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  • BUMAX chosen for the Einstein Telescope project

    Posted in Aerospace fasteners, Industry 4.0, Innovation, Manufacturing technology on Nov 21, 2023

    Swedish specialist fastener manufacturer BUMAX has been selected to supply premium fasteners to ETpathfinder, an R&D facility at Maastricht University for testing and prototyping innovative concepts and enabling new technologies for the Einstein Telescope (ET).

    The Einstein Telescope is a next generation underground gravitational wave observatory. The ET is being developed to be 100 times more sensitive than current instruments and is scheduled for completion in 2035. The telescope will enable scientists to study the precise structure of neutron stars, the birth of black holes and the structure of the universe immediately after the Big Bang.

    Regular fasteners not an option

    The ETpathfinder equipment is currently being assembled in a cleanroom that includes a large vacuum vessel containing various optics and seismic attenuation structures to isolate the test setup as much as possible from any noise from the outside world. The test setup resides in a vacuum to further remove vibrations carried through the air, and to also minimize interference of air molecules with the optics and lasers.

    “Because we can’t use any oils or lubricants in our cleanroom, regular fasteners just aren’t an option,” explains Mathijs Baars, Mechanical Engineer at the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef). “We investigated various fastener alternatives, including titanium-nitride coated fasteners, but BUMAX was the only solution that fully met our requirements while still being cost effective.”

    Anti-galling properties crucial

    BUMAX is supplying bolts, washers and nuts in the BUMAX 88 stainless steel grade which offers anti-galling properties. Galling is common with regular stainless steel fasteners and involves the fastener seizing up with the internal threads as a result of cold welding. In the ETpathfinder project, some parts may need to be disassembled and reassembled more than 100 times over the coming couple of decades. Any galling issues would have serious consequences for the project.

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    “The worst-case scenario for us would be if a galled fastener were to weld with one of our custom-made vacuum parts as these would be very costly to replace,” says Baars. “This is why choosing fasteners with anti-galling properties is essential risk management for the entire ETpathfinder project – particularly in the vacuum chamber where we will only use BUMAX fasteners.”

    The BUMAX® 88 bolts and nuts delivered to the ETpathfinder project are electro polished, receive kolsterised treatment and are cleanroom packed. This is important to avoid particles from the nuts and bolts in the ETpathfinder cleanroom and Kolsterisation increases surface hardness, which further reduces the risk of galling.

    Cryogenic temperature resistance

    The ETpathfinder mirrors will be cooled to 8K (-265°C) when they are operational to ensure optimum performance. The mirrors are cooled to reduce thermal noise, which is the vibration of atoms that scales with that atom’s temperature.

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    Metals typically become brittle at cryogenic temperatures, which makes them prone to sudden failure. However, BUMAX® 88 fasteners provide good resistance to cryogenic temperatures due to their high material quality, low impurities and high-quality finish. Third-party tests have shown that BUMAX® 88 fasteners retain excellent ductility even in temperatures as low as 0K (-273°C).

    BUMAX often chosen for challenging scientific R&D projects and other hi-tech manufacturing industries

    “Our premium fasteners have been chosen for many scientific high-profile projects and products, including CERN and ISS , and this is yet another one,” said Lars Holm, Managing Director of BUMAX. “We are very proud to have been selected to be part of the Einstein Telescope project, which is of course testament to the high quality of our products.”


    Author: BUMAX

  • Storage and retrieval machines successfully brought in – Würth Industrie Service's high-bay warehouse takes shape!

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Hardware, Industry 4.0, Innovation on Nov 16, 2023

    Bad Mergentheim/Main-Tauber-Kreis. 46 metres long, weighing 22,5 tonnes, manoeuvred 100 metres over the roofs: A true work requiring precision, weighing several tons on the heights of Drillberg. The excavations for building a new automated high-bay warehouse with additional 59,000 storage spaces covering more than 4,000 square metres started as early as July 2022. Last Monday, 16th October 2023, the first storage and retrieval machines were brought in to take over the automated storage and retrieval of pallets in the warehouse. Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co. KG thus has its sights firmly set on commissioning in April 2024.

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    Würth Industrial Park is considered as one of the most advanced logistics centres for industrial supply in the entire Europe. With over 65,000 square metres, which is equivalent to about 9 football fields, it is the pulsating linchpin of the company. From here, around 20,000 customers are securely supplied with production resources as well as auxiliary and operating materials. Modern, fully automated high-bay and shuttle warehouses with a capacity of more than 650,000 storage locations, a 34-kilometre-long conveyor system, autonomous bin shuttles, camera inspection systems and self-learning robots are used – all with the goal of ensuring optimised workplace ergonomics, a sustainably healthy way of working by taking over physically stressful tasks and an increased level of automation and digitalisation. In order to ensure the long-term supply security for all customers across Europe and to meet the demands of an increasingly growing product range of currently 1.4 million items, Würth Industrie Service is consistently investing in further expanding its warehouse capacity. With the new high-bay warehouse – 50 metres high, 34 metres wide, 121 metres long - the provider of C-Parts management is once again expanding its capacities by 59,000 additional pallet storage spaces. This increases the high-bay capacity at the Bad Mergentheim location by about 33 percent to a total of 235,000 pallet storage spaces. Now that the silo-type shelving system has been completed, three of six storage and retrieval machines (SRM for short) have been brought in. Over an aisle length of 120 metres, the rail-guided vehicles will now take over the fully automated storage and retrieval of pallets with small parts in the warehouse. They will operate in six aisles with a maximum travel speed of 180 m/min and a lifting speed of up to 70 m/min. Each SRM has two telescopic forks as load handling attachments with a total load capacity of approximately 2,400 kg. The efficient 46 metre high storage and retrieval machines are particularly economical on space thanks to their single column design, and can carry out up to 600 pallet movements per hour with their two load handling attachments.

