Issue: #132 November 2021

With world leaders descending on Glasgow for the COP26 summit – the environment and sustainability have been dominating the headlines. With a goal to inspire climate action, where better to start than the fastener industry?

his is nowhere more apparent than in our special ‘Made in Germany’ feature. It’s clear fastener companies see their commitment to the environment as a responsibility and are making positive steps to ensure their productions become more sustainable. Our special feature includes an article from EJOT – which is aiming for climate neutrality by 2035 as well as producing products for renewable energies markets and for fastening components for the thermal insulation of buildings. We also have an article from TOGE Dübel GmbH & Co KG that outlines its commitment to keep its emissions low, by saving approximately 600,000kg of CO₂ every year. 

The feature really is a homage to the German fastener manufacturing market, covering the entire fastener manufacturing supply chain – from coatings, locking and sealing solutions, stud welding, coating line machinery, storage boxes, to manufacturers of an array of fasteners.

‘Made in Germany’ also highlights that 2021 has been a time of investment for many companies, including an article from Eurotec which has doubled its production facility in Hagen, as well as investing in new machinery to supply a range of wood construction screws. HEICO Group also details its new production facilities, as well as rfks highlighting its investment in three new automatic punching presses, increasing its production capabilities by 30%.

Another investment that’s continued into 2021 is the JRP brand of rivets and rivet nuts. Our Cover Story concentrates on the JRP brand and the new lines of rivets that have been added to the range over the last 12 months, as well as the second edition of the very popular JRP catalogue.

To add to this, I also had the pleasure of speaking to Thomas Ehrhardt, president of Stanley Black & Decker’s global engineered fastening automotive segment, for our Insight section. We last spoke to him five years ago when he took over as president of the automotive segment. We discussed what has happened in that time as well as the key trends currently in the automotive market.

We also have a couple of articles that focus on notable company anniversaries. Firstly, this year Apex Stainless Fasteners celebrates its 30^th anniversary, as well as Don Quichotte celebrating its 100^th anniversary – which is an impressive milestone.

Finally, we have some excellent features within Construction Fixings – foams, sealants + adhesives; Application Technology – renewable energy; and in Products + Tools – tapes + adhesives.