Hardware & Fastener Components

WORLD NEWS
Industry Development
U.S. DoC Announces Final Results of
AD Administrative Review for Certain
Steel Nail Imports from Taiwan
美國商務部公告對台特定鋼釘反傾銷稅行政複查結果The U.S. Department ofCommerce (DoC) issued a Federal
Register notice on February 1
announcing the final results of its
administrative review of the antidumping duties on certain steel nails
imported from Taiwan. The anti-dumping
review period was from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Basedon the results of the investigation, the U.S. Department ofCommerce determined that the weighted-average dumping
margin of Your Standing International, Inc. is 26.28 percent,the weighted-average dumping margin of Shang Jeng Nail
Co. Ltd. and World Kun Company Limited is 78.17%, and theweighted-average dumping margin of A-Jax Enterprise Limited
and 130 other manufacturers is 26.28%.

Hardware & Fastener Components - no.62/2024

Please visit http://tinyurl.com/47wyc5w6 to view the original
notice.

Mexico Imposes Temporary Antidumping Duty on Chinese Steel Nails
墨西哥對中國鋼釘課徵臨時反傾銷稅According to the latest
announcement of the Mexican
Federal Government, on July27, 2023, Clavos Nacionales
Mexico S.A. de C.V. applied
to the Mexican Ministryof Economy for an anti-dumping investigation of steel nails(Mexican tariff number 73170099) imported from China. In
September of the same year, the Mexican government formally
initiated an anti-dumping investigation on the product (theperiod of the dumping investigation was from May 1, 2022 toApril 30, 2023. The period of the injury investigation was fromMay 1, 2020 to April 30, 2023).
Based on the results of the investigation, Mexico announced
on March 15, 2024 that it has preliminarily determined that060 惠達雜誌Compiled by Fastener World

五金產業新聞the quantity of the products imported into Mexico from China and its
market share in the Mexican market are likely to continue to increasein the future, which will have a negative impact on the Mexican
industry; and therefore, a temporary anti-dumping duty of 31% will belevied on top of the original 25% tariff, which will take effect on andafter the date of the announcement.

Latest Figures of Taiwan Fastener & Hand
Tool Exports in 2023
2023年台灣手工具及扣件出口最新數據
According to International Trade Administration (ITA) of Ministryof Economic Affairs (Taiwan)'s newly released "Analysis of Taiwan's
Exports from January to December 2023", Taiwan's fastener export
from January to December 2023 amounted to approximately US$4.6
billion, down 25% year-on-year from the 2022 figure of US$6.14
billion. Exports of hand tools amounted to US$3.78 billion, down
18% year-on-year from US$4.62 billion in 2022. The margins of theexport decline in both product categories deteriorated from the 2022
figures, mainly due to the impact of geopolitical conflicts, inflation,and slowing economic growth, which led to conservative orders from
customers and thus affected export performance.
However, according to another "International Economic and Trade
Situation Analysis Report for January-December 2023" publishedby ITA, S&P Global forecasts that the growth of global exports andimports will turn positive in 2024 at 5.4% and 6.7%, respectively,
with major Asian countries such as China, S. Korea, Japan andTaiwan showing a more significant growing trend of over 5%. In
terms of metal prices, due to the gradual realization of the benefits ofproduction reductions by steel mills in the U.S., Europe and China,
coupled with the increasing steel prices in Europe and the U.S.,
the Asian steel market is warming up, and iron and steel prices are
expected to stop declining and rebound from the fourth quarter of2023 onwards.

Hardware & Fastener Components World News >>China National Hardware Association
Holds a Meeting with Association ofGerman Tool Manufacturers in Cologne
中國五金製品協會與德國工具協會於德國科隆舉行會見活動
On March 5th, China National Hardware
Association (CNHA) and Association ofGerman Tool Manufacturers met during
the International Hardware Fair Cologne.
Chairman Zhang, Vice Chairmen and
Secretary General of CNHA and Managing Director Stefan Horst ofGerman Tool Manufacturers Association participated in the meeting.
Both sides respectively talked about the current tool industrial
development of China and Germany, as well as changes in theirrespective market demand, and also discussed the further cooperation
between the two sides in the future. The meeting of Chineseand German tool industries this time not only strengthened thecommunication between both sides and promoted the info exchange
and cooperation between the industry and enterprises, but also laid
the foundation for resource sharing at international exhibitions andcreated more opportunities for corporate development in the future.

