Author - fluentdesigns

Valley Forge & Bolt Launches Android Application Accessory for SPC4® Load Verifying System

The Electronics Engineering team at Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. have completed the first iteration of their SPC4® Data Logger app. This milestone is a critical move in the company’s continued advancements in technology to provide a broader range of load indicating solutions. This application, paired with the SPC4® 406A Electronic Meter, is a user-friendly solution for monitoring fastener load in environments that require a Bluetooth connection.

“We saw the need to update the functionality of our 600A meter,” said Dirk Halley, Projects Engineering Manager at Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. “Our objective was to further improve the user-friendly features of the meter and take advantage of this data-driven environment that we are seeing customers and partners move towards.”

The original handheld 406A Electronic Meter provides an accurate and convenient method to measure an SPC4® fastener, recording the actual tension within critical joints. The new application accessory will further allow field users to port and aggregate fastener health data from any SPC4® to an Android device and store it in a configurable array set up by the customer. After a simple set up and calibration, users can configure the app with their specific equipment and site details to monitor target clamp load during both fastener installations and routine inspection. This improved load monitoring method allows end users to pinpoint problems, optimize installation time, reduce downtime, and share data with key stakeholders at any time.

This new advancement will provide numerous advantages in industries such as Mining, Power Generation, as well as Oil & Gas applications. This application is available on the google play app store and is available for purchase with new SPC4® technology which can be retrofitted for a variety of applications. 

About The SPC4® Load Verifying System

In practical applications, SPC4^® data is used to make both installation and maintenance faster and more accurate, create more effective maintenance schedules and give crucial, early insight into fastener and machine behaviors that might lead to premature failure. With this foresight into the bolt loading of joints, problems can be corrected before bolt failure. The net gain is increased productivity, performance and safety, combined with savings of time and money.

For more information, visit vfbolts.com or download the app now.

Source: Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co.

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Lake Zurich, IL, June 19, 2023. The Mid-West Fastener Association (MWFA) Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Francesca Lewis, as Executive Director, effective July 1, 2023. Francesca’s exemplary communication and leadership skills will assist in the continued growth and success of the Association. With an impressive career spanning over 20 years, Francesca has thrived in the fields of sales and account management. Her strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and remarkable ability to build and maintain relationships have been instrumental in her professional success. Through her expertise and dedication, she has consistently delivered outstanding results and fostered long-term partnerships with clients. Her experience in event planning, growth and development of education, and client relationships will serve the association well.

Francesca is very excited about her new role, “I can’t contain my excitement. This opportunity has me buzzing with anticipation and a sense of adventure. I’m ready to hit the ground running and make a positive impact.” Francesca is a dedicated business professional with a passion for fitness and a love for family. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, she embarked on her educational journey at Oakton Community College, where she studied business. Eager to further expand her knowledge and skills, she later pursued her studies at DePaul’s School for New Learning (SNL) in downtown Chicago. Currently residing in Park Ridge with her husband Jeff and their two beautiful daughters, Francesca cherishes every moment spent with her family. As a devoted wife and mother, she finds immense joy in nurturing her children and creating lasting memories together.

MWFA President Jake Davis had these remarks concerning Francesca’s appointment, “This entire process presented many new challenges for the MWFA board, and I can confidently say that we could not be happier with the result. I have to commend the search committee on their professionalism and the many hours dedicated to finding the right fit to replace Nancy Rich. I am so excited to work with Francesca and look forward to introducing her to our amazing and supportive members”.

Outgoing (retirement) MWFA Executive Director Nancy Rich states, “I’m looking forward to working with Francesca as she prepares to lead the MWFA while continuing its great legacy. I’m confident Francesca will be a great asset to the MWFA and do an awesome job.” Nancy Rich (CBNSA HOF ‘21) will continue to work alongside Francesca Lewis for the remainder of 2023 as interim Executive Director and will thereafter work with Francesca Lewis to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Francesca Lewis’s appointment marks the end of a comprehensive search process led by a dedicated committee of MWFA Board of Directors and supported by executive search and leadership advisory committee. The Search Committee comprised of Bob Baer, Glen Brin, Jake Davis, Matt Delawder, David Gawlik, George Hunt III and Nancy Rich led an extensive evaluation of external and internal candidates for the role. The full MWFA Board unanimously supported Francesca Lewis’s selection as Executive Director.

