Net income rose 29% to $96.8 million, translating into earnings per share of $0.33, in line with market expectations. The company posted its sixth straight quarter of 25%-plus growth, and its seventh straight quarter of higher profit growth than sales growth. Fastenal benefited from aggressive store openings. It added 94 new locations in the first nine months of 2011 and estimates that it will open 115 to 125 new stores overall this year. It plans to continue expanding into 2012, adding 4% to 6% to its store total during the calendar year. Manufacturers firm up There have been signs that manufacturers are continuing to contribute to growth, as U.S. industrial production advanced in September for a fifth straight month. For Fastenal, sales to manufacturers, which account for nearly half of the company's sales, grew by 18%, while non-residential customers, which account for 20% to 25% of the sales, were up by 15%.