Global Fastener News

Fastenal Expo A Hit With Customers

Jason Sandefur

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Editor’s Note: Articles in Media Spotlight are excerpts from publications or broadcasts that show the industry what the public is reading or hearing about fasteners and fastener companies.

Widely known as a distributor of fasteners, the Fastenal Co. is expanding its influence in other markets. About 3,500 of the industrial distributor’s customers, including MRO buyers, saw this firsthand at the Fastenal Industrial and Construction Expo in Minneapolis, Purchasing magazine reports.
The expo gives customers a chance to meet Fastenal personnel and suppliers, along with opportunities for training sessions. Nearly 200 suppliers participated in the event, which showcased such diverse products as janitorial supplies, paints, power transmission products, electrical supplies and hand tools.
According to Purchasing, Fastenal demonstrated custom packaging, lighting, manufacturing and quality capabilities. In addition, the company reportedly set up a store replica with 10,000 products on its shelves.
With 2005 sales breaking the $1.5 billion mark, Fastenal was propelled to the number 12 spot on Industrial Distribution magazine’s Top 50 for 2006 list.
At the Expo CEO Will Oberton explained that Fastenal reinvests profits on the expo (Fastenal’s fourth) and other areas that matter to its customers.
Fastenal is reportedly holding one-day selling events at many of its 1,800 stores, along with introducing handheld computers to relay inventory and order status to customers.
Dave Wojtysiak, inventory control manager for Paper Converting Machine Co. in Green Bay, expressed surprise at Fastenal’s product range.
“We look to suppliers for technical expertise,” said Wojtysiak. “Fastenal puts us in direct contact with expertise of its suppliers at events like these.” �2006 FastenerNews.com