By Michael McNultyThe latest data published by the US Department of Commerce on the USA aerospace fastener industry places the value of shipments at over US$1.2 billion with employment of around 10,000 people in nearly 100 manufacturing and distribution companies. Around 15% to 20% of all USA fastener shipments are destined for the aerospace industry. Annual growth numbers for aerospace usually outperform other sectors such as automotive and industrial, and double-digit rates are not uncommon in the USA when the sector is expanding. The domestic industry really heated up in the mid-2000s before coming back down to earth in late 2008 and all of 2009. Steady improvements have been seen in the last two years, and 2012 is expected to be relatively strong. (…)