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MW Components, a leading provider of precision components, has acquired Western Wire Products Company, a wire forming leader with a diverse product line, effective June 9th, 2023.

MW Components already has a strong presence in the spring and wire form industry through existing manufacturing specialists including Century Spring, Fox Valley Spring, Maryland Precision Spring, and over a dozen other locations known for their high-quality, precision metal components. 

 

The combined company will offer an increased selection of stock, standard, and custom wire forms including cotter pins, hitch pins, and spring pins along with a wide array of highly engineered precision metal components. We are thrilled that Western Wire is joining the MW Components portfolio and hope to strengthen Western Wire’s service and 100+ year history of entrepreneurship.

For more information about MW Components, visit mwcomponents.com

For more information about Western Wire, visit westernwireprod.com

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A Q&A with Sam Zheng of DeepHow.

Retiring workers are leaving factories and taking their decades of know-how with them. Artificial intelligence is being used (by savvy manufacturers, at least) to retain that knowledge. But it ain’t always easy to do. Here we chat with Sam Zheng, CEO and co-founder of DeepHow, to learn about the challenges, opportunities and methods to convert human smarts into AI. Take a look…

Smart Industry: Is the industrial-workforce challenge as dire as reported?

Sam: Indeed, the current challenges facing the industrial workforce are as severe as reported. First, we’re faced with an impending skills gap due to annual retirements nearing 4 million workers in the US alone. This leaves a substantial void in the workforce that is not easily filled, particularly in specialized fields. Secondly, the digital transformation sweeping across industries requires a staggering 17 million workers to reskill or upskill to meet these new demands. As technology rapidly evolves, so too must our workforce. The ability to adapt, learn, and apply new skills will be paramount. Furthermore, an increasing number of executives are looking to reshore their global supply chains and operations to the US. This move, while advantageous for several reasons, necessitates a workforce that’s adequately prepared to accommodate this shift.

The magnitude of the problem is immense. A skills gap is estimated to pose a one-trillion-dollar challenge, as outlined in reports from renowned organizations such as McKinsey and CNN. This is not just a workforce challenge but a significant economic one.

So, while it’s a daunting situation, it’s also an opportunity—a chance for us to invest in our workforce, to reimagine the way we approach training and development, and ultimately to build a more resilient and agile industrial sector.

Smart Industry: How severe is the loss of institutional know-how going to be as Boomers retire?

Sam: The retirement of the Boomer generation marks a turning point for industries worldwide. Boomers brought a unique approach to the workplace that’s quite distinct from that of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. They are known for their strong work ethic, unwavering loyalty, and dedication to a single employer, often spending entire careers at one organization. This dedication led them to cultivate deep knowledge and expertise in their respective roles.

The impact of their retirement extends beyond mere numbers. It equates to a significant loss of institutional know-how that has been built over decades of service. What makes this transition particularly challenging is that many organizations lack the infrastructure and mechanisms to effectively capture the knowledge that Boomers are taking with them. This poses a significant threat to business continuity and efficiency.

Moreover, replacing this invaluable experience is not a straightforward task. Unlike their predecessors, younger generations tend to job-hop more frequently. This means that employers not only need to attract new talent but also create environments and opportunities that foster loyalty and engagement.

Thus, the retirement of Boomers isn’t simply a demographic shift. It’s a critical juncture that calls for a strategic re-evaluation of knowledge management and workforce development practices. As the torch is passed to younger generations, businesses must be proactive in preserving the wisdom of retiring Boomers while nurturing the potential of their successors.

Smart Industry: How do smart tools / automation / AI come into play here?

