Torque Magazine Issue 47 by stagpublications

01_ADVERT_Kohlhage_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 10:14 Page 1

issue 047 / September/October 2020

Solutions for fastening technology Inserts

Welding nuts & screws

Cold formed parts Turned parts

Stamped parts

• Customer Service Driven • Vertically Integrated • Innovative Products • Global Presence

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES Since 1955 ND Industries has specialized in the development of innovative materials and processes which increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies. ND serves a global market with divisions across the continental US, Taiwan, and licensees around the world. ND’s core business revolves around the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid in functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND also manufactures a line of bottled products under the Vibra-Tite® brand name for MRO and retail use.

From two base products in 1965 to currently over two hundred twenty, ND continues its tradition of cutting edge research and development with the regular introduction of unique materials along with competitive brand offsets.

ELECTROLOC® High strength encapsulated epoxy threadlocker for use in electrical systems where low halogen materials are necessary. Contains small micrometer microcaps which reduce material extrusion on installation.

THERMOSEAL™ A high temperature, high pressure thread sealant which withstands up to 40MPa. Offering thread locking breakaway torques greater than 20Nm and a maximum temperature of 428°F (220°C). Thermoseal is an extremely versatile product for challenging sealing conditions.

THERMOLOC® 1500 ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker. Initially performs like a vibration dampening compound. Once temperatures reach 750°F (400°C), a secondary activation begins, causing the fastener to be permanently locked in place. Tested to over 1500°F (850°C).

AUTHORIZED APPLICATOR Did you know that ND is an approved 3M applicator? Further proof why ND should be your one stop shop for pre-applied fasteners.

ND PATCH® HI-TEMP Highest temperature pre-applied nylon threadlocker in the industry. Unlike the competition, ND’s application process requires only 120°C, preventing plating damage. However, once crosslinked, it can withstand temps up to 260°C. Meets MIL-DTL-18240F / QPL-18240.

THREAD ARMOR® GP Prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminum, and steel, by electrically isolating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Galvanic Patch is durable, chemical resistant, and non-conductive.

THREAD ARMOR® VC An advanced anti-galling and lubricating thread coating designed to extend the life of bolts up to 15 times while under intense torque and high friction loads. Helps to ensure consistent clamp load. Works well on stainless steel fasteners.

EPOXY-LOCK® NUTS This pre-applied threadlocker consists of separated epoxy hardener and expoxy resin. Upon fastener installation, the two materials mix and activate. When fully cured, EpoxyLock provides greater breakaway torque than conventional nylon fastener locking devices.

EXPAND-A-LOCK® A unique pre-applied microencapsulated expanding threadlocking & sealing compound. Increases in volume 20-50% on installation, penetrating the gaps in fastener threads typically unfilled by conventional threadlockers. Scan QR Code for more info.

EXPAND-A-SLEEVE™ Extruded ND Mastics are pre-applied to fasteners (threaded or non-threaded), bound for e-cote cycles. Heat from the process causes the material to expand, sealing large leak paths between fastener and assembly.

VIBRA-TITE® PRODUCTS Vibra-Tite, the bottled product division of ND Industries, is one of the world’s market leaders in anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, and ultraviolet technologies.

04 CONTENTS_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 15:59 Page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

06 NEWS 10 WOMEN IN FASTENERS > HEIDI VOLLTRAUER > VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@torque-expo.com Editor Jonathon Harker jonathon@torque-expo.com Staff Writer Liberty Sheldon libby@torque-expo.com

16 KOLHAGE FASTENERS > UNITING ITS DIVISIONS UNDER THE KOHLHAGE UMBRELLA 20 GUEST EDITOR’S PICK > EFDA ON STANDARDS AND COVID IMPACT ON FASTENER DISTRIBUTION

Sales Manager – International Harry Whyte harry.whyte@torque-expo.com

22 FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL > HEICO, EUROTECH, OBTEC, HONSEL, BÄCKER, BÜLTE, ARSER, GWI, ATOTECH, SWG, GÜDE, PÜHL, SMITH BULLOUGH, VICTORY FASTENERS, RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS, TPF, A PERRY, SPIROL & OWLETT-JATON

Sales Executive - USA & UK Tom Keenan tom@torque-expo.com

62 SPOTLIGHT > OPTIMAXX

Circulation Tracy Howell tracy@torque-expo.com

63 STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS >

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@torque-expo.com

64 SPOTLIGHT > BOND IT

Designers Dan Bennett dan.bennett@torque-expo.com

68 SPOTLIGHT > HOENDERDAAL

Tina Ries tina@torque-expo.com

70 TORQUE TOOLS >

Sales Manager – UK Claire Warman claire@torque-expo.co.uk

Victoria Arellano victoria@torque-expo.com

Published by Stag Publications Ltd 18 Alban Park Hatfield Road St Albans Herts AL4 0JJ tel: +44 (0)1727 739160 fax: +44 (0)1727 739169 Email: info@torque-expo.com Web: www.torque-expo.com Disclaimer

Although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained herein is accurate and up to date, 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. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or of Stag Publications Ltd. Proud member of:

74 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION > ANCHORS > JCP, FISCHER & HECO 88 MILESTONES > MAKITA USA

GUEST EDITOR For this bumper edition we’ve secured the services of Torque Magazine’s first ever Guest Editor, Dr Volker Lederer – the Managing Director of high-quality fastener supplier Lederer and President of EFDA, the European Fastener Distributor Association. Turn to page 6 for his unique perspective on the pandemic, trends and opportunities in the fastener industry. Turn to page 20 for our ‘Guest Editor’s pick’ – a special feature chosen by Dr Volker Lederer himself.

To subscribe to Torque Magazine visit: torque-expo.com/subscribe/

or scan this QR code... Copyright Entire contents copyright © 2020 Stag Publications. 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.

torque-expo.com

As part of our commitment to the environment, Torque Magazine is fully recyclable.

BETTER THAN EXPECTED 2020 has been a difficult year in many senses. Difficult to predict, certainly – the year has hardly shaped up in the way many of us expected back in January. It has also been difficult to assess. Many’s the conversation I’ve had with senior execs in the industry where I’ve been told that business is going better than expected, having weathered the initial storm of the pandemic and lockdown. We can also testify to this phenomenon: In an unpredictable year there were times when we wouldn’t have expected publishing one of the biggest editions of Torque Magazine in five years, yet here we are. Meeting business contacts has of course been difficult too. Back in deepest darkest lockdown, the thought of getting on a plane or even just in a car to go and visit contacts seemed a long long way away. However, in putting this magazine together, we’ve had boots on the ground in Germany and in the UK’s West Midlands for our expansive fastener manufacturing feature. While responsible social distancing practices were adhered to throughout, remote ways of meeting through video calls and the like appear likely to remain the primary way to meet contacts for the short term. Finally, this difficult year has been surprising for what is often a self-effacing industry. Having supplied vital construction projects or life-saving medical equipment, the fastener industry has been faced with the profound truth that it plays a truly vital role in wider society. For me, this point was well summed up by Rapid Industrial Fastener (in an interview elsewhere in this magazine). They said: “It was a real eyeopener to see how important our business was.”

Jonathon Harker Editor jonathon@torque-expo.com

ADVERT_Insert Company_Full Page_TOR_Feb19.qxp 30/01/2019 17:18 Page 1

ZINC ALLoy INSERTS

FURNITURE CONNECTORS

Headed Hex-Drive Type D

Zinc Plated Flathead Bolts

Unheaded Hex-Drive Type E

Flathead Connector Caps (Closed)

BRASS THREADED

STEEL

Multi Unheaded

Headed Hex-Drive

Unheaded Screw-in

Unheaded Hex-Drive Type E

INSERTS

More products available, visit www.theinsertcompany.com Tel: +44 (0)121 4397329

Fax: +44 (0)121 4397346

Email: sales@theinsertcompany.com

Unit 4, Alma Industrial Estate, Stafford Road, Wednesbury, WS10 8SX, United Kingdom

06 GUEST_COLUMN_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 15:56 Page 1

GUEST EDITOR COMMENT

DR VOLKER LEDERER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LEDERER AND PRESIDENT OF EFDA, IS GUEST EDITOR OF THIS MONTH’S TORQUE MAGAZINE

DIGITISATION AND FLEXIBLE WORKING TIME MODELS: MEGATREND AND OPPORTUNITY HARDLY any other event in recent years and decades has had such an impact on our industry, our daily work, our professional and private life and environment as the current global pandemic. Of course, the disadvantages naturally outweigh the positive effects on all the above-mentioned areas. At the same time, however, there are also many opportunities that can now be quickly exploited to an unknown extent... and must! The digitisation measures that we have already carried out in recent years for many other reasons have now paid off once again. At outset of the pandemic in Europe, our first decision was to strictly divide our warehouse teams into two shifts and separated them clearly in terms of time. We also divided our complete administration team in two groups. One group stayed in the office, whilst the other one worked from their home office. More or less overnight we were thus able to send 50% of our employees in purchasing, sales and administration to the home office, without work processes or our efficiency suffering significantly. We also completely stopped our business travel activities and instead introduced a lot more video conferences with our business partner, which have proved to be a good alternative. So far, these measures have been very successful, as we have not had any corona case in the company. STICK TOGETHER AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES In order to create a little relief in such a difficult and stressful time, we launched a ‘home office’ campaign with our customers. We asked them to send us pictures of their home office workplace, in return they received a small gift set. We got a lot of positive feedback from our customers for this campaign. We have always believed in mutual trust and partnership. In the current crisis I think a lot of people have realised how important these things are. Our goal for the remainder of the year is to keep the decline in sales as low as possible. We saw a sales decline in the mid-single digits until the end of July. There are industry sectors that are still quite strong but there also those sectors that are already experiencing a deep crisis. Over recent months we have also taken the opportunity, during the quieter moments, to complete overdue internal projects. This will help increase our productivity in the medium and long term. I am convinced that the Covid-19 pandemic will also lead to a further digitisation boost in our industry. Video conferences will become an important part of our future relationship management with our business partners and the home office will play a crucial role in our work organisation. Electronic data exchange will also certainly continue to increase. Those who are already well-positioned in the field of digitisation, who have modern IT systems and highly qualified employees and who are also financially healthy, will emerge from the current crisis stronger and survive in the market and continue to grow. I definitely include Lederer among them.

Dr. Volker Lederer Managing Director – Lederer vlederer@lederer-online.com

torque-expo.com

TURN TO PAGE 20 FOR OUR‘GUEST EDITOR’S PICK’ A SPECIAL FEATURE COMMISSIONED BY DR VOLKER LEDERER HIMSELF.

THINK BIG

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT. Walt Disney

Rely on a solid partner who, for over 20 years, has been a leader in the field of bolts and screws in the Italian and European market. Our catalogue includes: drywall screws, carpentry and chipboard screws, dome and euro screws, machine screws, self-tapping screws, concrete screws, blockframe screws, self-drilling screws, stainless steel screws, hex lag screws, nuts, washers, bolts, blind rivets. AMBROVIT: YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER FOR FASTENING SYSTEMS

Ambrovit S.p.A. Italy

A DEDICATED OPERATOR FOR ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

Tel +39 (0) 382 810280

WWW.AMBROVIT.COM

08 News_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 15:58 Page 1

NEWS News from the distribution industry… www.torque-expo.com

FASTENER BUSINESSES SEE Q3 BOUNCE BACK FS and Bufab were among the businesses seeing a ‘bounce back’ in Quarter 3 after the Covid-19related diﬃculties of Q2 2020. For SFS, sales in July and August continued the upwards trajectory ﬁrst seen in June, buoyed by some recovery in its automotive customers. In particular, SFS’ Fastening System and Distribution & Logistics segments almost matched prior-year levels, while the Engineered Components segment was about 10% below prior year level. Sweden headquartered C-parts specialist Bufab began to see a gradual

recovery in demand in Q2 that continued into Q3. August sales returned to the same level of 2019, for the ﬁrst time since the pandemic. Organic sales growth for the period July-August was approxi-

mately -5%, signiﬁcantly better than the growth in June which was down -15%. Additionally, its growth in JulyAugust increased by approximately 10%, compared to 0% in June.

China Fastener Show Online returns for European Session

hina Fastener Next month will see the return of the China Fastener Show Online for a Europe-targeted session, running 26-31 October 2020. The virtual show follows up August's China Fastener Show Online, where approximately 300 purchasing meetings

were held, and 75,132 visitors international 5,376 (including buyers) attended virtually at the 'around the clock' event. China Fastener Show Online (European Session) will be operated and supported by ChinaFastener.com, and is expected to see more than 300 exhibitors, 3,000 European buyers and 50,000 professional visitors participate. This new session will again be designed to help Chinese fastener enterprises seize new opportunities for export. One-on-one purchasing meetings will take place, as well as cloud factory visits, technology sharing, product demos and

more. Pre-registration is ongoing. Over 30 European associations will participate and instant communication tools are promised with English translation. www.fastenershow.com

For the latest fastener and tool headlines sign up to our weekly newsletters torque-expo.com/subscribe

Stainless steel fasteners. EdelstahlVerbindungselemente. Standard and non-standard items Norm- und Standardteile DIN, ISO, EN and others / und andere Special parts and special materials Sonderteile / Sonderwerkstoffe

NEW NEU

erer-shop.c

| led Shop 2020 advice availability / file upload quickorder pdf pages d ke lin ck ba

Mail Bestands-e tei-Upload tellung / Da Schnellbes n te ei gs talo verlinkte Ka

Lederer GmbH | Katzbachstraße 4 | 58256 Ennepetal | Germany | Fon +49(0)2333/8309-0 | info@lederer-online.com L Lede Led Lederer Ledere Leder e S Shop Sh Sho Anzeige A An Anz Anze Anzei Anzeig 2 20 202 2020 - Jubilogo_ J Ju Jub Jubi Jubil Jubilo Jubilog Jubilogo 2 20 202 2020 20200 202001 2020010 20200106 20200106_ 20200106_D 20200106_DR 20200106_DRU 20200106_DRUC 20200106_DRUCK 20200106_DRUCK. 20200106_DRUCK.i 20200106_DRUCK.in 20200106_DRUCK.ind 20200106_DRUCK.indd 1

06.01.2020 0 06. 06.0 06.01 06.01. 06.01.2 06.01.20 06.01.202 6 1 14 14: 14:3 14:30 14:30: 14:30:1 14:30:19

B O T B O B B OX B O L T • • B X B L T • B OX B O L T LT LT • BO OX BO OL T • B OX B OL L O O LT • B X B L • B X B O O B O T T O O X • B B L X • B B L X B O T O O X B L • BO X BO LT T • B OX B O O X T • O O B L X • B O B OX B O L T • B O X T O X • B L B B L O B OX B O T • T O O • B OX B O L T • B • B OX B O L T • B OX B O L T • B OX B O L T • B LT T • B OX B OL T • • B OX X B OL LT • O L • B X B L B B T O O T O O L T • B X B L • B OX B O O L B O T T • B X B L O O L X • B Fax:O 01384T 424833 O X O B OL T Tel: B01384O424767 • B O B O X B OL T B SALES@martynprice.co.uk X B OL T • Email: O • B OX B L X • B www.martynprice.co.uk B L X B O T T O O X • O B L X • B B O B OX B O L T • T O O X • B L X B B L O B OX B O T • T O O • B OX B O L T • B O • B OX B O L T • B OX B O L T • B OX B O L T • B LT T • B OX B OL T • • B OX X B OL LT • L T • B OX B OL T • B O X B O LT O B B L X • B B L T O O B O T T O O L X • B O B L X • B B L O B O T T O O X • X B O L T • B OX B O L T • B O X B O X B O L T • B OX B O L T • B O X B O X B O L T • B OX B O L T • B O X B O&# &'& ! &' ! % ! * % #%" ( '& B L X • B B L X O B O T B O T O O • B L X • B B L X B B O T O O T • O L X • B B L X B O T 124.12:6? B O T O O 0<: B OX B O L T • • B OX X B O L B OX B O L T • B O X B 09 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 14:08 Page 1

A KEE SAFETY PRODUCT

CAVITY FIXINGS

• A blind fixing for connection to hollow section, or where access is limited to one side • Eliminates the need for welding or bolting through • CE Marked • Available in zinc, hot dip galvanised and stainless steel • Various different head types available

24. 2:6? C2 .9C.;6G &.;.F6 œ "?5.; .G6 :.5.992@6 2:6? @<8.8 !< Z YZ[Y^ @2;FB?A O Ĥ@A.;/B9 O 'B?82F ' ǖ_V XWX \XY X\VV EA WX_ ǖ_V XWX \XY X\[\ 2E=<?A 124.12:6? 0<:

10 News-People_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:01 Page 1

NEWS News from the distribution industry

www.torque-expo.com

PEOPLE NEWS Bulten recruits Pavlovic as Tech and Innovation SVP mmy Pavlovic is to become Bulten’s Senior Vice President Technology and Innovation later this year. The former Arcam AB Techical Account Manager and Nedschroef executive has an MSc in Engineering Physics and PhD in Materials Science.

Microgleit appoints Christian Kaiser as MD oatings and lubricant manufacturer Microgleit has appointed Christian Kaiser as Managing Director. Kaiser’s strong background in coatings tech has seen him work as COVENTYA’s International Product Manager for its corrosion protection tech and product line. Kaiser also played a key role in the merger of Microgleit and COVENTYA in 2018.

Deluce retires from JCP after 40 years in the industry

Liberty Sheldon joins Torque Magazine

CP Technical Manager Brian Deluce is retiring after nearly two decades with the company and 40 years in the industry. Having developed and implemented a comprehensive technical library used by specifiers of JCP fixings, Deluce has carried out thousands of on-site tests and achieved ETAs on products. Reza Jafari succeeds Deluce.

edia, Comms and Journalism graduate Liberty Sheldon has joined the Torque Magazine and website team as Staff Writer. Sheldon brings enthusiam and newly honed skills to the experienced publication and can be reached via: libby@torque-expo.com

Stainless steel fasteners. standard and non-standard items DIN, ISO, Lederer and Maritim individual labelling and packaging own accredited testing lab

www.love-fasteners.com Lederer GmbH | Katzbachstraße 4 | 58256 Ennepetal, Germany +49 (0)2333/8309-0 | info@lederer-online.com

11 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 01/10/2020 18:23 Page 1

Up to 34 million special screws directly from stock!

www.pasvahl.de

BRASS DIN, 912

Fit bolts, plugs, knurled thumb screws, square head bolts, flat headed screws, hexagon set screws, brass screws and specials. Fon +49 (0) 40 532 852-0 · Fax +49 (0) 40 532 852-52 · info@pasvahl.de

stamping out the impact of theft globally

Global Inch Fastener Solutions

for more than 40 Years

Learn More www.hafrenfasteners.com

+44 (0)1686 621 300 sales@hafrenfasteners.com hafrenfasteners.com 4EL s &AX

www.schroederschrauben.de

12 14 WOMEN IN FASTENERS_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:02 Page 1

INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS

HEIDI VOLLTRAUER VOLT INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS

Heidi Volltrauer discusses her position as COO and VP Marketing & Sales at Volt Industrial Plastics and the ongoing changes within the fastener industry since her joining 28 years ago. How did you first get into the fastener industry? I got into the fastener industry because of my father, Joseph Volltrauer. He has a long history in the industry as an innovator/ tool and die maker, and he started Volt Industrial Plastics, Inc. in 1992. I was 22 years old when I started working at Volt on the production floor never dreaming that I would be in the fastener industry for 28 years and counting. I worked my way through every department, and then became VP of Sales and Marketing a few years later. My first trade show was in Columbus, OH, and at that time there were not many women in the fastener industry. I was very young and naive at that time, and I remember my first time working in our booth at the Columbus show, which was the show at the time. The only question I was asked over and over was... do you have the time? I would look at my watch, and answer the question actually feeling helpful. I look back and smile because everything is so different now, including myself. I have lost track of all the trade shows I have been to but getting to know the fastener community is what keeps me in the industry. What kind of advantages are there for a family business such as Volt in the fastener industry? First, the combined years of experience that different ages bring to the table. I have learned so much from my Dad, and his many years of experiences combined with my 28 years of different experiences, perspective, and age.

torque-expo.com

Secondly, pride of our family business brings a strong work ethic, and drive to be the best at what we do. Thirdly, we have a strong focus on relationships, and this makes strong connections with employees as well as customers. We treat our employees like family by profit sharing, full benefits, extra day of PTO for birthdays just to mention just a few. Lastly, all of these examples create a big boost in morale. Everyone at Volt is invested in the company, and shares in the overall pride of what we do. All of these things directly affect customer service and keeps our customers happy. We pride ourselves with Volt’s exceptional customer service and will continue to build on our family owned edge in the industry.

