Issue: 104 (Mar - Apr 2017)

By the time most of you are reading this, it will only be a couple of weeks before the whole industry gets together at Fastener Fair Stuttgart, and I for one cannot wait.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine has two exciting projects that will be taking place during the show. Firstly, we will be hosting a special seminar programme across the three days (Hall 5, Stand 2422) that will include presentations from leading exhibitors and key associations. Further details on the main topics and line-up can be found on pages 64 – 65. 

To add to this there is also the Route to Fastener Innovation Competition, which involves the latest fastening technologies from exhibitors – with awards handed out on the final day of the show. We have a preview that gives an insight into the new products and services that have been entered – giving you the opportunity to learn more about the products in advance and what stands to visit during the show. 

Our Cover Story focuses on REYHER and how its logistics, warehousing, product range, and services, are all geared to the future. Other articles include an exclusive interview with Ronald Baarslag, CEO at Fabory, on how fasteners will continue to be at the core of the Fabory business; Geoff Budd looks back at 40 years in the industry, and how he is still learning; as well as Optimas Solutions explaining how it is able to offer support and integration at every level of the supply chain. 

We also bring you critical news impacting the fastener industry including updates on steel input costs; uncertainty over nickel, the latest acquisitions across the industry, as well as sales reports from key industry players – helping create an overview of how the global industry is performing. 

To add to that we have in-depth articles from Mark Salmon, of Independent Fixing Consultants, outlining some of the most significant developments in the world of construction fixings; Ruben Limonta, technical engineer at Beneri SpA, looks at how different blanking technologies may influence the final performance of retaining rings; and Fastener Engineering Consultant Dr John Newnham focuses on the requirements for manufacturing fasteners for the aerospace industry.