Sam: AI and smart tools are game changers, particularly when it comes to mitigating workforce challenges. They offer potent solutions to problems such as knowledge retention and efficient training. AI, in particular, serves as an invaluable tool in the quest to retain knowledge, streamline training, and enhance the overall learning experience within an organization. With AI, we can build a resilient workforce ready to thrive in the digital age.

AI technology has outstanding capabilities when it comes to information collection. It’s more than just an insight generator—it’s an active participant in the learning process. AI platforms can dissect video content, capturing essential information in real time. They can transcribe and translate audio into multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse teams. Furthermore, AI can segment the video into step-by-step instructions based on the context, turning a continuous video into an easy-to-follow guide.

Smart Industry: Why is video best suited for this type of knowledge transfer?

Sam: Indeed, video stands as a premier medium for knowledge transfer, particularly in our digital age dominated by smartphones, social media platforms, and streaming services, like TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix. It’s no secret that Millennials and Gen Z—two significant components of our workforce—are drawn to video content. This preference extends to their learning habits as well. Observing experts in action provides a practical, engaging, and immersive learning experience that is often more effective than text-based instructions.

Substantial research underscores the efficacy of video learning. Video:

• Facilitates deep learning: Videos can support comprehensive understanding by showcasing real-world applications and processes, allowing learners to visualize concepts in practice.
• Fosters authentic connections: It can build genuine relationships with trainees, enhancing the learning experience.
• Conveys procedural and implicit knowledge: Demonstrations offer clarity that written explanations might lack. Once a video is created, it can be easily updated, reused, and accessed, allowing more time for live discussions and engagement between experts and trainees.  With these advantages, it’s essential for operations leaders and learning & development (L&D) professionals to embrace video learning. 

Smart Industry: What do you find most encouraging about the near future of AI in the industrial space? 

Sam: At DeepHow, we are excited about leveraging the transformative power of AI technology to turn every skilled worker into an expert. Our mission is to make knowledge transfer and training not just frictionless, but also enjoyable and cost-effective. In contrast to notions of AI replacing the human workforce, we truly believe in harnessing AI to amplify human potential.

What excites me most about the future of AI in the industrial space isn’t just the advancement in technology, but the potential it has to empower individual workers. The prospect of using AI to enable every single worker to excel, to reach new heights in their professional capabilities, is truly invigorating. It’s about using AI not as a replacement, but as a powerful tool to augment human skills and knowledge.

In essence, the near future of AI in the industrial sector lies in its potential to democratize expertise and propel productivity. It’s this vision of a future where every worker is an expert, enabled by AI, that inspires us.

Source: Smart Industry

RECENT NEWS FROM DEEPHOW:

DETROIT, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — DeepHow, the AI company that turns technical know-how into smart, how-to training videos, has closed $14M in Series A funding. Owl Ventures, a specialist in education technology investing, led the round, with participation from another new investor: LG Technology Ventures. Existing investors Sierra Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Osage Venture Partners, and Foothill Ventures also participated in this round. Read more: 

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Here’s what’s happening in the fastener industry the week of June 19, 2023.

Watch now on FastenerTV at YouTube:   (10:23)

Fastener Industry Acquisition News:

B&F Fastener Supply, a leader in the industrial and construction supply industry, has acquired respected, long-time competitor, Northern States Supply, to create a regional powerhouse distributor of both industrial and construction supplies in the Midwest region. Established in 1988, B&F Fastener Supply has been a fast-growing, strategic industrial supply distributor. Their longstanding, customer-first culture has resulted in a best-in-class customer experience. Founded in 1960, Northern States Supply has a remarkable track record as a leading distributor of quality industrial and construction supply products with competitive pricing. Built on providing quality customer experiences and rooted in offering the best overall value, Northern States Supply will continue to operate under its name for the time being.

B&F Fastener Supply Acquires Northern States Supply

New officer appointments from the National Fastener Distributors Association. Jim Degnan of S.W. Anderson has been elected as the 2023-2024 president. Scott McDaniel of TR Fastenings will serve as vice president, Mike Robinson will serve as associate chair, and Nick Ruetz of AIS will remain on the Board as immediate past president.

