Grainger Expansion Begins In New York Metropolitan Area

W.W.Grainger, Lincolnshire, Ill., announced plans to expand and enhance its operations throughout the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area as part of a multi-year expansion nationwide. The expansion involves revamping Grainger’s distribution network by opening new facilities, relocating others, and expanding some of its existing facilities in the this area.

“We’re doing exactly what our customers asked us to do,” Mike Hade, Grainger regional branch services vice president, said in a press release announcing the move. “Our customers told us they wanted more of the products they need to maintain, repair and operate their facilities positioned closer to them, and we listened.”

Grainger currently operates out of 23 locations throughout the New York metropolitan area. The company plans to increase its number of locations about 25 percent by the time the expansion is complete. Grainger also plans to increase its local workforce by approximately 10 percent to 20 percent and will increase the size of its distribution network in the tri-state area by about 40 percent to meet the needs of local customers.

Grainger’s local investments are part of the company’s market expansion initiative, a multi-year program designed to enhance Grainger’s presence in the top metropolitan markets across the United States. As part of this effort, changes are either underway or have been completed in 20 markets across the country including Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Cincinnati/Dayton, Tampa, South Florida, Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Grainger plans to invest between $50 million and $80 million in 2007 to expand and enhance its operations across the country.