Key Takeaways: Fixfast Group has acquired 100% of OSC Sales, bringing construction fastening brands Carpenters Mate, Orbix, and Optimaxx under...
Author Profile
Ian McCafferty
Ian McCafferty's Recent Articles
U.S. Trade Rules Are Reshaping Automotive Hardware Manufacturing
Key Takeaways: The U.S. Connected Vehicle Rule bans Chinese-origin vehicle connectivity hardware starting with model year 2030 and Chinese software...
The DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force Has Recovered Over $1B. Here’s What It Means.
Key Takeaways: The DOJ and DHS Trade Fraud Task Force, launched in August 2025, surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties,...
Tariff Shortcuts Face Crackdown Under New CBP Rules
Key Takeaways: President Trump's June 3, 2026, "Strengthening Customs Enforcement" executive order authorizes CBP and DHS to overhaul importer...
June Fastener Distributor Index Hits a Multi-Year High
Key Takeaways: The June 2026 Fastener Distributor Index reached 60.0, its strongest reading since mid-2021 and the 14th consecutive month of...
Freight Price Hikes Are on the Horizon in July
Key Takeaways: July freight price hikes are on the way as carriers roll out rate increases, with some Asia-Europe and Asia-US lanes facing jumps of...
Fastener Distributor Index Holds Strong into the Summer
Key Takeaways: The Fastener Distributor Index rose to 56.9 in May 2026, growing for the 13th straight month and signaling steady growth. The...
How Inconsistent Fastening Erodes Profit Margins
Inconsistent fastening inflates labor costs and waste by causing small defects that require expensive rework.
Harwin Survey Shows Reliability is Top Priority for Connector Selection
Reliability leads connector selection criteria with 78 percent of United States respondents calling it critical.
Fastener Industry Outlook Regulates in Q2
The April 2026 Fastener Distributor Index was in expansionary territory at 56.3.