Cost Increases to Impact on U.K. Fastener Manufacturers PFA Takes the Lead in Standards for Fastener Driving Tools New PFA Chairman 2008 Dramatic Increase in Steel Prices Vibration Regulations Power Fastenings Association Welcomes New Member, Makita (UK) Ltd Power Fastening Association appoints new Chairman Power Fastenings Association welcomes new Member, Josef Kihlberg Ltd Power Fastenings Association appoints new Chairman Steel Shortages Impact on U.K. Fastener Manufacturers Power Fastenings Association launches Code of Practice
11 May 2010
26 June 2009
9 December 2008
20 March 2008
11 December 2007
12 January 2007
28 September 2006
6 December 2005
15 April 2005
11 June 2004
18 February 2004
20 January 2004
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COST INCREASES TO IMPACT ON U.K. FASTENER MANUFACTURERS The Power Fastenings Association (PFA), the trade association representing the UK's leading collated nailing and stapling companies, is advising that major price increases will soon affect the nailing and stapling industries. The cost of all steel products has gone up, and continues to go up, following recent significant price increases levied by steel manufacturers worldwide. Visitors to the highly respected MEPS International Ltd website (www.meps.co.uk/world-price.html) will see that prices for wire rod, the main constituent of nail and staple manufacture has risen from $490 per tonne in May 2009 to $620 per tonne a year later - a rise of 27%. Coupled to the above is the escalating cost of freight which has risen by 60% in just 6 months and the continuing weakness of the pound which has lost 10% against the dollar since January 2010. So what are the key factors driving these cost increases? The cost of iron ore has doubled in 1 year as the global suppliers tore up existing contracts and floated the commodity on the spot market, this trend will continue and panic buying has in some areas led to shortages and extended lead times. During the latter part of 2008 and the first half of 2009, a significant percentage of Far East freight capacity was removed and growth over the last few months, albeit small, has exceeded expectations leading to freight cost increases as suppliers take advantage of the situation. Further information can be obtained by contacting the PFA on 01827 52337 PRESS RELEASE PFA TAKES THE LEAD IN STANDARDS FOR FASTENER DRIVING TOOLS The Power Fastenings Association is taking the lead in the development of new standards for fastener driving tools, both in the UK and worldwide. The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically powered nailing and stapling equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems used widely in the woodworking and construction industries. Work recently commenced on re-drafting EN 792-13 the European standard for fastener driving tools, with a view to it becoming an international standard. PFA has provided the chairman of the BSI committee, Mr Erik Mul of PFA member, ITW Industry. In addition, the PFA nominated Mr Andrew Bowden, of fellow member Makita UK, as convenor of the ISO Working Group which will oversee the project. As well as this, the PFA has provided the Secretariat for the BSI committee and the ISO Working Group. This close involvement will ensure the PFA and its members are fully conversant with the new standard and will be at the forefront of standards development. Further information on the Association and its members can be obtained by contacting PFA on 01827 52337 PRESS RELEASE STRONG SUPPORT PLEDGE FROM NEW PFA CHAIRMAN Jim Fleming, Managing Director of Poppers Senco UK Ltd, was appointed as Chairman of the Power Fastenings Association (PFA) at its recent Annual General Meeting. The PFA represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically powered nailing and stapling equipment; collated fasteners and the fastening systems used widely in the woodworking and construction industries. Mr Fleming was quick to assure PFA members of the Association's determination to ensure that the proposed new prEN 14592 fastener standard, at present being drafted by mainly European based organisations, would provide a fair and workable standard for UK suppliers and customers. To this end, the PFA has already submitted objective proposals to the CEN Technical Standards committee. Similarly, the PFA is closely monitoring proposed revisions to EN 792-13 and other Health & Safety related issues for the benefit of its members, together with the industries and markets they serve. For further information on the role and activities of the PFA, visit: www.powerfastenings.org.uk Mr Fleming took over from retiring Chairman, David Black, Managing Director of Young Black Industrial Stapling Ltd. Kevin Stephen of Spotnails Ltd was appointed Vice Chairman.
PRESS RELEASE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN STEEL PRICES The Power Fastenings Association (PFA), the trade association representing the UK's leading collated nailing and stapling companies, is warning of sharp increases in steel prices. The cost of all steel products has gone up, and continues to go up, following recent, significant, price increases levied by steel manufacturers worldwide. As reasons for these increases, steel manufacturers state a shortage of supply, as well as drastic rises in the cost of the raw materials necessary for production, such as iron ore, coking coal and scrap. In fact, iron ore prices, which are dominated by "benchmark" agreements between iron ore mines and steel producers, are expected to rise by 65%, over and above 2007 levels. Therefore steel prices, which have already risen by approximately 35% since October 2007, are expected to rise by at least 20% more during 2008. Obviously, there will be a knock-on effect on the price of all finished steel products, with consumers being affected.
