Insight

ALFIRSTE has established itself as a specialist screw and anchor manufacturer who has gained a reputation for its high-quality products and excellent service – enabling it to meet the varying needs of its global customer base.  

Founded in 2006, ALFIRSTE has developed into an international business with a factory – based in Yuyao, Zhejiang province, China – covering 15,000m² and a monthly production capacity of 1,500 tonnes. Within its factory the company uses only the latest production machinery, including heading machines, thread rolling machines, drilling machines, point cutting machines, straightening machines, multi-station machines, as well as other equipment.

This extensive production capability has enabled the company to become renowned for the production of screws and anchors, especially drywall screws, hex head/truss head/CSK head/pan head self-tapping/drilling screws, chipboard screws, construction wood screws, sleeve anchors, metal frame anchors, as well as threaded rods. “Initially, we only produced standard parts,” mentions Michael Wu, sales manager at ALFIRSTE. “However, through the addition of leading experts, and the ongoing improvement of the in-house laboratory, we have continued to grow our product portfolio and now have the ability to develop products in-house.” 

In recent years the company has used this technical know-how to develop the production of stainless steel products and bi-metal screws. “We see these two product ranges as a key factor in the future growth of the business,” underlines Michael. “At the same time, we have not given up optimising the production of our carbon steel products to make sure they continue to be competitive within the global market.”

Top quality products

Alongside the development of its product range, ALFIRSTE has also been committed to developing the quality of its products – helping to ensure customers receive only the highest quality. “As a company we continuously look to optimise our production processes to guarantee we are consistently producing quality products that are customers can trust,” states Michael. “From the storage of materials to the delivery of finished products, each batch of materials and goods is tested by our laboratory. Every production process is also checked by our quality inspectors to certify only qualified products can enter the next production process.”

ALFIRSTE is able to deliver this quality thanks to its first class quality department and fully equipped laboratory, which includes a salt spray test machine, a high and low temperature humidity box, image measuring instruments, a universal testing machine, a drilling testing machine, a Rockwell hardness machine, a metallographic specimen Mosaic machine, a Vickers hardness machine, a metallographic specimen polishing machine, a Fischerscope® X-RAY, a torque testing machine, a concentricity meter, a bending measuring machine, a metallographic microscope, a SPECTRO spectrometer, a temperature and humidity meter, as well as the standard callipers, groove depth gauges, torque wrenches, electronic scales and angle rulers.

“Our dedication to quality across every aspect of our business has enabled us to create strong relationships with customers, with our products being sold to customers in around 20 countries, including in Europe and the USA,” points out Michael. “As a business we are always looking to create close partnerships with our customers, which is why we invest a lot of money in participating at exhibitions every year, such as the recent Fastener Fair Global show in Stuttgart, Germany. We are also very proactive in inviting potential customers to our factory – so they can see first-hand our capabilities. It is only by visiting our factory and seeing our production workshop, packaging workshop, and laboratory, that customers can really understand our commitment to quality. Every customer who visits our factory is full of praise for us and can see we are a trustworthy and reliable partner.”

Innovative spirit

During the development of its production processes, expansion of its product portfolio, and continuous focus on quality, ALFIRSTE has always ensured innovation is at the centre of its business, which has been fundamental in the company’s success and growth. “Innovation is undoubtedly a core competitiveness for us,” states Michael. “The expansion of the company cannot be separated from the role of innovation, which in turn depends on investment in the business. The two complement each other, which is why, in order to continue to innovate, you need to continue to invest.”

An area ALFIRSTE is currently investing and therefore looking to innovate is its sustainable development. “Since the establishment of ALFIRSTE, we have looked to serve our customers, employees, and partners, in the correct way. It is the basis for the healthy and sustainable development of the business,” mentions Michael. “The topic of sustainability has become a key factor within every sector and as a business we want to make sure we are meeting the needs of our customers. That is why we are already taking the initiative to adopt cleaner production processes, which includes reducing waste generation. We are also looking at ‘greener’ procurement and how we can work more effectively from an environmental perspective.”

Michael concludes: “Thanks to our sophisticated production equipment, innovative methods of production and material combinations, as well as in-depth product range, we are optimistic about our future place within the fastener industry. We will continue to invest funds and innovate as a business, especially the production of our range of stainless steel and bi-metal screws. At the same time, we will continue to work with our customers and manufacture products with the spirit and heart that has seen us reach where we are today.”