ISANTA Expands Scope toInclude Battery Powered
Fastener Driving Tools
國際鐵釘工具協會擴大服務涵蓋範疇至
電池驅動扣件鎖固工具
One of ISANTA’s business priorities in 2023 was to review
ISANTA’s scope and assess the impact of the emergence of new
product lines. Respondents to the 2023 ISANTA membershipsurvey expressed support for expanding scope to be inclusive ofbattery powered fastener driving tools. During their October 2023
meeting, the ISANTA Board of Directors took action to include
Battery Powered Fastener Driving Tools as part of ISANTA’s scope.
This was presented to the membership during the 2023 ISANTA
annual business meeting in Denver. While pneumatic tools willremain ISANTA’s primary focus, ISANTA will look to provide
complementary services that support battery powered tools as well.

Kempton H. Roll PM Lifetime Achievement
Award: Thomas F. Murphy, FAPMI
Thomas F. Murphy獲粉末冶金產業聯盟頒發Kempton H.
Roll冶金終生成就獎
Thomas F. Murphy, FAPMI, Senior Scientist, Research andDevelopment, Hoeganaes Corporation, has been selected to receive
the Kempton H. Roll Powder Metallurgy (PM) Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). The
award will be presented during the combined PowderMet2024

Murphy is one of the few recognized experts in the fieldof ferrous PM microscopy throughout the world. He has been
instrumental in developing sample preparation, characterization
methods, and testing for both metal powders and PM
components. He continues to perform a vital role in educating
the industry about the effects of microstructure on the entire
PM process. More recently, his research efforts have expanded
to include the effects of microstructure with the additive
manufacturing process.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of
Kempton H. Roll, founding executive director of MPIF, wasestablished in 2007 to recognize individuals with outstanding
accomplishments and achievements who have devoted theircareers and a lifetime of involvement in the field of PM andrelated technologies. This will only be the fifth time the award
has been given since its inception.

Michael Stucky Becomes New
President of Metal Powder Industries
Federation
Michael Stucky當選粉末冶金產業聯盟(MPIF)新理事長
MPIF installed new presidents at theconclusion of the 2023 PM Management
Summit and 79th Annual MPIF BusinessMeeting.
The new MPIF President is Michael Stucky. MPIF
Executive Director/CEO James Adams presented the Crystal
Award to Past President Rodney Brennen.
Michael Stucky, Business Unit Director, Norwood Medical,
Bellbrook, Ohio, has been elected the 32nd president of theMetal Powder Industries Federation, succeeding Rodney
Brennen, Metco Industries, Inc., St. Marys, Pennsylvania. His
two-year term began at the conclusion of the Federation’s 79th
annual MPIF Business Meeting, October 28–30, in Louisville,
Kentucky.
Stucky has worked at Norwood for the past 11 years.
Previously, he worked for 11 years at NetShape Technologies
and 10 years at PCC Airfoils, Inc. Mike is very active within
MPIF and the Metal Injection Molding Association (MIMA),
having served on the MPIF Board of Governors as MIMA
President. He is Chairman of the MIMA Standards Committee,
MIMA representative on the MPIF Technical Board, and wasa co-chair of the PowderMet2023, MIM2017, and MIM2018
conferences. Over the years he has served on the PowderMetand AMPM Technical Program Committees. Mike received theDistinguished Service to Powder Metallurgy Award in 2019.
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Hardware & Fastener Components - no.62/2024

Association News

(International Conference on
Powder Metallurgy & Particulate
Materials) and AMPM2024(Additive Manufacturing with
Powder Metallurgy) conferences,in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during
the Opening General Session on
Monday, June 17.

061

Hardware & Fastener Components World News >>Elemental Connectors Becomes
ISANTA’s Newest Member
Elemental Connectors成為國際鐵釘工具協會(ISANTA)新會員
Elemental Connectors
specializes in the manufacturingof galvanized wire & collated
nails for a broad variety ofindustrial applications, ranging
from infrastructure, fencing tohousing construction industry.
Established as the result of investors, talented professionals
come together to plan, build and operate trustworthy systems
for superior customer experience.
With its integrated manufacturing facility in Hyderabad
India, Elemental Connectors strives for excellence in wire
products, establishing a formidable presence in both domestic
and international markets across North America as true
partner of choice.

accomplishment of being named 2023’s best-in-class supplier at
Fastenal’s Supplier Awards".
The award marks a remarkable milestone in the over 20-year-longpartnership between Nord-Lock and Fastenal. With the award, NordLock’s North America division heads into 2024 with an energizing
tailwind, inspired to improve on its already market-leading position in
everything supply-related while continuing to offer the world’s safest
bolting solutions.

