Business News

Rapid Industrial Fasteners is proud to be ISO 9001:2015 approved, reflecting our unwavering commitment to quality management standards. Our operations are supported by a modern and innovative quality monitoring dashboard that allows us to monitor and manage our processes effectively. For our standard range of stocked fasteners, we ensure full traceability through our internal batch number system, which is designed to provide complete visibility and accountability in our supply chain. This robust system, combined with our approved supplier database, offers our customers peace of mind, knowing that they are receiving products that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

For our manufactured items, we take our quality assurance a step further. Our system is enhanced to include batch identification for all raw materials, which are meticulously colour coded and subjected to Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing upon arrival. This rigorous testing ensures that all materials meet our stringent specifications before they are loaded onto our machines for production. By implementing these comprehensive measures, we not only enhance product integrity but also reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality fasteners that meet our customers exact requirements.

We are dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement and actively seek opportunities to enhance our operations. Our goal is to refine the fluidity of our systems and processes continually, ensuring that we remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our customers. Through regular training and development of our team members, we foster an environment where innovation is encouraged, and best practices are shared. This commitment to improvement enables us to streamline our processes, reduce lead times, and maintain the high level of service that our customers expect and deserve.

At Rapid, we believe that by focusing on quality and continuous enhancement, we can better serve our clients and solidify our position as a trusted leader in the fastener industry.

For further information, please get in touch

Our vendor-managed systems represent a critical component of our overall supply chain strategy. Enabling us to maintain greater control over costs, improve service levels, and reduce potential risks throughout the deal life cycle. This comprehensive approach to vendor management, provides a framework that fosters enhanced collaboration with our suppliers and partners. Creating a streamlined process that drives operational efficiency and value.

One of the key advantages of our systems is the ability to maintain tighter control over costs. By monitoring and managing vendor performance, we can identify areas. Such as, cost savings, negotiate more favourable terms, and reduce unnecessary expenditures. This proactive approach to cost management ensures that we remain competitive while delivering high-quality products and services to our customers. Our systems are designed to allow for dynamic adjustments based on market trends, material availability, and supplier performance. Giving us the flexibility to optimise our procurement process and avoid any sudden price surges or supply chain disruptions.

In addition to cost control, these systems also drive service excellence, enabling a more transparent and collaborative vendor relationship. Through the use of performance metrics, we ensure our suppliers consistently meet our stringent quality and delivery standards. Collaborating closely on production timelines, lead times are reduced, and products are delivered on time to the correct specifications.

Risk mitigation is another significant benefit, by maintaining comprehensive oversight of vendor activities, we can quickly identify and address potential risks that could impact our supply chain. Whether it’s disruptions in material supply, production delays, or quality issues, our systems provide early warning signals that allow us to take corrective action before these risks escalate. This proactive approach not only safeguards our operations but also ensures that we can continue to meet customer demands, even in challenging or uncertain market conditions. Our vendor management protocols include contingency planning, supplier diversification, and regular performance reviews, all of which help to minimise exposure to potential risks and ensure business continuity.

Throughout the deal life cycle, our systems ensure that we maintain full visibility and control over every aspect of our supply chain. From initial negotiations and contract management to performance monitoring and risk mitigation, these systems provide a comprehensive framework that drives value at every stage. By leveraging technology and data analytics, we are able to make informed, strategic decisions that enhance our competitiveness and strengthen our market position.

Our vendor-managed systems are a vital tool in our pursuit of operational excellence. They allow us to control costs, drive superior service, and mitigate risks while gaining increased value from our vendors. By fostering closer collaboration and leveraging real-time data, we are able to optimise every stage, ensuring that we deliver exceptional results for our customers and continue to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Through these systems, we enhance the efficiency of our supply chain strategy. Additionally creating a foundation for long-term success and sustained Rapid growth.

For further information, please get in touch

With hard work, dedication, and flexibility at the core of our business philosophy, we are proud to offer a premium, fast-turnaround service on special orders. Our commitment to meeting our customer’s urgent needs drives us to explore all possible solutions, ensuring that no stone is left unturned when it comes to delivering critical or ‘panic’ orders. To meet these demands, we operate with maximum efficiency, including running night shifts and back-to-back operations when necessary, so that even the tightest deadlines are met without compromising on quality.

