vfraza@reedbusiness.com

W.W. Grainger, the nation's largest industrial distributor, is embarking on a multi-year branch expansion program, beginning in three metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Denver and Seattle. The effort is focused on creating larger branches and adding sales personnel. Over the next few years, Grainger will assess the need to increase coverage in 25 major metropolitan markets, as well as in selected secondary markets.

The company cited changing demographics and the need for comprehensive coverage as reasons for expanding, relocating or adding branches nationwide. Actions to change Grainger's presence in some metropolitan markets are already underway, with plans to add three new branches, expand seven branches and close two branches.

Graybar, one of the nation's largest electrical, telecommunications and networking distributors, unveiled a new brand strategy, focused on offering supply chain logistics and service solutions for customers across the United States. The strategy also includes a new Graybar brand mark — its first major revision in 78 years — to reflect its transition from a "pick, pack and ship" company to a provider of managed distribution and supply chain services.

The Eaton Corp. renamed its industrial and commercial controls business Eaton Electrical. The Eaton division formerly known as the Cutler-Hammer Group also will be called Eaton Electrical.

Storage system manufacturer Lista International Corp. revamped its Web site, www.listaintl.com. The re-designed site features easier navigational tools, pages that load more quickly and more detailed product information. Users can access information about the company's complete line of storage and workspace systems, as well as its newest offerings.

Construction and industrial supplies distributor Hughes Supply held the last of its 75th Anniversary celebrations last month, this time in Phoenix. The 75th anniversary Celebration and Vendor Showcase was held at the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz., on Oct. 9. Hughes Supply has more than 10 branches in the Phoenix area and used the event to build business and show customer appreciation.

The newest Parker Hannifin Motion and Control lab is now open at Western Michigan University. Ten universities across the country house Parker Motion and Control labs, which are designed to expose engineering students to the tri-technologies of motion and control: electro-hydraulics, electro-pneumatics, and electromechanical motion control. Parker Hannifin started the lab program in 1994 to "better prepare students to enter the real world as problem solvers," according to the company.

Distributor Factory Supplies Co. of Rockford, Ill., is under new ownership. New owners Doug Johnson, CEO, and Jim Ahern, president, have extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. The two leaders say they will focus on providing more technical support to help customers reduce costs, developing a Web site and related services for online ordering, and expanding the company's delivery system.

Norcross Safety Products, parent company of North Safety Products, acquired KCL, Kachele-Cama Latex GmbH. KCL manufactures and markets hand protection products in Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Norcross Safety Products is headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill.

John F. "Jack" O'Donoghue, vice president of Accurate Fasteners in South Boston, Mass., died Sept. 17. Jack, a well-known figure in the fastener distribution business, was a long-time and active member of the National Fastener Distributors Assn.