It’s an empty lot now, but very soon the grassy area on Highway 43 South next to Piggly Wiggly will be a Fastenal retail outlet store.

The land was purchased by Harold Speir of Speir Land Company in Selma to be developed for Fastenal, an international company with 12 distribution centers, a fleet of more than 275 company-owned semi-trucks and trailers and more than 1,300 stores world-wide.

“That property will be developed for a retail outlet store for Fastenal, and construction will start in the near future,” Speir said.

Fastenal, headquartered in Winona, Minn., was founded in 1967 by company chairman Bob Kierlin.

“Fastenal owns and operates more than 1,300 stores with locations in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Singapore,” the Web site states. “Each store utilizes local inventory, outside sales staff and on-site delivery vehicles.”

The company, which is listed on the stock exchange, serves primarily construction companies, manufacturers and other industry professionals.

Among its services include such fastening systems as nuts, bolts, screws, socket products, washers, concrete anchoring systems, construction adhesives, FireStop and a complete strut, pipe and accessories selection, as well as industrial and construction power tools and equipment with local delivery.

Also available is a full-service tool repair center run by knowledgeable tool specialists, a Cutting Tools Division that specializes in metal removal tooling, custom design, and re-sharpening services using Computer Numeric Control (CNC) equipment, and a Hydraulics&Pneumatics product group complete with brand name fittings, hoses, pneumatic valves, and power transmission products, and custom hydraulic and air hose assembly, as well as crimping.

If none of that suits a customer’s needs, the company also has a Plumbing Division, Material Handling, Storage and Packaging, storeroom layout services, Janitorial Supplies, Chemicals&Paint, Electrical Supplies Division and a complete line of Welding Supplies.

Speir did not give an open date, but said construction would begin almost immediately.