SPAX
SPAX manufactures premium German-engineered construction screws, PowerLags structural fasteners, and specialty coated fasteners at its Bryan and Pioneer, Ohio facilities, selling through national home improvement retailers, hardware chains, and lumber dealers to professional contractors, finish carpenters, deck builders, and DIY homeowners across North America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersBryan, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SPAX does
SPAX is a manufacturer of premium construction screws and structural fasteners, operating as a brand of ALTENLOH, BRINCK & CO. US, INC. and tracing its corporate lineage to Altenloh, Brinck & Co. (ABC), a German industrial screw producer founded in 1823 in Ennepetal, Germany. The SPAX brand launched in Europe in 1967 and entered the North American market in 1997, with US manufacturing consolidated at a 200,000 sq. ft. Bryan, Ohio headquarters since 2006 and supported by a 100,000 sq. ft. heat-treat and packaging facility in Pioneer, Ohio, expanded by an additional 64,000 sq. ft. packaging facility in 2022. The product portfolio spans PowerLags structural wood-to-wood fasteners, multi-material construction screws, stainless steel exterior fasteners, cabinetry and trim-head lines, and complementary accessories (deck tape, spacers, washers, driver bits).
The technology stack is founded on a set of patented, in-house developed features: 4CUT point geometry that displaces wood fibers to eliminate pre-drilling; T-STAR and T-STAR Plus six-lobe drive systems; serrated threads that reduce driving torque by approximately 40% and installation time by up to 80% versus conventional lags; MULTI-Head countersinking designs; proprietary heat treatment for shear strength optimization; and dual-barrier HCR (1300-hour ASTM B117 salt spray) and HCR-X (1500-hour) corrosion coatings approved for ground-contact pressure-treated lumber. Code-compliance documentation includes ICC-ES ESR-1782 and DrJ Engineering TER 1711-01 and 1802-03, and the Bryan facility has held ISO 9001 certification since 2001, most recently renewed to ISO 9001:2015 in 2023.
SPAX sells primarily through a multi-channel distribution architecture spanning national home improvement retailers (Lowe's, The Home Depot, Menards), hardware cooperatives and chains (Ace Hardware, Do It Best), the Amazon marketplace, and a growing network of lumber and building material dealers accessed through an authorized dealer store locator, with field-sales support focused on category consolidation for dealers. Primary end customers are professional contractors, finish carpenters, and deck builders, supplemented by DIY homeowners purchasing through retail; SMB-level cabinet makers and custom woodworkers are highlighted in published testimonials. Pricing is wholesale/dealer-based with quote-driven terms and is not publicly disclosed; the firm also operates the SPAX Crew community program and maintains technical resource libraries (CAD, BIM, ICC submittals, code reports) to support professional specifications. Related business lines from acquired subsidiaries include TRUFAST commercial roofing fasteners, TRUFAST Walls fastening systems from the 2017 Rodenhouse acquisition, and ES Products specialty roof deck fasteners.
SPAX firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SPAX
- Legal name
- ALTENLOH, BRINCK & CO. US, INC.
- Website
- https://spax.us
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- SPAX manufactures premium German-engineered construction screws, PowerLags structural fasteners, and specialty coated fasteners at its Bryan and Pioneer, Ohio facilities, selling through national home improvement retailers, hardware chains, and lumber dealers to professional contractors, finish carpenters, deck builders, and DIY homeowners across North America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SPAX industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Construction Screws & Fasteners
- NAICS
- Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing (332722)
- SIC
- Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Rivets & Washers (3452)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fasteners, Nails, Screws & Anchors Retail (CRAIADAC)
Keywords
Where SPAX is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bryan
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
SPAX business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Construction Fastener Sales: Revenue generated from the sale of engineered construction screws and structural fasteners to distributors, retailers, and directly to contractors through dealer networks. Products include PowerLags, multi-material construction screws, stainless steel fasteners, and related accessories.