// I have lost track of all the trade shows I have been to but getting to know the fastener community is what keeps me in the industry. //

Schäfer + Peters GmbH Competence in Stainless Steel

Schäfer + Peters GmbH

Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0

E-Mail: info@schaefer-peters.com

Web: www.schaefer-peters.com

12 14 WOMEN IN FASTENERS_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:02 Page 2

INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry and/or the company since you started? The biggest change since 1992 is technology, and interactions with people. The advancement of computers and communication has changed so much. I would have never thought I could work from my phone or have face-to-face meetings with customers on my computer. It's like something you would see on The Jetsons. Our catalogue was a big project every year, and expensive to print. We stopped printing a catalogue about twelve years ago because by the time we would print the catalogue it would be out of date. We add new products daily, and our website has our entire product line for customers to look for what they need. Having a website is something I could have never imagined in 1992, and how very important our web presence would be for a successful business.

// 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone in the fastener industry, and I know we will all make it through these hard times. //

All the different trade shows the industry has now, compared to when Volt was born is unbelievable. I mentioned earlier the Columbus show was the show. If you were not at that show you missed out on big opportunities, and we made sure to be there every year. The bar at the Hyatt was so packed with people you could barely walk through, but you could see everyone in one space. Now we have trade shows all over the world to choose from, and the shows are close together on the calendar. Also, at most shows people kind of spread out even though there are efforts to make one meeting space to see everyone after hours. One big pro is that you have more opportunities to see people, and make connections all year.

torque-expo.com

Face-to-face interactions in the industry has seen a major shift. The in-person interactions are limited to tradeshows and conferences mostly. Most people actually prefer an email over a phone call, and so the personal connections are harder to make in the industry. I always look forward to the trade shows and make the most of my time building on my current fastener relationships and building new ones. Face-to-face communication is still a very important part of my job representing Volt at these shows, and I love it. I have noticed Covid-19 has actually improved our face-toface interaction with zoom, and other technology. Since we cannot get together at the shows and conferences people want that interaction and connection. Maybe this will be a new trend after we get back to some kind of normal. What does your day-to-day job involve as COO/ VP Marketing & Sales? I really do not have any day that is the same for me, or some kind of day-to-day work schedule. These two roles keep me busy, and things are changing as we grow all of the time. As COO I oversee day-to-day operations, and for Marketing I am responsible for all advertising, website, trade shows, and all things marketing. I love my role in the company, and I am excited to see Volt grow and evolve. What plans does the company have for the next 12 months? 1 June 2021 we will celebrate our 29th anniversary, and my Father’s 83rd Birthday! Over the next 12 months we plan on continuing to build our product line and keep working on efficiency. We are going through an odd time with Covid-19, but our plan is to keep moving forward and growing. What is your favourite thing about the fastener industry? My favourite thing about the fastener industry is the people, and the sense of community once you become a part of it. There is a joke in the industry that if you try to get out they pull you right back in! I am not leaving anytime soon, and plan to make many more memories with the fastener friends I have made along the way... and the ones I have yet to meet! Any final thoughts? 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone in the fastener industry, and I know we will all make it through these hard times. I am looking forward to seeing everyone hopefully next year, but until then, raise your glasses, and cheers to you all! www.voltplastics.com

ULTRACUT FBS II ROCKSTARS. Heavy Metal in Concrete.

Quick and easy to install, while offering top level performance in concrete: the fischer concrete screws ULTRACUT FBS II stand for absolute reliability and are ROCKSTARS for dealing with Heavy Metal in Concrete. The innovative thread geometry absorbs high tensile and lateral forces in concrete. The teeth of fischer concrete screws cut deep into the concrete when screwing in. The varied concrete screw assortment

Anzeige_ULTRACUT_A4_EN_V1.indd 1

is ideal for attaching railings, cantilevers or shelves, and anchoring beams and thresholds and wood construction. The small diameter six version suits perfect for mounting applications in heating, air conditioning. fischer-international.com

05.06.2020 09:58:04

16-18 COVER PROFILE – Kohlhage_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:04 Page 1

COVER PROFILE KOHLHAGE Kohlhage combines all four divisions under one Kohlhage umbrella

“WE ARE KOHLHAGE, AND YOU WILL NEVER SEE A COMPANY WITH MORE POTENTIAL” As many industries emerge from the global Covid-19 lockdown, Torque’s Liberty Sheldon visited Kohlhage GmbH at its base in Neuenrade to discuss how the family company has united four divisions under one Kohlhage umbrella… ased in Neuenrade Germany, leading fastener supplier Kohlhage puts family first as they have become a fully family-owned business once again after the Kohlhage family obtained full shares in the company earlier this year. Additionally, the company has decided to combine all four divisions under one Kohlhage umbrella to further develop its customer base and emphasise their potential as a global business. The company’s four divisions; Kohlhage Automotive, Kohlhage Kunshan (a subsidiary of automotive in China), Kohlhage E-Tech and Kohlhage Fasteners, deal with a variety of markets such as the automotive industry, general engineering, plastics industry and fasteners. Marc Schreiber, Kohlhage’s Managing Director says: “We have decided to unite the four divisions under one group as a way of reducing cost and making more efficient sales. We also believe the change will improve our knowledge exchange in areas such as welding as many divisions such as Kohlhage Automotive and E-tech are considered welding specialists. We also aim to be much faster, stronger, and more competitive for our customers.” “Now we are communicating Kohlhage as a brand and a group with different divisions, we want our customers to know that we are Kohlhage, and you will never see a company with more potential,” adds Tobias Schneider, Head of Sales.

torque-expo.com

HISTORY Founded in 1929 by Ernst Kohlhage, the company originally focused on screws, nuts, and electrical material. With a team of advanced specialists and roughly 200 employees, 2019 saw Kohlhage generate a turnover of 42 million euros. After the death of its founder, Kohlhage was taken over by Friedrich-Wilhelm Kohlhage, the son of original founder Ernst Kohlhage who developed the company and expanded its production size considerably. In 1974, Friedrich-Wilhelm Kohlhage purchased 22,000 square metres of land in Küntrop and later another 8,000 square meters. The company’s production facilities moved to the new production hall in 1979. In order for production and trading departments to evolve, in 1989, Kohlhage separated departments and stopped cross trading in the company. Kohlhage Verbindungstechnik, the manufacturing side of the company, moved to Küntrop with 70 employees, while Kohlhage GmbH remained at the old location with 20 employees. Additionally, Michael Stock joined Kohlhage in 1989 as its second Managing Director and share holder, and after the retirement of Friedrich-Wilhelm Kohlhage, took over sole management of the company. Under Stock’s leadership, the entire company moved to Küntrop and the old company location was dissolved in 1997.

16-18 COVER PROFILE – Kohlhage_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:04 Page 2

Kohlhage operates a large high-bay warehouse at the Neuenrade location

// We have ensured that we know where to go to get the best products, for the best price, with the best quality for our customers. //

The Kohlhage family remained present in the company despite the change in management and had a 49% shareholding. However, 2020 saw the Kohlhage family completely take over the company’s shares in the business and has since been represented by Maximilian Schreiber, the great-grandson of Kohlhage’s founder FASTENERS The company’s Fastener division is currently the largest division under the Kohlhage umbrella, its competencies include inserts, weld nut welding screws, cold formed parts, stamped parts and turned parts. Additionally, Kohlhage provides camera sorting in house up to 10PPM. Within Kohlhage Fasteners, a particular focus is placed on cold forming and stamping processes. Cold forming involves sections of wire that are formed under pressure in two or more stages without the use of heat. The process allows for

high production speed and the optimal use of material as the percentage of material loss is only 10-15% in comparison to material losses of up to 50% and more in turning and punching processes. Furthermore, the stamping process is ideal for large quantities of products and is the most economical. The machines can run at 500 stamps per minute and more, depending on thickness and complexity of the parts. Tobias Schneider, Head of Sales comments: “Kohlhage is known for its impressive global supply chain management. Our customers know we are a trading company with our production taking place in Europe and Asia. We have ensured that we know where to go to get the best products, for the best price, with the best quality for our customers.” With an annual division turnover or 17.4 million euros, Kohlhage has transitioned from a company originally focusing on distribution of standard parts to customer specific development and component design.

torque-expo.com

→

16-18 COVER PROFILE – Kohlhage_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:05 Page 3

COVER PROFILE KOHLHAGE KOHLHAGE E-TECH Founded in 2018, Kohlhage E-Tech is the youngest of all four divisions with a total of 80 employees. The division works in collaboration with Kohlhage Automotive to developing individual solutions for electrically powered vehicles.

Experienced technicians work closely with clients to optimise specialised products

→

Due to the company’s vast technical knowledge and expertise, it is able to work closely with clients to optimise specialised products, whilst producing this with the same amount of precision as original standard parts. The company focuses on advising customers with 90% of products now customised for clients. “We try to understand what the article is for and try to optimise this with the customer to get the best product available to them,” continues Schneider. New projects are underway for Kohlhage Fasteners, says Marc Schreiber. The company is designing products such as a special pin for steering systems, special fasteners for seat systems and c-parts logistic for an international supplier for the automotive industry. Furthermore, the company has invested in two new sorting machines used for fasteners and special tubes. A high level of technical competence, its own purchasing office in Asia, 100% in house inspection of mass-produced fasteners and a new warehouse with over 10,000 pallet places, highlights Kohlhage as a respected partner in the automotive industry. OTHER DIVISIONS KOHLHAGE AUTOMOTIVE The automotive division prides itself on its consulting competence and flexibility as they work closely with their clients throughout the development process. For example, the company’s advanced expertise allows technicians to work closely with clients to design geometries with process reliability from an early stage. This has enabled Kohlhage Automotive to be known as experts by several global automobile manufacturers. The company is currently reorganising its production flow with new machine investments. New products are also being developed for globally recognised automotive companies. For example, Kohlhage is featuring a new cooling tube for power electronics for BMW, and an oil tube for a turbocharger for Voltswagen. KOHLHAGE TUBES KUNSHAN As the automotive industry continues to develop in Asia, Kohlhage jumped at the opportunity to open a production facility in Kunshan in 2016. Located in East China between Shanghai and Wuxi, Kohlhage has a 450m2 production facility with a total of 11 employees. Kohlhage experts based in Neuenrade train employees and control production so that all products manufactured in Kunshan can bear the Kohlhage stamp for exceptional quality. Furthermore, Kohlhage is also looking to develop the brand beyond conventional e-mobility as they are working to design solutions for hydrogen tanks and fuel cells.

torque-expo.com

COVID-19 As we approach the six-month mark since the beginning of coronavirus lockdowns across the globe, travel restrictions have begun to lessen and the fastener industry is back on its feet after major hits to the automotive industry and more. The Kohlhage group is continuously evolving and expanding to suit current climates. The company discussed its advantage during coronavirus as they already had the product stored in advance and therefore, did not have to source from Asia. “We also buy worldwide,” says Marc Schreiber. “And our containers also take just as long to get here from the Far East, about six weeks. But there is something that sets us apart from most companies that also buy in Asia: We operate a large highbay warehouse here at the Neuenrade location. We only rebuilt it last year, thus multiplying our storage and logistics capacities. That is why the products that our customers will need tomorrow are here today. Some have been for months. We always plan in such a way that we have a stock that covers the needs of around three months. Our customers benefit from this because they can assume that we will deliver their products exactly when they are needed. It has been working for many years. And at the moment it works all the more: Our customers don't have to ask us whether we can deliver. They just know that we can." When asked what is to come for the future of Kohlhage, Schreiber states: “We want to be one of the best in quality, technical demand and pricing in our branches. That means continued growth for Kohlhage Fasteners, developing new parts and finding new high potential customers. At Kohlhage Automotive and E-Tech we want to be considered as a highly regarded technician specialist for tube bending and welding assemblies for the automotive industry.” To conclude its impressive array of future plans and new projects, the company has recently finalised a new logistics process and is looking forward to attending plenty of exhibitions post Covid-19. “For the next year we plan to attend in different exhibitions like Fastener Fair or IZB Wolfsburg. We also want to push our partnership ‘Expertise Sauerland’.” www.kohlhage.de

// Our customers don’t have to ask us whether we can deliver. They just know that we can. //

WE BREATHE FASTENERS

DISCOVER THE PROFESSIONAL HAPAX L-BOXX ASSORTMENT CASE. The HAPAX L-BOXX is a real must have for every professional craftsman. Thanks to its complete screw set of 15 different sizes and included bits, accompanied by the advantages of the L-BOXX case. The innovative click system allows you to connect several L-BOXXes, providing you with a neat and well organized collection of working gear. This product is also compatible with the in-van click system, allowing you to create a well organized van while travelling safe. For more information, visit us at: www.pgb-europe.com

Professional - Issue Oktober.indd 1

21/09/2020 8:15:20

20-21 GUEST EDITOR PICK > EFDA_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:05 Page 1

Guest Editor’s pick

THIS YEAR THINGS ARE DIFFERENT, BUT FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS CONTINUE TO PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE EFDA brings together and represents a huge €5 billion sector. Writing for Torque Magazine, EFDA reveals how Covid-19 has impacted on distributor bottom lines and how it is standing up for member interests at the highest level…

he European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) represents importers, wholesalers and distributors of fasteners in the European Union, a sector with an annual turnover of over 5 billion euros and 25,000 employees. It brings together the European fastener distribution sector at a European and worldwide level as the umbrella association of national associations and MEFDA, its group of companies where there is no national association representing their interests. EFDA explains the crucial role of fastener distributors for the European industry and gives them a stronger voice vis-àvis the European Commission or other EU or global bodies. No national association would have the same weight and could achieve the same lobbying results if it acted alone. Not only do EFDA members and their member companies benefit from EFDA lobbying activities, but they also receive information on legislative and other measures taken at EU level. They benefit from the EFDA’s global network with international partner organisations. European fastener distributors, which are part of the EFDA network, participate in meetings and conferences that serve as a platform for the European fastener distribution industry. More than 130 fastener distributor representatives from all over Europe participated in the last European fastener distribution conference, which took place in Rotterdam in 2018. This year EFDA celebrates its 20th anniversary. Twenty-five years ago, European fastener distributors disposed of some national associations, but there was no European umbrella organisation. They had little political influence and were

torque-expo.com

// EFDA is the voice of European fastener distributors at European and international level, and its voice is heard by the European Commission. // powerless at European level. This was the period when the EU imposed an anti-dumping duty on stainless steel fasteners from several Asian countries, including China and Taiwan. European producers already had EIFI as a strong lobbying organisation at EU level. The EIFI played a crucial role in this anti-dumping case on fasteners and obviously promoted the interests of European fastener manufacturers. The experience with stainless steel was one of the reasons why European distributors decided to establish a European representation for fastener distributors. Finally, our association, the European Fastener Distributors Association, was founded in 2000. With EFDA, the other national fastener distributor associations started to fight together for their interests at European level. Today, EFDA is THE voice of European fastener distributors at European and international level, and its voice is heard by the European Commission.

20-21 GUEST EDITOR PICK > EFDA_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:06 Page 2

EFDA closely follows all developments that could lead to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of fasteners from third countries into the EU. EFDA members know that the EFDA is ready to defend free and fair trade against any protectionist measures. This means that importers of fasteners “under the aegis of the EFDA” are prepared, thanks to the EFDA, in case an investigation is initiated. However, there are other areas of legislation that are becoming increasingly relevant to EFDA members. European fastener

distributors face complex legal issues – such as the provisions of the European chemicals regulation “REACH” or the conflict minerals legislation through the US and EU Dodd-Frank Act. These legal acts increase the bureaucratic burden within the supply chain, as suppliers or customers require declarations of conformity or other certificates. EFDA helps its member associations to provide information on these legal acts and supports them with documents that can be used in their daily work. Of course this year many things are different. The pandemic has hit European fastener distributors especially in the second quarter. According to the individual company and sector the turnover decreased up to 30% in this period. Companies delivering to the automotive industry have had major decreases. Some companies have arranged short-time work which, in some European countries, is subsidised by their government. In the third quarter the economic situation of many distributors has significantly improved. The pandemic also changed the EFDA’s plans for an anniversary celebration. We postponed the festivities to 2021 in Brussels, the EU capital, when, hopefully, many of our members and partners will be able to participate in the celebrations and gather to network. www.efda-fastenerdistributors.org

torque-expo.com

22 FastenerManufacturing - HEICO_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:06 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

HEICO GROUP

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

LOCKED ONTO INNOVATION With investments in production in Germany, its own automated packaging line and new products, HEICO Group’s global customer base and product range is increasing alike...

EICO, perhaps best known for its wedge lock washers, has been in the high-class fastening solutions business for well over a century. Over time, the group has accrued increasing global sales and the company now owns oﬃces in 12 countries, exporting to a whopping 80 countries. Particularly focused on long-term sales partnerships, HEICO has made several key investments in recent years, not least in the expansion of its own production capabilities in Germany. Other important recent developments include the introduction of a fully automated packaging line. When HEICO talks about high-class fastening solutions, there is understandably a keen focus on quality. Meeting and exceeding the exacting quality requirements of customers means HEICO’s highly capable test laboratory is capable of a wide range of testing services, including:

Experimental testing of locking characteristics according to DIN 25201-4 annex B, DIN 65151 and ISO 16130 Calculation of friction coeﬃcients, for example according to DIN EN ISO 16047 Customer-speciﬁc tests and test reports Technical support in the dimensioning of bolts according to VDI 2230 sheet 1 And of course training and in-house seminars

torque-expo.com

Experience, depth of stock, innovation Thanks to customer proximity, HEICO offers a prompt service, while considerable stocks mean there is excellent availability and short-term delivery, all backed by professional technical advice and the aforementioned quality lab in support. That considerable knowledge and extensive experience is also channeled into producing customer-specific solutions for increased and specific requirements (like corrosion resistance, for example). Depth of stocks mean the popular HEICO-LOCK® wedge lock washers are available at short notice, from M3 to M72, and innovative alternative products like HEICO-LOCK® Wedge Lock Nuts and HEICO-LOCK® Combi-Washers are in strong demand. And while HEICO has been in the fastening solutions business since 1900, the manufacturer has a dynamic, young team looking to innovate. The medium-sized, growing company tells Torque Magazine that it has many ideas for the future and is always keen to work on new products for customers seeking solutions to their challenges. Find out more through the official HEICO site: www.heico-group.com

HEICO FASTENING SYSTEMS HEICO-LOCK® WEDGE LOCKING SYSTEMS High quality anti-vibration security for the most demanding of bolted joint applications!