PRESS RELEASE The Physical Agents (Vibration) directive 2002/44/EC, which came into force in early July 2005, defines an exposure action value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s2 A (8) with the exposure limit value (ELV) of 5 m/s2 A (8). These values are calculated as the vibration total value, which is measured in three axes, as defined in the method standard BS EN ISO 5349-1:2000. The current standard employed when establish vibration emission of Hand held non-electric power fastener tools is based on the dominant axis measurement method in accordance with ISO 8662-11:1999. Current guidance regarding the difference in these measurement methods suggests that the value found using the vibration total value method is greater than the dominant axis value method, by a factor of between 1.0 and 1.7. However, recent research by the Health & Safety Laboratory, in conjunction with the Power Fastenings Association, indicates that, for pneumatic nailing and stapling equipment, the worst-case conversion factor is only 1.2. Exposure to vibration for this type of tool depends on the number of fasteners "fired" rather than the length of time which a tool is in operation. Users of this type of equipment should carry out their own risk assessments. The Health & Safety Executive has produced a Fastener Tool Exposure Calculator which can be downloaded here: Fastener Tool Exposure Calculator The Physical Agents (Noise) directive 2003/10/EC came into force on 15th February 2003 which resulted in a change to UK regulations on 6th April 2006. In summary, the first action level is a daily personal noise exposure of 80 dB(A) with a peak value of 112 pascals. The second action level is a daily personal exposure of 85 dB(A) with the peak action level sound pressure of 140 pascals. Manufacturer's noise emission figures should only be regarded as a guide. There is a large range of influencing factors outside the control of manufacturers e.g. reflective noise, absorption, other tools nearby. Users of this type of equipment should, therefore, carry out their own risk assessments. The Health & Safety Executive has produced Exposure Calculators and ready reckoners which can be accessed at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm Further information on the Association and its members can be obtained by contacting PFA on 01827 52337 PRESS RELEASE POWER FASTENINGS
ASSOCIATION WELCOMES NEW MEMBER, MAKITA (UK) LTD The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) is pleased to welcome Makita (UK) Ltd, of Milton
Keynes, as the latest member of the Association. The PFA represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically-powered nailing and stapling
equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems used widely in
the woodworking and construction industries. Makita is a leading world class brand of professional power tools, accessories and work
wear known for quality, performance and durability during rigorous
industrial use. Operating for over thirty years in the UK, Makita's
offices are located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, with distribution
centres located throughout the U.K. Makita is Britain's number one
professional power tool manufacturer. Makita's Telford manufacturing facility produces a range of power tools and is a net
exporter of professional power tools, with 80% if its production going
to other Makita operations worldwide. Makita achieved a UK turnover
of £80 million during 2005. Makita's range of machines is in excess of 400, with a vast, complimentary range
of accessories, from drill bits to abrasives, workwear and tool holders,
all selected to provide performance demanded by professionals. As
well as the construction industry, Makita supplies many of Britain's
largest businesses from the Armed Forces, rescue services, major utilities,
manufacturing and service companies. Makita is also heavily committed
to providing training on the safe and correct use of its products.
The following companies are already members of the PFA: BeA Fastening Systems Ltd, Beverley, East Yorkshire Further information on the Association and its members can be obtained by contacting PFA
on 01827 52337 PRESS RELEASE David Black, Managing Director of Young Black Industrial Stapling Ltd, was appointed as Chairman of the Power Fastenings Association at its recent Annual General Meeting. The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically powered nailing and stapling equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems used widely in the woodworking and construction industries. Mr Black anticipates the Association further developing its position as the voice for the industry. The Association plays a leading role in promoting the safe use of collated fastening equipment, and is currently collaborating with the Health and Safety Executive's laboratories in relation to new test methods proposed for vibration and noise emissions from powered fastener driving tools, which will affect all users of this type of equipment. Mr Black took over from retiring Chairman, Paul Lee of BeA Fastening Systems Ltd. Jim Fleming of Poppers Senco (UK) Ltd was appointed Vice-Chairman. PFA HIGHLIGHTS CHANGES IN HEALTH & SAFETY LEGISLATION
The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically-powered nailing and stapling equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems used widely in the woodworking and construction industries. The PFA takes a pro-active role in health and safety issues and believes it vital that users of this type of equipment are aware of changes in legislation. VIBRATION REGULATIONS The Physical Agents (Vibration) directive 2002/44/EC, which came into force in early July 2005, defines a new exposure action value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s2 A (8) with the exposure limit value (ELV) of 5 m/s2 A (8). These values are calculated as the vibration total value which is measured in three axes as defined in the new method standard BS EN ISO 5349-1:2000. The result of the change in measurement method is that the value obtained is greater than the dominant axis value method, by a factor of between 1.0 and 1.7. NOISE REGULATIONS The Physical Agents (Noise) directive 2003/10/EC came into force on 15th February 2003 which results in a change to UK regulations by 6th April 2006. In summary, the first action level will change to a daily personal noise exposure of 80 dB(A) with a peak value of 112 pascals, the second action level is a daily personal exposure of 85 dB(A) with the peak action level sound pressure is 140 pascals. Further useful information and guidance is available on both this important changes from the HSE web site on www.hse.gov.uk/vibration and www.hse.gov.uk/noise. As a result of these changes, it is essential for businesses to review their working practices. Further information on the Association and its members can be obtained by contacting PFA on 01827 52337. PRESS RELEASE POWER FASTENINGS ASSOCIATION WELCOMES NEW MEMBER, JOSEF KIHLBERG LTD The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) recently welcomed Josef Kihlberg Ltd of Liverpool
as a new member of the Association. The PFA represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically-powered nailing and stapling
equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems used widely in
the woodworking and construction industries. In January 1998, British Industrial Fastenings, an established distributor of Haubold
and Josef Kihlberg products in the UK, became part of the J K Group.
