Will Lowry
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Articles by Will Lowry
Is it time to rethink customs?
Is it time to rethink customs? With trading costs under pressure and new measures on the horizon, logistics professional Geoff Yates believes fastener businesses should take a closer look at how they manage customs. Through the newly launched UK customs consultancy TadEx Group, Geoff is helping importers and exporters reduce costs, improve compliance and gain the confidence to complete their own customs declarations.
Fastener Fair Global to ‘raise the bar’
Fastener Fair Global to ‘raise the bar’ As the leading exhibition for the fastener and fixing industry, Fastener Fair Global will once again bring together the entire industry for three days of meetings, discussions, and business, from 6th – 8th April 2027. Here we speak to Stephanie Cerri, event director for Fastener Fair Global at RX, about what visitors and exhibitors can expect from the 2027 show that intends to ‘raise the bar’. Fastener Fair Global 2025 was a highly successful event.
Litnaglis - a global nail partner
Litnaglis – a global nail partner Here we speak to Martynas Vauras, marketing manager at JSC Litnaglis, about developments within the company and how, as a nail manufacturer, it is refining its product portfolio in order to meet the needs of its customers and target markets. Plus, we discuss the challenges of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation and how it is impacting the business, even though nails are currently not included.
DPP - the electronic passport for anchors
DPP – the electronic passport for anchors By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP) The Digital Product Passport (DPP) does not only apply to construction products, but to all products that will circulate within the European single market in the coming years – with the legal basis being the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), not the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
Introducing Sherex by PEM
Introducing Sherex by PEM Ger Quaid, Managing Director of PEM® Europe In the world of sheet metal fabrication everybody knows PEM®. We’ve been the leader in self-clinching fasteners for decades. However, rivet nut technology has always been a separate conversation, but that has changed thanks to our acquisition of Sherex® back in 2024.
Marine fasteners demand the latest technologies
Marine fasteners demand the latest technologies By Ian Parker, freelancer, ianparkerwriter@aol.com In many areas of industry, fasteners are no longer the simple ‘fit and forget’ items they once were. They are sophisticated components, often benefiting from advanced design, materials, manufacturing and monitoring techniques. This is especially true in the marine sector – due to the harsh, high stress environments involved, particularly at sea.
Keep on running
Keep on running By Gary Henderson, chair, BIAFD Running a fastener distribution business right now feels like being on a treadmill with someone repeatedly turning up the speed. Just as you find your stride, the pace increases again with another regulation, another trade measure, as well as another external shock to absorb.
A network built on collaboration
A network built on collaboration In times of increasing supply chain regulation, geopolitical uncertainties, and rapid technological developments, the Italian Union of Fastener Distributors (UDIB) association is supporting its ever growing member companies with a wide range of services, as well as a tried and tested network that fosters exchange and inspiration.
French distributors navigate a complex market
French distributors navigate a complex market Here the Association des Distributeurs Français Spécialistes en Éléments D'Assemblage (PRISMEFIX) explores how industrial resilience, construction weakness, and DIY stabilisation, are creating a complex outlook for French fastener and fixing distributors and how together these three factors underline a broader environment of cautious momentum, sharpened competition, as well as growing regulatory complexity for distributors and their customers.
Germany’s economic transformation
Germany’s economic transformation Germany, long regarded as Europe’s industrial powerhouse and home to leading automotive and engineering firms, remains the EU’s largest economy – generating nearly a quarter of its output.
A regulatory wave unlike anything before
A regulatory wave unlike anything before For fastener distributors, regulatory compliance is becoming central to supply chain management, customer relationships and long-term competitiveness. In this article, Andreas Bertaggia, president at the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA), outlines how a new wave of European Union regulation is reshaping the fastener distribution industry, placing compliance, transparency and supply chain accountability at the centre of business strategy.
Fixings are no longer ‘just’ fixings
Fixings are no longer ‘just’ fixings By Chris Middleton, general manager, Construction Fixings Association (CFA) In modern construction, anchors and fixings are no longer viewed as simple commodity components. They are now recognised as safety critical products whose performance can directly affect structural integrity, life safety and long-term building reliability.
The technology quietly shaping construction performance
The technology quietly shaping construction performance By Chris Middleton, general manager, Construction Fixings Association In the modern construction industry, performance, safety, and accountability, are no longer aspirational goals – they are baseline expectations. As buildings become more complex, materials more diverse, and regulatory oversight more demanding, the industry’s reliance on proven systems and repeatable outcomes continues to grow.
