings support systems design services

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Latest catalogue from Jergens Jergens, Inc has published the latest edition of its full-line Specialty Fasteners Catalogue, the complete sourcing guide for its Kwik-Lok™ pins, Spinner-Grip™ flange lock nuts, spring-loaded devices, threaded inserts, and threaded components and washers. New products in this year’s edition include: alloy steel pull dowels in spiral groove, flat vent, and standard round (un-vented) versions; fine threaded spring plungers; Kwik-Lok™ lifting pins and more. The catalogue is now more than 100 pages and includes four product sections, containing ordering, application, and installation information, as well as both US standard inch and metric specifications. Conversion charts, schematic drawings, installation photos, selection help, and many Jergens value-added features are also included in the catalogue, providing additional information. Other catalogues available from Jergens include Tooling Components (e-catalogue); Master Catalogue (printed); Kwik-Lok™ Pins (printed); Clamping Products Catalogue (printed); and the Hoist Rings Catalogue (printed).

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Holding Parts Together

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Transducer withstands tough salt test The Intellifast permanent transducer for high temperature (>300°C) clamp load control in bolted joints survived 1,440 hours of a continuous salt spray test. According to testing organisation, TÜV SÜD, all electrical test parameters and the echo-signal quality showed no change after the test and there was no influence on the load measurement result. With this result Intellifast GmbH is prepared for upcoming applications in the offshore wind area. The results are immensely important as the wind energy industry is locating its largest installations and, therefore, largest bolts to the coast. The handling of such large bolts and their accurate tightening on offshore assemblies are difficult. Another aspect for the WEA manufacturers is that the application of the precise bolt load on a joint allows for the usage of smaller or fewer bolts in the flanged connections. The bolt load uncertainty from common assembly methods requires higher safety factors to resist the dynamic (fatigue) loads. Accurate post assembly load checks allow for full utilisation of the bolts strength to safely resist operational loads.

Torpedo hits the mark Kwantex Research Inc, based in Taiwan says that its new KTX Torpedo Thread fastener features no wobble and no strip out drive system, for efficient driving torque and fast gripping onto soft wood, hard wood or composite board surfaces. Other features of the KTX Torpedo Thread fastener include no splitting, even close to the edge of wood or composite board, low driving torque, long life KTX-Nano coating protection or A2/A4 stainless steel available for anti-corrosion purposes, high ductility (bending angle >30°) with special quenching and tempering, high and safe pull-out value for security purposes and use as a substitute for masonry screws. The locking drive system offers stick fit quality, efficient torque transfer for easy one-hand use and use with KTX/SQ bits.

Stronger fixing made easy The MAX 31x90 Galv Screw Nail, designed by Young Black, gives the superior pull-out values required in demanding timber frame erection applications.

The ability to inspect the bolt load at any time using the Intellifast proven harsh environment transducer is a tremendous benefit in the maintenance of bolted joint connections. The scope of the benefits to - "measure instead of retightening" - in offshore applications is greater than that of onshore applications, where they are already quite significant. Intellifast offers portable battery driven measurement equipment (used to control heavy tools) and also offers online monitoring equipment for remote real time monitoring.

The MAX 31x90 Galv Screw Nail is uniquely available in both round head and clipped head versions for use with the MAX GS690RH/CH cordless nailer. It gives a typical pull out value of 1.6kN as opposed to the 1kN typically achieved by a smooth shank nail.

In addition, Intellifast has improved the coating process of the standard transducer considerably increasing its robustness. After a 720 hours test at TÜV SÜD the standard transducer did not show any loss of functionality.

In addition, the MAX 31x90 Galv Screw Nail is supplied in recyclable polypropylene bucketstyle containers. These handy packs help to eliminate wastage since they will not get damaged on site or the back of the van and stand up to the wettest condition, unlike the traditional cardboard box packaging. Included in the pack are two gas canisters, enough for the MAX GS690RH/CH cordless nailer to successfully fire the contents of the bucket.

