PERSPECTIVE: EC Identifies Chinese Firms for Antidumping

Jason Sandefur

Editor”s Note: The following column is part of a news column exchange between FIN and Fastener & Fixing Europe.
The European Commission has confirmed 13 major Chinese fastener producers that it plans to investigate to determine the validity of the antidumping complaint made by the European Industrial Fastener Institute in September. The factories represent a sampling of the 3012 factories named in the complaint. The sampling process was implemented to ensure tariffs are more consistent for all exporters from China.
The factories include Shanghai Prime Machinery Co. Ltd, Zhejiang Zhapu Industrial Co. Ltd, Ningbo Yonghong Fasteners Co. Ltd and Eastport Fastener Manufacturing Co. Ltd. In total the 13 companies represent 61% of reported export volumes to Europe between October 2006 and September 2007.
The potential level of tariffs is the source of major concern amongst European distributors and also, ironically, a number of European manufacturers, which also import product from China to meet OEM cost down requirements that demand a proportion of goods supplied come from low labour cost countries.
UK and German associations have prepared counterarguments for presentation to EC investigators, particularly challenging the basis for calculation of the dumping margins.
Preliminary tariffs could be set as early as January 6, while the latest preliminary tariffs can be applied is August 2008. Tariffs come into effect immediately, which means major uncertainty for importers, who could easily be “caught” with substantial tonnage “on the water” if tariffs are announced soon.
Emhart Emphasises Heli-Coil Brand in UK
Emhart Teknologies is trying to clear up market confusion over the Heli-Coil brand”s availability.
“Heli-Coil is Emhart Teknologies” brand and we are going from strength to strength as a supplier to the UK market via exclusive licensee Tucker Fasteners Ltd.,” stated Christian Lubascher, sales & marketing vice president for Emhart. “We have already established a strong network of experienced aerospace and industrial partners and are working closely with them to supply and service the demand for genuine Heli-Coil systems. To improve this service and further increase our coverage, further partners are in the process of being established.”
Some confusion arose when license to supply Heli-Coil was revoked from Armstrong Fastening Systems, which was placed in temporary administration by holding company Caparo in March 2006.
“Our strategy is to hold a large inventory of a wide variety of Heli-Coil products at our National Distribution Centre at Tucker Fasteners in Birmingham,” Lubascher explained. “We will be extending the range with new inserts that were not previously available through Arm-strong, including our Tangless range.”
Ferrari New Vimi Sales & Marketing Director
Riccardo Ferrari has been appointed sales and marketing director for Italian fastener manufacturer Vimi Fasteners.
Part of Comer Industries Inc., Vimi is based in Novellara, Northern Italy close to Ferrari and Maserati sports car factories, which are both major customers for the specialised producer of high performance screws, studs and cold-formed components.
Riccardo Ferrari has worked previously with the Sematic Group as vice president sales and marketing at Tyler Elevator Products in Cleveland, OH.
Trifast Profit Grows
UK-based Trifast reported revenue for the six month period ending September 30 stood at GB�62.07 million (US$126.4 million) and profit before tax rose 13% to GB�4.75million (US$9.67m).
“Trifast performed strongly and delivered a solid operating profit in a challenging market,” noted CEO Steve Auld.
The interim report identifies that sales were hurt by the loss of European low margin business “moving away from Trifast after a detailed customer review.”
TR Asia reported sales growth and improved profitability for the period. TR has now followed existing customer development into Vietnam and India. The group formally opened new offices and warehouse in Shanghai in October. It also has its own manufacturing plant in Suzhou, as well as established manufacturing operations in Taiwan and Singapore.
Classic Invests in Bolt Production
Classic Metallics has committed major investment to start producing high tensile bolts in the United Arab Emirates, managing director Sharbbir Shaikh confirmed to Fastener & Fixing Europe. The company has seven Jern Yao 4-die headers and a Son Yung heat treatment plant on order. It has also recruited technicians from “the top three producers in India.”
Production is planned to start in April 2008.
The company sees a market opportunity in the UAE where ready stocks of high tensile bolts are limited and customers often have to face long import lead times. Shaikh says that production in the UAE will offer shorter transit time to European markets.
Classic Metallic Sheet Factory LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Classic Group based in Sharjah, UAE. In addition to being an ISO 9001-2000 certified manufacturer of blind rivets, anchor, U and stud bolts, the company has in-house hot dip galvanizing facilities, and trades in a range of fastener products. \ �2007 FastenerNews.com