Torque Magazine issue 107 – October 2026 by Stag Publications

TRUSTED UK MANUFACTURER & DISTRIBUTOR

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS LTD

19 ED

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Thinking FASTeners Think RAPID

AB ST

80 E

FAST DELIV ERY 55 million special and custom screws according to DIN and ISO standards – that‘s over 55 million fast and precise solutions. In all standardized diameters and lengths – even in extra lengths and intermediate sizes. Direct from stock and „just in time“.

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04 Editors CONTENTS TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:04 Page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

06 NEWS 12 WOMEN IN FASTENERS > HACER KURDOĞLU, EVERFAST

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@torque-expo.com Editor Jonathon Harker jonathon@torque-expo.com Deputy Editor Simon Yuen simon@torque-expo.com Sales Manager – UK Claire Warman claire@torque-expo.co.uk Sales Manager – International Harry Whyte harry.whyte@torque-expo.com UK Sales Manager – Tools Lloyd Ramsdale lloyd@torque-expo.com Circulation Tracy Howell tracy@torque-expo.com Head of Production Luke Wikner production@torque-expo.com Designers Dan Bennett Victoria Arellano

Published by Stag Publications Ltd 18 Alban Park Hatfield Road St Albans Herts AL4 0JJ tel: +44 (0)1727 739160 fax: +44 (0)1727 739169 Email: info@torque-expo.com Web: www.torque-expo.com Disclaimer

Although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained herein is accurate and up to date, the Publisher cannot be held responsible or in any way liable for errors or omissions during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or of Stag Publications Ltd. Proud member of:

14 COVER PROFILE > RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS HAS OPENED ITS THIRD MANUFACTURING UNIT 16 SPOTLIGHT > CHANNOV 18 SPOTLIGHT > DÖRKEN 19 TORQUE-EXPO AWARD WINNER INTERVIEW > NICOLA GORDON, HARRISON & CLOUGH 20 FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL > 20 PAGES FOCUSED ON PRODUCTION SPECIALISTS 40 FOCUS > STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS 56 FOCUS > TORQUE TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & BOLTING 66 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION > ANCHORS 76 ASSESSING CBAM > INDUSTRY TALKING HEADS DISCUSS CBAM SO FAR 86 SHOW PREVIEWS > FASTENER POLAND 88 FOCUS > DEFENCE 93 DIRECTORY > YOUR GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS & MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

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I’ve sat in a lot of industry association meetings over the last few years, and CBAM has loomed large, whether dominating presentations or discussed over coffee in quiet corners. There’s no doubt that the industry has been piling plenty of time and resource into CBAM for some time. I can safely say that, from my experience, this is not an industry that has had its head in the sand. Sadly, looking headlong at the impending legislation has not always proved hugely illuminating – the EU has been feeling its way into CBAM and has fallen short of coming to the table with a fully thought through proposal. Business abhors uncertainty, and CBAM has provided it in spades, despite its admirable intentions. Torque Magazine decided the time was right to ask key industry players for the views on the topic, assessing where we’ve got to and what’s next. Industry executives from Europe and the UK, representing importers, manufacturers and associations, have shared their candid views. Our pundits and execs have also come up with constructive criticism, noting the elements they’d change about CBAM’s implementation. Will it make any difference? Maybe the article can be added to the collective lobbying that industry associations and companies have been doing to represent the fastener industry’s interests. Our door is always open to more opinion – from all sides of the discussion – so please do share your views.

Jonathon Harker Editor jonathon@torque-expo.com

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HEAD IN THE SAND? ABSOLUTELY NOT

As part of our commitment to the environment, Torque Magazine is fully recyclable.

06 NEWS TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:05 Page 1

NEWS

News from the distribution industry… www.torque-expo.com

EU parliament paves way for CBAM expansion

Andrews Fasteners named sole UK and Ireland supplier for Blind Bolt

TREND WATCH: Carbide prices rise

he EU’s Environment Committee has produced a report backing the extension of CBAM – the EU’s environmental policy tool for fair carbon emissions pricing beyond basic materials to a long list of down stream products, including finished steel and aluminium goods such as fasteners, wire, springs and household articles. The European Parliament agreed with the proposal, with 464 votes in favour, 50 against and 159 abstentions. The Parliament rejected the proposed safeguard that would allow products to be temporarily removed from CBAM in response to price shocks. Instead, MEPs want to introduce a mechanism allowing CBAM revenues from the affected goods to be temporarily redirected to the sectors concerned. To address potential circumvention, MEPs proposed a lower threshold at which relatively small changes to a product could be considered circumven tion. They also wanted the rules to apply specifically to arrangements established solely to avoid CBAM obligations, rather than normal business decisions aimed at reducing costs. Torque Magazine’s CBAM special starts page 76.

ndrews Fasteners Limited has become the sole supplier of the Blind Bolt product range to all distribution chan nels, encompassing the entire catalogue, including branded BLIND BOLTS, HD BOLTS, and all other specialised products offered by Blind Bolt. This strategic move represents a significant step in strengthening the availability and support of these innova tive fastening solutions across the UK and Ireland market. Customers will continue to benefit from the same high quality products, now fully backed by the extensive technical expertise, robust stock availability and dedicated customer service provided by Andrews Fasteners.

ince early 2025, prices for carbide tools have been rising significantly – faster than many companies have previously expe rienced, according to reports. Based on current market observations, price increases of around 1015% for cutting tools used in machining and wear parts used in indus trial applications serve as a rough orientation, said Andreas Lackner, spokesperson for the executive board of Ceratizit. Among the factors affecting the prices are demand from the defence industry, which is building up strategic reserves in response to current conflicts “The current surge stems primarily from the raw materials side – and there, the bottleneck is tungsten,” said Lackner, spokesperson for the executive board of Ceratizit, a company within the Plansee Group, one of the largest tungsten suppliers outside China. “About 65% of the tungsten processed world wide is used for carbide tools.” Tungsten recycling is gaining traction, he added: “Suitable processes exist and tungsten is technically easy to recover within the circular economy. Nevertheless, around 70% of the tungsten used worldwide does not enter the recycling stream.”

andrewsfasteners.uk

www.plansee-group.com

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2026 MEET OUR LINE-UP FOR

Different strengths. One mission.

SCREWS & NEWS

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08 People NEWS TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:06 Page 1

NEWS

News from the distribution industry

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PEOPLE NEWS

OPTIMAS INTERNATIONAL MAKES THREE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT APPOINTMENTS

ptimas International has made three appointments to its business development division, which is responsible for the APAC and EMEA markets. Greig Callan has joined the company as Busi ness Development Director for Southeast Asia. In his new posi tion, Callan will focus on strength ening the company’s presence in the region and driving growth across Southeast Asia. For the European market, Optimas Inter national has appointed Pauline Bailleul and Pavel Zittlizki as Busi ness Development Managers. Bailleul will focus on driving growth within the semiconductor capital equipment industry, while Zittlizki will focus on driving growth across the electrification and EV markets. optimasinternational.com

Top: Greig Callan Middle: Pauline Bailleul Bottom: Pavel Zittlizki

ANOTEC PROMOTES MARK SMITH TO GENERAL MANAGER

nochrome Group's surface coating division, Anotec, has appointed Mark Smith as General Manager. Previously Production Man ager, Operations Manager and Assis tant General Manager at Anotec, Smith assumed full responsibility for the leadership and operational per formance of the company from 1 August. The company stated that Smith's promotion recognises his leadership, commitment to opera tional excellence and dedication to team development. anochrome.com

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10 11 Global News - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:06 Page 1

GLOBAL NEWS ROUND-UP Selected news from the fasteners, fixings and tools industries around the world…

NORTH AMERICA – 01

OPTIMAS INTERNATIONAL SEEKS ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES AT IFE 2026 > Optimas International looks for acquisition opportunities at the International Fastener Expo (IFE) through its Partnership Growth Programme. Optimas states that it wants to partner with established specialist engineering and industrial distribution businesses with strong technical expertise and longstanding customer relationships. It is also interested in profitable, midsized businesses and specialist productled distributors, while remaining open to larger organisations where there is a strong strategic fit.

UNITED KINGDOM – 03 01 02

NORTH AMERICA – 02

DISTRIBUTION SOLUTIONS GROUP ACQUIRES AMERICAN FASTENERS > US fastener distributor American Fasteners has been acquired by Distribution Solutions Group, a specialty distribution company based in Texas. The acquisition will strengthen Distribution Solutions Group’s maintenance, repair and operations business by expanding its customer base and presence in the South Florida market while providing additional reach into export markets throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

GWR FASTENERS ADDS CNC LATHES TO EXPAND MANUFACTURING CAPACITY > GWR Fasteners has added two new CNC slidinghead lathes, aiming to increase its growing inhouse precision manufacturing operation. The company stated that the investment represents another significant step in GWR’s development as a British precision manufacturer, increasing both its manufacturing capacity and the range and volume of work it can undertake for customers (page 30).

UNITED KINGDOM – 04

CARVERS EXPANDS OWLETT-JATON PRODUCT RANGE AT WOLVERHAMPTON STORE > Carvers has expanded its range of fixing and fastening products at its Wolverhampton store, adding products from NIFIX, JCP Fixings and Olympic Fixings. The store now features 10 2.2metre merchandising stands, two dedicated studding stands and three bays of wire netting, showcasing a broad selection of fixing and fastening products. The new displays include UNIFIX screws, nails and fasteners, alongside specialist fixing solutions from JCP Fixings and insulation fixings from Olympic Fixings.

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10 11 Global News - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:06 Page 2

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EUROPE – 05

INNOTRANS 2026 SETS NEW RECORD > September’s InnoTrans was on its largest scale yet, with a total of 3,170 exhibitors participating in the 2026 show – 200 more than in the 2024 edition, hailing from 59 countries. This year’s theme was “Mobility on a Global Scale – Shaping Projects and Growth Opportunities”, and high profile execs from government, Alstom, Siemens Mobility and Škoda took part, among others. Looking ahead, InnoTrans Asia will make its debut in 2027, over 7–9 September, at Singapore EXPO.

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or scan this QR code... ASIA – 07

TAITRA SHOWCASES TAIWAN’S MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AT IMTS 2026 > TAITRA launched the Taiwan Flagship Showcase at IMTS 2026 at McCormick Place, Chicago, bringing 56 Taiwanese manufacturers to the show. Held from 14 to 19 September 2026, the show featured the Taiwanese companies at Booth #236834 in the North Building. The companies covered the different categories in the fastener industry, including digital manufacturing solutions, precision components and the aerospace and semiconductor segment.

06 05

EUROPE – 06

KELLER & KALMBACH ESTABLISHES MSH TO ACQUIRE FORMER DRESSELHAUS OPERATIONS > The Keller & Kalmbach Group has established Münchner Schraubenhandel MSH GmbH & Co. KG (MSH) to acquire key business activities of the former Dresselhaus operation in Maisach, Germany. Effective from 1 August 2026, MSH is led by Managing Directors Axel Türke and Yalcin Karaca. Overall responsibility for the integration into the Keller & Kalmbach Group rests with Gerhard Hemmer, Managing Director of both the Keller & Kalmbach Group and MSH.

ASIA – 08

NORMA GROUP EXPANDS APAC BUSINESS WITH NEW DATA CENTRE ORDERS > NORMA Group has secured multiple new orders across three AsiaPacific markets. In Malaysia, NORMA Group has secured followon business after successfully completing an earlier data centre project for a US customer. The company will supply single and quad cable cleat solutions for safe and reliable electrical connections and cable management in largescale electrical installations. The company has also secured further business for additional phases of a major data centre project in Thailand, as well as new orders in Australia.

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12 13 Women In Fasteners - Everfast - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:07 Page 1

SENIOR MANAGER,EVERFAST

HACER KURDOĞLU

INTERVIEW WOMEN IN FASTENERS

Hacer Kurdoğlu has seen positive changes as the fastener industry has evolved over the years, not least in terms of growing diversity in leadership roles. Kurdoğlu discusses her fastener career, the challenges facing manufacturers and suppliers, and the increasingly global outlook of Everfast…

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Kurdoğlu started her career at a global fastener company

12 13 Women In Fasteners - Everfast - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:07 Page 2

How did you first become involved in the fastener industry, and what attracted you to it? My journey in the fastener industry began as an Export Manager at a global fastener company. Working closely with international customers gave me a strong understanding of the sector and its global importance. I was particularly attracted by its focus on quality, precision and continuous development. What does your role as Senior Manager at Everfast involve on a day-to-day basis? My daily role at Everfast involves closely monitoring produc tion, managing customer relationships and ensuring smooth communication between all stakeholders. What skills have been most important to your success throughout your career? Throughout my career, I believe that strong communication skills, a customerfocused mindset and the ability to resolve challenges quickly and effectively have been the key factors behind my success.

// Throughout my career, I believe that strong communication skills, a customerfocused mindset and the ability to resolve challenges quickly and effectively have been the key factors behind my success //

How has your role evolved as Everfast has grown and the industry has become more globalised? As Everfast has grown, my role has become more strategic and internationally focused. While customer relations and produc tion followup remain important, I now spend more time developing new business opportunities, expanding our global reach and supporting the company’s longterm growth. What are the biggest challenges facing fastener manufacturers and suppliers today? Today’s fastener industry faces several challenges, including global competition, fluctuating raw material costs and supply chain uncertainties. At the same time, customers expect high quality, competitive pricing and shorter delivery times. To succeed, companies must remain flexible, continuously improve their oper ations and respond quickly to changing market demands. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sector, what challenges have you encountered during your career? While the fastener industry has traditionally been maledomi nated, I have focused on building trust through professional ism, expertise and strong performance. Over the years, I have seen positive changes in the industry, and I am pleased to see more women taking on leadership roles and contributing to the sector's growth and success. What more can companies do to encourage women to pursue careers in manufacturing and fasteners? I believe women can be just as successful as men in any role or industry. The key is for companies to provide equal oppor tunities and evaluate people based on their abilities, commit ment and performance. Looking back, what has been the highlight of your career so far? A major highlight of my career has been learning how to over come challenging business situations and relationships. What advice would you give to young professionals entering the fastener industry today? I would advise young professionals to remain open to learning, take the initiative and not hesitate to take on additional responsi bility when needed. As in any field, hard work and consistency are essential to building a successful career in the fastener industry.

// I would advise young professionals to remain open to learning, take the initiative and not hesitate to take on additional responsibility when needed //

www.ever-fast.com

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14 15 COVER PROFILE - Rapid Industrial Fasteners TOR107 2026.qxp 07/10/2026 15:12 Page 1

COVER PROFILE RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS

INVESTMENT UNLOCKS FLEXIBILITY AND CAPACITY

AT RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS It’s been a busy period for the business, taking on an additional manufacturing site, new machines and new staff in the past 15 months, with more upskilling training and a business software upgrade around the corner. Now the firm is aiming to make the most of its additional capacity and flexibility, says Director Richard White…

apid Industrial Fasteners has moved pretty swiftly in the manufacturing space since it embarked on its produc tion journey, not so long ago, in 2019. Torque Magazine’s latest trip to Stourbridge, West Midlands comes 15 months after the opening of its third manufacturing unit, situated handily close to its two others on the same industrial park. While the general economy is certainly facing challenges right now, it perhaps makes Rapid’s latest round of invest ments all the more impressive.

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Filling that extra new manufacturing unit is six new CNC machines, as well as a couple of other new machines for its second manufacturing unit. It’s a significant investment, coming close to £500,000, estimates Director Richard White. The new manufacturing unit is 4,900 ft², bringing Rapid’s total manufacturing footprint up to 12,300 ft². “We can be more responsive and handle smaller volumes. It gives us real flexibility and agility. We can do everything for you, whether it is ten pieces, 100 pieces, 10,000 pieces… We

14 15 COVER PROFILE - Rapid Industrial Fasteners TOR107 2026.qxp 07/10/2026 15:12 Page 2

Rapid moved into its expanded distribution warehouse ﬁve years ago

cover all quantities through all the machines we have. “With the CNC machines, we have been able to get involved with more intricate and complicated work. There has been definite growth on the aviation side. We’ve got some really good customers where we're producing some complex avia tion parts out of some really trickytomachine materials such as Nimonic 80A and Waspalloy.” Work is continuing on the new manufacturing unit at the time of Torque’s visit, with an inspection room being put together. White says: “We've continued to invest, not only taking on the third manufacturing site and new machines, but we’ve also been investing in our people too, upskilling staff.” Part of that drive to expand and grow skills within the busi ness has seen Rapid Industrial Fasteners regularly bring in a master trainer to the site to work with employees. White expands: “It’s an ongoing relationship designed to help us build skills internally. We are making these investments because we want to continue to move forward and improve. You have to develop where you can.” That training also reflects the recruitment market, where manufacturing skills are not as easy to come across as they once were. “It’s a big problem with the skills shortages in the employ ment market. But you see 16 and 17 year olds looking at going into the trades, and perhaps with guidance and dedicated train ing, there are some workable and transferable skills and that will lead into a larger talent pool for manufacturing in future years.” Distribution & manufacture Just over the train line from Rapid’s three manufacturing units is the distribution headquarters. While the distribution ware house and offices are just five years old, Rapid’s fastener distri bution roots extend back more than four decades. The diversity of business gives the firm an interesting perspective on the way both sides operate. “As a distributor, your mindset is that you’ll find a way,” explains White. “If someone’s got a project and they can’t wait two weeks for something, then as a manufacturer you have the option to jump on a machine. “In distribution there's a totally different pace, you’re running around packaging and wrapping pallets... Manufacturing is more deliberate, with staff walking between machines and going as fast as the machines can go.” Would Rapid ever consider moving all the manufacturing under one roof? “You can’t always control that when you’re adding to the business as you go along, but maybe that’s a future ambition. If we had two manufacturing sites that might suit – we have two totally different types of manufacture, the manual side and then the CNC side. They’re significantly differ ent, with people who’ve worked their way up with machine work, while on the other side you’ve people who’ve studied to

Rapid Industrial Fasteners’ new unit has brought its total manufacturing footprint up to 12,300 ft

get to their position.” Rapid Industrial Fasteners exhibited at the UKset Torque Expo in Telford earlier this year. White says: “It was interesting because it was our third TorqueExpo. In year one there were quite a few people who I was in awe of. The second time we did it, we’d caught up a bit. This latest time it felt like we’ve moved on a step further. We’ve increased our capacity.” Skills expansion Investment has also been funnelled into personnel in terms of new recruits. Adriana [Jandova] has joined the team, bringing a science background and European language skills to support the team with enquiries and certifications. Adriana joins other key members of the Rapid team, Jason Hayfield and Rachel Hayfield. There’s also been time and effort in developing the website. Marketing Manager Louise Manser picks up the story: “We’ve got additional pages on the website and some behind the scenes work designed to future proof the site.” Social media is also an area of focus for the nimble firm, even pushing into areas not traditionally famed for fastener content. Manser explains: “We’ve been building engagement on TikTok. It’s hard to predict when it works, but we’re seeing the audi ence build and have got some positive momentum. It stimulates interest and we've had a few customers come to us, including some from Greece. That’s the beauty of digital, you’re not limited to the West Midlands, you can reach people globally.” “We’re ambitious and our growth has been organic, we haven't paid for ads. It helps keep us in people's subconscious and we use it to showcase the good work we do.” More traditional social media, like LinkedIn, has also organ ically grown for Rapid. Market challenges Market challenges loom, not least energy prices eating into margin. In the UK, attention is on the Budget in November, with the accompanying trepidation over potential future taxes. But despite the challenges, Rapid Industrial Fasteners is optimistic. White says: “It's definitely tougher out there, but we're a flex ible company, and we're putting that to good use at the moment. We continue to do what we say, provide the best service and make the parts right first time. That’s more important than ever.” With a total footprint of 28,800 ft², the set up is looking “pretty solid” says White, but the firm isn’t stopping there, with a new updated computer system going live before the end of the year which will enable Rapid deeper analysis of its own business and will mean the introduction of B2B ordering for the first time. Aside from that, the next area of focus is making good on the investments and solidifying Rapid’s infrastructure. “We’ve been so focused on the manufacturing side and widening our capacity and our capability, now we are working on handling that admin istratively in the most efficient way. We’ll continue to invest in skills for our staff, but we also want to make the most of our expanded capacity and offering. “We're at a point now where we've delivered extra capacity for ourselves. We are in the process of putting the team in place so we can fully utilise that, so we can benefit our customers with faster deliveries and an even wider range. “We’re more versatile, we’re more capable, we’re more flexi ble. We’ve got a complete solution, offering fasteners, fixings and components and we really are proud of what we've achieved.” www.rapidfast.co.uk

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16 SPOTLIGHT - Channov - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:08 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

SOLUTIONS SUPPLIER Zhejiang CHANNOV Auto Parts’ integrated capabilities enable it to support both high-volume orders and smaller, multi-category requirements across global markets…

ounded in 1995, Zhejiang CHANNOV Auto Parts has built its business around the production of automotive fasten ers and oilfree bushings, supplying solutions for appli cations across automotive, construction machinery, commercial vehicles and wind power and new energy. The company places a strong emphasis on new product development and supportingproduct R&D, backed by a broad manufacturing infrastructure and a range of internationally recognised management and product certifications. Its certi fications include IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, as well as international certifications including CE, RoHS and UKCA. CHANNOV operates hundreds of pieces of manufacturing equipment across CNC machining, stamping, hydraulic processing, laser cutting, automated production and injection moulding. This manufacturing base allows the company to accommodate both highvolume orders from major customers and smaller, multicategory batches, giving it the flexibility to respond to different market and development requirements. The company’s production network currently comprises its headquarters in Jiaxing CBD and two manufacturing centres in Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, including a future intelligent manufacturing park. The park covers 80,000m², with a build ing area of 50,000m², while annual production capacity across its product portfolio reaches 100 million pieces. Three manufacturing areas CHANNOV’s production operations are divided into three main categories: oilfree bearings, fasteners and original equipment parts. Its product portfolio includes various types of bearings, washers, cable clips, spring clips, nuts and original equipment parts. The company serves a broad customer base, including fastener and bearing distributors, automotive and truck parts customers, commercial vehicle and engineering parts busi nesses and automotive aftermarket chain supermarkets. Beyond manufacturing capacity, CHANNOV identifies responsiveness and supplychain efficiency as key advantages. The company aims to process orders and manufacturing plans within 48 hours, while its stocking strategy enables it to main

