US demand to rise 4.3% annually through 2017
US demand for industrial fasteners is expected to increase 4.3 percent per year to $14.8 billion in 2017. Gains will be supported by rebounding levels of motor vehicle manufacturing, a segment that makes up roughly one-quarter of all fastener demand. The fastest growth in fastener sales will be found in the construction market, as construction activity — both residential and nonresidential — makes a strong recovery from the declines posted during the 2007-2012 period. Competition from alternative joining technologies, such as adhesives, clinching, and welding, will prevent further gains in a number of applications. Moreover, fasteners are a mature product; while opportunities for value-added technological improvements certainly exist, they tend to be limited in many markets. Finally, competition from foreign producers, as well as moderating raw material costs, will hold back price increases, dampening value gains.(…)
