East Granby, Conn. – Industrial Buyers Consortium (IBC) has announced the addition of Norchuk Supply Company as its newest distributor member. Headquartered in Muskegon, Mich., Norchuk Supply specializes in the distribution of cutting tools and grinding wheels. Servicing the Western Michigan manufacturing industry since 1971, the company prides itself in providing quality products with the service and support their customers have come to expect.
A multi-generation family business, the company was founded by Charles Benedict and is currently owned by his son, Bill Benedict. The distributor’s day to day operations are managed by his granddaughter, Jenna Benedict-Scott. Norchuk Supply joined IBC after being introduced to the group by Radiac Abrasives, one of its key suppliers. “We’re a small shop that’s always looking for ways to compete effectively with the big guys,” said Benedict-Scott, Office Manager at Norchuk Supply. “IBC’s marketing assistance, training support, and the ability to be part of a larger organization were all big attractors for us.”
Focused on remaining nimble in business and flexible enough to meet its customers’ varied needs, Norchuk Supply has been adaptable to changing market trends and client demands. Going forward, Benedict-Scott plans to tap into IBC’s training opportunities to educate herself on key trends and shifting demands.
“I’ve been handling inside sales for 10 years and it’s difficult to get outside, hands-on training when you’re in that position,” she said. “I look forward to taking advantage of IBC’s online training programs to help me get up to speed on what customers expect and need from the tooling segment.”
Nancy Schwind, IBC’s Director of Business Development, is enthused to see a family distributorship that’s being supported by millennial management. “We look forward to seeing Norchuk Supply take full advantage of the IBC value package,” said Schwind, “and engage with our suppliers and network with many of our distributor members.”
Supplier
IBC has also announce the addition of Tensator, Inc., of Bay Shore, N.Y., as its newest Preferred Supplier. A part of the global Tensator Group, Tensator is known for its ability to control “the movement of people from point A to point B” via its invention of the Tensabarrier. The Tensabarrier is the world’s first retractable stanchion, developed to optimize space and effectively organize people.
A global manufacturer with eight international offices, Tensator makes a complete line of safety products that are used in airports, manufacturing facilities, and industrial applications.
Billy Long, Business Development Manager, said Tensatorreached out to IBC to gain increased exposure for its legacy products. These products are found in manufacturing and global industrial applications. “We wanted to extend the reach of that product line in the U.S.,” said Long. “We knew that the best way to do that was by partnering with an organization like IBC.”
Citing IBC’s extensive reach and reputation for being a very “hands-on organization,” Long saidTensator is interested in working with distributors that get into the field and face-to-face with end users. “IBC members seem to be very good about building partnerships with their clientele; we saw a great synergy between the two organizations.”
In the market, Tensator stands out on its commitment to customer service and its experienced engineering, design, and sales teams. “We go above and beyond when handling customer requests,” said Long, “and when servicing and supporting our distributors.”
IBC's Schwind said that while many companies may recognize Tensator as the inventor of the retractable queue barrier seen at airports worldwide, the firm also offers modular safety barrier and handrail systems. “These systems are ideal for cordoning off various areas around the factory floor,” said Schwind. “These systems are easily drop shipped and quick to install, making them an ideal product for our distributor members to sell.”
