Distribution Industry News

EASA announces 2025 convention and expo

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) announced the theme for the 2025 Convention & Solutions Expo, planned for July 19 – 22, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. Throughout the year and culminating at the convention, EASA will celebrate the theme of “Powering the Future.”

In selecting the theme,  said,

“Just like the adoption of the electric motor helped revolutionize the way we produce, it seems to me that we are again entering a transformative time in the industry," said EASA Chairman of the Board Paul Rossiter of Energy Management Corp. in Salt Lake City, Utah. "Whether it is from the growing demand for electricity and motors in new applications, embracing increased electrification and new forms of energy production, addressing the aging infrastructure, fulfilling the demand for data and analytics, or finding new ways to meet the need for skilled technical labor, there are opportunities for EASA members to position themselves for a better tomorrow.”

The EASA 2025 Convention will offer attendees numerous opportunities for networking and training, including sales, management and technical tracks. The Solutions Expo will feature the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers showcasing the latest products and services for electric motors, drives and controls, pumps, generators and other equipment.

Find more information regarding the EASA 2025 Convention at https://easa.com/convention. To secure a booth at the Solutions Expo, contact Dale Shuter, CMP, at 314-993-2220 or dshuter@easa.com.

Sonepar goes extra mile for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Sonepar is celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 15–21, by recognizing the vital role truck drivers play in moving the distribution business forward. Local lunch events throughout the month are spotlighting the company's drivers companywide, giving gifts, and highlighting the work done year-round to build a best-in-class driver community that focuses on safety and customer service.

Ficodis Group acquires Berliss Bearing Co.

The Ficodis Group has acquired Whippany, New Jersey-based Berliss Bearing Co., which specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of roller bearings, mechanical seals, and custom-engineered bearing products.

Emerson collaborates on industrial edge interoperability

Global automation and technology provider Emerson  is joining the Linux Foundation’s Margo, a new open-standard initiative designed to make edge applications, devices, and orchestration software work together seamlessly across multi-vendor industrial automation environments.

DCKAP Round-Up event unpacks AI, e-commerce 

A key takeaway from the DCKAP Round-Up 2024 was the growing impact of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in reshaping customer engagement and business models for manufacturers and distributors.

TIME puts Kennametal on 'World's Best Companies' list

Kennametal Inc. announced its inclusion in TIME's World's Best Companies 2024.

ISA launches women's mentorship program

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced the launch of the Women in Industry Mentorship Program, an initiative designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by women in the industrial channel.

NFIB survey: small business optimism dips in August

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.5 points in August to 91.2, erasing all of July’s gain.

Suncor Stainless appoints sales, customer service team members

Suncor Stainless Inc., a manufacturer of stainless steel hardware in the industrial, marine, government, architectural, OEM and commercial industries, has added two new hires to its team. John Tavares has been appointed new senior regional account manager, and Alicia Bacewicz joins the company as key account customer service representative.

US manufacturing profits rise in Q2

U.S. manufacturing corporations' seasonally adjusted after-tax profits in the second quarter of 2024 totaled $210.9 billion, up $7.8 (±1.8) billion from the after-tax profits of $203.2 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2024, and up $10.3 (±1.1) billion from the after-tax profits of $200.6 billion recorded in the second quarter of 2023.

Kennametal releases new Corporate Responsibility Report

Kennametal Inc. has published its fiscal year 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report outlining the company's continued progress in advancing its environmental, social and governance strategy.

Radians expands headquarters, heads to NSC Expo  

Radians, a top-tier PPE manufacturer, announced expansion of its headquarters and its participation in the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida. 

Houchens Industries acquires H.H. Barnum Co.

Houchens Industries Inc., one of the largest and most diversified wholly-owned S Corp ESOPs in the U.S., announced it has acquired H.H. Barnum Co.

Core & Main completes acquisition of GroGreen Solutions Georgia 

Core & Main Inc. has closed its previously-announced acquisition of substantially all of the assets of GroGreen Solutions Georgia, LLC.

Construction a big winner in August jobs report

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 142,000 in August, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.2%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. 

Heavy manufacturing remains Fastenal's No. 1 growth market in August

Fastenal reported a year-over-year decline of 2.3% in net sales for August––$6.52 million versus $6.68 million.

ALI calls for 2025 National Ladder Safety Month sponsor support 

This past March, the message of National Ladder Safety Month reached millions of people. Now, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) is seeking sponsors for the 2025 campaign, so it can reach even more.

3M hits 300 million milestone on Friction Shims

The small, thin shims are used in demanding applications such as automotive, wind energy, and aerospace.

Charter Industrial Supply joins TIPCO Technologies

TIPCO Technologies and Charter Industrial Supply announced a new strategic partnership that expands TIPCO's footprint to 34 locations across 16 states and enhances its presence in the California market.

Orders for manufactured goods rises 5.0%

New orders for manufactured goods in July rose 5.0% to $592.1 billion following two consecutive monthly decreases, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

July construction spending up 6.7% YOY

Construction spending during July 2024 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,162.7 billion, 0.3% (±1.0%)* below the revised June estimate of $2,169.0 billion. The July figure is 6.7% (±1.8%) above the July 2023 estimate of $2,027.4 billion.

August manufacturing contracts for fifth consecutive month

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in August for the fifth consecutive month and the 21st time in the last 22 months, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

FPT produces 100,000th natural gas engine

FPT Industrial, the Iveco Group brand dedicated to the design, production and sale of low- environmental impact powertrains, is celebrating an impressive milestone: the production of its 100,000th natural gas (NG) engine.

MCR Safety celebrates 50 years in business 

MCR Safety announced the celebration of its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dedication to providing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers worldwide.

Norelem launches webshop for US

Global manufacturer norelem has launched a new webshop designed to deliver a more convenient and efficient purchasing experience for customers in North America.