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    "With the new high-bay warehouse, we are realising dimensions that rarely exist in this overall complexity. The logistical expansion will thus significantly increase the efficiency and capacity in the entire value-added process.”, said Helmut Eisenkolb, Head of Logistics at Würth Industrie Service.

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    In Kardex, Würth Industrie Service has found a partner that is a true expert in its field as a globally active industrial partner for intralogistics solutions and as a leading provider of automated storage solutions and material flow systems. "In a project of this magnitude, it is always impressive to see so many experts with a wide range of expertise acting as one big unit in the shortest possible time," says Lars Wagner, Project Manager, Operations New Business Refurbishment at MLOG Logistics GmbH.

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    Millimetre by millimetre

    In order to safely transport the storage and retrieval machines from Kardex’s production site in Neuenstadt am Kocher to Bad Mergentheim by heavy goods transport, a total of three 55-metre-long trucks were utilised to transport the systems to Drillberg. With the utmost precision, the crane operators steered the 22.5-tonne machines over the still open roof into the high-bay warehouse. At a height of 100 metres, it was a real precision work for all those responsible.

    Sustainability in focus

    With the construction measures being currently implemented and planned, Würth Industrie Service is taking significant steps to ensure a seamless supply to the customers in the future as well as is contributing to consciously acting sustainably. How does this work in the case of the storage and retrieval machines? The energy requirement of the storage and retrieval machines is optimised by means of DC link coupling, which can divert the energy between two drives in a sensible manner. This means that the energy saved by the lift drive during lowering can in turn be used for the travel drive. In addition, the storage and retrieval machines from kardex are convincing in terms of robustness, durability, maintenance and, above all, quality. Another contribution to sustainability is the greenhouse gas-neutral energy supply. For this reason, the south facade of the new high-bay warehouse will be equipped with a large-scale photovoltaic system with a total output of 1,028 kWp. This is intended to achieve a total output of over 2,000 kWp and a generation volume of around 1,500,000 kWh at Würth Industrial Park. Always being one step ahead and acting sustainably and with foresight is what the company stands for.

  • FASTENER POLAND® – the fastener industry celebration is now over

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fastener suppliers, Fasteners manufacturers on Nov 14, 2023

    Two days of industry meetings, thousands of conversations, guests from dozens of countries, an expert conference, novelties and premieres. This is how the 6th edition of the International Trade Fair for Fastener and Fixing Technology FASTENER POLAND® looked. Exhibitors and visitors leaving EXPO Kraków after the trade fair commented very positively about it. They paid attention primarily to specific and substantive conversations and the high business potential of the FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair.

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    Even before the first customers arrived at EXPO Krakow, it was known that this year's edition of the FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair would be successful in many respects. 150 producers and distributors from 15 countries presented their offers, including 77% of exhibitors from abroad. The statistics regarding visitors are even more interesting. Of the 3,258 people who visited the fair, 45% were from abroad, from 42 countries. Most visitors came to the fair from Italy, the Czech Republic and Ukraine, but there were also guests from such distant countries as India, Taiwan, Brazil and China. The international business atmosphere was visible every step of the way at EXPO Kraków.

    A novelty of this year's edition of the trade fair was the zone of fasteners for the energy, electrical engineering and renewable energy sources sectors. Poland is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of the size of the photovoltaics market, and in Europe we are third after Germany and Spain. The industry has recorded continuous increases in sales and is developing dynamically, so the demand for specialised components is constantly growing. It was these, innovative and meeting the highest quality standards, that were presented in the zone dedicated to energy.

    The high level of business meetings and the potential that the FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair brings to the development of the fastener industry are confirmed by the opinions of our exhibitors. Mr. Tomasz Karwowski, Commercial Director of DROMET Sp. z o. o. Sp. k. appreciates, above all, the opportunity to meet many new customers – (...) our main goal is to meet new customers – – customers from outside our country. Every year we manage to achieve this goal. I'm very happy with this. Among the foreign customers who visited our stand this year were also those with whom we had not had contact before.

