Founded in 1983 by Dennis Fiedler, Screws Industries has been redefining what it means to manufacture custom high-quality fasteners. The company’s approach is simple: build superior fasteners, deliver on time, and exceed customer expectations.
Interview with K.R. Kaeser, Marketing Director at Screws Industries.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
K.R. Kaeser: Based in Glendale Heights, IL, we specialize in cold-headed fasteners, SEMS (washer-integrated) products, specialty bolts, and custom-engineered solutions for industries that demand precision and reliability. From machine screws to multi-blow fasteners designed for extreme conditions, we can manufacture M2-M16 diameter and up to 6” long. Anything we can’t make, we can source through our strategic import program. We also have an A2LA-accredited overseas quality control partner, which independently certifies part specs before they’re shipped. Over the past 40+ years, we have refined our processes to deliver exceptional quality and reliability, earning the trust of leading companies in many industries. Our customers range from aerospace, automotive, department of defense, industrial, lawn & garden, heavy truck, electrical controls, and construction sectors just to name a few.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
K.R.K: We operate in three key areas:
- Custom Cold-Headed Fasteners – We produce SEMS screws, shoulder bolts, lag screws, carriage bolts, thread-forming screws, machine screws, socket head cap screws, and more, offering various head styles, drive types, and materials.
- Domestic & Import Sourcing – While we proudly manufacture in the USA, we also provide high-quality imports with rigorous quality control for cost-effective solutions.
- Value-Added Services – Our services extend beyond manufacturing, offering stock release programs, expediting, engineering consultation, a dedicated account manager, drilling, shaving, heat treating, plating, sorting, patching, custom labeling, kitting, bagging, and more.
What’s the news about new products/services?
K.R.K: We pride ourselves on not only keeping up with the ever-changing fastener industry, we are pushing it forward. Some of our latest capabilities include:
- The Universal Utility Screw™ (UU-Screw™) – This patent-pending fastener is exclusively manufactured by Screws Industries, and is designed for easy installation and removal, making it ideal for storm shutters, cabinetry, and heavy wall mounts.
- MAThread® & MATpoint® License – As an officially licensed manufacturer, we now produce these anti-cross-threading fasteners, improving torque control, off-angle assembly, and reliability. They are a favorite of the automotive industry for their ability to reduce installation time and cut back on errors.
- Philips Square Driv® – Our newest license of 2025 – This combination drive system offers higher torque applications for optimum clamp loads. This reduces driver bit wear and eliminates driver cam-out.
- Expanded Multi-Blow Capabilities – New multi-blow cold-heading machines allow us to produce more complex, high-strength fasteners with increased precision and durability. The multi-step heading process cuts down on the need for secondary operations to form the fastener, which reduces cost, time, and chance of failure due to strength.
- Eco-Friendly Plating & Coatings – We have shifted toward RoHS-compliant coatings, offering superior corrosion resistance without harmful environmental effects. We believe this sustainability effort is important for us as well as our customers.
What are the ranges of products/services?
K.R.K: We offer one of the most comprehensive product lines in the industry. Manufacturing size ranges from M2-M16 and up to 6” in length and we can import any sizes our customers need.
- Standard & Custom Screws – Machine screws, lag screws, carriage bolts, weld screws, wood screws, pins, and more. If you can dream it, we can make it!
- SEMS Screws – Pre-assembled screws with washers that increase efficiency and reduce assembly time.
- Thread Types –Thread-cutting, thread-forming, self-piercing, high-low threads, and specialty designs.
- Materials – Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and bronze.
- Finishing & Secondary Operations – Heat treating, electro-polishing, head painting, drilling, tapping, shaving, bagging, and kitting.
- Import Division – Our import sourcing ensures the availability of hard-to-find and high-volume parts, all with strict quality control.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
K.R.K: The fastener market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand from key industries such as construction, automotive, and aerospace. We project industry-wide growth of 4.7% per year through 2030. The construction industry is a major contributor to this growth, as structural wood screws and other fasteners are essential components in building and infrastructure projects.
What can you tell us about market trends?
K.R.K: There was a slowdown in Q4 2024 mainly due to the uncertainty of the political environment and the economy. But things are starting to pick up again as we move forward. Some trends we’re seeing in the market are:
- Onshoring & Nearshoring – Due to the new administration’s adjustments to trade and tariffs, companies are shifting production back to the U.S. However, material costs are also increasing due to import duties on steel from Canada and Mexico which are prime suppliers of American manufacturers.
- Customization Over Standardization – More businesses are requiring custom-engineered fasteners to fit specialized applications.
- Fast Lead Times & Agile Supply Chains – Manufacturers need quick turnaround and inventory flexibility, both of which we provide. There has been an increasing emphasis on flexibility due to the uncertainty in the near-term future. Just-in-time inventory systems have become the norm within our customer base. Our blanket program, which lets customers lock in pricing and schedule deliveries for maximum efficiency, is extremely popular.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
K.R.K: Our strength is in the innovative ways we can solve customer’s problems. Designing custom fasteners that fit an application, full-fill all the environmental requirements, and still have strength, durability, and reliability is no easy task. Fortunately, we have solved many problems for many customers. With each success, we have a new tool in our toolkit for future customers.
What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2025?
K.R.K: We are preparing for substantial growth by optimizing our hybrid supply chain. Managing and forecasting domestic production and strategic imports will become even more important as we move through 2025.
We also plan to integrate more automation into our internal ERP system to take advantage of new innovations with artificial intelligence and LLMs. We believe this can help with forecasting business needs and provide a better experience for our customers.
Why Choose Screws Industries?
K.R.K: We are more than just a supplier, we are a partner in precision, problem-solving, and performance. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer success has made us a trusted name in the fastener industry.
For businesses looking for high-performance fasteners, fast turnaround, and expert engineering support, give us a call!