HEICO-TEC® TENSIONING SYSTEMS The simple, fast and reliable way to tighten large bolted joints! 3D CAD Catalog CADENAS PARTcommunity

WWW.HEICO-GROUP.COM



CONTACT@HEICO-GROUP.COM

24 FastenerManufacturing - Eurotec_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:07 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

EUROTEC

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

A NEW FIXING CONCEPT FOR WOOD AND CONCRETE Eurotec has developed a fresh fixing option to capitalise on the increasing use of timber in construction, with the firm keen to advocate the use of wood as a renewable raw material.

he building material of timber has been continuously proving new and environmentally relevant strengths for many years now and is therefore becoming increasingly important. For this reason, Eurotec has developed two innovative angle brackets made of galvanised steel, which are intended to specifically absorb shearing forces in modern timber construction – the HB flat shearing angle and the HH flat shearing angle. Customers have the choice between a shearing angle for mounting wood on wood or for mounting wood on concrete, depending on the purpose. For concrete connections, the customer also has the possibility of adding a pressure plate to the HB flat shearing angle in order to transfer any loads that occur into the concrete. The shearing angles are also used in timber frame construc-

tion due to their low height and are characterised by an extraordinarily high shear load-bearing capacity on account of the new fixing concept. The material thickness of the flat shearing angles is just 3 mm. Another advantage is the fact that fewer angle connectors are required in timber constructions in order to fix the corresponding components. A European Technical Assessment for the new shearing angles has been obtained. In this way the company wants to make a contribution with its products to boost building with wood as a renewable raw material. There’s more on Eurotec’s range for modern timber construction and projects online: www.eurotec.team/en/products/timber-engineering

HB flat sharing angle, with watermark

HH flat shearing angle, with watermark

torque-expo.com

HH / HB flat shearing angle Specifically developed for modern timber construction to absorb shearing forces

e l p u o c e D r a l u g n SonoTec A gles ent to our shearing an em pl m co ct rfe pe e Th For assembly on concrete

For installation on wood

Advantages • Underlay enables straightforward assembly • Sustainable material • Invisible • High load capacity • REACH-compliant

www.eurotec.team/en

26 FastenerManufacturing - OBTEC_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:08 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

OBTEC

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

WELDING BOLTS WITH INTERNAL THREADS FROM OBTEC This summer, the producer bought a number of new machines with significantly stronger engines than previous models, allowing for larger scale machining.

s one of the leading manufacturers of welding bolts in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13918 as well as special screws and hollow parts, OBTEC, a subsidiary of the globally operating OBO Bettermann Group with more than 4,000 employees, has already made a name for itself for some time. In the area of welding bolts with internal thread (form IT with tip ignition and form SC (Short Cycle)) there was a significant upgrade in the summer of 2020. Additionally, OBTEC has 10 state-of-the-art Uldrain branded machines in use, on which internal threads from M3 to M10 (previously only up to M6) can be made of steel, stainless steel or aluminium. Purchased in August 2020, the latest machines have significantly stronger engines than the previous models and are therefore able to perform larger scale machining. The older models were gradually subjected to a retrofit programme, which increased the output volumes by up to 30%. Due to a partial conversion of the production processes to semi-finished products (blanks are upstream, internal threads are individually inserted) OBTEC is extremely flexible and can react to customer requests in short timescales. Many dimensions are also available from stock. OBTEC continually has the highest quality standards in mind: Zero-error philosophy Production control by BDE systems Worker self-control by camera-controlled SPC system 100% control with camera sorting machines Should customers in the development phase have special requests that deviate significantly from the standard, that’s also no problem for OBTEC: Near-series prototypes of one piece or more can be made available in the shortest possible time via a prototype express.

www.obtec.eu

torque-expo.com

27 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 14:04 Page 1

Quality welding studs

OBTEC GmbH

Hüingser Ring 52 58710 Menden Germany

Tel.: +49 (0)2373 89-1166 Fax: +49 (0)2373 89-1238 info@obtec.eu

www.obtec.eu

FUTURE-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS Business Software for Distributors & Wholesalers

Multi-Channel Sales Management

Stock & Warehouse Management

CRM & Marketing

Accounting & Finance

Reporting & Analytics

OGL Software removes the manual business processes that are holding you back so you can work smarter, not harder, to grow your business.

Discover OGL Software at ogl.co.uk/software

28-29 FastenerManufacturer - Honsel Bilder_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:08 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

HONSEL

GERMANY – SÜDWESTFALEN

AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALIST Torque Magazine pays a visit to Honsel’s Fröndenberg manufacturing and newly expanded logistics facility to see how the group has developed into a leading automotive specialist, boasting some of the biggest OEM customer names in the business…

onsel is a well established and leading fastener supplier to the automotive industry. Thanks to a 3,500 m² expansion six years ago, the production area at its Fröndenberg HQ now spans 15,000 m² as well as a recently enlarged logistics facility. The manufacturer has come a long way since it began 90 years ago. It was 1930 when Alfred Honsel established the business, which started out manufacturing household goods like plant pots and frying pans held together with (crucially) rivets. By the 1950s, the firm was specialising in blind rivet technology and within a decade had reportedly become Europe’s biggest manufacturer of friction and clutch pad rivets. In the ‘70s, Honsel relocated to Wernher-von-Braun-Straße in Fröndenberg, where Torque Magazine caught up with the firm. Now, as a formidable player in the automotive sector, the business has key locations in France (in Frasne, in the South East) and in China’s Jiangsu province, in Wuxi (while VVG, part of the Honsel Group, is set in Neumünster, Germany). The international reach of Honsel extends further still, not least in the USA, where the firm has brought in a new sales representative in July of this year. By the 1980s and ‘90s, Honsel was specialising in blind rivet nuts and studs. These days, 80% of Honsel’s manufacturing is product engineered for specific applications and customer requirements. Backed by technical support, Honsel uses stateof-the-art engineering tools like SolidWorks, Catia V5 and FEA to engineer products for clients. There’s a dedicated sampling and prototype department as well as an in-house Tool Room. Vertical integration in production is possible thanks to an inhouse induction heat treatment, plastic moulding and assembly. Offering plastic overmoulding, O-Ring assembly and high speed automated assembly, Honsel also has capabilities of laser welding and crimping for blind rivet stud assembly. Secondary processing is available too, whether it is drilling, milling, pointing or similar. Honsel can also provide continuous furnace facilities with inductive annealing and inductive hardening.

torque-expo.com

The firm’s production facilities boast complex cold forming capabilities too, covering six different stages. Wire can be processed up to 20mm in diameter, while five or six die machines provide high complexity and tight tolerances. Honsel can cold form with a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper. Quality is always important in the fastener game and perhaps no more so than in the automotive sector, so naturally Honsel has a vast array of QA tools and facilities, including metallurgic testing, hardness testing (HV and HB), Profil projectors, length and roughness testing, microscopes that provide up to thousandfold magnification and an universal testing machine up to 200kN. Honsel is ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 certified and has had a continuously certified quality system since 1995, in fact.

// Likes its manufacturing floor, Honsel's logistics facilities have also recently been significantly expanded. // A new weather independent loading area has been installed and Honsel’s overall logistics building has – like its manufacturing floor – been recently expanded, as of 2018, with a 4,500 m² logistics building. Modern packaging machines pack bags (with and without coating), cardboard boxes and KLTs, while the firm has employed modern PPS and WMS systems to bolster its capabilities. Alongside expansion of capabilities and facilities, the Honsel headcount has likewise grown too. Ten years ago, Honsel personnel numbered around 184, where now that figure is closer to 350, while the keen apprenticeship advocate has on average 20 apprentices at any one time, in different departments. Turnover has also increased significantly, not least over the past decade or so, with Europe providing 75% of that total, Asia 17% and the US, Canada and Mexico contributing a combined 8%. Overall turnover numbers now sit just under €65 million, notably up from circa €22 million in 2009. As for the next decade, we can’t tell exactly what it holds, but it seems highly likely that Honsel will continue to increase its manufacturing and logistics capabilities as well as turnover, while deepening its relationship and work with the automotive sectors and beyond. www.honsel.de

28-29 FastenerManufacturer - Honsel Bilder_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 18:07 Page 2

THE LINE-UP Coils, powertrain fasteners and rivets are just a few of Honsel's vast range of manufactured items

The Honsel range includes rivets, blind rivet nuts, blind rivet studs, coils, specials parts, powertrain fasteners, bolts, clinching fasteners and self-piercing fasteners, among others. The firm also offers battery and pneumatic riveting tools, as well as a huge variety of solutions for manual setting processes, with customised solutions available. Hand working stations are available too, with a number of different possible set-ups as required by the customer. Honsel has helpfully provided an example for illustrative purposes; hand working stations for the semi-automatic and process-controlled assembly of blind rivets into different components. The firm also has an example of how it can help with automated solutions, such as a fully automatic transfer system for the process controlled assembly of different blind rivet studs and coils into an aluminium die casted rear longitudinal beam of a passenger car.

Precision Made in Germany

www.honsel.de

30-31 FastenerManufacturing - Backer_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:10 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

BÄCKER

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

“A BROAD SPECTRUM” Bäcker CEO Marco Dornseifer tells Torque Magazine about the manufacturer‘s expanding capabilities, bolstering its wide range of standard items, its growth into project solutions and its expansion in the 3D printing field…

äcker began 2020 following a significant investment in production the previous year, with a new 350t injection moulding machine with an integrated printing system as well as installation of four new outdoor silos for plastic granulate. Their impact on the business has been no less significant, says Bäcker CEO Marco Dornseifer “By using outdoor silos, we have created space to expand production capacity and thanks to the new machines, we can now also produce plastic parts with a weight of up to 800g and have brought further know-how into our company with the printing system.” Business was brisk as the year began, the CEO explains: “The first half of 2020 got off to a very strong start for us. In the months of January to March, our sales figures were well above our predictions! Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, sales declined between April and June, but we have been nearly back on track with sales since July.” Bäcker is currently experiencing strong growth, especially in the area of project solutions and the medical technology sector has also proved particularly strong of late. Generally speaking, Bäcker now believes the market is again relatively stable, but acknowledges that obstacles remain for the industry: “In terms of challenges, there has been that lack of personal contact – we have been working from home offices and there have been no visits to customers or to trade fairs.”

PRODUCTS AND CAPABILITIES Over the past 43 years, Bäcker’s range of services have developed to encompass a broad range of products and capabilities. “We offer our customers a very wide range of standard items that we manufacture ourselves. There are few market competitors who can cover a similarly broad spectrum,” says Dornseifer. “In addition to our standard programme, we can also develop and produce customer-specific items made of plastic or metal. We advise our customers on construction and material selection. In the run-up to toolmaking, there is the option of creating near-series samples using various prototyping processes. “We also offer components from the 3D printer. There are no geometric restrictions, no tool costs and we work with a dimensional accuracy of 0.2mm.” Bäcker is looking to further expand in the area of 3D printing technology in the near future, as well as the continued expansion of the PlacoGrip® handle (see right) and operating elements product group. Another focus is ultrasonic welding technology, planned in-house, as a new technology. On top of that, Bäcker is looking to expand its online marketing to spread the word about the business even wider. There has recently been a relaunch of its website, while the BÄCKER webshop is currently under development. www.baecker.eu

Bäcker significantly invested in production in 2019

torque-expo.com

30-31 FastenerManufacturing - Backer_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:10 Page 2

HISTORY The company was founded in 1977 by Gerhard Bäcker with a focus on trading plastic parts for industry

2008 saw a particularly key development, with significant expansion of the range of controls and the entire range of articles was divided into four product lines with registered brand names: PlacoGrip® – operating elements

In 1988 the company moved to the ErndtebrückSchameder industrial area and the first Arburg injection moulding machines were installed.

PlacoTec® – standard elements PlacoCap® – protective elements PlacoEngineering – project solutions

At first the production of plastic screws, nuts and washers, according to DIN standards, was started then in 1995 the development and manufacture of control elements followed. The branch in Lubliniec, Poland has been looking after the Eastern European market since 1998

In 2013, an additional building was built at the same location as an administration and logistics centre and last year the firm invested heavily in production with four new outdoor silos for plastic granulate and a new 350t injection moulding machine with an integrated printing system.

QUALITY S I N C E 19 51

classic • system • automotive

DIN 912 / 931 / 933 • ISO 7380-1 / ISO 7380-2 • DIN 6921 • DIN 6912 • DIN 934 ISO 4014 / ISO 4017 • DIN 960 / DIN 961 • ISO 10642 - DIN 7991 • DIN 7984 • DIN 125

N E W O N STO C K: Our new Torx® program: ISO 14579 / 14580 / 14581 / 14583

•

Nuts: DIN 985 • DIN 6923

OUR W EBSHOP

NEW:

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

T H E

G L O B A L

P A R T N E R

F O R

D I S T R I B U T O R S

32 FastenerManufacturer - Bulte_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:13 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

BÜLTE

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

60 MILLION DOWNLOADS IN JUST ONE MONTH Bülte’s customers have responded to its revamped online offering in spectacular fashion, with double the number of 3D part drawing downloads since the firm updated its online strategy…

espite having the global pandemic in the background, Bülte has continued to keep on pushing forward the boundaries of its activities and services. Having been very active in the past two years, the company has challenged itself by undertaking crucial project developments such as new products conception and the launch of its online 3D product catalogue. Specialised in plastic, plastometallic protective, and fastening parts, Bülte continues to focus on advancing its engineering eﬃciency while improving its digital experience. At a time of global change where companies had to adapt to new ways of working and communicating, Bülte quickly adapted its online strategy by investing into a more innovative online product catalogue. With the implementation of instant 3D downloads, the company allows its customers to integrate these downloads into their design plans as soon as they are conceived. Partners have conﬁrmed the new tool’s expertise: from the beginning of the year to summer 2020, the number of downloads of 3D part drawings have increased tremendously – in fact doubled, amounting to more than 60 million downloads in one month.

// Downloads of 3D part drawings have increased tremendously – they doubled in one month. // Although Bülte’s French site was partly closed for three months, with sales teams working from home, the company kept on shipping goods to its loyal customers and production sustained, albeit at a slower pace. Outside the French borders, the German branch remained open throughout, with new hygiene rules and protective barriers in force. Needless to say, the worldwide crisis has brought the company and its customers closer, while forcing both parties to comply with challenges and new strategies. As a matter of fact, the search for innovation is at the heart of Bülte, which is constantly developing new state-of-the-art products – not least the recent launch of Bülte’s new locking and sealing washers, Plastomet, and the recent range of its ﬂexible and protective caps. Yet to come, the ﬁrm will be launching a brand-new range of fasteners, in a material never used before. To be continued… www.bulte.com

torque-expo.com

Plastomet locking and sealing washers are a new range from the Bülte production house

FOUNDED IN 1956 BY NORBERT BÜLTE, the business specialises in plastic protection parts as well as plastic and plastometallic fasteners. Bülte has more than 30,000 items available, covering a wide range of products including plastic and plastometallic fasteners and fixings, washers, bushings, nuts, screws, screw caps, spacers... mostly being manufactured in Germany. Bülte also offers custom-made products to customers’ specific requests. Present in France, the UK and Germany, Bülte delivers its products all over the world and accompanies wide range of industries, including food processing, furniture, medical and aerospace.

FOR MORE THAN

60 Y E A R S

BÜLTE GmbH - Kunststofferzeugnisse D 59348 Lüdinghausen - Germany Te l : ( + 4 9 ) 0 2 5 9 1 / 9 1 9 4 - 0 Fax:(+ 49)02591 /9194-34 bulte@bulte.com - www.bulte.com

34-35 FastenerManufacturing - Arser Srl_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:16 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

ARSER SRL

ITALY

NON STANDARDS MADE IN ITALY SINCE ‘66 Family-owned Italian fastener manufacturer ARSER has been in the business for decades with a unique manufacturing concept. The firm has been building its expertise and capabilities ever since…

RSER has been producing fasteners from the Bologna area for almost 55 years. While steeped in Italian manufacturing tradition, ARSER has supplemented and enhanced its production capabilities over the years with new methods, practices and machines – particularly in recent years. Back in 1966, a full economic boom saw a growing demand for fasteners for the production needs of local and national companies. Against that background, Ariosto Seragnoli invented the first special machine for the production of socket set screws: It was a unique concept of integrated cold stamping and machining for manufacturing parts – all in one machine. That special machine concept has spawned the development of 40 machines since then, with specific differences in parts sizes and characteristics. Typifying that blend of tradition and the latest technology, this year ARSER implemented the latest generation machine, successfully combining the original Ariosto machine concept and Industry 4.0 technology.

NON-STANDARDS AND TRACEABILITY Today ARSER is still a family business. The ownership and management of the company is conducted by Ariosto Seragnoli’s successors. The Bologna plant covers 10,000m² of which 2,000m² is taken up with the warehouse and 8,000m² is dedicated to production. It is from here that ARSER manufactures 100% of its socket set screws. The range starts from M2 and goes up to M36: but it is the M2-M20 range that represents the core business. The IATF certification, together with the ISO certification, assure and guarantee customers excellent quality levels, including all the necessary skills and approvals for the automotive sector. Today’s production output is focused on non-standard parts: Nearly 80% of the socket set screws manufactured are specials (special sockets, special points, special tolerances and special

torque-expo.com

34-35 FastenerManufacturing - Arser Srl_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:17 Page 2

customer requirements). ARSER parts can be manufactured in stainless steel, hardened steel, brass and aluminum. Two lines of heat treatment enable and ensure full control of this delicate process and to offer special hardness of steel. Full traceability of production batches, an SPC system (Statistical Process Control), accurate control plans as well as highly qualified personnel enable ARSER to reach the highest level of reliability required by even the most stringent of sectors. Furthermore, the Bologna manufacturer has a highly qualified supply chain of suppliers of surface treatment, completing the capability of ARSER to offer truly finished parts: from traditional zinc plating to innovative surface treatments. ARSER is also capable of manufacturing high quality hexagonal keys, with a strong focus and experience on special lengths. Over 50 years of specific experience on this product make ARSER a highly suitable partner for any kind of special requirement for specific applications, across a wide range of sectors. That sector list includes and is not limited to general mechanical, windows & doors accessories, automotive, electronics, agricultural mechanics and more. For more details on ARSER and how to get in touch, visit the official site:

For this family-owned business, production output is today largely focused on non-standard parts

www.arser.it

SOCKET SET SCREWS SINCE 1966 www.arser.it

36 Fastener Manufacturing - GWI_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:18 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

MÄRKISCHE FORMING TOOLS

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

COLD HEADING WIRE EXPERT GWI LAUNCHES TOOL SHOP Torque Magazine visits GWI GmbH to discuss the emergence of its very own tool shop and its partnerships within the cold heading wire industry...

ounded in 1995, GWI now has a total of three companies and close to 50 employees, working in a variety of departments. The company’s storing capacity continuously expanded over the years to ensure the storage of 2,000-2,500 tons of product in the warehouse located in Iserlohn. GWI Werkzeug and Stahl Vertriebs GmbH now has its very own tool shop known as Märkische Forming Tools (MFT). This has been possible thanks to specialised machines and the integration of staff members from the former company and its vast know-how in tooling. The company’s main competencies include tooling for the cold heading industry. However, it is also able to produce hot forging tools, bending tools and machine spare parts. These tools can be made from steel, PM steel, carbide and nonferrous materials. Furthermore, GWI is able to perform turning, milling, grinding and EDM processes 100% in-house thanks to modern machinery. A strong feature of the company’s compentencies includes organising transport according to the customers‘ individual need. However, before any product leaves the company, all pieces are proven by specialised measuring equipment. “It is not only our promise to deliver high end quality, it is our duty,” says Björn Kipp, Sales Manager.

GWI highlights that there is no minimum order quantity and that precision and reliabilty are key for this process to be achieved. “There is no minimum order quantity,” says Kipp, “one piece will be handled in the same careful way as 100 pcs.” Additionally, the state of the art production programme ensures a reliable delivery time of all products to clients. GWI has three strong partners to aid in the cold heading wire, all of which are regarded as experts in their specialist field. These companies are FN Steel, Kos Wire and WintWire. FN steel is placed in Alblasserdam (NL). Not only does the company work as a wire drawer but it also has its own rolling mill. Manufactured grades include: C10C; C15C; 20MnB4; 23MnB4 etc with a diameter range from 2.00 to 30.00 mm. Kos Wire specialises in stainless steel wire and has a total 11 plants. Seven plants are located in South-Korea, two in Vietnam, one in the USA and one more in the Czech Republic. In Lovosice (CZ) the company has a monthly output of 1,200 tons. WintWire is a smaller wire drawer located near Sheffield focusing on customer standards. It produces profiled wire, small quantities and exotic grades such as carbon alloy, stainless steel, non ferrous wire and more. www.gwi-iserlohn.de

GWI’s vast stockholding includes between 2,000 and 2,500 tons of product

torque-expo.com

37 FastenerManufacturing_GRAEWE_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 18:08 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

GRAEWE

GERMANY SÜDWESTFALEN

WINDS OF CHANGE A partner and supplier across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, rail and mechanical engineering to name a few, Graewe is a midsize metal processing company based in Finnentrop. Hayley Everett speaks with Managing Director Olaf Graewe on investing in future technologies and the growing importance of the wind energy sector…

HOW HAS BUSINESS BEEN FOR GRAEWE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2020? HAS THE COMPANY FACED CHALLENGES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? Trade conflicts, the crisis-ridden automotive and mechanical engineering sectors and the Brexit chaos already had a negative impact on the German economy in 2019. Accordingly, we have made our company crisis-proof for 2020. With the start of the shutdown in March, our focus was on social responsibility for our employees. Within a very short time, home office workplaces were set up for many employees, shift models were adjusted, workplaces were redesigned and employees from risk groups were released from their duties. We then felt the economic effects of the pandemic in the second quarter of 2020 with, in some cases, serious declines in sales. HOW IS THE TURNING AND THREADING SECTOR PERFORMING? Turning and threading technology is heavily dependent on mechanical engineering, which is in the middle of a recession. Only the continuing construction boom has somewhat weakened the impact on the market for fasteners. In general, one can therefore speak of a market in waiting mode. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR MILESTONES GRAEWE HAS HIT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION? Wolfgang Graewe and I manage the owner-led midsize metal processing company. Since its foundation in 1956, the company has enjoyed sustained growth, so as of today 95 employees work at the Finnentrop site, with whom a turnover of around €48 million was achieved in the last financial year. As a manufacturer of threaded rods, we are known to many in the market. With the foundation of Graewe Tadiv d.o.o. in 2006, we took over a formerly state-owned screw factory in Bosnia-Herzegovina and expanded our product range with hexagon head screw and hexagon socket screws as well as cold pressed parts. Today, our product range includes threaded rods, anchor bolts, stud bolts, turned parts and head screws. WHAT KEY SERVICES DOES GRAEWE PROVIDE? As a stockholding manufacturer of DIN and ISO parts, we offer complete batch traceability and certification with high availability. A particular benefit to customers is the wide range of production processes from cold forming and turning to thread rolling in all strength classes.

