Fastenal (NASDAQ:FAST) (NASDAQ: FAST) is a wholesale distributor of industrial and construction supplies, best known for its broad assortment of fasteners such as bolts, nuts, screws and anchors. Founded in Winona, Minnesota, Fastenal has grown from a regional supplier into a national and international distributor serving a wide range of end markets, including manufacturing, construction, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and government customers. The company is publicly traded and operates through a network of locally staffed branches combined with national distribution capabilities.
Product offerings extend beyond fasteners to include tools, safety and personal protective equipment, power transmission components, cutting and welding supplies, janitorial and material handling items, and other industrial consumables. Fastenal also offers a range of services designed to improve customers’ supply chains, including on-site inventory management, vendor-managed inventory programs, automated vending solutions, custom kitting and packaging, and value-added services such as machining and assembly. Sales are conducted through branch locations, e-commerce channels and automated solutions tailored to site-level needs.
Founded by Bob Kierlin, Fastenal retains a roots-in-local-branches approach while operating a sizeable distribution footprint and logistics platform. The company serves customers across North America and has expanded internationally, combining local branch expertise with larger-scale inventory and fulfillment capabilities. Fastenal’s business model emphasizes close customer relationships, onsite service offerings and integrated inventory solutions to reduce downtime and simplify purchasing for industrial customers. The company is led by a professional executive management team and board of directors responsible for its day-to-day operations and strategic direction.
