EuroWire May 2023

Corporate News

Sealing fasteners to optimise and protect wind turbines

Primus Wind Power is positioning itself to meet heightened demand for its wind turbines. The manufacturer received funding from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to optimise wind turbine system designs and contribute to the wind turbine deployment efforts in the USA. Part of the process includes prototyping and testing hardware and components that are resilient and can perform in harsh weather. One of the largest concerns is the ability to withstand water, saltwater, torrential rain, hurricanes and high winds, repeatedly and over long periods of time. To ensure that water would not enter through the external face cover of the wind turbine and potentially damage the screws or its inner components, Primus Wind Power asked engineering expert John R Marshall Jr, PE, owner of Ransford Engineering, to perform a series of water ingress tests. When compared to other fastening options, such as washer gaskets, Zago sealing screws engineered with a 360° O-ring under the head of the screw successfully prevented water seepage. Zago corrosion-resistant sealing fasteners are engineered with a custom groove underneath the head of the screw, and when combined with a rubber O-ring and tightened, form a 360° leak-proof seal. This seal will not break or crack once the screw is torqued, preventing seepage or leakage of liquids, gases and more from damaging equipment or the environment. When paired with a rubber O-ring such as EPDM, the sealing screw can withstand strong winds, torrential rain, saltwater, extreme heat, frigid temperatures, snow, moisture and dust, etc. With unlimited shelf life, an EPDM O-ring is suitable for sealing outdoor devices. “In addition to passing the water ingress test, investing in Zago sealing fasteners makes sense,” said Ken Kotalik, director of global sales and operations, Primus Wind Power.

Primus Wind Power uses Zago corrosion-resistant sealing fasteners to seal and protect its face covers

“Like Primus Wind Power, they are made in the USA and designed to protect our environment.” Zago Manufacturing Company Inc www.zago.com

Growth and community service award National Nail has won The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan’s annual Outstanding Growth Award.

Michigan, USA. The company also has US distribution centres in Syracuse, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle. The company was also listed in Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces in 2021. National Nail has experienced a nearly four-fold revenue increase in recent years, largely due to its commitment to building its brands, such as Pro-Fit® fasteners for general construction, Camo® deck tools and fasteners, and Stinger® roofing tools and fasteners. National Nail www.nationalnail.com

Growth Award,” said W Scott Baker, National Nail president and CEO. “Our core values are centred around inspiring our employee-owners and valued customers to build better lives, careers and projects. In addition, we have a deep commitment to raising up our communities through volunteerism with non-profits and schools throughout the region.” With worldwide distribution in thousands of building supply and national home centres, National Nail employs 160 people, with approximately 50 per cent of the workforce in Grand Rapids,

The award honours a local company that demonstrates sustained growth in sales, profitability, employment and community involvement. National Nail is a 100 per cent employee-owned company that has served the building materials industry for nearly 70 years. “We are honoured to accept the prestigious Association for Corporate

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FA 75 EF 3/75

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May 2023