Issue: #131 September 2021

Winston Churchill is famously quoted as saying: “Never let a good crisis go to waste” and it seems that a significant number of fastener companies have adopted this philosophy over the last 18 months.

Covid-19, sea freight challenges, raw material prices/availability, and haulage issues, on their own would all be classed as an individual crisis, but together they have impacted the sector hugely and will undoubtedly have long-lasting effects on every sectory for months if not years to come. However, fastener companies throughout the world have still looked to innovate, develop and grow, even in these most difficult of times.

That is why we have published a special Industry Insight feature, where we shine a light on the positive developments by companies over the past year and showcase the very best innovations, products, as well as new capabilities and expansions within companies. 

Another business that has continued to develop is Ambrovit. Our Cover Story looks at how the company has continued its emphasis on automation – with Ambrovit increasing its number of automation lines for even faster order processing and faster product delivery.

Within our Insight section we also have two articles from Bontempi Vibo, the first of which is on the company’s 60^th anniversary and how the Italian manufacturer has become an international leader in advanced industrial fasteners – whilst keeping a family ethos. The second article is about the addition of Mi.Me.Af. to the Bontempi family and how the Italian SME will help Bontempi achieve its industrial growth strategy. 

For Construction Fixings we have an article from Barbara Sorgato, secretary general of ECAP, who focuses on the role Eurocodes play within the construction industry. There is also an article from Thomas Holland-Letz, technical director at Construction Fixings Europe, who discusses the importance of European Technical Assessments (ETAs).  

To add to this, we have some brilliant articles within our Testing section, such as John Cross, general manager at Rotech Laboratories and Phoenix Materials Testing, concentrating on the importance of product testing; Cesare Certini, owner of S.M.T Srl, speaking about the crucial role of taking samples within mechanical testing; and the company Helmut Fischer reporting on how the longevity of fasteners can be increased through material analysis.

Finally, we have some excellent features within Manufacturing Technology – coatings, lubrications + locking systems; Application Technology – rail; and in Products + Tools – collated fasteners, nailers, staplers + systems.