On April 19th the fastener industry was addressed in Milwaukee, WI by Larry Gaynor/Wrought Washer Mfg. Inc., Don Westby/Production Components Inc. and Wayne Wishnew/XL Screw Corp. The audience was reminded not to expect quotes to be valid for a long period of time due to the fluctuating costs of raw materials. Selling is more of a challenge than ever due to the higher expectations of customers and less flexibility on pricing.

It is more crucial, now, that more analysis go into everyday planning, With suppliers unable to make long term commitments, customer vendor relationships are very important.

Business challenges are becoming more and more predominant. In response to this growing issue, the MWFA invited Ross Shepard/Alfa Tool Mfg. and Dick Schwind/Lawson Products/ACS to discuss Breaking into the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) Market. The gentlemen have both been involved with the MRO market for years and explained the importance of breaking into the MRO market slowly to really access what your customer’s needs are beyond fasteners.

Your success in breaking into this market will be greater if you go in analyzing the benefits and pitfalls of entering this distribution channel.

It’s been a great summer and time for the Mid-West Fastener Association to hit the road again for one last time this year. On September 27th, we’ll be hosting another stop for the Bruce and Bruce Tour. The subject of this meeting will be Material Market Update presented by Bruce Darling of Porteous Fastener and Bruce Wheeler of Star Stainless Screw.

During their many years in the fastener industry, our speakers have taken over fifty trips abroad, making in excess of 1200 visits to over 400 different factories and trading companies. Bruce Darling joined Porteous Fastener Co. in 1988 as vice president of materials. Mr. Darling was instrumental in encouraging overseas factories to accept the challenge of the Fastener Quality Act and to achieve ISO accreditations for their operations and testing labs. Bruce Wheeler, President of Star Stainless, has over 30 years in the fastener industry.

To: MWFA Members & Fastener Industry

From: Thomas Anderson, President

The Mid-West Fastener Association will hold its annual Rockford meeting on May 17th. This meeting includes a discussion focused on Expanding Market Product Line to Expand Bottom Line. In today’s market, a limited product line isn’t enough. Many traditional fastener distributors have increased their sales and profits by expanding into the Maintenance and Repair Operations Market.

Join us as two industry personnel with many years of MRO Market experience will discuss the benefits and pitfalls of entering this distribution channel, initial product selection, and Sales and Marketing plans for accessing the growing MRO Market.