Western Tool Supply

General information

Some of the country's finest fastening and packaging distributors have joined together to form SouthernCarlson - a leading distributor of the most recognized brands of construction and packaging machines, tools and supplies in the industry. Supported by our network of service and repair technicians, the company has evolved to encompass over 130 locations in 34 States and Mexico.

Carlson Systems' success story had its humble beginning in Omaha, NE, when in 1947, Carl and Julia Carlson founded Carlson Stapler and Supply. In the decades that followed, the company added to its product line and expanded its territory throughout the Midwest, always keeping the founders’ philosophy to provide the highest quality products along with outstanding service and support to our customers.

In 2006, Carlson Systems was joined by Mid-Atlantic Fasteners. Sharing a similar beginning, Mid-Atlantic Fasteners was established out of a garage in Baltimore, MD just after World War II as a Duo-Fast distributor. The business grew over the years and began selling competitive lines, which allowed them to expand into new markets with new customers.

Western Tool Supply was an acquisition for Carlson Systems in 2013. Founded in 1982 with its headquarters in Salem, OR, Western Tool grew its business in the northwestern United States with its devotion to customer satisfaction, providing great product fulfillment, product expertise and service.

Southern Fastening Systems began in 1985 as a department of McKinney Lumber to provide a more economical and dependable supply of nails, staples, and pneumatic tools. They were headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL with distribution centers and service locations in many major markets.

In November 2014 Southern Fastening Systems combined with Carlson Systems to create the nation's leading fastening and packaging distributor.

Kentec, Inc. began in 1951 as Better Packages, Inc. selling packaging and shipping room supplies. Since then Kentec has grown from a "mom and pop" operation to become one of the largest specialty tool and fastener houses in the country. Kentec joined the Carlson Systems / Southern Fastening Systems company in June 2015.

Duo-Fast Carolinas was established as a family owned business over 60 years ago to supply fasteners and pneumatic tools to the furniture and construction industries in the Carolinas and Virginia. Its headquarters were in Charlotte, NC. They joined the SouthernCarlson Company in October 2015.

In October 2015 the company name SouthernCarlson was chosen as a DBA for the combined companies.