NEWS New approvals for Andrews Fasteners

Andrews Fasteners, Leeds based supplier of M10 to M110 quality assured fasteners, was audited by Lloyds in November and accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 (previously accredited by NQA), CE Approval to BS EN 14399 (preload) and BS EN 15048 (non preload) and National Highways Sector Scheme 3 for Stocking and Distribution Activities for Mechanical Fasteners.

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ichael Carey, managing director commented: “This is an important step in the one hundred year history of Andrews Fasteners.” He added: “CE Approval and Sector Scheme 3 accreditation will soon be a major requirement of buyers of structural fasteners. Without the extensive investment Andrews made in testing equipment –

which is kept in-house – neither of these approvals would have been achieved”. The use of CE approved fasteners is not yet a legal requirement in the UK although it is in

most EU member states. However, it soon will be. In 2013 the Construction Product Directive is expected to become a regulation requiring the use of CE Approved products in the UK construction industry. Many fabrication companies in the UK are already specifying that their products are CE approved as they prepare for the changeover. “Andrews has been buying CE Approved products since 2006,” says Carey. “However we have not been able to offer a full service to our customers due to the requirements of the Construction Product Directive. Now Andrews has the approval we will be able to change the plating finish of items and supply them as CE Approved. Using our extensive range of blanks Andrews can also now convert them into bolts and supply as CE Approved. This means that Andrews will be in a position to provide non standard items or items not commonly available in the market place CE approved.” From September 2011 all fasteners used on UK Highways Agency projects must be supplied by

a company accredited to the National Highways Sector Scheme 3. “The British Construction Steel Association (BCSA) has stated in the latest edition of its purchasing specification for fasteners, that fasteners should only be purchased from companies who are accredited to this scheme,” explains Michael Carey. “These approvals ensure Andrews Fasteners continues to be at the forefront of the industry in meeting the latest quality requirements in the supply of structural fasteners.”

Big price increases for industrial adhesives

Henkel has announced it is applying price increases ranging from 10 to 25 percent on in its industrial adhesives, which includes brands such as Loctite, Terosen, technomelt and Hysol.

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he increase is attributed to “ongoing escalation of raw material costs over the last 15 months, especially affecting oil and natural gas based products.” Henkel goes on to say: “Continual spikes in global demand, coupled with capacity constraints in primary chemical, rosin, and resin feed stocks, have further tightened supply and driven raw

material prices upward”. Henkel expects to have to apply further price increases in the following product categories: hotmelts, polyurethane, water based adhesives and surface treatment products.

Tata Steel raises UK wire rod prices

Tata Steel announced a minimum £125 (145 euros) per tonne increase in the price for wire rod from its Scunthorpe Rod Mill effective from April.

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ome grades will increase by as much as £150 per tonne. Tata Steel (formerly known as Corus) says the price rise is being driven by continuing increases in raw material costs as well as improvement in demand for the product. Prices for April deliveries of Scunthorpe wire rod in all other markets will also increase by between £125 and £150

per tonne equivalent. Andrew Parker, commercial manager, wire rod and bright conversion, for Tata Steel’s

European operations, said: “The cost of both iron ore and coking coal continues to rise to such an extent that we have to raise our prices. Market demand levels have also continued to improve, which supports a much-needed price correction throughout the supply chain.”

16 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011