By 10 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 19) Leitchfield's newest store -- Fastenal -- had a smattering of customers, mostly men, looking at, talking and handling tools, sawblades, sanders and a great variety of pipe fittings.

“We're a supplier for everybody from industrial and construction to the handyman,” said Manager Brandon Wuertz.

Located near Tractor Supply Company and in the old Video Vault Store space, the store is one of over 200 new stores opened by the Winona, Minn. Fastenal Company in 2005.

The store, now manned by Wuertz and Assistant Manager Jason Smith, will hire additional workers as needed from the local area, Wuertz said.

Wuertz said the company has its own freight delivery system and will have five delivery trucks in Leitchfield by the end of February, “so we can save customers up to 6 percent on delivery charges.”

The company sells a wide range of industrial and construction supplies in 12 product categories, Wuertz said.

Major lines of tools, including Armstrong, Craftsman and Fastenal's own brand, Jonesway, are on the store's shelves.

Other products include threaded fasteners, metal working, fluid transfer components, janitorial and paper products, electrical supplies, welding supplies, safety supplies and raw metals.

Fastenal services include special fasteners and related manufacturing, tool repair, regrinding and resharpening of cutting tools, cut-to-length metals, hose crimping, special packaging, paint, ladders, rope, extension cords, and more.

Fastenal (pronounced Fasten All) operates 1,742 stores that are served by 12 distribution centers nationwide.

Leitchfield's store is at 1305 Elizabethtown Road. Store hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wuertz said most items on order from the store's huge catalog can be delivered “next day.”