IS WIND ENERGY A KEY SECTOR FOR GRAEWE, AND HOW DO YOU SEE THIS AREA DEVELOPING IN THE FUTURE? Wind energy is one of the key revenue drivers for our company. While wind power is booming in other countries, it is going through a severe crisis in Germany. The right political course needs to be set for the industry to once again play a decisive role in the energy turnaround. Then the sector will have growth potential again, not least because of climate change. GRAEWE IS KNOWN FOR ITS INVESTMENT IN FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES – CAN YOU OUTLINE HOW THIS IMPROVES THE BUSINESS? Graewe relies on a high vertical range of manufacturing also for threaded rods, and carries out the heat treatment process, which is decisive for product quality, in-house. For this purpose, modern induction hardening and tempering equipment is used, which ensures a uniform hardening and tempering structure and ultimately guarantees the safe use of the threaded rods. IS IT IMPORTANT FOR GRAEWE TO INVEST IN ITS STAFF AND ENCOURAGE WORKFORCE CONTINUITY? As a training company, we counteract the growing shortage of skilled workers in the region. Many of our trainees can be taken on in an employment relationship and remain loyal to the company. Qualiﬁed and motivated employees are the key to our corporate success. Many of our employees take advantage of the opportunity to participate economically in the company and to share in the success of the company within the framework of employee participation. WHAT ARE GRAEWE’S AMBITIONS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Climate protection can only be driven forward through voluntary commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. We are well aware of this responsibility and will therefore continue to increase the energy eﬃciency of our company and promote the generation of our own energy. www.graewe.de

torque-expo.com

38 40 FastenerManufacturing - Atotech_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:19 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

ATOTECH

GERMANY

APPROVED BY AUTOMOTIVE OEMS Atotech explains how its high performing zinc flake coating systems handle to tough requirements of major automotive OEMs…

ully automated assembly lines in the automotive manufacturing process repeatedly present new challenges for fastener suppliers. Automotive OEMs prioritise different factors for fixing elements, such as weight reduction (downsizing fasteners), faster screwing (productivity increase), cost optimisation and process reliability in fastening. The reduction of the fastener portfolio is driven by cost pressure and requires coatings that can both be applied universally and work reliably. Furthermore, they must also be effective in combination with the various materials that can be applied during the automotive engineering process. The coatings must provide identical mounting properties, regardless of whether the fastener is screwed against steel, e-coat or aluminium, materials that are increasingly used in diverse combinations on various internal vehicle components. Besides the coefficient of friction (CoF) properties that surface finishes on fasteners have to fulfill, additional factors to be taken into consideration, including heat-loosening requirements and corrosion protection functionalities.

Zinc flake coating systems Zintek 200 + Zintek Top LV Zinc flake coating systems Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV can handle the tough requirements of major German automotive OEMs Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW. One example is for the latest Daimler specification, MBN 10544A. The introduction of this specification coincided with the diversification of various platform strategies and features at OEMs ultimately affecting fastener mountings. In this regard an economisation process has been implemented in order to simultaneously increase standardised parts and profitability. The new test standard defines new requirements for coefficient of friction whereby single values are evaluated: a higher tightening speed is adapted to the latest assembly technologies, multiple mountings for each bolt as well as new washer materials including steel, e-coat and aluminium. The standard window for the CoF must be within a narrow range of μtot 0.08 and 0.14. For multiple-mountings against different washer materials, Daimler has specified certain CoF ranges which must be met. The demands of the MBN 10544 specification require by a single coating system that can be used for a very wide range of Daimler fasteners. After a thorough assessment, Atotech has been providing an ideal zinc flake coating solution: Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV. Atotech’s silver base coat, Zintek® 200, is a versatile zinc

torque-expo.com

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

→

Triple? You deserve the best!

The zinc flake system for champions. Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV Meet the demanding requirements for Daimler MBN 10544, VW 01131 and BMW GS 90010.

> > >

Combines a versatile, premium zinc flake base coat with a thin-layer water-based top coat Sophisticated top coat provides a constant CoF between 0.09 - 0.14 μ – even with multiple mounting Excellent corrosion protection even after thermal pre-conditioning

Atotech Group Untergasse 47 65468 Trebur-Geinsheim +49 6147 50130 info@atotech.com Corrosion Protection Competence Center

Ad20_08_CP_Kampagne_Schraubenball_210x297_EN.indd 1

atotech.com

02.08.2020 16:23:20

38 40 FastenerManufacturing - Atotech_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:20 Page 2

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

ATOTECH

GERMANY

Image 1 Zintek® 200 and Zintek® Top LV

→

Image 2 Zintek® 300 HP

flake finish that provides excellent cathodic corrosion protection. In order to fulfil the highly demanding CoF requirements, a sophisticated top coat is essential: the clear finish Zintek® Top LV. The thin-layered, water-based top coat provides effective additional corrosion protection thanks to its reactive properties. The integrated lubrication ensures that the complex CoF requirements requested by MBN 10544 (“Figure 1-3”) can be met without difficulties. The combination of Zintek® 200 and Zintek® Top LV is a first-rate product combination on the automotive market that is also approved for Volkswagen’s TL 245 specification, and thus also fulfils the equally demanding multiple-mounting and heat-loosening properties (VW 01131). Furthermore, this system fulfils the requirements of BMW in terms of corrosion protection and CoF behavior (BMW GS 90100). The zinc flake coating has shown high-quality results in corrosion testing even with prior thermal pre-conditioning for 96 hours at a temperature of 180°C, a process typically required by members of the German Car Association (VDA). “With the coating system (Image 1) of Zintek® 200 and Zintek® Top LV, we’re able to provide a leading zinc flake coating system, which fulfils the tough requirements of major German automotive OEMs Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW,” states Pascal Poschmann, OEM Manager Europe. “The approach creates synergies and has advantages for both, applicators and tiers,” summarises Erwin Gaedt, OEM Manager Germany, pleased to have successfully taken on the MBN 10544 project with Daimler. He continues: “It represents only one single system applicable for all three big German OEMs. Atotech could support Daimler with an exceptional coating system that simultaneously helps to simplify their fastener component portfolio.” Black zinc flake system for highest demands The automotive industry has high expectations and requirements especially when it comes to aesthetics. For black finishes, the biggest challenges are to maintain a colour uniformity and long-term stability. For instance, Volkswagen’s TL180 standard specification applies to various kinds of fasteners, including metric parts. It outlines Volkswagen’s high performance standard for black zinc flake finishes. This specification has some of the most complex corrosion protection and color stability requirements. Besides that, achieving Volkswagen’s desired coefficient of friction properties and heat-loosening requirements are the most challenging aspects. By updating their TL180 specification, Volkswagen simpli-

torque-expo.com

Image 3 Techseal® Black S T

fied the pretreatment process. In response to that Atotech developed simplified approved coating sequences to further improve performance standards. The latest developments in zinc flake coatings, Zintek® 300 HP black base coat and Techseal® Black SL VA/Techseal® Black S T top coats help to reduce the number of chemicals compared to the previous systems. Zintek® 300 HP is a high-performance black base coat with excellent corrosion protection properties, increased delay of white corrosion and top-notch drying and flowing characteristics. With these features, Zintek® 300 HP (Image 2) is the best base for black zinc flake finishes. To fulfil VW’s strict assembly requirements, a sophisticated top coat is also needed: Techseal® Black SL VA. The organic top coat, with a semi-bright deep black appearance, provides very good coverage and chemical resistance. Most importantly, it meets the challenging requirements for multiple mounting on e-coat and aluminium with low deviation and, simultaneously, limited heat-loosening properties. For parts that require a lubricant-free finish according to TL180, Atotech offers Techseal® Black S T, an approved finish that provides exemplary chemical resistance along with an attractive black matt appearance (Image 3). The ductile coating can be used for clips and clamps as well as other fasteners, and is compatible with patch lockers. Both of these approved top coats show minimal signs of abrasion. With these outstanding finishes, Atotech supplies one of the leading zinc flake processes for VW TL180. Well received by many applicators, the process has been praised as the best approved system with the highest performance standard and easiest handling process. Atotech’s coating system approved for Volkswagen TL180 provides: Long-lasting deep black finishes Fulfilling CoF and heat-loosening requirements Top coats with very good coverage and lowest abrasion Reduced number of paints Furthermore, Atotech provides approved coating systems for the Volkswagen TL 233 standard which covers both silver and black finishes. The standard includes four different types of surface protection categories: Ofl-t330 and Ofl-t350 for medium corrosion protection mainly used for parts for the car interior e.g. clips, buckle-parts as well as Ofl-t630 and Ofl-t650 for higher corrosion protection for exterior parts. www.atotech.com

41 Fastener Manufacturing - SWG_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:21 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

SWG PRODUCTION

GERMANY

FLAGSHIP PRODUCTION SWG Production grasped the opportunity to turn its new production hall into a flagship showcase for its own product lines, producing a striking modern timber construction and using its own connecting technology – including 250,000 screws… hanks to increasing demand for its products, SWG Production opened a flagship production hall at its location in the Hohenlohe industrial park near the A6 motorway. Showcasing timber construction, timber engineering and environmentally-friendly construction, the huge 12,800 m² production hall measures almost 97 metres in width and 114 metres in length. The project expanded after conception, notably with an extra office building. Offices were initially planned to be part of the production hall, before being upgraded to a small hall extension during the planning phase and finally into a full blown separate office building over three stories, with an exhibition area where SWG Production can present its products and new technologies. An enclosed bridge links the building to the viewing bridge of the production hall. High-performance building material BauBuche (specially glued beech wood) was used for the roof structure of the huge production hall. An enormous number of large ventilation pipes run under the roof, the filigree roof structure of the five-naved hall, consisting of truss girders, each of which from the viewing direction rests on only one intermediate support, is still visible. This highly complex and meticulously worked out structure was developed and planned by the engineering office SWG Engineering in Rülzheim, according to the architects’ plans. Speaking of whom, architect Hermann Kaufmann noted that the high load-bearing wood-based BauBuche material made it possible to realise a roof structure for a hall of this size with such slender components and just one intermediate support. “A mini-

Natural light and the huge BauBuche roof give the new production hall a unique look

SWG Production’s new 12,800 m² production hall

mum of supports guarantees a maximum of ﬂexibility in production. This aspect was a key parameter in the design,” says Kaufmann. Architect Christoph Dünser adds: “Imagine an empty Airbus A380 with a weight of 275 tons on each of these supports, then you will get an idea of what load each of them can take.” The transmission of such forces, from the truss girders which are stretched up to 42 metres into the columns, works thanks to an extraordinary node connection, the so-called puzzle node. It was developed by structural engineer Henning Ernst from SWG Engineering. It’s believed to be the world’s largest roof structure made of BauBuche. SETTING A SUSTAINABLE EXAMPLE SWG Production also wanted to set an example and showcase the positive effect of natural building materials for climate protection through CO2 storage in wood. By using BauBuche, the amount of wood required could also be reduced to a minimum in a resource-saving manner. And ﬁnally, the internal effect also plays an important role – the natural and comfortable atmosphere in the hall creates a pleasant working environment. “That’s an important aspect for our employees who spend the whole day in it,” says SWG Managing Director Alois Wimmer at the end of a plant tour for Reinhold and Carmen Würth. SWG Production is part of the Würth Group and is one of the largest screw manufacturers in Europe. We have more pictures of SWG Production’s ground-breaking production hall in August 2020 edition of Torque Magazine. Find it at torque-expo.com/torque-magazines. www.swg-produktion.de

torque-expo.com

42-43 FastenerManufacturing - Gude_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:21 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

GÜDE

GERMANY – SÜDWESTFALEN – PLETTENBERG

“PEOPLE DON’T JUST WANT A WASHER, THEY WANT TO BUY A SERVICE” As companies around the world place more of an emphasis on IT, washer manufacturers Güde talk digitalisation, production and packaging with Torque Magazine... lettenberg-based washer manufacturer Güde, first started producing spring washers in 1936 before transitioning into a fully registered company in 1948, led by Wilhelm Güde. The company is an “A1” supplier within the fastener industry and produce safety washers, wire bended parts as well as screw and spindle fastening devices exclusively on self-made machines and toolings. Like many other companies in the area, Güde is 100% family owned with no additional shareholders. The family-run company is now operating under its third generation, CEO Lutz Güde, who is surrounded by his parents both of which are still present within the company and his wife who works in the financial department of the business. The large production site and administration buildings stand in a picturesque location overlooking the Plettenberg area and is surrounded by 2500 meters² of available field space for future building plans. With beautiful rolling hills and trees in all directions, it’s easy to see why the move to the new industrial area in 1990 took place. As we were given an exclusive tour of the production facilities, one thing that stood out was the original condition of the machines. They featured the latest technologies in order to manufacture products efficiently and at a high standard, also thanks to the company’s own tool shop. Some machines feature technology that enables them to work continuously for 24 hours without supervision in what CEO Lutz Güde refers to as ‘Geisterschichten’, or a ‘Ghost Shift’. The machines work to inspect the product. For example, any wire that is fed through is measured and checked for inconsistencies. If the dimensions are wrong or if inconsistencies are found in the product, the machine will instantly turn off. Lutz comments on the importance of this technology saying: “We need the latest technology to be competitive when it comes to pricing and to ship products with the highest quality standard.”

From 2012 to 2018, the company grew considerably as it saw an increase of roughly 60% in terms of location size. Additionally, Güde currently has six handicapped employees working in the shipping and packaging departments are among nearly 10% of the company. These employees make up a large number of people working in the departments that focus on packaging and shipping of the products. This is an integral part of the business as Güde sees up to 140 pallets of products shipped to its customers every day. Güde also has a turnover of around 19 million euros and 2.5 billion sold pieces as of 2019. Lutz thanked the customers for the exponential growth seen over the last few years, saying: “When our customers grow, they take us with them.” Europe remains the major market for Güde alongside their investment into supplying to the US in 2014. Güde’s key sectors include rail and energy as the company produces a variety of spring washers, locking washers and PAL nuts that are supplied to these industries. As Germany experiences the decade of the railway, as noted by Germany’s Transportation Minister who outlined upgrades to tracks, bridges and carriages with an 86 billion euro investment in early 2020, Güde will continue to be a major player within this industry and will no doubt play an integral role in this project in the near future. Additionally, supplying directly to wholesalers and distributors, Güde’s manufacturing abilities and packaging options remain at the forefront of the business. Furthermore, the company always has a large raw-material stock to ensure the availability of its products. Offering individual packaging solutions is a main focus at Güde and something the company prides itself on as Lutz explains: “People don’t just want to buy a washer, they want to buy a service. It’s getting more and more common to calculate on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), rather than just comparing prices.”

Güde’s large production site overlooks the surrounding Plettenberg area

// When our customers grow, they take us with them. //

torque-expo.com

42-43 FastenerManufacturing - Gude_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:22 Page 2

Spezialfabrik für Schraubenund Wellensicherungen

70% of Güde clients have their own individual packaging options Sperrkant spring washer A/Z

DIN 6905 captive

DIN 127 ASME B18.21.1 A/B open / ﬂat

As 70% of Güde clients have their own individual options and are trading companies, Güde is able to put into practice its state-of-the-art machinery. The department ensures that packaging of products is as customer specific as possible by allowing items to be boxed in the customers chosen individual option with desired quantities. In connection with Güde’s special label solutions, the customer’s specific label can also be applied to the packaging. This enables the production line to be more streamlined as it avoids multiple unnecessary packaging processes and thus, the total procurement costs are reduced. Combing the packing and stock possibilities, Güde guarantees a minimum lead time. Furthermore, in today’s world, companies have had to place more of an emphasis on the IT side of the business and ensure they remain up to date with the latest and most efficient technology. This move towards a more digital workplace has been a focus for Güde in recent years and is reflected in the extensive IT programmes used throughout the company, such as extremely lean and always tracked processes. Continuously working towards ‘lean logistics’, IT services began to develop in the business through the use of barcode solutions which are used in all Güde logistic processes. Not only does a modern IT system react faster but by diminishing human error, it improves reliability and accuracy. In addition, the company also use an EDI system (electronic data interchange) which aims to enable a more efficient communication path between the company and its customers as it allows them to communicate information electronically from anywhere in the world including purchase orders, invoices and shipping notification. When discussing the company’s system and digitalisation, Lutz says: “With so many barcodes and online programmes used at Güde, we are more like an IT company with additional production.” The first step was made in 2006, as Güde was praised for its up-to-date EDI-connection by the German federal ministry of economy and technology for the project ‘processes and standards in the ebusiness’. As shows across the world begin to prepare for a more ‘normal’ 2021, the staff at Güde and the famous Mr Bert look forward to traveling and showcasing the exciting work happening at Güde in the coming year.

DIN 128 A/B convexed / corrugated

Railway washers

DIN 6796

conical washer

DIN 137 A/B curved / crinkled

Contact washer NF E 25-511 S/M/B/K slim / medium / wide / toothed

DIN 74361 limes type conical lockwasher C

Centring ring

Sperrkant spring washer captive

DIN 7993 A/B for shafts / for drillholes

Sperrkant washer S/M/B/K/Z slim / medium / wide / toothed

Doubled toothed lock washer DIN 6797

A/I/V outside / inside / countersunk

DIN 6798

A/I/V outside / inside / countersunk

DIN 7967

row 1 / row 2

www.guede.net Güde GmbH Dieselstraße 8 58840 Plettenberg Germany torque-expo.com

+49 2391 - 91 90-0 sales@guede.net

www.guede.net

44 46 FastenerManufacturing_Pühl_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:23 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

PÜHL

GERMANY – SÜDWESTFALEN – PLETTENBERG

Pühl has transitioned to become a 100% family-run company in its fourth generation

COMBINING TRADITION WITH THE FUTURE: “PÜHL IS BACK!” Flexibility, reliability and quality are core qualities at Pühl, one of Europe’s largest washer manufacturers. Torque Magazine’s Liberty Sheldon travels to Plettenberg to experience the impressive production site, and to discuss how the company has experienced challenging times and come out stronger on the other side. he last few years have seen Pühl lead the way as one of the largest manufacturers of standard parts and specialised washers in Europe. The mid-sized manufacturing company has recently put family ﬁrst as it has transitioned from having an outside Managing Director to being 100% family run. January 2019 saw Ralf and Dr. Götz Kaltheuner take control of the company as the fourth generation of family CEOs. Before the arrival of the young brothers into more senior roles within the company, Pühl had been led by another family member since October 2018, Joachim Rohwedder, Ralf’s father in law. Pühl’s extensive product portfolio features both standard and specialised parts for several industries such as the fastener industry, the energy industry, the railway industry and the automotive industry with the company’s main exports taking place in Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, and Netherlands in particular. The company’s modern manufacturing technologies and large warehouse space enable Pühl to deliver large quantities of products at a good standard to its customers. Furthermore, all tools for the pressing machines are produced 100% inhouse. This technology is an advantage to Pühl and is something the company is very proud of.

