FASTENER FAIR NEWS

The only exhibition in the United States dedicated to the full supply chain—distributors, mechanical and design engineers, purchasers, wholesalers and OEMs.  

WIFI honors the memory of Margaret Davis of ISSCO, INC/BTM Manufacturing with a new scholarship for 2022, which Fastener Fair USA has graciously provided.  Some of the best women have led the way for all women in the fastener industry and Margaret is one of these amazing ladies. 

After the great success of the 2021 event in Cleveland this past November—the first for the USA show in 2 years—Fastener Fair USA continues its momentum onward to Detroit, May 17 – 19, 2022 at Huntington Place (Formerly known as Cobo Center/TCF Center). 

From 17-18 November 2021, the fastener and fixing community has come together at Fastener Fair CONNECT. The new digital event succeeded in connecting international attendees from various industrial sectors looking to source for the latest innovative products, equipment and services from fastening technology suppliers. In addition, the interactive networking event offered a platform for in-depth expert talks and knowledge transfer. 

Fastener Fair USA 2021 wrapped up its first in-person event since 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio—reuniting the industry in the leading hub for manufacturing in North America. Featuring a day-long educational program on November 8, and a productive, two-day exhibit hall on November 9 & 10—Fastener Fair USA fostered crucial business connections and sourcing opportunities for the full supply chain.

Fastener Fair CONNECT is a two-day online meeting place for business trade, networking and learning opportunities, calling all international fastener and fixing industry professionals next week from 17-18 November.

The only exhibition in the United States dedicated to the full supply chain—for ALL the industry in the HEART of manufacturing. 

Fastener Fair CONNECT is a two-day online business trade, network and knowledge platform calling all international fastener and fixing industry professionals from 17-18 November 2021. Registration to attend the event is now available on the official show website.

Fastener Fair CONNECT is the first online marketplace and digital business platform unifying Fastener Fair shows worldwide.

The 9th International Exhibition for the Fastener and Fixing Industry will take place from 21-23 March 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany.

2021 Captive Fastener Products are available throughout Fastbolt’s product portfolio and locations, effective April 1.

Winning companies for 2021 include Apmhexseal, Camo Fasteners, Cat’s Claw Fasteners, Hytorc, Jergen’s, Multi Piece Fasteners, and Spirol.

Lambda Technologies Group has released a study showing how threaded fastener fatigue life can be dramatically improved by using compressive residual stress.

Tanner Bolt is now the exclusive master distributor for Parker’s patented Lock-Out® anti-theft fasteners, engineered to perform in high torque applications.

Würth Additive Group will provide expanded 3D printing products and services, including financing and rental options on equipment. 

To hang decorative panels made of composite material like carbon fiber, particleboard, MDF, or honeycombs, a specialized fastener, the deform nut, can grip the material.

Greenkote reports an uptick in demand for corrosion protection on environmentally-exposed metal fasteners and hardware.

3D printing, rapid prototyping, state-of-the-art equipment enhance Optimas’ cold forming fastener production.

The fastener business is on an upswing, so Stanley Engineered Fasteners will keep Stanfield open.

The curtailment of air travel by the pandemic hit a business focused on airplanes.

Action Fastenings, Inc. has been sold to a private investor by Generational Equity. Details on the acquisition, which closed December 18, 2020, were not disclosed.

Avantus Aerospace named Bruce Maynard Vice President Business Development & Marketing. Maynard’s “extensive background in aerospace supply chain, manufacturing and engineering makes him ideally suited for this exciting Group role,” according to an Avantus release.

Copley Equity Partners, a private equity firm and family office headquartered in Boston, said that it has completed a growth investment into, AeroMed Group, to facilitate the company’s acquisition of etaGLOBAL, LLC.

Stanley Engineered Fastening will permanently close its facility in Stanfield, NC, reports the Stanfield News & Press.

Hex Technology has introduced CHUCK, a Bolting Data Unit intended to let craft assembler trainees see the readings for the bolt load achieved when they apply torque. 

Marine Fasteners has a new landlord at its Orlando-area distribution center, into which it moved last spring on a 10-year lease.

Fastener Fair USA has been rescheduled for November 8-10, 2021 (Conference: November 8 | Expo Hall: November 9-10) at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Ohio.

These fasteners are specially designed to withstand extremes. Why do we need them?

Anyone who has ever tried to drive a screw into a board, only to strip out the recess with the driver bit? The cause of this may be poor installation technique. But it may also stem from bad quality.

In July 2020, Purdy Engineering contacted John While Springs in Singapore to develop and manufacture volute springs for a space vessel.

Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI) recognized three individuals and a company, BTM Manufacturing, in its annual awards program.

Fastener revenue faltered at Howmet (formerly Arconic), largely due to COVID-19, and to delays in commercial aerospace distribution.

SASPI, whose compact machines automate thread rolling, says it completed R&D on the VOLCAB aircraft engine fastener.

After tariffs and trade wars, manufacturers and distributors were already reviewing supply chains. Then the pandemic hit.

The city welcomes a key industrial event for 2021 as Fastener Fair USA plans its arrival November 8-10 with an expanded partnership with the International Fastener Machine Exhibition as part of Fastener Fair USA.

Nucor’s skilled staff members explain the cold-forming process, and advantages of sourcing steel from its own U.S. mills. 

Würth Industry says it acquired the Louisiana assets of Techni-Tool Inc., a business operation known as MDM Tool Supply even after Techni-Tool acquired it in September 2019.

The Defense Logistics agency, which buys 900,000 SKU’s of bench stock fasteners, is surveying vendors so it can be a better buyer. 

Hurt by the pandemic, P&F Industries eyes incursion into its pneumatic air-power tools.

Classes from technical centers around the world – like Calvin Rans at Delft University in the Netherlands – are accessible by remote learning. 

GLENVIEW, IL - Industrial fastener firm Optimas Solutions, promoted Marc Strandquist to CEO, succeeding newly elected Optimas Board Chair TJ Rosengarth. 

NORWALK, CT - Fastener Fair USA announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with the International Fastener Machinery & Suppliers’ Association (IFMSA), owners of the International Fastener Manufacturing Exhibition (IFME).

PLEASANTON, CA — Construction fastener firm Simpson Manufacturing names Michael Olosky Chief Operating Officer. Effective November 30 Olosky succeeds Ricardo Arevalo, who retired in February 2020 after 20 years with the company, known largely for its Simpson Strong-Tie connectors, truss plates, fastening systems and fasteners.

COLUMBUS, OH — The U.S. Department of Defense, which recently designated Ohio as a Defense Manufacturing Community, approved a $5 million grant to improve defense manufacturing processes in the state and to workers for next-generation jobs.

SANTA CLARITA, CA - Avantus Aerospace, which makes C-Class and Composite parts for the aerospace and defense industry, acquired two California fastener manufacturers, announcing the deals in the space of just one week:  Fastener Innovation Technology, in Rancho Dominguez, on Sept. 29; and California Screw Products, in Paramount, on Oct. 6.

INDIANAPOLIS - Würth Industry North America, the leading industrial distributor of supply chain solutions for fasteners, signed a national agreement with DSM, to distribute the company's 3D printing materials for stereolithography and fused filament fabrication.

CHATTANOOGA, TN –Bolts & Nuts Corp., a nationwide industrial distribution firm based in Chattanooga, TN, has changed its name and re-branded as Stock’d Supply. The move was made in recognition of recent acquisitions it has closed, as well as organic investment in technology and an expanded products and services offering.

WINDSOR, CT - A.K.O., Inc. Torque Specialties announced it has joined the International Fastener Machinery & Suppliers Association (IFMSA). A.K.O. reports in the latest Fastener Technology International magazine, that it joined IFMSA to support its continued expansion into the fastener marketplace.

KALAMAZOO, MI - STC Dip Spin, based in Kalamazoo, MI, and Forplan AG located in Brugg, Switzerland, have formed a strategic alliance to offer state-of-the-art equipment and processes for the application of coatings—particularly zinc flake paint.

Taryn Goodman, VP of finance at Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. has a demanding role as manager in her family’s business. But she also finds time to volunteer as a director with Women in the Fastener Industry or WIFI, where she was profiled, and which provides opportunities for women in the industry to connect, network, and learn from one another.

CLARKESVILLE, GA – Morito Scovill Americas provides customers with many years of combined expertise from design to delivery. With a presence in over 25 countries, MSA offers a vast supply chain network to provide high-performance fasteners for apparel and industrial applications as well as attaching machine equipment and expert technical support.

Mechanical locking devices such as split washers, nylon nuts and flat washers were invented to solve the common problem of loosening that happens in most threaded assemblies. Loctite says the reality is that they do not maintain clamp load as assemblies “locked” with these devices often loosen under vibration, thermal expansion and/or improper torque.

CHARDON, OH – Even firms that are working remotely due to the pandemic can tap Solon Manufacturing’s expertise. Its engineering team is available for virtual "Tech Talks" or training sessions. Whether experiencing issues in the field, or seeking educational product training in a virtual setting, Solon can help from a distance!

