Kevin Vollmert has started his role as the Industrial Fasteners Institute’s (IFI) Chairman, with nearly two decades of experience with ITW Shakeproof, leading the commercial, applications engineering, and innovation teams. He has outlined his strategic vision for the next 12 months, focusing on member value, workforce development, and regulatory advocacy.

 

Strategic Vision

Kevin’s primary objective is to execute the IFI’s current strategic roadmap, which guides the association through the end of 2027. His focus is on deepening the impact of the institute’s current initiatives “through growing our membership, growing our value to that membership, and getting higher levels of engagement and participation from our membership within IFI.” (Kevin)

To create that value, the IFI emphasizes a combination of ongoing technical training and strong committee organizations. An essential part of this effort is engaging the next generation of industry talent. Initiatives like the recently held Standards Camp are great opportunities to bring young engineers outside of their daily project work and into active mentorship roles within the wider fastener community.

 

Solving the Talent Pipeline

Like much of the manufacturing sector, the fastener industry faces a persistent labor shortage. Kevin notes that providing actionable solutions to member companies is a major priority. At the center of this effort is the IFI’s registered apprenticeship program, developed in partnership with Marshall University.

The program has hit its stride, with five member companies actively onboarding apprentices and another 18 companies in the pipeline.

Kevin explains, “A significant part of our membership is already utilizing this program, which addresses how we train the new workforce into our businesses. It’s an exciting time to have this developed program and to coach and teach these employees to be successful in the fastener industry.”

The goal is to ensure a steady stream of highly competent cold heading and threading operators.

 

Standing Strong on Global Trade Advocacy

On the legislative front, 2026 brings an array of regulatory challenges that require a united front. Among them are ongoing tariff pressures, including Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper, as well as potential tariffs on industrial machinery.

Kevin emphasizes that protecting the competitive edge of North American manufacturers requires close attention to international trade agreements.

 

An Invitation to the Best-Kept Secret

With the IFI roster now climbing to 200 companies after strong growth over the last two years, Kevin and the IFI leadership team want to ensure the association’s benefits are transparent to the broader fastener manufacturing community.

For non-members who may be hesitant, the message is simple: Come see it firsthand. The IFI frequently extends open invitations to prospective manufacturers to attend upcoming events as guests, such as the upcoming fall meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this September.

Kevin views the role of chairman not just as a strategic position, but as a stewardship of a unique, tightly knit community. It is the connections between the staff, the various committees, and the membership that will make the institute even more powerful, resilient, and relevant for years to come.

 

  

 

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