NFDA Elects Jim Degnan of S. W. Anderson as 2023-2024 President

In Supply Chain news from Reuters…It appears that a labor deal has been struck at the West Coast Ports. The threat of disruptions has receded as dockworkers and port employers reached a tentative agreement on a new contract last week. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) employer group said they have reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, ending 13 months of talks and easing supply chain worries. The deal was reached with assistance from Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su.

Tentative US West Coast Port Contract Deal Reached, Union and Employers Say

Fas­ten­Mas­ter, a divi­sion of OMG, Inc., is cel­e­brat­ing 25 years of pro­vid­ing pro­fes­sion­al build­ing con­trac­tors with inno­v­a­tive prod­ucts and fas­ten­ing solu­tions that make work faster, eas­i­er, and more efficient.  Estab­lished in 1998, Fas­ten­Mas­ter cre­at­ed the cat­e­go­ry of struc­tur­al wood-to-wood screws with the intro­duc­tion of Tim­ber­LOK, a heavy-duty wood screw designed to elim­i­nate the need to predrill when attach­ing two pieces of wood togeth­er. It was the first of what has become the very pop­u­lar ​‘LOK Line’ of struc­tur­al wood-to-wood fas­ten­ers for res­i­den­tial appli­ca­tions, and solid­i­fied FastenMaster’s focus on pro­vid­ing PRO-Dri­ven solutions. For more info go to https://www.fastenmaster.com/

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Save the Date: Manufacturing Day 2023 will take place on Friday, October 6^th and throughout the month of October. Celebrated nationally on the first Friday in October, MFG Day is manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, positively shift perceptions about our industry, and build the foundation for the manufacturing workforce of the future. Join the Manufacturing Institute will on June 29^th for a webinar: “Get the Word Out”. The webinar will provide valuable information to help organizations plan and prepare for MFG Day 2023. For more info go to MFGDay.com

The International Fastener Expo is accepting nominations for the 2023 Fastener Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year prestigious Awards.

The Fastener Hall of Fame recognizes professionals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the industrial fastener industry on a national or global scale. Individuals selected for induction will join other honored industry members, including but not limited to inventors, business leaders, and educators.  The Young Fastener Professional of the Year award recognizes and honors a young professional who has made significant contributions to the fastener industry.

The recipients will be recognized at a special event during the International Fastener Expo and receive a commemorative plaque. The deadline for nominations has been extended to June 30th! Nominate today at FastenerShows.com

Official hotel accommodations are now open! To nominate or book your stay go to FastenerShows.com

The North Coast Fastener Association will host Cork-SCREW….Cheers to Fasteners event this Thursday, June 22nd from 5:00-9:00PM. NCFA members and attendees will enjoy a casual evening out at the Sharon James Cellars located in Newbury, OH. Join the NCFA for a fun night out with industry friends including a Cornhole tournament. For more info go to NCFAOnline.com

ATTN: Women in the Fastener Industry! WIFI honors the memory of Ann Bisgyer Wolz, co-publisher of Fastener Industry News. Ann first worked in the fastener industry during high school for her stepfather, Eric Cohn, at Allied International. She later entered the trade show industry in New York City and returned to fasteners when she and spouse John Wolz acquired Fastener Industry News in 1994 where they shared co-publisher titles.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to become a Certified Fastener Specialist with the Fastener Training Institute. Apply for the WIFI Ann Bisgyer Wolz Scholarship today! Submission deadline: July 10, 2023 Visit FastenerWomen.com to apply today! 

Next generation advanced planning and scheduling is here! Optessa’s AI-driven optimization ushers in a new way for manufacturers to generate optimal plans and schedules in a fraction of the time. Respond to disruptions, meet delivery dates, reduce excessive parts inventory, eliminate costly idle time, and stabilize your supply chain. Request a live demo of Optessa’s NextGen APS platform today!

