UDIB Unione Distributori Italiani Bulloneria (Italian Union of Fastener Distributors) was founded in 1976 with the purpose to unite Italy's major fastener distributors. The initiative was promoted by Antonio Girardello, who became the Association's first President. The association kept growing over the years and rooted all across the country. Now it has 40 members, who operate in the various sectors of fastener distribution. Members include stainless steel specialists, importers, industrial service providers, and small and large manufacturers that distribute only partly.
In 2000, UDIB co-founded EFDA (European Fastener Distributor Association), which brings together Europe's largest associations in the sector. In 2010, it organised the Italian EFDA meeting in Arona, with the participation of the world's largest distributors. In 2011, it organised the first national Fasteners conference in Parma. Almost 200 specialists took part in the event, also involving major international players. This event was a true milestone in the association's history and it bore witness to its refoundation with new and greater goals.
In 2012 it was decided to leave the European association, at least for a while, due to the fact that the all-German governance had left little space for confrontation and sharing goals. The UDIB general meeting has always been a democratic decision-making moment and, due to its very nature, the association cannot sit at other tables if not playing an active and proactive role. The current President, Gian Marco Dalpane, was elected in 2013 and, for the first time, the general assembly granted him the opportunity to choose the members of the board.