    An important and interesting aspect is noted by Andrea Villa, Vice-President of the Management Board of EUROFIX Italia – (...) The FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair is not as large as other events in the world, but it is very specialised, which means that I have time to talk to every client. I can spend several minutes talking to him and discuss in detail all the issues that interest him. This is very important for us.

    An indispensable element of the FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair is the industry conference. Each year, the most current topics for the industry are discussed. This time the main theme was ecology and economics in the fastener industry, and the challenges and opportunities they entail. The most discussed issue was the CBAM. New regulations and the changes related to their introduction are another challenge for entrepreneurs importing products from outside the EU. They are an element of the broadly understood green revolution that we are all witnessing, which results not only in challenges, but also in opportunities for entrepreneurs. The development of ecological and economic construction and renewable energy sources requires access to fasteners that meet the highest quality standards. The market responds to these needs by designing and delivering the best solutions with increased resistance to the difficult conditions in which these systems are used. All these problems were discussed by respected experts, and the conference enjoyed great interest among visitors and exhibitors alike.

    The next edition of the only trade fair for fasteners and fixing techniques in this part of Europe will take place next year. We invite you to plan your participation and follow preparations for the trade fair on our social media profiles and on the website fastenerpoland.pl/en


    Author: FASTENER POLAND®

  • China International Hardware Show 2023 concludes its remarkable 20-year journey and sets to embark on the new chapter of China’s hardware industry

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fastener distribution, Fastener suppliers, Fasteners manufacturers, Hardware on Sep 30, 2023

    * Grand closing of China International Hardware Show 2023 with its 20th anniversary.

    * Industry forums and innovation awards bring in new insights to capture hardware trends.

    * Positive feedback from the CIHS 2023 onsite, exhibitors and visitors have confirmed their next participations.

    China’s hardware industry is getting much-needed boost with the successful opening of China International Hardware Show (CIHS) on 19-21 September 2023 in Shanghai, China. After experiencing the waves of the global economy affecting numerous industries around the world, including China’s hardware businesses, this year's show was held in anticipation and received an overwhelming response from the industry for its 20th anniversary.

    As one of the most influential and professional annual hardware events in the global market, organised by China National Hardware Association and Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., CIHS 2023, in conjunction with its concurrent exhibitions “China International Building Hardware & Fasteners Show 2023” and “China International Locks & Security Doors Show 2023”, totally covers 120,000 square metres, featuring a wide range of products including tools, DIY & building hardware, lock, work safety & accessories as well as processing equipment and garden tools.

    Total of 2,623 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions have brought tens of thousands of brands and products to showcase their products, exchange and network to take advantage of the great business opportunities. The fair has warmly received 68,405 visits from 97 countries and regions worldwide during the three-day period, among which, the international trade buyers accounted for 7.7 percent.

    Supported by Koelnmesse’s international hardware trade fairs, as well as embassies, consulates and trade associations worldwide, CIHS 2023 welcomed the encouraging re-entry of international participants, especially from Germany, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, China Taiwan, etc.

    During the three-day event, renowned domestic hardware enterprises participated. Some of the key participants included Great Star, Wendeng Maxpower, Ningbo Great Wall, Jiangsu Hongbao, Hebei Zhongbo, Zhejiang Huafeng and Tiangong International. Additionally, Chinese brands representing local hardware industry clusters and associations, such as Yongkang, Jiande, Jinhua, Lin’an, Xiaolan, Anping, Taigu and Pujiang, also proudly showcased their products. This show served as a testament to the superior quality and craftsmanship of “Made in China” products.

    “Though CIHS was interrupted for three years due to the pandemic, this year’s event marks a grand comeback and restart, and we have exceeded expectations in terms of the scales, numbers of exhibitors and visitors, performance of events and the feedbacks from all participants,” Mr. ZHANG Dongli, President of China National Hardware Association stated, “such achievement symbolises the dedication and innovative inputs of the organisers and respective partners, as well as the active support and participation of all exhibitors and visitors. After over three years of endeavors, a splendid event has been presented during the 3 show days. Not only did it exceed everyone’s anticipation, but it also laid a solid foundation for the successful show in 2024. Meanwhile, we will continue to facilitate all participants with more premium services, improvement initiatives and build a development pattern that empowers a spectacular CIHS.”

    On the occasion of CIHS’ 20th anniversary, the organisers have launched a series of celebration events, including an onsite gallery dedicated to honouring CIHS’ exceptional journey over the past two decades. This dedicated area showcased the impressive growth of the exhibition, with expanded scope and increased participation from valued exhibitors and visitors. The remarkable showcase highlighted the extraordinary progress made and set the stage for future milestones. Additionally, faithful enterprises and exceptional service providers have been honoured and praised for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to CIHS.

    “In the past two decades, we have witnessed the prosperous development of China's hardware industry and contributed to the enhancement of international cooperation and exchanges. With years of expansion and accumulation, CIHS has successfully evolved into the ideal choice and access for overseas buyers in the Chinese market,” remarked Mr. Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, “at a time when the global economy is stabilising in the post-pandemic era, we are delighted to provide comprehensive support to enterprises in expanding their global export capabilities and distribution networks through our on-site events and services.”