New Emka compression latches EMKA’s recently introduced 1000 Program of IP65 compression latches has now become even more useful with the addition of lockable T handle, Wingknob, Square key and L handle variants, all with shaft extensions to suit even deeper door frames up to 95mm. Not only does this extensible shaft provide additional depth

capability, but it also permits manual clamping set up by means of threaded adjustment at the inner end. This enables the compression action to be fine tuned by means of a shaft mounted lock nut. The 1000 program compression latches (IP65) provide a 6mm axial clamp function. After closing, when the lock is turned for its first

90° the tab is rotated 90° then stops, as the lock is turned a further 90° this is translated into linear motion which brings the tab 6mm toward the door, thus clamping securely onto the door frame. This ensures a high degree of vibration resistance, as well as added clamping force on the gasket and a "soft" closure action on the door frame. Unlocking is a simple reverse process.

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Keeping moving with PREBENA The PREBENA PKT-BOX 3500 was developed in order to allow users to use compressed air easily and everywhere without a compressor. Pneumatic devices, with a working pressure up to 10 bar (145.038 PSI), like pneumatic nailer, blow guns, inflating guns, etc. can easily be used with this handy PKT-BOX. The required compressed air is delivered from the light-weight PREBENA air-cylinder type KT-3500. The PREBENA PKT-BOX consists of a robust and light-weight metal case with an integrated, refillable air-cylinder type KT-3500 and a flexible air line. This air-cylinder is filled with about 465 l compressed air with a filling pressure of over 300 bar (4351.14 PSI). This corresponds approximately to a capacity of one compressor with a 50 l (13.195 gal.) tank and 10 bar (145.038 PSI). Thanks to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;beltâ&#x20AC;? this light-weight air-cylinder can be worn comfortably and securely on the body of the user. Therefore all pneumatic devices can be used independently and reliably in difficult-to-access areas. This belt is suitable for left and right handed operators.

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Lesjöfors re-launches guide Lesjöfors has produced a revised and updated gas springs brochure, providing vital information about the design, manufacture and performance of its gas springs.

Gas Springs

The brochure provides the vital technical information necessary to calculate the spring force and damping requirements for any particular scenario. There is also a comprehensive range of end fittings to ensure the correct fitment of the gas spring in each application. Lesjöfors' gas springs range is made up of both

conventional and lockable varieties, many of which are manufactured with a stainless steel tube. “In 2008 we substantially upgraded our stock levels so that the full range of our gas springs are available from stock, and can usually be delivered within 24 hours.” There are more than 700 references in Lesjöfors range and the company is also able to meet special requirements and produce bespoke gas springs for a specific application or purpose.

PEM® spinning clinch bolts New PEM® spinning clinch bolts for thin metal panels install securely using controlled clinching action to captivate the screw while allowing it to spin freely in the sheet. The family of PEM® spinning clinch bolts includes patented Type SCB™ fasteners featuring an unthreaded neck for axial float and Type SCBJ™ hardware with a jacking feature. Both can permanently captivate into aluminium or steel sheets as thin as .0.40inch/0.8mm (and greater) and can satisfy close centreline-to-edge applications. The fasteners install by simply pressing the bolt into a properly sized hole using a PEMSERTER® or other standard press. The applied squeezing force to the top of the screw head and the underside of the sheet material forces the shoulder of the screw into the sheet, displaces sheet material, and causes it to fill the void under the head and shoulder of the screw. This permanently captivates the fastener in the panel. PEM® spinning clinch bolts are available in various lengths and thread sizes from #4-40 through #6-32 and M3 through M4.

Machine Screws Security Screws Socket Screws HT Bolts & Sets Threaded Inserts Special Fasteners Materials St/St Brass Mild Steel

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AFS develops Pro Series thread repair kit Alcoa Fastening Systems, whose Recoil® product line are used to repair damaged or create strong new screw threads for a wide range of applications in various industries, has responded to customer demand by evolving its original thread repair kit. The kit now contains a tapping drill, three varying lengths of insert, an installation tang break-off tool and a high speed steel tap. Used in the electronic, aerospace, power generation, transport, defence and automotive industries, the kit can be used in a variety of applications ranging from automotive spark plug repair to industrial power press refurbishment. Available in metric, UNC (Unified National Coarse) and UNF (Unified National Fine) sizes the kit is assured by a 12 month warranty and may be ordered through authorised AFS distributors. Piero Bruno, Recoil product manager at AFS said: “Recoil is an established, well respected, consistent and re-assuring brand of products that provide quality solutions to our customers. As a market leading kit the Pro Series is no exception, enabling operators to carry out thread repairs easier and more efficiently across a number of applications.”

