TIFI and BBI Join Hands, Signing MOU to Build Supply Chain Alliance

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2025-09-17

On September 18, Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI), together with Fastener World and several Taiwanese fastener firms, visited the well-known U.S. fastener distributor BBI (Brighton Best International) to deepen industrial chain exchanges and collaboration between both sides. In the morning, the delegation visited Ta Chen International’s warehouse and office in the U.S., as well as BBI’s warehouse, and attended a presentation on industry and business strategy delivered by BBI General Manager Jun Xu.

Before the presentation, remarks were given by Director Tai-Hsiang Liao of Kaohsiung’s Economic Development Bureau, TIFI Chairman Yung-Yu Tsai, and Jun Xu. Director Liao noted that this was the first time Kaohsiung City Government joined TIFI to participate in the IFE show and visit Ta Chen International and BBI. He expressed the government’s hope to promptly understand and assist industry players in overcoming challenges, promote the transformation and international linkage of Taiwan’s fastener industry, strengthen collaboration with distributors, and build a more diverse and stable supply chain. Chairman Tsai emphasized the significant role of Taiwanese businesses in the Asian market but pointed out that facing strong price competition from Indian firms, Taiwanese firms must break away from a mindset of going at it alone and enhance competitiveness through collaboration and integration. Jun Xu pointed out that while manufacturers face market and customer pressures, distributors like BBI can flexibly adjust by switching suppliers and marketing channels while benefiting from U.S. tariff policies, and highlighted BBI’s competitive advantage in its large inventory.

In his presentation, Jun Xu detailed that BBI specializes in the complex and diverse socket fastener market, offering about 6,000 product specifications to meet different customer needs. After being acquired in 2008 by an investment group led by Ta Chen International, BBI expanded through acquisitions, including Porteous Fastener in 2013, Australia’s EZ Sockets in 2015, and IRONCLAD Performance Wear and Vertex Distribution in 2021, strengthening its business scale and inventory advantages. BBI operates with 80% of its business online, improving customer inquiry and service efficiency, enabling distributors to quickly respond to orders, with about 95% of orders shipped within one day. Regarding U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, Jun Xu believes that investing in highly complex critical fasteners increases irreplaceability and competitiveness despite tariff impacts. BBI leverages this opportunity with its ample inventory and operational flexibility to maintain control in competition. Currently, BBI holds about 60-70% market share in U.S. distribution channels, with annual revenue near USD 3 billion and serving 3,000 to 4,000 customers. Its main products are medium- and low-carbon steel fasteners, with high-end fasteners maintaining a stable share.

Near midday, TIFI and BBI formally signed an MOU, symbolizing closer collaboration and concluding the visit on a high note. Director Liao pointed out that following the recent U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut, economic growth is expected to continue, and rising demand in U.S. construction, automobile, and public infrastructure will drive fastener market development. Kaohsiung Government and TIFI will jointly support industry players in expanding R&D and sales channels, further deepening Taiwan-U.S. fastener collaboration.

This trip not only strengthened industrial chain interaction but also provided forward-looking strategic insights for Taiwanese fastener firms. It demonstrated that under fierce global competition and tariff policies, enhancing channel integration and collaboration is a key objective for the industry. Taiwan’s fastener sector will continue to deepen international collaboration, strengthen brand and supply chain competitiveness, and promote stable industry growth.