    The much-anticipated events such as awards and competitions, conferences and forums, industry networking were in full swing during show days This year, onsite exhibitors and visitors enjoyed as many as 52 conference sessions, themed matchmaking sessions, competitions and innovation award activities, covering hot topics of the entire industry, and providing a more diversified showcase and interactive experience.

    The China National Hardware Association and the China Industrial Design Association jointly organised the 4th edition of "Golden Hook" China Lock and Technological Equipment Design Competition. Seven esteemed judges from the organisers, Tsinghua University and Shandong University reviewed 38 lock products from 33 exhibitors, garnering significant interests from the industry.

    In the inaugural “CIHS Best Product Awards”, a total of 24 Excellence Awards, 65 Exquisite Awards, and New Product Awards were conferred. This recognises and promotes the industry’s most forward-thinking and innovative products of the year, providing cutting-edge product information to propel the industrial development and facilitate its growth.

    The newly introduced Foreign Trade Channel Development Forum has gained the active participation and high recognition of industry colleagues. Esteemed attendees have affirmed that the forum offers a range of valuable information and effective channels for trade communication, enabling businesses to overcome marketing obstacles and enhance channel management efficiency.

    The dedicated matchmaking sessions themed on supply and demand from various countries and regions, mainly targeted market channels in Europe, America, Latin America and the “Belt and Road”. During show days, 325 meetings between buyers and exhibitors were effectively facilitating onsite. In addition, 318 hosted buyers have been formed into various procurement delegations from supermarket and distribution channels in 80 countries and regions and engaged in-depth trade and business communications with selected exhibitors.

    Positive feedback from the CIHS 2023 onsite, exhibitors and visitors have expressed that they will continue to participate next year “We’re Kaijie Abrasives and mainly specialise in abrasive mold production and have been in the industry for 30 years. We have been participating in the CIHS since its second edition. We are truly grateful to the organisers for providing us with the opportunity and platform to communicate with international visitors. CIHS has significantly contributed to our growth. We hope to meet many new customers every year,” was highly appraised by Mr. Hou Qingkai, General Manager of Xuchang Kaijie Abrasive Co., Ltd.

    “I’m from Saudi Arabia. I have a company here in China and in my country as well, dealing with hardware products such as painting tools, drills and cutting accessories. I have visited this trade fair multiple times, expanding our business with Chinese suppliers. I’m interested in Chinese manufacturers because they can fulfill the clients’ requirements such as providing with high quality, good prices and cooperation and the efficiency we need. I feel that this fair can provide the customers who would like to find new suppliers of what they need and give a good access to Chinese suppliers,” commented by Mr. Osama Al-Refaei, General Manager of Yiwu Wise Trading Co., Ltd.

    In 2023, in the new situation of the international and domestic economy, the hardware market is encountering important and unprecedented changes. In the meantime, the hardware industry is facing serious challenges as well as rare opportunities. “With the positive signals of industry’s recovery and the support of all partners, exhibitors and visitors, CIHS will be able to embrace new opportunities, meet new challenges, set the industry’s new benchmark and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of the hardware industry through the exhibition platform,” added Mr. Keith Tsui, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Co., Ltd.

    For more information about China International Hardware Show, please click on https://www.hardwareshow-china.com/


    Author: Ms. Cathy Zhang

    Tel.: + 86 21 6390 6161-810 Fax :+ 86 21 6390 6858 E-mail: cathy.zhang@koelnmesse.cn

    Koelnmesse (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Shanghai Branch Unit 3103, Wheelock Square, No. 1717 Nanjing West Road Shanghai 200040, P.R. China www.koelnmesse.com

    Managing Director: Keith Tsui

  • FASTENER POLAND® Trade Fair - no 1 in Central and Eastern Europe

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fastener suppliers, Fasteners manufacturers on Sep 19, 2023

    Transformed supply chains and international cooperation networks, the war in Ukraine, an increase in production costs, the introduction of carbon tariffs (CBAM), competition with countries with low production costs, smooth adaptation to changing customer needs, investments in innovation and new technologies - these are the topics that manufacturers and distributors will discuss during the FASTENER POLAND® International Trade Fair of Fastener and Fixing Technology. The 6th edition of the event will take place on October 18-19, 2023 at EXPO Krakow, and the theme will be ecology.

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    The entire industry in one place

    The FASTENER POLAND® is the only international fair of fasteners organized in Central and Eastern Europe - a key forum for exchanging experiences, learning about new products, as well as building effective trade relations between companies from around the world. The pandemic has shown very clearly that face-to-face meetings cannot be replaced in business. FASTENER POLAND® is back to its pre-pandemic state. In October, over 150 companies from 15 countries will present their offer. They will present the most modern industrial fasteners and fittings (from screws, through rivets to nuts, pins or wedges), construction fasteners (anchors, concrete screws, fixing facades and insulation), advanced assembly and installation systems (with the presentation of the latest riveting devices, screwdrivers and screw insertion systems or assembly brackets), as well as technologies for the production of fasteners and devices for their storage and distribution.

