Issue: #108 November 2017

As a bi-monthly magazine the year inevitably gets broken down into six issues – resulting in the months seemingly flying by. Even so, it only feels like yesterday that I was enjoying the summer weather in Germany, whilst visiting companies for our special Made in Germany feature.

During the trip, I visited several companies and gained a unique perspective on the current situation in the German fastener market. One of the most impressive developments was at GESIPA® as it nears the completion of its Evotion Project.

An in-depth tour of the Thal site highlighted how big a project it has been for the company, as well as the strong position it is in to continue the expansion of both its rivet and tool production in the future.

Other visits included R+FK Schulte to find out the latest developments – based on its policy of trust and reliability, as well as an insight into SCHNORR GmbH and how it is modernising its operations. I also had the opportunity to find out more about Robert GRASS GmbH & Co KG a German producer of special nuts in big dimensions – and how it has gone through a significant period of investment. The final article in the Made In Germany feature includes HEICO Group’s ability to provide the highest standards of fastener production.

Ambrovit Srl, and its relentless passion and commitment to investing in growth, is the focus of our Cover Story. The Italian enterprise has dedicated itself to continuously developing both its product ranges and target markets, and this commitment is undoubtedly paying off. 

We also have a special report from the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors’ meeting in October and its initiative to focus on ‘Women in the industry’ – including interviews with leading figures within the industry. 

In the Manufacturing Technology section we have an article concentrating on NME National Machinery GmbH and its Open House in September, as well as excellent articles on the latest developments in inspection, packing and testing machinery. 

On top of this, Peter Golla, team leader of the NORMA test lab in Maintal, Germany, focuses on the process of product testing at NORMA and how it is influenced by current trends; Graham Musgrove, product engineer at Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings, looks at the case for structural blind fasteners in automotive applications; and
Nord-Lock Group gives it advice on how to join aluminium parts with bolted joints.