United Stationers Inc., Deerfield, IL, master distributor of business, janitorial/breakroom and industrial products, reported sales in the second quarter 2008 were up 9.7% to $1.25 billion.
 
Seven percent of the growth rate came from ORS Nasco, which was acquired in December 2007.
 
Sales were up nearly 14.4% in the janitorial/breakroom category, up modestly in office products and technology, and partially offset by an 8% decrease in furniture sales.
 
Sales in the first half 2008 rose 7.3% increase over the prior year, with 6.6% related to ORS Nasco.
 
Our supplier and reseller partners continue to tell us that the marketing and distribution services we offer as a wholesaler are even more critical during times of slow growth, high fuel costs and tight credit markets,” said President and CEO Richard Gochnauer.
 
“Given strong economic headwinds, we are focused on diligent cost controls and working capital management, while pursuing growth opportunities in targeted channels and categories. In addition, we expect higher product cost inflation in the second half of the year, based on announced supplier price increases.”