Distribution Industry News

STAFDA replaces UID professional ed program 

STAFDA has announced its “Excellence in Distribution” school for all professionals in the construction and industrial space, replacing the University of Innovative Distribution (UID) annual spring management school for professionals in distribution and the supply chain. 

ISA announces 8 summer educational sessions

The Industrial Supply Association’s all-new Summer Session program offers eight free virtual sessions designed to demystify the omnichannel customer experience.The sessions provide a unique opportunity for professionals in leadership, sales, marketing, customer experience, and human resources to gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of the B2B customer buying experience.

Grainger extends tuition reimbursement for part-timers

Grainger, a broad line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, has expanded its long-standing educational assistance program to include part-time team members and has partnered with new institutions to provide high-quality degree programs, with some offered at no cost.

'We Supply America' hits the road to tell distributor stories 

The We Supply America RV has hit the road again for Season 3. With the help of sponsors Infor and Wipfli, executive producer and host Dirk Beveridge is on a mission to celebrate the independent, family- and employee-owned businesses that are the backbone of the country, bettering communities small and large with meaningful jobs and economic stability.

ERIKS NA announces executive promotion

ERIKS North America, a distributor in the industrial market, has promoted Terry Subia to vice president of key markets.

Coastal Hose and Supply joins IDCO

IDCO announced the addition of Coastal Hose and Supply to its network of members. Coastal Hose and Supply, a leading provider of hoses, fittings, and related products, brings expertise and a wide range of solutions to the IDCO community.

DSG celebrates milestone in the mile-high city

Dakota Supply Group (DSG) recently held a celebration of its 125th anniversary combined with its annual ESOP meeting, hosting employees, partners, and other stakeholders at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado.

Proton.ai partners with Infor 

Proton.ai, the leading AI-powered growth platform for distributors, today announced a partnership with Infor, an industry cloud company, to help distributors boost revenue growth. The companies say the collaboration represents a significant industry milestone, underscoring Proton.ai’s and Infor’s commitment to provide innovative AI and tailored CRM solutions that greatly improve the customer experience for distribution companies.

White Cap completes Tri-Boro acquisition 

White Cap L.P., a distributor of specialty construction supplies and safety products for professional contractors, has closed on the previously announced agreement to acquire Tri-Boro Construction Supplies, a Pennsylvania-based concrete accessories and construction supply company.

Kimberly-Clark reports sustainability progress

According to its latest annual sustainability report, Kimberly-Clark achieved by year-end 2022 an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 42% and a 9.4% energy efficiency improvement versus the 2015 baseline. The report provided an update on the company's progress toward its 2030 sustainability strategy and goals.

Supply executives: New orders and backlogs contracting

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in May for the seventh consecutive month following a 28-month period of growth, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Fastenal posts 10% YOY net sales increase

Fastenal Co. reported May net sales of $6.5 million, a 10% increase over May 2022. Its daily sales grew 9.7% in the manufacturing end market, a drop from 22.4% last May. The non-residential construction market delivered a 9.5% decline last month, versus a 10.7% increase YOY.

Cooper Electric to acquire Billows Electric Supply

Sonepar announced its U.S. subsidiary, Cooper Electric, has entered into an agreement to acquire Billows Electric Supply.

Alan Beaulieu, workshops headline business education at STAFDA convention

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) announced Economic Consultant Alan Beaulieu will present an Economic Update at the association's 47th Annual Convention & Trade Show, November 5-7, in San Antonio. Workshop presenters and additional agenda happenings have also been released.

CIRCOR to be acquired by KKR 

CIRCOR International, Inc., a global provider of mission critical flow control products and services for the industrial and aerospace and defense markets, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by investment funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $1.6 billion, including the assumption of debt.

IAG Cargo launches London–Cincinnati route 

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), announced it will be starting a new direct service between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio for the first time in its history. The service will be operated by a British Airways B787-8 aircraft.

Manufactured goods nudge up half a percent

New orders for manufactured goods in April, up four of the last five months, increased $2.6 billion or 0.4 percent to $577.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on June 5.

IDCO recognizes top suppliers

IDCO Co-op, a cooperative of independent distributors in North America, announced suppliers that achieved top honors in its 2023 Hoser Honors program – it's a platform to acknowledge superior performance from IDCO Endorsed Suppliers.

AD, Baron Group set to merge

AD and The Baron Group, a buying group serving independent groundwater systems distributors, have announced their intent to merge, with an expected closing on June 30.

AFFLINK names new senior leadership 

AFFLINK has appointed Michael Wilson president and CEO, and Chip Shields is the company's new chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

ERIKS North America appoints West region VP/GM

ERIKS North America, a distributor of industrial solutions, has appointed Mike Deery as vice president and general manager of its West region.

Lawless Group Rockies expands DeWalt relationship, hires supporting manager 

The Lawless Group Rockies has hired a new senior categor manager in conjunction with its expanded partnership with DeWalt Anchoring & Fasteners (ANF) – The Lawless Group will now service all of Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Montana for the manufacturer.

Wells Fargo economists: Construction spending climbed higher in April

Total construction spending advanced 1.2% during April. The monthly gain translates to a 7.2% annual increase.

Difficult but positive 2022 for Pilz

Pilz reports it had a demanding but successful 2022 financial year – the automation company achieved record sales of 403.3 million Euro.