Distribution Industry News

Global Industrial first-quarter sales climb 9.2% YoY

Global Industrial Company reported its consolidated first-quarter sales increased 9.2% to $350.4 million compared to $321.0 million last year, and average daily sales increased 7.6% compared to prior year.

Enerpac announces two executive leadership promotions

Enerpac Tool Group Corp. announced that Phil Jefferson, who has served as regional president, Americas & EMEA, since November of 2024 after joining the company in July 2023, will now take on additional responsibility in the role of executive vice president, chief commercial officer, which will include commercial oversight of the Asia Pacific (APAC) Region.

Fastenal net sales increase 14.3% in April 

Fastenal reported April net sales of $7.9 millions, a 14.3% increase over April 2025.

AD reports robust member sales growth in Q1 2026

AD reported member sales through the first three months of 2026 increased 16% to nearly $28 billion across the group’s divisions and countries.

Sonic announces Impact Scholarship Program

Sonic, a supplier of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, announced the 2026 Sonic Impact Scholarship Program, noting that applications for the Spring round are due by Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Enpro sales climb 10.9% YoY

Enpro Inc. reported sales of $303.0 million, up 10.9%, for the first quarter ended March 31.

Winsupply acquires Rural Pipe & Supply in Texas

Winsupply Inc., one of the nation's largest wholesale distributors, has acquired a Texas company with two locations.

Services sector grows in April

Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in April, according to the latest ISM Services PMI Report. The Services PMI registered 53.6%, the 22nd consecutive month in expansion territory.

Renewable Lubricants celebrates 35th anniversary 

Renewable Lubricants celebrated its 35th anniversary of manufacturing environmentally friendly and food-grade lubricants with visits and proclamations from local Ohio dignitaries on April 24.

Hose & Rubber Supply appoints three vice presidents

Hose & Rubber Supply, an industrial supplies and services provider headquartered in Salt Lake City, has appointed three new vice presidents in support of its five-year growth plan.

Sonepar earns two awards for commitment to veterans, military 

Sonepar has been recognized as a 5 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards and has separately been honored as a 2026-2027 Vetted Employer.

WEG, SpinDrive partner on next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings

WEG S.A., a manufacturer of electric motors, and SpinDrive, a supplier of advanced active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, announced a strategic partnership integrating SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution designed for the demands of modern industrial processes.

March wholesale inventories up 1.4%

Wholesale inventories for March were estimated at an end-of-month level of $932.8 billion, up 1.4% from February 2026, and were up 2.9% from March 2025, according to the latest Advance Economic Indicators Report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Tencarva Machinery Co. acquires WWaterTech Services

Tencarva Machinery Co., a value-added distributor and service provider of flow control and process equipment solutions to industrial and municipal end markets, announced it has acquired WWaterTech Services, Inc., a manufacturer’s representative for water and wastewater equipment manufacturers and system suppliers.

New PTDA report offers exclusive insight on manufacturer–distributor partnerships

The Power Transmission Distributors Association’s (PTDA) announced the release of its newest proprietary research report, "Voices from the Channel: Insights to Improve Partnerships."

Honeywell to sell Warehouse and Workflow Solutions to private equity firm

Honeywell announced an agreement to sell its Warehouse and Workflow Solutions (WWS) business in an all-cash transaction to American Industrial Partners, an operationally focused private equity firm.

Iveco Group names new president of powertrain business unit

Iveco Group N.V. announced that Sylvain Blaise, president of the Powertrain Business Unit, will leave the company on June 29 to become CEO of Manitou Group. He will be succeeded by Simone Curti who joins the senior leadership team and will report directly to Iveco Group CEO Olof Persson.

Core & Main opens facility in Auburn, Alabama

Core & Main, Inc. has opened a new facility in Auburn, Alabama.

Core & Main appoints new vice president of investor relations

Core & Main, Inc., a specialty distributor dedicated to advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide,announced that Landon Althoff has joined the company as vice president of investor relations.

AUTOMATE 2026 comes to Chicago June 22–25 

As artificial intelligence and robotics accelerate across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, energy and other industrial sectors, AUTOMATE 2026 will bring together the companies and leaders shaping the next era of automation.

PTDA welcomes new manufacturer member: WorldWide Electric Corp.

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), announced its latest manufacturer member, WorldWide Electric Corp. LLC.