Visit https://www.optessa.com/ for more information! 

Registration is OPEN for MWFA FSTNR Week which will take place in Chicago August 20-24, 2023!

Members and attendees will experience:

• A Bed Build event at Abbott Interfast to support the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization,
• MWFA Member Plant Tours
• Print Reading Seminar
• the 41^st MWFA Fastener Show
• Retro 80’s Fastener Bash
• MWFA 70^TH Golf Outing & Mixer.
• For all the details and to register go to www.mwfa.net

 Registration form: https://mwfa.net/pdf/2023/exhibitors.pdf

The Fastener Training Institute Announced Fastener Training Week will be held in Chicago on August 21st-25th, coinciding with the Mid-West Faster Association’s FSTNR Week! The Fastener Training Institute and the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) continue their partnership to present Fastener Training Week — five intensive days of education and plant tours as part of the acclaimed FTI Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) advanced technical training program. After completing this invaluable industry training in a small group environment and passing a final exam, attendees are eligible for the CFS designation. For more info go to: FastenerTraining.org

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Registration is open for the 2023 International Fastener Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from October 9-11, 2023.

The International Fastener Expo (IFE) is the ultimate business-to-business expo for all things fasteners, machinery & tooling, and industrial products in North America. IFE caters to every level of the supply chain, making it the go-to event for industry professionals like you.

In addition to the exciting networking opportunities, the conference and education program at IFE 2023 will GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A LEADING EDGE. Hear from industry leaders and keynote speakers who will share their expertise on a variety of topics, including business growth strategies, cutting-edge technology, in addition to IFE’s new “Fireside Chat” that will engage discussion between the speaker and audience. You’ll also gain insights into the latest fastener inspection equipment, fastener vending technology and other advancements in the industry.

Register today at FastenerShows.com! USE PROMO CODE: FND50 and Save $50.00 on registration.

The stories featured in this week’s episode of IN THE NEWS can be found on Fastener News Desk or in our Twitter feed @FastenerNews and LinkedIn in the Fastener News Group!

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June 14 (Reuters) – The Longshore union and employers of 22,000 dockworkers at U.S. West Coast ports on Wednesday said they have reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, ending 13 months of talks and easing supply chain worries.

The deal was reached with assistance from Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) employer group said in a joint statement.

President Joe Biden, who dispatched Su to the negotiations in San Francisco earlier this week, said she “used her deep experience and judgment to keep the parties talking, working with them to reach an agreement after a long and sometimes acrimonious negotiation.”

The agreement, covering workers at ports stretching from California to Washington State, is subject to ratification by both parties. The ILWU and PMA declined to provide details on the deal.

“The tentative agreement delivers important stability for workers, for employers and for our country’s supply chain,” Su said in a statement on Wednesday.

PMA President James McKenna and ILWU International President Willie Adams said in a joint statement: “We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports”.

Workers covered by the agreement are based at some of the nation’s busiest seaports, including Los Angeles/Long Beach – the busiest ocean trade gateway in the United States. They have been working without a contract since July 1 and have been seeking a share of pandemic cargo surge profits and retroactive pay.

The tentative deal comes as retailers like Walmart and Target are starting to land merchandise for the critical back-to-school, Halloween and Christmas retail shopping seasons. Manufacturers, automakers and food producers who import or export goods also rely on the Pacific Coast ports.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/tentative-us-west-coast-port-contract-deal-reached-union-employers-say-2023-06-15/

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Jim Degnan of S. W.  Anderson has been elected as the 2023-2024 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association. Scott McDaniel of TR Fastenings will serve as vice president, Mike Robinson will serve as associate chair, and Nick Ruetz of AIS will remain on the Board as immediate past president.

Steve Andrasik of Brighton Best International, Alex Goldberg of AMPG, Scott Longfellow of Huyett, and Ed Smith of Wurth Revcar have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors effective June 13, 2023. 