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Headquartered in Jiaxing, the company has two manufacturing centres in Nanhu District (artists impression)

tain standard products and respond more quickly to customer requirements. It also offers industrial parts solutions and flex ible payment terms. A key element of this approach is CHANNOV’s Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). The highdensity ware housing system uses vertical space to increase storage effi ciency, with the company reporting a 300% improvement in storage efficiency within the same footprint compared with traditional storage. The AS/RS is integrated with a Warehouse Management System (WMS), with products scanned and logged throughout the warehousing process. According to CHANNOV, the system achieves a picking accuracy rate of more than 99.9%, helping to minimise errors and improve inventory control. A digitalised smart factory Digitalisation also extends into CHANNOV’s manufacturing operations. The company has established a digital control hub linking its production processes, with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) integrated to share data in real time. This covers processes from sales order reception and raw material procurement through to production scheduling. Product traceability is another key component of the system. CHANNOV maintains digital product dossiers and uses barcode and RFID technology to record component origins and processing information throughout the production process. The company says this provides endtoend traceability while supporting international supplychain transparency and compliance requirements. By combining a broad manufacturing base with automated warehousing, digital production management and flexible production capacity, CHANNOV aims to offer customers more than individual fasteners or components. Its approach is centred on providing industrial parts solutions backed by manufacturing capability, traceability and responsive supply chain management. www.channovprecision.com

18 SPOTLIGHT - Dorken - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:08 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT

PROTECTION FOR

HARSH ENVIRONMENTS

The coating provides cathodic corrosion protection at a 25–30µm dry ﬁlm thickness

The size and heft of anchor plates for the wind energy sector make coating a challenge – DÖRKEN has a clever zinc flake coating option for such cumbersome components…

ÖRKEN’s roomtemperaturecuring zinc flake coating offers an alternative to conventional coating systems for large and heavy components in the wind energy indus try, providing lasting corrosion protection. In the wind energy industry, anchor plates are made from highstrength steel and weigh approximately 160kg. However, the size and weight of these components pose a particular challenge, as the use of a curing oven, as required by many industrial coating systems, is hardly practical in this case. Anchor plates are also typically protected against corrosion by hotdip galvanising. However, due to the thickness of the coating, drill holes can often become clogged, requiring time consuming and costly rework. DÖRKEN’s DELTAPROTEKT® KL 170 RT zinc flake coating meets the required corrosion resistance of 720 hours in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 12944, corrosivity class C4. The product offers several advantages over traditional hot dip galvanising. Even at a dry film thickness of just 25–30µm, the coating provides effective cathodic corrosion protection. In the event of localised surface damage, the zinc content actively protects the base material by corroding first, helping prevent corrosion of the steel.

torque-expo.com

If the coating is damaged during installation or subsequent use, a practical repair solution is also available. The same coat ing product is supplied in a spray can specifically for touchup work. With the DELTAPROTEKT® REPAIR Spray, damaged areas can be quickly and easily recoated on site, restoring the system’s corrosion protection. This reduces the need for rework and enables efficient repairs without timeconsuming disassembly or the return of components. Another advantage is that no hydrogen is produced during the coating process. This eliminates the risk of appli cationrelated hydrogeninduced stress corrosion cracking, which is particularly important when working with high strength steels. The key advantage in this application lies in the crosslink ing of the coating. The zinc flake coating crosslinks within approximately 60 minutes at an ambient temperature of 20– 25°C. It is applied using standard spraying methods and can be applied either manually or automatically using robotic tech nology. This allows the coating to be flexibly integrated into existing manufacturing processes. www.doerken.com

Perfection is in the details. More info: www.pgb-europe.com

2609_Torque_Magazine_Divider_A4.indd 1

09/09/2026 15:30:16

International specialist in fastening solutions. From screws and bolts to anchors and timber connectors. Quality, stock, production, and service under one roof. In-house production & international sourcing • Production in Belgium, Poland and The Netherlands. • Direct sourcing through our Asia oﬃce. • Flexible supply and eﬃcient packaging.

Quality management • Certiﬁed quality products. • Continuous testing and quality control. • Expert support for wood, steel and concrete.

Digital eﬃciency • Webshop with personal pricing and live stock. • Automated ordering via EDI. • Standardized product data via PIM and GS1.

Fast and reliable deliveries • Advanced warehouse management. • Optimized stock control. • Accurate and on-time deliveries.

More info: www.pgb-europe.com

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09/09/2026 15:30:33

19 INTERVIEW - H&C NICOLA GORDON - TOR107 2026.qxp 07/10/2026 12:01 Page 1

INTERVIEW 2O26

TORQUE-EXPO AWARD WINNER INTERVIEW: NICOLA GORDON Nicola Gordon, HR & Operations Assistant at Harrison & Clough, won the Apprentice of the Year prize at this year’s Torque-Expo Awards. As a mature apprentice, Gordon balances a demanding role with her studies, utilising her CIPD apprenticeship to enhance the company’s HR function and culture… Has there been a person or people who’ve made a big contribution to your career and progress? I don’t really want to mention individuals, but I’m grateful to all of my colleagues who have supported me throughout my 14 years here, and also with the challenge of balancing my apprenticeship with work. We’re a tightknit team, so like most things here, so it’s been a team effort.

You won the Torque-Expo 2026 Apprentice of the Year award – congratulations! Was it a surprise? Thank you! Yes, winning the award was a complete surprise, but a very nice one.

Have you got a favourite moment or two from over the years? (apart from this award win!) A particular highlight for me was when H&C was acquired by the Dormole Group in 2020, which introduced a new dimen sion to the company, and added scale and variety. I enjoy work ing with a diverse group of people who bring different experiences, skills and viewpoints, and feel that becoming part of Dormole will hopefully provide further opportunity for me to grow. I’d just like to add a quick ‘thanks’ to Torque – I think that apprenticeships are such an important thing to focus on, and are now so varied and attractive to people at different stages of their career, so I think it’s great that you’re shining a spot light on them. www.harclodlc.com

Where are you keeping the award? The award sits proudly on a cabinet right next to my desk in our office. How long have you worked at Harrison & Clough? September 2026 marks 14 years since I joined H&C – so I’m a bit of a veteran here now. How challenging has it been balancing your role with studying for the apprenticeship? Initially it was quite challenging but I’m naturally organised so once I got into the swing of studying and blocking out time during the week to study, I was able to manage it. Would you recommend an apprenticeship to any fellow mature employees? Yes! You are never too old to learn. By doing the apprentice ship, it’s made me realise what direction I want my career to go in, and I’ve added new skills that have been beneficial to both me and to the company – I would highly recommend it.

// A particular highlight for me was when H&C was acquired by the Dormole Group in 2020, which introduced a new dimension to the company, and added scale and variety //

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20 22 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Victory Fasteners - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:09 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

VICTORY FASTENERS HANDLING THE BACKGROUND COMPLEXITIES FOR A SINGLE, SEAMLESS OUTCOME Simplifying supply chains for customers has long been the philosophy for Victory Fasteners. Torque Magazine asks Managing Director Mike Cooke how recent investments have been made to further remove friction for buyers and how Victory’s dedicated team have been the engine behind the manufacturer’s growth… Can you give us an overview of how long Victory Fasteners has been operating? Victory has been operating out of the Dunstall Hill Trading Estate since 2013. We still occupy Unit 5 where we first kicked everything off, and it’s great that we’ve maintained our roots alongside a dedicated local team. Over the past 13 years, we’ve expanded from a single unit to three, which is something I'm incredibly proud of. Victory is based in the UK’s fastener heartlands of the West Midlands, which obviously has a proud heritage in manufacturing. Is it fair to say it’s still an important area to be located, with proximity to associated businesses? 100%. The West Midlands has been the heartland of the fastener industry for decades, and I don’t see that changing. While the landscape has evolved, it’s far more than just a distribution hub. Having a tightly knit network of subcontractors, platers, patchers and secondary operation specialists within such a small radius is crucial. It allows us to seamlessly manage complex supply chains and maintain tight control over logistics and lead times, working alongside some of the best in the business.

Mike Cooke, Victory Fasteners MD

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It looks like Victory has been busy with its programme of investments recently, both in the warehouse and also on the manufacturing shop floor. Can you tell us a bit more about the new RoboDrill? What kind of capabilities will that give Victory, what it will mean for your customers and potential customers? Strong market demand is driving our ongoing investment strategy. In fact, we have another CNC machine landing in the next few weeks, a reflection of our commitment to meeting customer demand and staying ahead of the curve. The market moves fast, so we have to adapt quickly and ensure we have the right technology on the floor. The new Fanuc RoboDrill is a fantastic piece of kit; its fast milling, drilling and 4thaxis capabilities deliver incredible efficiency and cycle times. I’m confident both existing and new customers will see the clear benefits in quality and turnaround. Are the forklift warehouse investments paying off? Absolutely. Across three units housing over 1,800 pallet loca tions, toptier material handling equipment is essential for smooth operations. The two new Bendi articulated forklifts

One of Europe’s Largest stockholders of

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20 22 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Victory Fasteners - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:10 Page 2

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL Victory’s new Fanuc RoboDrill is fast milling and drilling with 4thaxis capabilities

Stepping beyond standard off theshelf fasteners into exotic manufacturing requires strict process controls

replace units we ran for six years, helping us minimise equip ment downtime. Paired with our electric order pickers and power pallet trucks, these investments keep our logistics running like clockwork. We’re investing right across the business. We are currently overhauling our ERP system to enhance our highlevel traceabil ity, which is fundamental to how we operate and what our customers expect. Beyond software, our quality baseline is supported by advanced metrology tools, including our Keyence optical measurement system alongside over 100 dedicated gauges. Finally, we’re investing heavily in our people, adding talent across multiple departments to support our overall growth.

You’ve also mentioned that demand for exotic materials has been growing – is that still the case and what kind of challenges does that present for a manufacturer like Victory Fasteners? Very much so. While our machine shop has offered custom modifications since 2015, we’ve significantly expanded into fully custom, printtospec components. We're regularly machining nonstandard profiles in complex alloys, ranging from Super Duplex S32760 to Cupronickel and Monel K500. Stepping beyond standard offtheshelf fasteners into exotic manufacturing requires strict process controls, but it has been a huge driver of our technical growth.

One of Victory Fasteners’ supply strategies is simplifying supply chains for your customers – can you take us through that philosophy and how it helps customers? We’ve been in this industry a long time, so we deeply under stand technical specifications, complex routing and enduser requirements. Our goal is to leverage our network and internal capabilities to remove friction for the buyer. We handle the background complexities, so the customer gets a single, seam less outcome: the exact product they need, delivered right on schedule. That’s the Victory way.

How about exports going? In a word: brilliant. The team has expanded our international footprint by pairing our core fastener range with bespoke manufacturing in exotic materials. Export logistics bring added complexity, navigating antidumping regulations, managing comprehensive certs, arranging independent 3.2 thirdparty testing, and compliance with CBAM reporting. It can be a compliance minefield, but we work handinhand with our over seas clients to give them total clarity and full technical support.

Are there any other key principles behind Victory Fasteners? Quality, Integrity, and Service Without Compromise. That founding ethos remains completely unchanged, and it’s the bedrock of our sustained success over the years. Some core values shouldn't be tampered with, and I’m proud to stand behind them every day. Rail has been a strong sector for Victory Fasteners in recent years – is that still the case? Are you seeing other sectors rising recently? We’ve seen brilliant growth by tailoring our stock profiles and production capabilities to target specific highrequirement sectors. Despite broader market headwinds and evolving regu latory demands, our lean team covers an immense amount of ground. We remain agile, proactive and focused on diversifying into new markets wherever we see opportunity.

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What kind of plans have you got for the last quarter of 2026 and into 2027? The focus is on keeping our heads down, staying agile and executing the job at hand. Given current economic shifts, we aren't trying to overproject; we're focused on controlled, sustainable expansion. We’ll keep refining our core service offerings at a steady pace and adapt as 2027 unfolds. I’d like to add a sincere thank you to the entire Victory team. Over the past few years, we’ve navigated structural shifts, market changes and operational challenges, but our people have remained steadfast. They are the absolute engine behind our growth. Building a robust distribution and manufacturing firm is one thing, but cultivating a dedicated team from top to bottom is what I'm most proud of. Without every single one of them, we wouldn't be where we are today. www.victoryfasteners.com

23 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - TOR107 2026.qxp 07/10/2026 18:58 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

NEW EU REGS PLACE ADDED RESPONSIBILITIES ON MACHINE OPERATORS

he implementation of the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, effective from 20 January 2027, marks one of the most significant changes to European machinery safety legislation in recent years. While manufac turers remain responsible for compliance when machinery is first placed on the market, the regulation introduces expanded responsibilities for operators throughout the machine's operational lifecycle. The updated regulation introduces new requirements covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and substantial machine modifications. Under the new rules, operators making significant changes to existing machinery may them selves be considered manufacturers, requiring them to perform risk assessments, maintain technical documentation, and complete conformity assessments before placing modi fied equipment back into service. Although the regulation will soon become mandatory, many organisations continue to face uncertainty due to the absence of official implementation guidance. This leaves manufacturers,

Leuze advises manufacturers and operators to prepare early for the arrival of Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230…

machine builders and plant operators making important compli ance decisions without detailed interpretation from regulators. One of the most notable developments within the new Machinery Regulation is the integration of cybersecurity into machinery safety requirements. Organisations will need to protect machinery against unauthorised access, data manipu lation, and other cyber risks while demonstrating compliance through appropriate documentation and risk assessments. For many operators, this represents a significant shift from traditional machine safety practices and requires closer collaboration between safety engineers, automation specialists and IT security teams. As machinery safety requirements continue to evolve, Leuze supports manufacturers and operators with machine safety consulting, risk assessments, training, and engineer ing services designed to help organisations achieve regula tory compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. www.leuze.com

24 25 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - NORM Civata - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:11 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

NORM FASTENERS MAKES FURTHER STRIDES IN THE US WITH MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT Norm Fasteners is taking significant steps towards becoming a truly global fastener manufacturer. Through new investments, it is strengthening its manufacturing capabilities across different regions. With operations on four continents, it can respond more quickly to the needs and expectations of customers in over 50 countries, while delivering value-added products, solutions and services. Nedim Uysal, Vice Chairperson for Norm Holding, speaks with Torque Magazine about the group’s latest global expansion… In September, Norm Fasteners announced the acquisition of an automotive fastener manufacturer in Plymouth Michigan. How long was the acquisition in development? The transition following the Plymouth acquisition began in Q2 and is currently ongoing. While the transaction itself is rela tively recent, it forms part of a broader North American growth strategy that has been developing gradually over several years. It sounds like the USA has become increasingly important to the Norm Fasteners business..? North America has long been a priority growth market for us, with the United States playing a central role in that strategy. Our presence has developed gradually since 2018, beginning with sales, logistics, and engineering activities. The Plymouth investment represents the next stage in our North American strategy. Integrating local manufacturing with the established sales, engineering, logistics, and ware housing operations in Lansing extends the scope of our regional capabilities. What kind of impact will it have on your US operations, and what are your expectations? The immediate impact will be closer integration between our Plymouth manufacturing operation and our sales, engineering, warehousing, and logistics activities in Lansing. This regional structure will improve coordination across production, tech nical support, and deliveries. Customers will benefit from increased flexibility in meeting changing requirements, faster technical support and order processing, and shorter, more predictable lead times. The inte gration will also enhance the engineering and quality support available during new projects and technical modifications.

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24 25 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - NORM Civata - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:11 Page 2

Over the medium to long term, we expect the Plymouth operation to support the growth of our customer and product portfolio across North America. Automotive will remain a core market, while we also see opportunities to apply our capabil ities in other industries and applications. Do you have plans to develop and invest in the site, or is it too early to say? We have already begun investing in the facility and are taking initial steps to strengthen its equipment and produc tion capabilities. The immediate focus is to complete the transition in a controlled way, maintain continuity for existing customer programmes and enhance operational performance. Subse quent investment decisions will be based on capacity utilisa tion, new customer programs, product portfolio developments and demand for local manufacturing in North America. As operations progress, opportunities for new production lines, equipment modernisation, automation and process effi ciency improvements will be evaluated. The move will presumably mean that Norm Fasteners’ investment in USA manufacturing will mean it won’t be subject to tariffs - will that benefit your customers in the USA? Trade policies and tariffs are among the factors we consider when shaping our manufacturing footprint, but they are not the sole rationale for local production. Their impact varies by product, origin, trade route, and applicable regulations, so local manufacturing should not be viewed as a blanket exemp tion from tariffs. A key benefit is increased control and predictability across the supply chain. Locating manufacturing, engineering, and logistics closer to customers enables more effective manage ment of lead times, production planning, and total landed costs, while providing greater flexibility as customer require ments or market conditions evolve. In line with this approach, we are advancing our strategy of manufacturing closer to our customers through a regional hub model that integrates production, engineering, warehousing, and logistics capabilities across our strategic growth regions in the Americas, Europe and Africa. We’ve seen a lot of disruption to supply chains in the last few years - is the Norm Fasteners regional manufacturing strategy designed to help mitigate that? Supply chain resilience is an important consideration in our regional manufacturing strategy. Recent disruptions have reinforced the need for greater flexibility across both production and logistics. The objective is to establish a balanced structure where

regional operations complement each other, providing greater flexibility to manage capacity, demand and logistics as circum stances change. Michigan illustrates this approach. The Plymouth manufac turing operation, combined with our sales, engineering, ware housing, and logistics capabilities in Lansing, creates a stronger regional hub that remains connected to our wider global network.

// The United States remains a priority market. The current focus is on developing integrated operations in Michigan, while assessing opportunities to further strengthen the regional structure supporting Norm Fasteners // With the regional manufacturing strategy in operation, are there any other territories Norm Fasteners is planning to expand production into, that you’re able to share with us? More in the USA, perhaps? The United States remains a priority market. The current focus is on developing integrated operations in Michigan, while assessing opportunities to further strengthen the regional structure supporting Norm Fasteners. Future expansion may involve direct investment by Norm Fasteners or complemen tary investments by other Norm companies or subsidiaries with closely integrated capabilities. We will consider opportu nities that align with the longterm strategy. Beyond North America, Morocco is also part of our broader regional development agenda. We expect to share further details soon. Any final thoughts for our readers? The success of this acquisition will not be measured solely by increased capacity. The immediate priority is to manage the transition effectively, retain the Plymouth operation's existing strengths and expertise, and ensure uninterrupted service to customers. Over the longer term, Plymouth will contribute to a more balanced global manufacturing network. Wherever we oper ate, our objective remains the same: to combine strong local capabilities with consistent quality, engineering and service standards, while remaining a reliable and trusted partner to our customers. normfasteners.com

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28 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Performance Fasteners Limited - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:11 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

PERFORMANCE FASTENERS: “EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE AND INDUSTRY EXPERTISE” Performance Fasteners has almost two full decades of trading and over a century of in-house fastener manufacturing expertise. Director Cliff Roberts speaks with Torque Magazine…

et in West Bromwich in the West Midlands of the UK, Performance Fasteners manufactures special fasteners, socket screws, turned parts and engineering compo nents for its customers’ specific requirements. Now in its 18th year of trading, the team has in excess of 100 years collective direct manufacturing knowledge and experi ence. That, no doubt, has helped guide the business through an economy that is almost universally viewed as tough. Direc tor Cliff Roberts tells Torque Magazine: “In the face of adversity and economic difficulties, Performance Fasteners have gone from strengthtostrength in the last four years.” Performance Fasteners’ progress has lately included invest ments, Cliff explains: “Investments in manufacturing machin ery, quality inspection machine enhancing our 99.5% level of customer satisfaction.” In the last 12 months, the business has acquired the assets and staff of a company previously trading as Davies Machinery (3D Machine Shop) which has extended the firm’s second op capability. Right first time, on time Working with customers in the UK and internationally (a 80/20 split), Performance Fasteners offers a plethora of materials to a worldwide industries. Parts are manufactured from procured materials in all grades to all specifications and finishes. Parts are supplied with full traceability covered by 3.1Certification and after manufacturer testing to ISO 898 / ISO 3506.