BRUNSWICK, OH – ARaymond Tinnerman, the North American business of global fastener firm ARaymond, in Grenoble, France, said it will close its Brunswick, OH plant as it rationalizes manufacturing.

International fastener specialist TR Fastenings has achieved the AS9120 Certification following an extensive audit of its operations and in response to customer demand. AS9120 recognizes the continuing commitment to aerospace quality and conformance. It also places TR Fastenings among a select group of companies that practice the highest quality standards required in this sector.

Sky Climber Fasteners says its high-strength Titan barrel nuts exceed 50 torque test cycles, outperforming other nuts and locknuts. Sky Climber Fasteners’ engineering and R&D teams are Centers of Excellence in the aerospace fastener industry. Its state-of-the-art Machining & Injection Molding facilities are located in California and Ohio, and have a unique ability to produce a wide variety of fasteners using metal, plastic and composite materials for structural, engine and interior applications.

ROCKY RIVER, OH - Earnest Machine Products has completed its acquisition of National Threaded Fasteners, a master distributor of hex flange screws and hex flange nuts based in Perry, OH. The acquisition was originally announced to customers in February. Its inventory and operations have now been moved from NTF facilities in Perry, OH, to Earnest facilities in Indianapolis and Atlanta.

STUTTGART, GERMANY - The world’s largest show for the fastener and fixings industry, Fastener Fair Stuttgart, reports 80 percent of its exhibition space has been sold. A sister show to Fastener Fair USA, it takes place May 18-20, 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany.

VALENCIA, CA - M & M Fasteners Supply Inc. says it has experienced a great deal of growth since moving to Valencia in the heart of Santa Clarita Valley industrial center little over a year ago, according to Eunice Hajek, CEO. 

A typical lead-time for the development and production of a new or custom fastener is 18 weeks. But rapid prototyping approaches can cut this time in half (usually 8 weeks) for many of its popular items, says Stanley Engineered Fasteners. This allows OEM engineers to prove a design before going to full production — saving time and costs associated with a production run of new, untested fasteners.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI – TriMas says its fastener-focused Aerospace segment saw net sales for the second quarter decrease 13.9% to $42.6 million. Representing 26% of its parent company’s overall revenues, the drop came primarily due the impact of significantly lower air travel and reduced commercial and business jet production related to the global pandemic. It was partially offset by the sales increase related to the acquisition of RSA in February 2020.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Midwest Fastener (through a wholly-owned subsidiary) has acquired Hy-Ko Products. Sellers Bass/Kaufman (Hy-Ko) will still be involved, with the goal of superior customer care, long-term growth, and operational efficiencies. The cultural and business combination makes sense for the new company moving forward, said Midwest Fastener in statement. The new company, Hy-Ko Products Company, LLC, will be led by the DeVries family (Midwest Fastener). 

Century Fasteners Corp. has promoted longtime employee James Harding to Director of Operations, reporting to both company Co-Presidents, Tom Brodsky and Evan Stieglitz.

Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., the nation’s largest staple manufacturer, reports its petition last year to the U.S. International Trade Commission was successful.

Endries International has acquired All-West Components & Fasteners Inc., a 24-employee firm based near Seattle. 

Grainger, the global broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products for businesses and institutions, says it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its European fastener business.

An OEM designer and manufacturer of emergency exit fire doors and related hardware is searching for a more consistent method of assembling their main push-pad product line.

As the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly advanced across the U.S., medical equipment manufacturers set aggressive time tables to ramp-up production of ventilators that had been in short supply.

During the pandemic, Rotor Clip Company says it is open and has full manufacturing capability to support its customers with its full range of products.

Dostmann To Become CFO of Swiss Fastening Firm SFS Group.

As automotive and aviation engineers continue to pursue material weight reduction, use of components made of aluminum and magnesium are increasing. 

Apex Tool Group’s has launched the Crescent u-GUARD series of non-marring covered tools.

Industrial Threaded Products, Inc. says it acquired Construction Tool & Threading Co., a custom manufacturing company that has been serving the construction and industrial market for over 80 years.

Newark, NJ-based Zago Manufacturing says it is ready to meet heightened, global demand for its specialty high-tech sealing fasteners.

Würth Industry will distribute Markforged 3D printers, including the latest metal-printing models.

A new digital platform gives you year-round access to technical resources, custom recommendations to leading suppliers, and expert-led virtual education.

He succeeds the company’s founder and owner, Keith Mantis, who passed away April 19.

Increasingly, coatings must meet demands having to do with design as well as function, says fastener giant Bossard.