Fastenal eyes expansion, plus vending machines

Winona, Minn.-based Fastenal intends to expand its construction and industrial supply business by opening more locations and adding vending machines, according to an article in the Sacramento Business Journal. 

The 2,500-plus national chain plans to open one store per year in the Sacramento region, relying more on face-to-face transactions than shipping orders. The company also wants to establish more contracts with school districts and government entities that may have been making purchases at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Increased vending machine business is another Fastenal initiative. These devices dispense items such as safety gloves and glasses, batteries, cutting tools and respirators. Companies that host the machines for the use of their employees aren't charged until the individual item is dispensed. Vending customers include manufacturers, construction and maintenance companies.