Distribution Industry News

Wesco joins Military Spouse Employment Partnership

Wesco announced its official partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense's Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a program within the Department of Defense's Spouse Education and Career Opportunities initiative. The induction ceremony on Jan. 29 formally welcomed Wesco into the program.

Enpro Q4 sales increase 3.7% 

Enpro Inc. announced its 2024 sales of $1.05 billion were down 1.0% YoY, and organic sales for the year were down 3.9%. For the three months ended December 31, the company reported sales of $258.4 million, an increase of 3.7%, and organic sales increased 1.2%.

STAFDA releases 'Concierge Customer Service 2.0' 

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) has released "Concierge Customer Service 2.0," an updated manual based on research from Dr. Jeanne Hurlbert, whose first edition was published in 2018.

New EXAIR Catalog 36 available 

EXAIR has introduced Catalog 36—a full-color, indepth resource designed to help businesses tackle conveying, cooling, cleaning, blowoff, drying, coating and static control challenges.

PTDA welcomes new member, ESR Motor Systems 

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), has welcomed new distributor member ESR Motor Systems in Rockhill, South Carolina.

Custom Equipment rebrands to AXCS Equipment

Custom Equipment LLC, the manufacturer of Hy-Brid Lifts, announced a rebranding to AXCS Equipment.

Ingersoll Rand reports record 4th quarter and full-year 2024 results

Ingersoll Rand Inc., a global provider of mission-critical flow creation and life sciences and industrial solutions, reported record results for both the fourth quarter and the full-year 2024.

Motion to acquire California distributor

Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of MRO replacement parts and provider of industrial technology solutions, has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the net operating assets of Thompson Industrial Supply Inc. The transaction is expected to close at the end of February 2025.

AD announces Independent Electrical Supply Division board

The AD Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), formed as a part of the 2024 merger with IMARK Electrical, has achieved the milestone of welcoming over 530 former IMARK Electrical members into IESD since the end of January. AD says the division's membership of 700 independent distributors represents 30% of the overall electrical channel in the U.S.

PTDA Foundation raises $148,000 in campaign's first phase 

The PTDA Foundation has raised $148,000 in the beginning of its 2025 Fund Drive. The foundation uses the funds to help power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) companies enhance recruitment and retention through the Building Awareness Campaign, student and employee scholarships, and other resources.

December cutting tool orders down 2%

Shipments of cutting tools totaled $179.5 million in December 2024, a 2% decrease from November and a 4.3% decrease YoY, according to the latest Cutting Tool Market Report compiled in a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI).

Coastal Hose opens facility in Clute, Texas

Coastal Hose and Supply, headquartered in Baytown Texas, has opened asecond facility in Clute, Texas.

Columbus McKinnon reports 7.9% net sales decline, announces acquisition 

Columbus McKinnon Corp. reported net sales decreased $20.0 million, or 7.9% for its fiscal third quarter ended December 31.

Wesco International reports quarter net sales up 0.5% YOY

Wesco International, a provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, reported its Q4 2024 net sales were $5,499.7 million, an increase of 0.5%.

Big Ass Fans unveils next-gen cooling solutions at AHR Expo 

Big Ass Fans, a leader in HVLS (high volume low speed) fan technology, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Madison Air, announced it will launch two new products this spring and summer.

H.H. Barnum receives Banner Engineering 2024 Distributor of the Year 

H.H. Barnum has been presented with the 2024 Distributor of the Year award by Banner Engineering.

Parker's EMEA president to retire in June

Parker Hannifin Corp. announced Joachim Guhe, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Group, will retire after 32 years of dedicated service.

Global Industrial names new CEO 

Global Industrial Co. has appointed Anesa Chaibi as chief executive officer, effective February 17.

Manufacturing technology orders fall for 3rd year, beat expectations

Orders of manufacturing technology totaled $513.8 million in December 2024, the highest level since March 2023, according the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Dematic names new vice president of Americas software

Dematic has appointed Sowmya Ananthachary to vice president of Americas software. She will lead a team of more than 400 professionals responsible for driving Dematic’s software strategy to propel continued success for customers.

BlackHawk Industrial awards 3M, AMSOIL 

BlackHawk Industrial, a distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, recognized two top-performing suppliers during its second annual BlackHawk Supplier Performance Awards at the 2025 Sales Summit in Oklahoma City.

