Distribution Industry News

HARDI said distributors are looking to a strong summer cooling season to reduce inventories and return sales-to-inventory ratios closer to historical norms.

One wholesale trade respondent reported that a major distributor had delayed freight shipments pending renegotiation of transportation contracts to address higher fuel expenses.

Packer Fastener said the Indianapolis-area distribution center will provide local inventory and customer support for procurement teams, project managers and construction crews throughout the Midwest.

The report points to a manufacturing sector that is gaining momentum but remains challenged by inflation and supply constraints

The acquisition also reinforces Watsco’s position as the largest distributor in the North American HVAC/R market. The company estimates the addressable market for HVAC and refrigeration distribution at approximately $74 billion.

The transactions mark The Granite Group’s entry into New York, extending its reach across the Northeast at a time when distributors continue to pursue acquisitions to expand market coverage and increase scale.

The initiative, called “Careers with Power,” is designed to increase awareness of career opportunities in electrical distribution and connect prospective employees with jobs throughout the industry.

For distributors, the next phase of the tariff story may have less to do with government filings and more to do with commercial negotiations

The acquisition marks SupplyOne’s 48th transaction since the company was founded in 1998 and its third acquisition in the past three years involving a significant protective packaging business.