The impact of the India-EU Trade Agreement
The impact of the India-EU Trade Agreement By Abhijat Sanghvi, president, Fasteners Association of India Earlier this year India and the European Union concluded negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, bringing significant benefits to Indian fastener manufacturers and exporters. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is a milestone in one of India’s most strategic economic partnerships, unlocking significant potential for trade and innovation.
The Strait of Disruption
The Strait of Disruption By Geoff Yates, commercial director, Espace Global Freight The ongoing instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz represents more than a geopolitical flashpoint, it is a structural stress event for global trade. For many sectors, including fasteners and fixings – where supply chains are tightly calibrated and material flows are precision critical – the implications are both immediate and systematic.
2028 is the year of post-installed fasteners
2028 is the year of post-installed fasteners By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchors Producers (ECAP) On 16th December 2025 the European Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union the ‘2026 – 2029 Working Plan for the new Construction Products Regulation 2024’ (CPR:2024)1, which set out the order and timing of the process of standardisation of all construction product families listed in the CPR:2024 – with work on post-installed fasteners...
European fastener distribution in difficult CBAM waters
European fastener distribution in difficult CBAM waters Complex and incomplete regulations have left European fastener distributors facing high costs and major uncertainties. A recent webinar from the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) revealed most importers will be forced to rely on disproportionately high standard values, which will significantly increase their costs in 2026.
Structural steel and cladding fasteners: Why manufacturing quality matters
Structural steel and cladding fasteners: Why manufacturing quality matters By Chris Middleton, general manager, Construction Fixings Association Structural steel and cladding fasteners are safety critical components that sit at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing precision and site practice.
How fasteners are changing to meet electric aircraft and eVTOL demands
How fasteners are changing to meet electric aircraft and eVTOL demands By Ian Parker, freelancer, ianparkerwriter@aol.com Air travel is undergoing a revolution as it moves away from fossil fuels to electric propulsion, both for conventional airframes and electric vertical take off and land (eVTOL) aircraft.
Janus Perspective 2026: Market report: USA
Janus Perspective 2026: Market report: USA GlobalFastenerNews.com Tariffs were the main ‘uncertainty’ for the US fastener industry in 2025, with these tariffs varying throughout the year, but are currently around 47.5% for China and 20% for Taiwan. The results of these tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump will become more evident in 2026. Tariffs start as a tax on importers, but as they work through the supply chain, ultimately US consumers pay the tariffs through higher prices for goods.
The shifting landscape of raw materials
The shifting landscape of raw materials Raw materials represent a major share of production costs for fasteners, with price volatility affecting margins and pricing strategies. Here we speak to Shankhadeep Mukherjee, principal analyst at CRU Group, about the demand and fluctuations within both the carbon and stainless steel markets, as well as for scrap material. How did the situation regarding wire rod prices and steel long products develop in 2025?
The disruptive world of freight
The disruptive world of freight Here Geoff Yates, commercial director at Espace Global Freight, reports on some of the freight issues that companies faced during 2025 and provides insight on upcoming challenges that all exporters and importers should be aware of in 2026. In the disruptive world of freight, things at the end of 2025 and going into 2026 have actually been quite steady.
Janus Perspective 2026 market report: Taiwan
Janus Perspective 2026 market report: Taiwan Fastener World Magazine For this Janus Perspective, Dean Tseng, editor at Fastener World Magazine, analyses the latest Taiwan fastener export trends and automotive fastener transformation challenges in 2025, whilst also presenting the challenges for Taiwanese companies moving forward in the automotive industry. Fastener exports in Taiwan have been on an impressive climb, growing over 15% in the past decade and soaring nearly 80% in 20 years.
Why CE Marking for construction products matters
Why CE Marking for construction products matters By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers Today, Europe faces the challenge of integrating the two approaches of 'green' economy and climate change measures, whilst facing an economy of rearmament. Times are uncertain and the temptation to revert to reassuring old ways of thinking is strong.
Islander comes home
Islander comes home By Ian Parker, freelancer, ianparkerwriter@aol.com With some 1,300 aircraft built to date, the Islander is renowned worldwide for being a versatile STOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft. Now, thanks to new investment from a group led by 4D Capital Partners LLP, the assembly of the famous plane has not only returned to the UK, it is expanding.
