German Screw Association

What German Screw Association does

The German Screw Association (Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V.) is the primary German trade association for manufacturers of mechanical fasteners — screws, nuts, rivets, washers, and cold-formed connection elements — headquartered in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia since 1977. Organized as a registered association (eingetragener Verein, Vereinsregister Hagen VR 1846), it represents over 100 member companies spanning the fastener value chain, including major manufacturers (SPAX International, EJOT, Nord-Lock, HEICO, HECO, Böllhoff), surface-treatment specialists, tooling and testing equipment suppliers, automotive partners (LISI Automotive), and research institutes (Fraunhofer IGP, TU Darmstadt MPA-IfW, Universität Duisburg-Essen). Its core offerings are (1) collective industry representation before government and regulatory bodies, with formal Lobbyregister registration (R000506) since February 2022; (2) technical standards and norms access, code-of-conduct enforcement, and joint research coordination (Forschungsvereinigung Schraubenverbindungen / FSV); and (3) a monetized professional training division, the Schraubfachakademie (DSV), established in 2019, which delivers tiered certifications — Schraubfachingenieur (DSV), Schraubfachtechniker (DSV), and Schraubfachkraft (DSV) — plus specialized seminars on fastener manufacturing, galvanotechnics, and test documentation, with 812 graduates produced since 2010.

The business model rests on two revenue streams: recurring annual membership dues from ordinary and associate members, and per-seminar fees from the Schraubfachakademie (e.g., Prüfbescheinigungen seminar at €630 for members vs €750 non-members; Basiswissen Galvanotechnik at €890/€950). Distribution is purely direct — companies join via the website, training is delivered at partner university sites across Germany (Darmstadt, Siegen, Lüdenscheid, Dresden) — and the association is VAT-exempt under German §4 Nr. 22a UStG. Marketing channels are the schraubenverband.de website (with a manufacturer directory), LinkedIn/Xing profiles, the annual Schraubentagung Darmstadt conference, and the WSM-led 'Wir. Formen. Fortschritt.' Mittelstand campaign, which links DSV to a coalition of 13 associations representing approximately 5,000 companies and 500,000 employees for policy advocacy.

Strategically the organization sits at the intersection of standards work, professional credentialing, and political advocacy for a sector that produced over 710,000 tonnes of fasteners in Germany in 2022 (Stat. Bundesamt, April 2023). It operates with a small staff (1-10 employees reported) under Managing Directors Dr.-Ing. Stefan Beyer and Hans Führlbeck, with Dr. Wolfgang Scheiding and Jörg Säger as co-chairmen, and does not develop or sell technology products, distinguishing it from commercial software or industrial vendors. Its forward trajectory is anchored in expanding the Schraubfachakademie's certification depth and event portfolio, deepening university partnerships, and leveraging its lobby position — rather than scaling into a commercial product business.

Name

German Screw Association

Legal name

Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V.

Website

https://schraubenverband.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The German Screw Association (Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V.) is a Hagen-based trade association representing over 100 German manufacturers of mechanical fasteners, providing collective regulatory advocacy, standards access, and certified professional training through its Schraubfachakademie academy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (81391)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

Keywords

• Fastener industry association
• Mechanical fastener standards
• Professional fastener training
• Screw qualification programs
• Industry advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hagen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The association generates revenue through annual membership fees paid by ordinary and associate members. Members receive benefits including participation in working groups, experience exchange, representation of interests, and access to research.
2. Seminar and Training Fees (Schraubfachakademie): The Schraubfachakademie charges fees for professional training programs including Schraubfachingenieur (DSV), Schraubfachtechniker (DSV), Schraubfachkraft (DSV), and specialized seminars. Pricing varies between member and non-member rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The German Screw Association is a member-funded German trade association (eingetragener Verein, e.V.) serving manufacturers of mechanical fasteners. It delivers its value through three lines: (1) industry advocacy and standardization work coordinated with government and peer associations, (2) certified professional training and seminars through its Schraubfachakademie (DSV)® academy (Schraubfachingenieur, Schraubfachtechniker, Schraubfachkraft), and (3) member services including access to norms, legal opinions, joint research (FSV), and working-committee participation.

