Issue: 144 (Nov - Dec 2023)

A key theme running throughout this edition of Fastener + Fixing Magazine is the seemingly endless introduction of regulations and requirements that fastener companies are having to take on, which creates an extra burden without generating more sales.

First up, within the industry news section, the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) warns of the impact from the latest EU sanctions on Russia that continue to impact the import and export of iron and steel products across the whole of Europe. Having come into force at the beginning of September, CBM urges companies to urgently explore the legislation that requires evidence that iron and steel used to produce components in a third country (outside of the EU and UK) does not originate from Russia.

In addition to this challenge, there is also the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation, with the transition phase having started at the beginning of October. Once again we have a report from a second European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) webinar that looked to give an update on the impact of the regulation – with Andreas Schneider of StahlmarktConsult once again giving a presentation on the intricacies of the CBAM regulation and provided hints on how importers can make their way through the “jungle” that is the CBAM obligations.

Regulations is also a major talking point in our exclusive Made in Germany feature, which provides a unique insight into the developments at manufacturers within the German fastener market. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the opening article
from Hans Führlbeck, general manager at Deutscher Schraubenverband – the independent industry association for German fastener manufacturers. Hans discusses the latest developments within the German fastener market and how the association
looks to support its members with information, working groups and networking opportunities – especially when it comes to
regulation requirements.

Also within the Made in Germany feature we have articles from several leading German manufacturers including Dresselhaus, Bülte, AMBA, fischer, Goebel, HONSEL, REISSER, HEICO, PRINZ, PREBENA, rfks, RUKO, Schwer + Kopka, TOGE, GESIPA and AGTOS.

The Cover Story for this edition also covers the topic of regulations and requirements, but this time from a quality perspective – with Nord-Lock® explaining how it has strengthened its industry leading position with the unique CE Marking of its securing washers – underlining the importance of quality and complying with regulations.

As always, we also have a host of contributing articles, including Ulrich Bourgund and Thilo Pregartner, from Construction Fixing Europe Association, who look at the aspect of digitilsation when it comes to the development of the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and how it will require a ‘digital value stream’ – beyond a digital DoP. To add to this, there is an article in the Management + Systems section from regular contributor Jason Bader, principle of The Distribution Team, who provides some tips on how to stay safe online and avoid getting hacked. Finally, Peter Standring, technical secretary at Industrial Metalforming Technologies, muses about the role and importance of the dimensional measurements of fasteners and how AI may play a part in the future. Enjoy!