Founded in 1976 by a small group of fastener specialists, UDIB is the sole Italian union of fastener distributors and accounts for more than 40 associated companies – specialised in the distribution of fasteners.
Over the years the association has been led by different presidents and boards, all of which added something to the growth of the association. During the last eight years, Gian Marco Dalpane has been president, supported by several board members.
The association’s purpose is to regulate and standardise the relations among fastener distributors and national or international manufacturers. UDIB also promotes relationships between the associated members, providing technical and regulatory support – eventually solving the problems encountered in a unified way.
Through the close relationships of UDIB members, the association was able to put together a survey on the recent Covid-19 pandemic. This showed that UDIB members have experienced dramatic results, including very big losses in terms of turnover and profits – due to the very long shutdown duration and, UDIB says, the waste of time in epidemic solutions (Italy was the first to fall to the pandemic in Europe, but one of the last to define the problem).
During the outbreak UDIB has held several web meetings and kept members informed about the Italian government’s additional legislations. UDIB even wrote letters to political leaders to ask for fastener companies to be allowed back to work, without further restrictions, whilst respecting the rules defined by the emergency.
During the lockdown period, useful ‘Italian ways’ to manage emergency moments also emerged. Through UDIB connections, members shared these convenient ways to maintain market control and comply with sudden changes in health regulations.
During such a difficult period it is hard to see opportunities for the future. However, UDIB believes that by using well known Italian characteristic, members will be able to rise again, quickly, and in a brilliant way. The association will also look to attract new members and to continue to share information across its membership.
UDIB is also one of EFDA’s founding members, so it has seen how EFDA has grown to play a fundamental role in Europe’s fastener geography and how it is respected at the highest level of EU politics. Being part of EFDA also means to be part of a leading association and have the possibility to discuss national information at a superior continental level.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
Don't have an account? Sign Up
Signing up to Fastener + Fixing Magazine enables you to manage your account details.