Product overview

The German Screw Association (Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V.) operates primarily as a professional industry association offering a comprehensive training and qualification ecosystem through its Schraubfachakademie (DSV)® academy. The core product portfolio consists of three-tiered qualification programs: Schraubfachingenieur (DSV)® for engineers, Schraubfachtechniker (DSV)® for technicians and masters, and Schraubfachkraft (DSV)® for skilled workers. These are complemented by specialized seminars including Fachkompetenz Herstellung (manufacturing competence), Basiswissen Galvanotechnik (galvanic surface treatment), and Prüfbescheinigungen (test certificates). The association also provides member services including standards access, research collaboration, legal opinions, and committee participation. The portfolio operates as a platform model where the academy serves as the central hub with modular, progressive qualifications building upon foundational and specialization modules.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Schraubfachakademie (DSV): Professional training and certification division of the Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V. offering courses such as Schraubfachingenieur (DSV), Schraubfachtechniker (DSV), and Schraubfachkraft (DSV) qualifications, as well as specialized seminars on galvanizing, friction coefficients, fastener manufacturing, and quality documentation.

Products and services

• Schraubfachakademie (DSV)® The training academy of the German Screw Association offering professional qualifications and continuing-education programs for engineers, technicians, and specialists in screw connections and fastening technology. Established in 2019 as a separate business unit within the association.
• Schraubfachingenieur (DSV)® Advanced qualification program for engineers with a completed technical university degree, covering design, calculation, assembly, and quality management of screw connections according to VDI Guideline 2230.
• Schraubfachtechniker (DSV)® Qualification program for certified technicians, masters, and technical specialists with industry experience, focusing on assessment, assembly parameter determination, quality assurance, and material characterization of screw connections.
• Schraubfachkraft (DSV)® Entry-level qualification program for technical professionals with completed vocational training or equivalent experience, covering fundamental knowledge of screw connections including terminology, manufacturing, mechanical properties, and assembly procedures. Basismodul 24 hours; pricing per course image.
• Fachkompetenz Herstellung mechanischer Verbindungselemente (DSV) Four-day advanced seminar covering theoretical foundations and industrial practice of manufacturing mechanical fasteners including wire drawing, cold mass forming, thread rolling, heat treatment, surface finishing, and quality assurance. Course fee per course image; member and non-member rates differ; 4-day course plus exam.
• Basiswissen Galvanotechnik für Verbindungselemente Two-day seminar on galvanic surface treatment of fasteners covering pretreatment, electrodeposition, passivation, lubricant coatings, and sealants for corrosion protection. Members: 890€; Non-members: 950€ (netto, excl. VAT).
• Prüfbescheinigungen, Konformitäts- und Prüfdokumente One-day seminar on test certificates, conformity declarations, and inspection documents according to DIN EN 10204, DIN EN ISO/IEC 17050, and DIN EN ISO 16228 for mechanical fasteners. Members: 630€ + 100€ exam; Non-members: 750€ + 125€ exam.
• Montageverfahren und Prozessanalyse (Spezialisierungsmodul) Specialization module within the Schraubfachkraft qualification covering screw assembly procedures, tightening tools, process capability studies, and quality documentation according to VDI/VDE 2862.
• Standards and Norms Access (Mitgliederbereich) Members-only access to technical standards and normalization-work documents for the fastener industry, hosted in the DSV Mitgliederbereich (members' area).
• Research Services (FSV Coordination) Scientific joint-research services (FSV) supporting members with innovation and development in fastening technology, coordinated by the association in collaboration with research institutes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 812 professionals trained through Schraubfachakademie since 2010
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Wirtschaftsverband Stahl- und Metallverarbeitung (WSM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe WSM is the driving force behind the 'Wir. Formen. Fortschritt.' Mittelstand campaign. The DSV is one of 13 industrial associations supporting this campaign which mobilizes approximately 5,000 companies and 500,000 employees to advocate for policies benefiting German industry.
• TU Darmstadt - Zentrum für Konstruktionswerkstoffe / MPA-IfWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for the Schraubfachtechniker (DSV) qualification program and hosting location for the Schraubenseminar and relevant training modules. Located at Grafenstraße 2, 64283 Darmstadt.
• Universität Siegen - Institut für Konstruktion / MVPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for the Schraubfachtechniker (DSV) qualification program (Module II: Konstruktion/Berechnung) and academic member of DSV.
• IFU - Institut für Umformtechnik der mittelständischen Wirtschaft GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the Fachkompetenz Herstellung mechanischer Verbindungselemente (DSV) training program. Located in Lutherstraße 13, 58507 Lüdenscheid. Hosting partner for practical components of fastener manufacturing training.
• TU Dresden - Fakultät Maschinenwesen, Institut für Fertigungstechnik, Professur FügetechniksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic member and training location partner for DSV seminars including Montageverfahren und Prozessanalyse module of Schraubfachkraft (DSV).
• Hochschule OffenburgsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity member of the DSV, participating in academic collaboration for fastener industry research and education.
• Universität Duisburg-Essen - Institut für Metall- und LeichtbaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccredited testing laboratory (D-PL-21613-00) and member of DSV. Provides testing services for bolted connections per DIN EN 1090-2, DIN EN 14399-2, ISO 16047, and other fastener standards. Accredited by DIBt as PÜZ-Stelle NRW71.
• Cetim (Frankfurt)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical centre for French mechanical engineering industry. Provides engineering, testing, and R&D services. DSV member providing expertise in materials testing, fastener testing, and training through Cetim Academy (7,000+ participants annually).
• 12 other industrial associations under WSMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe DSV collaborates with 12 additional industry associations through the 'Wir. Formen. Fortschritt.' campaign coordinated by WSM, representing a collective of approximately 5,000 companies and 500,000 employees for policy advocacy.
• Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive industry association member of DSV. Collaborates on standards, research, and industry representation for automotive fastener applications.
• WHW AKADEMIE O!secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner for the 'Basiswissen Galvanotechnik für Verbindungselemente' seminar. Located at Westerhaar 56-58, 58739 Wickede (Ruhr). Provides training venue and expertise for galvanic surface treatment training.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung): Germany's national standards body, with which DSV collaborates on fastener norms. It is an adjacent enabling peer that defines the regulatory substrate on which DSV's training and standards work depends.