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“From inauguration, we hold full trace certification and we are ISO 90012015 approved,” Cliff says: “Inspection is performed by calibrated equipment including Keyence Optical Measuring Machines.” The processes and controls enable Performance Fasteners to work with demanding interests, specialising in the complex needs of aerospace, together with oil/gas, pharmaceuticals and motor sports, to name a few. Looking ahead, the business is planning on introducing a bespoke ERP System to improve its efficiencies and performance. Cliff concludes: “We offer an added value of dealing with a manufacturer that has extensive knowledge and industry expertise. Our company ethos is based on offering a first class service, premium quality, right first time and on time delivery.” www.pfluk.com

// In the face of adversity and economic difficulties, Performance Fasteners have gone from strength-to-strength in the last four years //

30 32 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - GWR - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:12 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

GWR FASTENERS CHAMPIONS THE HYBRID MODEL IN BRITISH MANUFACTURING Precision turned components manufactured in-house by GWR Fasteners at its Shropshire facility, showcases the British manufacturing capability behind the company’s pioneering hybrid distribution and manufacturing model…

or many in the industry, the name GWR Fasteners natu rally suggests a fastener supplier. But behind almost 100,000 products held in stock at its Shropshire ware house is a growing British manufacturing operation – and a business model that GWR believes was among the early pioneers within the industry. Based in Oswestry, GWR Fasteners has spent almost 20 years developing a hybrid model combining distribution, e commerce and inhouse British manufacturing. Today, the company holds almost 100,000 products in its warehouse and has access to millions more through its estab lished supply chain. Alongside this extensive sourcing capabil ity, GWR manufactures its own specialist fastener ranges and produces bespoke precision turned components for customers across industry. It is an approach GWR believes has become something of a blueprint for the modern hybrid fastener business: stock what customers need, source what isn't immediately available, identify gaps in the market and, where the right solution cannot readily be found, use British manufacturing capability to make it. Or, as the team at GWR increasingly asks: If we can't source it, could we make it? An early pioneer of the hybrid model GWR's journey into manufacturing wasn't about moving away from distribution. It was about making the entire business more capable. Years spent dealing directly with customers gave the company valuable insight into what buyers were struggling to find, which products were becoming increasingly popular and

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where gaps were appearing within traditional supply chains. Rather than simply accepting that a product was unavail able, GWR began looking at whether it could manufacture the solution itself. That thinking helped shape the hybrid business that exists today. Distribution provides an understanding of customer requirements. Ecommerce provides visibility of purchasing behaviour and emerging demand. Manufacturing gives GWR the ability to respond. Products and trends identified through the distribution and ecommerce sides of the company can potentially become products manufactured inhouse and placed directly back onto GWR's physical and digital shelves. That same engineering capability can then be offered to industry as a subcontract manufacturing service. For customers, the proposition is straightforward: If GWR has it, it can supply it. If it can source it, it can find it. And if it doesn't exist, there is every possibility GWR can manufacture it. Precision manufacturing in Shropshire At the heart of that capability is a growing fleet of modern CNC fixedhead and slidinghead lathes at GWR's Shropshire facility. GWR can manufacture from bar up to 42mm in diameter, across a variety of materials and to tight tolerances, working from customer drawings and specifications to produce bespoke fasteners and precision engineered components Its capabilities include CNC turning, parts modification, bespoke fastener and component manufacture, and cuttolength threaded and round bar, supporting requirements from smaller

30 32 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - GWR - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:12 Page 2

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL batches through to repeat and highervolume production. Two additional CNC slidinghead lathes arrived in Septem ber, further increasing manufacturing capacity and giving the company greater flexibility to take on additional work. The investment isn't simply about producing more compo nents. It is about strengthening GWR's ability to respond quickly, maintain consistent quality and provide customers with a dependable British source of precisionengineered parts. Tom Ellis, part of GWR Fasteners' senior management team, said: “For us, being a hybrid business means we don't have to stop at simply supplying what is already available. We understand fasteners, we understand distribution and increasingly we have the manufacturing capability to make the solution ourselves. “We've been developing this model for many years and we're proud to have been early pioneers of that approach within our industry. The investment we're making now is about taking that blueprint even further – increasing our capacity, strength ening our British manufacturing capability and showing customers that GWR can be much more than the company they come to for a box of fasteners.” Capability for demanding industries The precision components manufactured at GWR's Shropshire facility demonstrate just how far the company's capabilities now extend beyond traditional fastener supply. Its manufacturing operation has the potential to support customers across defence, aerospace, agriculture, construction, engineering, other fastener companies, and wider manufacturing. GWR has already supplied standard fasteners and manufac tured precision components for the defence industry and the luxury car market, providing experience of supporting customers where quality, consistency and attention to detail are particularly important. Behind the operation is more than 40 years of engineering sector experience, with quality controlled throughout the manu facturing process and material traceability provided to support customers where provenance and consistency are important. Where required, appropriate certification can also be provided, including documentation supporting British manufacture. For customers operating in demanding sectors, the objective isn't simply to manufacture a component to a drawing. It is to become a responsive and dependable manufacturing partner capable of delivering repeatable quality and supporting ongo ing requirements. One connected operation GWR's investment isn't limited to CNC machinery. The opera tion has been streamlined through an integrated software management system that communicates across the different stages of the business, including sales, purchasing, stock control, order processing, manufacturing and dispatch. Rather than manufacturing operating as a standalone department, it forms part of a connected process, helping improve visibility, traceability, batch control, stock accuracy and overall efficiency. As manufacturing capacity grows, the systems behind it are growing too. GWR is developing a new website and integrated software management system designed to improve the expe rience for both B2B and B2C customers, creating a faster, more flexible and efficient way to interact with the company. The new platform will better reflect the business GWR has

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become – showcasing not only its extensive fastener range, but also its British manufacturing, bespoke component and preci sion engineering capabilities. Whether someone is looking for an individual fastener or an industrial customer has a more complex requirement, the aim is the same: make GWR easier and more efficient to do business with. Investing in people as well as technology GWR continues to invest in its people too, developing skills from within the business and creating opportunities for employees and apprentices to progress. The company has seen team members develop from entry level and apprenticeship positions into senior and specialist roles, retaining valuable knowledge and experience within the business as it grows. For GWR, this is an important part of building a sustainable British manufacturing operation. Modern machinery and intel ligent systems can increase capability, but skilled, knowledge able people remain at the heart of delivering quality and supporting customers. Bringing together people, engineering experience, modern CNC machinery, intelligent systems and an improved digital customer experience is central to the next stage of GWR's development. The aim isn't simply to become bigger. It is to become more capable, more efficient and easier for customers to work with. Could GWR manufacture it for you? The strength of GWR's hybrid model is perhaps best demonstrated by the different ways a customer can approach the business. They might need one of the almost 100,000 products already held in stock. They might require something from the millions of products GWR can access through its wider supply chain. Or they may have a technical drawing for a completely bespoke component. Increasingly, GWR wants to provide the answer to all three. As manufacturing capacity expands, the company is keen to hear from buyers, engineers, procurement teams and businesses looking for an alternative or additional UK manufacturing partner. Whether the requirement is for a bespoke fastener, a preci sion turned component, repeat production or simply a part that is proving difficult to source, GWR is encouraging customers to talk to its team. With the ability to manufacture from bar up to 42mm diam eter in a variety of materials, to tight tolerances and with mate rial traceability, the answer to a difficult sourcing problem may not always be to look further afield. Sometimes, the answer could be to make it here in Britain. Today, the individual elements of GWR's hybrid model are more connected than ever: extensive stockholding and sourc ing capability, ecommerce, skilled people, integrated software and an expanding British manufacturing operation. With two more CNC slidinghead lathes on the way and a new B2B and B2C website in development, GWR is continuing to strengthen that model. Almost 20 years after GWR began developing its hybrid approach, the combination of distribution, digital commerce and British manufacturing is no longer simply how the company operates – it has become the blueprint for GWR’s continued growth. www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk

33 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Smart Machinery - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:13 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

SMART MACHINERY MARKS 25 YEARS Three days in Tortona, Italy: customers, distributors and industry partners are being invited to visit Smart Machinery’s facility to celebrate 25 years in business…

mart Machinery, a partner of National Machinery LLC, is inviting its network to its Customer Days 2026 event, over 2022 October, at Smart Machin ery's facility in Tortona (AL), Italy. The threeday event promises a closeup look at the innovation and craftsmanship seen from Smart' over the past quartercentury. Visitors can expect live machine demonstrations, a look at current machine projects on the floor, including new machine assembly and rebuild work, and direct access to expert staff from both Smart and National Machinery. Alliance partners CONDAT, MARPOSS Monitoring Solutions, HIMA, and GEPE will also be on site, along with networking, snacks and drinks through out the visit. Active machines on display will include the NG20 NEO prototype, an NG20 WU fitted with an induction unit for aerospace parts, two RNG planetary machines built for hollow and standard parts, plus several rebuilt and used machines including an RNG Maxi, NGS, NGW60, and NP14.

The NG20 NEO prototype (right) and two RNG planetary machines will be among the active machines on display in Tortona

New technology debuting: SMART ReGen and SMART Lube In addition to the anniversary celebration, Smart Machin ery will introduce two new patentpending innovations based on its directdrive threading platform. Both are designed to reduce waste and lower costs for high volume producers. SMART ReGen builds on Smart's efficient directdrive design. While conventional threaders use induction motors with belts or gearboxes that create friction, heat, and energy loss, Smart's directdrive motor removes this mechanical chain and delivers full torque from zero speed. ReGen enhances this with an intelligent control driver that captures energy generated during motor deceleration, which standard machines typically lose as heat, and returns it to the system for reuse. Early results indicate ReGen provides approximately 25% additional energy savings beyond those achieved by direct drive, resulting in significant cost reductions and measurable progress toward sustainability goals. SMART Lube targets waste in lubrication management. Most threader systems depend on manual lubrication, which is applied and adjusted at the operator's discretion and can lead to waste and excess wear. SMART Lube elim inates this uncertainty by monitoring friction force, temperature and speed directly from the slide to deter mine and deliver the correct amount of lubrication in real time. It continuously adapts to actual operating condi tions instead of relying on periodic manual adjustments.

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34 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Sun Through - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:13 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

SUN THROUGH INDUSTRIAL DRIVING EXCELLENCE IN HIGHPERFORMANCE FASTENERS

stablished in 1996 in Taiwan, Sun Through Industrial Co., Ltd. is a premier OEM maketoorder fastener manufacturer, specialising in highperformance self drilling screws and bimetal fasteners. As one of Taiwan’s top two pioneers in bimetal technology, the company serves a global clientele, with over 80% of its revenue driven by the stringent European market. Sun Through's core competitive edge lies in its strong R&D capabilities and comprehensive production control, backed by a dedicated subsidiary facility that ensures expert heat treatment. The company’s patented Spiral Self

drilling Screws deliver 50% faster drilling speeds and an exceptional capacity to pierce steel plates up to 30mm thick. Certified under ISO 9001 with full support for CE and ETA documentation, Sun Through offers tailored OEM/ODM solutions, engineered standard parts, and ultra high strength bolts up to 14.8U grade. Committed to metallurgi cal precision and toptier quality, Sun Through remains a trusted, longterm partner for global industrial buyers. www.sunthrough-industrial.com

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36 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Haemers - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:14 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

HAEMERS REVEALS ITS LARGEST EVER INVESTMENT A fully automatic robot-press line, installed earlier this year at Haemers NV, has significantly ramped up the manufacturer’s efficiency, capacity and flexibility…

elgiumbased Werkhuizen Haemers has been in exis tence since 1932, and today the third and fourth gener ations working together in the family business. Haemers specialises in the production of highquality, nonstandard custom washers and metal components using press work. After more than 50 years in which production was largely manual or with an operator, the company has taken a funda mental step towards full robotization, with the installation of a fully automatic robotpress line for production of flat wash ers, particularly nonstandard washers. The producer said the investment is focused on robotisation, customisation and European reshoring. Following the commissioning of the new, fully automated press and production line for the manufacture of washers, with integrated robotic technology, the entire production process can now run autonomously, from raw material to finished product. Bolstering efficiency, capacity and flexibility, the new robot press line allows Haemers to respond more quickly to customerspecific requests and to produce complex, nonstan dard washers even more consistently and on a larger scale. The business said that the new installation – specifically a Fanuc robot and a Sangiacomo 100ton press – strengthens its position as the European market leader in custom washers and simultaneously provides an answer to the growing demand for local and reliable production within Europe. “With this investment, we are ready for the future,” says COO Mulnard David. “We are not only increasing our productivity but are also responding to the clear trend towards reshoring. More and more companies are choosing to bring production closer to home, and with this automation, we can capitalise on this to the fullest.” Further advantages include a broadening of its capabilities, for instance the ability to increase its range of potential dimen sions, including nonstandard ones. There are sustainable advantages too, adds the company. The efficient use of materials (10% scrap, which is also advan tageous when steel prices are rising) and an optimised produc tion process both bolster environment credentials, but because production takes place closer to the European market there are also significant reductions in transport distances and the associated CO₂ emissions. The year has also seen Haemers invest in machinery as well as in its infrastructure. The changes have meant that produc tion can ramp up quickly, in terms of volume and pace. www.nvhaemers.be/en

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The newly installed fully automatic robotic press line boosts efficiency, capacity and flexibility for Haemers

HAEMERS FLAT WASHER SPECIALIST

Private label possible

A range of more than 5.800 different dimensions

Up to 300HV hardness

Zero toolcost

FLAT WASHERS Precise tolerance All possible combinations in terms of internal and external diameter No tooling costs Both small and large series production, already from 50 pieces onwards Tolerances of 0,1 and 0,05mm are no exception Washers with a 100% flatness are perfectly possible All standards, such as ISO7089, ISO7093, DIN125A, DIN9021, DIN7349, AFNOR NFE, KARROS, DIN522 A/C, ISO4759-3, … The processed material concerns iron, stainless steel, plastics, copper, brass, aluminium and even cardboard Extended range of packaging solutions in bags, small boxes or pallet boxes. In accordance with the customer’s requests Private label packaging possible

Haemers NV

Hondschotestraat 106

8560 Gullegem, Belgium Phone +32(0) 56 41 07 01

Email contact@nvhaemers.be Website www.nvhaemers.be VAT BE0447.639.261

Get in touch !

38 39 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Aerotight + BRALO - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:15 Page 1

FASTENER MANUFACTURING SPECIAL

SOLVING VIBRATION-RELATED FASTENING PROBLEMS With 50 years-plus experience in manufacturing parts to secure assemblies, and over 20 years in the Apex Stainless Fasteners fold, Aerotight Manufacturing knows a thing or two about battling vibration, the value in local manufacturing and the ingredients that make a successful production business. Phil Barnes, Branch Manager at Aerotight Manufacturing, speaks with Torque Magazine… Phil Barnes is Branch Manager at Aerotight Manufacturing

The challenge is balancing rising costs while continuing to invest in quality, capability and customer service. Like many manufacturers, we're constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency while remaining competitive. Can Aerotight leverage the benefits of being part of the Apex Stainless Fasteners organisation? Absolutely. Being part of Apex allows us to combine specialist manufacturing expertise with the resources, experience and support of a leading fastener business. Customers get the best of both worlds: a dedicated manu facturer backed by a trusted fastener partner.

Can you give us an overview of the Aerotight self-locking nut and run through some of its key qualities and benefits? Aerotight has been solving vibrationrelated fastening prob lems for more than 50 years. Its allmetal locking design keeps assemblies secure without the need for additional locking devices, specialist tools or inserts that can degrade over time. It's a simple, durable and reusable solution, which is why it's trusted in demanding applications where reliability is critical. Both the steel and austenitic stainless steel variants can oper ate at temperatures of up to 300°C. Can you give us the general turnaround times? Lead times vary depending on the specification, material and quantity involved, so there isn't a standard answer. Manufacturing at our Leicester facility gives us close control over production and allows us to respond quickly to market demands. What kind of applications does the Aerotight nut have? Anywhere vibration resistance is critical, Aerotight is likely to be a good fit. We supply sectors including automotive, rail, construction equipment, offshore, water treatment and general engineer ing. Customers choose Aerotight because reliability is critical in the environments where the product is used. In terms of challenges for manufacturers, we hear a lot about higher energy costs at the moment. Are those still proving a challenge? Energy costs remain a significant challenge for UK manufac turers, and we're no different.

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Supply chains are in keen focus at the moment. Are you seeing a trend of interest in more local manufacture to mitigate those continuing challenges? Without doubt. Businesses are placing much greater empha sis on supplychain resilience, responsiveness and reliability than ever before. Manufacturing in Leicester gives customers greater visibil ity, shorter communication lines and greater assurance around quality and delivery performance. We're seeing growing appreciation for the value that local manufacturing can bring. Is there anything else you would like to add? Aerotight has built its reputation on delivering a simple but highly effective solution to a common engineering challenge: preventing fasteners from loosening in service. We're proud that the product continues to be manufactured in the UK and trusted across a wide range of industries. Our focus remains unchanged: providing customers with a fasten ing solution they can depend on. That commitment to quality, consistency and customer support is what has made Aerotight successful, and it's what will continue to drive the business forward. www.apexstainless.com/services/aerotight

38 39 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Aerotight + BRALO - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:15 Page 2

BRALO’s custom closed-end M5 rivet nut features a non-deforming shank which transfers installation and service loads directly to the supporting metal structure, preventing compression of the composite material

BEYOND THE STANDARD FASTENER Rising intricacy and sophistication in industry is leading to shifting priorities for fastening systems. BRALO takes us through its approach to increasingly complex applications…

s industrial applications become increasingly complex, the role of the fastening solution is changing. Lightweight materials, multimaterial assemblies and more demand ing performance requirements are creating new challenges for engineers – and, increasingly, those challenges cannot be solved by selecting a standard fastener from a catalogue. For BRALO, this is where fastening development goes beyond the standard product. With more than 45 years of experience in the development and manufacture of fastening solutions, BRALO works with customers to understand the specific requirements of each application and to develop the most technically accurate and economically efficient solution. A recent automotive application is a clear example. The assembly combined an outer metal panel, a lightweight composite material and an inner metal reinforcement. The fastening point needed to withstand the mechanical demands of the application while protecting the composite material and providing effective sealing against environmental exposure. BRALO developed a custom closedend M5 rivet nut specif ically for these requirements. Its nondeforming shank trans fers installation and service loads directly to the supporting metal structure, preventing compression of the composite material. At the same time, an Oring positioned beneath the

large bearingsurface head creates a seal between the fastener and the outer panel. The result is a single fastening solution that combines a robust threaded attachment point, protection of the lightweight structure and sealing performance. This case illustrates an important principle in fastening engineering: the right solution is not always the most conventional one. Standard fasteners remain essential for countless applications, but increasingly complex assemblies may require components designed around the specific materials, loads, dimensions, environmental condi tions of the joint and, also critical, cost efficiency. This is where BRALO’s expertise extends beyond conven tional rivets. Its capabilities encompass rivet, rivet nuts, lock bolts, special parts and installation tools, allowing fastening solutions to be developed according to the requirements of the application rather than forcing the application to adapt to a standard component. For BRALO, going beyond the standard fastener is therefore not about making a component more complex. It is about understanding the connection as a whole – and designing the most efficient fastening solution that makes it work. bralo.com

BRALO’s custom closed-end M5 rivet nut features an O-ring positioned beneath the large bearing-surface head to create a seal between the fastener and the outer panel

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40 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Rivit - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:17 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

Rivit Lockriv

Rivit Multigripriv

SOLUTIONS TO DEMANDING APPLICATIONS FROM RIVET

Rivit rivets and rivet nuts are designed for use with dedicated Rivit fastening tools

Rivit offers a range of stainless steel rivets and rivet nuts designed for applications requiring corrosion resistance, high strength and reliable installation…

ivit offers a range of stainless steel fasteners that combine strength and ease of installation with applica tions in sectors which require corrosion resistance. The LOCKRIV structural rivets are designed for applications requiring high tensile and shear strength. Their deformable body forms a wide counter head on the riveted material during installation, helping to fill the hole effectively while accommo dating variations in hole diameter. The rivets are recom mended for a range of industrial applications, including the photovoltaic and automotive sectors. For assemblies exposed to vibration, materials of varying thicknesses or misaligned holes, the MULTIGRIPRIV range offers several operational advantages. The compression deformation generated by the mandrel head on the body provides uniform clamping without deforming delicate materials such as aluminium, plastic and resin, making the rivets suitable for the metal carpentry sector. The wide grip range also allows a single

Rivit fastening systems comprise different types of products

Rivit structural rivets provide high resistance to shear and tensile loads rivet length to accommodate multiple material thicknesses, helping to simplify component management and assembly. RIVINOX rivets are designed to provide effective mandrel retention and high resistance to vibration. Equipped with a semistructural stainless steel clamp, they are suitable for applications involving irregular or misaligned holes. The Rivit rivet range is complemented by sealed rivets, which provide high tensile and shear strength while also preventing the passage of fluids and external agents. This makes them particularly suitable for applications such as tanks and reservoirs, where a watertight seal is required. Alongside its rivet range, Rivit offers stainless steel threaded rivet nuts, which enable female threads to be created in sheet metal and materials that are inaccessible from the rear. Available in various configurations, geometries and materials, including steel, they provide a versatile fastening solution for lightweight structures and industrial components, as well as applications in the automotive, aerospace, marine and construction sectors. Among the more innovative solutions are the AISI 316 stain less steel JACKRIV rivet nuts (M6 and M8), designed for plas tics and composite materials such as glassreinforced epoxy (vetronite), fibres and resins. Their starshaped deformation creates a wide and stable counter head, increasing resistance to shear and vibration while helping to preserve the integrity of the assembled materials. The rivet nuts are suitable for composite and plastic appli cations including sandwich panels, exhibition displays, cara van components, buses, containers, and interior parts for ships, yachts and other vehicles. All Rivitbranded rivets and rivet nuts are designed for use with the manufacturer's dedicated fastening tools, which include manual, batterypowered, highperformance booster and hydropneumatic models. The latter category also includes specific units capable of reliably setting stainless steel rivets and rivet nuts, thanks to their high pulling force. www.rivit.it

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41 ADVERT MIX - TOR107 2026.qxp 01/10/2026 15:21 Page 1

EUROPEAN ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING Global Fastening Expertise Your trusted partner for rivets, rivet nuts, special parts & riveting tools — with over 40 years of experience and ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IATF 16949 & TÜV certification.

bralo.com

Customized project lengths with short delivery times

www.bomet.com Sales.Belgium@bomet.com Sales.UK@bomet.com

European manufacturer N°1 of threaded rods DIN976-1

42 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - PTS - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:18 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

PTS: EXPANDED RANGE OF PRODUCTS SPAX® stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium fasteners have been added to the company's offering as demand surges…

PTS dispatches orders placed before 4:30pm on the same day

recision Technology Supplies has added the SPAX® stain less steel range to its East Grinstead site, alongside a growing range of Grade 5 titanium fasteners. Both sit within a stainless steel range of around 46,000 lines, including roughly 35,000 metric and 10,000 imperial prod ucts, ranging from M1 micro screws through to large special sizes. The range is predominantly A2 (304) and A4 (316), with A470 and BUMAX® hightensile stainless steel products held for higherspecification applications. The company also launched its own shim washer brand, Precision Shims, last year. Made exclusively in A4 (316), the range covers around 180 metric sizes, with inner diameters from 3mm to 70mm and thicknesses from 0.05mm. The shims are aimed at medical, automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing applications requiring tighter tolerances than standard commercial shims can provide. Moreover, A2 and A4 threemetre studding was added to stock earlier this year. Nonstandard sizes and special finishes are also available alongside the stock range. Orders placed

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before 4:30pm are dispatched the same day to more than 120 countries, whether placed by phone, through the website or via electronic data interchange (EDI). Alongside expanding its product range, PTS has also devel oped its approach to certification and traceability. Batch details, country of origin and 3.1 certificates are recorded against the relevant stock line rather than held in a separate filing system, allowing the documentation to be dispatched with the parts. Currently, customers of Precision Technology Supplies are increasingly requesting the information before placing an order rather than retrospectively, particularly in marine, offshore, rail, defence and water treatment applications. Main contractors are also increasingly passing their own audit and documentation requirements down the supply chain. The company is ISO 9001 certified and JOSCAR registered, as well as being a member of BIAFD and the BSSA. www.pts-uk.com

46,000+ lines. The UK’s widest range of stainless steel fasteners and precision turned parts, dispatched before 4:30pm to more than 120 countries. SEE THE FULL RANGE

pts-uk.com

Full traceability as standard. 3.1 certiﬁcates, batch and country of origin held against the line, so the paperwork arrives with the parts. NEW FOR 2026

PTS now stocks the SPAX® stainless steel range, held alongside our own A2 and A4 stock.