(Left-to-right) Ralf Kaltheuner, Joachim Rohwedder and Dr. Götz Kaltheuner.

torque-expo.com

→

Stanztechnik

Your fair and reliable partner Products With a high demand of flexibility, reliability and quality, the mid-sized and in fourth generation family-owned and managed company PÜHL, based in Plettenberg (GER), manufactures standard, ISO-, DIN- and special stamping parts for mechanical connections.

www.puehl.de

STANDARD PARTS

Service State-of-the-art manufacturing technology with 20 stamping machines and pressing forces up to 1,000 tons and a substantial warehouse of raw materials and finished products allow a fast production and delivery to competitive conditions.

SPECIAL PARTS Reliability Wholesalers and end users in the sectors of wind energy, steel construction, traffic engineering, railway engineering, agricultural machines and the automotive supplier industry, value the quality and the competitive conditions of the products.

PARTS ACCORDING DRAWING

44 46 FastenerManufacturing_Pühl_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:23 Page 2

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

PÜHL

GERMANY – SÜDWESTFALEN – PLETTENBERG

// We are able to go to the customer personally and advise them and give some technical advice and proposals. //

Pühl’s individual departments such as the design depart→ ment and tooling department work across each other to

provide the best possible service for its customers. When it comes to designing and manufacturing special parts according to drawings or samples, Pühl’s team of extremely experienced technicians are able to work together with the customer to create the most effective and desired product. “We have quite a lot of , says Sebastian Pieper, Sales Director. “We have a lot of experience in our quality department and an experienced quality manager who has worked for years in the automotive sector. We also have experienced staff members in our tooling department.” Joachim Rohwedder, CEO, tells Torque Magazine: “We are able to go to the customer personally and advise them and give some technical advice and proposals.“ In addition to the company playing a more advisory role with its customers, recent years have seen Pühl introduce a new ERP System, further showing how committed they are to providing a great service to its customers. The new system has enabled the company to handle the large amount of product orders received on a daily basis as the system can track parts as they move throughout the production chain as well as offering ‘frame contracts’ to customers. This is where Pühl stocks parts in its warehouse and the customer

torque-expo.com

only pays for these parts once they are delivered. This also means that the customer does not need to stock products in excess and can request them when they are needed. “The new ERP system bought us some problems as a result of performance. Our job for the last 1518 months was to bring back the confidence and the trust of our customers,” says Rohwedder. However, going forward, Rohwedder notes: “We have worked very hard over the last few years and we are now very close to the position we were in before the upgraded ERP system in terms of gaining our customers trust. Not only are we reliable, we are open and trustworthy with our problems and we are proactive in going to the customers. If we have problems, we explain these to the customers with the aim of being as transparent as possible and we have gained customers because of this.” Despite the issues faced over the last few years due to the change in the ERP system, 2019 saw Pühl’s supplier status reach a huge 98%. Subsequently, the company also won the Award for ‘Quality and delivery performance 2019’- an achievement that is worth shouting about. In terms of what’s to come for the future of Pühl, Pieper says: “We are in general, quite good at producing big and heavy parts and therefore we are trying to get more and more parts in our portfolio. There are more interesting things coming that we used to work on that we are now improving. We want to experiment and see what we can do and how we can expand.” When it comes to manufacturing and production, Pühl’s performance has proved impressive, with a fast-paced production site and in terms of the sheer volume of articles being produced. With production rates back up at 100% since August, it has been go go go at Pühl. With a name that means flexibility, reliability, and quality, Pühl has not only been flexible during tough times, it has shown its customers that it be reliable and produce high-quality products at an efficient rate. Not only has it lived up to these core company values, but the company’s resilience will no doubt ensure that Pühl will remain one of the largest manufacturers of washers in Europe for generations to come. www.puehl.de

xx_Advert_Mecavit_TOR04_Sept20.qxp 23/09/2020 11:28 Page 1

YOUR APPLICATION DETERMINES THE TYPE OF SCREW, WE PRODUCE IT.

Customer care

Production

On time delivery guarantee

www.mecavit.it

Made in Italy

48-49 Fastener Manufacturing - Smith Bullough_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:24 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

SMITH BULLOUGH

UNITED KINGDOM

“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAIL AND THE EFFORT” With over a century of bolt production, Smith Bullough knows a thing or two about fastener manufacturing. Director Tim Garton explains how the process works mith Bullough has made plenty of investments in its manufacturing facilities over the years, including the recent installation of a number of bar-fed machines. But as the old adage goes, it’s not just about facilities, a business is only as good as its people and that’s a mantra that Smith Bullough has long taken to heart, having nurtured skilled personnel who are crucial to delivering a quality product and service to customers. Having experienced production staff is no mean feat in the UK where much fastener manufacturing experience has sadly been lost, or transferred to other industries, with the large-scale offshoring of production. Director Tim Garton elaborates: “Smith Bullough is fortunate to employ some very experienced and knowledgeable staff with decades worth of practical experience within the industry. This is a rare commodity in the 21st Century following the demise of the large UK nut and bolt industry of the last century. “Additionally, we employ the latest generation of engineers to ensure that we use modern techniques. All of this experience and capability is on hand to work with our customers.”

Titanium Bolts made at Smith Bullough

torque-expo.com

Perhaps incredibly, despite the fact that Smith Bullough is well over 100 years old, the manufacturer has moved location only once. Once again, staff were at the centre of the decision, Garton tells Torque Magazine: “Since 2006 we are situated on the Hindley industrial estate in Greater Manchester, a couple of miles away from our original place in Atherton. We own our factory and some neighbouring units that are let. “It was important that when we were looking to move that the site couldn't be too far away from Atherton as our most important ingredient is our workforce. I’m delighted to report that everyone moved to the new site.” Personnel aside, what about those aforementioned newlyinstalled bar fed machines? Garton outlines their capabilities: “The smaller machine we use to make studbolts and small rolled thread parts including socket head bolts. The big machine has incredible versatility and we have already made parts on it from M6 to M60 diameter and materials from mild steel to Titanium. We are incredibly fortunate that despite commissioning them during the Covid-19 pandemic that they have been busy and not without work.”

48-49 Fastener Manufacturing - Smith Bullough_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:24 Page 2

Smith Bullough

Your Non-Standard is our Standard! Tel: 01942 52025 Tel: 01942 Tel: 01942 520250

METRIC & IMPERIAL SPECIAL FASTENERS NEW

HOW DOES IT WORK? So, how does the operation of producing a fastener with Smith Bullough work? Garton outlines the process: “Many enquiries fall into family groups which our sales department is familiar with and enables them to estimate the cost quickly. “On receipt of a new special part drawing we need to undertake a multi-discipline review with technical and quality involved to ensure that we have the capability and know how to make the part before offering a price and lead time. Because of our extensive range of equipment and fastener knowledge there are not many products or materials that are outside of our range.” Lead times are understandably important and vary considerably on the product and process involved. “If it's an ex-stock standard (BSF/BSW) item then it can be picked and despatched the same day the order arrives. “Bolts made from semi-finished Blanks normally are shipped in three to five days, but money talks and we offer a 24 hour breakdown service. “Fully Manufactured bolts can range from three to four weeks up to three to four months and that depends on many factors including availability of forging tools, possible tooling development and manufacture; raw material; the number of different production processes involved and that may include not only the usual chamfer and thread but may often require machining, cross drilling, shank grinding, followed by outwork operations that include heat treatment and a varied range of surface treatments from the traditional zinc plate and hot dip galvanising to a range of organic finishes including Delta Protekt, Geomet and many more. “There are often a number of quality control checks that can only take place once the product is completed despite the fact that quality is built into our system from receipt of raw material through all of the various stages. “It is amazing how much detail and effort is needed to make a fastener.” Find out more at www.smithbullough.com

There are three distinct parts of the Smith Bullough business 1 STOCK RANGE OF BSF/BSW FASTENERS

Huge Range of Metric & Imperial Blanks

Wedgelock / Self-Locking Nylon Pellet

Grades 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9; R, S, T, V, SAE8 Most Materials including Exotics UK’s largest stocks of BSF & BSW Special Head Shapes

Over 150 years’ experience in UK MANUFACTURING Specials in most materials & grades

sales@smithbullough.com

NEW - Drilling > 0.8mm

www.smithbullough.com

Family-owned and managed over four generations, Puehl is a leading European manufacturer of steel washers according to international standards and special stamped parts for mechanical connections. Our customers are well-known fastener wholesalers and end users in the sectors of wind energy, steel construction, traffic engineering, railway engineering, agricultural machines and the automotive supplier industry. FOR THE SALES OF OUR PRODUCTS ON COMMISSION BASIS, WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SALES AGENT FOR THE BRITISH MARKET. YOUR TASKS Acquisition and setup of new customers Communication to customers and visits on a regular base Market, customer and competitor analysis

2 BLANKS IN METRIC (Grades 8.8, 10.9 & 12.9); UNC & UNF; BSW & BSF (Grade R) to provide a quick delivery.

3 SPECIAL AND NON-STANDARD MANUFACTURE Standard and bespoke head shapes with diameters and lengths as required. Materials range through all the steel grades to 12.9, “V” & higher if required. Stainless steels including A4/80; Exotic Alloys including Titanium.

YOUR PROFILE Long-term experience in sales for the fasteners sector esp. C-parts Outstanding commitment and technical understanding ARE YOU INTERESTED? Please send your convincing application via email or post to: Pühl GmbH & Co. KG

torque-expo.com

Mrs. Kristina Pieper Postfach 1420 58814 Plettenberg

kristina.pieper@puehl.de

50 FastenerManufacturing - Victory fasteners_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:24 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

VICTORY FASTENERS

UNITED KINGDOM

INVESTING IN VICTORY High-grade alloy fastener firm Victory Fasteners has invested in a new dedicated Quality Assurance facility and has recently installed a CNC machine centre. MD Vic Waddison provides us with the details... ictory Fasteners, a leading supplier of high-grade alloy fasteners, has built a notable reputation for supporting its distribution customer base, across the UK and Europe. Vic Waddison, MD of Victory Fasteners, has been in the industry for over 40 years. With three successful companies under his belt, Torque Magazine caught up with him recently at his Wolverhampton-based facility to hear how he’s driving the growth of his current business with the same enthusiasm and commitment. “We’ve grown impressively over the past seven years and changing the direction of the company into more conversion of our stock blanks and manufacturing has been the key to that growth whilst continuing to offer flexibility and reliability. “The recent addition of our Grade 8.8 blank range makes us one of the largest stockholders of blanks and semi-finished products, available in all grades and head styles.” “Non-standard socket products are a significant and growing part of our manufacturing capacity. Keeping blanks and fully threaded items helps us achieve competitive pricing and fast turnaround, whether it’s an MOQ or a large quantity we can react quickly.

// The recent addition of our Grade 8.8 blank range makes us one of the largest stockholders of blanks and semi-finished products, available in all grades and head styles. // “We’re really proud of the extent of our stockholding, for example an M42 X 200 socket capscrew we keep as a standard capscrew, as a fully threaded item and as a blank in grades 10.9/12.9 and European L7 – and it’s the same throughout the range. Combine this stock range with our machining capacity for threading, drilling and broaching we tick all the boxes for our distribution customer base.” Pandemic learning curve Like virtually every other business, Victory Fasteners has been impacted by the coronavirus, but it has afforded the opportunity to develop work on projects, Vic Waddison adds.

torque-expo.com

During lockdown, Victory Fasteners has installed a CNC machine centre as well as a new Quality Assurance facility

“As for many, Covid-19 has presented us with challenges both personal and business related. It’s been a learning curve to manage a business during a pandemic situation, but our first concern was for the safety and wellbeing of our staff. If we were to continue to operate it was essential we prioritised the safety of our employees and their families, so we undertook a full review of our Health and Safety protocols and essential new procedures were implemented to protect our staff whilst offering continued support to our customers. “With a downturn in business and a proportion of staff on furlough there was an opportunity for us to complete a number of projects, which would ensure we were ready to hit the ground running when business started to return to normal. We’re very pleased with the successful installation of our CNC machine centre, which is already producing high quality work. In addition, the completion of our mezzanine first floor extension gives us a new dedicated Quality Assurance facility. “Despite recent challenges, our enthusiasm is still strong and our team looks forward to helping you with your standard and non-standard requirements. We’ve recently updated our September blank stock list with our new ranges, don’t hesitate to contact our Sales department on +44 (0) 1902 544480 or email sales@victoryfasteners.com to get your copy.” www.victoryfasteners.com

51 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 15:02 Page 1

吀攀挀栀渀漀氀漀最礀戀攀栀椀渀搀琀栀攀猀琀愀最攀

Nylon insert nuts Cleveloc nuts High grades Castle nuts Nyloc dome nuts Stover nuts Stover flange nuts Fine pitch Full and lock nuts And stacks more! Caxton Way, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3RY Email: nuts@dsfasteners.co.uk www.dsfasteners.co.uk

THE

S EL F

L O C K I NG

NUT

S PE C I AL I S TS

Call us on +44 01842 763000 or fax on +44 01842 764055

Scan to visit our archive of magazines

< Interactive > < Responsive > < Comprehensive >

< Show Preview & Review > < Product Focus > < Opinions > < Statistics > < News > < Company Spotlight >

torque-expo.com/torque-magazines

眀眀眀⸀戀椀爀氀椀欀戀愀最氀愀渀琀椀⸀挀漀洀 ⴀ 戀椀爀氀椀欀䀀戀椀爀氀椀欀戀愀最氀愀渀琀椀⸀挀漀洀

52 54 Fastener Manufacturing - Rapid Industrial Fasteners_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:25 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS

UNITED KINGDOM

RAPID BY NAME, RAPID BY NATURE Over recent decades, more UK manufacturers have closed than opened, so Rapid Industrial Fasteners’ new manufacturing set up is a refreshing story for the UK’s West Midlands fastener heartland. Torque Magazine speaks with Managing Director Richard White and Operations Director Jason Hayfield.

We think this is quite a unique set up in the industry,” says Rapid Industrial Fasteners Managing Director Richard White. How so? Well Rapid made a big decision in 2018 to bring its special fastener work in-house, meaning that the business is now split between distribution and production. Jason Hayfeld joined Rapid Industrial Fasteners as Operations Director in 2017. Having worked together in the past, White and Hayfield began to lay plans for the ambitious move. “We only started talking about this in 2018. By Christmas we secured the new unit and took possession a month later.” Hayfield explains: “The actual process of selling manufactured fasteners is something Rapid Industrial Fasteners has always done, but to manufacture product ourselves was a big change. “We took control of all of it with regards to the quality side. I brought all the experience of working with other manufacturers and we’ve got experienced people working with us. We’ve got a robust quality system – we worked really hard on that. It’s a well-run tight ship.” Rapid Industrial Fasteners has been ISO certified in different forms since 1996 and achieved ISO 9001 for its new manufacturing side within eight months of its inception.

“

torque-expo.com

White adds: “We took possession of this unit in January 2019 and if you look at that manufacturing floor, it’s a working operation now. We are delighted with our progress, as like any new venture, this was a big step into the unknown. We had the resources in place and we’ve got something that works really well. We’re really excited about what we’ve done here in a short time.” Think FASTeners, think Rapid As the name suggests, the firm believes in rapid quality service and living up to the “Rapid by name, rapid by nature” mantra. Bringing manufacture in-house was all part of that drive for speed. Rapid’s MD says: “We found that customers were chasing work with us so we were then chasing our manufacturing third party and they might not be that fast at responding… Manufacturing ourselves gives us more reliability and consistency, that integrity and honesty.” Hayfield adds: “Now that we manufacture, it reduces a link in the chain. We’ll do what we have to for customers, whether that’s working nights or putting on an extra shift, we will put things in place.

→

Rapid Industrial Fasteners Ltd Honest lead-times you can rely on... Say goodbye to ‘should be’ ISO9001-2015 Manufacturer of special Fasteners M1.6 - M100, Componets and Turned parts • Can work from your free issue material • ISIR, 3.1 and 3.2 certiﬁcation available • T CARD system for complete visability • Shift work for emergency jobs and break down

Materials we manufacture from include:

Duplex & Super Duplex • Exotic Materials & Alloys Heat Resistant Materials • Stainless Steel • Carbon & Steel Non-Ferrous • Standard Bolting Grades 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9 Petrochemical grades B7/L7, B7M/L7M, B8M-1, B8M-2, B8-1,B8-2, B8T-1, B8T-2 Rapid Industrial Fasteners Manufacturing Hub 27 Lye Valley Industrial Estate, Stourbridge DY9 8HX Telephone : 0121 501 3903 Email: manufacturing@rapidfast.com www.rapidfast.co.uk

52 54 Fastener Manufacturing - Rapid Industrial Fasteners_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:25 Page 2

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS

UNITED KINGDOM

// We are delighted with our progress, as like any new venture, this was a big step into the unknown. //

have a T card system so we can see where everything → is,“We what machine it is on… all the information is there on the

screen. If anyone is chasing work then we know exactly where it is. Some jobs you might have five or six operations and with the T card system you can see everything.” White says: “People often want their special orders more quickly than three weeks, for example. The fact that we are a close-knit company means we can easily put on an extra shift and significantly reduce lead times on urgent orders.” The aforementioned new unit is dominated by Rapid Industrial Fasteners’ new manufacturing set up, while the longestablished distribution arm remains in its unit on Cradley Heath’s Gun Barrel Industrial Centre (where manufacturers did indeed once make gun barrels, Torque Magazine is reliably informed). Having separate locations for the different arms of the business has been important, reveals the Rapid boss: “As a company we have a separate location so there is no conflict. One unit is run with a manufacturing mentality and our other site is very much run with a distribution mentality.” Rapid Industrial Fastener’s customer base extends across the UK and into Europe too. The specials part of the business is growing and Rapid is continuing to invest in production. In terms of sectors, the company is well spread, dealing with customers in the M&E (Mechanical and Electrical), construction, OEM, petrochemicals, automotive 2nd or 3rd tier among others. Rapid Industrial Fasteners has been involved in some big national projects, including work for the Ministry of Defence, the Thames Tideway Tunnel and HS2. At the start of this year, the firm was establishing itself as a manufacturer. White picks up the story: “We had invested a lot of money, spent a lot of time getting things right and when Covid hit we thought it would take the wind out of our sails, but we held our nerve, stayed open and stayed accessible to our customers and it has worked well.” The firm split into shifts to mitigate the possibility of employees becoming ill and continued trading, supplying projects like NHS Nightingale as well as medical equipment manufacturers. “We did quite a bit of work for products for ongoing care in hospitals. It was a real eyeopener to see how important our business was. Of course we were selling products, but it was being used to help.”

torque-expo.com

Speed and quality Thanks to an expanding line in bar stocks – in different grades of material, Rapid Industrial Fasteners can often get started on production jobs straight away: “We offer full supply, including the material, but we can work on a customers’ material too,” comments Hayfield. White says: “This is where the distribution part goes hand-inhand with the manufacturing business. On the distribution side we have a fleet that is moving around the West Midlands, where the infrastructure is. Your average manufacturing company might just have people on the production line and no fleet, but we have a fleet that is already going to the platers every day, we go to the thread locking companies, galvanising, coating… In my opinion this is quite an unusual set up in the industry.” The Rapid MD also believes the firm’s background gives it a service edge: “We have that service level mentality you get with distributors; When someone needs something then they need it. We understand the importance of what customers want so we are very service driven. “The company grew up selling to end users, who tend to be very demanding of manufacturers. We have an active end user business, but we have established over the last seven years a fellow distributor business, which has enabled us to take the step to be taken seriously enough to sell the manufactured products to people who are also selling it. “Everything you need is here in the Midlands. Manufacturers located outside the area will often have to send products to the Midlands to get it heat treated, then it gets sent back… whereas we are slick and fast moving while also focusing on quality.” Personnel is key to Rapid’s success too, says Hafield: “The attitude here is really positive. The personnel want to work for the business, we help each other and work hard together. No one is sitting the time out. We have a solid nucleus of staff for the skilled work. We’ve been really fortunate. We have a few people in who we’ve trained and we have apprentices – we’re trying to keep it going on and skills in the industry.” White says: “We have maintained the family business feel throughout the company. It’s not just a surname, we do work as a family.” For enquiries, contact Rapid Industrial Fasteners at… manufacturing@rapidfast.com www.rapidfast.co.uk

55 FastenerManufacturing - TPF_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:27 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

TPF

TAIWAN

TPF ON POINT WITH XDC TPF explains how its XDC point has advantages over Type 17 as well as ETA (ETA 19/0779) and CE certification… aiwan Precision Fastener Co Ltd (TPF) is dedicated to being the most reliable supplier of the best quality products. “We strive to exceed our customer’s requirements and expectations in every possible way. “We are a professional producer of wood screws. Our products include wood screws, Mill Point self-drilling screws, chipboard screws, self-drilling screws, and self-tapping screws. Furthermore, we provide our own patented designs of wood screw for professional users.” TPF not only provides wood screws with a Type 17 cutting point, but also with the newly patented "XDC point”.

