Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
LONDON (Dow Jones)--Distribution and outsourcing group Bunzl PLC (BNZL.LN) Monday said full-year trading is in line with expectations, enabling it to take advantage of opportunities to develop further.
The company said full-year revenue rose 11% on the year, buoyed by positive currency exchange. At constant exchange rates, underlying revenue in the second half is some 1% below the 2008 figure but this is a slight improvement in the growth rate compared to the first half of 2009.
Bunzl said its operating margin has also improved compared to the first half, largely due to cost cutting and a reduced negative transaction impact from foreign exchange, particularly in the U.K. & Ireland and Australasia. Revenue growth in North America in the second half is slightly stronger than the 2% growth recorded in the first half, due to new customer wins and additional business with existing accounts, but revenue in the U.K. & Ireland continued to be below last year's - hit by the weak economy.
Bunzl, based in London, provides outsourcing solutions and service-oriented distribution, supplying a broad range of non-food consumable products. Its main customer markets include grocery, food service, cleaning and safety, non-food retail and health care.
Bunzl shares closed Friday at 657 pence, giving the company a market valuation of GBP2.16 billion. They've risen 11.4% since the start of the year.
-By Anita Likus, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 20 7842 9407; anita.likus@dowjones.com
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
WW Grainger Sales Show Further Improvement In November
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES-December 10, 2009: 08:52 AM ET
W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) reported a 3% drop in November daily sales in the U.S. as year-over-year comparisons for the industrial-supply company continue to ease. The figure is the best for the company this year, and including acquisitions and other impacts, Grainger's total global sales rose 2%. That compares with a 3% drop in October and double-digit declines earlier in 2009. November had one additional selling day from the prior-year period.
Grainger, considered a bellwether of the U.S. economy because of the breadth of its types of products, also reported a 7% increase in November daily sales in Canada, though they were down 8% excluding currency changes. Sales more than tripled at its other regions, aided by acquisitions in Japan and India. The company, whose products range from lighting to mechanical to janitorial, in October said it expected fourth-quarter comparisons to improve compared with a year earlier, when sales tumbled as the economy worsened.
Shares closed Wednesday at $97.73 and didn't trade premarket.
W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) reported a 3% drop in November daily sales in the U.S. as year-over-year comparisons for the industrial-supply company continue to ease. The figure is the best for the company this year, and including acquisitions and other impacts, Grainger's total global sales rose 2%. That compares with a 3% drop in October and double-digit declines earlier in 2009. November had one additional selling day from the prior-year period.
Grainger, considered a bellwether of the U.S. economy because of the breadth of its types of products, also reported a 7% increase in November daily sales in Canada, though they were down 8% excluding currency changes. Sales more than tripled at its other regions, aided by acquisitions in Japan and India. The company, whose products range from lighting to mechanical to janitorial, in October said it expected fourth-quarter comparisons to improve compared with a year earlier, when sales tumbled as the economy worsened.
Shares closed Wednesday at $97.73 and didn't trade premarket.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
ISA launches Industrial Supply Guide
Online tool helps manufacturers, distributors and end users find MRO products and services quickly and easily
Victoria Fraza Kickham -- Industrial Distribution, 12/11/2009 10:27:50 AM
The Industrial Supply Assn., a trade group representing distributors and manufacturers of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products, has launched an online Industrial Supply Guide to help members and others find industrial products and services quickly and easily on the Web.
Located on ISA's Web site, www.isapartners.org, the guide features a wide range of products and services exclusively for the MRO industry and designed to assist ISA members and others in their purchasing decisions.The industry-specific guide allows users to perform keyword- and category-driven searches, ISA said, and also has Request for Information (RFI) functionality. The RFI feature allows users to contact participating suppliers with a click of their mouse.
Participating manufacturers and distributors can purchase a company listing, direct Web site link and email generation capacity, and can also add videos to their listing. ISA partnered with electronic buyer and supplier guide publisher MultiView Inc. to produce the guide.
"For the first time, MRO professionals and customers will have access to specialized products and services through the industry's leading resource," said MultiView president Dan Maitland. "Cutting through the clutter of multiple search engines and finding exactly what you are looking for, all at the same time, is a wonderful benefit to each and every channel member."
Victoria Fraza Kickham -- Industrial Distribution, 12/11/2009 10:27:50 AM
The Industrial Supply Assn., a trade group representing distributors and manufacturers of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products, has launched an online Industrial Supply Guide to help members and others find industrial products and services quickly and easily on the Web.
