Mike Marks and Tom Gale explore the impact of recent landmark acquisitions and how the mission of strategic deals runs counter to that of private equity.
Latest In Fastenal and Vending
For the month, the distributor reported net sales of $570.76 million, up from more than $497 million in April 2021.
At the recent Fastenal Expo, we chatted with Senior Executive Vice President Terry Owen about the company's supply chain capabilities, which allow it to handle whatever comes next.
MDM Executive Editor Mike Hockett recaps what he saw and learned at Fastenal Expo 2022, the distributor's first in-person company showcase in three years.
Fastenal's 1Q growth considerably outpaced that of a year earlier and the last "pre-COVID" quarter of 1Q 2020. Digital is the biggest driver. We examine the numbers here.
Give customers what they want: lower consumption, lower carrying costs and decrease stock-outs.
Weigh these costs and benefits before venturing into the vending fray.
Don't wait until your customer asks for it.
Avoid these common pitfalls that can sabotage a vending-powered VMI program.
On-site, vending successes help company post highest sales growth in three years.
Company also escalating onsite strategy with 50 percent growth.
Company pushing for 30 percent increase in FAST machines this year.
More shops within customer facilities helps distributor increase engagement.
Company again ramping up FAST Solutions installation to engage with customers of all sizes.
Lower energy prices, private brands bolster distributor's revenue, income.
Quarter's highlights include 16.4% increase in FAST Solutions vending machines.
Company leverages "T" hub facility to improve efficiency.
This article is a part of MDM's 2014 Distribution Trends Report. The article analyzes the trends in vending, including more thorough evaluation of vending programs and implementation of new technologies.
The annual report was researched and written by MDM editors based on interviews with dozens of wholesaler-distributors, as well as industry experts and manufacturers. MDM also conducted a survey of its readers to uncover the trends outlined in this report.
The full report is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers. Subscribe below for full access. Or log-in if you are already a subscriber.
Trends outlined in the 2014 report include:
- Leaving Economic Uncertainty Behind
- Connecting the Dots Online and Offline
- Need for Access Whenever, Wherever, However Drives Mobile Adoption
- Avoiding Information Overload Essential with Analytics
- Making the Case for Millennials in Distribution
- Training, Technology Take Front Seat in Employee Retention Strategies
- Better Inventory Management Through Data, Collaboration
- Distributors Seek More Complete Strategy for Vending
- Private Equity Consolidating Markets
- A More Practical Approach to Product Expansion
- Trend Snapshots for 13 Sectors
The report also includes the following case studies and interviews:
- 2014 MDM Market Movers
- Engman-Taylors Cost-Saving Teams
- Capitol Coffees Proactive Problem-Solving
- Redwood Plastics Online Success Story
- MDM Market Leader Profiles
- DGI Supply: Building on the Core
- F.W. Webb Takes Diverse View of Market
CEO: Adding part-time support staff frees up sales force for more aggressive sales efforts.
In 2013, MDM spoke with scores of distributors, manufacturers and industry experts to research trends and events affecting the wholesale distribution industry. Many had a real talent for expressing the most important and complex issues of the day in just a few words.
Log-in below to get 2013's in Review: Top Quotes of the Year.
This feature is an exclusive benefit for subscribers to MDM Premium. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today.
