Fastenal Company

What Fastenal Company does

Fastenal Company is a global industrial supply distributor founded in 1967 and headquartered in Winona, Minnesota. The company operates approximately 1,600 branch locations across 25 countries and 1,800+ onsite customer locations, distributing more than 2.1 million SKUs of fasteners, safety products (marketed under the Body Guard® brand), cutting tools and metalworking supplies, hand and power tools, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, and other industrial MRO categories. Its core technology platform is the Fastenal Managed Inventory (FMI) system — more than 136,600 cloud-connected vending devices, bins, and digital lockers placed at customer sites that capture point-of-use consumption data and trigger automated replenishment. The company complements FMI with the Fastenal.com e-commerce platform, the FAST360° customer portal, and the FASTConnect B2B integration layer for ERP connectivity (PR/PO push, eInvoices, shipping notifications). In-house manufacturing is delivered through three wholly owned divisions: Spensall (165+ CNC units, AS9100D aerospace-certified, Tulsa OK), Holo-Krome (70+ cold-forming machines producing up to 30 million Made-in-the-USA fasteners per week, Winona MN and Loves Park IL), and Cardinal Fastener (13 hot upset forging presses producing high-integrity bolting up to 7 inches in diameter, Winona MN).

Fastenal's revenue model combines transactional distribution, recurring usage-based revenue from FMI vending (which handles 62.1% of quarterly sales), subscription-style digital procurement via FAST360°, and professional services from 12 U.S. industrial service centers staffed by 400+ technicians offering tool repair, calibration, custom fabrication, and on-site safety inspections. Pricing is contract-negotiated for industrial and government customers and transactional for non-contract e-commerce buyers. The go-to-market is sales-led, driven by a decentralized field sales force deployed through 1,600 branches, supported by cooperative government purchasing contracts (NASPO ValuePoint, Omnia Partners, Sourcewell) and an international direct ship program operating in 25 countries. Digital channels (e-commerce plus FMI) generate approximately 61.5% of revenue, with management targeting 66–68% digital penetration.

Fastenal's FY2025 net sales reached $8.20 billion (+8.7% YoY), with Q1 2026 revenue of $2.20 billion (+12.4% YoY) marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit daily sales growth. Profitability metrics are best-in-class for industrial distribution: 31% return on invested capital, a 20.3% Q1 2026 operating margin (within a 20–21% long-term target), 111% operating cash flow conversion of net income, a 3.2% debt-to-equity ratio, and a 34-year consecutive dividend payment streak ($1.004 billion returned in 2025). The customer base spans manufacturing (primary), state and local government, education, non-residential construction, and wholesale/reseller channels, with more than 3,600 active contract customer accounts and 241 new contracts added in 2025. Logistics are supported by Blue Lane Freight, a licensed common carrier LTL network with 95% static overnight routes across North America. Institutional ownership stands at 81.38%, and a planned CEO transition from Daniel Florness to Jeffery Watts is scheduled for July 16, 2026.

Name

Fastenal Company

Legal name

Fastenal Company

Website

https://fastenal.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Fastenal is a global industrial supply distributor operating ~1,600 branches and 1,800+ onsite locations across 25 countries, serving manufacturing, government, construction, and education customers with 2.1 million SKUs of MRO supplies, OEM fasteners, and safety products enabled by 136,600+ cloud-connected FMI vending devices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Distribution / MRO Supplies

NAICS

Hardware Merchant Wholesalers (42371), Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing (332722), Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423840), Precision Turned Product Manufacturing (332721)

SIC

Wholesale-Hardware (5072), Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Rivets & Washers (3452), Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070)

akta.pro primary industry

Aerospace Fasteners & Hardware (IMABANAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Parts Distribution & Spares Management (Aftermarket) (IMABALAK)

Keywords

• Industrial distribution
• MRO supplies
• Fastener manufacturing
• Vending inventory solutions
• Supply chain services

