Fastenal CEO Will Oberton says data enables productive conversations that can save accounts.
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Fastenal is largely credited with driving the latest boom in industrial vending services among distributors. Fastenal had nearly 30,000 vending machines installed as of the end of the second quarter 2013, and while it recently backed off on its goal of 30,000 new vending machines this year, it continues to expand its program, called FAST Solutions, at a quick clip. Fastenal’s vending program has grown much faster than the competition’s.
This article is part of MDM’s series on the industrial vending market.
Staff Writer Angela Poulson spoke with Fastenal CEO Will Oberton about:
- The impetus for Fastenal’s vending program
- Why Fastenal backed off its aggressive goal for 2013
- What's next for Fastenal's vending program
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- Industrial Vending: A Runway for Growth
- Distributors Get Smarter About Vending
- The Counterfeit Challenge
Purchase the full MDM Special Report, The Industrial Vending Boom, in the MDM Store in PDF format.
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This article is part of MDM’s 2013 Distribution Trends Report. It provides a quick look at key trends affecting the fasteners distribution sector.
The annual report was researched and written by MDM editors based on interviews with dozens of wholesaler-distributors, as well as industry experts and manufacturers. MDM also conducted a survey of its readers to uncover the trends outlined in this report.
The full report is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers. Subscribe below for full access. Or log-in if you are already a subscriber.
Trends outlined in the 2013 report include:
- Generational Shift Drives Changes in Technology, Customer Expectations
- Hiring in Distribution Complicated by Lack of Visibility, Shifting Needs
- The Rise of Little Data in Distribution
- Distributors Get Smarter About Vending
- Distributors Get Aggressive with Inventory Management
- Vendor, Distributor Consolidation Continues
- Wallet Share, Customer Demands Drive Channel Convergence
- Other Trends
- Trend Snapshots for 14 Sectors
The report also includes the following case studies and interviews:
- 2013 MDM Market Movers
- Replenex Builds Culture of Cost Savings
- A&M Industrial Finds Niche in Essential Services
- Strategic Planning Pays Off for Machinery Tooling & Supply
- MDM Market Leader Profiles
- Interline Brands’ Focus on Jan-San
- Arrow Electronics Plots a Global Course