Meeting all washer needs
Meeting all washer needs By recently investing in a new punching machine, Walter Lumberg will be able to manufacture washers with a thickness of 0.5mm to 5mm – expanding its range of capabilities and providing even more benefits to its customers. Walter Lumberg is a German manufacturer of washers made of steel, brass, copper and aluminium – with its core competency being the manufacture of both standard washers and non-standard washers according to drawings.
Fasteners could be ‘green’ or ‘mean’…
Fasteners could be ‘green’ or ‘mean’… By Peter Standring, technical secretary, Industrial Metalforming Technologies At September’s UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump lauded defence spending and strongly derided ‘green energy’ and the ‘carbon footprint’.
Wolters expands in-house production
Wolters expands in-house production For over 100 years Wolters has been the ‘go-to’ specialist for nuts and fastening technology. Now the company is taking the next step in its development by expanding its in-house production, with turned parts added to its range of capabilities. Wolters has been able to establish its own in-house production facility, for turning and milling parts, thanks to targeted investments in skilled personnel, machinery and infrastructure.
BIAFD sets record attendance
BIAFD sets record attendance The British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors held its Autumn meeting at the beginning of October, once again at the Leonardo Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire, UK, with a record breaking 111 members attending a ‘jam packed’ event.
Europe’s fastener distributor industry meets
Europe’s fastener distributor industry meets In September the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) held its 8th European Fastener Distribution Conference in Brussels, Belgium, under the theme ‘Shaping tomorrow: Europe’s fastener distributor industry in motion’. Content Director Will Lowry was invited to attend what is the central event for EFDA members to network and discuss major topics and developments regarding the fastener sector.
Fastener + Fixing Survey: The results are in!
Fastener + Fixing Survey: The results are in! Thank you to all those readers who responded to the Fastener + Fixing Survey, it was great to hear what you love about the magazine and what you would like to see more of. Here is just some of the feedback we received. Our survey was sent to over 10,500 readers. 52% said they use the printed version of the magazine. 36% of our readers use both the print and digital version of the magazine.
Representing German fastener manufacturers
Representing German fastener manufacturers Here Hans Führlbeck, general manager at Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V – the German fastener association that represents German fastener manufacturers and the supply chain along the production and application process of fasteners – provides insight into key fastener related markets, the current challenges its members are facing, as well as what is happening within DSV and how the association supports its members.
Holding the tracks
Holding the tracks By Ian Parker, freelancer,ianparkerwriter@aol.com Many countries around the world are building high-speed railway networks, but with the impressive speeds these networks provide comes numerous engineering challenges – including the safety and stability of the tracks.
It’s time to wake up and organise
It’s time to wake up and organise By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers In April 2025 the European Commission published the new priority setting for the CPR Acquis for 2026 – 2029, which was updated according to recent feedback received in the same month. In this document, family 33 ‘Fixings’ rose in the priority list from No. 26 to No. 19. What does this number mean, and what are the implications for the post-installed fasteners sector?
Everything you need to know about sustainable logistics
Everything you need to know about sustainable logistics By Geoff Yates, commercial director at Espace Global Freight Sustainability in logistics is no longer optional – it’s essential. Espace Global Freight has always recognised its responsibility to drive positive change in the industry. From improving working experience to reducing carbon footprints, and engaging with local communities, sustainability in logistics is about balancing efficiency with responsibility.
Marposs inaugurates new Indian tech centre
Marposs inaugurates new Indian tech centre Marposs SpA has inaugurated a new 400m2 tech centre in Bangalore, India, which will showcase the company’s most advanced technologies, as well as offering tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of the Indian market – with a focus on semiconductors, consumer electronics, aerospace and batteries.
Clarendon Specialty Fasteners wins King’s Award
Clarendon Specialty Fasteners wins King’s Award Clarendon Specialty Fasteners, a distribution company with its headquarters based in the southwest of England, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise – with 197 organisations nationally being recognised with the prestigious award.
REISSER logistics centre goes into operation
REISSER logistics centre goes into operation In June, REISSER Schraubentechnik GmbH celebrated the official symbolic opening of its new logistics centre in the Osterburken Regional Industrial Park (RIO), Germany, with the first stored bucket of screws marking the beginning of a future-oriented logistics strategy. The start of operations marks the culmination of an intensive planning and construction phase that began in 2017 – with the project being launched with a groundbreaking ceremony in 2022.
