WINONA, Minn. – Winona-based industrial supplier Fastenal reported $4.3 billion in net sales in the third quarter. Sales were up 5.7% from a year earlier. Net earnings of $663 million were up 8.3%. The report wasn’t altogether rosy for a year-to-date, 2020 to 2019, comparison. Especially slow moving has been the personal protection gear product line, including three-ply face masks. Also, disposable respirators have been moving slowly. Competition has hurt margins, said financial officer Holden Lewis.
