Angela Harriman: Master of Orders, Quotes, and Smiles
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back on a year full of momentum, teamwork, & real progress. We asked a few of our employee-owners to reflect on the year & share what we’re excited about heading into 2026.
What were Buckeye Fasteners’ biggest wins in 2025?
2025 brought growth across the board. We strengthened our digital presence, reached more customers, & continued to prove why we’re a dependable domestic source for weld & non-weld fasteners.
“Our employee-owners led major process improvements in quoting, order fulfillment, & quality communication,” said Rick Biro, Sales Manager & Employee Owner. “Their efforts, combined with new training resources & upgraded equipment, has positioned Buckeye to serve customers faster, smarter, & more collaboratively in the coming years."
What challenges did you overcome this year?
Like many manufacturers, we had to adapt to shifting demand while still keeping lead times short. We stayed flexible by strengthening supplier relationships, improving our forecasting, & giving our teams the tools & support to make quick decisions. We also invested in tech that keeps everyone—sales, operations, & customers—connected in real time.
Is there a standout customer story from 2025?
One highlight was supporting an automotive Tier-2 customer during a sudden supply disruption. Our teams jumped in together, problem-solved quickly, & kept their lines running without a single missed shipment. It was a great example of what our employee ownership looks like in action.
How did the market evolve this year?
Customers are looking for more transparency, better data access, & stronger partnerships. We responded by rolling out more digital tools like part-number search features, certification portals, self-serve documentation, while also meeting growing demand for domestically made components.
How did employee ownership shape 2025?
Employee ownership continues to be one of our biggest strengths. Our teams pushed improvements from the ground up, from packaging updates to better communication to smarter use of data.
“Customers notice it in the way we communicate, problem-solve, & follow through,” said Tony Martinez, Assistant Sales Manager & Employee-Owner. “Being 100% employee-owned means every improvement starts with our people.”
What investments did you make in equipment or technology?
We upgraded our cold-forming & resistance-welding equipment, which helped boost precision & throughput. We also expanded our analytics & ERP integrations, giving us better real-time visibility & helping us maintain consistent quality.
Any new capabilities or product expansions?
Heading into 2026, we’re excited to roll out automated feed & floating weld nuts for robotic welding & high-volume assembly. Our quick-turn prototype & low-volume programs also continue to help customers test ideas faster.
What are the key goals for 2026?
In the new year, we plan to:
• Grow through digital & distributor partnerships
• Enhance the online customer experience with more interactive tools
• Automate quality & lot-tracking systems
• Continue investing in employee training, leadership, & collaboration
What industry trends will shape the coming year?
Automation, reshoring, sustainability, & traceability will continue to influence our industry. Speed & transparency are becoming must-haves, & manufacturers who deliver both will stand out. Our hybrid model of manufacturing & distribution puts us in a strong position to meet these demands.
“The pace of change in manufacturing keeps accelerating,” said Martinez. “Customers want instant information, domestic supply options, & partners who can move as fast as their production needs. We’re really leaning into that shift in the new year.”
If you had to summarize 2025 in one word, what would it be?
Momentum. We started the year aligned & ended it moving even faster, driven by our people, customers, & shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Any final message heading into 2026?
Thank you to our customers, partners, & employee-owners for another successful year. Our century-long history is built on teamwork, craftsmanship, & trust, & we’re excited to carry that forward into 2026. We look forward to strengthening relationships, delivering solutions you can count on, & continuing to build opportunities that last.
Buckeye Fasteners Reflects on 2025 & Looks Ahead to 2026
What were Buckeye Fasteners’ biggest wins in 2025?
2025 brought growth across the board. We strengthened our digital presence, reached more customers, & continued to prove why we’re a dependable domestic source for weld & non-weld fasteners.
“Our employee-owners led major process improvements in quoting, order fulfillment, & quality communication,” said Rick Biro, Sales Manager & Employee Owner. “Their efforts, combined with new training resources & upgraded equipment, has positioned Buckeye to serve customers faster, smarter, & more collaboratively in the coming years."
What challenges did you overcome this year?
Like many manufacturers, we had to adapt to shifting demand while still keeping lead times short. We stayed flexible by strengthening supplier relationships, improving our forecasting, & giving our teams the tools & support to make quick decisions. We also invested in tech that keeps everyone—sales, operations, & customers—connected in real time.
Is there a standout customer story from 2025?
One highlight was supporting an automotive Tier-2 customer during a sudden supply disruption. Our teams jumped in together, problem-solved quickly, & kept their lines running without a single missed shipment. It was a great example of what our employee ownership looks like in action.
How did the market evolve this year?
Customers are looking for more transparency, better data access, & stronger partnerships. We responded by rolling out more digital tools like part-number search features, certification portals, self-serve documentation, while also meeting growing demand for domestically made components.
How did employee ownership shape 2025?
Employee ownership continues to be one of our biggest strengths. Our teams pushed improvements from the ground up, from packaging updates to better communication to smarter use of data.
“Customers notice it in the way we communicate, problem-solve, & follow through,” said Tony Martinez, Assistant Sales Manager & Employee-Owner. “Being 100% employee-owned means every improvement starts with our people.”
What investments did you make in equipment or technology?
We upgraded our cold-forming & resistance-welding equipment, which helped boost precision & throughput. We also expanded our analytics & ERP integrations, giving us better real-time visibility & helping us maintain consistent quality.
Any new capabilities or product expansions?
Heading into 2026, we’re excited to roll out automated feed & floating weld nuts for robotic welding & high-volume assembly. Our quick-turn prototype & low-volume programs also continue to help customers test ideas faster.
What are the key goals for 2026?
In the new year, we plan to:
• Grow through digital & distributor partnerships
• Enhance the online customer experience with more interactive tools
• Automate quality & lot-tracking systems
• Continue investing in employee training, leadership, & collaboration
What industry trends will shape the coming year?
Automation, reshoring, sustainability, & traceability will continue to influence our industry. Speed & transparency are becoming must-haves, & manufacturers who deliver both will stand out. Our hybrid model of manufacturing & distribution puts us in a strong position to meet these demands.
“The pace of change in manufacturing keeps accelerating,” said Martinez. “Customers want instant information, domestic supply options, & partners who can move as fast as their production needs. We’re really leaning into that shift in the new year.”
If you had to summarize 2025 in one word, what would it be?
Momentum. We started the year aligned & ended it moving even faster, driven by our people, customers, & shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Any final message heading into 2026?
Thank you to our customers, partners, & employee-owners for another successful year. Our century-long history is built on teamwork, craftsmanship, & trust, & we’re excited to carry that forward into 2026. We look forward to strengthening relationships, delivering solutions you can count on, & continuing to build opportunities that last.