Distribution Industry News

AD Industrial & Safety – U.S. awards members, suppliers

During the recent 2022 AD Industrial & Safety – U.S. North American Meeting, AD held its Spirit of Independence Awards dinner celebrating Industrial & Safety – U.S. members and supplier partners for excellence within their companies and for their contributions to AD.

The Lawless Group hires regional vice president

John Holman has joined The Lawless Group (TLG) as North Central Regional vice president, responsible for growing and managing the territory, which includes service to Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Genuine Parts Co. appoints new officers

Genuine Parts Co.'s board of directors has appointed William P. Stengel to the position of president and chief operating officer and Christopher T. Galla to the position of senior vice president and general counsel, effective January 1, 2023.

InCord achieves WOSB certification

InCord has been certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recognizing Meredith Shay and Robin Ritz as sole owners of the manufacturing business on a federal level.

Core & Main Completes Acquisition of Lanier Municipal Supply Co. Inc.

St. Louis-based Core & Main Inc., a specialized distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, fire protection products and related services, has closed its previously announced acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Lanier Municipal Supply Co. Inc., a full-service distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, agricultural and irrigation products, headquartered in Lakeland, Georgia.

Airgas opens Nevada facility

Airgas officially opened its newest distribution center in Henderson, Nevada, on December 6 with a ribbon-cutting event. 

TestEquity acquires German test equipment provider

TestEquity, the operating company of Chicago-based Distribution Solutions Group Inc., has completed its acquisition of Instrumex, a test and measurement provider of reconditioned test equipment based in Munich, Germany.

Dakota Supply Group opens new Minnesota facility 

Dakota Supply Group (DSG) has opened a new facility in Otsego, Minnesota. The previous Monticello location at 9668 Fallon Ave NE, is now closed. Its Otsego replacement location is at 7505 Kadler Ave NE and is now open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

BlackHawk acquires Thomas Industrial Supply

BlackHawk Industrial, Tulsa, Oklahoma, has again executed on its growth strategy with the completion of its acquisition of Wisconsin-based Thomas Industrial Supply, Inc. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Jon-Don welcomes new CEO and chief sales officer

Jon-Don, based in Roselle, Illinois, has appointed Jay Davisson as its chief executive officer and Steve Porter as chief sales officer. The updates to the leadership team reflect the company’s continued growth trajectory and as it expands to serve contractors across a variety of industries.

Fastenal's November sales rise 10.2%

Fastenal reported its November sales totaled $577,826 million, a 10.2% increase from $524,168 million in November of last year.

Construction adds over 20K jobs in November

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that construction employment continued to trend up in November (+20,000), with nonresidential building adding 8,000 jobs. Construction has added an average of 19,000 jobs per month so far this year, little different from the 2021 average of 16,000 per month.

Construction spending up year-over-year

Construction spending slowed somewhat in October compared to September but remains well above the pace set in 2021.

Kano Laboratories announces Mark Klein as president

Nashville-based Kano Laboratories, which produces Kroil-branded penetrating oils and lubricants, has appointed Mark Klein as president.

Manufacturing index contracted in November

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in November for the first time since May 2020 after 29 consecutive months of growth.

Streamlight welcomes regional sales manager – Latin America 

Streamlight Inc. has hired Daniel Rodriguez as regional sales manager – Latin America for the company’s International Division.

Record-breaking attendance at 2022 AD Industrial & Safety – U.S. North American Meeting 

AD hosted its 2022 Industrial & Safety – U.S. North American Meeting October 23–26, breaking attendance records from member and supplier companies who convened near Denver to network, collaborate and share industry insights.

New CFO Joins ERIKS North America

ERIKS North America has appointed David Brown as its chief financial officer.