In addition to our rapid response capabilities, we maintain a strategic stock of popular material grades and sizes, which allows us to minimise any potential delays in getting work onto the machines. This proactive approach to inventory management ensures that our manufacturing process can begin swiftly, enabling us to deliver exceptional results within short time frames.

Moreover, our manufacturing division benefits from seamless access to our in-house distribution network, allowing for same-day collection of raw materials and subcontracted work. This integrated approach to supply chain management ensures that we can move quickly from raw material acquisition to production, and from production to delivery, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Whether it’s sourcing materials or coordinating with external subcontractors, our team is fully equipped to ensure that every aspect of the process is handled with speed and precision, guaranteeing that customer orders are fulfilled without unnecessary delays.

Ultimately, our comprehensive, customer-focused approach, combined with our operational agility and robust distribution network, ensures that we can consistently deliver a premium service, even on the most challenging and time-sensitive orders.

Whether you are looking for reliable Rapid delivery or a solid vendor management solutions. We provide a one-stop service that combines precision, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence.

For further information, please get in touch

Our capacity and capability are ever increasing – March saw the expansion and opening of our second manufacturing site and the acquisition of two Sliding Head CNS’s (Star SB16 and Citizen CinCom 32) and another CNC Polygon Turning Centre. Altogether, we now have forty-one machines across our two manufacturing sites.

We welcome Hal, our newest manufacturing team member, joining us as our Senior CNC Programmer and Operator. With 18 years of experience, Hal is set to enhance our manufacturing processes and capabilities at Rapid.

For further information, please get in touch

We are delighted to now have 2 new CNC Polygon Turning machines, nicely expanding our Assets Register for 2024.

Both machines are highly specialised in offering precision and versatility for manufacturing complex polygonal parts. Their advanced CNC controls accuracy and have the ability to handle a variety of materials, making both an essential asset that require intricate and high-tolerance components. Whether for high-volume production or custom machining, our machines deliver reliable and accurate results.

Our experienced Operator, Hal along with our highly capable team, can input complex geometrical shapes and detailed machining instructions, enabling the production of intricate polygonal profiles with precision and efficiency.

We can now accommodate components with an A/F dimension from 4mm up to 90mm, allowing us to be versatile for various manufacturing needs, from small precise parts, to larger, more complex parts.

For further information, please get in touch

As we head into the third quarter of 2024, we are delighted to give an overview of all things Rapid!

Overview:

During the first half of 2024, we’ve experienced significant growth, with our turnover rising by 20% to £3.45 million, driven by a blend of strategic initiatives. Our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, which is at an all-time high, has been a key differentiator for us. By prioritising outstanding service and actively engaging with our customers to understand their needs, we’ve cultivated a loyal customer base that continues to grow. Furthermore, increased investment in both stock holding for standard fastener distribution and plant and equipment for manufacturing have further supported our growth and expansion.

Legislation:

At Rapid, we continue to keep up to date with new and changing legislation. This year has been especially challenging due to the introduction and implementation of EU-driven sanctions on Russian goods and the forthcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Sanctions against Russian goods – according to Article 3g) 1. (d) of Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014

Rapid have complied with EU regulation regarding sanctions against the supply of Russian goods, raw material or processes and have robust procedures and documentation in place to ensure all goods supplied to us comply.

CBAM:

By engaging a specialist consultant, we will be able to provide all necessary documents and carbon intensity emission figures for our EU customers, covering both our standard stocked products and our own UK-manufactured items.

Please do contact Richard White or Jason Hayfield if you require further information.

Manufacturing:

Our capacity and capability are ever increasing – March saw the expansion and opening of our second manufacturing site and the acquisition of two Sliding Head CNS’s (Star SB16 and Citizen CinCom 32) and another CNC Polygon Turning Centre. Altogether, we now have forty-one machines across our two manufacturing sites.