The LISI Group Posts Organic Growth of
15.5% for the Second Consecutive Year andAchieves Its Financial Objectives in 2023
LISI集團銷售收入連2年成長15.5%，達2023年目標
Sales revenue reached €1,630.4 M(+14.4% compared to 2022), driven bysustained organic growth identical tothat of 2022 (+15.5%) and increases insales prices in the Group's three lines ofbusiness;• At €90.7 M, EBIT is €1.6 M higher than in 2022;

Companies Development
Nord-Lock Group Rewarded at
Fastenal’s 2023 Supplier Awards
Nord-Lock集團獲Fastenal頒發2023年度供應商獎• The operating Free Cash Flow is positive at + €22.2 M, thanks
to the strong performances of the LISI AUTOMOTIVE and LISIMEDICAL divisions.
• Future outlook: The Group should benefit from the positive
dynamics of the various markets in which it is well positioned; Inan environment where inflationary pressure is expected to subside,
the Group aims to improve its key financial indicators: EBIT andFree Cash Flow.

Hardware & Fastener Components - no.62/2024

Würth Group Sets a New Sales Record in
2023 Würth集團2023銷售再創新紀錄
Nord-Lock® wedge-locking washers have always been an
exceptional choice for manufacturers when looking for thesafest, most reliable bolt-securing solution. And to ensurethat the washers get to those who need them, Nord-Lock has
always put a lot of effort into maintaining and streamlining
productive, reciprocal collaborations with its partners anddistributors. During the Fastenal’s 2023 Supplier Award, thatstrive was recognized by honoring the North American teamwith the prestigious “Supplier of the Year” award.
Based on a thorough scorecard evaluating 25 different
metrics, such as order acknowledgment, labeling, and a rangeof others, Nord-Lock came out on top in a category consistingof 97 suppliers. So, in addition to their superior washers, theaward serves to recognize Nord-Lock's simultaneous marketleading position for providing smooth, customer-oriented
supply and customer services. A more detailed look at 2023
shows that the Nord-Lock team outperformed the competitionin ten of twelve months.
"When you pair a superior product with an incredible
team, amazing things happen," says Shea Usher, Headof Sales North America. “So proud of my team and their

062 惠達雜誌

The Würth Group, the global market leader in the development,
production and sale of assembly and fastening materials reported
annual sales of more than EUR 20 billion for the first time in its
corporate history according to its preliminary financial statements on
the 2023 fiscal year. Despite the tense global economic and politicalsituation, the Group was able to grow again, even though the difficult
conditions had an impact on the operating result. Sales grew by 2.4
percent. Adjusted for currencies, sales growth came out at 3.5 percent.
The operating result is expected to remain below last year’s result at
EUR 1.4 billion (2022: EUR 1.6 billion), the second-best result in thehistory of the Group.
“Given the cooling global economy, we are satisfied with the pastfiscal year. The sales mark of EUR 20 billion is a special milestone
for us. We were able to double our sales volume over the past nine
years,” said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management
Board of the Würth Group. “Last year, the Group’s heterogeneous
structure across different industries and regions and our businessmodel were once again the basis of our success. The construction
sector, an important industry for the Würth Group, showed a slow
sales development, which could be compensated for by other strategic

Hardware & Fastener Components World News >>business units such as the Electrical
Wholesale unit.”

and the continued high level of investment. As we enter 2024, we are confident that we cancontinue to grow faster than the market”, summarizes CEO Jahangir Doongaji.

In addition to the ongoing conflict
between China, Taiwan, and the US,
the wars in Ukraine and the Middle
East, inflation-driven cost increases,
especially for energy and raw
materials, and high lending rates that
hampered demand in the constructionindustry also had a negative impact on
the result.

At a regional level, Europe managed to close the year with sales growth of 8.7 percent
in local currencies, primarily driven by the strong contribution from Southern Europe. The
Americas region grew by 9.1 percent, while Asia/Pacific was at 13.8 percent. China recovered
slowly from COVID-19 lockdowns, while the rest of the region achieved solid growth rates.
The ongoing war in Ukraine had an impact on the entire Eastern Europe / Middle East / Africa
region, resulting in a growth of 3.1 percent.

