Fastenal (NASDAQ:FAST) is a publicly traded industrial and construction supply distributor headquartered in Winona, Minnesota. Founded in 1967 by Bob Kierlin, the firm specializes in the wholesale and retail sale of fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts and anchors. Over the decades, Fastenal has expanded its offering to include an extensive range of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products, including cutting tools, power tools, safety gear, fluid handling systems and janitorial supplies.
In addition to traditional counter sales, Fastenal provides value-added inventory management solutions designed to streamline customer operations. These services include in-plant vending machines, customized onsite stocking, automatic replenishment programs and e-commerce ordering platforms. By integrating digital procurement tools with local branch support, the company aims to reduce downtime and improve supply-chain efficiency for manufacturing, construction and government clients.
Fastenal operates an extensive network of more than 3,500 branch locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, complemented by specialty distribution centers. This global footprint allows the company to serve a diverse customer base spanning heavy industry, commercial construction, automotive, aerospace and healthcare sectors. Regional teams work directly with clients to tailor inventory solutions and support just-in-time delivery requirements.
Since its initial public offering in 1987, Fastenal has grown through organic branch expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company remains led by its founder-chairman Bob Kierlin, with Daniel L. Florness serving as president and chief executive officer. Under their stewardship, Fastenal continues to focus on broadening its product portfolio, enhancing digital capabilities and deepening customer relationships across key industrial markets.