Applied Industrial Technologies tallies $1.3 billion in fiscal third quarter net sales

Applied Industrial Technologies, a value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies, reported its fiscal third quarter net sales of $1.3 billion increased 7.3% over the prior year.

Kimberly-Clark net sales rise 2.7% for Q1

Kimberly-Clark Corp. reported Q1 net sales of $4.2 billion, up 2.7%, with organic sales growth of 2.5%.

Dematic FIRST Scholarship applications open

Dematic announced it is accepting applications for qualifying high school seniors for two $5,000 scholarships and 10 $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education. 

Aalberts IPS advances sustainable performance with “Apollo” stainless steel ball conversion project

Aalberts integrated piping systems (IPS), a provider of advanced integrated piping systems for the distribution and control of liquids and gasses, has completed a strategic conversion of its “Apollo” brass and bronze ball valve portfolio to Type 316 stainless steel balls.

PTDA Foundation hits fundraising midpoint milestone as workforce initiatives expand

At the halfway point of its annual Fund Drive, the PTDA Foundation is advancing a series of workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) talent pipeline — expanding access to education, increasing career awareness and recognizing emerging and established industry leaders. As demand for skilled talent continues to grow, the Foundation remains focused on supporting PT/MC employers through targeted, high-impact programs, including:

Home Depot acquires supply chain automation provider

The Home Depot acquired SIMPL Automation, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based leader in automation and technology systems.

Famous competition sailor, Dawn Riley, to keynote at DPA Buying Group conference

DPA Buying Group announced that world-class sailor and leadership expert Dawn Riley will deliver the keynote address at its 2026 Annual Buying & Networking Conference.

Sonia Timmons named ISA's 2026 Women’s Influence Award recipient

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced recognized Sonia Timmons, chief financial officer at Vallen, as the 2026 ISA Women’s Influence Award recipient. She was formally recognized April 21at ISA26 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tom Haag receives ISA's 2026 John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced Tom Haag of KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools Group has been selected as the 2026 John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Haag was formally recognized at ISA26 April 21 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Industrial measures fall in March 2025

By Kristin Bartschi

U.S. industrial production decreased in March after a strong uptick in February, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, noted Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

President of Sellars Nonwovens recognized with INDA award

Martyn Davis, president of Sellars Nonwovens, received the inaugural Industry Advocate of the Year award from INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

February US cutting tool shipments up 12.8% from February 2025

February shipments of cutting tools totaled $225.1 million in February, an increase of 2% from January and up 12.8% from February 2025, according to the latest Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI).

AD appoints new president of Independent Electrical Supply Division 

AD announced Chris Marlow will join the company as president of its Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), effective May 1.

Honeywell to sell Productivity Solutions and Services business to Brady 

Honeywell has agreed to sell its Productivity Solutions and Services ("PSS") business to Brady Corp., an international manufacturer of identification and protection solutions, for $1.4 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Hampton Rubber expands CNG offering with Danfoss products

Hampton Rubber Company, a Singer Industrial company, announced the expansion of its CNG (compressed natural gas) product offering with two Danfoss hoses — tightening the distributor's focus on high-quality, certified hose assemblies for fueling and vehicle applications.

3M organic sales up 1.2% YoY

3M reported Q1 adjusted sales of $6.0 billion with organic growth of 1.2% YoY. Adjusted operating margin for the quarter was 23.8%, up 30 bps YoY.

ALI: National Ladder Safety Month is over, but safe practices must go on

As another National Ladder Safety Month comes to a close, event organizers remind all ladder users that safety is a year-long commitment. The American Ladder Institute (ALI), the only approved developer of safety standards for the U.S. ladder industry, sponsors National Ladder Safety Month every March to remind professionals and DIYers of the importance of always being safe and mindful while using ladders.

Greene Tweed expands partnership with Seal Dynamics to strengthen aerospace OEM support in Asia and Brazil

Greene Tweed, a global manufacturer of high-performance materials and engineered components, named Seal Dynamics the exclusive sales and distribution partner for its aerospace original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products in Asia and Brazil, effective April 1.

February new orders for manufactured goods increases $0.3 billion

New orders for manufactured goods in February, up three of the last four months, increased $0.3 billion or virtually unchanged to $619.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

New commercial product manager joins Morse team

The M. K. Morse Company hired Jennifer Moore as commercial product manager.