Every Fastener. Every Order. Every Time.

+44 (0) 1342 410758 · info@pts-uk.com ISO 9001 · JOSCAR · BIAFD · BSSA · ESTABLISHED 1988

44 45 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Sonderschrauben Güldner - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:19 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS A fastener’s material type is not the only factor that affects fatigue endurance

THE HIDDEN FATIGUE RISK OF STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS Stainless-steel fasteners are often selected for their corrosion resistance, but their fatigue behaviour under highly cyclic loading may require closer consideration, according to a new research project…

Cold forming creates favourable properties such as continuous grain flow and compressive residual stresses

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he FOSTA P 1797 research project, Assessment of the Fatigue Endurance of Highly Cyclically Loaded Nut-andBolt Assemblies Made from Stainless Steel for Mechanical Engineering, indicates that stainlesssteel fasteners, particularly austenitic and austeniticferritic grades, can behave differently from carbonsteel fasteners under high cycle loading. The research aims to establish a more reliable basis for future design rules. Its potential benefits include more real istic dimensioning and a better balance between safety and weight. Carbon steel is often treated as having a clearly defined fatigue limit. However, the research suggests that this may be less evident in stainlesssteel fasteners. In some cases, stain lesssteel fasteners may fracture after very high numbers of load cycles, indicating a possible further decline in the SN curve in the longlife fatigue range. Such fractures could lead to premature and unexpected damage or failure, representing a product and safety risk, increasing damage remediation costs and shortening product service life. This could be a particular risk in applications across mechanical and plant engineering, energy technology and marine environments, where bolted joints can be exposed to permanent cyclic loading.

44 45 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Sonderschrauben Güldner - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:19 Page 2

Comparison of materials The study investigates three types of stainless steel: austenitic, martensitic and austeniticferritic. Austenitic materials such as A480 are characterised by high corrosion resistance and good ductility. Their strength is primarily achieved through cold working. Martensitic materials such as C170, on the other hand, offer higher strength and hardness but are more sensitive to notches and have lower corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, an austeniticferritic material with a duplex microstructure, such as D8100, combines high mechanical strength, achieved through cold working, with good corrosion resistance. By directly comparing these material groups, the study aims to provide a better understanding of the influence of microstructure and material behaviour on fatigue strength. However, material type is not the only factor that can affect fatigue endurance. The material condition and manufacturing process also play a decisive role. In series production, fasteners are typically manufactured by cold forming. This process can create favourable properties such as continuous grain flow and compressive residual stresses, which may have a positive effect on fatigue endurance. By contrast, machined components have different boundary conditions, including interrupted grain flow and altered residual stress states. Consequently, two stainlesssteel fasteners made from the same material grade may not necessarily exhibit identical fatigue behaviour, as the manufacturing process can alter grain flow and residual stresses. In addition to manufacturing methods, the study examines

other factors that can influence fatigue endurance, including steel grade and property class, manufacturer, size effect, lubri cation and mean stress. Implications for industry The project provides important insights for industrial users. For design engineering, the results could enable more real istic dimensioning and a better balance between safety and weight. In quality assurance, they could help manufacturers better understand variations and analyse the causes of fatigue failure more precisely. For purchasing teams, the findings could support decisions on when standard parts are sufficient and when specific requirements may be appropriate. Furthermore, the findings are intended to contribute to the further development of existing standards and guidelines, in particular VDI 2230 Part 1. This could enable more reliable and, at the same time, more costefficient design of stainlesssteel bolted joints in the future. For companies, this could mean greater longterm safety, less overdimensioning and a better basis for decision making across the value chain. The project is being carried out by Wismar University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Institute for Large Struc tures in Production Engineering IGP in Rostock, together with industrial partners including Sonderschrauben Güldner. It is funded as part of the German Industrial Collective Research programme, with DLR as the project management agency, based on a resolution of the German Bundestag and with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. www.gueldner.com

// For design engineering, the results could enable more realistic dimensioning and a better balance between safety and weight //

Carbon steel is often treated as having a clearly defined fatigue limit

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46 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Fabory - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:22 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

VERSATILE STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS FROM FABORY Fabory expands its aesthetic and pre-lubricated stainless steel fastener ranges, offering more than 1,430 new fasteners to customers…

abory has launched black A4 stainless steel fasteners, combining corrosion resistance and aesthetics. The range of black stainless steel fasteners uses high quality stainless steel as its base material, offering corrosion resistance suitable for demanding environments. Available through the company’s webshop, the fasteners feature a black finish designed to provide better visual inte gration with finished products while maintaining a consistent appearance across assembled components and other visible fastening applications. The complete range comprises 230 black stainless steel fastener products, including hexagon bolts, machine screws, wood screws, nuts and washers. Aside from the black A4 stainless steel fasteners, Fabory has also expanded its Lubrinox portfolio, adding more than 1,200 new stainless steel fasteners to the range. Lubrinox is Fabory's range of prelubricated stainless steel fasteners. Each fastener is supplied with a specialised, high performance coating that reduces friction, prevents cold weld ing (galling) and delivers more consistent installation performance compared with conventional stainless steel Fabory’s HQ in Tilburg, Netherlands

The freshly launched black A4 stainless steel fastener range comprises 230 products fasteners. The coating is foodgrade compliant and provides full batch traceability. It also allows for clean, dry installation without contamination and is suitable for use with threadlocking compounds. Fabory states that by eliminating the need for manual lubri cation, Lubrinox helps manufacturers improve productivity while reducing total cost of ownership through reduced assembly variation and operational costs. Application example Viscon specialises in automating processes for the food indus try and has been a customer of Fabory. In the autumn of 2021, Viscon began using Fabory Logic, a suite of smart inventory management solutions including RFID smart shelves, optical bins, weight scale cabinets and FastScan selfservice tools. Shortly after, the company discussed Lubrinox fasteners with Fabory, aiming to further simplify processes on the shop floor. Standard bolts and screws are currently being replaced with the new products. Previously, assembly paste was used to prevent a bolt connection's internal and external threads from seizing together. Viscon employees on the shop floor were also used to counting the fasteners they needed and greasing them beforehand. However, if the lubrication was too thick, this would cause paste to drip off a fastener, increasing the time needed to get a machine ready for sale. After using Lubrinox, the company no longer needed to purchase and apply lubricants manually, saving time and enhancing efficiency. Lubrinox fasteners are also resistant to cleaning agents used in the food industry. “By switching to Lubrinox fasteners, we eliminate a link from multiple processes,” says Juriaan van der Sluijs, Senior Tactical Buyer of Viscon. “It helps us better identify hidden costs. Assembly paste does not need to be purchased. By switching to Lubrinox fasteners, we are relieved of adminis trative burdens, both in the office and on the shop floor.” www.fabory.com

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47 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Tobsteel - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:21 Page 1

TOBSTEEL: FASTENERS WITH TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION

TOBSTEEL offers a range of stainless steel products to meet the technical demands of their respective applications…

OBSTEEL offers a range of fasteners covering all five Eurocode corrosion resistance classes, catering to the needs of multiple industries, including solar and construction. The ART. 9015 is a bimetal thinsheet screw that features a doublethread or finethread design and is manufactured from A2 stainless steel, providing high corrosion resistance and reli able installation performance. A hardened carbon steel tip allows the screw to fasten aluminium and steel components to aluminium or steel profiles without the need for predrilling. The screws have a drilling capacity of less than 2mm for steel and up to 4mm for aluminium. The doublethread finepitch design enables quick and secure installation, while an antifriction coating helps provide a smooth screwing process. The design also reduces chip formation during installation. The screws are ETAapproved, with other head shapes avail able. Key benefits include eliminating the need for predrilling, reduced chip formation and smoother, faster installation. ART. 9015 is designed for use in the solar industry, as well as roofing, building cladding and metal construction. TOBSTEEL showcases its products at Intersolar Europe 2026

The company has also received a European Technical Assessment (ETA) for its hanger bolt product range. The certification defines the products’ technical properties and intended areas of application, providing a basis for planning and installation. Made from A2 stainless steel, the hanger bolts feature both a wood thread and a metric thread. They are designed to secure mounting rails for photovoltaic modules to wooden substructures with corrugated or trapezoidal profiles. Depending on the configuration, the bolts are available in sets that can include nuts, washers and EPDM gaskets. The ETA is particularly significant as hanger bolts for these applications in Germany have previously been regulated mainly under national building requirements, including general building approvals. TOBSTEEL also offers a range of coated fasteners with different threadlocking options. One example uses an adhe sive coating containing microencapsulated adhesive applied to the thread. As the screw is tightened, the microcapsules rupture, allowing the adhesive to cure and help secure the connection. These solutions can be particularly useful for applications such as solar farms in open areas, where a permanently secure screw connection is required. For the relevant models, the products are supplied with the compliance mark (Ü Zeichen) and general building authority approval Z30.36. Rather than the coating itself being the sole differentiating factor, TOBSTEEL highlights the importance of how the fastener, base material, corrosion protection, thread locking and intended application work together to ensure the required performance. As TOBSTEEL offers fasteners for all five corrosion resis tance classes, industries such as traditional building construction, industrial applications, facade construction, tunnels and demanding outdoor applications in the offshore sector can benefit from TOBSTEEL products. www.tobsteel.com

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48 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Apex - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:22 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

APEX: BOLSTERS STAINLESS STEEL RANGE Apex Stainless Fasteners has expanded its stocked range with more than 270 new self-drilling screw SKUs, covering A2 and A4 stainless steel specifications and multiple head and drive options…

pex Stainless Fasteners has significantly expanded its stocked offering, adding more than 270 new self drilling screw stockkeeping units (SKUs). The expanded range covers two core specifications to suit different environments and drive preferences. The A2 DIN 7504 TX Six Lobe SelfDrillers are available in both pan and countersunk (TX) head versions. The sixlobe drive delivers improved torque transfer, reduced camout and a cleaner, more secure fit, making the screws suitable for preci sion and repeatfixing applications. The A4 DIN 7504 SelfDrillers, available in hex head, PZ pan and PZ countersunk head versions, are manufactured from A4 (316) marinegrade stainless steel. This provides enhanced resistance to chlorides and aggressive conditions, making them well suited to coastal, poolside and chemically demand ing environments. Selfdrilling screws remain a versatile fastener for installers, combining a drillpoint tip with a fastening thread to pierce, tap and secure material in a single operation. This eliminates the need for pilot holes, helping to reduce installation time and material wear. Manufactured from corrosionresistant stain less steel, they are suited to applications including roofing and cladding, HVAC, steel framework and signage, as well as a range of exterior and marineinflu enced environments where longevity and appearance are important. With multiple head styles, drive types and material grades now held in stock, customers can source the right screw without compro mise or lengthy lead times, backed by Apex’s nextday delivery service. “Expanding our selfdrilling range by over 270 SKUs is a direct response to what our customers are telling us they need,” says Gareth Whiteford, Commercial Director of Apex Stain less Fasteners. “Holding this depth of stock, ready to ship the next day, is central to our strategy of being the goto stainless partner for choice, availability and speed of supply.” www.apexstainless.com

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Apex says expanding the self-drilling range is a response to customer demand

// The A4 DIN 7504 Self-Drillers, available in hex head, PZ pan and PZ countersunk head versions, are manufactured from A4 (316) marine-grade stainless steel //

In our industry, reliability matters, and Apex has always delivered. Apex Distributor Customer of 20+ Years

Get In Touch For Your Stainless Steel Fastener Solutions

50 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - Owlett-Jaton - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:23 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE AND SIMPLIFIED PROCUREMENT Owlett-Jaton’s stainless steel range covers everyday fixings through to specialist structural applications…

wlettJaton offers an extensive range of stainless steel fasteners, covering a broad selection of product types, sizes, head styles and drive types. The range includes grades such as A2304, A4316 and A480, providing options for both generalpurpose and more demanding applications. From A2 stainless steel panel pins through to specialist A4 stainless steel structural fixings from JCP Fixings, the range is designed to provide distributors with a single source for everyday requirements as well as more specialist fastening applications. The portfolio includes bolts, setscrews, nuts, washers, stud ding, socket screws, machine screws, woodscrews, selftapping screws, chipboard screws, coach screws, cup square bolts, secu rity fasteners and round hammer drive screws. Products are available in A2 grade, with many also offered in A4. Threaded

products are available in both metric and imperial formats, including BSW, UNC and UNF. Many products conform to their respective DIN and BS specifications, providing additional assurance around product quality and consistency. Product choice is complemented by a service designed to simplify procurement. OwlettJaton maintains substantial stockholding and offers nextday delivery through its nation wide distribution network, helping customers maintain stock availability and keep their own operations moving. The stainless steel fastener range forms part of Owlett Jaton’s portfolio of more than 30,000 products available from a single source. www.owlett-jaton.com

Owlett-Jaton offers stainless-steel fasteners in A2-304, A4-316 and A4-80 grades

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52 54 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - BrightonBest - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:24 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL’S DEVELOPING AND DEEPENING STAINLESS STEEL RANGE It’s not just its (now vast) stainless steel ranges that Brighton-Best International has been investing in recently. UK Branch Manager Mike Churchill tells Torque Magazine about the new recruits, staff initiatives and the milestones he’s seen in three decades at BBI…

hile BrightonBest International (BBI) UK has been a player in the stainless steel fastener market for many years, its growth trajectory has notably increased lately. “It’s only in recent years that we’ve committed to [stainless steel] properly – with dedicated new ranges and significantly increased inventory levels,” Mike Churchill, Branch Manager at BBI UK, explains to Torque Magazine. “As a result, 2026 is still new territory for us in many ways, but the trend has been consistently upward: we’re seeing solid yearonyear growth, and every indicator suggests that curve will keep rising through the rest of the year and beyond. “It’s genuinely exceeded expectations. Growth has come quicker than we anticipated, and the more containers we bring in, the more volume we have to compete for – and win – bigger orders. That’s created a compounding effect: as our stock depth grows, so does our ability to win business, and sales

Katy Woodhouse, pictured here with BBI UK boss Mike Churchill, became Sales and Warehouse Controller earlier this year

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value is growing even faster than volume. At present, we’re doubling turnover yearonyear in stainless.” After the exponential expansion of its stainless steel ranges, BBI UK has deliberately slowed the pace of range expansion, adds Mike: “Now we can focus on developing and deepening what we already have, rather than continuing to add breadth for its own sake.” Before BBI UK’s stainless steel push it had in the region of 34 stainless family groups: “We’re now up to 110 and counting – so while the rate of expansion has eased, the range itself has grown enormously.” 30 years in the business That overview of BBI UK’s stainless steel progression comes from someone who has played a key role not only in the devel opment of the firm’s stainless steel ranges, but in BBI as a whole. Now having accrued 30 years in the business, Mike Churchill has seen plenty of change there and in the industry as a whole, over the decades. “There’s a lot to look back on,” he says. “When I started, pick sheets had no locations on them at all – we relied on roller decks just to find stock. Email barely existed, a lot of orders came in by post, everything was processed manually, and the fax machine was a genuine workhorse. Fast forward 30 years and we now have an excellent web platform where customers can load enquiries and orders themselves, and download certification on demand.” A company milestone, in 2007/2008, saw new owners make serious investments and set the firm on the path to where it is today. But Mike’s personal highlights have been investments in people: “I started as a temporary warehouse packer and worked my way through warehouse manager, accounts, sales, sales supervisor and eventually branch manager. That journey taught me that hard work and effort pay off, and I love passing that on – helping staff see what’s possible for them and giving them the ambition and confidence to grow.” In terms of the business, the decades have seen BBI UK evolve into one of the fastener industry’s heavyweights: “For a long time we were a small, Americanowned outfit operating out of a 10,000 ft² warehouse, which naturally limited us – both in the stock we could hold and the space to grow it. In 2010 we moved into a 60,000 ft² warehouse, which gave us real room to expand our ranges and stock depth for the first time. Then in 2023 we added a further 40,000 ft² warehouse right next door, giving us the capacity to push stainless development even further.

52 54 FOCUS - Stainless Steel Fixings & Fasteners - BrightonBest - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:24 Page 2

TORQUE FOCUS STAINLESS STEEL FIXINGS AND FASTENERS “That physical growth has taken us from a small player to a genuinely significant one in the UK market. Digitalisation has been just as transformative – our web platform makes ordering, enquiries and certification far more efficient for customers, cutting out the manual backandforth that used to be the norm and giving them control and visibility whenever they need it. Personnel investments Katy Woodhouse has taken on a new role as Sales and Ware house Controller, as of March this year. In the role, Katy facili tates the smooth running of both sales and warehouse operations, and – just as importantly – the interaction between the two. “It’s a role that bridges a gap that exists in a lot of distribution businesses: sales sometimes waiting on the warehouse, and vice versa. Katy makes sure that handoff happens smoothly. “Having someone with real warehouse knowledge sitting closer to the sales team also helps the sales side understand operational realities – stock, timing, logistics – which in turn means more accurate promises to customers and fewer avoid able delays. It’s already proving to be a genuinely valuable link between the two functions.” Matthew Bates is also a fairly recent addition to the team. Joining in July 2025 in a salesfocused role, he has “got up to speed impressively quickly”, says Mike. “He recently completed his first Torque show, representing BBI on the road within his first year – a good early sign of how quickly he’s settled into the team and the industry.” The secret to any company’s success is often due in no small part to its people and BBI has been putting extra emphasis on people power with its Better Idea initiative, chance for all staff

to make a real difference. “Better Ideas is a scheme we set up to give every member of staff a direct route to pitch improvements – on any aspect of the business – by submitting a ticket, which is then reviewed by the team. If an idea is implemented, the person behind it is rewarded, whether that’s cash or a voucher, and their idea is featured on our notice board,” Mike explains. “What’s been particularly pleasing is that some of the ideas pitched through the scheme haven’t just been implemented here in the UK – they’ve been rolled out across BBI globally. Something that started as a small local suggestion has ended up having a worldwide impact across the organisation. It’s a great way of making staff feel genuinely valued and showing them their ideas are actually listened to.” That neatly brings this article back to the theme of invest ment in people. In fact, that’s something Mike is most proud of in his 30 years at BBI UK, alongside the growth of the company he’s been part of from the very start: “I’m equally proud of how our people have developed – ShellyAnn is a great example, having progressed from a sales operative through business development to sales manager. Being part of that kind of growth is genuinely rewarding, and it’s exactly the same spirit behind Katy’s recent move into her new role.” That contribution that BBI’s staff have made has developed BBI into the business it is today. “I’d say to anyone who last visited us – or formed an impression of BBI – 15 years ago: come and take another look. We’re a very different business now, and we’d love the opportunity to show people what we can offer and build a partnership with them.” www.brightonbest.co.uk

// I’d say to anyone who last visited us – or formed an impression of Brighton-Best International – 15 years ago: come and take another look. We’re a very different business now, and we’d love the opportunity to show people what we can offer and build a partnership with them //

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55 ADVERT MIX - TOR107 2026.qxp 01/10/2026 15:22 Page 1

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9/2/2026 12:55:30 PM

56 58 Torque Tools - Gedore - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:25 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS TORQUE TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & BOLTING

GEDORE TORQUE: REPAIR, SERVICE, CALIBRATE, REPEAT In many industries, the need for torque tools to operate at their peak and be quality assured is non-negotiable. Gedore Torque’s new and expanded UKAS-accredited calibration lab is now operational and helping customers ensure quality connections…

s of this year, Gedore Torque is based in brand new offices, not far from its historic UK site, in Guildford, roughly an hour’s drive from London. The move, precip itated by a shift in production, provided the opportunity to signif icantly expand and enhance its UKASapproved calibration lab. Torque Magazine snapped up an invite to see inside the new facility, with Hayden McNamee CEng MIMechE, Head of Labo ratory and Compliance, leading the visit: “Gedore is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) so we cover everything from design, test and manufacture to operating a service centre too. You can send a torque tool to us and we will service it, repair it and if necessary and then it will go to our lab for calibration.” It’s not strictly necessary to send Gedore torque tools to Gedore to have them calibrated and serviced, but for many – not least those operating in highly regulated industries like aerospace, defence, automotive and others – a UKAS certified calibration lab is an attractive or even essential prospect. Thanks to the new location, Gedore has been able to signif icantly increase the size of its UKAScertified lab, now with approximately two and a half times more space, significantly adding capacity. Opportunities in regions and sectors While Gedore is a wellknown name in its home market of Germany and in many territories around the world including South Africa, the opportunity in the UK remains significant and tantalising. In terms of sectors, Gedore has a strong foothold in highly regulated industries like energy, defence and auto motive – the latter has a whole specific branch of Gedore serv ing it. Likewise, the agriculture market has the Oschekopf line answering its specific needs. Gedore is also used in the likes of mining, aggregates (a key focus for the firm) and tunnelling, within the world of infrastructure. Then there’s renewables, utilities… and medical labs. Gedore offers a number of metalonly torque tools, meaning they can be thoroughly cleaned and are therefore ideal for use in medi cal settings and also where there’s a risk of radioactivity – all metal items can be more easily decontaminated. Given the wide range of applications, Gedore creates torque tools that cover a huge spectrum of forces. For larger applica tions, Gedore has created battery torque multipliers, capable of torque applications up to a high level, for example 15,000 nm. Naturally, it’s Gedore’s blue ranges that are most relevant to

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Above: The measuring equipment with the lab is calibrated and regularly assessed to ensure accuracy the UKAS lab – these premium tools are designed for the rigours and standards of industry (Gedore red is more pitched at the hobbyist and mechanic). Torque standard update As readers will no doubt know, there are two key torque stan dards, ISO 67891:2017, ISO 67892:2017 and ISO 7882:2017. Almost 10 years on, there’s an update in the works for the standards, due to implement either this year or in ’27. Helping customers tackle their challenges is something any business worth its salt focuses on, and when it comes to Earlier this year, the Gedore team assembled for the official opening of the new UK headquarters, which includes the UKAS-certified lab

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56 58 Torque Tools - Gedore - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:25 Page 2

TORQUE FOCUS

technical challenges, Gedore is poised to help. “Through a technical lens, customers face challenges with problems that require a unique solution,” says McNamee. “For example, some of the aggregate equipment is huge and so are the fasteners on the wheels of large exca vators. They need to be serviced, wheels may need to be changed and torquing such large bolts is very difficult.” “We are one of the only companies in the world that will create a solution and product to fit that problem. Customers come to us with a problem and we develop a solution – we are the company to go to. We’ll review the issue, speak to our engineers in Germany and come up with something. We’ve produced lots of bespoke products and we’re more than happy to help with unusual challenges.”