Flexibility with long-term focus
Flexibility with long-term focus Fastener + Fixing Magazine last interviewed Dr Daniel Bossard, CEO at Bossard Group, in 2023 – focusing on how the Group works with customers to provide optimal fastening solutions and services. Here Content Director Will Lowry catches up with Dr Bossard to see how the company has progressed with its initiatives and projects since the last interview, along with key advances within the business and changes in the markets.
A.S.F. Fischer acquires Super Prof
A.S.F. Fischer acquires Super Prof Specialising in hand tools, Super Prof from Velddriel, the Netherlands, has been acquired by A.S.F. Fischer – with the acquisition involving a 100% share transfer. Both A.S.F. Fischer B.V and Super Prof B.V operate as specialists within the construction wholesale sector and are known for their concept-based market approach and high-quality products.
BUMAX announces strategic partnership with leading Turkish distributor
BUMAX announces strategic partnership with leading Turkish distributor Swedish premium fastener manufacturer BUMAX has strengthened its market presence in Türkiye, following the signing of a new strategic agreement with Standart Civata (STD) – a renowned distributor of high-quality fasteners. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the BUMAX international growth strategy, aimed at strengthening its distribution network and brand presence in key markets.
TFC Europe renamed to AFC Europe
TFC Europe renamed to AFC Europe All of the operations of TFC throughout the UK, Germany and Czech Republic will transition from their current brand identity to a new AFC Europe brand. This includes the historical operations of TFC, focused on delivering supply chain management solutions and supply of C-Parts, including fasteners, moulded parts, turned parts and custom engineered parts.
MULTIFIX Group strengthens its knowledge and network
MULTIFIX Group strengthens its knowledge and network MULTIFIX Group continues its expansion with the acquisition of Menaparts, a supplier of metal and plastic components for OEMs and wholesalers. The acquisition further strengthens MULTIFIX’s position as a partner in the production process. Based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Menaparts was founded in 2015 by Peter van Heeswijk – a respected name in the industry with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing.
Bulten reports stable Q2
Bulten reports stable Q2 Bulten Group has reported net sales amounted to SEK 1.337 billion (€119.8 million) for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8.8% on the same period the previous year (Q2 of 2024: SEK 1.466 billion). Operating earnings totalled SEK 61 million, equating to an operating margin of 4.6% – with restructuring costs of approximately SEK 8 million having a negative impact on operating earnings.
Boresite - a new plasterboard solution
Boresite – a new plasterboard solution Peter Brown, a chartered engineer within the aerospace industry, has introduced the patented Boresite heavy-duty wall fixing – an innovative no drill solution for fixing into plasterboard. Installing a fixing into plasterboard can often be overly complex and the final performance can be disappointing, with the ability to remove the fixing and repair the wall also difficult and time-consuming.
CBAM ready: Why the fastener sector needs to act now
CBAM ready: Why the fastener sector needs to act now By Gabriel Rozenberg, co-founder & CEO, CBAMBOO Prior to Fastener Fair Global my team thought that our stand might be too big, if anything, it turned out to be too small. During the show in March we were rushed off our feet as dozens of companies from across the fastener industry came looking for answers about the hottest topic of the day – CBAM.
Preparing for CBAM in the UK
Preparing for CBAM in the UK By Chris Middleton, general manager,Construction Fixings Association (CFA) The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation is on the horizon, so to is the UK’s CBAM, bringing significant implications for the construction sector. While many in the industry are familiar with the regulations, there remains some uncertainty about what businesses need to do to prepare.
The ongoing work of ECAP
The ongoing work of ECAP By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP) The ECAP Working Group meets once a year, with experts of fasteners and connectors discussing the technical challenges posed by European Assessment Documents, and by drafts of standards, as well as to define common strategies for each product.
Simplifying CBAM compliance
Simplifying CBAM compliance In February it was announced the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation was undergoing significant simplifications aimed at easing the compliance burden for importers, while maintaining its environmental objectives. These changes are designed to streamline reporting requirements, enhance data processing, as well as improve the overall efficiency of the CBAM framework.
Crack inspection and sorting with ELOTEST PL650
Crack inspection and sorting with ELOTEST PL650 Rohmann GmbH offers various solutions for the non-destructive testing of materials for fastener and fixing technology, including the digital inline test instrument ELOTEST PL650, which can be applied for the automated structure inspection of screws and bolts, nuts, rivets and punched parts.
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