Fastenal Q1 net sales rise 12.4% YoY

Fastenal reported its net sales increased 12.4% in the first quarter of 2026 when compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Zekelman Industries appoints executive director of digital, mission critical infrastructure

Zekelman, an independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, announced  Jim Marsh has joined the company as executive director, digital and mission critical infrastructure.

Dematic partners with GreyOrange on AI, robotics, scaleability in distribution

Dematic, a global provider of supply chain automation, announced a strategic partnering relationship with GreyOrange, a global specialist in AI-powered warehouse orchestration and store inventory software.

Singer Industrial names new CEO

Singer Industrial announced the promotion of Pete Haberbosch to chief executive officer.

Momentum of late-2025 machinery demand carries into first two months of 2026

By Kristin Bartschi

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $488.9 million in February 2026, increasing 10.7% over January 2026 and 27.4% over February 2025, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Kimberly-Clark issues statement on April 7 DC fire

Kimberly-Clark confirmed that a fire occurred April 7 at a distribution center in Ontario, California, operated by a third-party logistics partner, NFI Industries.

AD changes name of Industrial & Safety division 

AD announced its Industrial & Safety – U.S. Division will operate under a new name: the Industrial, Safety, and Construction (ISC) Division.

March services sector sees economic activity expand 

Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in March, according to the latest ISM Services PMI Report, informed by the nation’s purchasing and supply executives. The Services PMI registered 54%, the 21st consecutive month in expansion territory.

February employment unchanged in manufacturing, wholesale trade

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178,000 in March, following a decrease in
February (-133,000), the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. In March, job gains occurred in health care, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline.

Integrion Automation announces CEO transition

Integrion Automation, a Cornerstone Corporation operating company, announced that Joe Gemma will retire from his role as chief executive officer and transition to serve as strategic advisor to the company. Craig Rossman has been appointed chief executive officer, effective Feb. 18.

Advance report: February orders for manufactured durable goods dip 1.4%

New orders for manufactured durable goods in February, which were down four of the last five months, decreased $4.4 billion or 1.4% to $315.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced April 7.

Global Industrial expands Caterpillar licensing agreement with Cat material handling line

Global Industrial Company announced the expansion of its licensing agreement with Caterpillar through the launch of a new Cat material handling product line.

Weiler Abrasives recognized for climate leadership in Europe 

Weiler Abrasives, a global maker of surface conditioning solutions, has been recognized for its significant sustainability-related achievements by the Sustainable European Abrasive Manufacturers (SEAM).

Continental celebrates groundbreaking for Iowa compounding center 

Continental’s group sector ContiTech will host a groundbreaking ceremony April 8 for its new state?of?the?art compounding center at the ContiTech Mount Pleasant, Iowa plant.

Mouvex celebrates 120 years making eccentric disc pumps

Mouvex, a leading manufacturer of positive displacement pumps, is celebrating its 120-year anniversary in 2026.

March manufacturing growth outpaces February

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March for the third consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report.

SpaceGuard Products earns MHEDA’s MVS Award for 10th consecutive year

SpaceGuard Products, a North American leader in wire mesh security solutions, has been recognized with the 2026 Most Valuable Supplier (MVS) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for achievements in 2025.

Convert great interns into hires — and stay connected with the ones you can’t

The best internship programs aren’t measured by how they end but by what happens next.

Fabricating machinery distributor adds MySpot spot welder

International Technologies, Inc., a Chicago-area distributor of technologically advanced metal fabricating machinery, said it now offers the NK23 MySpot resistance spot welder from Koyo Giken.

AD appoints Bill Condron as first-time board member

AD announced its owner/members elected Bill Condron, CEO of The Granite Group Wholesalers, LLC, to the board for the first time. Karla Neupert Hockley, chair & CEO of Consolidated Supply Co., and George Vorwick, president and CEO of United Electric Supply Company, Inc., were re-elected to additional terms.

Enerpac reports 6% increase in second quarter net sales

Enerpac Tool Group Corp. announced its second quarter net sales were $155 million, a 6% increase compared to the prior year, with a 2% increase in organic sales.

Fastenal celebrates 25 years in Mexico

Fastenal Company is marking its 25th anniversary in Mexico. The decision to enter the Mexico market came in 2000, and the Apodaca branch officially began doing business early the following year.

Orbbec, Basler partnership promises 3D vision solutions for industrial robotics, logistics

On March 25 during LogiMAT 2026, Orbbec announced a technology collaboration with Basler, an international manufacturer of high-quality industrial cameras and a long-standing reference in machine vision. The partnership aims to provide customers worldwide with integrated and scalable industrial 3D vision solutions for demanding automation tasks in robotics and logistics.