- Wholesale/B2B Distribution: Bulk sales to home improvement centers, hardware chains, and building material dealers with job-friendly package quantities including bulk pails.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wholesale and dealer pricing through authorized distribution network |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels6 records
SPAX product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SPAX manufactures and sells premium engineered construction screws and structural fasteners—including its PowerLags structural fastener line, multi-material construction screws, stainless steel exterior fasteners, trim head and cabinetry finishing screws, and accessories such as deck tape, spacers, washers, and driver bits. Products are produced in Bryan, Ohio, and distributed through national home-improvement retailers, lumber dealers, online channels, and a professional dealer program staffed by field sales representatives. The company sells to both professional contractors and DIY homeowners.
Product overview
SPAX is a manufacturer of premium construction screws and engineered fasteners sold through home improvement centers, hardware distributors, and lumber dealers nationwide. The product portfolio is organized around two primary core lines—PowerLags (structural wood-to-wood fasteners) and Multi-Material (construction screws for wood, concrete, masonry, sheet metal, and plastic)—complemented by specialized lines including Cabinetry finishing fasteners, Stainless Steel exterior fasteners, Trim Head finishing screws, and accessory products including deck tape, deck spacers, insulation washers, and driver bits. Key proprietary technologies include the T-STAR and T-STAR plus drive systems, 4CUT point technology for no-pre-drilling performance, and HCR and HCR-X corrosion-resistant coatings. The products are primarily available through retail partners (Lowe's, Menards, Home Depot, Amazon, Ace Hardware) and are manufactured in Ohio with German engineering heritage dating to the parent company Altenloh, Brinck & Co., founded in 1823.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PowerLags: Premium structural screws for wood-to-wood connections in exterior and interior applications
- TRUFAST
- TRUFAST Walls
- PowerDeck
- PowerTrim
- SPAX Crew
Products and services
- PowerLags Structural Fasteners Heavy-duty structural wood-to-wood and wood-to-engineered-lumber fasteners, including ledger-board and framing screws, marketed under the PowerLags sub-brand for professional contractors and code-compliant structural connections.
- Multi-Material Construction Screws General-purpose construction screws engineered to fasten wood, composite, and other common building materials without pre-drilling, sold to both professional contractors and DIY homeowners through retail and dealer channels.
- Cabinetry & Finishing Screws Specialized screws designed for cabinetry assembly and fine finishing applications, intended for finish carpenters, cabinetmakers, and DIY homeowners requiring clean, concealed fastening.
- Stainless Steel Exterior Fasteners Stainless steel screws engineered for exterior, marine, and other highly corrosive environments, including decking, fencing, and outdoor structures exposed to weather and treated lumber.
- Trim Head Finishing Screws Small-head trim screws used for finish carpentry, trim work, and applications where a concealed fastener head is desired, targeted at finish carpenters and DIY homeowners.
- SPAX Fastener Accessories Complementary accessory products sold alongside SPAX fasteners, including deck tape, spacers, washers, and driver bits, used to support proper installation of SPAX screw systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40% less driving torque required compared to conventional lags
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SPAX
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SPAX technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
SPAX partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Rodenhouse Inc.coreAcquired in August 2017 as strategic growth initiative for fastener portfolio serving entire building envelope. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, manufactures innovative fastening systems for exterior building envelopes and facades including EIFS and stucco applications.
- ES ProductsminorAcquired in 2013 as a specialty roof fastener company serving the low density, low slope roof deck market for nearly 60 years. Broadened TRUFAST roofing fastener offerings for complete low slope roofing market solutions.
- TRUFAST CorporationcoreAcquired in 2006 as a leading manufacturer of engineered fastening solutions for the commercial roofing industry. Combined with ABC US operations to form ALTENLOH, BRINCK & CO. US, INC. in 2010, manufacturing both TRUFAST and SPAX brands for North American market.
- International Cold Forming AllianceminorFormed in 2000 with Rockford (US) and Osaka Rashi (Japan) establishing ABC Group as a global player in the fastener industry through cold forming technology partnership.
- Rodenhouse Fastening Systems (Pre-acquisition)minorFounded in 1993 by Robert Rodenhouse in Grand Rapids, MI focusing on rigid foam insulation fasteners for EIFS and polymer modified stucco systems before acquisition in 2017.
