Steel Prices Up 17%

Since steel is the primary raw material used to manufacture our products we closely monitor price changes in the market. To date we have seen slight, periodic increases in the cost of steel. However, steel producing mills have recently announced larger increases of approximately 17% that will take effect over the next couple weeks. The main factors for this dramatic increase are the rising costs of scrap metal and ore, primarily due to the escalating demand in the Asian markets. As global demand for steel grows we expect this trend to continue. You can expect to see an impact on the prices of all steel related products in the second quarter of 2008.

ASTM Tidbits

A307 Grade C Eliminated
One change with regard to specifications that will have a significant impact on the construction fastener industry is the August 2007 elimination of the grade C designation within the ASTM A307 specification . ASTM A307 is the standard specification for low carbon steel construction fasteners. Until recently, A307 had three grades A, B, and C. Grade A covers bolts for general applications, grade B covers heavy hex bolts and studs for cast iron flanges, while grade C covered unheaded anchor bolts, either bent or straight, intended for structural anchorage purposes. Last year’s elimination of A307 grade C is the result of a virtually identical specification, F1554 grade 36 developed in 1994, replacing it. Learn more about this change.

Industry Spotlight: Wood

We get the privilege to work with many great companies in a number of diverse industries. Each month we’d like to feature a sector that uses our products.

Timber construction can take many forms including covered bridges, glulam projects and even custom homes. The versatility of wood means it may be used as a support beam for a bridge or as an exposed truss in a church. With a wide variety of products like shear plates, timber bolts, and square head bolts Portland Bolt's offerings fit well into this type of construction. See more timber construction products.

NCAA Pool Champion

The NCAA basketball tournament is over, Kansas is the champion and another Portland Bolt sports pool is in the books. Congratulations to Jayhawk5 who won a $100 gift card to Home Depot and the other top 5 finishers will receive some great Portland Bolt gear. We look forward to the next tournament or contest. Thanks to everyone who played along. View complete standings here.

Employee Update

With over 35 years of bolt industry experience, Gary Rusynyk started his career at Lamson & Sessions in Cleveland, Ohio. He joined Portland Bolt in 1978 and is an expert on many fastener and standards related topics. As a member of ASTM Gary participates as a voting member on Committee F16 that oversees fastener specifications. This committee has jurisdiction on over 60 fastener standards. He works closely with companies in the light rail and light pole industries. Originally from Ohio, he now lives with his wife in Tualatin, Oregon and is a bowler extraordinaire.

About Portland Bolt

Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Company is a worldwide supplier of quality construction and industrial fasteners. Our modern 85,000 square foot facility allows each manufacturing process to be scheduled based on your requirements. The company provides products for over 2,500 organizations in a variety of industries including: marine construction, steel buildings, highway projects, and precast concrete.