Core & Main opens new Florida facility 

Core & Main, Inc. announced the opening of its new facility located in Rockledge, Florida.

Kimberly-Clark named to Ethisphere's 'World's Most Ethical Companies' list 

Kimberly-Clark Corp. has been recognized as one of the '2026 World's Most Ethical Companies' by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Ethisphere names Grainger one of the '2026 World's Most Ethical Companies'

Grainger?has been recognized as one of the "2026 World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Fed holds rates steady after strong capital investment from manufacturers

By Kristin Bartschi

The Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates steady today at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75% in a move that was widely anticipated by financial markets.

3M acquires Madison Fire & Rescue, forms joint venture in fire safety business

3M announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Madison Fire & Rescue, in partnership with Bain Capital.

NetPlus Industry Outlook: Distributors expect '26 sales to grow at least 3%

After a generally successful 2025, the vast majority of NetPlus Alliance members are looking forward to increased sales in 2026 and implementing strategies to enhance profitability.

Manufacturers' Q4-25 after-tax profits inch up 2.1%

U.S. manufacturing corporations' seasonally adjusted after-tax profits in the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled $247.3 billion, up $5.1billion from the after-tax profits of $242.2 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2025 — according to the Census Bureau's Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Manufacturing, Mining, Wholesale Trade, and Selected Service Industries, Fourth Quarter 2025.

January construction spending up 1% YoY

Construction spending during January was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,190.4 billion, 0.3% below the revised December estimate of $2,197.6 billion.

Applied AI for Distributors comes to Chicago in June

Distribution Strategy Group will host its Applied AI for Distributors conference June 23–25 in Chicago.

Winsupply to add 1.6 million square feet of distribution capacity

Winsupply, a distributor of residential and commercial construction and industrial supplies, announced a multi-year expansion of its national distribution network.

Sonepar sets new record with $37.9 billion in global sales

Sonepar said it delivered record sales of $37.9 billion in 2025 and strengthened its profitability despite a challenging global economic environment.

Core & Main ends FY 25 with 2.8% increase in net sales

Core & Main, Inc. announced net sales decreased 6.9% to $1,581 million for its fourth quarter, while net sales increased 2.8% to $7,647 million for the fiscal year ended February 1.

Proton releases purpose-built cloud platform for distributors

Proton.ai launched what its calling the first industry cloud platform purpose-built for distribution, offering a unified suite of AI-powered products that replaces the patchwork of disconnected tools most distributors rely on today, the company stated.

Radians opens new Salt Lake City distribution center

Radians, a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), announced the opening of a new warehouse and distribution center in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 16.

Grainger hosts three-day show in Orlando

The biannual Grainger Show descended on Orlando March 15–17 as 12,000 attendees poured into 450,000 square feet of tradeshow and seminar spaces at the Orange County Convention Center.

Sunnen launches machine buy-back program 

Sunnen Products Company, a global supplier of high-precision honing, bore sizing, and engine rebuilding equipment, announced its machine buy-back program that gives manufacturers a cost-effective path to upgrade or replace existing equipment while preserving the value of their capital investments.

Manufactured durable goods orders holds steady

New orders for manufactured durable goods in January, down three of the last four months, decreased $0.1 billion or virtually unchanged to $321.2 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced.

Zekelman names new division president of Sharon Tube

Zekelman Industries, an independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, announced that Jean-Marc “JM” Athanassiadis will take over as division president for the company’s Sharon Tube business unit.

Industrial measures moderate in February 

By Kristin Bartschi

?Industrial production increased 0.2%, and capacity utilization remained flat across the U.S. economy from January to February 2026, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. For manufacturers, both industrial production and capacity utilization grew at the same rate as the overall index, 0.2% and 0.0%, respectively.

Fastenal to break ground on Southeast distribution facility

Fastenal Company announced it will begin construction of a new Southeast U.S. regional operations and logistics center in Carrollton, Georgia.

Global Industrial introduces pallet jack for safer, faster pallet handling

Global Industrial Company announced the availability of its Global Industrial Electric Pallet Jack with Charger, a compact, self-propelled pallet truck designed to help warehouses and distribution facilities move palletized goods more efficiently while reducing physical strain on operators.

Big Joe Forklifts names new director of dealer development 

Big Joe Forklifts promoted Cullen Wurzer to director, dealer development, Midwest & Southeast.