Gedore’s service and repair lab runs alongside but separate from the calibration lab

Into the lab One of the clear challenges Gedore can help customers with is to provide top level servicing and calibration for torque tools. Gedore’s Guildford lab typically handles servicing and calibration from UK customers, but it also serves some further afield, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Operating a service and repair centre alongside the sepa rate UKAS accredited calibration lab, Gedore can take a controlled review of a tool, lubrication, repair and replace items if needed, followed by checking and calibration. The importance of experience, knowledge and training are emphasised by the firm. During the visit, engineers present hairraising examples of where an inexperienced or untrained lab engineer might mistakenly calibrate a high torque tool without resetting it to its lowest set point, for example, raising the possibility of a highly wound spring ricocheting out when a tool is opened: “There’s a high risk if people are not trained and work on a torque tool.” Passing through the repair and service lab, Torque heads through another security door to access the UKASaccred ited lab, which is solely for calibration. It’s a clean room (no food or liquid in the lab), with staffers quality checking the equipment, spotting potential problems early and applying correction acts to equipment if needed – even checking equipment drift, and technicians apply checks to ensure these are correct. The checks are also an opportunity to look at improvements to the lab, kick off new processes, and ensure it all continues to operate at a high level – in addition to regular audits by UKAS. When it comes to calibrating and measuring torque, particularly at the lower end of the Newton Metre (Nm) scale, little things can change the output such as airflow, vibration, temperature. So incredibly accurate weights are used in a strict controlled environment to ensure measure ments are correct. During the tour, a 50 year old Gedore tool, a fraction older than your Torque correspondent, is shown to still be going strong, a testament to the longevity of a wellmain tained tool. Calibration turnaround times are pretty swift – 35 working days – and customers are welcome to come and visit by contacting the firm directly. McNamee concludes: “Gedore covers the full package – design and production of the tool, and then service, repair, and calibration engineered by Gedore and UKAS calibra tion certified.” Find out more at gedore-torque.com

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Weight watcher: The measuring equipment within the lab is calibrated and regularly assessed to ensure accuracy

59 FOCUS - Fastener Manufacturing SPECIAL - Matatakitoyo - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:26 Page 1

TORQUE TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & BOLTING

FLEXIBLE AND ACCURATE TORQUE MEASURING MATATAKITOYO’s BTA Digital Torque Adapter enables users to select the best tool for multiple tasks…

ATATAKITOYO’s BTA Digital Torque Adapter offers workshop and maintenance professionals a flexible way to measure torque using a range of standard hand tools. The adapter can be used with wrenches, sliding Tbars and ratchet handles, allowing users to select the tool best suited to the task while maintaining accurate torque measurement. The adapter offers measurement accuracy of ±1% clockwise (CW) and ±1.5% counterclockwise (CCW). It also features four measurement modes – Peak, Segment, Section and Track – providing different options for monitoring torque during fastening operations. The adapter covers measurements from 12 to 1,000Nm. This range is designed to accommodate applications across automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial environments. The adapter also supports wireless connectivity with a mobile application, allowing torque data to be connected to a

mobile device. It is specified for operating temperatures from 10°C to 55°C, while its storage temperature range is 40°C to 85°C. It can operate in humidity levels ranging from 0% to 90%. By combining compatibility with standard hand tools, multiple measurement modes and wireless connectivity, the BTA Digital Torque Adapter provides a flexible option for torque measurement across a range of workshop and mainte nance applications. www.matatakitoyo.com

60 62 Torque Tools - HEICO - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:27 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS TORQUE TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & BOLTING

SAFETY MEETS EFFICIENCY: HEICO-LOCK® REACTION WASHERS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE RISK OF WORKSPACE ACCIDENTS WITH POWERED HIGH-TORQUE TOOLS Large bolted assemblies challenge even experienced installers: powered hightorque tools require reaction arms or support devices, making the process complex and time-consuming. Additionally, the risk of workspace accidents increases, HEICO explains…

n Germany alone, over 2,000 reportable workspace accidents occur each year due to the use of powerdriven bolt, tensioning and bolt-turning tools (Statistik Arbeitsunfallgeschehen 2024, Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e.V. (DGUV)). In more than 83% of cases, these incidents are caused by a loss of control over the tool or workpiece. Electric, pneumatic and hydraulic tools operating at high torque require reaction arms or additional devices to redirect the force generated. Standard reaction arms, typically supplied by the tool manufacturers, allow proper operation when used correctly by trained personnel. However, many bolted connec tions and installation situations are so unique – or the support was not considered during the design process – that standard ised support arms cannot be used, making it necessary to find expensive customised solutions. Many operators underestimate the risk “High costs for custommade support arms or tight deadlines often force operators to rely on improvised, selfbuilt solu tions,” explains Tobias Hübing, Certified Fastener Engineer (DSV) and Head of Laboratory at HEICO Group. “In doing so, many users underestimate the risks associated with high torque bolting tools and the immense forces involved. For example, achieving the preload specified by VDI 22301 for an M24 bolt of strength class 10.9 requires a tightening torque of approx. 1,000 Nm – roughly equivalent to the maximum torque produced by two to three highperformance midsize cars with around 200 hp each.” Even with a nominal bolt size of M24, a reaction force of more than 8,000 N must be transferred into surrounding structure. This corresponds roughly to the weight force of a small compact car with a mass of around 800 kg. The reaction force acts both on the support point and on the bolt itself. Failure or

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HEICO-LOCK® Reaction Washers are compatible with a wide range of torque tool models from leading high-torque tool manufacturers slippage of the support can have devastating consequences. The weight force of a mass of only around 100 kg is already sufficient to cause severe finger crushing injuries, while forces between 100 to 150 KGS can lead to bone fracture. “A makeshift support made from structural steel (e.g. S235) with a diameter of approx. 6 mm would shear off or fracture under the previously calculated reaction force of 8,000 N – and would already begin to bend at significantly lower forces or tightening torques,” explains Tobias Hübing.

HEICO Fastening Systems The best value to secure and tighten bolted joints.

HEICO-LOCK® Reaction Washers The ultimate bolt locking system that allows reaction arm-free tightening with most branded high-torque tools.

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60 62 Torque Tools - HEICO - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:27 Page 2

TORQUE FOCUS TORQUE TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & BOLTING

Maximum safety by eliminating reaction arms and support devices HEICOLOCK® Reaction Washers enable reaction arm free tight ening of large bolted joints when using motorised torque tools. HEICO’s dual socket engages with the gearshaped outer profile of the HEICOLOCK® Reaction Washer, allowing the tool’s reaction torque to be absorbed directly through the washer. As a result, external reaction arms and additional support devices are no longer required. By applying the tightening torque purely axially through the torque tool, the bolt remains properly aligned during tighten ing and no additional bending stresses are introduced. By reducing side load and bending moments during tightening, the system improves torque accuracy, may increase joint load bearing capacity, and helps extend the service life of the high torque tool. Safe bolted joints with maximum efficiency Largediameter bolts (> M24) are frequently used in critical industries such as oil and gas, power generation, chemical processing and mining, where they are often tightened in high volume or series bolting applications. This is where the advantages of HEICOLOCK® Reaction Washers become particularly clear. Instead of laboriously repositioning and correctly aligning reaction arms and support devices of the hightorque tool after each bolt is tightened, the use of these innovative reaction washers in combination with the matching HEICO dual socket allows bolted joints to be tightened one after another more quickly, easily and safely. This not only increases efficiency and occupational safety but also optimizes the entire bolting process while simultane ously reducing costs. Reliable protection against self-loosening Like all locking solutions in the HEICOLOCK® series, the reac tion washers are based on the proven wedge locking principle. This twowasher system provides highly effective protection against selfloosening of bolted joints under dynamic load such as vibration, which commonly occur in machinery and indus trial applications.

HEICO-LOCK® Reaction Washers enable the safe, efficient, and precise assembly of large bolted joints using high-torque tools – completely without reaction arms and with reliable protection against self-loosening

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Many users underestimate the risks associated with high-torque bolting tools. Both pinching or crushing the fingers as well as injuries from the tool slipping off are often the result The radial ribs on the outer surfaces of the washer pair embed themselves into both the clamped component and the bearing surface of the bolt head or nut during tightening, creat ing a positive mechanical interlock. At the same time, the opposing internal wedge surfaces prevent any rotational loos ening caused by vibration or shock load. Compatible use with HEICO Dual Sockets HEICOLOCK® Reaction Washers are compatible with a wide range of torque tool models from leading hightorque tool manufacturers. In cooperation with these tool manufacturers, HEICO designs and supplies the corresponding dual sockets customised to each specific system. This allows operators to integrate the Reaction Washers quickly and easily, as existing torque tools can continue to be used without costly replacement or major modification. HEICOLOCK® Reaction Washers enable the safe, efficient, and precise assembly of large bolted joints using hightorque tools – without the need for reaction arms and with reliable protection against selfloosening. www.HEICO-GROUP.com

EXPERTS BY CHOICE

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64 FOCUS - Wire & Fastener Cold Heading - Spartan Fasteners - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:31 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS WIRE & FASTENER COLD HEADING

TAILORED SOLUTIONS FROM SPARTAN Spartan Fastener manufactures fasteners for a range of industries, meeting the needs of customers requiring precision and strength…

partan Fastener is a Wisconsinbased fastener manufac turer specialising in tailormade fasteners with unique mechanical requirements. Capable of producing fasten ers from initial prototypes to mass production, Spartan Fastener offers a wide range of products, including custom coldformed fasteners, coldformed rivets and pins, as well as miniature fasteners. For custom coldformed fasteners, Spartan Fastener is capa ble of producing specialised bolts and clinch studs, with the coldforming process rearranging the grain flow of the metal, resulting in higher shear and yield strength compared to machined alternatives. The company’s MAThread® solution is designed specifically to prevent crossthreading during the assembly process. Moreover, Spartan Fastener’s rivets and pins are applicable to multiple industrial assembly scenarios, from bed frames to automotive sensors. The company’s customengineered shoul der rivets provide the high compressive and shear strength required for heavyduty industrial storage racks. For clients focused on speed, Spartan Fastener’s semitubular or hollow rivets are designed for efficient, automated assembly without the need for secondary drilling. These are available in a variety of materials, including brass, copper and stainless steel. Additionally, the progressive forming machines produce slotted, coiled and solid specialty pins with high repeatability and minimal scrap. Regarding miniature fasteners, Spartan Fastener has the capa bility to produce fasteners for medical device and electronics manufacturers with diameters as small as 0.019 inches while maintaining diameter tolerances as strict as ±0.001 inches. To cater to diverse technical needs, Spartan Fastener offers miniature solutions in lightweight aluminium, conductive copper and highstrength stainless steel.

Applications across industries Spartan Fastener’s coldformed components are used across a range of industries, with the manufacturing process offering different advantages depending on the application. In the automotive sector, where component reliability and structural integrity are critical, cold forming enables improved grain flow and tensile strength. These character istics make coldformed fasteners suitable for highstress vehicle assemblies across both internal combustion engine and electric vehicle platforms. The continued miniaturisation of electronic devices has also increased demand for small, hightolerance fasteners. Spartan Fastener produces microfasteners for consumer electronics and industrial circuitry, with cold forming offer ing a materialefficient alternative to screw machining while maintaining the dimensional precision required for these applications. Medical equipment presents another demanding applica tion. Surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment require components manufactured to precise specifications, as well as materials suited to healthcare environments. Spartan Fastener’s cold heading processes can produce smooth, highdensity surfaces with resistance to corrosion and fatigue, supporting the requirements of medical appli cations. In appliances, housewares and furniture, fasteners must combine mechanical reliability with the ability to withstand repeated everyday use. Spartan Fastener manufactures highvolume, custom coldformed components for these applications, providing parts designed for the demands of both residential and commercial products. spartanfastener.com

Spartan specialises in fasteners for applications with unique mechanical requirements

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65 ADVERT MIX - TOR107 2026.qxp 01/10/2026 15:27 Page 1

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www.galleonfixings.com 21/08/2026 11:08:48

66 FOCUS - B&C - Anchors - Owlett-Jaton - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:32 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ANCHORS

ANCHOR CALCULATION PRO SUITE AIDS STREAMLINED DESIGN PROCESS The Anchor Calculation Pro Suite enables engineers to design connections using a simple tool that accounts for loadings, spacing and edge distances…

wlettJaton’s JCP Fixings helps engineers select the appropriate anchors through its Anchor Calculation Pro Suite programme, enabling users to assess proposed solutions against relevant design criteria. The programme features five modules: ACP, Metal Injection, Railing, Ceiling and Rebar. The ACP Module provides anchoring solutions for both cracked and uncracked concrete, allowing users to verify mechanical and chemical anchors across a range of configurations. The Metal Injection Module is designed to verify fixings installed in masonry substrates. Users can select from different types of solid and hollow masonry units when carrying out the verification. The Railing Module streamlines the specification and design of railing systems installed in concrete, such as those used on balconies and staircases. It helps users select suitable anchors and determine appropriate post layouts for each application. The Rebar Module helps users determine the appropriate chemical resin for postinstalled rebar applications, where reinforcing bars are drilled into existing concrete elements to establish connections with new concrete structures.

The Ceiling Module is designed for redundant, nonstruc tural applications, including electrical and mechanical support systems as well as suspended or false ceiling installations. According to OwlettJaton, rather than relying on generic capacity figures, calculations can take applicationspecific parameters into account, giving users a clearer understand ing of how an anchor is expected to perform in its intended environment. The software is designed with usability in mind, helping streamline what can otherwise be a complex and timeconsum ing design process. By guiding users through the required inputs and calculations, the programme can assist engineers and specifiers in making informed product selections while providing a documented basis for design verification. The JCP Anchor Calculation Pro Suite is available free of charge, making professional anchor design and verification more accessible. JCP also provides training and technical support to help users understand the software, apply the appro priate design methodology and get the most from the platform. www.jcpfixings.co.uk

The programme features five modules covering a range of applications

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68 69 FOCUS - B&C - Anchors - fischer - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:32 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

Applications include ventilation systems, pipework and air conditioning units

ONE ANCHOR, MULTIPLE FIXING APPLICATIONS Designed for quick, straightforward installation, the fischer HybridPower anchor helps simplify stock management and reduce the risk of incorrect application…

he fischer HybridPower anchor is suitable for multiple applications, including singlepoint fastenings in concrete and multiple fastenings of nonloadbearing systems in concrete, masonry and aerated concrete. This hybrid fixing solution combines the ease of installation and flexibility of a plastic plug with the high loadbearing capacity and longterm safety of a steel anchor. The integrated steel component provides reliable loadbearing performance, including in the event of a fire. The design also features power wedges, metal barbs that wedge into the building material to provide additional grip and improve the fixing’s overall hold. Rather than switching between plastic plugs and steel anchors based on the building material, load requirements and other factors, HybridPower is designed to cover a wide range of applications. It is suitable for industrial use, HVAC systems, electrical installations and interior finishing. Applications include ventilation systems, pipework, air conditioning units, electrical installations, anchor channels, wall shelves and kitchen cabinets. The anchor can be used in both solid and hollow building materials, while metal and timber attachments up to 30mm can also be securely fixed. HybridPower can help reduce the number of products that need to be stocked, carried in vehicles or brought to site, while

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Constr

68 69 FOCUS - B&C - Anchors - fischer - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:32 Page 2

ANCHORS

also simplifying planning and product selection. The solution can also help reduce the risk of incor rect application, providing a practical advantage in the daytoday demands of construction sites. Installation is quick and straightforward, requiring no special tools or torque wrenches, regardless of the type of substrate. With the fischer HybridPower anchor, which has an ETA (European Technical Assessment) for singlepoint fastenings in concrete as well as for multiple fastenings of nonloadbearing systems in concrete, masonry and aerated concrete, tradespeople and DIYers have a suitable solution for a wide range of fixing applications. Retail partners are supported by a sales promoting campaign across social media and online channels, complemented by an attractive instore product presentation. This includes impactful secondary placements featuring new display visuals and a countertop display with sample bags. www.fischer.group

The HybridPower anchor is applicable to multiple scenarios

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nation of smart monitoring tools and strong fasteners. Take the decisive step towards a digital future in construction with Structural Health Monitoring. www.fischer-international.com

For further information:

13.08.2026 14:41:44

70 FOCUS - B&C - Anchors - INDEX - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:33 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ANCHORS

STRUTBOLT operates through an internal expansion mechanism activated during installation

E N H A N C E D INSTALLATION EFFICIENCY INDEX’s STRUTBOLT is suitable for structural steel connections, metal profile fixings and high-load installations in hollow sections…

NDEX has introduced STRUTBOLT, an expansion anchor designed for structural fixings in hollow steel sections. STRUTBOLT operates through an internal expansion mechanism activated during installation, enabling it to be installed from a single side of the section. This simplifies assembly and eliminates the need for hot works or rear access. The system allows metaltometal connections without the need for welding or throughbolting, providing an alternative solution for applications where access to the inside of the section is not possible. Applications include structural steel connections, the fixing of

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metal profiles and installations in hollow sections subjected to high loads. It can be used in rectangular, square and circular hollow sections, provided there is sufficient space for proper expansion. ETAapproved, STRUTBOLT is also available in two versions: hotdip galvanised (HDG) for environments requiring high corrosion resistance and zincplated. INDEX stated that the launch of STRUTBOLT expands its range of fastening solutions for steel structures, with a focus on installation efficiency and onsite safety. www.indexfix.com

71 ADVERT MIX - TOR107 2026.qxp 01/10/2026 15:31 Page 1

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17/09/2026 15:38

72 FOCUS - B&C - Anchors - MKT - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:34 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ANCHORS

The anchors are suitable for medium- and heavyduty applications

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR DEMANDING CONCRETE FIXINGS MKT’s BZ-IG and VZ-IG anchor systems provide versatile fastening solutions for cracked and uncracked concrete, supporting a range of medium- to heavy-duty applications…

KT MetallKunststoffTechnik offers a range of anchors combining aesthetics, practicality and relia bility. The BZIG fastening system is a wedge anchor designed for use in cracked and uncracked concrete, combining mechanical anchoring with the installation flexibility of an internal thread. Its internal thread allows the anchor to be installed with differ ent types of fasteners, including countersunk head screws, hexagon head screws and standard threaded rods. This makes the product suitable for applications where a concealed or adaptable fixing solution is required, including balcony and stair railings as well as stadium seating. Compared with dropin anchors, the BZIG can support higher loads, including in cracked concrete, according to MKT. The system is designed for medium to heavyduty applica tions and can be used for a range of permanent and temporary fastening requirements. Typical applications include railings, suspended ceilings, ladders, doors, sprinkler systems and pipe hangers, as well as temporary fixings where flexibility in the choice of fastening hardware is required. The BZIG has received the European Technical Assessment ETA99/0010. The Chemical Anchor VZ, consisting of the styrenefree

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Resin Anchor Capsule VZP and Internally Threaded Anchor Rod VZIG, is designed for anchoring large loads in cracked and uncracked concrete. Installation involves inserting the composite mortar cartridge into a cleaned drill hole, followed by driving the internally threaded anchor rod into the hole using the supplied adapter and a hammer drill fitted with a chuck for cylindrical drills. The system allows the mortar cartridge and internally threaded anchor rod to be installed independently, as the composite reaction does not begin until the anchor rod is driven into the hole. This also allows installation work to be interrupted without affecting the process. Its short curing time enables heavy components to be fastened without extended waiting periods. The VZIG can be installed in concrete temperatures ranging from 20°C to +40°C, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications throughout the year. Its temperature range also makes the system suitable for applications such as cold stores. Typical applications include steel structures, brackets, rail ings, posts, supports, ladders and gates, as well as fixings in coldstorage environments. The system can be used with stan dard screws or threaded rods. mkt.de

xx ADVERTORIAL - FAR Srl - TOR104 2026.qxp 28/04/2026 14:22 Page 1

Long-Lasting Installation Tools & Automated Systems Designed For High Productivity & Volumes PRODUCTION & QUALITY: FAR is one of the “solid” names in the manufacturing of blind rivets and rivnuts in Italy, Europe and worldwide. With its wide fleet of 125 machines dedicated to various outcomes for fastening, “production” and “quality” are two of the key words in FAR daily working operations. FAR is certified ISO 9001 and TUV and has been for many years. 100% made in Italy

Bologna, Northern Italy

Total sqm

20,000 sqm

Total sqm covered

16,500 sqm

4 product categories

Rivets, Rivnuts, Tools & Automations

Rivets outcomes

> 350,000,000 rivets/year

Rivnuts outcomes

> 100,000,000 rivets/year

Tools & Automations

> 50,000 units/year

Total employees

120

Market distribution

75+ countries

AR is a strong brand in the United Kingdom and wellknown for the reliability of its technologies. PARTON TOOLS Ltd was founded and grew up alongside FAR and today operates as one of the most valuable FAR Authorised Distributor & Tool Repair Centre. At its Birmingham headquarters, it has a FAR technology showroom where applications for rivets and inserts can be tested. FAR is now an accredited Official Supplier to some of the UK’s automotive manufacturers and OEM. PARTON TOOLS provides highvalue technical services to all end users in the UK, as well as repair support and consultancy to system integrators and other Distributors. Training courses for Repair Centres worldwide are regularly supplied from Bologna headquarters.