- AZ Ausrüstung und ZubehörminorBecame subsidiary in 1990, increasing international presence by establishing distribution companies in England, France, Spain, Poland, Turkey and the US.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
SPAX competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Simpson Strong-Tie: Leading US manufacturer of structural connectors, fasteners, and code-listed construction products for residential and commercial building. Directly comparable to SPAX in wood-to-wood structural screws, deck ledger fastening, and ICC-ES code-listed fastener categories serving professional contractors.
- The Hillman Group: Large US manufacturer and distributor of fasteners, hardware, and personal protection equipment sold through home improvement and hardware retail channels. Comparable to SPAX in product mix, channel strategy (Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, Menards), and target end-customers.
- PrimeSource Building Products (Grip-Rite): National distributor and manufacturer of construction fasteners under the Grip-Rite and Pro-Twist brands, with deep penetration at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards. Closely comparable to SPAX in screw SKUs, contractor focus, and big-box distribution model.
- National Nail (Pro-Fit): Manufacturer of specialty and commodity construction fasteners including Pro-Fit, CAMO, and Stinger brands, sold through home improvement and building material dealers. Directly competes with SPAX in deck screws, structural fasteners, and hidden fastening systems.
- GRK Fasteners: Premium structural screw brand (now part of Illinois Tool Works) specializing in code-listed wood-to-wood and deck ledger fasteners sold through pro dealer channels. Closely comparable to SPAX PowerLags in product positioning, ICC code listings, and professional contractor target segment.
Broad incumbents
- Fastenal Company: Largest US industrial fastener distributor with significant in-house manufacturing (Fastenal Manufacturing, Riv-Sub) and over 1,600 Onsite locations. Comparable to SPAX as a fastener supplier to professional end-users, though Fastenal serves a broader industrial customer base beyond construction.
- Hilti: Global manufacturer of professional-grade tools, fastening systems, and anchors with strong direct-to-contractor sales. Comparable to SPAX in premium positioning, code-tested fasteners, and pro-contractor focus, though Hilti offers a much broader portfolio of power tools and firestop systems.
- Würth Group: Global leader in fastener and assembly technology with direct-sales model to trades and industry. Comparable to SPAX in premium fastener brands (Würth, ASSY), German engineering heritage, and pro-contractor targeting, though operating at a much larger scale and international footprint.
- ITW (Illinois Tool Works) — Construction Products: Diversified industrial manufacturer whose Construction Products segment includes Paslode, GRK Fasteners, and other fastening brands. Comparable to SPAX as a parent of competing fastener brands with global manufacturing scale and professional contractor channels.
Emerging players
- Senco Brands: Manufacturer of fastening tools, collated fasteners, and pneumatic/compressed-air systems for framing, decking, and finish applications. Comparable to SPAX as a fastening-focused brand serving professional contractors in residential construction, though more tool-centric.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SPAX social profiles
Digital presenceSPAX compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
SPAX financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SPAX leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
SPAX subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
SPAX funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SPAX M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SPAX
What does SPAX do?
SPAX manufactures and sells premium engineered construction screws and structural fasteners—including its PowerLags structural fastener line, multi-material construction screws, stainless steel exterior fasteners, trim head and cabinetry finishing screws, and accessories such as deck tape, spacers, washers, and driver bits. Products are produced in Bryan, Ohio, and distributed through national home-improvement retailers, lumber dealers, online channels, and a professional dealer program staffed by field sales representatives. The company sells to both professional contractors and DIY homeowners.
Is SPAX a public or private company?
SPAX is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was SPAX founded?
SPAX was founded in 1967. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is SPAX based?
SPAX is headquartered in Bryan, United States, in the North America region.
How does SPAX make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Construction Fastener Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/B2B Distribution.
Who are SPAX's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Simpson Strong-Tie, The Hillman Group, PrimeSource Building Products (Grip-Rite), National Nail (Pro-Fit) and GRK Fasteners. Broad incumbents are Fastenal Company, Hilti, Würth Group and ITW (Illinois Tool Works) — Construction Products. Senco Brands is listed as an emerging player.
Does SPAX have an API?
No public API is recorded for SPAX.
What industry is SPAX in?
SPAX's product category is Construction Screws & Fasteners. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIADAC, Fasteners, Nails, Screws & Anchors Retail. Its NAICS code is 332722 and its SIC code is 3452.