Issue: #140 March 2023

For most people, the first time they will see a printed version of this March issue will be at the Fastener Fair Global show – so if you are there and you are reading this, how does it feel to be back?

After four long years since the last show, I am sure Fastener Fair Global will not disappoint and the atmosphere is sure to be electric. The whole Fastener + Fixing team will be at the show and of course our magazine will be on full display – either through the exhibitor stand drop (which I can testify takes a very long time the night before the show), via the Fastener + Fixing Magazine stand (Hall 7, stand 3874) or the multiple media points throughout the four halls of the show. 

As visitors, and our loyal readership, will be able to testify, this edition is a ‘big one’ at exactly 200 pages, underlining that when it comes to staying informed on the latest developments across the global fastener industry, Fastener + Fixing Magazine cannot be beaten. 

Our Cover Story for this issue is focused on German washer manufacturer Puehl and how the company marked its 125^th anniversary, as well as what the next steps will be in its development as a modern forward-looking business.

Within our Insight section we have an abundance of articles on key developments within the fastener sector and at individual companies. Firstly, Gary Peters, director at The Metals Warehouse, discusses why confidence in the nickel market is so low, and what might happen next for this commodity. Next up, Bontempi Vibo highlights how the restructuring of its sales department, and a new sales strategy, will enable it to continue to grow as a business – whilst getting even closer to its customers. Another article within the section concentrates on Brazilian manufacturer Continental Parafusos and how it has introduced an investment strategy to upgrade its production machines to continue meeting customers needs around the world. 

Within our Construction Fixings section, we have excellent pieces from Barbara Sorgato, secretary general at the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP), who discusses the circular economy and the European industry; as well as Dr Ulrich Bourgund and Thomas Holland-Letz of Construction Fixings Europe, who give the manufacturers’ view on UKCA Marking based on European Technical Assessments. To add to this, there is also a special feature on structural steel and cladding fasteners, with some insightful articles.

The special feature within the Manufacturing Technology section is on heading and forging, for which we have received some excellent content, including SACMA Group and its passion for inventing; Jerry Bupp, vice-president sales and marketing at National Machinery LLC, looks at the use of technology within cold forming; and Carlo Salvi reports on how its wide range of machinery has helped ‘shape’ the fastener industry.

So far, I have only scratched the surface on the huge number of articles and insights included, but I am already running out of space. Therefore, do make sure you go through every page, to make sure you stay better informed.