Companies must adapt by leveraging vision, understanding, clarity and agility to navigate the emerging business landscape and develop resilience against volatility.
Operations
Article
M&A Stays Hot in Automation/Electrical Distribution
National automation distributor Kele added to its portfolio, while Midwest electrical manufacturer rep Lester Sales entered new markets. Here are some takeaways that resonate with M&A trends across all product sectors.
An unprecedented labor situation necessitates an innovative approach to hiring. Being data-driven and developing talent strategies are among the ways employers can succeed.
Like a New Year’s hangover, pricing and inflation shape 2022 challenges, says the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey.
Research
Article
MDM MarketPulse: 4Q 2021 Growth Beats Expectations
Annualized growth rate of 9.8% capped a strong 2021 for industrial distribution channels, according to MDM’s latest MarketPulse report.
Strategy
Article
Traditional Budgeting and Forecasting Don’t Cut It Anymore
But there are ways distribution financial planners can build a more adaptive financial-planning process. Here’s how to reset the planning process in your business.
Distributors are scrambling to reinforce bench strength as market conditions look good. Here’s what Fastenal, Ferguson, Avnet and others are sharing with MDM on how they’re adapting.
Technology
Article
COVID Fueled Tech Upgrades; Momentum Defines 2022 Expectations
The ups and downs of COVID-19 made distributors re-think how they use technology to connect with customers; that’s likely to accelerate in 2022.
Strategy
Article
The Critical Need for Joint Planning in 2022
Current conditions are straining traditional manufacturer-rep-distributor relationships. Here’s a prescription for change by an industry veteran.
While supply issues have eased in some areas, a shortage of incoming talent in the U.S. and fears of COVID variants are forcing distributors to keep adapting.
Strategy
Article
Growth Hinges on People: How to Become a Talent Magnet
The pandemic and subsequent economic swings have created intense competition for talent, and the labor market is going to get even tighter.
To adapt and stand out during market consolidation, expect more distributors to find niches and develop specializations.