Located on ISA's Web site, www.isapartners.org, the guide features a wide range of products and services exclusively for the MRO industry and designed to assist ISA members and others in their purchasing decisions.The industry-specific guide allows users to perform keyword- and category-driven searches, ISA said, and also has Request for Information (RFI) functionality. The RFI feature allows users to contact participating suppliers with a click of their mouse.
Participating manufacturers and distributors can purchase a company listing, direct Web site link and email generation capacity, and can also add videos to their listing. ISA partnered with electronic buyer and supplier guide publisher MultiView Inc. to produce the guide.
"For the first time, MRO professionals and customers will have access to specialized products and services through the industry's leading resource," said MultiView president Dan Maitland. "Cutting through the clutter of multiple search engines and finding exactly what you are looking for, all at the same time, is a wonderful benefit to each and every channel member."
Friday, December 4, 2009
Grainger rolls out tools to help MRO buyers track stimulus spending
New ordering tools also let buyers track Buy American Act compliance
Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 12/1/2009 11:57:52 AM
Grainger has developed a set of new capabilities to help customers who receive funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) comply with its requirements including those related to provisions of the Buy American Act. Customers who receive the funding may include purchasing professionals at manufacturing companies, construction companies and utilities. With the funding they may source through the distributor maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products such as safety supplies, material handling equipment, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) equipment, lighting and electric motors, among others.
"One of the areas that is top of mind for many of our customers is how to navigate the complexities of tracking their stimulus bill [ARRA] purchases," says Paul Kindzierski, vice president, Grainger Industrial Supply Sales. "We've made it easier to comply with the detailed reporting requirements for purchases across our broad product offering, enabling them to consolidate their MRO purchases with us and focus their resources on their core business."After the ARRA was passed in February, Grainger put together a cross functional team of its employees to determine the impact it would have on MRO buyers, Drew Fichter, customer business issues associate, told Purchasing in an exclusive interview."On the surface, it seems simple, but when you look at the scale at which the stimulus is being implemented, impacting a variety of industries and government agencies, it becomes extremely complex," he says.
According to the website Recovery.gov, the ARRA is intended "to provide a short-term jumpstart to the economy, with many projects funded by the $787 billion in recovery money, especially infrastructure improvements, expected to benefit the economy for many years." These long-term projects include investments in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency industries, government buildings and the nation's infrastructure.The act also created the Recovery.gov website to provide transparency to the American people about how recipients are using funds and to increase accountability helping guard against fraud, waste and abuse. To this end, recipients of the ARRA funds must report on their use including the amount of money received, the money spent, the scope of the project and the number of jobs created on a website that feeds into Recovery.gov. This process began in October.
Grainger's team focused on two issues it determined would impact customers who receive the funds and use them to purchase MRO products through the distributor: (1) transparency and accountability of the ARRA and (2) its requirements related to provisions of the Buy American Act. "These two issues put strict requirements on Grainger and our customers," says Fichter. For instance, he explains that under certain circumstances, customers are required to purchase products that comply with the Buy American Act and track how they spend the money.
To help customers track how they spend the ARRA funds on MRO products they purchase from Grainger, the distributor enhanced its ordering system to electronically flag a order that's purchased with the funds at the time it is placed, by phone, at a branch or online. In each case, the customer must identify the order as an ARRA or stimulus order. "By doing this, we can track a customer's ARRA spending with Grainger and at their request provide a report detailing their purchases which can ultimately help them comply with the quarterly reporting requirements," says Fichter. To comply with the provisions of the Buy American Act, the most important information buyers need is country of origin of the products they are purchasing, which Grainger has been routinely gathering from suppliers for years now, Fichter says.
The distributor makes country of origin information available in several forms: Buyers can obtain it when they let their service representative know they are making a purchase with the ARRA funds. They can also find the information in the product item description on grainger.com. And the supplier includes it in its response to RFQs (request for quotation) it receives from customers."All these measures are really meant to inform the customer and to provide them with critical information they need to make an informed decision based on the ARRA requirements," says Fichter, adding that the distributor is making every effort to inform customers on the Buy American provisions because there are some circumstances under the ARRA requirements where they are waived.
At the same time, Grainger is dedicating resources to training and educating both its employees and its customers on the ARRA. "Because we had a team that's been dedicated to understanding the act we have been able to leverage that knowledge when working with our customers," Fichter says. The company also has created a landing page on grainger.com (www.grainger.com/stimulus) that provides MRO buyers with additional information.
Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 12/1/2009 11:57:52 AM
Grainger has developed a set of new capabilities to help customers who receive funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) comply with its requirements including those related to provisions of the Buy American Act. Customers who receive the funding may include purchasing professionals at manufacturing companies, construction companies and utilities. With the funding they may source through the distributor maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products such as safety supplies, material handling equipment, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) equipment, lighting and electric motors, among others.
"One of the areas that is top of mind for many of our customers is how to navigate the complexities of tracking their stimulus bill [ARRA] purchases," says Paul Kindzierski, vice president, Grainger Industrial Supply Sales. "We've made it easier to comply with the detailed reporting requirements for purchases across our broad product offering, enabling them to consolidate their MRO purchases with us and focus their resources on their core business."After the ARRA was passed in February, Grainger put together a cross functional team of its employees to determine the impact it would have on MRO buyers, Drew Fichter, customer business issues associate, told Purchasing in an exclusive interview."On the surface, it seems simple, but when you look at the scale at which the stimulus is being implemented, impacting a variety of industries and government agencies, it becomes extremely complex," he says.
According to the website Recovery.gov, the ARRA is intended "to provide a short-term jumpstart to the economy, with many projects funded by the $787 billion in recovery money, especially infrastructure improvements, expected to benefit the economy for many years." These long-term projects include investments in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency industries, government buildings and the nation's infrastructure.The act also created the Recovery.gov website to provide transparency to the American people about how recipients are using funds and to increase accountability helping guard against fraud, waste and abuse. To this end, recipients of the ARRA funds must report on their use including the amount of money received, the money spent, the scope of the project and the number of jobs created on a website that feeds into Recovery.gov. This process began in October.
Grainger's team focused on two issues it determined would impact customers who receive the funds and use them to purchase MRO products through the distributor: (1) transparency and accountability of the ARRA and (2) its requirements related to provisions of the Buy American Act. "These two issues put strict requirements on Grainger and our customers," says Fichter. For instance, he explains that under certain circumstances, customers are required to purchase products that comply with the Buy American Act and track how they spend the money.
To help customers track how they spend the ARRA funds on MRO products they purchase from Grainger, the distributor enhanced its ordering system to electronically flag a order that's purchased with the funds at the time it is placed, by phone, at a branch or online. In each case, the customer must identify the order as an ARRA or stimulus order. "By doing this, we can track a customer's ARRA spending with Grainger and at their request provide a report detailing their purchases which can ultimately help them comply with the quarterly reporting requirements," says Fichter. To comply with the provisions of the Buy American Act, the most important information buyers need is country of origin of the products they are purchasing, which Grainger has been routinely gathering from suppliers for years now, Fichter says.
The distributor makes country of origin information available in several forms: Buyers can obtain it when they let their service representative know they are making a purchase with the ARRA funds. They can also find the information in the product item description on grainger.com. And the supplier includes it in its response to RFQs (request for quotation) it receives from customers."All these measures are really meant to inform the customer and to provide them with critical information they need to make an informed decision based on the ARRA requirements," says Fichter, adding that the distributor is making every effort to inform customers on the Buy American provisions because there are some circumstances under the ARRA requirements where they are waived.
At the same time, Grainger is dedicating resources to training and educating both its employees and its customers on the ARRA. "Because we had a team that's been dedicated to understanding the act we have been able to leverage that knowledge when working with our customers," Fichter says. The company also has created a landing page on grainger.com (www.grainger.com/stimulus) that provides MRO buyers with additional information.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Airgas acquires Fitch Industrial and Welding Supply
Airgas Acquires Fitch Industrial & Welding Supply Based in Lawton, OK
RADNOR, PA – December 1, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has completed the acquisition of Fitch Industrial & Welding Supply (“Fitch”), an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with three locations in Oklahoma and one in Wichita Falls, TX. The Lawton, OK-based business employs 39 people and generated more than $10 million in revenue during calendar 2008.
The Oklahoma branches have been integrated into Airgas Mid-South, headquartered in Tulsa, OK, while the Wichita Falls branch has been integrated into Airgas Southwest, headquartered in Houston, TX. Airgas Mid South and Airgas Southwest are among 12 regional companies within Airgas’ distribution business.
“Fitch has a strong reputation in the area, and long-standing relationships with their customers,” said Max Hooper, Airgas western division president. “We are excited to welcome the Fitch employees to Airgas, and to provide our new customers with access to the most complete offering of products and services in the industry.”
Fitch boasts nearly 60 years of operation after its founding in 1950 by Carl Fitch. Carl’s son Fred joined the company in 1970, soon thereafter assuming his current role as president and owner.