TPF says the advantages include: Reducing torsional resistance of around 15 ~ 80% so it is easier drilling into wood to save power and reduce environmental impact. Increasing pull-out strength, so fastening is tighter when compared with type 17 point and other patented screws, says TPF: “Most patented screws ream the wood to reduce the torsional resistance. The downside of this design is that the threads of screws can’t fasten the wood tightly.” The new cutting point helps prevents wood from cracking, discharging sawdust quickly. Quick start – the XDC point’s special design keeps the first thread when compared with screws with type 17 point, says TPF. There’s no pre-drilling hole requirement. TPF has plenty of confidence in XDC: “We believe this will make you a leader in your market and help you to surpass all your competitors. TPF has strong design capabilities and products that are unique and innovative. Our designs can help customers (with their bespoke label) expand their market, increase market share, and gain greater profits. “If you are tired of losing customers over price concerns, and need screws with unique and excellent performance, our patented designs can fully satisfy your expectations.” sales@taiwan-precision-fastener.com www.taiwan-precision-fastener.com

WO WOOD WOO

Like all of us, it needs a little TLC every now and then.

visit www.bond-it.co.uk for details.

Unit G16, River Bank Way, Lowfields Business Park, Elland, West Yorkshire HX5 9DN Tel: +44(0)1422 315300, Fax: +44(0)1422 315310, Email: sales@bond-it.co.uk Manufactured in the UK

56 Fastener Manufacturing – A Perry–TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:28 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

A PERRY & TENZ

UNITED KINGDOM

TENZ FROM A PERRY SET TO REVOLUTIONISE WORKING WITH WOOD TENZ has manufactured what is being described as a game changer for the wood screw market. Now coming to the UK after a 12 month development period, Torque Magazine hears how TENZ FROM PERRY is different from its rivals… Perry has unveiled its latest innovation, TENZ FROM TENZ FROM PERRY will be available PERRY, which is set to signifin eco-friendly plastic free packaging icantly shake up the wood screw market. With its patented TENZ Stairs Thread Technology, TENZ FROM PERRY has been in development for over a year. In an exclusive agreement with TENZ, this technology is now making its debut to the UK market with a raft of awards and accreditations to its name already, making it the most awarded wood screw available in the world. Developed for projects demanding the highest of standards, the key point of difference between conventional wood screws and the new TENZ wood screw is the revolutionary new thread design. TENZ reduces the friction along the thread making work more efficient. The wood fibres are gently displaced and not drilled or milled which uses less energy force thanks to the oscillating screw. Perfect for use on both hard and soft wood, TENZ says it offers an unrivalled grip, fixing and overall drive performance ability. Reduced energy needs means that capacity is used as efficiently as possible and even extends the tool life when using a battery powered drill. Reduced energy levels from using TENZ of up to 50% means more screws can be fixed which maximises the joints is minimised. With arthritis a common ailment for those battery life. Through low screwing torque, TENZ utilises any in construction, TENZ could have a positive impact on those indicordless screwdriver’s entire battery performance making it a viduals who suffer; which in turn reduces time off they would more economically viable choice for those in the industry. otherwise be forced to take from their job or self-employment. With TENZ no pre-drilling is required, which effectively cuts Launching in the UK now exclusively with A. Perry, the multi out an entire work step, trimming down the time and energy award-winning TENZ wood screw also boasts a ‘Red Dot’ award required. In addition to the energy saving gained with no in recognition of the unrivalled design technology. The Red Dot drilling and no milling, the displacement of the wood fibres by accreditation is a mark of distinction given internationally as the Stairs Thread Technology also means the screw optimally one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design. bonds with the wood. Over time, that bond becomes more Available to pre-order now, TENZ FROM PERRY will be availsecure too giving life longevity to the construction project. able in eco-friendly plastic free packaging. The new technology also brings health benefits to the user as it requires minimal physical effort when screwing the wood, For more information visit explains A. Perry. The hardened steel thread ensures maximum www.perrytrade.co.uk/tenz-from-perry output with minimum effort giving welcome relief to the DIYers or call our office on 01384 414001. as well as professionals as fatigue is reduced and the strain on

// TENZ reduces the friction along the thread making work more efficient. //

torque-expo.com

THE MULTI AWARD WINNING WOOD SCREW WITH STAIRS THREAD TECHNOLOGY

Scan the QR code to see how TENZ® FROM PERRY Wood Screw works

Reduces Repetitive Strain Injury

Minimal Physical Effort

Higher Performance

Tighter Bond Between Wood and Screw

Reduced Energy Input

PRE-ORDER YOUR TENZ® FROM PERRY WOOD SCREWS NOW www.tenzfromperry.co.uk

+44 (0)1384 414001

sales@perrytrade.co.uk

58 FastenerManufacturing - Spirol_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:30 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

SPIROL

UNITED KINGDOM

SPIROL INTRODUCES NEW COILED PIN MACHINERY As Spirol continues to expand and develop on a global scale, Torque Magazine discusses the company’s plans for digitalisation, the introduction of new machinery and the future exploration of customer markets after Covid-19…

// We recognise that the strength of our company is its people. //

pirol Industries Ltd was first introduced to the UK in 1961 as Spirol Pins Ltd. The company laid its foundations at Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, and it was the first subsidiary of its US parent company, CEM Co Inc., to be established outside the United States. Additionally, it was involved in the importation of the Spirol Pin into the European market. So successful was the introduction of the Spirol Pin, the company moved to Feltham, Middlesex and later established a manufacturing facility in Crediton, Devon. In 1976, both sales and manufacturing combined within a single unit at Corby, Northamptonshire, where the company is sited today. Since the move to Corby the company has continued to grow, adding new products to the range of Spirol Pins as well as a European sales and distribution office in Reims, France, servicing the European mainland. Spirol’s goal is to continue expanding and growing throughout the world. Simon Ward, Spirol’s Managing Director, says: “We continually strive to create more effective processes, products and ideas. Implementing new ideas and improving services is managed by our internal engineering facility looking at global best practices and executing them accordingly. By innovation, we change our business model and make changes in the existing environment to deliver better products or services that are required by our customers.” This year, Spirol is introducing new machinery which can produce a wide range of coiled pins in standard sizes and all types of materials. Special sizes can be produced after engineering and production evaluation. The production rate will also be significantly

torque-expo.com

improved. The machines are more robust for the demand on heavy duty pins therefore reducing downtime and increasing RFT through the process. Spirol also understands the importance of digitalisation and alongside plans to update their company’s website for a better overall user experience, Spirol launched an ecommerce platform in November 2019 for UK and Germany, allowing customers from the whole of Europe to purchase their coiled pins online. The platform also enables customers to download 2D and 3D drawings straight from the website. As for most companies, COVID-19 has brought some challenges for Spirol, but staff and customers have remained at the heart of its work. Ward continues: “We recognise that the strength of our company is its people. We approached this unprecedented situation in two main ways. The ﬁrst was to protect all our workforce and their families, by taking a phased approach to at risk individuals and then protection to all employed. Secondly, we ensured we kept everyone employed throughout the crisis and that we all had an ongoing business to return to. We kept all critical processes running at a reduced capacity to ensure lead times and orders are covered.” During these uncertain times Spirol is focusing on the medical opportunities, however, this may be short term due to the fast-moving current climate. With the automotive industry slow down, the company is looking at other customer goods markets to develop in the coming years. www.spirol.com

59 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 15:06 Page 1

60 FastenerManufacturer - Hexstone_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:32 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING

OWLETT-JATON

UNITED KINGDOM

NON-STANDARDS, PACKAGING AND PLATING FROM OWLETT-JATON Owner of many in-house fastener, fixing and hardware brands, Hexstone through it’s Owlett-Jaton division also offers a non-standard service as part of its vast array of products and services. CEO Ian Doherty speaks with Torque Magazine… ou won’t need us to tell you that Owlett-Jaton is the UK’s largest wholesaler of fasteners, ﬁxings, and associated products to the distributor and merchant trade. However, it’s possible that you’re not as well acquainted with its non-standards service. Hexstone CEO Ian Doherty explains to Torque Magazine: “We can source product from drawing, and offer patching and also plating of our products for customers. We have a full range of services where if people need a particular coating or patch on it, or a hole drilled in it…we can do that. That is a not insubstantial part of the Owlett-Jaton business.” The volume of non-standards going through Owlett-Jaton has been relatively steady over recent years, says Doherty: “Our core business is the wholesaling of standard products, so we provide non-standards as a service to those customers who need it. It is signiﬁcant to us, but it’s pretty stable in terms of what people are requesting. “The sort of specials we tend to have been asked of us are usually more in the bolting and the straightforward fastener line. A customer may want a particular coating, for example a Geomet 500 coating and a patch on it for a particular application, and we will take an item and have it made up… it tends to be along those lines.” However, more bespoke product is also perfectly possible from the giant fastener business too: “We will make products from drawings, whether it is a special widget, with this much thread and this pitch… we can do that. It tends to be a quite long lead process for that type of work (while coatings projects can take just a matter of days), and we’ll use third parties for all that work.”

Owlett-Jaton’s Stone headquarters

Zinc and yellow plated locking rings After specialist partners have undertaken services like plating, product is then subjected to Owlett-Jaton’s rigorous Quality Assurance process before any non-standard product gets into customer hands. On top of that, the firm can also pack products into specific packaging formats for customers as requested. Aside from non-standards, Owlett-Jaton’s vast array of house brands also see the firm deemed a manufacturer as the primary importer, with the business ultimately responsible for its house brand products and quality.

// We can source product from drawing, and offer patching and also plating of our products for customers. // “Although we do not own product manufacturing plants, we have product manufactured for us, with brands and products where we take responsibility. We only source products from ISO 9001 factories, facilities that we have physically visited and audited. And when the product arrives we have a full product Quality Assurance programme. The product that we put into the supply chain, whether that’s the UK, Ireland or elsewhere, we ensure the quality and that it is ﬁt for purpose.” To ﬁnd out more, contact your sales representative or visit… www.owlett-jaton.com

torque-expo.com

THE UK MARKET LEADER

THE STOCK RANGE COVERS IN EXCESS OF 20,000 ITEMS IN GRADES A2 (304) AND A4 (316) IN METRIC, UNIFIED AND IMPERIAL THREAD FORM

Nuts

Hex Head Screws

Washers

INTRODUCING

Socket Screws

Self Tappers

Machine Screws

The World’s Strongest Stainless Steel Bolt

Woodscrews

Chipboard Screws

Security Screws

BUMAX® 88 Socket Caps and Socket Countersunk Screws available for Next Day delivery

Marine Items

Throughbolts

Rivets

Other BUMAX® Products and Materials Available on Request including Hexagon Full Nuts, Flat Washers, Hexagon Head Screws and Studding

Studding

QUALITY ASSURED PRODUCTS

Aerotight® Nuts

FOCUSED ON CUSTOMER CARE

Turned Parts to Drawing

NEXT DAY DELIVERY TO THE UK MAINLAND

PROMPT SHIPMENT WORLDWIDE

COMPETITIVE PRICING

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE ASK US FOR DETAILS

WWW.APEXSTAINLESS.COM TELEPHONE

FAX

+44 (0) 1788 537979 +44 (0) 1902 404909

SALES@APEXSTAINLESS.COM BILSTON@APEXSTAINLESS.COM

+44 (0) 1788 547974 +44 (0) 1902 404944

62 SPOTLIGHT - Optimaxx_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:32 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

Optimaxx rollouts into Wickes 020 has been another year of growth for Optimaxx which has recently launched its range at Wickes, which the brand regards as its single biggest leap forward to date. The firm says: “Optimaxx offers a premium range of Extreme Performance Woodscrews that are fast becoming the preferred choice of woodscrews for stockists and tradespeople. With continuous growth year-on-year turning exponential in 2020, Optimaxx has established itself as the highest performing range of woodscrews available in today’s ever demanding market.” The full Optimaxx range is now stocked nationally in all Wickes stores across the UK. This is a significant development in becoming widely available to all tradespeople and DIYers, with more than 230 Wickes stores across the country. The Optimaxx collection includes an array

// Continuous growth year-on-year turned exponential in 2020. // of woodscrew sizes, ranging from 3.6x16mm to 6.0x180mm pozi boxes screws and 4.0x30mm to 6.0x60mm in torx boxed screws, along with the popular Maxx Tubs, flooring screws and decking screws. Plus there’s an assortment of cases including the new 1,000pc Compact Case, an all-round convenient solution for screw storage. “In an industry as diverse as the construction industry, what tradespeople need from woodscrew manufactures like Optimaxx are

a mix of solutions and that’s just what Optimaxx has achieved. Boasting a number of unique application benefits, it’s their forward-thinking design and steadfast commitment to quality that gives them the winning formula in the woodscrew market. With all this in consideration, it’s no wonder Wickes have taken on this excellent range!” There are more details online: www.optimaxx-uk.com

63 FOCUS - StainlessSteel – Wasi_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:33 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS

CAN STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS ‘HEAL’ THEMSELVES? Stainless steel fastener giant Wasi talks company strengths and the advantages of stainless steel fasteners with Torque Magazine… he term “Stainless Steel” is a collective term for over 120 different types of stainless steels for the most diverse requirements, all of which have one common characteristic: They do not require any additional surface treatment due to the chromium they contain. The chromium content in the alloy, which must be at least 10.5%, forms a thin, colourless, transparent oxide layer (passivation) on the surface, which closes automatically after damage with the help of oxygen contained in the air or water. This “self-healing” process is also the greatest advantage over coated steel screws and ensures that stainless steel can look as good as new even after decades.

FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS Versatile in use Temperature resistant Conductive Weldable Hygienic Low-wear Low-maintenance Durable (perfect and smooth surface) Economic WASI has 60 years of experience in the field of stainless steel fasteners. With a wide, as well as deep assortment of approx. 21,000 stock items, WASI is one of the global market leaders. More than 6,500 WASI customers can be found in 80 countries globally, highlighting the company’s ability to perform as an internationally active partner. Company strengths include simple order processing, high availability, competent advice, fast deliveries worldwide, a clearly structured web shop, as well as customised packaging and Kanban systems. The in-house chemical-metallurgical quality assurance laboratory with a wide range of test equipment rounds off the range of services. With 200 employees and the WASI state of the art web shop, the company ensures 24/7 availability to its customers. The sales team are also able to advise customers in 14 different languages to ensure the best possible advice and service is given. www.wasi.de

YOUR PARTNER FOR STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS Optimize your process chain with only one supplier and save valuable time and process costs. Take advantage of our procurement expertise and know-how gathered in more than 55 years of experience. www.wasi.de/en

YOUR ADVANTAGES 21,000 PRODUCTS IN STOCK HIGH AVAILABILITY & FLEXIBLE LOGISTICS WORLD-WIDE SUPPLIER NETWORK ADVISORY SERVICE IN YOUR LANGUAGE ORDER 24/7 & FAST DELIVERY TIME EXCELLENT QUALITY MANAGEMENT

IHRE VERBINDUNG ZUM ERFOLG YOUR ACCESS TO SUCCESS torque-expo.com

64-66 SPOTLIGHT - Bond_It_TOR047_sept20_v2_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:34 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT BOND IT

A STRONG BOND With a new building to accommodate growth, fresh recruits, range expansion and planned growth overseas, Bond It is having what can comfortably described as a busy 2020. David Moore, Bond It Managing Director and Founder, speaks with Torque Magazine... est Yorkshire building chemical specialist Bond It is one of those rare beasts – a UK manufacturer – producing a wide range of silicones, adhesives, water-based, solvent based products, liquids, tapes, cements and much more. “We are one of the few that does all that as a full manufacturer,” explains Bond It Managing Director and Founder, David Moore. “Over 85% of what we make is made here in Elland.” Moore started the business in 2002 with around 12 office staff, a small Production unit and a handful of salesman: “We were turning over approximately one million in the first year, but since then we have achieved annual double-digit growth on average. If you look at the last four years, we have grown by 13.5% per annum. “Now we have 105 employees and we recently have taken on our fourth building to accommodate more machinery, stock holding space and finished goods. We currently operate from a site that is in excess of 130,000 sq feet.” “When you grow on average 10%-plus we not only have to respond to improving the

torque-expo.com

infrastructure of the business but personnel is key too. We pride ourselves on offering people a career rather than just a job. We have embraced apprenticeships, we work with Jobcentre Plus and we are a Disability Confident employer. We have encouraged career path advancement and most of the management team have been promoted from within so there is a wealth of knowledge between the key decision makers.” However, Bond It believes that with a continually changing market certain expertise cannot always come from within. This has led to the expansion of the technical team, and the appointment of a new Technical Manager, Simon Hodgson: “Sometimes you need to bring in technical knowledge – you can’t make someone a PhD in chemistry, so you have to go out to the market. This is an exciting opportunity for the company and we are hoping that the new team, headed up by Simon, will accelerate plans for new innovative product development.” The industry frequently has legislation changes to contend with (with more expected thanks to Brexit). This affects changes to both permitted chemicals and to

labelling. “We are always throwing packaging away thanks to legislation changes imposed upon us and that’s why we have taken on someone who also understands all about the new legislation coming in and is part of the BASA set-up (British Association Sealant and Adhesives).” At time of speaking in mid-August, Bond It had some sales staff on part-time furlough, but the firm has also had to bring in extra staffing thanks to Covid-19: “We had to increase our production staff with four new people as we’ve been selling lots of products that tend to be much more labour intensive. We’ve also had to employ two more pickers in the warehouse to cope with the amount of orders that have been coming through.” Covid: Disruption, DIY and new products “For 2020, we budgeted for double-digit growth again and we all agreed we could do this as a management team. Then we had the shutdown on 16 March.” In those days of heightened uncertainty, the firm furloughed half its staff with fears of production plummeting, but by the end

64-66 SPOTLIGHT - Bond_It_TOR047_sept20_v2_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:34 Page 2

Bond It’s broad product range is primarily sold through distribution, via builders merchants, timber merchants and fixing merchants.

of April virtually everyone had been brought back. “For the period of 16 March to midAugust, we were 5.5% down on last year. I’m quite pleased if you compare that to the UK GDP figures [down 20.4% in Q2]. “From 16 March to end of June we were 18.6% down, whereas in July we were 36% up on last year – it was our best-ever month, by far.” “It is starting to come back and it is certainly more encouraging now merchants have re-opened and are trying to get back to some kind of normality, but who can tell if things will bounce back slowly or if we’ll have a ‘v’ shaped recovery?” Covid-19 has led to the development of some new Bond It products in direct response, including WHO-approved hand sanitisers, surface sanitisers and even social distancing tape. Meanwhile, other established Bond It products were used in the building of the Harrogate Nightingale hospital, in particular, adhesive for the special cladding panels. The DIY lockdown boom did benefit Bond It, although the DIY channel is a small part of the firm’s business. Moore says: “A lot of our products can be used by DIY-ers, but the majority of our customer base is through distribution, via builders merchants, timber merchants, fixings merchants and the like. The DIY customer base grew from 3% to about 4.7% but DIY product sales grew approximately 44% which was a very healthy increase in what we always viewed as an add-on range. We also saw a big upswing in online sales and increased web presence. We had customers that would normally spend around £5,000 with us suddenly spending £50,000 with us throughout April to June

- customers that were advertising on the web benefited hugely from a big push there due to the general public not being able to go to the big sheds to get their decorating and DIY supplies.” Silicone, however, is Bond It’s core selling product range and the manufacturer is set up to produce tens of millions of cartridges of silicone every year. Covid threw the proverbial curve ball at the firm: “At the beginning of the shutdown, silicone almost died a death. However, our products for cleaning your patios and drive-

