Distribution Industry News

Fastenal net sales up 15.3% in June

Fastenal reported net sales rose 15.3% in June to $701 million.

Kimball Midwest named 'One of Best Companies to Sell For'

Kimball Midwest, a national industrial supplier based in Columbus, has earned its ninth straight appearance on an annual list of best companies to sell for.

Kennametal recognized as one of 'America's Best Midsize Companies' by TIME

Kennametal Inc. has been named to TIME's list of America's Best Midsize Companies 2025, a prestigious recognition presented by TIME and Statista Inc., the leading statistics and industry ranking provider.

Motion opens branch in Quebec

Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions, has opened a new sales branch in Quebec, Canada.

Morse adds to sales team 

The M. K. Morse Co. has hired Matt Pomeroy as technical sales manager, United Kingdom and Ireland.

Proton.ai unveils conversational AI assistant for distributors

Proton.ai, maker of an AI-powered CRM built for distributors, announced the launch of Pronto, a conversational AI assistant designed to lighten the load for distribution sales reps by automating routine, time-consuming tasks.

HECO acquires Fife-Pearce Electric Co.

HECO Inc. has acquired Fife-Pearce Electric Company, a Detroit-based AC & DC electric motor service and repair provider.

Warehouse automation provider appoints new Americas president and CEO

Swisslog, a provider of warehouse automation and software, announced Mike Barker as the company’s new president and CEO of Swisslog Logistics Inc.

Ideal Tridon Group acquired by private equity firm 

Ideal Tridon Group, a global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems, has been acquired by Nautic Partners LLC, a middle-market private equity firm based in Providence, Rhode Island.

Global business sentiment drops: D&B global survey 

Dun & Bradstreet released its Global Business Optimism Insights report, demonstrating the lowest level of optimism for the upcoming quarter since late 2023.

AFC Industries expands military, defense services with acquisition 

AFC Industries has acquired Chicago-based Cavanaugh Government Group (CGG).

DXP acquires Moores Pump & Services

DXP Enterprises Inc. has completed the acquisition of Moores Pump & Services, Inc. (“Moores”).

TRUMPF promotes 4 US leaders

TRUMPF Inc., a manufacturer of machine tools and laser technology, has promoted four North American leaders.

It’s time for a reinvention

Whether driven by crisis or opportunity, distributors should embrace healthy cycles of planned renewal and implementation.

Services sector returns to expansion in June

Economic activity in the services sector grew in June after just one month of contraction, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Services ISM Report On Business. The Services PMI indicated expansion at 50.8%, above the 50% breakeven point for 11th time in the last 12 months.

Industrial distribution employment steady in June

Employment showed little change in June for major industries such as mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; and  transportation and warehousing, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

May new orders for manufactured goods rise 8.2%

New orders for manufactured goods in May, up five of the last six months, increased $48.5 billion or 8.2% to $642.0 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

Holston Gases acquires Advanced Welding Supply

Holston Gases has purchased Advanced Welding Supply effective June 30.

Purvis Industries buys Johnson Bearing & Supply

Purvis Industries has acquired all assets, personnel, brand rights, and intellectual property of Johnson Bearing & Supply, Inc. effective July 1.

Evergreen elects new board of directors

Evergreen Supply Network announced its newly elected board of directors, who began their term on July 1.

Ingersoll Rand acquires Italian air/gas compressor company and RNG subsidiary 

Ingersoll Rand Inc. has acquired Termomeccanica Industrial Compressors S.p.A. (“TMIC”) and its subsidiary Adicomp S.p.A. (“Adicomp”) (collectively “TMIC/Adicomp”) with a purchase price of approximately $188 million.

NIBCO donation supports next generation of skilled trades professionals

NIBCO Inc. has donated two custom-built boiler and water heater system training boards to support hands-on education at two leading trade education institutions: Chicago Pipefitters Training Center, Local 597, in Mokena, Illinois, and ABC Construction Prep Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

IDCO welcomes 4 new members, strengthening national presence

IDCO, The Hoser Network, a premier co-op for independent distributors in the hose, fittings, and fluid power industry, announced the addition of four new member companies: Hydraulic Controls, Thaman Rubber Co., Green Rubber, and Quad Power Products.

Manufacturing's rate of contraction slows in June

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in June for the fourth consecutive month, following a two-month expansion preceded by 26 straight months of contraction, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

May construction spending down 0.3% from April estimate

May construction spending was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,138.2 billion, 0.3% (±0.8%) below the revised April estimate of $2,145.5 billion.

MSC reports 0.8% dip YoY for fiscal third quarter

MSC Industrial Supply Co. reported fiscal Q3 net sales of $971.1 million, a decrease of 0.8% YoY.