Continuing on the NFDA Board are Gigi Calfee of Copper State Bolt & Nut, Jake Glaser of Sherex Fastening Solutions, and Melissa Patel of Field.

Recognition was paid during the meeting to retiring Board members Kelly Charles of Sems & Specials, Jon Queenin of Specialty Bolt & Screw, and Kevin Godin of AFC Industries. A special tribute was made in memory of Marc Somers of Mid-States Bolt & Screw.

About NFDA

NFDA is a non-profit trade association serving the North American fastener industry. Professionals throughout the fastener industry, both distributors and manufacturers, whose businesses range in size from small family firms to large multinational corporations, have each found that NFDA’s services and benefits provide them with opportunities that are unequaled and unavailable anywhere else.

Since 1968, NFDA has worked to enhance, improve and solidify your profitability. Our members regularly participate in and receive current compensation, employee benefit analysis, and individualized profit planning reports, each designed so you can compare your firm with others, locally and nationally. NFDA also provides a variety of opportunities to train and educate both the leaders of fastener companies as well as their employees. Networking and industry discussions play a crucial role in the association and opportunities to meet with industry peers and network are routinely available. 

For more info or to join the NFDA go to: https://www.nfda-fastener.org/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Expands Product Offering, Boosts Regional Reach

RAMSEY and WILLMAR, Minn. (June 12, 2023) – B&F Fastener Supply, a leader in the industrial and construction supply industry, has acquired respected, long-time competitor, Northern States Supply, to create a regional powerhouse distributor of both industrial and construction supplies in the Midwest region.

Established in 1988, B&F Fastener Supply has been a fast-growing, strategic industrial supply distributor. Their longstanding, customer-first culture has resulted in a best-in-class customer experience. Founded in 1960, Northern States Supply has a remarkable track record as a leading distributor of quality industrial and construction supply products with competitive pricing. Built on providing quality customer experiences and rooted in offering the best overall value, Northern States Supply will continue to operate under its name for the time being.

This acquisition is in line with B&F Fastener Supply’s strategic vision to offer second-to-none customer service and best-in-class, quality products and services, while staying true to its roots. The acquisition will enable both companies to join forces, strengthening their combined workforces, and offer an expanded product and service selection, including:

• In-house custom machining,
• In-house custom packaging,
• Vending solutions,
• Power tools,
• Tool accessories,
• And much, much more.

“We’re thrilled to welcome all of Northern States Supply’s employees, customers, and product offerings to our family,” Nicole Baltes, B&F Fastener Supply President, said. “This is an exciting time in both companies’ history, as we look forward to better serving current and future customers with an expanded selection of products and services and a wider reach than ever before.”

The combined geographical reach for B&F Fastener Supply will range across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska. Together, with nearly 300 employees, and 21 locations, B&F’s footprint will be stronger than ever before.

“We have long admired B&F Fastener Supply as a competitor and are so pleased to be part of their company. We are both industry-leading businesses that supply the highest quality products and second- to-none customer experiences, making this the perfect strategic partnership,” said Northern States Supply President, Tina Erpenbach.

B&F CEO Nicole Baltes Welcomes Northern States Supply to the B&F Family!

About B&F Fastener Supply

B&F Fastener Supply is a national leader in the industrial and construction supply industry. With approximately 200 employees across operations, B&F Fastener Supply offers second-to-none customer experience, in addition to in-house custom machining, custom packaging and vending solutions. Founded in 1988, B&F Fastener Supply has been helping customers meet their industrial and construction supply needs for over three decades with service across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

For more information on B&F Fastener Supply, its people, product selection, and more, please visit: www.bffastenersupply.com.

About Northern States Supply

Founded in 1960, Northern States Supply is a leader in the industrial and construction supply industry. With approximately 80 employees, Northern States Supply has seven locations across the upper Midwest region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Northern States Supply provides its customers with high-quality products, such as power tools, fasteners, and industrial supplies, as well as exceptional customer service.

For more information on Northern States Supply, its people, product selection, and more, please visit: www.northernstatessupply.com.

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