-------EUROPE’S LARGEST EX STOCK RANGE OF

Twin Hole Spanner Pin Hexagon Resistorx One-Way and Pin Phillips Machine and sheet metal security screws The latest 24 page catalog from European fastener specialist DOUWES INTERNATIONAL BV features in excess of 900 security screw and nut products in diameters M3-M12. Most items comprising the range are available in stainless steel, ex-stock and can be delivered to any European destination within 48 hours.

For a free catalogue and/or enquiries for quotation, contact DOUWES INTERNATIONAL BV: Tel: +31 153 615 210 Fax: +31 153 615 299 Email: mblaauw@douwes.nl www.secufast.com The range is also available from appointed stockists throughout Europe

INTERNATIONAL BV Telephone 0031 15 3615210, TELEFAX 0031 15 3615299 PO BOX 61 2640 AB Pijnacker, Holland

Hit the bull’s-eye every time with Zircon Rollins & Sons, a leading tool distributor in the UK, is launching the innovative Stud Finders and Wall Scanners from the leading American manufacturer Zircon. Zircon Stud Finders and Wall Scanners quickly and accurately locate studs, joists, metal and hot electrical wire by using Zircon’s exclusive CenterVision® technology. CenterVision® technology will find the centre of any stud with just one pass and an ultra bright LCD Screen on the handset indicates the direction, edge and centre of the studs. This is unlike traditional wall scanners which only find the stud edges, not the centre. “Zircon Stud Finders and Wall Scanners succeed in blending creative technology, spot-on accuracy and value for money.”

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Modern adhesive vs. manual fixing Chemique Adhesives has introduced the Polyped1, a one component moisture curing adhesive, which has been specifically formulated for the bonding of metal pedestals to concrete when installing raised flooring systems.

hold the flooring securely in place. However, the PolyPed1 is specifically formulated for the bonding of metal pedestals to concrete when installing raised flooring systems, meaning that manual fixing is no longer necessary for all pedestals.

Polyped1 contains no VOCs, requires no mixing and is ready to be used straight from the bucket which can also be stored and used when needed again.

Access Flooring adhesives are capable of creating a direct bond between the floor and pedestal, allowing for a greater pedestal flexibility and shock absorption than with the manual fixing.

The Polyped1 has been designed to offer pedestal installer’s a number of advantages including that of P.S.A’s T.42 ‘swinging bag test’ and T.15 horizontal load test proving the adhesive has a permanent bond.

Installers using pedestal adhesive must assure that it is used in line with manufacturers recommendations, the Polyped range, for example, should be used in conjunction with the newly developed Universal Primer. The Universal Primer helps prepare the concrete area for adhesion, as well as acting as a dust suppressant and strengthening the concrete surface for improved bond strength.

Traditionally, raised access flooring installers have used a method of manually fixing the flooring through drilling and bolting pedestals to

Huntsman introduces water-clear SL resin Huntsman has introduced the RenShape® SL 7870, which is a true water-clear stereolithography resin that produces ultra-durable models and prototype parts that are ‘as clear as glass’, according to the CIELAB colour scale system. “In addition to outstanding polycarbonate-like clarity, colourless RenShape® SL 7870 delivers prototype parts with excellent impact resistance, higher than that of other clear SL resins currently available.” This latest addition to Huntsman’s range of next-generation hybrid SL photopolymers, RenShape® SL 7870 can be used in producing long-lasting parts that feature a high-quality, smooth surface finish and precise replication of complex detail. It is also suitable for building investment casting patterns. Parts made from RenShape® SL 7870 maintain long-term dimensional stability even after exposure to warm, humid conditions (40ºC and 90% R/H) and elongation of 22%. It is formulated to conform to FDA USP 23 Class VI standards for use in medical modeling and prototyping. Like RenShape® SL 7800 and RenShape® SL 7810 next-generation photopolymers, RenShape® SL 7870 resin is a low viscosity, stable liquid that is suitable for use on solid state laser and SLA® systems.