    We connect buyers from all over the world

    The fair will be visited by buyers from industries that use fasteners for the production of their products. This year, the organizers direct the promotional campaign especially to industries with the greatest potential. Photovoltaics, automotive, aviation and the medical industry are sectors with the greatest demand for all types of fasteners and fixings. Poland is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of the size of the photovoltaic market. In Europe, only Germany and Spain are ahead of us in this regard. The industry records continuous sales increases and is developing dynamically. Therefore, the demand for components is growing, in particular for specialized and quality fasteners. The fasteners market responds to these needs by designing and delivering the best solutions with enhanced resistance to difficult conditions in which solar systems are used. Several dozen manufacturers will present their solutions on a special zone dedicated to this industry.

    Bleisure - combining business with spare time

    We believe that success begins with meetings, therefore organizers encourage everyone interested in expanding business contacts to participate in the fair. In addition to free invitations to the fair, a program combining business travel with leisure was developed. Trend Bleisure - a word created from the combination of the words "business" and "leisure" - is the key message of the strategy implemented by Targi w Krakowie Ltd. Participants of the fair will be inspired by the map of attractions, which will include recommended accommodation, local restaurants, monuments, climatic places and cultural centers. And since there is no shortage of interesting places in Krakow, the organizers are sure that some customers will extend their stay by additional days.

    List of exhibitors, trade fair novelties, free registration for guests, hotel offer and a list of recommended restaurants and places worth visiting at www.fastenerpoland.pl


    Author: FASTENER POLAND®

  • BUMAX selected for demanding ultrasonic welding application

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Industry 4.0 on Jul 24, 2023

    Swedish premium fastener manufacturer BUMAX has been selected to provide fasteners to be used in machines for ultrasonic metal welding. The client is Schunk Sonosystems, a global leading specialist in the field of ultrasonic metal welding.

    German specialist machine maker Schunk Sonosystems has decided to use BUMAX DX 129 screws for all its ultrasonic welding flexure sonotrode products to further improve quality and reliability. The machines are mainly used in the automobile industry.

    Standard steel bolts simply cannot cope with the extreme pulling and bending forces of ultrasonic vibration, so we had to find a bolt that does,” said Stefan Mueller, Head of R&D at Schunk Sonosystems. “Of all the screws we tested, only BUMAX met all our needs. Not only are BUMAX consistent in how they perform and do not break, they last the lifetime of the sonotrode without problem, are not creating abrasion dust on the screw head and do not require rust protection.”

    Extreme levels of vibration

    Schunk Sonosystems is a global leader in developing and building machines for ultrasonic metal welding – such as their industry-leading flexure sonotrode. Their machines include a sonotrode or welding tip that transfers vibrational energy to the workpiece. Up to two high-strength bolts are required to fix the sonotrode, which is subject to extreme levels of vibration due to the very high frequency used in ultrasonic welding.

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    Ultrasonic welding is a solid-state welding process that uses ultrasonic vibrations to weld pieces of metal together. The metals are welded together by heat generated by friction when applying high-frequency ultrasonic vibrational energy.

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    The BUMAX DX 129 (Duplex stainless steel) offers very high tensile strengths of min. 1,200 MPa and excellent fatigue resistance properties. It deals successfully with the with extreme forces during the ultrasonic welding process, such as 20,000 vibrations per second.

    Excellent fatigue strength

    The high fatigue strength that BUMAX screws offer is crucial to their ability to withstand a high number of cycles without fracture. All BUMAX bolts are made with the highest quality European steel, and its advanced manufacturing processes result in the further enhancement of the material’s fatigue resistance properties.

    Fatigue fracture often begins with a stress concentration such as inclusions, slags or surface defects. The high-quality raw materials BUMAX uses, together with the best metallurgical processes and good surface properties, guarantee excellent fatigue strength. BUMAX also uses rolled threads rather than cut threads, which further increases fatigue resistance.


    Author: Nimeka de Silva

    Head of Marketing, BUMAX AB

    Tel: +44 (0) 7904 980037 | +44 (0) 1527 593780

    Email: nimeka.desilva@bumax.se

  • Bulten enters into agreement to acquire Exim & Mfr Holdings Pte Ltd

    Posted in Acquisitions, Fasteners manufacturers on Jul 10, 2023

    Bulten has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares in Exim & Mfr Holdings Pte Ltd “Exim”, an Asian, Singapore-based distributor of fasteners and other components, for a purchase sum of approximately SGD 66.3 million (SEK 530 million) on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The acquisition affords Bulten a good platform to grow in new sectors, where the distribution stage is a pivotal sales channel.

    The acquisition is expected to contribute to Bulten’s development and earnings, and to increase earnings per share. Exim gives Bulten access to a large, broad customer base in growth sectors in a dynamic region. The acquisition is an important part of Bulten’s strategy, which aims for growth outside of the company’s primary customer group of automotive, and to improve risk diversification, as well as margins.

