This chart shows the S&P500 index versus the earnings of S&P500 companies.

Here, we can clearly see the increasing divergence between the value of the S&P500 companies and their earnings.

This would reinforce the narrative that the equity market has been driven by central bank liquidy rather than their underlying fundamentals.

Will 2021 mark the end of this divergence?

The answer to this question is what makes this chart one of the 4 to follow in 2021.

Aluminum is an essential element that is behind only silicon and oxygen in terms of its abundance in the earth’s crust. While materials like steel and copper have a longer use history, today aluminum is found in numerous applications across a wide swath of diverse industries.

The History of Aluminum

Aluminum ores had previously been identified but extracting it was a tricky and complex process until the late 1800s. At that time, the Hall- Heroult process of smelting aluminum — or extracting it from alumina, its oxide — was developed. In fact, at that point in time, aluminum was considered to be of greater importance than gold. With the refinement of its extraction processes, the metal became even more desirable and in demand.

The History of Aluminum Extrusion

Joseph Bramah, an English locksmith and inventor, is credited with being the first to patent a process for extrusion. In 1797, he did so to make lead pipe. This approach — albeit primitive by today’s standards — set the stage for later innovations. He forced the metal into a die by using a plunger that he held in his hand. By 1820, a hydraulic press created by Thomas Burr made the process easier. In 1894, Alexander Dick invented the first hot extrusion press. It was with this invention that the extrusion process could be extended to work on nearly all non-ferrous alloys.

How Aluminum Extrusion Changed the World

With improvements in extrusion processes came a significant increase in the amount of cut and finish manufacturing projects that could be completed. This dramatic risk was particularly notable within the automotive industry. However, the auto industry is not the only one that has adopted aluminum extrusion and enjoyed its benefits. While wires and pipes were the bulk of the earliest extrusions, today that can be found in diverse environments spanning the high-tech aerospace industry to sporting goods and more.

The industrial sector — particularly the automotive business — was the recipient of much of this newfound supply of aluminum but it was not its sole focus. During the first and second world wars, aluminum extrusion and its ability to reduce lead times made it possible for aircraft to be manufactured quickly and accurately. It was this reliance on aluminum extrusion that served as a propellant of the method beyond its use in the automotive, military and aerospace industries. While still heavily in use in these industries today, the process is also used extensively in everything from consumer goods to housing and more.

The Future of Aluminum Extrusion

Aluminum extrusion continues to break new ground with improvements in materials and processes as they are tested, expanded and implemented. Precision and accuracy are possible with these technological advances. Having the ability to use aluminum — with its lightweight and diverse properties — improves the performance of the part.

3ERP works extensively with aluminum, along with a variety of other metals and materials. We encourage you to contact us with any questions about our services or to learn how we can partner with you on your next project.

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Dec
02

James (Jim) Zehnder, passed away November 25, 2019 at the age of 84 (two weeks shy of his 85th birthday). He is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Margaret; his son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Cindie Zehnder; daughters, Mary and her husband, Faron Cajthaml, and Barbara Zehnder. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Joshua, Erin, Caleb, Claire, Hope, Grace, Brooke, and Sam; great-grandchild, Naomi.

Jim was an ordained Lutheran minister for more than 20 years, was also the CEO of the family business, a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, and was an active member of the Rotary.  He enjoyed feeding birds, working in his backyard, wood-working, and exercise.

Like his brother John and father Paul, Jim served in the NFDA for many years.

Click here for more information.

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Natalis: the trade show

Natalis is the largest market in Lisbon on Christmas items. The event brings together all kinds of Christmas articles, from the decor, gifts, crafts, and traditional to gourmet cuisine, without leaving out the jewelry and fashion accessories.

During the event, taking place of entertainment and activities for the whole family. The income from ticket sales is donated to charities.

Event profile Natalis

• Industries: Christmas, Christmas decorations, Fashion accessories, Craft, Christmas food, Fashion, Hotel industry, Art, Decoration
• Frequency: anual
• Scope: Nacional

Next edition Natalis

• From Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 December 2022
• Venue:
  FIL Feira Internacional de Lisboa
• City: Lisboa
• Country: Portugal
• More info.: natalis.fil.pt

Natalis editions

May
11

Mid-States Bolt & Screw Company, also known as “the dedicated fastener people”, is celebrating 50 years of business on May 24th, 2023!

Mid-States Bolt & Screw Company has an extensive inventory of nuts, bolts, and screws. The saying goes, “If we don’t have it, we can find it, if we can’t find it, it doesn’t exist.” Fasteners are used in different applications and are needed across many industries. The diversity of their uses and the industries that use them are a key element of our company’s stability and longevity.

Our Founder, Herb Somers, had a vision for his fastener business that was simple and straightforward which led to the successful business it is today. His vision includes core principals such as cultivating a diverse customer base, treating customers like you want to be treated, knowing what you do well and do it, and hiring the right people.

After Herb’s passing, that vision was upheld by his three sons Scott, Matt and Marc and they continue his legacy today. In 50 years, Mid-States Bolt & Screw Co. has grown from a business out of its founders’ basement to a multi-state, international business, with anticipated growth in the future.
We are proud to say our headquarters are in Burton, Michigan. In 2019, we added another warehouse for our expanding Kitting Department, one of our services we provide to customers. Other services we provide include: Industrial Supplies, MRO, VMI Programs and Industrial Vending Machines.
We also have locations in Saginaw, Lansing, Gaylord, Norton Shores, Shelby, Niles, MI, Statesville, NC, and in Perrysburg, OH. We have several crib locations in many states and two other countries, Mexico and Canada.

If you ask the locals, Mid-States Bolt & Screw Co. is an integral part of the community. Settling itself in these different locations and becoming the fastener favorite to the surrounding areas. Another example of our community involvement is our non-profit charity we started, Threads for Treads, T4T, which provides shoes and boots to local school students who are in need.

All of our success would not be possible without our wonderful employees. Many of our team members have been with us for over 10 years. Several employees have been with the company much longer and had the distinct pleasure of working with our founder, Herb Somers, prior to his passing. The Mid-States Bolt & Screw Company started small but was built on big family values. We know our people are what make us successful, and we trust our team to help us achieve our goals. A special thank you to our Mid-States family!

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