Southern Fastening Systems and Carlson Systems have joined forces to create a new company uniquely positioned to serve growing construction and manufacturing markets.
Longtime leaders in fasteners, fastening systems and packaging – the two companies reported that because they have very little overlap in territory, they will operate for the short term as separate divisions and retain their historic company names.
Southern is a leading distributor of tools and fasteners for wood construction projects and manufacturing operations, while Carlson is a multi-regional distributor of product assembly systems serving the fastening and packaging needs of construction, industrial and original equipment manufacturing customers.
“Carlson Systems has a 67-year history of providing excellent service to both industrial and construction customers,” said Jim Whitley, Southern’s president, adding that Carlson’s “philosophy blends well with Southern’s dedication to the service and quality” that was built by the company’s late founder Steve McKinney.
Carlson’s CEO Todd Carlson said, “This combination is a fitting legacy to the McKinney family, the founders of Southern, and the Carlson family. We are very excited to join these two companies, and deliver increased value to our customers through the talents, products and services of both companies.
As one company, including Carlson’s 60 branches and Southern’s 76, the combined companies will operate in 34 states and Mexico.
