Distribution Industry News

Durable goods orders up again

New orders for manufactured durable goods in March, up two consecutive months, increased $7.3 billion or 2.6% to $283.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today.

BlackHawk expands national vending operations with two key appointments

BlackHawk Industrial has appointed Jesse Mestas as West Coast regional vending solutions manager and Troy Deans as redeployment center supervisor.

NBA legend Chris Mullin to keynote DPA conference May 2

Distributor Partners of America (DPA), a buying group serving the janitorial, safety, industrial supply industries, announced NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Mullin, will keynote its upcoming buying and networking conference May 1-3 in Indianapolis.

ATA: 'truck freight volumes remain lackluster'

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index declined 2% in March after increasing 4% in February. In March, the index equaled 113.4 (2015=100) compared with 115.7 in February.

New survey: B2B web stores drive buyers away

B2B buyers want to keep shopping online, but B2B e-commerce capabilities are not keeping up with the complex needs of B2B buyers. A recent Sapio Research survey of 1,000 B2B buyers commissioned by Sana Commerce found a surprisingly high rate of errors for B2B online orders, and B2B buyers getting frustrated by inaccurate, impersonal user experiences on B2B web stores.

KMC Global partners with Design Systems, BC Construction Group on Li-ion battery recycling

In a strategic move to transform the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling industry, KMC Global has announced a new partnership with Design Systems Inc. and BC Construction Group. The collaboration is set to develop state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to recycling Li-ion batteries, which are pivotal in powering everything from electric vehicles to portable electronics.

World Electric announces new leadership roles

World Electric announced five leadership changes as the company celebrates recent expansion – in the last three years, World has acquired Electric Supply (Florida) and Advance Electric (Georgia), opened two new branches – with two more on the way – and built a 260,000-square-foot distribution center in Hialeah Gardens, Florida.

PTDA welcomes new member

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has welcomed Service First Processing as a new associate member.

Income declines for Genuine Parts 

For its first quarter ended March 31, Genuine Parts Company reported net income declined to $249 million compared to $304 million in the prior year period. 

Kyndryl tapped to increase NIBCO workforce productivity 

Kyndryl, a large IT infrastructure services provider, announced an agreement with NIBCO INC., a fifth-generation, family-owned business and industry-leading provider of flow control solutions, to increase productivity and connectivity across its workforce by implementing network technology and digital workplace services.

Ace Industrial Supply unveils bold expansion

As part of its strategic growth, Ace Industrial Supply, Inc. says it is adding over 1,000 new products to its inventory of 6,000 items.

Shurtape hires senior vice president of marketing

Shurtape Technologies, LLC, whose subsidaries serve industrial/MRO among other industries, has appointed Mark Hodgins as its new senior vice president of marketing.

February cutting tool orders up 9% YOY

By Christopher Chidzik

February 2024 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $214.6 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 4.9% from January’s $204.5 million and up 9% when compared with the $196.9 million reported for February 2023. With a year-to-date total of $419.1 million, 2024 is up 6.5% when compared to the same time period in 2023.

BlackHawk names new Mid-States GM

BlackHawk Industrial has appointed Brad Stewart as general manager for the Mid-States region, a strategic move that aligns with the company’s commitment to diversifying product offerings and expanding its reach to serve a broader customer base.

IDCO names Commerce Hose Member of the Year

IDCO announced that Commerce Hose is the 2023 Dixon LeGros Member of the Year award, a recognition celebrating their exceptional achievements and contributions over the past year.

Purvis Industries acquires PTE Drives

Effective April 15, Purvis Industries acquired substantially all the assets, brand rights, websites, personnel, and intellectual property of PTE Drives, a family-owned and operated industrial distributor that operates a single branch in Akron, Ohio.

Jennifer Murphy wins ISA Women’s Influence Award 

Industrial Supply Association (ISA) presented its Women’s Influence Award to Jennifer Murphy, president and CEO of NetPlus Alliance.

Midwest Automation named a Women Business Enterprise

Midwest Automation Inc., an electrical control panel fabricator in the Midwest, is proud to announce it has been certified as a WBE (Woman Business Enterprise) by the Missouri Office of Equal Opportunity.

Radians appoints new director of marketing

Radians, a top-tier global PPE manufacturer, is excited to announce the appointment of Cal Bontemps as its new director of marketing.

New Yorker, Geyer Electronic sign distribution agreement

New Yorker Electronics, global distributor of electronic components, recently announced a new franchised distribution agreement with Geyer Electronic. Geyer is an international manufacturer of quart crystals, oscillators and resonators.

