Issue: 149 (Sep - Oct 2024)

As the biggest issue ever in over 25 years, I am confident the September edition of Fastener + Fixing Magazine made a satisfying ‘thud’ when it hit everybody’s desks. Inside there are over 200 pages of jam-packed insights, news and developments across the fastener and fixing sector – especially when it comes to the Italian market.

We have an exceptional ‘Made in Italy’ feature that includes 42 Italian companies, from SMEs to global leaders – producing everything from high strength bolts, automotive fasteners, screws, rivets, nails, mechanical and chemical anchors, retaining rings and washers, threaded rods and tie rods, to precision turned parts, power tools and specials, as well as leading machinery for every step of the fastener manufacturing process.

With the ongoing impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation, the feature really does underline the type of products that are available from an EU country with a reputation for the very highest quality.

Alongside our ‘Made in Italy’ feature we have a preview of the upcoming Fastener Fair Italy show, which takes place from 29^th – 30^th October in hall 3 of CityLife – Allianz MiCo in Milan. We also have an exhibitor list of those companies at the event, as well as a floor plan to help find them during the show.

As always at Fastener + Fixing Magazine, we like to get out into the market, which is why we will also be exhibiting at the show. So, whether you are a visitor or exhibitor make sure you visit stand 144 to say ‘hello’.

Another special feature in the exhibition section is focused on Fastener Fair Global, which is just over six months away. In addition to an interview with Liljana Goszdziewski, portfolio director for the European Fastener Fairs, about what visitors and exhibitors can expect from Fastener Fair Global 2025, we also invited key exhibitors to give us their thoughts on why the show is a must attend event and what they have planned.

Other key articles within this edition include our Cover Story, which is focused on Italian wholesaler Ambrovit – who explains how, in the era of Industry 4.0, technological innovation is transforming every sector and logistics is no exception – from operational efficiency to customer service, every area is affected by the ‘revolution’.

To add to this there are articles from the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors on why, one way or another, the impact of CBAM will only continue to intensify for UK and Irish businesses; we have an article on the growth of Fast Trade, which has created a network of distribution and logistics centres in Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Romania, enabling it to experience significant growth in just a few years; plus there is an SME Insight into WOLTERS, a nut producer with over 100 years of production experience, but it’s not just its experience that allows it to position itself as a benchmark for the sector.