    Anders Nyström, President and CEO of Bulten Group, comments: “Our strategy sets out a clear focus on balancing our sales through growth in customer groups beyond the automotive industry. The aim is for these to account for at least 20% of sales by 2025. The acquisition of Exim takes us into the distribution stage, which is a key to profitable growth in new sectors. Exim is a well-managed company with an international customer base and developed processes for distribution and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), which is suitable for industries with completely different purchasing patterns than Bulten has historically been used to. Exim’s base in Singapore is also highly attractive. It enables us to take advantage of the strong growth in that region, and we also see potential in using Exim’s sales network to increase sales for our factories in China and Taiwan. Exim will, together with Bulten's rapidly growing business to consumer electronics customers, constitute the beginning of a new industrial segment.”

    Background

    Exim & Mfr Holdings Pte Ltd is a privately owned company based in Singapore. Established in 1982, the company distributes fasteners and other c-parts*, along with related services from more than 1,800 manufacturers and suppliers for American, European, Indian and Japanese companies operating in Asia. The company has more than 1,000 customers in a range of sectors including telecom, electronics, energy, medical technology, aviation, and other industrial manufacturing. Exim has approximately 140 employees in Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, and annual sales of about SGD 40 million (SEK 320 million).

    Purchase sum and completion

    The purchase sum is approximately SGD 66.3 million (SEK 530 million) on a cash-free and debtfree basis. The sum will be paid in cash with equal financing from an existing credit facility with Svenska Handelsbanken and an additional loan from the Swedish Export Credit Corporation. The acquisition is expected to be completed during Q3 2023. The transaction cost is estimated at SEK 8 million.

    KPMG, Drew & Napier, and Setterwalls are acting as advisers to Bulten in connection with the acquisition.

    Access to the shares is expected to take place on August 31, 2023, taking into account the fulfillment of customary conditions according to the transfer agreement.

    * Components with a low unit price that manufacturing companies stock in large quantities. Questions related to the entered agreement regarding the acquisition can be asked at Bulten’s presentation of the Q2 result on July 12.

    Questions related to the entered agreement regarding the acquisition can be asked at Bulten’s presentation of the Q2 result on July 12.

    Webcast BultenQ2: https://ir.financialhearings.com/bulten-q2-2023

    Teleconference Bulten Q2: https://conference.financialhearings.com/teleconference/?id=200812

    For further information, please contact:

    Ulrika Hultgren, SVP Corporate Communications & IR, +46 727-47 17 58, ulrika.hultgren@bulten.com


    Author: Ulrika Hultgren

  • Blechexpo/Schweisstec 2023: Full House, Packed Programme!

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fasteners manufacturers on Jun 12, 2023

    Seven months until the renowned industry highlight takes place: together with the 9th Schweisstec international trade fair for joining technology, the 16th Blechexpo international trade fair for sheet metal working will serve as the meeting place for global players in the field of sheet metal working from the 7th through the 10th of November, 2023. Nine halls are fully booked out at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. The trade fair duo presents complete process sequences for modern, future-proof sheet metal processing, and is thus highly acclaimed amongst the experts. An impressive supplementary programme including the presentation of the “best Award 2023”, the “Blechexpo Steel Convention 2023”, the “futureSteel” congress and the expert forum rounds out the trade fair’s offerings.

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    As project manager of the renowned trade fair duo, Georg Knauer reports that nine exhibition halls are fully booked out for Blechexpo/Schweisstec 2023. “Tremendous interest in the exhibition, strong dynamics within the industry sector and important future issues,” is how Knauer sums up the current mood. “On the whole it can be observed that process automation is being driven further and further in the field of sheet metal working,” explains the project manager. “Methods based on data-driven, artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning are being exploited to an ever greater extent in production operations in order to optimise processes and, as a result, reduce lead times. Efficient sheet metal processing necessitates flexible machine tools, modern software and virtual simulation. These issues will be addressed intensively at the trade fair. The challenge is sustainability, and in the field of sheet metal processing this means optimum workpiece utilisation and the avoidance of wasted material.

    Efficient Production Processes, Efficient Trade Fair Visit

    The range of topics covered by Blechexpo/Schweisstec includes efficient process technologies for modern laser technology, fully automated robotic sheet metal processing machines, precision tools and systems for punching, bending, braking and forming, as well as innovative micro-waterjet cutting technologies. Not least of all, the current shortage of qualified production personnel is fuelling further automation across the board, for example in materials handling and machine operation. Planning, implementation and analysis of production processes are becoming more efficient thanks to advancing integration of production data. “Expert visitors at Blechexpo/Schweisstec experience the entire process chain for sheet metal working,” emphasises Georg Knauer. “Suppliers and investment decision-makers meet on an equal footing with direct practical relevance in a working atmosphere.” The international expert audience can plan an issue-oriented trade fair visit, because the arrangement of the nine halls is structured in a differentiated manner: sheet metal, pipe and profile processing will be located in halls 1, 3, 5 and 9. Halls 4 and 6 are reserved for stamping technologies. Cutting, joining and fastening technologies will be presented in hall 7. Hall 8 will focus on pressing and forming technologies. Finally, the issues of steel and metal services, as well as surface finishing technology, will be addressed in hall 10.

