Home Depot on the electrical trail

Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 10/1/2006

Those who think the electrical supply industry is on a growth spurt had their view reinforced when Home Depot Supply announced two key electrical acquisitions in late August and early September.

In August, the company announced plans to buy Edson Electric Supply, Inc., a family-run electrical distributor based in Arizona. In September, the company bought Canadian firm Grafton Utility Supply, which sells electrical utility transmission and distribution products.

The announcements came less than six months after HD Supply completed its acquisition of Hughes Supply, a distributor with a strong presence in the electrical realm.

“The electrical supply business is definitely poised to grow,” said Donna Taliercio, Home Depot Supply's public relations manager.

Edson sells general electrical supplies to residential and commercial contractors. The company has 11 locations, all in Arizona; total revenues in 2005 were approximately $137 million.

“Edson is a leader in the electrical industry,” said Taliercio. “It also has a great local touch in the Arizona market, and it has customer service. And local touch, combined with customer service, is where we're looking.”

Taliercio said that while there is no immediate name change being implemented, “basically we're going to do what's best for the business. But we do have respect for the Edson name, though, and want to continue with their legacy.”

Grafton Utility Supply operates in four cities: Colborne, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Calgary, Alberta; and Surrey, British Columbia. Grafton serves Canadian utilities and utility contractors, and its products include wire and cable, transformers, connectors, switches, insulators, and lighting.