In August, we’re excited to welcome Hal, our newest manufacturing team member, who will join us as our Senior CNC Programmer and Operator. With 18 years of experience, Hal is set to enhance our manufacturing processes and capabilities at Rapid.

Distribution (standard stocked product):

We have seen record volumes delivered to our UK, EU, and North/South American customers due to our stock holding, responsiveness, and flexibility. We have supported large Solar projects, defence, infrastructure, utilities, construction, offshore and general manufacturing.

Despite our successes in 2024, the year has been highly challenging due to disruptions in sea freight routes, which have impacted transit lead times, as well as the capacity and availability of vessel space. Sea freight charges for containers have more than doubled in price during 2024, significantly impacting on the price of low value fasteners.

At Rapid, our high stock holding has meant our stock levels have in the large remained robust, and as a result we have been able to maintain supply across the board. In several instances for specialised product, we have had to arrange airfreight for China and India. This has been unfortunate, but it demonstrates our commitment and in ensuring customers production lines do not stop.

Due to the variety and mixture of parts imported, we can fill containers with higher-than-average total values meaning the increased sea freight charges are somewhat mitigated.

Summary:

Looking ahead, we’re enthusiastic about the opportunities the coming year presents and confident in our potential for continued business growth. With our solid foundation and past successes, we are committed to delivering on an exceptional service and expanding our capabilities, ensuring that the momentum of progress and achievement continues.

For further information, please get in touch

Rapid Industrial Fasteners as Premier distributors for the Fischer FIS EM resin system, used with the Fischer FRA Rebar anchor, opens entirely new opportunities for structural engineers.

Often, existing buildings are extended or rebuilt. This means in practice that the reinforcement of old and new sections of buildings must be connected. Holes to a depth up to two meters can now be drilled for post-installed rebar.

Rapid now offers two special systems which make the installation of post installed rebar a straightforward process; the original fischer Injection Mortar System FIS V, a high-performance vinyl ester hybrid mortar and the latest combination of Injection Mortar System FIS EM, epoxy mortar with rebar anchor FRA.

The systems have European Technical Approval (ETA) and General Construction Approval by the ‘Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt). Based on best performance epoxy resin mortar the FIS EM is suitable for rebars up to Ø 40 mm and the FRA anchor.

The rebar anchor system has been designed especially for extreme tension loads, e.g. at a column base, which can’t be transmitted to the concrete element by conventional anchors. The system is composed of a rebar connected to a stainless steel threaded rod by friction welding which makes it suitable for outdoor use and allows extremely high tensile loads.

As recently appointed members Rapid is helping to promote the work of the CFA by alerting those involved in the specification and installation of safety critical fixings, to the serious consequences of “getting it wrong”.

We are all familiar with this engineering teaser:

Question: What is the most important component on a car?

Answer: The nut that holds the steering wheel in place!

Take away the humour element, and the reality is the same when you apply this to countless structural scenarios. The sombre truth is that life and limb are the ultimate casualties when either the correct specification or installation process fails.

“The selection, installation, testing and certification of construction fixings on any construction project is comparatively small in terms of time and resource when taking the overall project into consideration. Yet, at Rapid we have seen on countless occasions, the results of wrongly specified fixings and the many mistakes that have presented a serious threat to life.

“Incidents such as tunnel collapses, scaffold collapses and ducting/ME failures due to incorrectly specified, installed or set safety critical fixings can easily be avoided. It is vital that the correct anchoring system is chosen and that it is installed to the manufacturers recommendations; that includes drilling and preparation of the installation hole through to insertion and setting of the anchor. The Code of practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry, BS 8539:2012, is a valuable document and the source of reference for safety critical fasteners”.

Corroded rebar in concrete

Established in 1979, the CFA is non-profit making industry-wide body comprising of major manufacturers of construction fixings.  Rapids team assist in the specification to installation chain, with a thoroughly comprehensive service in providing a high-quality selection and testing of safety critical fixing installation.

As a trade association, the CFA is providing education, advice, training and technical support to all functions involved in the provision of safety critical fixings in the industry.  Here at Rapid Industrial Fasteners, we are delighted to now be involved with this process” of educating our customers in best practice.