    Enter Your Submission Now for the “best Award 2023”!

    Blechexpo/Schweisstec will feature a world-class, highly interesting supplementary programme once again this year including the “best Award 2023”, which will be presented for the sixth time in cooperation with trade journals Blechnet and MM Maschinenmarkt. The organisers have specified five submission categories analogous to the themes assigned to the exhibition halls, so that applicants can find the most suitable area for their innovations. Exhibitors can submit their entries to www.blechnet.com or www.maschinenmarkt-awards.de/blechexpo. The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2023. An expert jury with renowned representatives from the industry sector will select the winners, who will receive their “best Award” within the framework of a festive event on the afternoon of the first day of the trade fair. “Blechexpo/Schweisstec, and above all the “best Award 2023”, will once again showcase lots of innovations and solutions for digitalisation, sustainability and health protection this year,” hopes jury member Stefanie Wiesner, managing director of the Industrial Division of the German Electric Welding Equipment Association. Jury member Florian Kellner, production engineering designer at Siemens’ equipment manufacturing facility in Amberg, Germany, is also looking forward to the submissions: “The award is brilliant in my opinion because inventive talent and know-how are regarded comprehensively and provided with a suitable stage. We can expect technological highlights in the form of future-oriented solutions that link the digital world to the real world in terms of Industry 4.0. The award is ideally situated within the context of Blechexpo/Schweisstec, because the trade fair offers a major, highly diverse international platform for innovations.”

    Lots of Additional Highlights in the Supplementary Programme

    The “Blechexpo Stahl Convention 2023” will take place in the forum area in hall 10 at noon on the first day of the trade fair. It will focus attention on “Challenges in the Steel Markets in 2023”. The convention will be organised by the Stahl-Kommunikation Agency. A “futureSteel” congress is in preparation for the second day of the trade fair in cooperation with Marketsteel Media from Düsseldorf. The daily exhibitor forum will also be a popular meeting place this year – the world-class knowledge platform will provide expert visitors with a broad range of comprehensive information: presentations will be held by the European Sheet Metal Research Association (EFB) dealing with “Sustainable and Digital Future Production: Strategies for Joining – Forming – Sheet Metal Working Methods within the EFB Network”. Contributions from the Sheet Metal Forming Industry Association (IBU) are in preparation which will address “Challenges in Forming Technology”. Last but not least, Schweisstec Day, organised by the ZVEI Technical Association for Electric Welding Equipment, will be held again this year, where expert visitors will receive a comprehensive knowledge update.


    Author: BLECHEXPO

  • GREAT NEWS! INAPA & INAFASTENER 2023 IS COMING BACK

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fastener distribution, Fasteners manufacturers on Apr 13, 2023

    24 - 26 May 2023 at JIExpo Jakarta, Indonesia

    INAPA - Indonesia International Trade Show for Automotive Industry 2023 and INAFASTENER – Indonesia International Fastener & Fixing Technology Exhibition 2023 have become perfect trade shows to the growing needs of commercial vehicles, parts and fastener industries. The shows attract industry leaders and key players in automotive vehicles and all needed components including the fastener industry to showcase the latest innovation, product and services. This is a special zone for automotive, fixing, and fastener industries that will optimize for exhibitors to meet the companies are connected to their business and facilitate professional buyers to find their special needs.

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    INAPA and INAFASTENER 2023 along with Transport & Logistics Indonesia 2023, IIBT 2023, Tyre & Rubber Indonesia 2023, EV Indonesia 2023 and INABIKE 2023 will be an excellent opportunity to network and expand with your automotive business in Indonesia and the region. INAPA 2023 will present more than 800 exhibiting companies from 21 countries and targeted 20.000 attendees. INAPA has become the ASEAN's largest annual meeting place for automotive OEM and aftermarket players.

    Indonesia - ASEAN's Largest Automotive Market Recovery!

    Indonesia with over 270 million of people is in the largest economy in South East Asia. Indonesia's manufacturing industry contributed of Indonesia Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 7.07% in the 2nd Quarter compared with a year earlier. Indonesia's automotive industry has remained one of the manufacturing sub-sectors contributing positively to the national industry. Growth in the automotive sector in the second quarter of 2021 increased by 37 percent. It will have a positive impact on the recovery of the automotive industry and eventually jumpstart the national economy.

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    Another indicator is the purchasing manager's index (PMI) of Indonesian manufacturing. In September 2022 it was recorded at 53.7, up from 51.7 in August 2022. The results of the S&P Global survey show that the expansion rate of Indonesia's manufacturing sector in this period was the fastest in 8 months and was solid overall. Even Indonesia's manufacturing PMI in September 2022 surpassed the world manufacturing PMI (50.3), ASEAN (53.5), Malaysia (49.1), Vietnam (52.5), and the Philippines (52.9), also higher. from China (48.1), Japan (50.8), and South Korea (47.6). "Indonesia's manufacturing PMI continues to expand, in September 2022 to 53.7. The automotive market in Indonesia is predicted get better, approaching normal conditions.