Headquarters

HQ city

Winona

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices21 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial & Construction Supply Distribution: Core revenue from wholesale distribution of fasteners, safety products, metal cutting tools, and other industrial MRO supplies. Full-year 2025 net sales of $8.20 billion, up 8.7% year-over-year. Q1 2026 net sales of $2,201.7 million, up 12.4% year-over-year. Revenue is generated through 1,600 branch locations, 1,800+ onsite customer locations, and e-commerce channels.
2. Fastenal Managed Inventory (FMI) Vending: Vending devices placed at customer sites generate recurring revenue through automated replenishment. 136,600+ active FMI devices handle 62.1% of quarterly sales. Devices include FASTVend, FASTBin, and digital lockers that track point-of-use consumption and trigger reorders.
3. Digital / E-Commerce Sales: Digital channels (e-commerce + FMI) account for approximately 60–61.5% of total revenue. E-commerce includes Fastenal.com, FAST360° portal, and B2B integration tools. Management targets growing digital sales to 66–68% of total revenue.
4. Custom Manufacturing: In-house manufacturing through Spensall (precision CNC machining), Holo-Krome (cold-formed fasteners), and Cardinal Fastener (high-integrity bolting). 9 global manufacturing facilities. Revenue from custom OEM fasteners and precision-machined components.
5. Industrial Services: 12 U.S. service centers with 400+ team members providing tool repair, calibration, custom fabrication, on-site safety inspections, and asset management. Services include product performance services and on-site maintenance.
6. International Direct Ship Program: International drop shipments to almost any global location through dedicated export compliance teams. Sales subsidiaries in 25 countries. Minimum order value of $1,000 USD for international orders.
7. Blue Lane Freight Transportation: Licensed common carrier providing LTL service in specific lanes at competitive rates. Uses fixed-route overnight trucking to service branches and customers. Revenue from shipping charges paid by shipper or receiver.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Fastenal Company is an industrial supply distributor and OEM fastener manufacturer that sells fasteners, safety products, cutting tools, and a broad MRO catalog through approximately 1,600 branch locations and 136,600+ cloud-connected vending devices at customer sites. The company supplements product distribution with vendor-managed inventory technology (FMI), the FAST360° customer portal, FASTConnect B2B integration, in-house custom manufacturing (Spensall, Holo-Krome, Cardinal Fastener), Blue Lane Freight logistics, and industrial services such as tool repair, calibration, and on-site safety inspections.

Product overview

Fastenal Company operates as a diversified industrial supply distributor offering a broad portfolio of products and technology-enabled services. The core product portfolio centers on fasteners (the company's founding category), safety products (under the Body Guard brand), cutting tools and metalworking supplies, tools and equipment, and an extensive catalog spanning 30+ product categories including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, and industrial supplies. The company's technology platform includes FMI (Fastenal Managed Inventory) technology featuring over 120,000 cloud-connected vending devices for vendor-managed inventory, the FAST360° customer portal for account management and analytics, and Fastenal.com e-commerce platform. Manufacturing capabilities are delivered through three specialized divisions: Spensall (precision CNC machining, AS9100D aerospace certified), Holo-Krome (cold-formed fasteners producing 30M+ units weekly), and Cardinal Fastener (high-integrity bolting up to 7 inch diameter). Complementary services include Blue Lane Freight logistics, Industrial Services (fabrication, repair, on-site support), Metalworking solutions, Safety solutions, Engineering expertise, Government contracting, Sustainability solutions, and Lean solutions. The company serves manufacturing, construction, government, and industrial customers through approximately 1,600 branch locations across 25 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Body Guard: Safety products brand including PPE, safety eyewear, and protective equipment; featured as primary branding on RFK Racing partnership starting 2026 season

Products and services

• Fasteners Industrial and OEM fasteners including bolts, nuts, screws, and washers - the company's foundational product category serving manufacturing and construction customers.
• Safety Products (Body Guard)

