SUMMER 2026

40 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

40 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE 6363 Oak Tree Boulevard, Independence, OH 44131 TEL 216-241-1482 FAX 216-241-5901 EMAIL info@indfast.org WEB www.indfast.org IFI ANNOUNCES 2026 SOARING EAGLE AWARD RECIPIENTS This year’s IFI Annual Spring Meeting concluded with the presentation of the IFI Soaring Eagle Awards. Held during the Tuesday evening Awards Dinner, the ceremony recognized three exceptional leaders whose work continues to shape the future of the fastener industry. Each year, IFI honors individuals whose innovation, leadership, and dedication elevate the industry and strengthen the community that supports it. The 2026 recipients exemplify that spirit. technical contributions to the fastener industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a rare combination of creativity, discipline, and engineering expertise that has resulted in numerous innovative fastener designs and an impressive portfolio of 26 U.S. patents. Among his most influential innovations are the SinuLOC® and BosScrew® fastener designs—hallmark inventions that have helped redefine performance and reliability in fastening technology. His forward-thinking approach also extended into manufacturing, where he developed Mule Technology, an advancement now widely adopted across the industry. This breakthrough enables more consistent and efficient machine setup while significantly improving thread-rolling proficiency. Kenneth LeVey Receives the Soaring Eagle Technology Award The IFI Soaring Eagle Technology Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of technology in the industrial fastener industry. These contributions may include leadership in fastener standards development, the publication of widely respected technical work, or the creation of new products, equipment, or processes that advance the industry. LeVey was recognized for his outstanding and prolific Andrew Kalnow Honored with the Soaring Eagle Service Award The IFI Soaring Eagle Service Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated exceptional time and effort to the leadership of the Industrial Fasteners Institute or have contributed in meaningful ways to the overall health and well-being of the fastener industry. TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 110