Fastenal reports January net sales grew 1.9% YoY

Fastenal reported January net sales of $6.5 million, a 1.9% increase from January 2024.

DXP completes purchase of Arroyo

DXP Enterprises Inc. has completed its acquisition of Arroyo Process Equipment.

PTDA volunteer leadership begin new terms

The 2025 Board of Directors and Manufacturer Council of the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) have officially begun their leadership terms.

January unemployment drops to 4%

The January unemployment rate edged down to 4.0% and nonfarm pyroll employement rose by 143,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PEER custom bores sprockets and keyways

In addition to traditional commercial sprocket offerings, PEER Chain & Sprockets announced it can now custom bore any size sprocket that has an existing keyway – and deliver them within days of an order.

Service sector expands in January for 53rd consecutive month

Economic activity in the services sector expanded for the seventh consecutive month in January, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Services ISM Report On Business. The Services PMI registered 52.8%, indicating expansion for the 53rd time in 56 months since recovery from the coronavirus pandemic-induced recession began in June 2020.

Kennametal sales decline 2% in fiscal Q2

Kennametal Inc. reported fiscal second quarter sales of $482 million, a 3% decrease from $495 million in the prior year quarter – reflecting an organic sales decline of 6%, partially offset by a favorable business days effect of 3%.

White Cap acquires JLA Supply

White Cap, a distributor of specialty construction supplies and safety products for professional contractors, has acquired JLA Supply in Portland, Oregon.

Manufacturing orders, shipments, inventories rise in December

New orders for manufactured goods in December, decreased $5.2 billion or 0.9% to $578.5 billion, following declines in four of the last five months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Orders decreased 0.8% in November.

Acquisition widens Ingersoll Rand's lane in wastewater treatment 

Ingersoll Rand Inc. has acquired SSI Aeration Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively SSI) to extend its capabilities in wastewater treatment.

Metabo HPT announces reward promotion

Metabo HPT announced a new reward promotion for buyers that continues through February 28.

ORBIS Corp. opens new Texas plant 

ORBIS Corp., a global maker of reusable packaging solutions, has opened a new manufacturing plant in Greenville, Texas.

Allient creates new 'Machining Center of Excellence'

Allient Inc. announced it will expand on current capabilities and skillsets with the creation of a state-of-the-art Machining Center of Excellence at its facility in Dothan, Alabama.

Malco kicks off 75th anniversary with sweepstakes

Malco Tools, a solution developer and manufacturer of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, announced its 75th Anniversary Sweepstakes.

Core & Main opens new Michigan facility 

Core & Main Inc., a specialty distributor dedicated to advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide, announced the opening of its new facility located in Lansing, Michigan.

AD owner/members beat records in 2024

AD reported record results for 2024 in owner/member sales, member purchases from AD supplier partners, and net distributions to its owner/members.

December construction spending rises 4.3% YoY

December construction spending was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,192.2 billion, 0.5% (± 0.8%) above the revised November estimate of $2,180.3 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The December figure is 4.3% (±1.3%) above the December 2023 estimate of $2,101.3 billion.

Strong end to 2024 despite mixed signals for manufacturing technology

U.S. Q4 GDP grew 2.3% at an annualized rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis's first estimate for the quarter, released January 30.

Emerson's RIDGID expands Ohio press jaw production 

RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio.

Singer adds Universal Hydraulics to Dakota Fluid Power brand

Universal Hydraulics has joined and adopted the name of Dakota Fluid Power, a Singer Industrial company. Universal has also relocated to a new, state-of-the-art facility. 

Grainger sales climb 5.9% in fourth quarter

Grainger reported fourth quarter sales of $4.2 billion increased 5.9%, or 4.7% on a daily, organic constant currency basis versus the fourth quarter 2023.

RBC Bearings Q3 net sales increase 5.5% YoY

RBC Bearings Inc., international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries, reported its third quarter net sales of $394.4 million increased 5.5% over last year.

Air Systems International releases 2025 catalog

Air Systems International, Inc. introduces its new 2025 Catalog in print and digital forms.

