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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORTS

This comprehensive MDM 2Q26 Forecast is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories. Its economic indicator data is updated through May 15.
This comprehensive MDM 1Q26 Forecast is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories. This report was freshly updated in late February.

Premium Monthly

Our May issue is packed with articles that cover the margin pressure gap between large and small distributors; a deep dive into Grainger’s impressive 1Q; parts 2 and 3 of Tom Gale’s data analytics series; updates on DNOW’s MRC Global integration and ERP headaches; our monthly MDM Forecast and M&A Roundup; a Wiring products Market Profile; and more.

Market Insight Reports

See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 27 publicly traded industrial distributors; our latest Premium articles, which take deep dives into the M&A strategies of two prominent companies; and our detailed recap of dealmaking activity during January-March, which was the busiest three-month stretch since May-July 2024.
MDM’s 1Q26 MarketPulse Report consists of the quarterly results, analysis and commentary from the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey — conducted early April — that explored revenue performance, pricing and business expectations for the current quarter and rest-of-year. It includes a wealth of market-specific data and commentary from survey respondents.

Case Studies

How has Singer Industrial grown into a 55-plus-company platform while preserving local leadership and culture? This MDM Case Study explores the industrial rubber, fluid power and automation distributor’s coordinated autonomy model, acquisition strategy and technology investments that are helping drive scale, efficiency and long-term growth.
Ludwig Meister shows how disciplined sequencing — not flashy tech — drives real innovation. Authored by former MDM CEO and Editor Tom Gale, this case study details how the German distributor built a data-driven, AI-enabled operation by prioritizing internal processes, clean data and execution before transforming sales and customer experience.
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
Refocus

For distributors to successfully navigate a challenging landscape they must reinforce their core strengths. This facet of the 2016 Distribution Remodel could entail a number of solutions, from deepening customer engagement to dropping unprofitable customer segments to divesting noncore assets.

This article includes:

  • Devising a blueprint for remodeling
  • Remodelings role in M&A
  • How differentiating can help you win market share

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • 2016 Distribution Remodel: Invest or Die
  • Distributors Getting Back to the Basics
  • Commentary: Refocus on the Foundation

Distributors looking to balance renewed focus on their core with meeting customer demand to provide more are turning to master distributors to achieve that end. This article looks at how the role of master distributors has evolved and the additional roles they now play for traditional distributors.

This article includes:

  • How distributors use masters
  • Additional benefits master distributors provide
  • How masters are elevating their traditional role

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Distributors Adapt to More Sophisticated Supply Chain
  • Integrated Supplys Next Phase
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015 and Annual
  • 2016 Distribution Remodel: How to Build a Better Business
  • Market Analysis: HVACR Consumption in the United States

The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDMs team has identified key areas that distributors need to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.

This article includes:

  • Bridging the cycle gap
  • Investing on the Down Side
  • Finding Balance & Focus

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
  • Top Trends for 2016
  • Chasing Profitability

Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.

This article includes:

  • Reasons to remodel
  • Areas to invest
  • Pitfalls to avoid

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Rebranding Road Map
  • 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
Refocus

For distributors to successfully navigate a challenging landscape they must reinforce their core strengths. This facet of the 2016 Distribution Remodel could entail a number of solutions, from deepening customer engagement to dropping unprofitable customer segments to divesting noncore assets.

This article includes:

  • Devising a blueprint for remodeling
  • Remodelings role in M&A
  • How differentiating can help you win market share

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • 2016 Distribution Remodel: Invest or Die
  • Distributors Getting Back to the Basics
  • Commentary: Refocus on the Foundation

Distributors looking to balance renewed focus on their core with meeting customer demand to provide more are turning to master distributors to achieve that end. This article looks at how the role of master distributors has evolved and the additional roles they now play for traditional distributors.

This article includes:

  • How distributors use masters
  • Additional benefits master distributors provide
  • How masters are elevating their traditional role

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Distributors Adapt to More Sophisticated Supply Chain
  • Integrated Supplys Next Phase
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015 and Annual
  • 2016 Distribution Remodel: How to Build a Better Business
  • Market Analysis: HVACR Consumption in the United States

The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDMs team has identified key areas that distributors need to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.

This article includes:

  • Bridging the cycle gap
  • Investing on the Down Side
  • Finding Balance & Focus

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
  • Top Trends for 2016
  • Chasing Profitability

Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.

This article includes:

  • Reasons to remodel
  • Areas to invest
  • Pitfalls to avoid

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Rebranding Road Map
  • 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change

Investment Banking Directory

Work with a banking partner that knows your business. Get detailed information on investment banks with expertise in the wholesale distribution industry.

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