Carmen Vertullo and Rob LaPointe co-founded AIM Testing Laboratory. The primary focus of AIM is consultation, training and testing of fasteners and related products. 

Product offerings include technical guidance, specifications and drawings, compliance issues, QMS support, supply-chain support, on-site training, mechanical, metallographic, chemical and nondestructive testing. Their work covers applications in the aerospace, industrial and military sectors.

Vertullo has experience in fastener quality assurance, manufacturing, sales, bolted joint design and inventory management programs. He holds a degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and is a member of the ASTM Committee F16 on Fasteners, the ASME B18 Fastener Standards Committee and the Research Council of Structural Connections (RCSC). Vertullo is well informed on compliance issues relating to fastener supplier, especially California Proposition 65.

LaPointe is an authority in materials and fastener technology. With experience  in materials testing combined with degrees in physics and education, he finds solutions for clients. His skills include physics, materials science and testing instrumentation. He is a member of the ASTM E28 Committee on Mechanical Testing and the A01 Committee on Ferrous Materials

AIM is located at 1920 Cordell Court #101, El Cajon, CA 92020. Tel: 909 254-1278 Email: sales@aimtestlab.com Web: aimtestlab.com


Marty Nolan of R.L. English Co. continues as chair of the Fastener Industry Coalition and Rosa Hearn of Brighton-Best is vice chair.

Nancy Rich, executive director of multiple regional associations, is secretary/treasurer.

The Coalition was founded in 1988 and consists of 12 North American fastener organizations. Vickie Lester is now FIC executive director. Email: vlester@nfda-fastener.org Tel: 562 799-5509 Web: FastenerCoalition.org


Lawson Products opened a  The Bolt Supply House branch in Vancouver, BC, resulting in presence in all four Western Canada provinces. Kevin Neal is branch manager.

The 12,000 square-foot facility, located in the Port Kells industrial area of Surrey, stocks industrial products including fasteners, power and hand tools, and safety products.

The Bolt Supply House branch is located at 01, 9725 – 192nd Street, Surrey, BC V4N 4C7. Web: boltsupply.com


Sherex Fastening Solutions launched a redesigned website, president Adam Pratt announced. It includes more product listings and new navigation. Web: Sherex.com

Sherex Industries was founded in 1978 in Buffalo, NY, to supply automotive and fluid power markets. In 2004, the rivet nut division was spun off as Sherex Fastening Solutions.

Sherex designs and manufactures blind rivet nuts, clinch nuts, nut and stud plates, locking nuts, hand tools and pneumatic tools. Sherex is headquartered at 400 Riverwalk Pkwy, Suite 600, Tonawanda, NY 14150. Tel: 716 875-0315 Email: info@sherex.com