In January 2000, the business started trading as Josef Kihlberg Ltd.
with a core business selling Haubold and Josef Kihlberg Industrial
and Packaging to distributors and end users throughout the UK. Josef
Kihlberg are also a major distributor of the Getra hogring range from
French company, Sofragraf. The Josef Kihlberg and Haubold range are used in a variety of fastening applications
and customers include manufacturers of general furniture & joinery,
mattresses and beds, fencing, sheds, caravans, park homes and timber
frame housing. Their J K Packaging range offers the customer a variety
of ways for closing board packaging using stapling techniques. The following companies are already long-established members of the PFA: BeA Fastening Systems Ltd, Beverley, East Yorkshire Further information on the Association and its members can be obtained by contacting PFA
on 01827 52337. PRESS RELEASE POWER FASTENINGS ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN Paul Lee, Managing Director of BeA Fastening Systems Ltd, was appointed as Chairman of
the Power Fastenings Association at its recent General Meeting. The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically-powered
nailing and stapling equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems
used widely in the woodworking and construction industries. Mr Lee wished to see the Association maintain and develop its position as the voice
for the industry. The Association plays a leading role in promoting
the safe use of collated fastening equipment, and has recently developed
a Safety Training Programme with accompanying literature and downloadable
safety presentation. Mr Lee took over from retiring Chairman, Kevin Stephen of Spotnails. David Black of
Young Black Industrial Stapling was appointed Vice-Chairman. PRESS RELEASE STEEL SHORTAGES IMPACT ON U.K. FASTENER MANUFACTURERS The Power Fastenings Association (PFA), the trade association representing the UK's leading
collated nailing and stapling companies, is warning that the spectre
of steel shortages is hanging over the Nailing and Stapling Industry. There have already been some price increases with the threat of more to follow. Raw material
costs are continuing to escalate with European, North American and
Far Eastern steel mills regularly imposing price increases and surcharges
with little or no notice. In the UK, Corus have imposed a surcharge
of Euro 33 per tonne as from the 1st February 2004, this in addition
to the previously declared price increases as from April 2004. Visitors to the highly respected MEPS International Ltd website (www.meps.co.uk/world-price.html)
will see that prices for wire rod, the main constituent of nail and
staple manufacture has risen from $282 per tonne in January 2003 to
$356 per tonne a year later. That is a rise of 26% in one year. So why is this happening? It is the knock on effect of the huge demand coming from
the Far East and particularly China. For example in December, Pittsburgh-based
U.S. Steel shipped 150,000 tonnes of iron ore to China and future
shipments are possible. This steel maker has announced to customers
it will increase some products $60 per tonne and raise casing and
tubing for the oil industry by $40 per tonne. "Our order books
have been strong and such factors are being reflected in the stock
market," a spokesman for the steel maker said. Demand for raw
materials is also driving up prices, causing scrap-based steel makers
to pass on the higher costs to steel users. According to Purchasing Magazine, the average price of scrap steel hit a high of $192 per
tonne in December 2003, compared to $129 in January 2003. Nucor, the
USA's leading scrap-based steel maker, announced it will add a $20
per tonne, raw materials surcharge to its steel mill products starting
January 2004, due to a higher cost of scrap and other materials. The
surcharge will be adjusted monthly. The picture is exactly the same
in Europe with steel manufacturers, on the one hand, having to pay
more for raw materials and, on the other, struggling to keep up with
demand. PRESS RELEASE POWER FASTENINGS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES CODE OF PRACTICE The Power Fastenings Association (PFA) has announced the launch of its new Code of Practice
encompassing the quality and integrity of service provided by its
members. The PFA represents the leading UK suppliers of pneumatically-powered nailing and stapling
equipment, collated fasteners and fastening systems used widely in
the woodworking and construction industries. The purpose of the Code of Practice is to provide members of the Association with
practical guidelines, the aim being to improve the quality of the
service given by member companies to their customers, taking into
account the safety and welfare of their employees and protection of
the public in general. It represents a binding commitment on the part
of each member of the PFA to a high standard of quality, safety, integrity
and reliability. It also takes into account recommendations and comments
from the Office of Fair Trading. Since its inception in 1977, the PFA has always actively encouraged the highest standards
of product and service amongst its members. A copy of the Code of Practice can be obtained by contacting the PFA: |
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