FCH News

FDI August 2022

The August seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) bounced back nicely from last month’s sub-50 reading, increasing back into expansionary territory at 52.6.

Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 9/9/22 Key Takeaway: The August seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) bounced back nicely from last month’s sub-50 reading, increasing back into expansionary territory at 52.6. This was consistent with a still very positive FLI reading last month. Demand commentary seemed to […]

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Special Report: MWFA FSTNR Week ’22

The Mid-West Fastener Association annual FSTNR Week and table top show, golf tournament and lead up events were wildly successful again this year.   TJ McFarland, Don “Tex” Carr, Mike Robinson, Jake “Valdez” Davis,  Erica Strandquist, Bob “GQ” Baer, Kam Dorsey, Ashley Parker, Wayne “Captain Smooth” Wishnew and many more! PLUS: Golf highlights including this year’s […]

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Episode #179 – Big Fastener

When big fastener companies acquire other big fastener companies, and people who know big fasteners talk about it, you have the makings of an aptly titled podcast. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. discusses the recent big headlines involving the acquisition of his company by Lindfast Solutions Group (12:38). Big bearded Baron Yarborough of Birmingham […]

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FTM 179: Can the sulphur % in steel be too high?

Fastener Training Minute 179

This edition of the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo was originally published August 18th, 2022 as “the chemical analysis requirements for SAE J429 fasteners, in particular Grade 5“, during episode 179 of Fully Threaded Radio. Hi everyone this is Carmen Vertullo coming to you from the Fastener Training Institute and the AIM Testing Laboratory […]

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FTM 178: Do drawings always reduce risk?

Do drawings always reduce the risk of producing a good fastener?

This edition of the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo was originally published July 21st, 2022 as “Do drawings always reduce the risk of producing a good fastener?” during episode 178 of Fully Threaded Radio. Well, hello everyone this is Carmen Vertullo with the Fastener Training Minute coming to you from AIM Testing Laboratory, in […]

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FDI June 2022

The June seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) reading is 53.8, improved vs. last month, indicating slightly faster growth than May.

Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 7/7/22 Key Takeaway: The June seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) reading is 53.8, improved vs. last month, indicating slightly faster growth than May. The pricing indices moderated some (albeit remaining at elevated levels) as respondents noted softening commodity prices and some […]

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Episode #177 – The Other Show

 The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey hit the floor at Fastener Fair USA with mic in hand. Her interviews with show attendees reveal steady progress along with a vague yet persistent uncertainty (1:41:04). Less ambiguous, Würth Construction Services CEO Alex Mikros describes the clear path he sees while guiding his reformulated organization towards continued […]

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FDI May 2022

Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 6/7/22 Key Takeaway: The May seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was essentially unchanged vs. last month, remaining in modest growth territory at 52.7. Container/import logistics constraints and slowing growth were consistent themes among respondents. The pricing indices were also stable but […]

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Episode #176 – The Next Episode

As Brian returns from down under, and with the Detroit show just around the corner, the FDI cools and the fastener world reconsiders its supply chain.  Industry veteran Preston Boyd of the Industrial Fasteners Institute describes how his organization is reaching out to distributors to reintroduce domestic suppliers (1:39:47).  Scanwell Logistics senior expeditor Chris Donnell […]

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