Broad incumbents

• Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA): Germany's leading automotive industry association and a DSV member. VDA is a comparable industry-body peer focused on a key end-market for fasteners, with deeper resources and broader policy influence.
• Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI): Germany's umbrella federation of industrial associations and the apex lobbying body. Comparable as a higher-tier industry-association peer that aggregates sector associations including those adjacent to fasteners.
• VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau): Germany's mechanical engineering industry association representing ~3,500 member firms. Comparable as a German industry-association peer serving a downstream customer segment of fastener manufacturers.

Emerging players

• Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI): Germany's largest technical-scientific professional society, which also issues VDI guidelines (e.g., 2230) referenced in DSV training. It is a partial competitor in technical certification and a complementary peer in shaping engineering standards.
• Cetim (Centre Technique des Industries Mécaniques): France's technical centre for mechanical engineering and a DSV member, offering fastener testing, training (Cetim Academy, 7,000+ participants annually), and R&D. It is a comparable cross-border technical-body peer for standards-driven training and certification.

Direct peers

• Wirtschaftsverband Stahl- und Metallverarbeitung (WSM): The coordinating umbrella trade association of which DSV is a member and partner. WSM drives the 'Wir. Formen. Fortschritt.' Mittelstand campaign covering 5,000 companies and 500,000 employees, making it the most directly comparable German industry-association peer.
• European Industrial Fasteners Association (EIFI): Brussels-based pan-European federation of national fastener industry associations. It is the natural international counterpart to DSV, representing the same manufacturers and engaging in parallel standards and advocacy work at the EU level.

Regional players

• National Fasteners Association (US): U.S. national trade association for the fastener industry. A geographically distinct but structurally comparable peer — a national membership body for fastener manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers — providing a useful benchmark for DSV's positioning outside Europe.
• Bundesverband Metallwarenindustrie (BVMI): German metalware industry association covering adjacent sub-sectors (hardware, tools) that overlap with fastener categories. A comparable German regional industry-body peer with overlapping but not identical membership scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deutscher-schraubenverband-e.v.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about German Screw Association