Sonnhalter updates list of US vocational education programs

Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, has updated its free database of vocational education and technical programs across the U.S. The list includes over 1,000 schools and nearly 3,500 programs.

Private equity buys Ace Controls 

Blackford Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm, has acquired Ace Controls, a Houston-based company that design and builds industrial control panels.

IDCO welcomes two new members

IDCO – The Hoser Network announced two new members: John M. Ellsworth Co. Inc. (JME), a distributor of fluid management products, and Abbott Rubber Co., a supplier of industrial hose and rubber products.

Sellars named to Wisconsin top executives list

Tom Sellars, CEO and chairman of Sellars Absorbent Materials, has been named to the 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100, which recognizes the state’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and passion. This is the second year in a row that Sellars has received the Titan 100 award.

Viega appoints new CEO

Viega has appointed Marki Huston as the permanent chief executive officer of Viega North America, effective immediately.

Parker sees fiscal Q2 industrial orders turn positive

Parker Hannifin Corporation, a global manufacturer of motion and control technologies, reported fiscal second quarter net income was $949 million, an increase of 39%, or $853 million adjusted, an increase of 6%.

Motion to buy Hawaiian distributor

Motion Industries Inc. has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the net operating assets of Maguire Bearing Co. Ltd., an industrial distributor based in Hawaii. The transaction is expected to close at the end of February.

AD names 2025 directors

AD owner members have voted to add four directors to its LLC board.  

Wholesale inventories down 0.5% in December

Wholesale inventories for December were estimated at an end-of-month level of $898.0 billion, down 0.5% (±0.2%) from November 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's advance retail report January 29. Estimates are adjusted for seasonal variations and trading day differences but not for price changes.

Applied Industrial Technologies reports Q2 net sales drop 0.4% YoY

Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT), reported net sales of $1.1 billion for its fiscal second quarter, a 0.4% decrease year over year.

Franklin Women’s Network expands reach

Franklin Electric Co. Inc. announced the continuation of active programming for its popular employee resource group, the Franklin Women’s Network.

Advance report shows 2.2% decrease in December new orders 

New orders for manufactured durable goods in December, down four of the last five months, decreased $6.3 billion or 2.2% to $276.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced January 28.

Creaform achieves ISO 27001, ISO 14001 and TISAX certifications

Québec-based Creaform, a business of AMETEK, Inc. and worldwide provider of automated and portable 3D measurement solutions, has attained ISO 27001, ISO 14001, and TISAX certifications.

The Colt Group acquires RJ Stacey

The Colt Group, a provider of on-line industrial leak repair solutions, has acquired RJ Stacey. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Sonic Tools USA rolls out 'No Lost Tool'  guarantee

Sonic Tools USA Inc., a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, announced its “No Lost Tools” Guarantee.

PTDA Foundation announces student, employee scholarships

The PTDA Foundation has launched the second year of its scholarship program. 

ISM chair Fiore to retire

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) announced the retirement of Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, CPM, who has served as the chair of ISM’s Manufacturing PMI Panel since 2017.

Gale joins Stellar Industrial Supply board

Stellar Industrial Supply announced long-time industry veteran Tom Gale will join its board of directors.

November cutting tool orders drop 13.8% 

Shipments of cutting tools totaled $183.1 million in November 2024, a 13.8% decrease from October and 9.7% down from November 2023, according to the latest Cutting Tool Market Report compiled in a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI).

Sonic Group acquires Sonic Tools USA

Sonic Group, a provider of professional tools and equipment solutions based in the Netherlands, announced the acquisition of Auburn, Alabama-based Sonic Tools USA.

3M grows Q4 sales 0.1% YoY

3M reported Q4 sales of $6.0 billion, up 0.1% YoY. Its adjusted sales of $5.8 billion reflected organic growth up 2.1% YoY.

Hitachi acquires Illinois industrial motor-repair company

Hitachi Ltd. has completed the acquisition of Illinois-based Joliet Electric Motors LLC (Joliet), a sales and maintenance service business for large motors in North America.

Motion to buy Texas distributor

Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of M.B. McKee Co. Inc.

Creaform redefines online experience with a new website

Creaform, a business of AMETEK, Inc. and a worldwide provider of automated and portable 3D measurement solutions, announced the launch of its completely redesigned website.

