In 2020 EFDA celebrates its 20th anniversary of representing the interests of fastener distributors at European and global level – bringing together active and established national associations and a growing number of independent distributors in other European countries.

In total 170 innovative and top performing members, with combined sales of in excess of €4 billion, are part of the individual associations that make up EFDA. This includes the national fastener distributor associations in Britain and Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, as well as companies from other countries through MEFDA.

EFDA’s mission is to defend free trade and the international competitiveness of its members. The association strongly believes that competitiveness on a global scale is a precondition for European prosperity and that regulation, while balancing unfair behaviour, must not restrict the capabilities of fastener distributors to support a wide spectrum of strategic European industry sectors with quality assured products and advanced logistics.

“Over the past decade, the fastener distribution industry has undergone dynamic development to meet the ever more critical demands of European industry,” states Volker Lederer, president of EFDA. “However, the core competences remain – closeness to the customer and guaranteed availability of a broad variety of products that consistently meet the demanding quality requirements of customers. Every day, EFDA associates demonstrate their professionalism as an integrated logistics partner for their customers, sourcing worldwide for the most suitable products.”

Volker adds: “In times of rapid internationalisation, EFDA provides the forum for national distributor associations, and independent companies, to coordinate their activities on European issues and exchange views and expertise both within Europe and through contact with counterparts in North America and Asia. We will continue to support our members and member associations, especially during the current difficult times regarding Covid-19, as well as making sure we represent their interests at a European level.”