EXTENSIVE STOCKS: the company is able to deliver its portfolio everywhere in just a few days, either by truck, sea or air. Large volumes of products are available both at the HQ in Bologna and at Distributors’ warehouses internationally. DEMONSTRATIONS of tools & automations are now promoted in several markets through local FAR showrooms activated in main markets like in Germany, France, UK, Poland, USA, Canada and in Oceania and at main exhibitions. If you’re interested in becoming a part of FAR’s Partner International Network, please contact FAR Export Management. CONSULTANCY: FAR is one of the few leading fastening players with crosscompetences in manufacturing different categories of technologies under the same roof, such as: quality fasteners and installation tools and automated systems. It targets Distributors & Dealers, as well as System Integrators and “high level” enduser Manufacturers. ‘Made in Italy’ means that FAR Bologna is FAR’s only manufacturing facility, this enables FAR to control productions & processes from one Italian hub.

74 75 FOCUS - B&C - Anchors - Fabory - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:34 Page 1

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

n a fastener failure, the first question is rarely how much the bolt cost. It is what the bolt stopped, damaged, delayed or put at risk. A relatively inexpensive component can sit at the centre of a multimillionpound machine, a safetycritical steel structure or a highvolume automotive production line. When that component is manufactured from the wrong material, supplied to the wrong property class, inadequately docu mented or unsuitable for its application, the consequences can be entirely disproportionate to its purchase price. Yet fastener specifications are still sometimes treated as smallprint details rather than operational risk controls. Across manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, incor rect specification and inadequate compliance evidence can contribute to failed inspections, production disruption, rejected assemblies, rework and avoidable safety concerns. The problem is not that standards and specifications do not exist. It is that the connection between engineering intent, procurement decisions, supplier controls and the component ulti mately installed is not always as robust as organisations assume.

Fabory encourages customers to view specification and compliance as frontline operational controls

THE KEYS TO

FASTENER SOURCING Scott Hayfield, QESH Manager of Fabory, explains why correct specification, technical verification and traceable compliance are becoming critical differentiators in UK and European fastener sourcing…

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A problem that is becoming more complex Industrial supply chains now extend across more countries, manufacturers, distributors and intermediaries. At every transfer point, there is a risk that documentation becomes separated from the material, requirements are interpreted differently, or product provenance becomes less transparent. Recent UK and EU cases demonstrate the potential conse quences. The UK Health and Safety Executive has highlighted the consequences of incorrect fastener specification following investigations into vehicle lifts fitted with bolts with a property class below the required minimum. In that case, bolts marked 4.8, or with no propertyclass marking, had been used where class 8.8 bolts were required, increasing the risk of catas trophic failure. While this example relates to vehicle lifts, the principle applies across industry: using a fastener that does not meet the specified mechanical properties can have serious operational and safety consequences. In the EU, concrete screws have been withdrawn and recalled after concerns that hydrogen embrittlement could cause them to fail without warning, potentially allowing installed components to fall. The details differ, but the underlying message is the same: a fastener can have the correct dimensions and still be unsuit able or unsafe because of its mechanical properties, material condition, manufacturing quality or intended application. These cases also demonstrate why documentation and supplier approval are essential but cannot always replace appropriate technical verification. The level of inspection or testing required should reflect the product, its application and the potential consequences of failure. Standards do not stand still BS, DIN, EN and ISO standards are periodically revised, replaced or withdrawn. However, older references can remain embedded in engineering drawings, bills of materials and purchasing systems after the original standard has changed, creating a gap between what the engineer intended, what the purchasing system requests and what a supplier is expected to provide.

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ANCHORS

Identifying that gap requires more than matching a product description to a purchase order. It requires sufficient technical understanding to determine whether the referenced standard remains current and whether the selected fastener is suitable for the intended application. The position can be particularly nuanced for construction products. Depending on the product, market and intended use, compliance evidence may include a Declaration of Perfor mance, CE or UKCA marking, a European or UK Technical Assessment, EN 10204 inspection documents, material certifi cates and traceable manufacturing records. These requirements do not apply identically to every fastener. A certificate or marking should therefore not be treated as a general guarantee that a product is suitable for every application. The evidence must correspond to the actual product, its declared characteristics and its intended use. Compliance is risk management, not paperwork Certificates of conformity, inspection documents, material test reports and batchtraceability records are sometimes treated as administrative requirements: they are requested for an audit and then stored away. In practice, they form a critical part of the evidence that a component is what it claims to be. Without dependable traceability, it can be difficult to deter mine where an affected component originated, identify which deliveries or assemblies may be involved, or establish whether a failure was caused by the product, the design, the installation process or the operating environment. Where production batches have been kept separate, complete traceability can allow an affected batch to be identified and isolated. Incomplete traceability can turn a contained quality issue into a much broader and more expensive investigation. At Fabory, we encourage customers to view specification and compliance as frontline operational controls rather than back office quality activities. Fabory's quality management system is certified to ISO 9001, while its inhouse laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Its testing capabilities include hardness test ing, threadtolerance inspection, tensile testing and chemical analysis supporting regulatory compliance assessments. These capabilities sit alongside supplier qualification, sample evaluation, manufacturing audits and ongoing logisti cal and laboratory quality controls. Fabory's batchmanage ment system also records information including the relevant order, delivery date, inspection details and the manufacturer's productionlot number, helping products to be traced back to the manufacturer and forward to the customer. The purpose is not simply to generate more paperwork. It is to make quality concerns easier to investigate, contain and resolve. Where responsibility actually sits One reason specification failures persist is that responsibility is often distributed across several departments. Engineering defines the technical requirement. Procurement sources the component against price, availability and delivery expectations. Quality teams inspect what arrives. Production then installs the component in accordance with its own processes and deadlines. Each department may complete its individual task correctly while an important discrepancy between those tasks remains unnoticed. The standard on the drawing may have been super seded. A technically similar alternative may have been offered

without a complete application review. A certificate may relate to a general product family rather than the specific production batch. A coating substitution may affect friction, preload or installation torque, and a fastener with the correct diameter and length may still have the wrong property class, material or mechanical characteristics for the joint. One of the most effective points at which to prevent these problems is before the order is placed. That means bringing tech nical expertise into the sourcing process early enough to examine the application, expected loads, connected materials, environ mental conditions, installation method and applicable standards. Fastener substitutions require particular care. A dimensionally identical component is not necessarily an equivalent component: changes to material, property class, coating or lubrication can alter strength, corrosion resistance and installation behaviour. Even changes between recognised standards require careful consideration. For example, DIN 7991 and ISO 10642 counter sunk socket screws are often considered interchangeable, yet there are subtle differences in head dimensions and tolerances. In many applications these differences are inconsequential, but in precisionmachined countersinks or assemblies with limited clearance they can affect performance. Alternatives can improve availability, performance or total cost, but they should be reviewed and approved by someone with the technical authority to understand the consequences. Price and dimen sional similarity alone are not sufficient grounds for approval. Questions manufacturers should ask now Manufacturers do not need to wait for a failure before assess ing the strength of their fastener supply chain. They should ask whether safetycritical and qualitycritical batches can be traced to a specific production lot, and whether important characteristics are verified through appropriate inspection or accredited testing, or whether they are accepted solely on the basis of supplier documentation. They should review whether the standards referenced in draw ings and bills of materials remain valid and, where a standard has changed, understand whether the replacement affects product selection, testing, marking, installation or documentation. Certificates should also be examined critically. Do they relate to the specific product and batch being supplied? Do they iden tify the manufacturer and production lot? Do they record the characteristics that matter to the application? Application suitability deserves equal attention. Is the fastener appropriate for the expected load, temperature, corrosion conditions, connected materials and assembly method? Have the coating, lubrication and friction conditions been considered when defining the installation procedure? Finally, organisations should consider what would happen if a component failed tomorrow. Could the affected batches, deliveries or completed assemblies be identified quickly, or would poor traceability force the organisation to investigate a much broader population of products? None of these questions is especially difficult to ask. The greater risk comes from assuming that satisfactory answers already exist. The specification is not the small print. It is the foundation on which product integrity, traceability and operational confi dence depend. www.fabory.com

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76 77 CBAM SPECIAL - Bomet + Olfor - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:35 Page 1

ASSESSING CBAM BOMET EUROPE NV Igor Liberloo, Sales Director at Bomet Europe NV... s a European manufacturer of DIN 9761 threaded rods, Bomet Europe NV welcomes the princi ples behind CBAM. The objective of creat ing a level playing field is important, but perhaps CBAM also raises a much broader question: why do so many European companies continue to source strategic products outside Europe when reliable manufacturing capacity already exists within the EU? However, while the ambition of CBAM is understandable and commendable, the implementation has been far more chal lenging than many companies anticipated.

Uncertainty has reduced, but has not disappeared Compared with the early stages of CBAM, there is more guidance available today. Nevertheless, important questions remain. One of the biggest concerns continues to be the availability and verification of reli able emissions data from nonEU steel producers. Many companies are still uncer tain about how emissions will ultimately be verified, how default values will be applied and how future CBAM costs will develop. This uncertainty makes longterm purchas ing and pricing decisions more difficult. For companies operating in highly competitive markets, predictability is almost as important as the legislation itself. Too early to judge its overall effectiveness CBAM was introduced to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring that production is not simply relocated to countries with lower environmental standards. In principle, this is the right objective. Whether it will fully achieve this goal is still difficult to assess. The mechanism is still relatively new and many parts of the system are only now moving towards full implementation. Its longterm success will largely depend on consistent enforcement, trans parent reporting and equal treatment of all market participants.

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Looking ahead It seems very likely that CBAM will grad ually expand to additional downstream products and industrial sectors. This evolution will affect not only manufactur ers but also distributors, contractors and end users throughout Europe. For European manufacturers such as Bomet Europe NV, this could strengthen the competitive position of companies that have invested in sustainable produc tion and high environmental standards. However, this advantage will only materi alise if the system is applied consistently across all imported products and all coun tries of origin. Beyond carbon: A supply chain perspective Over the past few years, global supply chains have repeatedly been disrupted by geopolitical tensions, shipping crises, rising freight costs and increasing regula tory complexity. Yet many importers continue to focus primarily on the lowest purchase price when sourcing fasteners and threaded rods. European sourcing may not always offer the lowest purchase price, but it often provides the lowest over all business risk. Reliability, transparency, sustainability and resilience have become equally important purchasing criteria.

CBAM should encourage companies to look beyond the invoice price. Supply secu rity, shorter lead times, product quality, technical support and regulatory certainty all have a value that is often underestimated. Europe still has highly capable manu facturers that can supply the market reli ably. Perhaps CBAM should not only be viewed as an environmental instrument, but also as an opportunity to strengthen European industrial resilience. CBAM must achieve the right balance CBAM represents an important step towards fairer international competition and a more sustainable manufacturing industry. We believe the principle is correct and necessary. At the same time, successful implemen tation requires clarity, consistency and practicality. Businesses support ambitious environmental objectives, but they also need regulatory certainty to invest, plan and compete with confidence. Ultimately, CBAM should reward compa nies that genuinely reduce their environ mental impact while ensuring that European industry remains globally competitive. Achieving that balance will determine whether CBAM becomes a lasting success. www.bomet.com

76 77 CBAM SPECIAL - Bomet + Olfor - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:35 Page 2

OLFOR Marek Łangalis, Olfor CEO, answers our questions... The fastener industry has been among the first to be impacted by CBAM, making it a bit of a test rat. How do you think it has been going so far? The fastener industry is highly fragmented compared to the major metal distributors who are also subject to CBAM require ments; consequently, this bureaucratic burden has fallen upon the small busi nesses in our sector. Navigating the convo luted processes proved to be the greatest challenge. The implementing regulations – which were set to take effect for businesses just two weeks later – were not published until 17 December. The EU made a mock ery of itself with such a legislative process. Small businesses faced a major problem, but so did large ones, as no legal experts were able to get a handle on the situation. In terms of uncertainty around CBAM, has this largely now been resolved, or do questions still loom on certain aspects of CBAM? Even after obtaining import authorisation, it is currently impossible to find the amount payable for the coming year in the system. Reportedly, the amount due for 2026 will not be known until February or March 2027. For some importers who have not kept accurate records, this will come as a major and unpleasant surprise. Do you have a view on the effectiveness of CBAM so far – do you think it’s achieving its aims of avoiding ‘carbon leakage’ in the supply chain? Is it too soon to tell? At present, the only reason the EU has decided to implement CBAM is fiscal. Low margin production will likely return to the EU to some extent, but should Europe really care about rebuilding lowmargin production? Have there been any unintended consequences of CBAM? I learned just how inept and bureaucratic an institution the EU is. I followed the CBAM legislative process from the very beginning and was shocked by how it unfolded. There was a lack of trans parency, and the publication of imple menting acts on 17 December led me to view the EU as a mutual admiration soci ety – bordering on the ridiculous.

// When I ﬁrst told my Asian suppliers about CBAM, they thought I was joking. They were baﬄed – wondering how we, the importers, could be expected to pay for CO2 emissions generated in China; it made no sense to them //

There has been some concern about the awareness of CBAM, particularly for end users and that end of the chain who will likely be paying more for their products in part thanks to CBAM. Is this an issue? The EU hasn't prepared for supplier certification. Apparently, that won't happen until 2027, so for now, we are operating very much in the dark. When I first told my Asian suppliers about CBAM, they thought I was joking. They were baffled – wondering how we, the importers, could be expected to pay for CO2 emissions generated in China; it made no sense to them. If you could change one thing about CBAM and its implementation so far, what would it be? Greater transparency and faster informa tion would be very helpful. It seems likely that CBAM will be extended to other categories and downstream products – do you anticipate this

will affect your business and the wider fastener industry? This will primarily affect lowprocessed manufacturing. Currently, for instance, simple production involving fasteners lacks protection, giving a Turkish manufacturer – thanks to cheaper steel or screws – an advantage over a European counterpart. Ultimately, however, the entire CBAM policy is primarily about shielding European manufacturing from competition. This is not beneficial for the consumer; instead of focusing on developing new technologies, Europe will be legally protecting the production of old technologies. Any final points to make on the topic of CBAM? CBAM is intended to rescue the European Union’s budget, which faces mounting expenses without corresponding revenue. For years, a misguided ideology leading to the trading of hot air has been pursued, and CBAM is one of its manifestations. olfor.pl

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78 CBAM SPECIAL - NEVIB - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:35 Page 1

ASSESSING CBAM

NEVIB A spokesperson for NEVIB, Dutch Association of Importers of Fasteners and Related Industrial Products, answers our questions... The fastener industry has been among the first to be impacted by CBAM, making it a bit of a test rat. How do you think it has been going so far? Fasteners are the first downstream prod uct covered under CBAM. But CBAM was designed for markets with multinational players, that offer only a limited number of base products. It is unsuitable for downstream product markets like fasten ers, that have thousands of small and mediumsized producers, supplying thou sands of different products, and are based in tens of different third countries. As a result, its implementation in our industry is a huge problem. In terms of uncertainty around CBAM, has this largely now been resolved, or do questions still loom on certain aspects of CBAM? Unfortunately, uncertainly has increased, not decreased. We face extremely high and

// The most serious problem is that actual values are not available today: due to delays and complexity, most producers are unable to properly calculate them. In addition, it is not clear who can verify those values //

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unrealistic default values, unclarity regarding the system boundaries, etc. The most serious problem is that actual values are not available today: due to the delays and huge complexity, most producers are unable to properly calculate them. In addi tion, it is not clear who can verify those values, or whether there are enough veri fiers, and if so, when they will be able to start the thousands of legally required on site verification visits, etc. Have there been any unintended consequences of CBAM? Due to these problems, importers may not be able to use actual values and are forced to use default values. This means CO2 emissions are not reduced, and so defacto CBAM is only an extra tax on imports, to be paid by the European end user without any environmental benefit. There has been some concern about the awareness of CBAM, particularly for end users and that end of the chain who will likely be paying more for their products in part thanks to CBAM. Is this an issue? It is a major issue! The market is already stressed due to antidumping measures, excessive regulatory requirements, higher energy costs, general inflation rates, etc. So, customers cannot be expected to pay even more, particularly not when there is no environmental bene fit of that price increase.

If you could change one thing about CBAM and its implementation so far, what would it be? Due to the unsuitability of the current CBAM system for downstream products, we need CBAM implementation to be delayed by at least one or two years. If that is not possible, importers should be allowed to retroactively change their declarations up to 12 months after the 30 September deadline. It seems likely that CBAM will be extended to other categories and downstream products - do you anticipate this will affect your business and the wider fastener industry? As CBAM is not working for our down stream product fasteners, we fail to see how it can work elsewhere. That is why we strongly advise the EU to first fix our prob lems before extending CBAM to more downstream sectors. Unfortunately, we fear they will push it through regardless. So, the EU will need even more verifiers, above the existing shortage. This will negatively impact us even more. NEVIB supports the overall drive to more sustainability and a level competition field. But the rushed introduction of CBAM on fasteners without having the required veri fication systems in place, results in higher costs for all without any deliverable for the environment. The EU should know better. nevib.nl

80 81 CBAM SPECIAL - Fabory - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:38 Page 1

ASSESSING CBAM

FABORY Roland de Sonnaville, Business Development Manager for fastener and supply solution specialist Fabory, answers our questions... The fastener industry has been among the first to be impacted by CBAM, making it a bit of a test rat. How do you think it has been going so far? It has certainly been a significant learning curve for the industry. Iron and steel screws, bolts, nuts, washers and related fasteners under CN heading 7318 are explicitly within CBAM's scope, so our industry has had to engage with the regu lation relatively early. For a sector built around complex inter national supply chains, that has made emis sions data, supplier readiness and carbon cost much more important considerations. The transitional period gave businesses an opportunity to understand the report ing requirements, but since the definitive regime began on 1 January 2026, those requirements have become commercially much more significant. I would say the mechanism is working, but implementation is not yet mature. Data quality varies between suppliers, the administrative burden is significant and

// Guidance and methodologies have continued to develop during 2026, so businesses should expect the framework to continue bedding in rather than assume every implementation question has now been resolved //

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Fabory’s Roland de Sonnaville future CBAM costs are still difficult to predict. For Fabory, therefore, CBAM is not simply a compliance exercise. It increas ingly affects supplier management, purchasing, inventory planning and the conversations we have with customers. In terms of uncertainty around CBAM, has this largely now been resolved, or do questions still loom on certain aspects of CBAM? The overall framework is much clearer than it was during the transitional period, but I would certainly not say all the uncer tainty has disappeared. The questions are now increasingly practical rather than conceptual. How consistently can actual emissions be calculated and verified across complex international supply chains? How readily can suppliers provide reliable emissions data? How will the carbon price develop? And how will future changes to CBAM's scope affect downstream products? There is also an important distinction between understanding what the regula tion requires and having all the systems, supplier data and verification processes necessary to implement it efficiently. Guidance and methodologies have continued to develop during 2026, so businesses should expect the framework to continue bedding in rather than assume every implementation question has now been resolved.

Do you have a view on the effectiveness of CBAM so far – do you think it’s achieving its aims of avoiding ‘carbon leakage’ in the supply chain? Is it too soon to tell? I think it is still too soon to reach a defini tive conclusion. The definitive CBAM regime only began on 1 January 2026. Carbon prices are now being established for 2026 imports, but businesses will not begin purchasing the corresponding CBAM certificates until 2027. We therefore need more time before we can judge whether it is materi ally changing global production decisions or reducing carbon leakage. What we can already see is that it changes the conversation. Carbon emis sions and the quality of emissions data are becoming more tangible considerations in supplier selection because better environ mental performance can ultimately mean lower CBAM exposure. That creates a potentially powerful incentive for manufacturers outside Europe to invest in cleaner production. However, it is also important that carbon leakage is not simply moved further downstream. If an EU manufac turer faces a carbon cost on materials while a competing finished product can be imported without an equivalent cost, that can create a new distortion. The EU has recognised this risk and is considering extending CBAM further downstream.

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Have there been any unintended consequences of CBAM? The most obvious has been the adminis trative burden. The principle of applying an equivalent carbon cost to imported products is rela tively straightforward. Calculating and verifying the embedded emissions of potentially thousands of products through complex international supply chains is considerably more difficult. There is also a risk that where reliable verified emissions data is unavailable, businesses have to rely on default values. In those situations, the quality and avail ability of data can have a direct commer cial consequence. CBAM has also influenced purchasing and inventory decisions as businesses look for greater certainty around future costs. That is an understandable response, but it demonstrates that the regulation can influence supplychain behaviour well before the actual certifi cate cost is settled. And there is the downstream issue: increasing the cost of an EUmanufactured product while an equivalent finished product imported from outside the EU may not face the same carbon cost could potentially shift rather than eliminate carbon leakage. These are not arguments against CBAM, but they show why its implementation needs to continue evolving. There has been some concern about the awareness of CBAM, particularly for end users and that end of the chain who will likely be paying more for their products in part thanks to CBAM. Is this an issue? Yes, I think awareness remains one of the biggest challenges. One of the most common misconceptions is that CBAM is simply an importer or supplier issue. The importer may have the legal obligation, but the economic impact does not necessarily stop at the border. At least part of those additional costs is likely to work its way through the supply chain.