Fastenal reports 3.7% net sales increase for Q4 YoY

Fastenal Co. reported its net sales increased 3.7%, in the fourth quarter of 2024 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. 

Fastenal, RFK Racing mark 15 years of NASCAR partnership

RFK Racing and primary partner Fastenal Co. will celebrate their 15th season of partnership in 2025.

All Foils celebrates 45th anniversary  

All Foils, a distributor and converter of light-gauge metal foils, announces its 45th anniversary, marking four-and-a-half decades of innovation, dedication to quality and exceptional customer service.

Platinum Tooling releases Hommel & Keller 'QUICK' tools catalog

Platinum Tooling, an importer and master distributor of live tools, angle heads, marking tools, Swiss tools and multi-spindle tools manufactured by various global suppliers, is the North American importer of the QUICK knurling and marking tools from Hommel & Keller. They have released the full tooling catalog.

Kennametal appoints president of infrastructure segment

Kennametal Inc. has promoted Faisal Hamadi from vice president of value creation systems to president of its infrastructure segment, effective January 20. He succeeds Franklin Cardenas.

Dematic hosts high schooler robotics team

Dematic hosted a demonstration and luncheon last month for a high school student-led robotics team. Dematic, a supply chain automation and solutions provider, held the event for the G3 Robotics Team at its global headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 10 in support of "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" (FIRST), a robotics education nonprofit.

November metalworking machinery orders climb 16.8%

By Christopher Chidzik

Orders of manufacturing technology totaled $448.8 million in November, 16.8% higher than October, and 12.4% higher than November 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Stellar Industrial Supply names 2024 Supplier of the Year 

Stellar Industrial Supply has named Kimberly-Clark Professional as its Supplier of the Year (SOY) award winner for 2024. 

Wholesale trade employment remains flat in December

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 256,000 in December, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.1%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

National Safety Apparel buys Warren Heim 

Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company National Safety Apparel  (NSA) have acquired Warren Heim Corp., a Florida-based manufacturer of insulated bags designed to protect workers in the electrical utility market.

Tencarva Machinery acquires Detroit Pump

Tencarva Machinery Co. a Southeast distributor and service provider of flow control and process equipment solutions to industrial and municipal end-markets, has acquired Detroit Pump & Mfg. Co. 

MSC fiscal Q1 net sales decrease 2.7% YoY

MSC Industrial Supply Co. reported net sales of $928 million in its fiscal first quarter represents a decrease of 2.7% YoY.

BlackHawk Industrial appoints Great Lakes regional GM

BlackHawk Industrial, a market-leading distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, has appointed Anthony DeSalvo as general manager of the Great Lakes region.

Service sector expands, wholesale trade makes the growth list

Economic activity in the services sector expanded for the sixth consecutive month in December, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Services ISM Report On Business. The Services PMI registered 54.1%, indicating expansion for the 52nd time in 55 months since recovery from the coronavirus pandemic-induced recession began in June 2020.

November durables orders dip 1.1%

New orders for manufactured durable goods in November, down three of the last four months, decreased $3.0 billion or 1.1% to $285.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced.

DataXstream releases OMS+ 4 for faster sales execution across SAP

DataXstream LLC has announced the fourth release of its award-winning OMS+ platform that significantly accelerates quote and order processing capabilities within SAP S/4 HANA On-Premise and SAP S/4 HANA Private Cloud environments.

December manufacturing contracts again

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in December for the ninth consecutive month and the 25th time in the last 26 months, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Centro acquires LECORP 

Centro Inc. has acquired LECORP, a provider of innovative system designs, equipment supply, and construction services for material handling, process solutions, and dust control.

MSC executive joins ISA board

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) welcomed Sara Dulski to its board of directors as of January 1. She is head of business unit – metalworking at MSC Industrial Supply Co., where she leads a portfolio that includes metalworking production tools and innovative value-added services.

Applied Industrial Technologies completes acquisition of Hydradyne

Applied Industrial Technologies completed its acquisition of Hydradyne LLC on December 31.

November construction spending flat from October

Construction spending during November 2024 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,152.6 billion, virtually unchanged from (±1.0%) the revised October estimate of $2,152.3 billion. The November figure is 3.0% (±1.5%) above the November 2023 estimate of $2,090.7 billion.