Issue: 129 (May - Jun 2021)

In my March editorial I spoke about 2021 being a ‘year like no other’ with the fastener industry facing a number of market challenges. Unfortunately, this ‘Perfect Storm’ seems to have gathered even more strength over the last two months.

With this in mind we have put together a report within our Insight section that looks at how the supply side of the industry is continuing to be impacted by the cost and availability of steelmaking raw material; the continuing challenges regarding global container freight; the struggles regarding workforce availability; as well as current and potential constrictive trade measures.

With certain products already in short supply and manufacturing capacity reaching limits across Europe and Asia, it is unclear whether we are in the ‘eye of the storm’ or whether things will become more difficult before they get better.

What is clear is that there has never been a more important time to make sure your business is kept up to date with what is happening, so make sure the key people within your company are subscribed to Fastener + Fixing Magazine (see bottom of page).

Our Cover Story focuses on Klimas Wkret-met Sp z.o.o after it celebrated its 30^th anniversary in 2020. Wojciech Klimas, owner at Kilmas Wrek-met, explains how the Polish manufacturer has developed over the years and how its over 80,000m² of production area, which includes over 100 injection machines, 200 presses and rolling mills, a cutting-edge tooling shop, advanced processing centres, high-bay warehouse, and a modern quality control department, enable it to meet the highest requirements. 

We also have an exclusive interview with Alexander Siefert, general manager at HONSEL Distribution, who discusses why VVG Befestigungstechnik became HONSEL Distribution and joined the HONSEL Group at the beginning of the year; plus Peter Schröder GmbH, celebrating its 50^th anniversary, explains how it has developed as a wholesaler solely focused on inch products to American and British specifications and standards.

For our other sections we have some excellent special features, starting with the Construction Fixings section – where we look at heavy-duty anchors, including an article from INDEX A PERFECT FIXING that highlights four of its high-load anchors that can be used for the most demanding projects.

There is another fascinating feature in Manufacturing Technology that focuses on threading, machining and secondary operations, with an article from AICHELIN Group – which looks at the basics of heat treatment; as well as Cleaning Technology Group LLC outlining the Ransohoff cleaning solutions it can supply.

Plus, there is a hardness testing feature in our Fastener Testing section, a Marine feature in Application Technology and finally a drivers, screwdrivers and drive bits feature, and security screws feature, in Products + Tools.