Fabory headquarters, in Tilbury, the Netherlands

That makes transparency extremely important. Customers need to understand the difference between a normal commer cial price movement and a structural regulatory cost associated with the carbon embedded in a product. We therefore see part of our role as helping customers understand CBAM rather than simply presenting them with an additional cost. The more visibility customers have of the emissions behind the products they buy and the factors influencing CBAM costs, the better equipped they are to make informed sourcing decisions. It seems likely that CBAM will be extended to other categories and downstream products - do you anticipate this will affect your business and the wider fastener industry? Yes, potentially quite significantly. The European Commission has proposed extending CBAM from 2028 to around 180 additional steel and aluminiumintensive downstream prod ucts. The Council has supported an exten

sion, although the final scope is still going through the EU legislative process. The rationale is understandable. If carbon costs apply to materials but not to finished products containing significant quantities of those materials, there is a risk that production simply moves outside Europe rather than emissions actually falling. For Fabory, this matters not only because of the products we source, but also because of the industries we serve. Our customers manufacture machinery, vehicles, construction equipment and many other industrial products. As CBAM moves further downstream, carbon data is therefore likely to become increasingly important in normal procure ment and supplychain decisions. Suppliers and distributors will need to provide greater transparency around product origin, materials and embedded emissions. I think that direction of travel is clear, even though the precise future scope is still being decided. www.fabory.com

// We need more time before we can judge whether it is materially changing global production decisions or reducing carbon leakage. What we can already see is that it changes the conversation... //

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82 83 CBAM SPECIAL – Crowe - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:39 Page 1

ASSESSING CBAM

CROWE UK Jamie McLeod, Director of consultancy firm Crowe UK, answers Torque Magazine’s questions… The fastener industry has been among the first to be impacted by CBAM, making it a bit of a test rat or crash test dummy. How do you think it has been going so far? Awareness among importers is now quite strong. Most businesses importing fasten ers into the EU understand that CBAM applies and that they need emissions information from their suppliers. The bigger challenge is further up the supply chain. Many manufacturers remain unclear about exactly what data they need to collect, when it must be verified and when it needs to be provided to customers. For example, verified emissions data covering 2026 production will generally only become available once the monitor ing year has ended and the verification work can be completed in early 2027. Manufacturers therefore need to monitor their emissions properly throughout 2026, even though the final verified figures will not be available until later. Many are still getting to grips with that timetable, particularly where several production stages or precursor materials are involved. Importers may understand the requirement, but obtaining the right data at the right time remains a real challenge. In terms of uncertainty around CBAM, has this largely now been resolved, or do questions still loom on certain aspects of CBAM? We now know most of the key rules for the EU system and how it is intended to work. The position is certainly much clearer than it was during the transitional period. The remaining uncertainty is mainly practical. Businesses are still working out how to obtain verified emissions data, calculate their liability correctly and manage the cost through contracts and pricing. Those issues are likely to become more pressing as the first certificate purchases approach.

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Do you have a view on the effectiveness of CBAM so far - do you think it’s achieving its aims of avoiding ‘carbon leakage’ in the supply chain? Is it too soon to tell? It is still too early to say whether CBAM is fully achieving its main aim of preventing carbon leakage. The financial part of the EU system only began in 2026, so the real impact will take time to become clear. That said, CBAM is already changing behaviour. Manufacturers outside the EU are paying closer attention to their emis sions, while importers are starting to consider carbon alongside more traditional factors such as price, quality and lead times. It has also encouraged wider discus sions about carbon pricing in other coun tries. So it is certainly having an impact, even if we cannot yet measure its overall effectiveness. Have there been any unintended consequences of CBAM? It is still early days, but there are a couple of possible unintended consequences to watch. The first is the impact on European manufacturers using steel and aluminium. If these materials become more expensive in the EU, manufacturers could be put at a disadvantage against finished products made elsewhere using cheaper inputs. The EU is looking to address this by

extending CBAM to more downstream products, although that will make the system broader and more complex. The other is resource shuffling. Put simply, an overseas producer could send its cleaner products to Europe, where emissions come with a cost, while selling its more carbonintensive products else where. That might improve the figures for goods entering the EU without reducing the producer’s overall emissions. The EU is taking steps to tackle this too, but there is no straightforward solution. There has been some concern about the awareness of CBAM, particularly for end users and that end of the chain who will likely be paying more for their products in part thanks to CBAM. Is this an issue? Yes, I think it is. So far, the financial impact has been largely hidden because busi nesses have not yet had to buy CBAM certificates. The liability is building up on imports made during 2026, but certifi cates covering those imports will not be purchased and surrendered until 2027. That is when the cost will become much more visible. Importers will need to decide how much they can absorb and how much needs to be reflected in their prices. Many customers and end users may therefore feel the effect of CBAM before they fully understand what is driving it.

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If you could change one thing about CBAM and its implementation so far, what would it be? I would make it simpler for businesses to obtain and use emissions data. The rules can require very detailed information from several stages of production, including the materials used to make the final product. This can be diffi cult for importers to obtain and equally difficult for overseas manufacturers to calculate and verify. Further simplification for lowervalue or lowervolume trade would help. More stan dardised ways of sharing emissions data across the supply chain would also make the system easier to manage without taking away from its environmental purpose. It seems likely that CBAM will be extended to other categories and downstream products - do you anticipate this will affect your business and the wider fastener industry? The EU is looking to extend CBAM to many more products containing significant amounts of steel or aluminium, including industrial components, machinery and equipment. The final list is still being agreed, but hundreds of additional commodity codes could potentially be included from 2028. It would mean CBAM no longer affecting only fasteners and basic materials enter

ing the EU. It could also cover more of the finished products and equipment in which fasteners are used. Businesses will therefore need to watch the final legislation carefully and check whether any additional product lines are brought into scope. Any final points to make on the topic of CBAM? The main point is that CBAM is moving from a reporting exercise to a real commercial issue. Businesses now need to think about its impact on sourcing, supplier relationships, pricing and contracts, not simply compliance. The next major development will be the introduction of the UK CBAM from 1 January 2027. Although the UK and EU systems have

similar aims, they will not work in exactly the same way. Businesses trading across both markets will therefore need to under stand the differences and manage the two regimes alongside each other. For the fastener industry, CBAM is only going to become more important as its scope widens and the financial impact becomes more visible. It needs to be treated as part of normal commercial planning, rather than a separate technical exercise. Jamie McLeod, Director of consultancy firm Crowe UK, has been regularly briefing BIAFD members on CBAM at association meetings. www.crowe.com/uk

// CBAM is moving from a reporting exercise to a real commercial issue. Businesses now need to think about its impact on sourcing, supplier relationships, pricing and contracts, not simply compliance //

torque-expo.com

84 CBAM SPECIAL - BSI + Grampian Fasteners - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:39 Page 1

ASSESSING CBAM BSI Joe Sun, Head of Sustainability Delivery, BSI, writes…

rom our experience working with organisations across the CBAM supply chain, we are seeing a grow ing understanding of the requirements and what they mean in practice. As busi nesses continue to prepare for the next stages of implementation, this increased knowledge is helping organisations build greater confidence in their approach to CBAM compliance and verification. As implementation progresses, there will naturally be opportunities for organ isations across the supply chain to learn from experience and further strengthen their processes. We expect the role of verification to become increasingly important as CBAM develops, helping businesses demonstrate the quality and credibility of their emis sions data and supporting confidence throughout the supply chain.

Ultimately, CBAM is a learning and evolv ing process for everyone involved. Contin ued collaboration, knowledgesharing and practical experience will be important in supporting businesses as the requirements

develop and ensuring the mechanism achieves its intended objectives. www.bsigroup.com

GRAMPIAN FASTENERS & BIAFD Gary Henderson, Managing Director, Grampian Fasteners & Chair of BIAFD, writes…

o far, it’s all been about understand ing and preparing for EU CBAM. We aren’t seeing much demand for CBAM information so far, which is quite surprising. Most of our customers’ exports will be to the rest of the world though. Perhaps it won’t be an issue until payment demands start rolling in but little can be done without verification in place. We’re still not exactly sure what UK CBAM will mean for BIAFD members, even though implementation is only a few months away. A new verification process has just been released for EU CBAM and I’m sure that will bring out many more questions and changes as the actual veri fication begins. There is definitely a lack of awareness at the end user part of the supply chain, but it’s not really an issue... yet. Once we see the real costs coming through, then it

torque-expo.com

could be a different story. If I could change one thing about CBAM and its implementation so far, it would be to ensure the fundamen tals are in place before implementa tion e.g. verification.. If CBAM is extended to other cate gories and downstream products, we don’t anticipate it will affect our busi ness and the wider industry, but there’s more chance it will bring atten tion to a much wider audience. The world is in a very different place now than it was when EU CBAM was first announced. On one hand there’s some apathy towards environ mental ‘improvements’, especially when increased costs are involved, but on the other we’re seeing extreme weather all across the globe. Interna tional cooperation has also become increasingly more fragile. It’s still early days for the CBAM principle and I wouldn’t rule out anything from where it could go. www.grampianfasteners.com

Gary Henderson is Grampian Fasteners MD and Chair of the British and Irish Association of Fastener Distributors (BIAFD) biafd.org

ITALY IS CALLING. Develop your business in one of Europe’s largest fastener markets.

For manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and buyers looking to develop new opportunities in the Italian market. Set across two days, the Fasten.it User Meeting is for creating valuable networking connections and talking about business face to face. Promote your company and enjoy all that Milan has to offer.

About Fasten.it Fasten.it is the global platform connecting the fastener industry. 5,000+ companies and professionals in 80+ countries use Fasten.it to find products, build connections and grow their business.

12-13 November

www.fasten.it

Buyers can attend for free!

86 SHOW PREVIEW - Fastener Poland - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:39 Page 1

SHOW PREVIEW FASTENER POLAND 2026

MAINTENANCE FASTENERS IN FOCUS AT FASTENER POLAND With an impressive roll-call of exhibitors lined up for the show, this year’s FASTENER POLAND will feature a dedicated Fastener Zone for Maintenance Services, showcasing fasteners for manufacturing plant repair and maintenance…

ASTENER POLAND® will return to Kraków, Poland, in October, with a new dedicated Fastener Zone for Main tenance Services. Taking place from 14 to 15 October at EXPO Kraków, the ninth edition of the show will be held alongside the MAINTE NANCE International Trade Fair for Suppliers of Maintenance Products and Services in the adjacent hall. According to organ iser Targi w Krakowie, a dedicated Fastener Zone for Mainte nance Services will be introduced to enhance synergies

between the two events. Visitors will be able to discover a wide range of fasteners used in the repair and maintenance of manufacturing plant infrastructure. The event will be organised around several thematic areas covering the fastener industry and related sectors. These will include industrial fasteners and fixings, building fasteners, and assembly and installation systems, alongside fastener manufacturing technology. The show will also cover storage and distribution equipment, as well as services supporting the fastener industry.

Exhibitors include Achilles Seibert, Albert Pasvahl, Bralo, Bulten, Growermetal, Joker Industrial, Linkwell Industry, NordLock, REYHER, Peter Schröder and Trutek Fasteners, among others. The event is expected to attract manufacturers, distribu tors, wholesalers and component buyers from a wide range of industries. Key visitor sectors include automotive, aerospace, construc tion, electronics and electrical goods, energy and power gener ation, furniture manufacturing, household appliances, HVAC and installation, interior design, metal products, shipbuilding, sanitary equipment and plumbing, as well as services. This year’s show will continue to offer the Meeting Zone for Traders. For companies making their first move into trade fairs, or those that have not included this type of promotion in their annual budgets, the dedicated area offers a lowercost way to participate. Exhibitors can present their products and services to trade visitors while creating opportunities to secure new orders. Last year’s edition attracted 3,054 visitors from 36 countries, 35% of whom were from foreign companies. The largest repre sentation of international visitors came from the Czech Repub lic, Slovakia, Italy, Germany and Romania. Guests from as far away as Saudi Arabia, Japan and South Korea were also present. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a wide range of fasten ers presented by more than 170 exhibitors from 17 countries. Products on display included hightensile screws, structural rivets and doubleended fasteners, riveting tools, an optical screw measurement system and fasteners for the automotive industry. fastenerpoland.pl COME AND SPEAK WITH THE TORQUE MAGAZINE TEAM ON STAND D87 AT FASTENER POLAND 2026

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87 SHOW PREVIEW - Taiwan Hardware Show - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:40 Page 1

SHOW PREVIEW TAIWAN HARDWARE SHOW

320 BUYER MEETINGS LINED UP FOR ANNUAL HARDWARE SHOWCASE THS will return to Taipei this October, bringing together more than 450 exhibitors across fasteners, tools, plumbing and building hardware…

he Taiwan Hardware Show (THS) is back in Taipei from 20 to 22 October 2026, showcasing a broad range of products, including hand tools, power tools, fasteners, locks, plumbing, paint and building hardware. Taking place at Hall 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX), THS forms part of the wider Taiwan Industry Week platform, which comprises two shows and six themed zones. More than 450 exhibitors are expected to take part. The event is expected to attract more than 40,000 inter national procurement delegates and visitors from over 100 countries, including hardware distributors, industrial buyers and OEM sourcing teams looking to evaluate suppliers. Hardware brands exhibiting this year include Würth, Milwaukee, Stanley Black & Decker and Apex Tool Group, while international retail chains represented at the show include Fastenal, Kingfisher PLC and Screwfix. According to Kaigo Co, organiser of Taiwan Industry Week, 82% of trade show attendees hold direct purchasing authority, giving them responsibility for approving purchase orders, supplier changes and sourcing budgets. The show will also feature more than 320 prearranged buyer meetings. Buyers can submit their sourcing require ments by product category before the event, with the matchmaking team then arranging onetoone meetings at exhibitors’ booths with buyers looking for specific prod ucts. In 2025, 96.6% of matched meetings resulted in post show followup. The organisers also reported strong exhibitor retention following the 2025 edition, with seven out of 10 exhibitors committing to floor space for the 2026 show before the previous edition had closed taiwanindustryweek.com.tw/en/taiwan-hardware-show

torque-expo.com

88 FOCUS - DEFENCE - Optimas - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:40 Page 1

TORQUE FOCUS NUTS, WASHERSDEFENCE AND LOCKING SYSTEMS

BUILDING RESILIENT DEFENCE SUPPLY CHAINS The UK defence sector’s growing complexity is placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, with recognised accreditations providing assurance around quality, governance and cybersecurity. Optimas International VP - UK Pete Stevenson explains his ideas...

he UK’s defence sector is entering a period of sustained investment. As programmes become more technologi cally advanced, globally interconnected and strategically significant, procurement decisions are increasingly influenced by confidence. Manufacturers need confidence that suppliers can ensure consistent quality, protect sensitive data and main tain continuity when disruption occurs. For defence manufacturers, some of the greatest risks lie in the smallest components. Fasteners and other Cclass parts represent only a fraction of programme cost, yet they underpin safety, compliance and operational readiness. A missing certifi cate of conformity, an unverified batch or a break in traceabil ity can delay production, compromise quality and create disproportionate costs across an entire supply chain. Therefore, recognised industry standards have become an essential measure of organisational maturity and operational capability. Long before a contract is awarded, independently verified accreditation standards provide manufacturers with evidence that a supplier has the governance, processes and discipline required to support complex defence programmes. Each accreditation contributes to confidence in a different way. JOSCAR enables manufacturers to reduce onboarding risk, accelerate procurement and gain confidence that suppli ers have already demonstrated robust governance and opera tional capability. Cyber Essentials provides assurance that fundamental cyber security controls are embedded across the business, helping protect sensitive technical data from an increasingly sophisti cated cyber threat landscape. Additionally, ADS membership keeps organisations closely connected to the wider defence community, ensuring they remain aligned with evolving policy, regulation and industry priorities. The real value of accreditation, however, is not the certifi cate itself. It is the operational discipline required to achieve and maintain it. Comprehensive supplier qualifica tion, rigorous quality management, controlled documenta tion and endtoend batch traceability cannot be implemented overnight. They must be embedded through

torque-expo.com

out an organisation’s culture and daytoday operations. Organisations that pursue accreditation simply as a tickbox exercise to satisfy procurement criteria rarely build lasting resilience. Those that integrate these standards into the way they operate provide manufacturers with confidence through out the entire lifecycle of the defence programme. This distinction is becoming increasingly important as supply chain resilience moves from an operational concern to a strategic priority. Recent geopolitical instability, shifting trade relationships and regional shortages have demonstrated that dependence on a single sourcing geography creates unnecessary risk. This is where an internationally connected distributor provides significant strategic value. When recognised accreditations are combined with diver sified global sourcing networks, regional inventory, qualified alternative suppliers and established logistics capability, manufacturers gain assurance not only that components meet the required quality standards, but also that supply can continue when disruption affects individual markets. The ability to adapt sourcing without compromising compliance or traceability has become a defining characteristic of a resilient supply chain. The commercial benefits are equally compelling. Reliable sourcing, effective inventory management and proactive risk mitigation minimise costly downtime, avoid unplanned procure ment and strengthen longterm lifecycle support. In defence, where programme certainty and equipment availability are non negotiable, these capabilities generate significantly greater value than incremental savings on individual components. As defence programmes continue to grow in complexity, resilience will become one of the defining characteristics of successful supply chains. Within the next decade, competitive advantage will belong to organisations that combine indepen dently verified operational excellence with internationally resilient supply networks capable of supporting critical programmes through periods of sustained disruption. optimas.com

90 VIEW FROM - NORM Tooling - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:41 Page 1

THE VIEW FROM NORM TOOLING GET IN TOUCH...

ALI TANRISEVEN BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR, NORM TOOLING

www.normtooling.com info@normtooling.com LinkedIn: Norm Tooling

Industrial strength begins with the smallest detail: TOOLING & MACHINING

In a system made up of thousands of components, small details determine reliability. A fastener’s dimensions, surface finish and strength play a critical role. The importance of precision reflects the responsibility a component carries, all the way back to the tooling that shapes the fastener and the engineering expertise behind it. In the automotive industry, fasteners secure joints, transfer loads and maintain a vehicle’s structural integrity. The engineering behind a fastener therefore offers an insight into the precision and reliability that underpin automotive manufacturing. One critical stage is cylindrical grinding, which gives tooling its final geometry and surface finish. Particularly when carbide dies require micron-level or sub-micron precision, grinding becomes more than a machining operation. It is a discipline where technical knowledge, practical experience and process control work together. Norm Tooling’s development reflects this commitment to specialisation. By combining precision machining capabilities and technology investments with cold forging expertise, it has developed into an operation serving international markets. At the heart of this development is a commitment to building critical manufacturing capabilities in-house and maintaining a thorough understanding of each production stage. Material selection is an essential starting point in tooling manufacture, but this alone does not guarantee required performance. Cold forging dies operate under high forming forces and repeated loading, making it necessary to consider wear resistance, toughness, geometry and surface quality. The properties of carbide and steel components must be supported by appropriate machining methods and heat treatments where required. Grinding is one of the decisive stages. The machining allowances left by previous operations are removed to achieve the final dimensions. The die’s surface and geometry influence its performance. Although grinding comes towards the end of the manufacturing sequence, it is significant enough to determine the value of all the work that precedes it. That responsibility becomes even greater when working with hard, brittle materials such as

torque-expo.com

carbide. In applications with tight tolerances, even a micron-level deviation can place a component outside its acceptance limits. Where material has been removed beyond the final specified dimension, reworking may no longer be possible. The resulting loss extends beyond the material itself to include engineering effort, machine time and production labour. So, precision cannot be explained by machine specifications alone. Grinding wheel selection, operating parameters, coolant delivery, machine rigidity and temperature control must be managed together. Thermal variation and vibration must be controlled, while measurement must become an integral part of production rather than simply a final inspection step. The true strength of precision manufacturing lies in managing these variables consistently, component after component. Sustaining this level of process control requires continuous research and development to turn production experience into practical engineering improvements. Norm Tooling’s accredited R&D centre, comprising 20 specialist engineers and technicians, is an important part of this approach. Work on process simulation, alloy development, advanced coating technologies and die life optimisation supports systematic solutions to manufacturing challenges. Technical knowledge translates into more stable processes and more efficient production. The benefits of this expertise extend well beyond tooling. More consistent production, longer tool life and reduced downtime contribute to the entire value chain, from fastener manufacture to the finished product. A detail that remains invisible to the end user is vital to the quality and reliability they experience. Investment, automation and new technologies continue to shape discussions about the future. Underpinning all of them is the ability to manage the smallest details correctly. Confidence in large systems is often built at a scale the eye cannot see. The manufacturers that stand out will be those capable of delivering that precision every day, in every component. www.normtooling.com

AFFORDABLE

PERFORMANCE

RIV920 / RIV930

Hydropneumatic tools for rivet nuts With the RIV920 and RIV930, Rivit continues to offer high-performance, reliable and competitive solutions for fastening professionals.