Ensuring channel nuts have a stainless reputation Pressed Parts Co, UK manufacturer of stainless steel channel nuts, wants to warn buyers of the product to take extra care in specifying their requirements. “We have had a number of ‘complaints’ recently,” explains managing director Bob Barlow. “When we have looked into them the product has turned out not to be our own. The spring incorporated into the channel nut is not stainless steel, unlike our own, presenting problems in some applications. Since we are

the sole UK manufacturer of stainless steel channel nuts we assume these products are imported.” Stainless Steel channel nuts are used in salt water environments, and also in kitchens and hospitals, he explains. “Although the use of galvanised wire is unlikely to have a structural effect, the spring will eventually rust, presenting the risk of a hazardous substance escaping.” Bob Barlow highlights other crucial characteristics to consider

when sourcing channel nuts. “The notch pattern is important in creating anti-slip by biting into the channel. A poor notch will not perform to the true slip values. From samples we have seen, some products with an inferior notch pattern would have an effect structurally.” Pressed Parts also utilise a spring crimped into a circular groove as opposed to the 'dog-leg' method, a technique developed by the company in the early 1980s, which says Bob Barlow, may not be exclusive but is certainly

rarely adopted by other worldwide manufacturers.

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New catalogue for 2008 System-Cases (UK) Ltd, who is celebrating 20 years of supplying storage cases for small parts, tools & components, has a new 36 page catalogue for 2008, making it the biggest yet. Included in the new catalogue are 15 pages of new products including many lines that are available to be delivered direct to customers

at no extra cost. System Cases says that this greatly helps its distributors, as they can sell from the new catalogue without necessarily holding extra stock lines.

volumes on these items during the past year. Quantities of the A5 format catalogue are supplied with all orders to help the SystemCase® distributors achieve extra sales.

As well as new products, there are also price reductions on the slotted panel & storage bin sets, against market trends this has been achieved by the increase in production

To compliment the new catalogue, the company website has also been updated to cover the complete product range. It can be found at www.systemcases.co.uk .

Rencol introduces innovative sensor mount Rencol Tolerance Rings has developed a new way of mounting the position sensor magnet accurately and rigidly using a tolerance ring. Position sensors are widely used in modern cars, not least in electric power assisted steering (EPAS) systems. In such restricted locations, these

sensors must have exact positioning while at the same time be able to withstand severe rates shock and vibration. Thanks to Rencol, there is now a cost-effective alternative for sensor mounting – the use of tolerance rings. In simple terms, the tolerance ring is a radial spring ring with

corrugation that is press fitted between two mating components, generating a retention force that fixes the components together securely. “Accurate, reworkable and cost effective, tolerance rings can provide low assembly forces across a specified tolerance range,”

said Chris Needes, automotive product manager at Rencol. “They provide an accurate holder rotatable 360 degrees after assembly.” Since the fitting force is low and can be accurately determined by the design of the ring, the assembly can be press fitted without risk of damage to

brittle magnet materials. This arrangement also provides the sensor with a useful degree of protection against vibration and shock. In addition, the ring gives consistent performance over a wide range of temperatures and using a tolerance ring means that the poles of the magnet can be aligned after assembly.

Ornit launches new multigrip rivet Ornit Blind Rivets has launched the Ornilock M6527P, a structural multigrip rivet which has a grip range of 2mm to 22.5mm. The Ornilock M6527P was designed by Ornit in 2007, due to numerous inquiries for a rivet with a longer grip range but with the strength and reliability of the Orlock rivet 4.8 – 7.8mm diameter, which featured a double locking system and a patented design, and was originally designed for the automotive industry. Ornit’s solution was to improve the Ornilock grip range which until then had a range of up to 15.9mm. Ornilock has qualities such as internal locking mechanism, multi grip performance and reduced inventory. The Ornilock has a high shear and tensile strength with a guaranteed flush break and multigrip capabilities. “The response from Ornits customers was excellent and we are looking forward to the success of the Ornilock M6527P.”

BROWNS FASTENERS LIMITED Browns Fasteners are an established and successful, worldwide distributor of industrial fasteners to the construction, petrochemical and engineering industries. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and pro-active addition to the team to assist in the continued growth of our business. Working directly with senior management, our internal sales staff and major clients, the ideal applicant should have an engineering / technical background and some knowledge of industrial fasteners. Good IT knowledge is essential along with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels. We offer excellent prospects for advancement to Management/Board level for the right candidate. Please forward your CV to: Browns Fasteners Limited PO Box 13 Deanfield Mills Asquith Avenue Morley Leeds LS27 9RE

