The market for raw materials is currently in great turmoil. In recent times the global economic crisis has forced many manufacturers of steel and stainless steel to reduce production and cut down stock levels. The first signs of economic recovery cause a rise in demand, which leads to availability problems and explosive price increases. The increase in the costs of raw materials, naturally affects the cost prices for finished products. Unfortunately the fasteners market is not spared by these developments. This means we have lately been confronted with increasing cost prices. Of course we make every effort to limit the increase of our sales prices as much as possible. Unfortunately we can no longer avoid charging on the rising cost prices in our net calculations. Shortly we will also be forced to carry out adjustments in our gross sales prices. Current fixed price agreements will naturally be observed until the agreed upon expiration date.