“Achieving these results in suchan environment shows that our morethan four million customers greatly
appreciate our products and services.
They trust us and that is our mostimportant objective. The WürthGroup has proven in the past thatit can overcome major challenges
successfully. The solidarity of ouremployees and the support of thefamily, especially by Prof. Reinhold
Würth and Bettina Würth, give us
the necessary stability,” emphasized
Robert Friedmann.

An important growth driver was the completion of the global rollout of the new cordlessplatform Nuron. In addition to more than 70 tools launched in 2022, 30 new tools werebrought to the market. Investment into research and development reached CHF 454 million(+3,9%), equal to 7.0 percent of the Group’s sales and underlining Hilti’s strong focus on
innovation. Following the acquisition of Fieldwire Inc. in 2021, Hilti acquired 4PS Group
in 2023, a Netherlands-based local market leader in developing and providing business

Hilti Group
Outperforms
the Market in a
Challenging Year
喜利得集團挑戰中依舊表現亮眼

Hardware & Fastener Components - no.62/2024

With the sales growth of 9.0 percent
in local currencies (2.7 percent inSwiss francs), the Hilti Group closed
2023 with a turnover of more than
CHF 6.5 billion. With this result, Hilti
clearly outperformed the market andgained market share. Once again, theappreciation of the Swiss franc led
to a significantly negative currency
impact of 6.3 percentage points onsales. The operating result grew by 5.3
percent and reached CHF 770 million.
Despite economic and geopoliticaluncertainties, Hilti significantly
invested into sales capacity, innovationand long-term strategic projects.
“2023 was a successful year
for the Hilti Group. We achieved
strong growth in local currencies
and increased our operating result,despite the challenging economic
environment, the strong Swiss franc
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063

Hardware & Fastener Components World News >>management solutions for the construction industry. As ofthe end of the year, Hilti Group had 34,111 team members,
an addition of 1,624 (+5.0%) compared to the previous year.
The operating result increased by 5.3 percent to CHF
770 million while net income decreased by 0.9 percent to
CHF 560 million. The return on sales (ROS) improved by
0.3 percentage points, reaching 11.8 percent (2022: 11.5%).
The return on capital employed (ROCE) increased by 0.1
percentage points to 13.3 percent (2022: 13.2%).
Construction market forecasts point to a further softening
with negative real growth in several geographies. The
ongoing geopolitical tensions and the volatility in thefinancial markets will likely lead to a further appreciationof the Swiss franc and hence, another year of significantly
negative currency impacts. To live up to the Group’s
purpose of “Making Construction Better”, Hilti willcontinuously invest in driving innovation in both hardware
and software solutions and building up its market reachresources. In 2024, the Hilti Group expects mid-single-digit
sales growth in local currencies and a similar ROS level in
Swiss francs compared to 2023.

Indian Sterling Tools Signed MoU
with Korean Yongin Electronics
印度Sterling Tools與韓國
Yongin Electronics簽署合作
備忘錄

Hardware & Fastener Components - no.62/2024

Indian automotive fastenerproducer, Sterling Tools Limited,
has recently signed an MoU for EV
components facility with S. Korean
key component supplier, Yongin
Electronics Co., Ltd., through its subsidiary, Motor Control
Units (MCUs) in India.
According to Sterling Tools, the agreement signed byboth sides will play an important role in advancing thedomestic manufacturing of EV and electronics components
in India, and a new facility for EV components will also
be set up soon. Yongin’s technological expertise will also
benefit the growing EV industry sector in India.
“This MoU demonstrates Sterling’s commitment
to developing the EV and Electronics ecosystem andcontributing to “Make In India”. We are one step closer
to our goal of strengthening our presence and offerings
as a provider of green energy solutions in the automotive
industry,” said Anish Agarwal, Director from Sterling Tools
Limited.
“We recognize the significant potential within the
Indian EV market. It brings us great pleasure to announce
our partnership with Sterling through the signing of an
MoU. We are prepared to embark on a journey of mutual
growth and collaboration within the Indian EV industry,
contributing positively to its advancement,” said CEO KH
Kim of Yongin Electronics.