RIVIT.IT FASTEN YOUR WORK

TORQUE_MediaPack_2027.qxp 30/09/2026 13:11 Page 6

REGULAR FEATURES

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN FASTENERS & TOOLS APPRENTICE Q&As

2027 FEATURES JANUARY- FEBRUARY issue 110

PRINT EDITION

Fastener Distribution – challenges & opportunities: (CBAM, anti-dumping, geopolitics & supply chains) Rivets, rivet tools and rivet technology Consumables, sprays, bits & wipes IT services, software and e-business Building & Construction > Wood, chipboard and decking screws SHOW PREVIEW > Fastener Fair Global TERRITORY FOCUS > Austria, Switzerland & Liechtenstein

MARCH-APRIL issue 111

PRINT EDITION

Nylon and plastic fixings and fasteners Aerospace & defence fasteners & tools Special Fasteners – Custom made Plugs, plasterboard and cavity fixings Security fasteners Fasteners made in India Building & Construction > High tensile (HT) and bolt assemblies SHOW PREVIEW > Intersolar 2027 TERRITORY FOCUS > UK Q1 Fastener trends: webinar summary

SPRING issue 112

ENHANCED DIGITAL

Trends & Developments in Fastener Distribution Trends & Developments in Fastener Manufacturing Sustainability Digitalisation: Webshops, EDI, WMS, ERP & more SHOW REVIEW > Fastener Fair Global

MAY-JUNE issue 113

PRINT EDITION

AI in fasteners/tools Tools > Made in Germany Nuts, washers and locking systems Fastener machines, equipment & tooling Safety Critical Fasteners Aesthetic fasteners and fixings Renewables > Fasteners and tools (wind, solar, green hydrogen, etc) Building & Construction > ETAs and Accreditations TERRITORY FOCUS > Benelux Q2 Fastener trends: webinar summary

JULY-AUGUST issue 114

PRINT EDITION

Automotive fasteners & tools QC laboratory focus Oils, sprays and lubricants Warehouse and industrial storage CBAM focus Electric vehicle fasteners and tools, and supply chain Building & Construction > Timber engineering SHOW PREVIEW > International Fastener Expo 2027 SHOW PREVIEW > Husum Wind 2027 TERRITORY FOCUS > ASIA/PACIFIC

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER issue 115

PRINT EDITION

Fastener manufacturing special Stainless steel fixings and fasteners Torque tools, technology & bolting Wire & fastener cold heading Building & Construction > Anchors Rail fasteners and tools TERRITORY FOCUS > North America Tools & DIY Q3 Fastener trends: webinar summary

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER issue 116

PRINT EDITION

C-parts, logistics and Kanban Production line tools (rivet guns, assembly tools, torque wrenches, etc.) Battery technology & smart tools Inspection & quality Surface treatment and coatings Torque Rising Stars Building & Construction > Adhesives, tapes, sealants and fillers Industry and Trade Associations Wrap up TERRITORY FOCUS > Eastern Europe Q4 Fastener trends: webinar summary

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR IDEA FOR CONSIDERATION TO jonathon@torque-expo.com

93 94 95 96 97 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:41 Page 1

DIRECTORY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

DIRECTORY SPOTLIGHTS Welcome to this month’s NEW ADDITION >

Precision Technology Supplies n Stainless Steel Fasteners n Titanium Fasteners n Precision Shims & Washers n Premium Brands n Precision Turned Parts T +44 (0) 1342 410758 E sales@pts-uk.com W www.pts-uk.com

Precision Technology Supplies has been a trusted industry expert since 1988. We sell one of the UK’s widest ranges of stainless steel fasteners, with 46,000+ products in stock, from M1 micro screws to large specials in A2, A4 and titanium. We also supply premium brands including BUMAX, SPAX and LanFranco, plus our own Precision Shims range. Order before 4:30pm for same day dispatch. We ship to 120+ countries, with certification and testing available on request.

ACE FIXINGS Abbott Fasteners Ltd n Stocked Imperial & Metric n All metal locking nuts including Vargal Philidas Stover n Largest stock of Genuine Helicoils in the UK T +44 (0) 1268 532 434 E sales@abbottfasteners.co.uk W www.abbottfasteners.co.uk

n Power Tools & Accessories n Fixings, Fasteners & Hardware n Supplier of EXP88 Nails & Cartridges n Sealants, Foams & Adhesives n Hand Tools & Site Equipment T +44 (0) 28 2564 9323 E sales@acefixings.com W www.acefixings.com

Achilles Seibert

ADI Supply Ltd

n Torx screws/bolts n Hexagon socket screws/bolts n Hexagon head screws/bolts n Special/drawing parts

n Resin anchors n Shield anchors n Through bolts n Window frame screws n CFA approved tester

T +49 4193 8955 E sales@achill-fasteners.com W www.achill-fasteners.com

E sales@adisupply.co.uk W www.adisupply.co.uk

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS TO OVER 10,000 INDUSTRY DECISION MAKERS Torque Directory offers a cost-effective platform to promote your business all year round in both print and digital issues of Torque Magazine (published 10 times a year, reaching an audience of over 10,000 international decision makers), as well as online at torque-expo.com.

Albert Pasvahl n Fit Bolts n Plugs n Brass n Knurled thumb screws n Special scews

Ambrovit Bolts + Screws n Carpentry wood screws n Carpentry wood spacer screws n Carpentry wood terrace screws

T +49 [0] 40-532852-0 E info@pasvahl.de W www.pasvahl.de

T + 39 (0)382 810280 E sales@ambrovit.it W www.ambrovit.com

Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd

Arma Fixing Systems

COST: Only £750 / €850 for the year

n Stainless steel fasteners & fixings n Aerotight nut n Stainless steel screws/nuts n Stainless steel washers

n Hose and pipe clamps n Locking type P clamps n Ear clamps n Metal clips and brackets n Plastic and metal fasteners

CALL +44 (0) 1727 739 160 FOR MORE DETAILS

T +44 (0) 1788 537979 E sales@apexstainless.com W www.apexstainless.com

T +90 212 549 57 31-32 E expo@armafixing.com W www.armafixing.com

SPECIAL PRINT EDITORIAL EXPOSURE (PROFILE) INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE.

93 94 95 96 97 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:41 Page 2

DIRECTORY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

Boltight Ltd

n Marine products n Stainless fasteners n Stainless steel semi-standard

n Standard elements n Control elements n Connecting elements n fixing elements n Screws & nuts made of plastic

n Hydraulic bolt tensioning systems n Multi-stud and multi-bolt tensioning systems n Subsea and offshore tensioners n Power generation tensioning solutions n Hydraulic pumps, hoses, and accessories

T +44 (0) 117 972 8560 E sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk W www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

T +49 2753 5950-0 E info@baecker.eu W www.baecker.eu

T +44 1922 669222 E enquiries.boltight.uk@nord-lock.com W www.nord-lock.com/en-gb

Brighton Best International

Çetin Cıvata Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Deligo

n Hex Head Bolts/Sets 931/933 n Socket Screws n Dowel Pins n Stainless Fasteners n Washers/Nuts

n Hex and socket head bolts n Nuts and female parts n Screws n Weld studs n Pins and rivets

n Wedge nuts n Channel nuts n Wire suspension systems n Heavy and light duty fixings n Electrical accessories

n Deck construction and landscaping n Timber engineering n Wood construction screws n Wood connectors n System connections for cross laminated timber structures

T +44 (0) 1384 568 144 E sales@brightonbest.org W www.brightonbest.co.uk

T 00 90 212 778 11 00 E info@cetin.com.tr W www.cetin.com.tr

T +44 (0) 1384 824100 E sales@deligo.co.uk W www.deligo.co.uk

T +49 2331 6245-0 E info@eurotec.team W www.eurotec.team

Gesipa SFS Group Germany GmbH

Global Fasteners Limited

n Blind rivets n Blind rivet nuts n Automatic riveting n Blind rivet tools n Setting process control

n Bolts & nuts n Security screws n Woodscrews n Machine screws n PPE

T +49 (0) 6105 962 0 E info@gesipa.com W www.gesipa.com

T +44 (0) 1384 480793 E sales@global-fasteners.co.uk W www.global-fasteners.co.uk

BÄCKER GmbH & Co. KG Avon Stainless Fasteners

BOMET UK LTD. n Threaded rods n Threaded studs n Studding n Allthread studs T +32 (0) 11 55 91 14 E Sales.UK@bomet.com W www.Bomet.com

Eurotec GmbH

GenetiQ

n Imperial Screws n Bolts n Screws n Aerospace Standard n latches

n Stock & inventory management n Customisation and personalisation n Sales and order management n Integration and connectivity n Business intelligence and reporting

T +49 7247954400 E info@fuerniss.de W https://fuerniss.de/en

T 01443 878 879 E info@genetiqsoftware.com W www.genetiqsoftware.com

Fürniss GmbH

Torque Directory offers a cost-effective platform to promote your business all year round in both print and digital issues of Torque Magazine (published 10 times a year, reaching an audience of over 10,000 international decision makers), as well as online at torque-expo.com. COST: Only SPECIAL PRINT EDITORIAL EXPOSURE (PROFILE) INCLUDED AS PART OF THE DIRECTORY PACKAGE.

£750 / €850 for the year

93 94 95 96 97 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:42 Page 3

£750 / €850 for the year

GWR Fasteners

Hafren Fasteners

n Spring lock washers n Sperrkant washers n Sperrkant spring washers n Contact washers n Conical washers

n Stainless & High Tensile Fasteners & Fixings n Captive Screws & Washers n Aluminium Fasteners n Spacers / Stand-off Collars n Bar Materials

n Security fasteners & fixings n Bespoke special security fasteners n Security fastener tooling & accessories n Security fencing bolts

T 0049 2391 9190-0 E info@guede.net W www.guede.net

T +44 (0)1691 654979 E sales@gwr-fasteners.co.uk W www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk

T +44 (0)1686 621 300 E info@hafrenfasteners.com W www.hafrenfasteners.com

Grand Metal Manufacturing GMM

Güde GmbH

n Clinch & sheet metal fasteners n Self-clinching nuts, standoff, studs n Welding studs & standoff n Cage nut, rivet bushes, rivet nuts n Brass inserts for plastic T +86-139-2920-4841 E enquiry@grandametal.com W www.grandametal.com

JIAXING XC WASHER CO.,LIMITED n Flat Washer n Conical Spring Washer/Belleville Washer n Spring Lock Washer n Tooth Lock Washer n Special Washer

JIMMORE International Corp.

Joker Industrial Co., Ltd.

K-Engineering

n Torque Screwdriver n Torque Adapter n Interchangeable System n 30% Higher Reversible Torque n Low MOQ & Custom Design

n Concrete screw (ETA approval) n Cavity & plasterboard fixing n Blind Jack nut n Hammer-in & frame fixing n Hollow wall anchor setting tools

n Allthread 1Mtr/3Mtr/3Ft n Washers n Nuts n Cup square n Roofing bolts

T +86-573-84956182 E jeremy@xcwasher.com W www.xcwasher.com

T +886-4-2260-5352 E sloky@jimmore.com.tw W sloky.jic-tools.com.tw

T +886-4-7580187 E info@joker.com.tw W www.joker-fastener.com

T +44 (0) 1922 749 350 E info@k-engineering.co.uk W www.k-engineering.co.uk

Kebrell

KINGWIN PRECISION CO.,LTD.

n Commercial fasteners & fixings n Automotive fasteners n Flange joint sets n Specials to drawing n 20,000 tonnes of stock

n Punches n Molds n Forming Tools n Machining Parts n Accessories

T +44 (0) 121 526 6049 E kebrell@kebrell.co.uk W www.kebrell.co.uk

T +886-7-6967721 E service@kingwin.tw W www.kingwin.tw

MATATAKITOYO TOOL CO., LTD. Lederer GmbH n Stainless steel fasteners n Special parts by drawing n C-parts management T +49/2333/8309-0 E info@lederer-online.com W www.lederer-online.com

n Torque Tester n Digital Torque Wrench n Torque Wrench n Torque Screwdriver n Torque Multiplier T +886-4-2533-5893 E matatakitoyo@gmail.com W www.matatakitoyo.com

OGL Software Metabo (UK) Ltd

NE Fasteners Ltd

Nylon Fasteners Ltd (Nyfast)

n 12 Volt cordless tools n 18 Volt cordless tools n 18V Garden tools n Building trade and renovation n Metal craft and industry

n Furniture Fasteners n Woodscrews n Kitting n Decking Screws n Drywall Screws

n Threaded Fasteners n Washers & Spacers n PCB & LED Fasteners n Snap Rivets & Panel Fasteners n Cable Clips & Clamps

n Profit4: Innovative ERP software for UK merchants, distributors & wholesalers n Software that connects all areas of your business n Cloud & browser-based solution n In-house UK support & development teams

T +44 (0) 2380 732000 E info@metabo.co.uk W www.metabo.co.uk

T +44 (0)121 559 8866 E nefasteners@aol.com W www.nefasteners.co.uk

T +44 (0) 1256 533 088 E sales@nyfast.co.uk W www.nyfast.com

T 01299 873873 E software@ogl.co.uk W www.ogl.co.uk

93 94 95 96 97 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:42 Page 4

DIRECTORY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

SCHRODER

Optimas n OptiSpec: Bill of Materials Management Solution n Engineered Fastening Solutions n OptiTech Inventory Managed Solutions n C-Class Components n Fastener Manufacturing n Standard Fasteners n Tunnelling Solutions E engage@optimas.com W www.optimas.com

pgb-Europe nv Peter Schröder GmbH

PEARSON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

n Inch Sized Fasteners n USA Fastener n MS – AN – Na n ASTM Standards n Special Screws and Parts

n Auto Rivets for the locking parts n Anchor Rivet bush nuts n Self-clinching fasteners n Fasteners for automotive parts n Sheet metal fasteners

n Bolts & Nuts n Wood, chipboard and decking screws n Light duty anchors n Heavy duty anchors n Chemical anchors

T +49 713299600 E info@schroederschrauben.de W www.schroederschrauben.de

T +886-3-212-1160 E pearson8@ms29.hinet.net W www.pearson-clinch.com.tw

T +32 9 272 70 70 E info@pgb-europe.com W www.pgb-europe.com

Rapid Industrial Fasteners

F. REYHER Nchfg. GmbH & Co. KG n Special fasteners for automotive & agriculture industry n DIN/ISO/EN standard articles n Stainless steel fasteners n Plugs and anchors n Construction bolting assemblies n Fasteners with various coatings

pgb-Polska

Pühl GmbH & Co. KG

n Light duty plastic fixings n Insulation fixings n Mechanical anchors n Chemical anchors n Wood and self-drilling screws

n Washers n Conical spring washers n Special parts n Parts acc. drawing n Split pins DIN 94

n Special fasteners and turned parts manufacturer n Duplex fasteners n Rapid manufacturing lead-times n Galvanised Threaded Bar n Galvanised Nuts, Bolts and Washers

T +48 (32) 330 26 10 E biuro@pgb-polska.com W www.pgb-polska.com

T +49 2391-8107-0 E sales@puehl.de W www.puehl.de

T +44 (0) 121 501 3903 E manufacturing@rapidfast.co.uk W www.rapidfast.co.uk

T +49 40 853 630 E mail@reyher.de W www.reyher.de

Schäfer + Peters GmbH

Shaanxi Sinwa Int’L

n Design software for anchoring n Structural timbers n Installation systems n Reinforced concrete

n Screws n Nuts n Washers n Bolts n Stainless steel

n Titanium fasteners n Aluminum fasteners n Zr, Ni Alloys & SS fasteners n Drill bits & Taps n Drawing parts, Special designs

T +49 341 4424610 E info@sup-scs.de W www.sup-scs.de

T +49(0)7941 6094-0 E info@schaefer-peters.com W www.schaefer-peters.com

T +86 29 8928 9105 E sales@sinwafix.com W www.sinwafix.com

San Shing Fastech Corp. n Tools for All Formings n Profile Dies & Punches n Progressive Stamping Tooling n Custom Rubber Molds n Advanced Precision Components T +886-6-2309949 E machine.tool@mail.sanshing.com.tw W www.sanshing.com.tw

S&P

£750 / €850 for the year

93 94 95 96 97 TORQUE DIRECTORY - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:42 Page 5

£750 / €850 for the year

Smith Bullough Smith Bullough

SPIROL

SUNCO INDUSTRIES JAPAN

n Surface technology n Blasting machines n Pretreatment

n Blanks and finished stock n Metric and inch in all grades n Non standard bolting n Special forgings n Stainless and special alloys

n Coiled Spring Pins n Inserts for Plastic n Compression Limiters n Disc Springs n Shims

n Metric fasteners n Many kinds of rare-size fasteners n Many kinds of SEMS screws n Hexagon socket head cap screws n Many kinds of materials screws

T +49 (0)2572 960260 E info@agtos.de W www.agtos.com

T +44 (0)1942 520250 E sales@smithbullough.com W www.smithbullough.com

T +44 (0) 1536 444800 E info-uk@spirol.com W www.spirol.com

T +81 6-6539-3560 E export@sunco.co.jp W www.jisscrew.com

Sinto AGTOS GmbH

Nord-Lock Group n Mechanical multi-jackbolt tensioners n Flange tensioning solutions n Turbine and power generation bolting systems n High-load and critical joint tensioners n Tensioner installation and maintenance tooling T +44 1264 355557 E enquiries@nord-lock.com W www.nord-lock.com/en-gb

Taiwan Precision Fastener Co., Ltd. n Patented Wood Screw n Wood Screw n Mill Point Self-Drilling Screw n Self-Drilling Screw T +886-7-616-2089 E sales@tpf-screw.com.tw sales@taiwan-precisionfastener.com W taiwan-precision-fastener.com

The Insert Company (UK) Limited

Tite-Fix Ltd

n Zinc alloy inserts n Steel inserts n Brass threaded inserts n Furniture connectors n Special turned parts

n Construction & Engineering Screws n Decking Screws n Screw-Tite Multi-Purpose Screws n Specialist & Bespoke Screws

T +44 (0) 121 4397329 E sales@theinsertcompany.com W www.theinsertcompany.com

T +44 (0) 1756 699 996 E sales@tite-fix.co.uk W www.tite-fix.co.uk

TOBSTEEL GmbH n High corrosion resistant fasteners & fixings n Stainless steel A2, A4, 1.4571, 1.4462, 1.4529 n 1.4462 (DUPLEX), 1.4529 (HCR) n DIN 125, 127, 439, 912, 931, 933, 934, 976, 980, 985, 1587, 6334, 7991

TORQUE MAGAZINE

DEEPAK FASTENERS LIMITED

n Daily news website n Weekly email newsletter n 5 print magazines a year n 5 digital magazines a year n Events n International reach

n Socket Head Shoulder Screws & Dowel Pins n Tension Control Structural Bolt n Studbolts / Threaded Rods n Locpin n Stainless Steel Fasteners

T +49 (0) 7941 6073-0 E info@tobsteel.com W www.tobsteel.com

T +44 (0) 1727 739 160 E info@torque-expo.com W www.torque-expo.com

T +91 161 713 1111, 513 1111 E sales@deepakfasteners.com W https://unbrako.com

UNION FASTENERS n Hexagon Bolts/Blanks All Grades n F436/6916 Metric Washers n Turned Parts n Bespoke Exotic Special Fasteners n In House Forging T +44 (0) 121 526 6010 E sales@union-fasteners.com W www.union-fasteners.com

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Victory Fasteners Limited n Un threaded blanks n 10.9/12.9 Hex Bolt/Set n Din 6921 / ISO 4162 Hex Flge n Hardened Washers Din 6916/F436 n B7/L7 European Bolting T +44 (0)1902 544 480 E sales@victoryfasteners.com W www.victoryfasteners.com

Volt Industrial Plastics n Nylon products n Plastic fasteners n Plastic nuts n Plastic washers n Plastic spacers T +1 (870) 449-8027 W www.voltplastics.com

Appear in Torque’s print and digital magazines throughout the year CALL+44 (0) 1727 739160 FOR MORE DETAILS

98 Last-Digital Issue + AD Index - TOR107 2026.qxp 06/10/2026 09:48 Page 1

WHAT DID YOU MISS IN TORQUE’S DIGITAL EDITION ?

SCAN

CODE

ISSUE 104 > 2026 FOCUS > Digitalisation

FOCUS > Plugs, plasterboard and cavity fixings

How AI is helping tools and fastener wholesalers work smarter

Versatility, reliable load performance... we round up a selection for the market

Add on sales > High-turnover product that can boost bottom lines for merchants and distributors

AND MUCH MORE... www.torque-expo.com/torque-magazines Subscribe at >

www.torque-expo.com/subscribe

Achilles Seibert GmbH

Norbar Torque Tools Ltd

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co

Nord-Lock International AB

Apex Stainless Fasteners

NORM CIVATA SANAYI VE TICARET A.S.

Bodegraven Metal

Optimas International

Bralo SA

P G B Europe NV

Brightonbest International UK Ltd

Ceti̇n Ci̇vata Sanayi̇i̇ Ve Ti̇caret A.Ş

Performance Fasteners Ltd

Ejot UK Ltd

Peter Schröder GmbH

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd

EuroTec GmbH

100

Far srl – Fastening Systems

Rapid Industrial Fasteners Ltd

Fasten It Srl

Rivit Srl

Fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

Schäfer + Peters GmbH

Fürniss GmbH

SFS Group Germany GmbH, Division Riveting - GESIPA®

G W R Fasteners Ltd

Shaanxi Sinwa Int'l Trading Co.,Ltd

Gala Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd

Spirol UK

Garton Ltd t/a Smith Bullough

Sun Through Industrial Co., Ltd

GEDORE Torque Ltd

Sunco Industries Co. Ltd

Hafren Security Fasteners

Harrison & Clough Ltd

Tom Carrington & Co. Ltd

HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH

Victory Fasteners Ltd

Viteria Fusani Srl

Volt Industrial Plastics Inc.

Joker Industrial Co Ltd

Lederer GmbH

Matatakitoyo Tool Co., Ltd

Werkhuizen Haemers Nv

Messe Stuttgart India Private Limited

Zhejiang Channov Auto Parts Co., Ltd.

torque-expo.com

AD INDEX ISSUE 107 October 2026

ENGINEERED FOR EXTREMES

With seven new sizes available, our CE-marked X-series range is the answer you‘ve been looking for. Learn more at Nord-Lock.com

The specialist for fastening technology

FASTENING IS OUR PASSION TIMBER DECK AND GARDEN ROOF FAÇADE CONCRETE Whatever your requirements are, we provide you with everything from a single source. We produce in various processes such as stamping and stamping-bending technology, cold forming, injection moulding and extrusion technology.

SURFACE PROCESS From zinc to special solutions such as our special coating 1,000, everything is possible!

PRODUCTION POSSIBILITIES · Screws with partial or full threads from 40 mm to 4,000 mm with a diameter of 3–14 mm are produced on fully automatic machines · Simple thread · Double thread · Reduced thread · Different materials · Different coatings · Different tip geometries · Individual customer requirements · Materials from hardened steel to stainless steel are possible · Different types of drive

www.eurotec.team

FOR FURTHER INSIGHTS SCAN HERE