The 2018 Global Fastener Summit opened in Kaohsiung on Tuesday April 10 in the first day of the Taiwan International Fastener Show, with leading professionals from abroad and Taiwan sharing insight on automotive fittings, market trends and the industry’s future.
The summit, broadcast live, was described by TAITRA President and CEO Walter Yeh ahead of the talks as a blessing that brings the world industry together.
TIFI chairman Tsai Tu-chin also pointed out that Taiwan’s strength lies in clear division in work specialization, and also the ability to stay tightly-knitted and help one another out.
Sharing insight on the Europe’s automotive industry, Volker Lederer, president of European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA), suggested for European and Asian manufacturers to work together to face the “e-mobility” of electrical automobiles that are currently gaining momentum.

Geoff Budd, director of TR Fastenings, retold the evolution of the UK’s fastener industry and its relationship with Taiwan. “Focus on distinguishing oneself by making things that are hard to make and have licenses, proprietary rights and partnerships to support you,” he stressed.
Mercedes-Benz engineer Akramullah Aminy introduced the idea of “small parts optimization” and what he and his “KTO Team” deals with each day to perfect each and every fastener, while Eren Celikoglu, CEO of Vissart Europe, gave an overview of the French fastener market.
The afternoon of various talks came to an end as Rodney Teng, assistant to chairman of Taiwan’s QST International Corp., brought attention to the shift in world scene and how Taiwan could react to the impact of next generation vehicles.