FOR SALE JSC “KONSTANTINOVKA IRON & STEEL WORKS” Based in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine is one of the largest cold drawing facilities in the CIS region with an annual capacity of 200,000 tpy. The works main production at present is : rounds in coils Ø 5-22 mm rounds in bars Ø 5-80 mm hexagonal bars Ø 14–55 mm Cold-drawn ribbed wire of low-carbon steel for reinforcement diameters Ø 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 mm Pickling process and bright annealing is also operational. Currently hot steel production is closed. There is a project under study for 780.000 tpy alloy steel mill. For further information please contact: Mrs. Liza Milidonis Tel: 00357-25-748120 Email : viscom.liza@globalsoftmail.com or Mr. Igor Shmatko Tel: 00380-45-695656 Email: marina@vistec.kiev.ua

Achilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 ACT Fasteners & Components . . . . . . . . . . . .156 Action Can . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Adolf Pühl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Adolf Schnorr GmbH & Co. KG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Advance Spares (& Rivits) . .67 Aksa Industry Machine Inc. Trade CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co .155 Alexander Paal GmbH . . . .150 Alfran Fasteners Ltd . . . . . .45 Allbolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Alloy & Stainless . . . . . . . . .153 Alltech Engineered Finishes . .121 Anixter Components . . . . . . .29 Apex Stainless . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Arpel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Atlantic Man Srl . . . . . . . . . .51 Autonic Engineering Co Ltd . .55 Avon Stainless . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Bäcker GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Baker & Finnemore . . . . . . .17 Bendfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Beneke Wire . . . .Wire Cover 1 Beneri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Bilwinco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Bierbach GmbH & Co. KG . .91 Bi-Mirth Corp . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Blakeacre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Bollhoff Fasteners . . . . . . .155 Bossong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Bralo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Brighton Best . . . . . 6, 8, 10, 12 Browns Fasteners . . . . . . . .162 Can-Eng . . . . . . . .Wire Cover 2 Caparo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Carlo Salvi . .Wire Cover 4, 164 Chatsworth computers . . .135 Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 CTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Dacral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Don Quichotte . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Dowes Int BV . . . . . . . . . . . .156 DS Fasteners Ltd . . . . . . . . .29 Electra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151 Emhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Everbuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147 Fagersta Stainless AB . . . . .55 Fastbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Fischer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 FK Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Fwu Kuang Enterprises Co. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Gefra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Global Fasteners . . . . . . . . .155 Guangzhou Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Hafren Fasteners . . . . . . . . .21 Heinz Soyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 IFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Ingramatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Jagura . . . . . . . . .Wire Cover 3

Lederer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Lindapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149 London Screw Company Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 M&W Fastener Co.,Ltd . . . . .27 M-Craft International . . . . . . .9 Machine Screws Ltd . . . . . . .45 Martyn Price ( Bolts & Nuts ) Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145 Masons Fasteners Ltd. . . . . .55 Mayes & Warwick . . . . . . . .110 Mectron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Mofast Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Morgalv Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Nakashimada Engineering Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 National Machinery . . . . . .115 Ningbo Jinhui . . . . . . . . . . .113 Ningbo Ordam Internation Trading Co.,Ltd . . . . . . . . . . .25 Nordic Metalblok Srl . . . . .135 Norm Civata . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Norma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 OSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Olympic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Orbit International Corporation Limited . . . . . . .65 Pinstructure . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Prelok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 PTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Protex Fasteners . . . . . . . . .41 Ray Fu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 Reyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151 Rivco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Rivit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163 S D Products Ltd . . . . . . . . .135 Sacma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Sanhuan Fasteners Corp. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 Sariv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Schröder Schrauben . . . . . .159 Shanghai Fanto Hardwares CO., Ltd . . . . . .141 Socom SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Spirol . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 91, 161 Stafa Holland BV . . . . . . . . . .13 Star Fasteners . . . . . . . . . .139 Steven Walker & Sons Ltd . .49 STF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 TR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Tecfi S.p.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Tecno Impianti . . . . . . . . . . .117 Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Titibi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 TLM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Top Screw Metal Corp. Ltd .139 Trojan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Trutek . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93, 160 UBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Vistec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162 Voestalpine . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG . . . . . . . . . .91, 139, 161 Vorpa Officine Meccaniche snc . . . . . . . . . . .63 Zero Clips Ltd . . . . . . . . . . .150