With the invaluable support of Optimas Manufacturing, the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors (BIAFD) delivered another successful ‘Introduction to Fastener Manufacturing’ day.
Thirty delegates from BIAFD member companies, visited the Optimas Manufacturing facility in Droitwich Spa, UK, in February. The day comprised of a one hour seminar on fastener forming processes, presented by BIAFD director, Phil Matten; an introduction to Optimas Manufacturing and its processes by Sales Manager Zak Tolley; and a guided tour of the production operation.
Significantly, for more than three-quarters of the delegates, this was their first opportunity to see fastener manufacturing. “Previous groups have rated seeing the actual processes and having them explained by experienced production managers, as one of the biggest values of the day,” said Phil. “BIAFD began arranging these tours some five years ago, working also with the British Steel Wire Rod Mill in Scunthorpe. The aim is to help distribution personnel, who in their normal role will not see the product made, recognise the complexity of engineering skill and technology behind what can sometimes be written off as ‘only a screw’.”
Several of the team from Phil Holden Fasteners Ltd (PHF), owned by current BIAFD chairman Guy Stanhope, have already attended. “For independent, mid-sized fastener distributors like PHF, these BIAFD events are invaluable and are just one of a number of reasons our membership is a no-brainer,” says Guy. “There is simply no more effective way for our people to get their heads around what it takes to manufacture the products they are selling each day, and I am absolutely sure that makes a positive difference for PHF.”
BIAFD wishes to express its appreciation to Optimas Manufacturing and its team for the generous support in making this event possible.
BIAFD’s next member event is a technical seminar, already expecting more than 50 attendees, focusing on hydrogen embrittlement and the implications of the recently published revision to EN ISO 4042, the electroplated coating system for fasteners standard.
For more on BIAFD membership visit www.biafd.org or email info@biafd.org.uk
Having held senior management roles in leading automotive and fastener businesses, Phil joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine as editor in 2002. Convinced there is no substitute for ‘being there’, over 17 years of visits and interviews around the world means he has accumulated an extraordinary knowledge and perspective of the global fastener industry, reflected in his incisive and thought provoking reporting.
Don't have an account? Sign Up
Signing up to Fastener + Fixing Magazine enables you to manage your account details.
