Metalworking and MRO supplies distributor MSC Industrial Supply continued its expansion by acquiring KAR Industrial, a metalworking distributor providing measuring and cutting tools, machine tool accessories and other manufacturing supplies across Canada’s industrial landscape.

Based in Mississauga, Ontario an in business since 1954, KAR also has locations in Montreal and Edmonton. The company has positioned itself as a master distributor serving distributors throughout Canada.

KAR will continue to operate under its current names, including its Duramill and Omnitool divisions, as an MSC company. Ward Meek, President of KAR, will continue to manage the daily operations. 

KAR had 2023 revenues of about $16 million (USD) and has 45 employees.

“The addition of KAR Industrial Inc. expands our metalworking footprint in Canada,” MSC President and CEO Erik Gershwind noted in a Jan. 22 news release. “Their expertise in metalworking and industrial distribution aligns well with our commitment to helping customers solve their mission-critical challenges and improve the productivity of their operations.”

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MSC said it plans to build on KAR’s metalworking technical expertise, knowledge of the Canadian market and value-added services by providing the company’s customers with access to MSC’s 2.4 million+ product assortment, as well as MSC’s eCommerce sales channel.

“MSC is an industry leader in metalworking with a strong heritage of supporting customers in this space,” added Meek for KAR. “We are looking forward to combining our metalworking expertise with MSC’s to bring even greater value and success to manufacturing customers.”

Terms were not disclosed for the deal, which came about a year after its most recent acquisitions in the form of Buckeye Industrial Supply Co. and Tru-Edge Grinding — both in January 2023.

On MDM’s 2023 Top Distributors Lists, MSC was No. 13 for industrial supplies, No. 6 for MRO and No. 4 for fasteners.

MSC posted $4 billion in sales for its fiscal 2023, which ended Sept. 2, 2023.