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2012 A Solid Year for Fastener Industry

2013-04-29

Most of the fastener industry reported solid results for the End of 2012 FIN Survey, with rising sales and profits and stable costs. The FIN Company Performance Index declined moderately, falling to 6.7 from 6.9 the previous year. Just over seven in ten businesses reported "moderate" to "strong" sales growth in 2012, down from the 78% that achieved revenue growth in 2011. About 43% reported "moderate" growth in sales, while 28% saw a "strong increase" in sales. Just over 15% of survey participants said 2012 sales levels were unchanged from the year before, while 11% reported sales declines — more than twice the percentage of companies reporting dwindling revenues in 2011. About 64% of fastener manufacturers, importers, distributors and platers reported increased profits. Just over 22% said profits were unchanged, and 11% reported declining profit.