This past week on ID was highlighted by news last month out of Grainger's annual analyst meeting that discussed downsizing, while other top items included the concerns of STAFDA president Rod Gowett for the industrial distribution market as a whole, and the loss of a industry pioneer with the passing of AD founder David Weisberg.
Here's this week's Top 5
Grainger Shedding 200 Management Jobs, Talks Branch Closings & New Northeast DC:
Grainger hosted its annual analyst meeting at its Lake Forest, Illinois headquarters on Nov. 12, where its executives gave a state-of-the-company presentation and outlined its plans for the near future. Chief operating officer DG Macpherson discussed several cost reduction initiatives, as well as gave an update on the company's massive new distribution center currently under construction in New Jersey. The financial savings talk was highlighted by the removal of 200 management and professional roles, while Macpherson also alluded to the closure of more branches. He said the downsizing is part of its efforts to gain "broader spans of control" and bring it closer to the customer, adding that some management roles will be moved offshore. Macpherson says the reduction will provide $25 million in annual savings, calling the move a "both a cost and agility benefit."
Motion Industries Acquires California's Moss Rubber & Equipment: Birmingham, Alabama-based Motion Industries announced this week it has agreed to acquire Moss Rubber and Equipment Corporation, effective immediately. Operating out of two California locations in South San Francisco and Benicia, Moss Rubber has supplied industrial rubber products since 1965. Motion says Moss specializes in hose and rubber products for the petroleum, construction, mining, manufacturing, transportation and agricultural industries throughout northern California.
STAFDA President Concerned About Mid-Sized Distributors, Recruiting, Succession: Outgoing STAFDA president Rod Gowett gave a distributor "state-of-the-industry" report at the STAFDA convention on Nov. 9, giving a speech that featured several topics, the first being his concern for mid-sized distributors going forward. He went on to stress the importance of employee training, recruiting & retaining talent, and the importance of succession planning, areas he says that are each lacking across the industry.
Women Cash In On Distribution Sales Careers: Lawson Products District Sales Manager Ashley Johnston discusses why distribution sales can be a great career move for women, and the skills necessary to succeed in it.
AD Founder David Weisberg Passes Away At 89: Wayne, PA-based Affiliated Distributors announced earlier this week that David Weisberg, the founder of AD, died peacefully at his home in Philadelphia on Tuesday, November 22, surrounded by family. He was 89 years old. David was an icon in the electrical industry, and worked tirelessly to support the partnership between manufacturer’s and independent distribution. He was the father of current AD Chairman & CEO Bill Weisberg.