“Fred Fitch has been an industry leader for years, not only in running his company but also in holding significant management roles, including past president, in the industry association GAWDA,” said Les Graff, Airgas senior vice president – corporate development. “We are very pleased Fred chose to join forces with Airgas, as we remain committed to strengthening our platform by investing in quality businesses.”
“It has been a true pleasure to build this business over the years, and to serve the outstanding business community in and around Lawton,” commented Fitch. “I wanted to be sure that our Fitch employees and customers had the best future possible, so it made perfect sense to join Airgas, the nation’s premier industrial gas company.”
Kevin Brown - http://www.stardustspillproducts.com/
RADNOR, PA – December 1, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has completed the acquisition of Fitch Industrial & Welding Supply (“Fitch”), an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with three locations in Oklahoma and one in Wichita Falls, TX. The Lawton, OK-based business employs 39 people and generated more than $10 million in revenue during calendar 2008.
The Oklahoma branches have been integrated into Airgas Mid-South, headquartered in Tulsa, OK, while the Wichita Falls branch has been integrated into Airgas Southwest, headquartered in Houston, TX. Airgas Mid South and Airgas Southwest are among 12 regional companies within Airgas’ distribution business.
“Fitch has a strong reputation in the area, and long-standing relationships with their customers,” said Max Hooper, Airgas western division president. “We are excited to welcome the Fitch employees to Airgas, and to provide our new customers with access to the most complete offering of products and services in the industry.”
Fitch boasts nearly 60 years of operation after its founding in 1950 by Carl Fitch. Carl’s son Fred joined the company in 1970, soon thereafter assuming his current role as president and owner.
“Fred Fitch has been an industry leader for years, not only in running his company but also in holding significant management roles, including past president, in the industry association GAWDA,” said Les Graff, Airgas senior vice president – corporate development. “We are very pleased Fred chose to join forces with Airgas, as we remain committed to strengthening our platform by investing in quality businesses.”
“It has been a true pleasure to build this business over the years, and to serve the outstanding business community in and around Lawton,” commented Fitch. “I wanted to be sure that our Fitch employees and customers had the best future possible, so it made perfect sense to join Airgas, the nation’s premier industrial gas company.”
Kevin Brown - http://www.stardustspillproducts.com/
Acklands-Grainger acquires K&D Pratt Industrial Division
Purchase strengthens distributor's business in Atlantic Canada
Industrial Distribution Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 11/30/2009 9:44:59 AM
Acklands-Grainger, the Canadian division of broad-line MRO distributor W.W. Grainger, acquired the assets of K&D Pratt Industrial Division.
K&D Pratt's industrial division sells industrial and safety products from facilities in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; St. John's, Newfoundland; and Saint John, New Brunswick. With 2008 sales of C$12 million (approximately US$11.3 million), the division was previously one of six business units owned and operated by K&D Pratt Group Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are very excited about joining forces with the K&D Pratt Industrial Division and anticipate it will help us enhance our position as our customers' indispensable partner in keeping their facilities safe, efficient and functional," Sean O'Brien, president of Acklands-Grainger, said in a statement announcing the deal. "They are a leading distributor in Atlantic Canada and their solid customer relationships and service excellence will further enhance our strong local presence in this key and growing region."
The acquisition follows two other recent purchases by W.W. Grainger. Earlier this month, Grainger bought lighting service company Alliance Energy Solutions; in October, the distributor bought Green Bay, Wis.-based Imperial Supplies, which sells maintenance products and aftermarket components for the vehicle and fleet industry.
Industrial Distribution Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 11/30/2009 9:44:59 AM
Acklands-Grainger, the Canadian division of broad-line MRO distributor W.W. Grainger, acquired the assets of K&D Pratt Industrial Division.
K&D Pratt's industrial division sells industrial and safety products from facilities in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; St. John's, Newfoundland; and Saint John, New Brunswick. With 2008 sales of C$12 million (approximately US$11.3 million), the division was previously one of six business units owned and operated by K&D Pratt Group Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are very excited about joining forces with the K&D Pratt Industrial Division and anticipate it will help us enhance our position as our customers' indispensable partner in keeping their facilities safe, efficient and functional," Sean O'Brien, president of Acklands-Grainger, said in a statement announcing the deal. "They are a leading distributor in Atlantic Canada and their solid customer relationships and service excellence will further enhance our strong local presence in this key and growing region."
The acquisition follows two other recent purchases by W.W. Grainger. Earlier this month, Grainger bought lighting service company Alliance Energy Solutions; in October, the distributor bought Green Bay, Wis.-based Imperial Supplies, which sells maintenance products and aftermarket components for the vehicle and fleet industry.
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