Since joining the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) back in August 2018, Dan Walker has spent the last eight years helping steer the organization and the fastener industry forward. But his deep roots in manufacturing and trade associations run even deeper. Having spent his entire post-college career in association management, including time in the steel construction […]
By Laurie Harbour Many manufacturing leadership teams establish growth plans, profitability targets and operational priorities without fully understanding what is happening on the shop floor. When strategy is disconnected from day-to-day performance, execution suffers. The strongest manufacturing organizations build strategy from the ground up. They use operational data to understand where the business excels, where […]
Rick Babik is the Chief Sales Officer for Doerken Coatings US, a global manufacturer of corrosion-resistant chemicals and lubrications based in Germany. As part of the global fastener supply chain, Doerken Coatings provides specialized coating systems that protect components and extend their lifespan. While their direct customers are the applicators who purchase and apply the […]
The Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) remains steadfast in driving value, technical leadership, and strategic advocacy for fastener manufacturers across North American supply chains. In this Q&A session, Kevin Vollmert, IFI Chairman, addresses key questions facing the industry today, from workforce development and technical standards to government advocacy and organizational growth. Workforce & Technical Development Q: […]
For the past decade, Arnold Fastening Systems has been manufacturing fastening solutions with a focus on two core product lines: Pierce Nut applications ranging from M5 to M10 and the Flow Form self-tapping M5 screw. Together, those products make up the majority of the company’s business. As CEO, Genevieve Dantzler has spent the last two […]
The 2026 John D. Fischer Golf Outing & Division III Meeting was a resounding success, bringing together leaders from across the fastener industry for an engaging day of insight, connection, and great food. The morning kicked off as members gathered for a packed Division III meeting led by Sarah Schultz and Mark Quebbeman. The agenda […]
By: Cara Walton For fastener manufacturers and suppliers, Q1 trends across the broader manufacturing industry offer a useful signal of what’s ahead. As a core part of the manufacturing value chain, fastener companies are experiencing many of the same dynamics — improving demand expectations alongside continued pressure from material costs, tariffs and labor. Fasteners entered […]
For more than 55 years, Hariton Machinery Company has helped manufacturers around the world buy and sell new and used equipment. Founded in 1970 by Alan Hariton’s father, the family business has grown into a global operation with a 60,000-square-foot warehouse in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As Vice President, Alan has spent decades building relationships across the […]
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 […]
