The industry is currently confronted with two independent challenges in parallel. The raw materials commonly used for the production of screws made of iron and steel have risen sharply in price, and an EU procedure to reintroduce anti-dumping duties on the import of certain screws and washers made of iron and steel from the far east is up for decision regarding fair competition.
The scarcity of raw materials is a current problem which, in addition to many other materials, such as timber or certain plastics, is driving the price of steel into unimagined heights worldwide. It is hoped also that the decision in Brussels to reintroduce anti-dumping tariffs in the screw industry will enable fair action in the world market.
Source: https://www.schraubenverband.de/post/pressemitteilung-des-dsv
John Murphy (Castlerea) Ltd continue to expand the Unifix prepack range
John Murphy (Castlerea) Ltd continue to expand the Unifix prepack range of Fasteners and Fixings. Smaller packs hold typically 5 -10 nuts or bolts per pack while they also stock larger trade pouches. Many customers go with a combination of both.
The company believes that selling fasteners in loose format is here to stay for some stores as selling through the tilt bins allows customers to select the exact quantities that they require.
The past 18 months have shown huge growth in the sale of screws. The company`s RapierStar Screws have supported that growth and customers continue to repurchase because of the excellent quality.
John Murphy (Castlerea) have worked for many years with Conmetall in Germany to supply the hardware and builders merchant trade. Prepack Fasteners, Timber Connectors, Chain and Rope Stands are the main solutions provided. They are now expanding this range into Garden and General Hardware. Their products are individually bar coded and the German quality is visible throughout the range.
Drill Bits, Chisels and Cutting Blades are an area that continue to perform very well. Again, the German quality seems to be very popular with customers over and over again. The company are currently offering special deals for new stand installs in stores nationwide.
John Murphy (Castlerea) Ltd are also delighted to announce on an exclusive basis the introduction of the CAMO screw system which enables the screws to be hidden in wooden, composite or PVC decking. The solution creates an aesthetic fastener-free deck surface and reduces the risk of splinters. The screws come in a protech coating or stainless steel. We look forward to sharing this exciting new range with customers in the coming months.
For further information and next day delivery service nationwide contact John Murphy (Castlerea) Ltd, 094 9620182, info@jmcallgrip.ie.
The Olympic Torch continues to shine bright in Ireland
The past two years have transformed nearly every aspect of the world. Seemingly overnight, living through the Covid-19 global pandemic and Brexit has driven dramatic shifts in jobs and requirements. Virtually no one has been left untouched.
Olympic Fixings had to adapt to the current conditions because they are committed to serving their Irish customers. They are a genuine Irish business with a long-term link through their Distribution Centre in Bangor, great staff and over 3,000 SKUs held in stock for delivery throughout Ireland.

To continue offering their seamless service whilst transitioning through Brexit, they have maintained stock levels on the ground with help from their British Distribution Centre to augment supplies. Jenny Ferris, Bangor Customer Services Team Head, has continued to take good care of customers, preserving long-held relationships. They have also continued to innovate with a succession of new product launches.
From late 2019 through Brexit and the pandemic, they launched their ever-popular Beaverscrews range and added Beavertape, Beaverdiscs and BeaverSand to the Beaver Family. They have extended the 4fire range of products with clip4fire (rated metal cable clips) and fix4fire (fire-rated screws). They have also created a ‘Next Generation’ TradeTub range, with a fantastic bright new look, sitting well in-store and helping consumers to quickly identify the products whilst in use, and take a look at their social media.
Not only have Olympic Fixings been working on their product range, but they’ve also taken a look at operational requirements. Fuelled by Covid-19 restrictions, they have introduced their online trading platform, www.beaverscrews.com. However, they’ve kept their telephone order lines open. Customer choice is king!
Finally, Ade Solomon, Group Sales Director says “I would like to express our gratitude to the customers who have continued their relationship with Olympic Fixings, Bangor, during these difficult years. Committed to our Irish customers, we remain steadfast and move towards a brighter future together.”
TIMCO reports 14% turnover increase
TIMCO, a leading supplier of essential construction products based in Monaghan, reports an increase in turnover of 14%. The rapid growth, which occurs in the run up to the company’s 50 years in business has necessitated a company investment in both its Ireland and UK facilities.
The TIMCO website, www.timco.co.uk, re-launched before the pandemic, has undergone a period of continual development and enhancement. Online sales have increased from 20% to over 50% of all sales within the last 12 months. This has been accompanied by extensive rebranding to align all the products under the TIMCO brand, all of which are featured in the company’s Autumn/Winter Product Catalogue. This year, TIMCO has already launched over 750 new lines including a new range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a forthcoming range of hand tools in 2022. John Mackin, Ireland’s General Manager comments “We are delighted that, despite a challenging year with the pandemic and shortages of raw materials, we have been able to grow the Irish business significantly.”
New Products from TIMCO include a new CE Approved PPE Range which has all been designed, tested and certified to protect the user against health and safety risks in the workplace.
Totalling almost 100 lines, the introductory selection includes Eye and Ear Protection, Face Shields as well as Gloves, Knee Pads and Coveralls.
TIMCO is also delighted to partner with another industry leading company to launch Talon Pipe Clips and Accessories. An introductory offering provides best-selling lines within their respective ranges including Hinged Pipe Clips, EZ Joist Clips, Nail In Pipe Clip and Pipe Collars.
Also new to the market, the company is excited to launch a new range of Industry Packs across key TIMCO screw ranges. The chosen lines represent the best-selling sizes from each respective range within cleverly designed boxes; the first of which is the TIMCO Solo Woodscrews Industry Pack. Containing a minimum of 1000 screws, each box is robust and re-usable with a secure ‘click shut’ lid.
Finally, TIMCO has rebranded and refreshed its Diamond Core range of bits and accessories to reflect changing customers’ needs. The enhanced range now features a professional grade 10mm segment for better performance with a rifled body for improved dust extraction.
It has also rebranded the company’s full range of Diamond Blades. All blades are now TIMCO red and clearly graded as General Purposes, Trade and Professional for ease of choice as well as being differentiated by their hole patterns. The Trade and Professional options are available in both segmented and continuous segments.
For more information visit www.timco.co.uk.