Black & Decker’s Fastening and Assembly Systems Segment

Acquires Fastener Innovation Technology, Inc.

Deal creates an integrated single-source company poised

for significant growth in the global aerospace market

Shelton, Conn. (March 2, 2010) – Emhart Teknologies, a  Black & Decker Company (NYSE: BDK) and a global leader in fastening and assembly technologies, announced today the acquisition of Fastener Innovation Technology, Inc. (FIT), a designer and manufacturer of critical, highly-specialized aerospace fasteners based in Gardena, Calif. The transaction closed March 1, 2010.

 “Combined with our Heli-Coil^® initiatives and the 2008 purchase of Spiralock Corporation, bringing FIT under the Emhart brand enables us to integrate the finest aerospace fastener platforms into a single-source organization,” said Emhart Teknologies President Michael A. Tyll. “This acquisition allows us to better serve the aerospace, military and commercial aircraft industries where FIT enjoys a strong reputation among the world’s leading aerospace companies.”

FIT has long-term customer relationships with Boeing, Honeywell, Bell, GE, Pratt & Whitney, Embraer and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. based on its premium-quality products and appropriate certifications. The company consistently delivers innovative products through the application of new high-strength materials such as steel alloys, titanium and super alloys.

“Production forecasted for both new and replacement aircraft through 2020 reflects the projected growth in global air traffic. The purchase of FIT positions Emhart Teknologies to further support this industry growth,” Tyll said.

Randy Aardema will lead FIT as General Manager.  Aardema recently joined Emhart from Acument Aerospace and was with Textron Fastening Systems prior to that.

About Fastener Innovation Technology, Inc.

Based in Gardena, Calif., Fastener Innovation Technology, Inc. (FIT) manufactures aerospace threaded fasteners including industry standard, customer-specific and proprietary designs for sophisticated applications. As an engineering-orientated fastener company, FIT has developed proprietary products in addition to special products for OEMs requiring unique fastening solutions. Please go to www.fitfastener.com for more information.

About Emhart Teknologies

Shelton, Conn.-based Emhart Teknologies is a global leader in the design and creation of unique assembly technologies from concept through installation. Emhart’s technology-based assembly products and systems deliver innovative, integrated system solutions to virtually any manufacturing challenge anywhere in the world. From aerospace and automotive to construction, computers to appliances, Emhart products are sold in more than 100 countries. A Black & Decker Company, Emhart has 2,500 employees in 39 operating facilities worldwide.  Please go to www.emhart.com for more information.

NASF Washington Forum
April 27-29, 2010
L’Enfant Plaza Hotel
Washington, DC

You Don’t Want to Miss It!

The 2010 NASF Washington Forum is just around the corner!  As usual, the program and speakers will be top-notch, and the topics will closely track some of the major issues facing the industry.  This year, the program will also feature an industry panel discussion on pending U.S. and Canadian chromium and nickel regulations. 

Click Here to Register Online

Click Here to Download the Registration Form

Those flying in to Washington to stay only one night will be accommodated – the program will begin after lunch on Tuesday, April 27, with a full program on Wednesday, April 28^th.  For attendees planning to meet with their legislators, we’ll have an additional prep session and will schedule meetings on Capitol Hill for Thursday, April 29^th.

Click Here for Hotel Accommodations

We’ve already lined up key updates on:

The 2010 Elections – How will the parties fare next November, and what will be the impact on manufacturing?

The Economy and Competitiveness – What are the bright spots and vulnerabilities for manufacturing as the economic recovery advances, and what can Congress do to help strengthen manufacturing?

Energy and Climate Change – How is the North American and global marketplace for finishing being driven by energy legislation and the climate change debate?

Workplace and Labor Issues – Will the labor union agenda on “card check”, ergonomics and criminalizing minor OSHA infractions move in Congress, and how can NASF members have a stronger voice in opposing new mandates?

Environmental Regulation – Where will EPA, Canada and other nations move next on rewriting air emission rules for surface coatings?

Reforming U.S. Chemicals Policy – How tough will Congress get in overhauling existing U.S. chemicals laws under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)?

Emerging Technologies and Defense – What’s the status of research and new restrictions on defense surface coatings uses?

The full agenda will be released shortly.  For questions or additional information, please reach Christian Richter or Jeff Hannapel at crichter@thepolicygroup.com or jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com).

Eyeing growth, Atlantic Fasteners resumes hiring  

Having weathered the severe recession without resorting to layoffs, pay cuts, or reduced hours, wholesale distributor Atlantic Fasteners of West Springfield, Massachusetts, is hiring again.

According to Vice President of Sales, John Kraus, “fastener users need stability, not unreliable service due to inventory reductions or head count, and that’s where we excel.”

Kraus says he’s adding two outside sales professionals, one of which he’s already hired. Mary Jean Fuller will be calling on manufacturers in western Massachusetts. She most recently worked as an outside sales representative for a storage container company. 

Using a placement firm, Kraus is also interviewing candidates for a second New England sales position.

Atlantic Fasteners is a 100% employee-owned commercial, military/aerospace, and master distributor based in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The company specializes in vendor-managed inventory programs, made-to-print parts and technical problem-solving and stocks more than 16,000 varieties of fasteners, and nearly 50 million pieces, available at atlanticfasteners.com or by phone at 1-800-800-BOLT (2658).