Grainger to Divest Grainger China
Company says divestment will help remained focused on profitable growth in key geographies.
June 2020
Sonepar USA Announces Leadership Changes
Electrical distributor makes handful of executive appointments and promotions.
Chicago Fed National Activity Index Rises to +2.61 in May
All four broad categories of indicators used to construct the index made positive contributions in May, and all four categories increased from April.
Ohio Transmission Appoints David Scheer to Replace Phil Derrow as CEO
After 22 years as CEO and 38 years with the company, Derrow will transition to chairman.
WESCO Completes Merger with Anixter International
Electrical giants clear regulatory hurdles as Anixter becomes wholly owned subsidiary of WESCO.
How Valin Corporation Managed an Abrupt Remote Work Transition
The industrial distributors Director of Organizational Development Cory Calderon sees a post-pandemic future with a hybrid remote/onsite work environment, contingent upon scalable software applications and technology upgrades.
U.S. Cutting Tool Consumption Plummets 31.1% in April
Latest report shows U.S. cutting tool consumption down 24.7% from previous month of March.
What Walmart Can Teach Distributors About E-Commerce
Size doesnt matter when it comes to being successful in e-commerce. Walmart recognized that its prior e-commerce team, and perhaps its vision, could only take the company so far. It needed new blood, says Channel Marketing Groups David Gordon.
Kimball Midwest Names Chief Marketing Officer
Ohio-based industrial distributor promotes Todd Karas to top marketing position.
Carlisle Companies Terminates Acquisition of Draka Fileca
COVID-19 stymies regulatory approval, preventing deal from reaching finish line.
Owens & Minor Completes Sale of Movianto
Company to use proceeds of $133 million for further debt reduction.
IRCG’s Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index Shows Decline
PRI dips 8.5% for the week of June 8-12, indicating distributors are still struggling during pandemic.
Residential Building Permits Down 8.8% in May
Housing starts also down compared to year-ago period but up compared to April, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Outside Sales Pricing Support During an Economic Slowdown
In many cases, distributor sales people report that they cant remember the last time they have reviewed their pricing with their leaders. MDMs John Gunderson shares five steps pricing teams take to maintain margins.
Neenah Announces Refinancing Plans, 2Q Update
Paper and packaging manufacturer announced Wednesday a refinancing plan and an update on second-quarter sales.
SKF Investing $42.8 Million in Ball Bearing Manufacturing in China
Latest investment from Swedish bearing and seal manufacturer will expand current Chinese plant.
Bulbs.com Leans on Bevy of Bright Ideas During COVID-19
During the past few months, lighting distributor Bulbs.com pivoted to a new customer segment yet also leaned on such core beliefs as strong marketing and data to sustain its business during the pandemic. CEO Mike Connors shared some of the companys COVID-19 playbook.
Curbell Plastics Appoints Regional Sales Manager
Ben Rushing, a former outside sales representative, rejoins company as regional sales manager for the Western U.S.
Manufacturing Output Increases 3.8% in May
According to the Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization Report, total industrial production grew 1.4% during the month.
4 Ways Distributors are Staying on Top of COVID-19 Business Changes
In a recent MDM webcast, Navigating the New Now as a Distributor, Epicors Emma Vas and Mark Jensen discussed key trends that are emerging to help distribution companies thrive. Distributors are finding ways to boost revenue, negotiate supplier relationships, optimize inventory and streamline social distancing.