// We thought planning for Brexit was difficult, but trying to plan for the Covid situation has been nigh on impossible. // ways, enhancing and sealing your drives and pathways, rejuvenating your decking, etc… they all saw a big uplift – for every one we sold before, we were selling ten.” That has presented a quandary for Bond It in what sales strategy to employ going into next year. “So how do you plan for that?” Moore asks. “Do I put in new machines for patio cleaners based on this year’s sales, or will those sales fall back when everyone goes back to work?” And as if Covid-19 uncertainty wasn’t enough for the firm to contend with, the UK’s imminent departure from the European Union has provided an extra layer of

complication despite representing a big potential advantage for a UK manufacturer like Bond It. Moore explains: “I think Brexit was a mistake, I do not think we should have done it, but actually looking at our business it is a great opportunity. We are based in the UK and if we go onto WTO trading terms that will be an advantage. Some of our main competitors have products that are 100% imported. For us, it’s only the raw material that we have to bring in. I see that as a big advantage to us as a UK manufacturer.” But for firms like Bond It that have to buy raw materials from Europe, China or the US, some uncertainties remain: “We thought planning for Brexit was difficult, but trying to plan for the Covid situation has been nigh on impossible.” Exports & opportunities In addition to the aforementioned recruits, Bond It recently made a key hire in a new Commercial Manager, Greg Godeau. With a background that also includes exports, Godeau’s appointment will help the firm develop further. “We also manufacture products that people buy in bulk and they then add value to it – that’s on the commercial side. We’ve tended not to actively look for that business, so we decided to bring in a Commercial Manager to knock on a few doors. Greg will also be responsible for our business in the USA too. In North Carolina we manufacture Rescue Tape, a self-fusing silicone tape. It’s a massive business and a recognised brand worldwide, being initially developed for the US Military. “We also have a close working relationship with a hybrid polymer manufacturer and have developed a new roofing product for the silicone roofing market, primarily

torque-expo.com

→

64-66 SPOTLIGHT - Bond_It_TOR047_sept20_v2_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:35 Page 3

SPOTLIGHT BOND IT

the established market in the US but we → for are launching it in the UK too. We already

received three container orders from one distributor in LA so we are quite excited about that. We are expecting it to be bigger than our tape business in the US once it’s established – you buy a tape off the shelf for $20 but you spend thousands of dollars on a roof, so it’s an area we are investing heavily into to promote it through the right channels with adverting, write up, good POS, etc.” Bond It has been building up its ISO accreditations over the years, from 9001 to the environment-focused ISO 14001 and the health and safety-centric 45001. “We are proud to have achieved all three,” Moore says. “We operate to those standards, they aren’t just a badge. We believe they are worthwhile.” The ISO 14001 led to the creation of a reusable cartridge system, Reload, from Bond It. “It was ahead of its time when we introduced it some years ago – we had this

// We're reintroducing the Reload concept. Our silicone solution to reduce pollution! //

reusable cartridge that didn’t really take off. British builders can be very traditional, conservative and resistant to change. However, now the awareness of sustainable products is much greater we feel this is a good time to reintroduce the Reload concept and do our bit for the environment ‘Our silicone solution to reduce pollution!’. It’s cheaper, has less environmental impact, as part of the packaging is reusable whilst the other part compacts down into a small aluminium slug which is about 60% lighter than standard plastic cartridges; and offers the user an extended shelf life of the product as the silicone is encased in impervious foil material not plastic.” New products are on the way too, some customer driven, but all designed to turn the UK building chemicals specialist into an ever more vital one-stop-shop for the industry. www.bond-it.co.uk

LOAD, SEAL, REPEAT It’s as simple as that. Load a high quality silicone sausage into the re-useable cartridge and apply using a standard sealant gun. Low environmental impact, cuts down on waste, time and costs. Visit www.bond-it.co.uk for details

Unit G16, River Bank Way, Lowfields Business Park, Elland, West Yorkshire HX5 9DN Tel: +44(0)1422 315300, Fax: +44(0)1422 315310, Email: sales@bond-it.co.uk

TORQUE_FastenerDistribution-Kanban-C Parts-Logistics_Ad_TOR045_Sept20.qxp 01/10/2020 17:27 Page 1

NOVEMBER 2020 SPECIAL

FASTENER LOGISTICS Kanban, C-parts management & transparency

FOCUSING ON > C-PARTS, KANBAN, DIGITALISATION & MORE.

GET YOUR BUSINESS PROFILED AND INCLUDED IN THIS SPECIAL FEATURE

DON’T MISS OUT – CONTACT ME TODAY

Harry Whyte +44 (0) 1727 739 160 harry.whyte@torque-expo.com

NOVEMBER 2020 SPECIAL

AUTOMOTIVE FASTENERS & TOOLS Bolts, screws, washers, rivets, clips, rivet guns, torque wrenches and more

FOCUSING ON > AUTOMOTIVE FASTENERS, TOOLS, PROCESSES, NEWS AND TRENDS IN THE SECTOR GET YOUR BUSINESS PROFILED AND INCLUDED IN THIS SPECIAL FEATURE

DON’T MISS OUT – CONTACT ME TODAY

Harry Whyte +44 (0) 1727 739 160 harry.whyte@torque-expo.com

68-69 SPOTLIGHT - Hoenderdaal Fasteners_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:35 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT HOENDERDAAL FASTENERS

DYNAPLUS & ROTADRILL READY FOR EUROPE Hoenderdaal Fasteners is to bring long-established and proven screw brands Dynaplus and Rotadrill to a wider market...

Export specialist Timo van Harten (left) and Commercial Director Andre Homma

// We are ready to supply you with the best screws! Are you ready for Dynaplus and Rotadrill? //

torque-expo.com

68-69 SPOTLIGHT - Hoenderdaal Fasteners_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:36 Page 2

any wood screws in the market look very much alike, but there can be a huge difference in quality which cannot be seen with a human eye. Hoenderdaal Fasteners, based in the Netherlands, has turned the development of wood screws into a science. The results of this scientific research are the very well-known brands of Dynaplus and Rotadrill. These two brands are known for their proven high quality, formidable packaging systems and results on the shelves of the shops. Wood screw specialist Hoenderdaal Fasteners BV is based in the Netherlands and has continually developed its own screws since the start in 1966. Besides wood screws, Hoenderdaal also supplies all different kind of fasteners and fixings to the professional hardware shops and DIY chains in the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia and the Baltic States. Dynaplus is a premium brand for the professional user. The screws work quickly, easily, safely and they function perfectly in different types building materials. For outdoor use Dynaplus has a very high corrosion protective Anti Rust coating which is approved with the C4 certificate. The screws are developed developed in its own test lab in Veenendaal. Dynaplus is packed in a three-layered carton box with a transparent window in it. Rotadrill has been one of the most important brand of wood screws on the shelves of the DIY shops in the Netherlands and Belgium for over 50 years. The screws are famous because of the red tip. This red tip is a unique wax which provides a very low screw-in resistance, so the screws can be easily used in many different types of building materials. Rotadrill screws are packed in solid, transparent boxes with a colour coded label. Hoenderdaal Fasteners is currently suppling its premium brands Dynaplus and Rotadrill in several countries around Europe.

“Hardware and DIY shops in Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany and Switzerland are already convinced about the quality of the two brands and have witnessed the success they bring,” says Timo. “We strongly believe that carpenters, construction workers and Do-It-Your-Selvers all over Europe are ready for the high quality wood screws that we supply is working very hard to introduce all end users in Europe with Dynaplus and Rotadrill. We are ready to supply you with the best screws! Are you ready for Dynaplus and Rotadrill?” If you would like to receive additional information about Dynaplus or Rotadrill, contact André Homma and Timo van Harten of the export department. www.dynaplus.com www.rotadrill.nl hoenderdaal-fasteners.nl

TIMELINE 1966 Hoenderdaal Fasteners is founded 2003 Acquired Rotadrill Industries 2004 Start development of Dynaplus 2011 Moved to 8000m² warehouse 2017 New Managing Director Bart Veldhuizen 2018 Introduce the third generation Dynaplus 2019 New Commercial Director André Homma 2020 New export specialist Timo van Harten

torque-expo.com

70 FOCUS - Torque Tools - TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:36 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS TORQUE TOOLS

TIGHTENING UP PRODUCTION Whether in servicing or manufacturing, error-proofing and traceability remain as vital as ever for torque tool operators the world over. Stahlwille and Atlas Copco are among the specialists planning to help users keep torqueing smoothly.

STAHLWILLE SMARTCHECK How can the functions of torque and angle tightening tools be checked simply and reliably? In response to that question, Stahlwille has developed the SmartCheck product family to provide a solution that is safe and efficient. With the SmartCheck, end users can check torque tools themselves to ensure that the tools are working exactly within the specified tolerance ranges. This year, the SmartCheck range will be extended with the introduction of three new devices. The highlight is the SmartCheck ANGLE model, reportedly the first device worldwide that can test the function of an anglecontrolled torque wrench, an area seeing increasing demand. Two additional new models have made it possible to read out and store the readings and even process them in Industry 4.0 environments. In addition to a version with a USB interface, the SmartCheck DAPTIQ tester now also provides a model with an interface for linking to quality assurance systems and other process capability software solutions. For example, this allows automated workflows to be created in which every torque tool is checked before the CAQ system releases it for production tasks.

SmartCheck testers offer numerous features including automatic evaluation directly on the device by means of an LED display based on the parameters set for the test and using traffic light logic. www.stahlwille.de

ATLAS COPCO’S SMART BATTERY NUTRUNNER RANGE Safer, faster, more cost-effective and traceable high torque bolt tightening for critical applications in the energy sector are the aim of Atlas Copco, which has come up with the ergonomically optimised SRB HA smart battery nutrunner. Reportedly the only product of its type on the market equipped with a dual trigger (designed to minimise the risk of finger pinch injury), the single operator tool has a torque rating of up to 4,000Nm and an internal torque transducer for maximum control and reliability. Clear operator feedback is provided with multi-functional LEDs, displaying OK/NOK status messages based on torque and angle readings. With three models available, the entry level SRB HA Digital version has a ‘Set and Go’ function, so it’s ready for use straight out of the box. The Smart and Connected models feature an internal WIFI server, allowing the tools to be linked to any mobile device. This enables torque, angle and batch data collection without the need for additional software. For the ultimate in functionality and process control, the SRB HA features an accessory bus for a barcode scanner and can also be integrated into overlying systems for live data feed and analysis.

torque-expo.com

Previously expensive and time-consuming installation and maintenance processes carried out using hydraulic wrench methods, on wind turbines for example, have been made much faster and more cost-effective, as a result of Atlas Copco’s proven tensor motor technology, which delivers among the world’s most productive output. www.atlascopcogroup.com

xx Matatakitoyo_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 08/09/2020 10:42 Page 1

72 Business Barometer - OGL on ecommerce_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:37 Page 1

BUSINESS BAROMETER ONLINE TREND

Lockdown accelerated a shift to digital for

WHOLESALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS Writing for Torque Magazine, OGL examines 2020’s growth in online transactions, for B2B as well as B2C... 2B businesses have experienced counter. From price to stock levels and would have been here [after the lockan accelerated growth in the product information, each channel down], but we would have struggled. ecommerce market during the (eCommerce website, trade counter, The website has saved us. It was just coronavirus crisis and this applies for phone call or marketplaces like processing orders because people could merchants, wholesalers and distribuAmazon) needs to access the same data see what we sold and the stock we had. tors as the entire supply chain has been for the customer. The website kept us ticking over the disrupted. With growth in online sales This is why having the infrastructure whole time and our online sales also comes a need to digitalise operain place to manage all channels from a revenue increased by 300% during that tions to meet demand and operate centralised location is key to maximisperiod, it was manic.” effectively when delivering a multiing your success online. It’s important Deligo, a fastener and fixing channel sales experience. to consider your internal processes and supplier to the electrical wholesale A recent survey by Wunderman systems when moving into the online industry explained how it had more Thompson Commerce, a global ecomworld which is why the recent than doubled its ecommerce website merce consultancy business, states that pandemic has accelerated the need for turnover since the lock down period, 46% of B2B purchases are now wholesalers and distributors to go digiwhich is why the integration with conducted online, with 58% expecting tal. Future-proofing your business doestheir ERP system, OGL Software, is to use digital shopping crucial to coping with channels more in the demand. The increase in future. During the locktraffic and online // The website has saved us. It was just web down period, consumers sales highlights the have become accustomed importance of having a processing orders because people to buying online as the solid infrastructure to could see what we sold and the stock bricks and mortar stores cope with the increase in closed, so it comes as no online activity without we had. The website kept us ticking surprise that buyers will the increased admin and over the whole time and our online continue with their online the ability to offer the habits in the future and same quality service. sales revenue increased by 300% expect an online experiSelling online and during that period, it was manic. // ence when researching moving to digital and purchasing products. processes is no longer a Interestingly, 46% of ‘nice to have’ but a necesB2C respondents in the Wunderman n’t simply mean setting up a website, sity to survive. Future-proofing your Report 2020 stated they prefer to shop but it’s creating the digital foundations business with digital tools to improve with a brand that has both physical and of your company that will enable you to efficiencies and automate processes is online stores. This may not directly drive your business forward. crucial for survival and creates opporcorrelate with the B2B world, but the Thankfully, Sphinx Industrial tunities that otherwise wouldn’t have same principles still apply to wholeSupplies implemented OGL Software been achievable. salers; people like human interaction back in 2015 when they wanted to overIf you’re looking to create an ecomand often pick up the phone with a haul their manual processes to make merce website or set up your own trusted supplier. This means it is crucial them more efficient. In 2019 they Amazon or eBay channel to begin sellthat customers receive the same expeimplemented an integrated ecommerce ing online, consider your internal infrasrience no matter the channel. site to provide them with an online tructure and processes to ensure you Customers need to be able to research presence and increase their sales and can handle the orders without increasprices and products online and expect have reaped the rewards during locking admin and workload. to receive the same costs and stock down. The Finance Director, Sophie levels when they call or visit a trade Donnelly, explains: “I think we still www.ogl.co.uk/software

torque-expo.com

73 Spotlight - Rivit_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:38 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT RIVIT

CONTROLRIV4.0 > INDISPENSABLE FOR PLANNING, MONITORING AND ANALYSING YOUR WORK Realtime monioring helps rivet users to improve productivity and reduce waste – Italy-based Rivit fills us in on the details... ivit Srl’s CONTROLRIV4.0 is a monitoring system for blind rivets and rivet nuts, which helps planning different placing operations, monitoring the process of the work, and easily and safely analysing the resulting data. The system is connected to the riveting tools and, according to the working methods and to the predetermined settings made by the operator, the work of one or more tools is monitored in real time in order to avoid mistakes and deactivations. The results are improved productivity, higher standard of work and reduced waste. The system is designed in modules, with a master and 11 slaves to obtain up to 12 workstations managed simultaneously. The master with a touch screen display and a user-friendly software can easily interact with a PC, a PLC and download all the data of the work in a very simple way on portable storage drives. The slave, more compact than the master, only manages the operation of the riveting tool by indicating its status on integrated leds. Though all the work is managed by the master, also the slave in certain configurations can communicate with the PLC independently. Monitoring of the assembling operations develops by the study of the curves, through piece and batch counters, and work lists. Work monitoring is supported by

// The work of one or more tools is monitored in real time in order to avoid mistakes and reduce waste. // stored batch data, by all check activities, by implemented work lists and by the recorded curves. For working phases, visual and sound alerts have been designed to highlight correct or wrong applications, particularly the lack of air in the latter case. In addition, in order to have a clearer and more visible reference from afar, a three-colour luminous tower with alarm siren is also available. Every single unit features a pneumatic valve that turns compressed air on and off,

to safely secure the system; best distinguish the working phases from the configuration ones; and prevent further errors in the event of a wrong application result. CONTROLRIV4.0 works with tools for rivet nuts RIV938, RIV939, RIV949 and RIV916B, and with tools for blind rivets RIV503, RIV504, RIV505, RIV508, RIV511B and RIV300. Find out more directly from Rivit. www.rivit.it

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 • All Metal Self-Locking Nuts • Studding Connectors And many more...

Tel: +44 (0) 117 - 972 8560 Fax: +44 (0) 117 - 972 8570 Email: sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK.

74-75 B&C – ANCHORS – JCP Hexstone_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:39 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ANCHORS > JCP FIXINGS

FIXING EXPERTISE & EVOLUTION Torque catches up with JCP to assess how Covid-19 and the lockdown have affected the construction sector and for the latest from the construction fixing specialist. General Manager Nick Beardon and Technical Manager Reza Jafari provide the inside track...

HOW HAS THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR BEEN FARING IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES? Nick Beardon, General Manager Business is booming right now, surprisingly. A lot of the bigger builders’ merchants closed in April and May, like Travis Perkins and Jewson, while the likes of Selco and the more independents like MKM and Huws Gray largely stayed open all throughout, just like we did. They reaped the benefits from that. Since the lows of April and May, we’ve seen growth and recovery so that July was our best month ever. There is more confidence coming back. A lot of people are saying they are surprised at how busy they are. The next challenge is going to be the months ahead, when people have bills for the products they are buying now. Certainly the smaller businesses will have had two months where they have been without any income because they were not invoicing anything. Now they are expanding and suppliers will want paying. EARLIER THIS YEAR, JCP RELEASED ITS MOST COMPREHENSIVE CATALOGUE YET... Nick Beardon Yes, we always try to build on what we are offering and improve on what we’ve got. Ranges like the fire-resistant products have always been there, but we’ve put added emphasis on them because of the Grenfell disaster and to make people aware that we can offer those as required. The price list or catalogue is released every March, and we are now working on products for next year. We look at either introducing completely new ranges, like we did with Blind Bolt, or at range extensions where we will enhance our existing offering with new sizes or variations.

torque-expo.com

EXPERTISE IS A KEY PART OF THE JCP OFFERING AND YOU OFFER TESTS ON BUILDING SITES TO CUSTOMERS? Reza Jafari, Technical Manager The reason we offer testing is not to test our products, but to test the products in situ and address any factors which could impact their performance. For example, some of the anchors in the range have specific installation requirements. It’s something we offer free of charge to our customers. We are there to check the job site in terms of, the concrete, the abilities of the personnel working with the anchor and the installation itself, and then we provide a report. We also provide medium duty to heavy duty tests on job sites and are very happy to go anywhere around the country to do the tests. Our report shows how the tests are performed, what kind of products we tested for, the base material, strength and finally what maximum load we went up to. Some customers ask for ‘ultimate’ load tests, but I think there is a misconception about this – the result of an ultimate load test is useless. Performing a test right up to failure is not correct from an engineering point of view. So, what we do is we go up to a maximum of the permissible design value. We can increase it, but we have to see the concrete being used, because concrete strength is also a factor for load testing. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER? Reza Jafari, Technical Manager From a technical point of view, we are very happy to get involved in the design side of things. We are able to visit a job site to evaluate the requirements alongside different contractors and then offer the best type of fixing for the purpose. Sometimes when we visit they have been using other types of

74-75 B&C – ANCHORS – JCP Hexstone_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:39 Page 2

Heavy duty anchors are part of JCP’s wider range

JCP’s technical team carry out on-site testing

Work is underway on product extensions and new ranges, set to launch with the new catalogue in March

products on the market and they have issues. I visit the jobsite to solve the problem and finally do the site test to demonstrate that everything is fine with the final fixing used. From a design point of view, we liaise with designers at different companies to explain how our anchor calculation program works. It’s a really powerful tool but many designers are not familiar with the concept of designing for fasteners, so I spend a lot of time on the phone explaining how they can use the application. Nick Beardon We’ve been out to design engineer offices and have done presentations to show them our products and how we can help them. As we are evolving, we are working more and more at that level. JCP LAUNCHED A RETAIL AND TRADE BAG RANGE LAST YEAR – HOW HAS THAT BEEN RECEIVED? Nick Beardon The retail range is above where we were this time last year. It has grown substantially, which has surprised me because of lockdown, especially as those products are predominantly in the merchants side which closed down. But we are currently up 20% year-on-year. WHAT KINDS OF CHALLENGES ARE THE INDUSTRY FACING NOW? Nick Beardon The next challenge for all of us is; When do we get salespeople out there calling on customers? We are finding so far that customers don’t want to see us. They are struggling to keep to new regimes themselves and the last thing they want is a sales-

// We’ve been out to design engineer offices to present our products. As we evolve, we are working more and more at that level. // man knocking on their door asking ‘is everything alright, can I get you anything?’ I’m working on the price list for next year and that has been more difficult because we usually get a lot of ideas from the purchasing team when they visit the Far East, which of course they haven’t been doing. Aside from that, we have some significant updates for our anchor calculation programme coming up in the near future. THERE HAVE BEEN COMPARISONS MADE BETWEEN THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC WITH THE 2008 ECONOMIC CRASH. CAN YOU SEE ANY LESSONS OR COMPARISONS? Nick Beardon In 2008 it was more a case of cutting costs, whereas the difference has been that this pandemic has happened a lot quicker. We’ve come through that initial impact quickly, so we haven’t had to get into that cutting unlike a lot of businesses in other industries. We have been incredibly fortunate and we are recruiting in the warehouse to keep up with demand. So that’s a completely different scenario to where we were in 2008. www.jcpfixings.co.uk

torque-expo.com

76 B&C – ANCHORS – Fisher_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:40 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ANCHORS

fischer on heavy duty fixings Be it steel or wood constructions, facades, railings, stairways, machines, silo installations, high racks or noise barriers – heavy attachment parts or load-bearing structures often require fastening to anchoring bases, explains fischer…

ischer’s varied assortment of heavy-duty fixings from its chemical range contains a fixing solution for almost any type of application. fischer’s chemical fixings transfer heavy loads into anchoring bases and overcome extreme construction site conditions such as moisture while offering heat and cold resistance. With resin capsules, injection mortars, anchor rods, internal threaded rods, anchor sleeves, accessories and processing equipment, fischer provides approved systems for any application.