064 惠達雜誌Acquisitions
Stanley Black & Decker Completes Sale of
Attachment Tools Business to Epiroc AB
Stanley Black & Decker完成出售連接工具事業部門給Epiroc AB
Stanley Black &Decker announced that it has completed the previously announced saleof STANLEY Infrastructure to Epiroc AB for US$760 million in cash.
Stanley Black & Decker expects to utilize the cash proceeds, net ofmodest taxes, to reduce debt.
Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker is a worldwide
leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities
globally. The company's more than 50,000 diverse and highperforming employees produce innovative end-user inspired power
tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle
products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders,
tradespeople and DIYers. The company's world class portfolio oftrusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®,
BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®.

Martin Supply
Acquires Trinity
Hardware Headquarters
Martin Supply併購Trinity Hardware總部
Martin Supply, one of the nation’s leading providers of customtailored solutions for maintenance, repair, operation, and production
supplies, proudly announces its acquisition of Trinity Hardware
Headquarters (THHQ) from Agrisolutions (AGS), a leading global
manufacturer of wear parts, components, and accessories.
Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, THHQ specializes in the supplyof standard and custom components through catalog distribution,customized inventory management programs and product delivery
services. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Martin
Supply’s dedication to bolstering its presence within the fastening
market and growing in this geographic region.
Commenting on the acquisition, Douglas Ruggles, Co-CEO of
Martin Supply, stated, “We are excited to welcome THHQ to Martin
Supply. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our mission to deliver
unparalleled quality and service to our valued customers. We arecommitted to upholding the legacy of excellence that THHQ has
established.”
The transition from AGS to Martin Supply promises continuity andreliability for customers. With meticulous planning and attention todetail, Martin Supply guarantees minimal disruption to the services
customers depend on. Utilizing industry leading technology, Martin
will drive the flow of products, services and information across the
supply chain resulting in excellence in operations.
Reflecting on the acquisition, Demi Mantas, Sales Director,
Hardware at AGS, expressed confidence in the transition, stating,“We are confident that Martin Supply will uphold the same level ofquality and commitment our customers have come to expect. With
Martin’s 90-year history, expertise, and commitment to excellence, we
anticipate even greater value and innovation for our customers.”

Hardware & Fastener Components World News >>House-Hasson Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Midwest
Wholesale Hardware Distributor Bostwick-Braun
House-Hasson簽署收購美國中西部五金批發商Bostwick-Braun意向書
House-Hasson Hardware, America's largest independent regional hardware distributor, has signed a letter of intent to acquire BostwickBraun Hardware, a Midwestern U.S. wholesale hardware distributor, officials of both companies have announced. The acquisition will
include warehouses and inventory.
Steve Henry, president and CEO of House-Hasson, and Pete Richichi, CEO of Bostwick-Braun, said the letter of intent was
signed Tuesday, March 19.
House-Hasson's main warehouse is at its Knoxville, Tenn., corporate headquarters; a second warehouse is in Prichard, W. Va. With theaddition of Bostwick-Braun's West Helena, Ark., and Ashley, Ind., warehouses, House-Hasson will have more than 1.1 million square feet of
warehouse, receiving and shipping space.
The acquisition described in the letter of intent will be complete after a period of due diligence. The pending acquisition's cost is being
privately handled between the two companies.
The 56,000 stock keeping units (SKU)
in Bostwick-Braun's warehouses will beincorporated into House-Hasson's system.
House-Hasson presently has 55,000 SKUs in
its two warehouses.

TFC Acquires Supaseal UK
TFC併購Supaseal UK
TFC, a leading provider of vendor
managed inventory solutions and technicalengineering products, has made a further
acquisition in the O-Rings and Seals market,
acquiring Midlands-based Supaseal UK Ltd.
Supaseal is a major player in the rubber
seals industry, growing a business whichstarted in 1991 to now supplying a wide
range of O-Rings, Rotary Shaft Seals,
Bonded Seals, Circlips, and associatedproducts to customers in the UK, Europe, theU.S., Middle and Far East.
Hardware & Fastener Components - no.62/2024

TFC, an AFC Industries Company, hadalready acquired EAP Seals located in
Manchester in April 2023 and this moveadds to TFC’s market share in rubber sealing
products and strengthens the technicalcomponents category.
Supaseal currently have more than 50,000
inventory lines and 15,000 live stock lines
supplying a varied customer base having
developed strong relationships with a variety
of manufacturing partners in the UK andoverseas. They offer non-stock products
as well as off-the-shelf products. Theircomplementary products include speciallymoulded parts and bespoke kits to client
specification.
The company will continue to be run by its
current management team and operate out of
its existing premises in Market Harborough,Leicestershire.
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