It’s, perhaps, of little surprise that Barbara Gerard became CEO of Craftech Industries, Inc., a U.S. high-tech manufacturer of standard and custom parts and fasteners. Her father started the company in 1967, but fasteners were a big part of her childhood. “I remember I was in fourth grade when one of my classmates told me…
Inventions that paid off: The history of SPIROL
For some people, challenges are merely opportunities to solve problems. This was particularly true for Herman Koehl, an engineer who moved to the United States shortly after World War II and worked for the U.S. Air Force. For Koehl, engineering served as an opportunity to solve problems and invent new solutions. And he was good…
The paint doctor: How D.L.P. Coatings got its start
Treat others how you want to be treated. According to Patrick Murphy, VP of D.L.P. Coatings, Inc., a provider of quality painted fasteners, that is one of the key business lessons his dad taught him. His father, Richard “Dick” Murphy, opened D.L.P. in 1985. “My dad was originally a manufacturer’s rep in the fastener industry…
Why “Made in America” matters to S&W Manufacturing
What began nearly 40 years ago as a general job shop company has since developed into a well-known U.S manufacturer of precision machined products. S&W Manufacturing has grown from a single shop that once served the gaming industry of the 80s to a multi-facility company that serves several global industries — including aerospace, automotive, electronics,…
Meet the president of Women in the Fastener Industry
About five years ago, Jennifer Kushnir was setting up and working a booth at a fastener-related trade show when the one beside hers kept catching her eye. “All of these women kept stopping by that booth, talking, hugging, connecting — they all looked so supportive of one another,” she shares. “And, of course, you couldn’t…
From cast iron products to fasteners, NBK offers four centuries of experience
Few companies can attest to a history of more than 100 years but Japanese-based Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha, or NBK, dates back centuries. The specialty manufacturer of mechanical components, including fasteners, began in the year 1560. “Originally, NBK was a manufacturer of cast-iron products, such as pots and pans, lanterns, and such,” shares Hikoki Goto, engineering…
The how and why behind the Fastener Training Institute
What began nearly 50 years ago as a collaboration between fastener distributors to train new employees has since developed into an international organization for novice and advanced individuals working in the industry. Today, the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) provides a host of in-person and online training programs by recognized industry experts on fastener products, standards,…
From fasteners to a charity foundation
“From humble beginning come great things” is a quote that could adequately describe the story of brother-in-laws — Frank Martin and Steve Sholtis — who decided to partner and start a small fastener company in Mobile, Alabama in the late 70s. According to the duo, who named their company Threaded Fasteners Inc. (TFI), the early…
The father and daughter team behind Mudge Fasteners
When Paul Mudge decided to open a fastener company back in the mid-70s, little did he realize his business — Mudge Fasteners, Inc. — would become a nationally recognized supplier, or that his daughter (who was barely four years old at the time) would eventually serve as the managing director. “To be honest, I went…
The making of industry veteran, “Rosa the Riveter”
Few of us experience a simple, straightforward career path in life and Rosa Hearn is no exception. As an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience, she never expected a job in fasteners to become her career or passion. Currently, Hearn is the product manager for the Proferred Rivets line at Brighton-Best International (BBI),…