Manufacturers of Special Fasteners
For Customers
With Special Requirements
The apparent market in the UK for industrial fasteners is estimated by Key Note to have been worth £1.06bn in 1997. This figure is for the entire range of industrial fasteners, from the general fasteners sold in builders' merchants and DIY stores, to the special purpose fasteners used in aerospace and high performance applications. The figure does not include sales of fastening methods that do not use discrete components, such as adhesives and tapes. The main increase in the general fastener market value has come about through price changes rather than increases in volume. However, the special purpose fastener market sector has experienced higher growth, partly as a result of increased export ordersKey Note has divided the industrial fastener market into two segments, based on the category of fastener. The first sector covers those fasteners used for general purpose fixings, such as the majority of nuts, bolts, screws, rivets and building hardware. These products can be purchased by the general public and by tradesmen from outlets such as ironmongers, do-it-yourself (DIY) stores, agricultural merchants and mail order catalogues. The second sector covers those fasteners that are designed for special purpose applications, including structural work, high-temperature applications and high stress loading. These are generally only available from specialist suppliers or direct from the manufacturersThe market follows manufacturing industry and, to a much smaller extent, the construction industry. The market thus suffered a downturn in the recession of the mid-1990s, when the aerospace industry, a major user, was severely affected. The upsurge in computer equipment has led to a rapid growth in smaller fasteners and plastic items, a trend which looks set to continue. The industry has seen a number of acquisitions in the last few years as the motor industry moves towards favouring larger suppliers and as the effect of overproduction in an industry under price constraints takes placeThe market for industrial fasteners is expected to grow to £1.6bn by the year 2002, with special purpose fastener sales accounting for much of this expansion. Aerospace is expected to be a major user in the years to come, with Airbus Industries finally overtaking Boeing as the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft in terms of numbers sold per annum. The automotive market is expected to continue the move towards special purpose fasteners, away from general fasteners, as it strives to cut labour costs