John Wolz

SRC=”../images/weblogo2.gif” ALIGN=”LEFT”>Editor”s Note: The following column by Phil Matten, editor of Fastener & Fixing Europe, is part of a news column exchange with FIN.

After preliminary findings supported alleged stainless steel fastener dumping from Asian countries, the European Commission will likely introduce preliminary antidumping duties in May, Fastener & Fixing Europe magazine reports.
Expected figures are around 27.5% for most Chinese producers, up to 8% for fasteners from Vietnam, and between 20% and 27% for other countries, with the probable exception of Malaysia. Nuts will be reportedly excluded from duties since there is effectively no European production.
Final determination of duty levels and extent should be confirmed by the end of July.
British Carmaker MG Rover Folds
Following the failure of talks with Shanghai Automotive, British auto manufacturer MG Rover collapsed, laying off 5,000 workers. The UK government was unable to extend a 100 million-pound (US$189 million) bridging loan.
The leader of Britain”s transport workers” union, Tony Woodley, said his worst fears had been realized.
“It is the bleakest and blackest day today for the British motor industry, and indeed in its history,” he said. “In fact it is the end of the last major British manufacturing car company in our land, and that is absolutely devastating.”
For the last 18 months Rover has operated its own procurement and logistics team, replacing a previous supply management contract.
MG Rover”s closure is expected to have widespread impact on fastener suppliers. UK manufacturer Armstrong Fastenings is known to be a major supplier to the plant. Closure or severe downsizing would inevitably ripple through the subcontract infrastructure and impact a far wider array of fastener firms.
Lancaster Leads on Hex Chrome Conversion
Lancaster Fasteners UK specialist wholesalers of self-tapping, trilobular and thread cutting screws has anticipated requirements for the elimination of hexavalent chromium.
Managing Director Sam Wilson told Fastener & Fixing Europe that Lancaster made the decision in 2004 to be at the forefront of European fastener suppliers in ensuring compliance ahead of the 2006 and 2007 European Union regulation deadlines. Stock received by Lancaster from March 2005 will use trivalent chromium passivation coats.
“Products using a trivalent chromium passivation are cosmetically no different to those containing hexavalent chromium,” explains Wilson, “and are offered to Lancaster Fastener”s customers at no additional cost. We have also been careful to ensure that corrosion protection is not compromised.”
The new stocks will be identified by a distinctive CR3 logo to provide assurance of compliance. The decision highlights the issues facing wholesalers in relation to duplicated stocks and inventory management to ensure the supply of correctly specified fasteners.
European Exhibition Round-up
New fastener hall at Practical World 2006
Cologne Messe, where the Practical World International Hardware show is now staged every two years, will complete four new exhibition halls by the end of 2005.
The new Northern Halls will cover 850,000 sq ft, replacing similar space in the historic Rhineside halls, which will be converted to a media centre by the RTL Group. Fastening technology exhibitors will be located in Hall 5 (previously Hall 9), along with DIY tools. Cologne Messe described the positioning as a transition between tools, security systems and locks on one side and builders and DIY products on the other.
In an unprecedented move Cologne has offered early booking discounts, ostensibly to allow planning of the new layout well in advance. However, there are clearly still mixed feelings about the shape and validity of the 2006 show. A number of key exhibitors have privately expressed reticence about participation, particularly in the year when Germany”s hosting of the World Cup Soccer event presents a major and not cheap sponsorship and hospitality opportunity. Practical World takes place March 5-8, 2006. Web: practical-world.de
Fastener Fair Stuttgart Growing
Support for the Fastener Fair at Stuttgart in September continues to accelerate, according to organiser Jerry Ramsdale. The show was switched to Stuttgart Messe”s largest Hall 4 at the beginning of the year because of the volume of bookings.
“We are now confirming actual stand locations,” says Ramsdale, ” and even this bigger hall is filling up fast. We now have 20 countries represented at Stuttgart, and there is absolutely no doubt that we will be presenting a truly international Fastener Fair in September 2005.”
Web: fastenerfair.com
\ �2005 FastenerNews.com