SUMMER 2026

48 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

48 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK Jo Morris Marketing Director, Fastener Training Institute ® FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE ® 1545 N. Columbus Avenue, Glendale, CA 91202 TEL 562-473-5373 FAX 661-449-3232 EMAIL info@fastenertraining.org WEB www.fastenertraining.org WIFI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT SHARES HER FASTENER TRAINING WEEK EXPERIENCE In May, Jen Kominsky, the Operations Manager for Hanger Bolt & Stud, attended Fastener Training Week in Charlotte, North Carolina - thanks to a scholarship from Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI). Jen has since passed her final exam is now officially a Certified Fastener Specialist. Congratulations, Jen! Jen joined the fastener industry in January of 2025 with an extensive history in operations. The move to fasteners and manufacturing came by chance. She was introduced to Jeff Blackburn, the president of Hanger Bolt & Stud, through a mutual acquaintance. His company was looking to fill a role, and Jen was the perfect fit. In the year and a half since, Jen has discovered the special world of fastener manufacturing and says she is here to stay. As one of only two females at her company, Jen was looking for camaraderie with women and found WIFI. “It was exactly what I was looking for,” she said. Once she learned about scholarship opportunities, she applied because she wanted to learn as much as possible. Being selected as the Ann Bisgyer Wolz recipient for 2025 provided her with the opportunity to attend a Fastener Training Week. “Fastener Training Week exceeded my expectations,” said Jen. Being around other women in the industry, networking with so many professionals and discovering that everyone in this small but mighty pond is so friendly and helpful - despite being competitors - was incredible for Jen. “It ignited something inside of me,” she said enthusiastically. “I’m thrilled that I was able to attend the CFS training and learned a ton of information. A lot of thought and preparation went into creating a meaningful experience for us all - thank you for that! It was nice to learn alongside people with so many different backgrounds and experiences with fasteners.” - Jen Kominsky, Operations Manager for Hanger Bolt and Stud TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 114

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 49 E-Z LOK, a division of Tool Components, Inc., and a leading manufacturer of threaded inserts for metal, plastic, and wood, has announced the relocation of its operations to a new dedicated facility in Los Alamitos, California. The move marks a significant milestone for the company and supports continued growth across its industrial, MRO, and consumer product markets. The new facility encompasses approximately 17,000 square feet of operational space designed to support product configuration, packaging, warehousing, sales and marketing operations, and administrative functions. By establishing its own dedicated headquarters, E-Z LOK will gain greater flexibility to expand operations, improve workflow efficiency, and strengthen its brand identity within the fastening and industrial hardware market. “The move has been a long time coming, and we are excited for several reasons,” said Steve Schaeper, Division Manager of E-Z LOK. “Previously, we shared space with our sister division, TCI Precision Metals. While that arrangement served us well for many years, the new location allows both organizations to operate independently and focus on the unique needs of their respective customers and distribution channels.” Schaeper noted that the relocation provides E-Z LOK with the operational autonomy needed to continue expanding its product portfolio and sales initiatives. “Having our own facility gives us the ability to streamline internal processes, optimize our logistics operations, and more effectively drive marketing and sales programs,” he said. “Just as importantly, it allows us to cultivate our own corporate culture and brand personality as we continue to grow.” E-Z LOK manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of threaded insert products for metal, wood, and plastics, including the company’s E-Z Coil helical coil threaded inserts, which provide high-strength threaded reinforcement for metal components. These products are widely used in industries ranging from manufacturing and equipment repair to furniture production, electronics assembly, and construction. “Demand for reliable threaded insert solutions continues to grow across multiple markets,” Schaeper explained. “Industrial assembly and MRO applications remain strong, but we are also seeing significant growth in the DIY and maker communities. The ability to expand into a new facility gives us the flexibility to respond to new opportunities and support a wider range of customers.” In addition to its new Los Alamitos headquarters, E-Z LOK maintains a stock of inventory in four strategically located warehouses across the United States, enabling the company to deliver fast, reliable fulfillment to distributors and end users nationwide. The company’s products are available through a broad network of industrial distributors, MRO specialists, and regional and local supply partners. Founded in 1956, E-Z LOK’s parent, Tool Components, Inc., remains a third-generation, familyowned and operated business. For more information, contact E-Z LOK by Tel: 1-800-234-5613, Email: sales@ezlok.com or visit them online at www.ezlok.com.