UNIVERSAL INJECTION MORTAR TO TRANSFER HEAVY LOADS INTO CONCRETE AND MASONRY As well as applications in concrete, the injection mortar FIS V is also suitable for anchorings in solid and perforated brick as well as aircrete in accordance with the European Technical Approval (ETA). A general technical approval officially confirms the styrene-free vinyl ester mortar’s suitability for numerous specialist applications such as the stand-off installation system Thermax 12 and 16. The latter penetrates facade insulations practically without thermal bridges and is firmly anchored in the wall using the FIS V. A comprehensive range of accessories suited for the injection mortar family enables a high level of flexibility and a broad range of applications, for example using the FIS V High Speed with its shorter curing times which speeds up the work progress. The solutions and system components are precisely aligned with the ETA performance data, making them tremendously effective. HIGH PERFORMANCE IN CONCRETE The Highbond System FHB II allows heavy loads to be securely anchored in concrete. Additional safety is provided by the ETA Option 1 for cracked concrete and the Swiss shock approval. The performance of the styrene-free vinyl ester mortar combined with the corresponding anchor rod results in a high level of cost efficiency: Fewer fixing points and smaller anchor plates are sufficient to achieve a secure hold. There are a range of economic system components suited to different requirements and applications. While the injection mortar FIS HB is ideally suited for series installation due to its large container size of 145 ml (FIS HB 150 C)

torque-expo.com

The FIS EM Plus injection mortar has a working life of 120 years

or 360 ml (FIS HB 345 S), the mortar capsule FHB II-P or alternately FHB II-PF HIGH SPEED is the first choice for individual applications. The use of a capsule achieves optimal adhesion even without cleaning the drill hole, saving time during installation. The FHB II-PF HIGH SPEED reduces waiting times due to curing particularly quickly thanks to its special formulation. CONCRETE ALL-ROUNDER With its silane technology, the fischer injection mortar FIS SB achieves a high bond stress for a strong performance and high level of security which is confirmed by its ETA for concrete and seismic loads. Numerous system components cover a broad range of both indoor and outdoor applications. The styrenefree vinyl ester hybrid mortar’s variable anchoring depths optimise the installation time and require fewer materials. POWERFUL INJECTION MORTAR FOR REBAR CONNECTIONS AND CONCRETE fischer’s FIS EM Plus injection mortar is a high-quality epoxy resin mortar for high load-bearing capacity in concrete. It is also suitable for seismic applications in categories C1 and C2 or A to F in accordance with the ICC-ES. The injection mortar is processed with the approved system components and has an ETA for both concrete and rebar connections. The latter are easily placed using the fixing as well as a large drill hole diameter and a high anchoring depth. The mortar can also be used for diamond-drilled and water-filled drill holes and provides a secure hold even in the event of a fire (R240 fire resistance assessment). The ETA 17/0979 recently extended the working life for fixings in concrete from 50 to 100 years. fischer reveals that it is among the first in the industry to provide this feature in the assessment. The Stuttgart engineering firm IEA takes things one step further, as this approved monitoring and certification centre certified that fastenings with the fischer FIS EM Plus have a working life of 120 years. It is the first injection mortar to have ever been awarded such a high degree of durability. This is a clear advantage for constructions that rely on a long working life, such as tunnels, reservoir dams and other infrastructure projects. www.fischer-international.com

77 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 15:12 Page 1

There are as many screws as grains of sand on a beach. But not every screw can handle the sea and sand. The specifications in the application areas of stainless steel are growing more and more – the used products have to withstand all extremes, the selected material and quality must be just right.

It’s a huge responsibility for human and material. We take this responsibility seriously. It is not without reason that TOBSTEEL is named as specialist for fasteners in the General Technical Approval Z-30.3-6 of 5 March 2018. Due to the standard actualization of ISO 3506-6:2020 (guideline for the selection and characteristics of stainless steels and nickel alloys for fasteners) the materials of the corrosion resistance classes CRC V and CRC IV which we have on stock, are now classified to the new steel grades A8, D8 and D6 as well.

TOBSTEEL GmbH

Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 8 | D-74613 Öhringen T: +49 7941 6073-0 | F: +49 7941 6073-500 | info@tobsteel.com | www.tobsteel.com

We are the specialist in high-quality fasteners made from stainless highgrade steel and special materials and stock the right material for all five corrosion resistance classes (CRC)!

78 B&C-Anchors_HECO_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:41 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ANCHORS

CALCULATING FOR MASONRY ANCHORS Screw specialist HECO has updated its calculation software so that anchor design is now possible in masonry substrates through the useful service… With the Anchor Design module, production engineers and tradesmen can now quickly and easily calculate applications in a masonry substrate as well as those in a concrete substrate. HCS now also depicts the standard masonry substrates of brick, sand-lime brick, perforated sand-lime brick, sand-lime brick XL and lightweight concrete. It boasts one big advantage for production engineers: with the HCS calculations, they receive proof of the safe and cost-effective use of the fasteners and get solutions for challenging construction tasks with just a few clicks.

astener firm HECO offers HCS (HECO Calculation Software) 4.0 as a free service, providing verification of approval-compliant connections. One new feature is the expansion of the tool to include various masonry substrates in the Anchor Design module. This means that production engineers and tradesmen can calculate even more application fields quickly and easily. The Calculation Software offers its Anchor Design module for the verification of load-bearing anchors. With this module, HCS 4.0 has particular added value for users: because the MULTI-MONTI-plus screw anchors from HECO have a general construction technique permission (aBG) for fixings with fire exposure in masonry, the calculation module makes it possible to calculate this specific application.

HECO has updated its HCS 4.0 calculation software. The shear reinforcement with the HECO-WB threaded rods can also be planned and verified in the future.

torque-expo.com

Precise calculations for countless application options Production engineers, structural engineers and tradesmen have been benefiting from HECO’s tried-and-tested HCS calculation software for almost 15 years. The software helps users to choose the right products in the field of timber construction and dowel technology.

// Production engineers, structural engineers and tradesmen have benefited from HECO’s HCS calculation software for almost 15 years. // The self-explanatory software guides the user through the program and provides six different theme modules to choose from – ranging from anchor design, railing fixings, over-rafter insulation and uplift verification through to timber construction and façade calculation. Once project-specific data has been entered, HCS calculates which screw type is suitable for the selected application, taking into account the pertinent approvals. And based on its dynamic calculations, it then evaluates which screw type, and in which size and quantity, offers the most cost-effective solution. The results and print-outs including 3D graphics can be used both as the basis for calculation and as a verifiable structural analysis plan. Comprehensive service The HECO Calculation Software HCS 4.0 is available in seven languages and can be downloaded FOC from the URL below or a copy can be requested on CD-ROM. Once installed, you can set the program to update automatically. The software includes a handy YouTube button, which takes the user to helpful application videos, while you will find all the latest information on trade fairs and training courses at the HECO Academy under the ‘News’ menu item. www.heco-schrauben.com

79 ADVERTS_TOR047_Sept20.qxp 30/09/2020 15:29 Page 1

HECO ® Calculation Software 4.0 – for reliable and more efficient planning

NEW!

design Anchor nry o in mas

Industrial Bolting

Intuitive and interactive user interface

Special Metals and Alloys Over 150 Material Grades 10,000 Ton Inventory Over 300 Machines We Service All Quantities Serving Distributors Worldwide

Calculation of anchors, balustrades, façades, on-rafter insulation and timber connections etc. is possible Conformity with current standards HECO-HCS is available free of charge as download or CD HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co. KG Dr.-Kurt-Steim-Straße 28, D-78713 Schramberg Tel.: +49 (0)7422 / 989-0, Fax: +49 (0)7422 / 989-200 E-Mail: info@heco-schrauben.de, Internet: www.heco-schrauben.de

24-7 Emergency Service www.GoASF.com

info@GoASF.com

< Interactive > < Responsive > < Comprehensive > Scan to visit our archive of magazines

TORQUE MAGAZINE > DIGITAL CHECK IT OUT NOW

Torque’s enhanced digital magazine is a cutting edge publication packed with pictures, videos and interactive elements. A cut above standard digital PDF mags, Torque’s enhanced digital magazine can present sales messages in fresh and eyecatching ways and link readers directly to B2B sites, web shops, digital catalogues and more.

torque-expo.com/magazine

80-81 COMMENT - BHETA_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:41 Page 1

market

‘BETTER THAN EXPECTED’ – NOW TO KEEP IT GOING Grants to help householders make their homes more energy efficient is just one of the opportunities on the horizon for suppliers. Will Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) provides his views on the market… At time of writing, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has just released figures from the end of July, revealing that retail sales volumes increased by 3.6% when compared with June, and are 3.0% above pre-pandemic levels in February 2020. Now clearly these are overall figures and therefore skewed by food sales, but the monthly growth rate in July for non-food is at 10.0%, an indicator of recovery, albeit from some exceptionally low levels. Household goods stores are 6.0% above their February 2020 levels as the impact of lockdown DIY translates into sales. Contemporary with the ONS data is BHETA’s latest survey of its membership – all suppliers of house and garden products, including many suppliers of DIY and garden tools and fixings. Testing the temperature of the home and garden marketplace, the headline findings are overwhelmingly positive. 83% of members report sales during lockdown as being ‘better than expected’, while 63% go as far as to say, ‘much better’. Remarkably, more than three quarters of survey respondents said that they expected to hit or exceed budget for 2020, despite the pandemic.

The well-documented surge in house and garden improvements during and as a result of lockdown has been good for the whole sector and sales of consumables like paint have rocketed – sufficiently to impact on stock levels in store – the tools side has seen the benefits of many consumers either discovering DIY for the fits time or rediscovering an old skill long-neglected. Google reported a doubling in the number of searches for garden tools. Watch-time on YouTube of how-to videos was up 65%, with emphasis on ‘step by step’ content aimed at ‘beginners’.

// £5,000 grants to improve energy efficiency in the home will knock on into sales for this sector. // The key question now is can we keep momentum going and assure the recovery of our industry for the long term? While some reports have suggested that the so-called ‘DIY splurge’ was a one-off phenomenon, I would argue the contrary. New-found skills and enthusiasms are not going to go away in a time when home has never been more important; and garden is the new socially distanced entertainment space and holiday destination combined. Continued home working will continue to focus minds on changes and improvements in living space. BHETA is finding that its National Home Improvement Month (September), backed by Homebase and Wilko as well as leading DIY brands such as DK Tools and QEP, is attracting significant response. Meanwhile Rightmove has reported searches for homes with gardens leaping by 42% in May, increasing to 84% among renters confirming the likelihood of spend on home turf. The Chancellor’s recent announcement about the new £2bn https://tinyurl.com/y6td7rcz Green Homes Grant will further

torque-expo.com

80-81 COMMENT - BHETA_TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:42 Page 2

fuel consumer ambitions to make improvements to their property. Grants of up to £5,000 to homeowners across England to help them improve the energy efficiency of their homes will all knock on into sales for this sector, whether through the DIY or professional user route. The scheme targets projects like installing insulation and double glazing. So, it should not be so much of a surprise that B&Q’s chief executive is talking about recruiting between three and four thousand new workers due to increased sales. In conclusion, my note of caution is the need for the industry to ensure that its preferred routes to market accord with the way that shopping habits have shifted during the last five to six months. While the reopening of bricks and mortar retail has created a slight contraction in online in June and July, according to the ONS non-store volume sales are still 49.2% higher than pre-pandemic levels in February. From the BHETA survey, we can see that the home and garden improvement suppliers who did best in lockdown were the ones who could sell direct to the end consumer though their own websites, through ‘local’

retailers who stayed open, or quickly re-opened, or through retailers with good e-commerce sites. Even by May of this year, online sales in DIY and garden was up by 15.1% and it has continued to rise as a proportion of total transactions, and both suppliers and retailers ignore this at their peril. Figures from the period up to the end of June show Amazon sales up 40% and Wayfair over 80%. eBay too has experienced a remarkable rise in its numbers of home and garden customers – customers which it now expects to keep.

// New found DIY skills will not go away at a time when home has never been more important. // The outtake seems to be that while lockdown has brought about some positive economic opportunities for this sector, the industry will only continue to reap the benefits if it too embraces the changes forced upon it and turns them to good. So, BHETA is now both helping members maximise the possibilities of retailers’ online platforms, and assisting them in the best ways to develop their own digital and ecommerce capabilities. In September, we resumed our series of webinars enabling ecommerce set up, the creation of commercially sound digital strategies and the driving of sales with social media. I urge all members to take part. To register for BHETA webinars, including the opportunity to pose questions, contact Nicola Adams in BHETA Member Services on na@bheta.co.uk or on 07946 078566

torque-expo.com

82 SPOTLIGHT - Berardi - TOR047_Sept20_LAW.qxp 01/10/2020 16:42 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT BERARDI

“LIKE A SMALL AUTOMATED STORE” Berardi’s offering now includes the EasySelf-24 – a convenient vending system for a wide array of industrial equipment, that can even handle the return of items for maintenance. Berardi fills us in on the details...

erardi’s core value is innovation to stay ahead of the curve in specialised logistics services. Hailing from its headquarters in Castel Guelfo, Bologna, Berardi today is a network of 12 Italian depots, three subsidiaries (Vibolt, Vitman, VIBF), a representative office in Croatia, and a sales branch in Morocco. The latest entry in the company’s offering of logistics services is the EasySelf-24 system. The EasySelf-24 is a vending system for industrial equipment, which can be placed close to production lines. “With this tool,” explains Project Coordinator Andrea Destro, “our clients can reduce costs, as every single operator becomes responsible, and the whole supply chain is monitored and tracked.” The EasySelf-24 is a smart machine that provides useful information to simplify the management of the items stored within it. Endowed with carousels and separate bins with doors, the machine can store various items, both fast-moving and durable items, both large and small, such as PPE, utensils, or consumables such as drill bits, abrasive pads and spare parts. Among its many functions, the EasySelf24 can handle the returning of durable items when they need maintenance or recalibration, for example torque wrenches. The machine sends a notification when the usage timespan expires, so that the operator can return the used item, and take a new or restored one. Its storage capacity is flexible, to obtain maximum efficiency and get quicker returns on the investment made. The EasySelf-24 optimises consumption, reducing total storage costs, and handles as many as 560 items in minimal space. The management software allows

torque-expo.com

Berardi says the EasySelf-24 is “an investment in efficiency”

for easy monitoring of low stocks and reordering points, while providing usage data that leads to stocks and cost savings. Alessandro Destro adds: “It’s a bit like a small automated store. It’s an investment in efficiency to help our clients save space, time, and money. It is essential to exploit

these supply chain synergies between producer, distributor and final user, especially in the today’s dynamic economic context, where every cost you manage to cut is a step forward in development.” www.gberardi.com

TORQUE_DIRECTORY_5xPages_Sept20_NEW_LAYOUT.qxp 30/09/2020 15:40 Page 1

DIRECTORy SPOTLIGHTS

Welcome to this month’s nEW ADDITIOnS

BRALO UK Ltd

n Blind Rivets n Insert Nuts n Rivets tools n Fastener and Fixing n Lockbolt and Structural Rivets

BRALO offers solutions in fixing systems in twelve categories of rivets and nuts, among which stand out the standard rivets, multigrip, peeled, trebol, structural; cylindrical, grooved, hexagonal and semi-hexagonal rivet nuts; a complete range of manual tools, new range of 6 battery riveting tools and 5 pneumatic riveting tool BNT.

T +44 121 567 3230 E info@bralo.com W www.bralo.com

Boltfast

n 10.9 hex bolts/set n 10.9 allthread n Class 10 full nuts n Grade 10 nylocs n Thru hardened washers Din6916 T +44 (0) 1922 749 357 E info@boltfast.co.uk W www.boltfast.co.uk

BRESCO MECHFAST LIMITED

n Fasteners and fixings n UK Manufacturing n Small run special fasteners n Cage nut, captive and speed fasteners n Nylon and plastics fasteners T +44 (0) 1623 883 000 E sales@mechfast.co.uk W www.mechfast.co.uk

Güde is a family-owned company based in Plettenberg, Germany, founded in 1948.

Güde GmbH

n Spring lock washers n Sperrkant washers n Sperrkant spring washers n Contact washers n Conical washers T 0049 2391 9190-0 E info@guede.net W www.guede.net

Socketfast

n Socket caps n Socket countersunks n Socket buttons n Socket shoulder screws n Socket flange buttons T +44 (0) 1922 749 363 E info@socketfast.co.uk W www.socketfast.co.uk

The company annually manufactures billions of safety washers like split lock washers & wire bended and stamped parts, supplying costumers all over the world. 5,000 constantly available storage spaces guarantee very short lead times. Güde also offers customerspecific packing solutions and labelling.

Socketfast specialises in importing and distributing socket screw products into the UK and European wholesale markets. As an alternative supplier Socketfast offers a wealth of experience in meeting clients needs and expectations. Combined with high quality product and service, worth fastening onto.

Established over 30 years, we continue to stock and supply high quality fasteners to stockists throughout the UK. Our main strength being Hexagon head fasteners in 10.9 and 8.8 grades, also hexagon nuts and nylon insert nuts in class 10 and 8.

Mechfast is established as a market leader and is recognised for exceptional service, timely delivery, competitiveness and total solutions. If we can’t source an item, we could potentially manufacture it for you Our manufactured products are available in stainless steel and mild steel, with finishes such as zinc. Our central warehouse is stocked with a wide range of fasteners & fixings. Our focus is providing quality products on time and in the most cost-effective manner.

Supplying fastener products for over 50 years throughout the UK. Specialising in hexagon head products, threaded rods, nuts & washers. K-Engineering

n Allthread 1Mtr/3Mtr/3Ft n Washers n Nuts n Cup square n Roofing bolts

Stock excess of 2,000 tonnes. Through three UK branches we offer an extensive distribution network and quality service.

T +44 (0) 1922 749 350 E info@k-engineering.co.uk W www.k-engineering.co.uk

WASI GmbH is one of the market leaders in the trade of stainless steel fasteners. WASI GmbH Stainless steel fasteners/components n Standard parts (DIN / ISO etc.) n Maritime accessories n Solar mounting systems n Special and drawing parts n levelling adjustment elements T +49(0)202 / 26 32-0 E info@wasi.de W www.wasi.de/en

WASI has 60 years of experience, keeps 21,000 articles in stock, has 200 employees, supplies 6,500 customers in 80 countries. WASI stands for: Personal support (native languages), availability, fast delivery, in-house quality laboratory, customised packaging.

TORQUE_DIRECTORY_5xPages_Sept20_NEW_LAYOUT.qxp 30/09/2020 15:40 Page 2

Torque Magazine Issue 47

Articles inside

SPOTLIGHT

KOLHAGE FASTENERS