Distribution Industry News

Kennametal named among 'World's Best Companies' by TIME

Kennametal Inc. announced it has been named to TIME's list of World's Best Companies 2025, a recognition presented by TIME and Statista Inc., a statistics and industry ranking provider.

Core & Main sales increase 6.6% in second quarter

Core & Main Inc., a specialty distributor serving the infrastructure sector, reported its net sales increased 6.6% to $2,093 million for the second quarter ended August 3.

AD announces new electrical Supplier Advisory Council 

AD launched its new Independent Electrical Supply Division’s (IESD) Supplier Advisory Council (SAC), a strategic group of supplier partners committed to the future of the independent electrical channel.

James Taylor appointed Sonepar’s Ontario region president

Sonepar announced the appointment of James Taylor as the new Ontario region president, effective September 29.

Fastenal net sales grow 6.7% in August

Fastenal reported net sales of $6.9 million for August, a 6.7% increase over August 2024.

Machinery orders dip against stronger year-over-year gains

By Christopher Chidzik

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $387.3 million in July, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This was a 9.5% decrease from June 2025 but a 20.1% increase from July 2024.

Wholesale trade among 12 growth industries in August

Economic activity in the services sector grew in August for the third consecutive month, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest ISM Services PMI Report. The Services PMI indicated expansion at 52%, above the 50% breakeven point for the 13th time in the last 14 months.

August manufacturing employment remains flat 

Manufacturing employment changed little in August (-12,000) but is down by 78,000 over the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Digital Matter celebrates 25 years in battery-powered IoT asset tracking

Digital Matter, a global provider of IoT hardware solutions, announced the celebration of its 25th anniversary – marking a quarter-century of engineering excellence, global growth, and trusted partnerships.

July new orders of manufactured goods drop slightly, shipments continue to increase

New orders for manufactured goods in July, down three of the last four months, decreased $7.8 billion or 1.3% to $603.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Motion debuts 'Lube Caddy'

Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions,intorduced the Motion Lube Caddy – a patent-pending, self-contained, towable lubrication cart designed to easily service enclosed machinery assets.

Relevant Industrial acquires Lindberg Process Equipment

Relevant Industrial LLC announced its acquisition of Lindberg Process Equipment, a provider of industrial heating and combustion systems.

Downloadable brochure details Brass Knuckle's 'Distributor Advantages'

Brass Knuckle loves bringing the highest-quality hand, eye, and ergonomic protection to job sites everywhere. It also loves its distributors, because they are Brass Knuckle’s connection to customers. The company believes in giving distributors access to the best products, with great margins, that will keep customers coming back again and again.

Fastenal opens high-tech distribution center in Magna, Utah

Fastenal Company has begun operating in its newly-built distribution center in Magna, Utah, just outside the Salt Lake City metro area. Equipped with cutting-edge technology to streamline product intake, order picking, and shipping sortation, the 298,000 square-foot facility is designed to enhance operational efficiency and customer service throughout the region.

AD to merge with The Commonwealth Group 

AD and The Commonwealth Group (TCG) announced their intent to merge, a move that is expected to positively impact the future of independent PHCP (plumbing, heating, cooling, piping) distribution in the U.S.

August manufacturing contracts: ISM report

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

Core & Main to acquire Canada Waterworks

Core & Main Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of Canada Waterworks Inc. and Canada Waterworks Ottawa Inc. (collectively, Canada Waterworks), a Canadian distributor of water, wastewater and storm drainage products.

July construction spending dips 0.2%

Construction spending during July was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,139.1 billion, 0.1% (±0.8%) below the revised June estimate of $2,140.5 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

July wholesale inventories increase 0.2% over June

Wholesale inventories for July were estimated at an end-of-month level of $908.4 billion, up 0.2% (±0.4%) from June 2025, and were up 1.3% (±0.7%) from July 2024, according the U.S. Census Bureau. Estimates were adjusted for seasonal variations and trading day differences, but not for price changes.