Quantifiable outcome

• Operating margin expanded to 20.3% in Q1 2026, up 20 basis points year-over-year, against a target of 20–21% long-term.
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Special Olympics USA Games 2026minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 June 2026Fastenal was named an official partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games (June 20–26, Minnesota Twin Cities). The company donated over $100,000 worth of products including tools, equipment, and Body Guard® safety gear. Nearly 500 safety vests and hardhats were printed with the Special Olympics logo. The partnership supports one of the largest humanitarian and sports events Minnesota has hosted in 35 years.
• FIRST RoboticsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Fastenal partnered with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to manufacture 50 custom-designed wheelchair accessibility ramps that allow wheelchair users to see and operate their robots during FIRST Robotics Competition events. Fastenal's Winona, Minnesota manufacturing team produced the ramps, which debuted at the global FIRST Championship in late April and became part of the standard competition kit distributed to all FIRST events. Collaboration with Team 3313 Mechatronics from Alexandria, MN.
• John "Art" Phillips Sales InstituteminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 February 2026Fastenal joined the John 'Art' Phillips Sales Institute as a silver-level corporate partner, expanding its network of industry connections for students. The partnership facilitates direct interaction between students and Fastenal professionals on topics including territory growth, account development, and sales strategy in sectors supporting the broader economy.
• Hajoca CorporationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 February 2026Hajoca Corporation joined the John 'Art' Phillips Sales Institute as a silver partner alongside Fastenal. Hajoca distributes plumbing, HVAC, and industrial products nationwide.
• RFK RacingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 February 2026Fastenal Company partnered with RFK Racing (NASCAR Cup Series) to make its Body Guard safety products brand the primary paint scheme on NASCAR cars starting in the 2026 season, replacing the traditional Fastenal blue with black and orange colors. The partnership includes car branding, competition gear, and race hauler visibility. Fastenal remains a critical supply chain partner to RFK Racing's operations. The Body Guard brand shift is from 'engineered for survival' to 'engineered for safety' messaging.
• American Red CrosscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Fastenal joined the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, enabling rapid emergency supply delivery through its captive nationwide distribution network and local branch 'feet on the street.' The partnership supports disaster response and recovery for affected communities, employees, and customers. Fastenal's corporate emergency response team includes experts in product development, sourcing, government, sales, and logistics.
• Canadian Red CrosscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership with Canadian Red Cross for disaster response and recovery support across Canada. Combined with the U.S. Red Cross partnership, this provides North American disaster response coverage.
• National FFA OrganizationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Fastenal launched a corporate partnership with the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), supporting youth agricultural education and leadership development. Partnership brings national FFA missions to local communities where Fastenal operates.
• NASPO ValuePointcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFastenal holds a NASPO ValuePoint cooperative purchasing contract, enabling state and local government agencies to procure Fastenal's MRO supplies, vending solutions, and services through pre-negotiated contract terms.
• Omnia PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFastenal participates in Omnia Partners cooperative purchasing (Regions 4 and UCOP), providing contract vehicles for public sector procurement of industrial supplies and services.
• SourcewellcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFastenal holds a Sourcewell contract providing cooperative purchasing solutions for government, education, and nonprofit organizations across North America.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• W.W. Grainger: Largest U.S. industrial MRO distributor with comparable product breadth (fasteners, safety, tools) and a competing KeepStock vending program. Both companies target manufacturing customers through field sales plus digital channels, making Grainger Fastenal's most direct public-market comparable.
• MSC Industrial Direct: U.S. metalworking and MRO distributor with significant vending machine presence and field sales coverage of manufacturing customers. MSC's Vending Solutions and Customer Acquisition Cost programs compete head-to-head with Fastenal's FMI offering in similar end markets.
• Applied Industrial Technologies: Industrial distribution and fluid power specialist with overlapping fastener, bearing, and power transmission categories. Competes directly with Fastenal in MRO supply for manufacturing customers, though Applied has a heavier fluid-power mix.
• Bossard Group: Swiss-headquartered global fastener distribution and engineering specialist with Smart Factory Logistics (vending) platform. Closely comparable to Fastenal's core fastener OEM/aftermarket model plus technology-enabled inventory management, though Europe-centric.
• Lawson Products: U.S. industrial distributor of fasteners, MRO supplies, and cutting tools with a field sales model targeting maintenance customers. Operates at smaller scale than Fastenal but with highly overlapping product categories and customer profiles.

Broad incumbents

• Würth Group: Global market leader in fastener distribution and assembly technology with the ORBIS vending platform. Comparable in core fastener OEM/aftermarket business model and in-house manufacturing, but operates predominantly through direct field sales across Europe.
• Illinois Tool Works (ITW): Diversified industrial manufacturer with a significant fasteners segment (ITW Shakeproof, ITW Buildex). Comparable through its bolt/screw manufacturing operations and industrial end-market exposure, though ITW is far broader than Fastenal.
• Stanley Black & Decker: Global tool and industrial equipment manufacturer with overlapping products (fasteners, hand tools, power tools). Comparable in tools-and-equipment categories and in serving industrial/construction end markets, though primarily a manufacturer rather than distributor.
• HD Supply Holdings: Industrial and construction MRO distributor owned by Home Depot. Competes with Fastenal in non-residential construction and facilities maintenance segments, particularly in safety, fasteners, and janitorial categories.

Regional players

• Kaman Aerospace Distribution: Aerospace fastener and hardware distributor that overlaps with Fastenal's Av-Tech and aerospace-certified distribution business. Comparable in aerospace/defense customer base, though Kaman's distribution focus is narrower than Fastenal's industrial breadth.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fastenalcompany
• Facebookfacebook.com/info
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fastenal

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fastenal Company