    Fastener & Fixing Industry

    In Indonesia, the market for bolts, nuts, and other fastener items is still viewed prospective. In sectors ranging from infrastructure to manufacturing, building construction, and property development, fasteners and fixings play a crucial role. This industry serves as a "staple commodity" for industries ranging from manufacturing to gadgets.

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    The government's rollout of infrastructure projects and the private sector's encouragement of real estate development make the fasteners industry in Indonesia particularly promising. It can be considered a staple business because they are utilized in every industry. In Indonesia there is still a gap between supply and demand for bolts and nuts.

    Fasteners are widely utilized in a variety of industries besides the automotive one, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and building and construction. Today, practically every industry has a requirement for fasteners. Also, manufacturing fasteners is a very profitable business venture that can support infrastructure development in Indonesia and throughout the world.

    Come and visit us in 24 – 26 May 2023 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta


    More info, please contact

    Ms. Paramitha Rahayu

    paramitha@gemisen-group.com

    website: https://www.inafastener-exhibition.net/

    register your visit at: https://reg-gemindonesia.net/

  • EFC International Acquires Inventory Sales Company

    Posted in Acquisitions, Fastener distribution, Industry 4.0 on Mar 13, 2023

    ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – March 2, 2023. Frontenac-backed EFC International announced March 2 that it has acquired St. Louis-based Inventory Sales Company (ISC), a distributor of fastener products, components, and struts/accessories to diversified industrial and infrastructure markets. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    EFC, based in St. Louis, MO, operates globally and provides solutions such as engineering support, sales and marketing, distribution, and high-touch service to customers in the automotive, industrial, and other technical end markets. The Company has served as a critical link between suppliers and customers for over 35 years. EFC has a history of growth driven by longstanding supplier relationships and a tenured customer base.

    ISC, founded in 1972 by Jim Friedmann and headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is a distributor of Class-C parts with a primary focus on fasteners and strut accessories. The company has a highly reputable and well-established brand and is known for outstanding levels of service through its broad capabilities including vendor managed inventory programs, in-house fabrication, kitting, and a strong sales force. ISC also has operations and a warehouse in Kansas City, KS and St. Elizabeth, MO.

    Matt Dudenhoeffer, EFC CEO, who will lead the combined company, stated “The ISC acquisition provides us with tremendously increased scale and diversification while further expanding and strengthening the product and service offerings of both companies. The acquisition is very strategic, and what is also impressive is the alignment of company cultures and similar histories. We believe the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish together through the strong collaboration of these great teams.”

    ISC President, Cathy Friedmann, who will continue to lead ISC, added that “This combination of our two companies is such a great fit; it gives us the platform to grow beyond what we ever previously imagined. EFC dramatically enhances our technical capabilities and our product and service offerings as well as geographic footprint. The customer has always been king at ISC, and now we can serve them even better than before. This acquisition creates additional opportunities for our customers, suppliers, and employees alike.”

    About EFC

    EFC International, headquartered in St. Louis, is a global provider of engineered fasteners and specialized component solutions serving the automotive, electrified vehicle, industrial and distribution marketplaces. Providing a high level of engineering support to customers and protecting supply chains is a cornerstone of EFC’s model. Close supplier partnerships with market leaders and innovators enables EFC to meet the unique and evolving needs of each customer. EFC’s engineered products include plastic injection molded components, spring steel stampings, cold-formed fasteners, clamp products, motion control and routing components, electrical/electronic connectors, and light assemblies among numerous other products. EFC has locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. To learn more about EFC and to explore their online engineering guides, please visit www.efc-intl.com.

    About ISC

    St. Louis-based Inventory Sales Company is a distributor of fasteners, specialty components, struts, and strut accessories to a diversified group of customers and industrial end markets. ISC creates value through stocking a large breadth of product and acting as an outsourced, scaled purchasing team for its customers. Service capabilities include VMI programs, customized kitting/packaging/labeling, in-house fabrication, stud welding, technical product assistance and global sourcing. The company provides valued customer service by having short lead times, a wide selection of products, customized inventory programs, and by following a simple mantra – “The Customer is King.” To learn more, please explore www.inventorysales.com.

    About Frontenac

    Frontenac is a Chicago-based private equity firm. The firm focuses on investing in lower middle market buyout transactions in the consumer, industrial, and services industries. Frontenac works in partnership with established operating leaders, through an executive-centric approach called CEO1ST, which seeks to identify, acquire, and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and operational excellence. Over the last 50+ years, Frontenac has built a leading franchise working with over 300 owners of mid-sized businesses as they address complex transition issues of liquidity, management enhancement, and growth planning. For more information, please visit frontenac.com


    Author: EFC International