The Association, originally known as the Texas Fastener Association, was founded on the basic principle that there was a need in the fastener industry to exchange ideas and experiences on successful business practices and techniques related to our market. The Association held its initial formative meeting at the La Baron Hotel in Dallas on November 21, 1974, with 27 persons, representing 20 companies.

From this embryonic stage came the first formal meeting held in January 1975, with 67 persons, representing 50 companies, in attendance. At this meeting, the name of the group formally changed to the Southwestern Fastener Association.

Southwestern Fastener Association has dedicated over 35 years of service to their members. Today, the Association membership exceeds 140 fastener companies. The membership is comprised of distributors and distributor representatives, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives, importers, processors, technology and independent sales agents.

The mission of the Southwestern Fastener Association is to serve fastener distribution through conferences, trade shows, networking, information, and scholarships. By serving Distribution, we also serve our other members in the fields of manufacturing, importing, processing, technology and manufacturers' representatives. By sponsoring venues to bring everyone in the field together, we will fulfill the original mission started back in 1974.