March industrial production declines 0.4% 

Industrial production rose 0.4% in March but declined at an annual rate of 1.8% in the first quarter, the Fed reported.

OSCO Safety becomes exclusive ReadySeries source 

OSCO Safety, a provider of safety solutions, announced a strategic partnership with Bedford Reinforced Plastics, acquiring the rights to be the exclusive source for ReadySeries pre-engineered modular composite products.

ISA awards Tom Gale

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced Tom Gale, CEO of Modern Distribution Management (MDM), is the recipient of its respected John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award during the ISA24 convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Airgas expands high school welding education program 

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, will welcome 65 schools into the company’s High School Welding Education Initiative for the 2024 academic year, expanding the ongoing program to help students across the country prepare to enter welding, engineering and technical careers. This year, 31 returning schools and 34 new schools from a record 29 states have been selected to be part of the program.

ALI hosts free safe ladder trainings

Ladders are ever-present tools for a variety of jobs and projects, making them extremely common in construction, contracting, and building trades. Whether you own a construction company, manage and supervise a crew, or are a sole proprietor, safety should be important to you. It’s a matter of keeping your employees and/or yourself productive and free from harm.

Martin Supply acquires Trinity Hardware Headquarters

Martin Supply has acquired Trinity Hardware Headquarters (THHQ) from Agrisolutions (AGS), a leading global manufacturer of wear parts, components, and accessories.

White Cap aqcuires Bend Construction Supply

White Cap, a leading distributor of specialty construction supplies and safety products for professional contractors, has closed on an agreement to acquire Bend Construction Supply, Inc., a specialty distributor of products for concrete, mechanical, and electrical contractors located in Bend, Oregon.

Dakota Fluid Power expands into Council Bluffs, Iowa area

Dakota Fluid Power, a Singer Industrial Company, announced it has opened a new storefront in Council Bluffs, Iowa as of February 1.

Blackline Safety wins $1.4 million deal 

Blackline Safety Corp. announced a new deal valued at $1.4 million to supply its lone worker safety app, Loner Mobile, and G7c cloud-connected devices to an Australian water utility provider.

Vallen Distribution appoints Vallen U.S. president 

Following the completed acquisition of Wesco Integrated Supply (WIS), Vallen Distribution announced a strategic, combined executive leadership structure, effective immediately. 

Adverse weather factors into Fastenal Q1 results

Fastenal reported net sales increased $36.1 million, or 1.9%, in the first quarter of 2024 when compared to the first quarter of 2023.

Suncor Stainless appoints East region sales manager

Suncor Stainless Inc., a manufacturer for stainless steel hardware in the industrial, marine, government, architectural, OEM and commercial industries, has promoted Janelle Veiga to the position of East region sales manager.

February manufacturing technology orders up 2.1%

By Christopher Chidzik
Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $343.3 million in February 2024. This was a 2.1% increase from January 2024 but a 26.5% decline from February 2023. Year-to-date orders reached $679.6 million, a decline of 16.9% from the first two months of 2023.

White Cap buys Crimson Steel Supply

White Cap has acquired Crimson Steel Supply, LLC, a value-added distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products serving non-residential and infrastructure end markets.

AD recaps joint US, Canada meeting

AD’s Electrical & Industrial (E&I) - US and the Canadian Business Units celebrated a historic Spring Network Meeting in Houston, uniting members across the Electrical-US, Electrical-Canada, Industrial & Safety-US, Safety Network, and Bearings & Power Transmission divisions. 

PTDA Foundation opens award nominations

The PTDA Foundation is seeking nominations for its Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award and Robert K. Callahan Advancing Leaders Award.

New president announced at Motion

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) announced April 8 that its board of directors has appointed James F. Howe to the position of president at Motion, the company's industrial business, effective April 1, 2024.

E Tech Group appoints life sciences vice president

E Tech Group, a leader in providing high-quality automation, control, and engineering services for industrial clients and Gold Certified Rockwell Automation Partner, today announced hiring Trent Meyers, P.E., as the new vice president of life sciences central and process industries.

Sonepar acquires Electrozad

Sonepar announced it has acquired Electrozad Supply Co. Limited. With a market presence in Ontario, Electrozad will strengthen Sonepar’s OEM/industrial business across southern Ontario.

Dirk Beveridge launches distributor event  

Dirk Beveridge, executive producer of We Supply America and founder of UnleashWD, has opened up registration for his newest event, Force For Good Live Virtual. The full-day event, dedicated to distributors and manufacturers will be on May 1.