January cutting tool shipments up 9.9% YoY

Shipments of cutting tools totaled $220.7 million in January, increasing 2.7% from December 2025 and 9.9% from January 2025, according to the latest Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI).

Services sector expands in February

Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in February, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest ISM Services PMI Report. The Services PMI registered 56.1%, its 20th month in a row in expansion territory.

Fastenal net sales rise 13.3% in February

Fastenal reported February net sales climbed 13.3% to $7.1 million.

Distribution Solutions Group reports 9.8% full-year revenue growth 

Reporting full-year and fourth quarter results, Distribution Solutions Group Inc. said 2025 revenue was $1.98 billion, an increase of $175.9 million or 9.8% (on one less selling day), of which $121.5 million resulted from five acquisitions only partially included in 2024.

PTDA 2026 Canadian Conference to cover AI, trade, economic strategy

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will host its 2026 Canadian Conference in Montréal, Canada June 2–4, uniting power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) professionals to explore the latest industry trends and challenges.

Kimberly-Clark appoints chief information and GBS officer

Kimberly-Clark Corp. appointed Francesco Tinto as chief information and global business services (GBS) officer, effective March 9.

Employment in manufacturing, construction, wholesale trade unchanged in February

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported total nonfarm payroll employment edged down by 92,000 in February, following an increase in January (+126,000). 

MT orders predictably decline in January after historic December

By Christopher Chidzik

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $441.4 million in January 2026, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Kennametal VP wins 2026 STEP Ahead Award

Kennametal Inc. announced that Ellen Whittingham, vice president, strategic talent enablement, has been recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Award Honoree by The Manufacturing Institute.

Core & Main opens new Oregon facility 

Core & Main Inc. (NYSE: CNM), a specialty distributor dedicated to advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide, announced the opening of its new facility located in Redmond, Oregon.

Distribution Solutions Group acquires Eastern Valve & Control Specialties

Distribution Solutions Group Inc. announced the acquisition of Eastern Valve & Control Specialties Ltd., a provider of industrial valve products and related services supporting customers across Atlantic Canada, as part of its Canadian Branch and Source Atlantic.

Sellars’ CFO recognized with BizTimes award

John Lutz, CFO at Sellars Absorbent Materials, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer and marketer of wipes, absorbents and towel and tissue products, has been recognized as a Notable CFO by BizTimes Media.

Teledyne GMI partners with Southern Cross to support US gas utilities market

Teledyne Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd. (Teledyne GMI), a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Inc., announced a strategic partnership with Southern Cross, a Sparus Company, to distribute its full portfolio of gas and leak detection solutions to gas utility customers across the Southeast region of the U.S.

BlackHawk Industrial taps industry veteran to accelerate growth

BlackHawk Industrial, a market-leading distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, appointed Ryan Esposito to the newly created position of chief commercial officer (CCO).

DLA leadership emphasizes AI, partnerships as critical to warfighter readiness

By Matthew Mahoney DLA Distribution Public Affairs

"AI is the new gunpowder," declared Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, offering a prediction on the future of military logistics.

PTDA welcomes new member Bestorq 

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), announced Bestorq is their latest new manufacturer member.

DXP Enterprises reports fiscal '25 sales up 11.9% 

DXP Enterprises Inc. announced fiscal 2025 sales of $2.0 billion, up 11.9% from fiscal 2024. The company's fourth-quarter sales increased 12% to $527.4 million, compared to the same quarter of 2024.

Kimball Midwest receives training award

Kimball Midwest, a national industrial supplier based in Columbus, again has been recognized by Training magazine for excellence in training and development programs.

December construction spending ticks up from November

December 2025 construction spending was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,168.8 billion, 0.3% above the November estimate of $2,163.1 billion. The December figure is 0.4% below the December 2024 estimate of $2,176.6 billion.

Global Industrial Q4 sales increase 14.3%

Global Industrial Company announced its fourth quarter 2025 consolidated sales increased 14.3% to $345.6 million compared to $302.3 million last year and average daily sales increased 7.4% compared to prior year.

February manufacturing activity in expansion territory

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in February for the second straight month but only the third time in 40 months, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report.

AFC Industries introduces Cline Tool Customs 

AFC Industries launched Cline Tool Customs, a brand focused on delivering custom engineered tooling solutions designed to solve complex manufacturing challenges with precision and speed.