Industrial distributor MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc. (NYSE: MSM), Melville, New York, has named Stanley Black & Decker its "Supplier of the Year." Stanley Black & Decker, a diversified, global provider of hand tools, power tools and engineered fastening systems based in New Britain, Connecticut, was selected from more than 3,000 top companies that work in partnership with MSC to solve mission-critical challenges for manufacturers.

In addition to the Supplier of the Year award, MSC recognized each of the following companies with a "Supplier Excellence" award: M.A. Ford Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer of advanced cutting technologies; Master Fluid Solutions, a manufacturer of a broad line of industrial fluid systems; SCHUNK, a manufacturer of autonomous clamping and gripping systems; and Walter AG, a metalworking company.

"Stanley Black & Decker and our four Supplier Excellence Award winners represent the best of the best of our suppliers in helping us deliver on our commitment to making our customers' businesses better," said Greg Polli, senior vice president of category management for MSC. "On behalf of our customers and associates, I'd like to congratulate them on their achievements."