ISA certification program reaches capacity, second cohort opens

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced the overwhelming success of the opening enrollment for the 2024 Emerging Leaders Channel Certification (ELCC) program. The first cohort for 2024 is already at full capacity, reflecting the enthusiastic response from industry professionals and companies eager to invest in the development of their rising leaders.

Little change in March manufacturing, warehouse employment 

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 303,000 in March, higher than the average monthly gain of 231,000 over the prior 12 months, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported April 5. In March, job gains occurred in health care, government, and construction. The unemployment rate changed little at 3.8%.

Mark Klein named a Top Leader in Manufacturing

Kano Laboratories President Mark Klein is named among the top leadership in the Nashville manufacturing industry. The "Nashville Post" released its annual list and recognized Klein as leader who makes the city the best it can be.

New 3M app helps tackle counterfeit PPE

When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), there's no place for fraud or counterfeit. So, 3M has established the new 3M Verify app to help companies ensure their PPE is authentic. 

Kurt Hydraulics expands with new warehouse

Kurt Hydraulics, a provider of high-quality hydraulic hose and fitting solutions, announced the opening of its new, centrally-located warehouse in Fridley, Minnesota.

DPA partners with DDS on new product content offering 

Distributor Partners of America (DPA), a buying group serving the safety, industrial supply, and JanSan industries, has partnered with DDS (Distributor Data Solutions) to power their innovative Product Content Hub.

AD Mexico celebrates decade of success at spring meeting

AD Mexico commemorated its 10th anniversary at the 2024 AD Mexico Spring Network Meeting, hosting the AD Mexico Divisional Board, Industrial and Safety Steering Committee, and Supplier Advisory Council, along with 120 AD Mexico electrical and industrial and safety members and suppliers. 

Hose of South Texas joins TIPCO Technologies

TIPCO Technologies and Hose of South Texas (HOST) have announced a partnership in which Hose of South Texas will join TIPCO in its mission to become the largest independent distributor of fluid conveyance and sealing solutions in the U.S. HOST will continue to operate under the leadership of Tripp Batey as president.

Tom Sellars recognized as a Top Impact CEO

Tom Sellars, CEO of Sellars Absorbent Materials, has been recognized as a 2024 MO 100 Top Impact CEO. The award identifies the 100 most impactful leaders who are driving positive social and environmental change through their companies.

Durable goods orders inch up

New orders for manufactured durable goods in February, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $3.7 billion or 1.4% to $277.9 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced.

Bison gets patent for novel blower motor

Bison, an innovator in motor technology, announced the issuance of a patent for the revolutionary RAM Reverse Air Movement Blower Motor. This cutting-edge invention, spearheaded by Senior Director of Technology David Finkenbinder, overcomes the performance shortcomings of traditional thru-flow air blower motors through its novel design.

Galco forges supplier partnership with Balluff

Galco – an MRO-focused distributor of industrial and commercial electrical and electronic control, automation, motion control, and power transmission products – announced an enhancement to its product lineup through a new partnership with Balluff, which provides high-quality sensor, identification, and network solutions for a wide range of automation requirements.

Kimball Midwest named 2024 Top Workplace

Kimball Midwest has been named one of Central Ohio’s Top Workplaces for 2024. It is the 12th consecutive recognition for Kimball Midwest from Columbus CEO magazine.

Sonepar appointed new president of Capital Electric

most recently, Rexel USA, where he served as Senior Vice President of the Gulf Division.

February construction spending beats January's estimate

Construction spending during February 2024 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,091.5 billion, 0.3% (±0.8%)* below the revised January estimate of $2,096.9 billion. The February figure is 10.7% (±1.3%) above the February 2023 estimate of $1,889.6 billion. During the first two months of this year, construction spending amounted to $298.1 billion, 11.9% (±1.3%) above the $266.5 billion for the same period in 2023.

NorthEast Electrical launches annual scholarship, grant program

NorthEast Electrical, a Sonepar Company, announced that the 2024 Community Scholarships and Grants program is now accepting applications.

Manufacturing contracts for 16th month

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in February for the 16th consecutive month following one month of “unchanged” status (a PMI reading of 50%) and 28 months of growth prior to that, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Vallen closes Wesco purchase

Vallen Distribution has completed its previously announced acquisition of Wesco Integrated Supply from Wesco International.

MSC acquires IP of Schmitz Manufacturing Research & Technology

MSC Industrial Supply Co. has completed the acquisition of intellectual property (IP) assets from Schmitz Manufacturing Research & Technology LLC (SMRT) related to its technology solutions for the U.S. manufacturing industry.