Belden Inc., a manufacturer of cable, connectivity and networking products, has agreed to buy the business for $78 million.
Thomas & Betts to Sell Communications Products Business Read More »
Money Controls employs 350 people worldwide.
Crane Agrees to Buy Payment Systems Manufacturer Read More »
Michael Arnold is leaving Timken after 31 years to join another firm.
Timken Bearings and Power Transmission President to Step Down Read More »
Increase fueled by three ‘mega-deals,’ according to PwC report.
Industrial Manufacturing M&A Deal Value Up in Third Quarter Read More »
Manufacturers in U.S. and Canada report growth for the month.
Power Transmission/Motion Control Product Sales Up 1.4% in September Read More »
Jonathan Byrnes, senior lecturer at MIT and author of new book Islands of Profit in a Sea of Red Ink, recently spoke with Editor Lindsay Konzak. Here is part 2 of that interview, covering steps distributors can take to make unprofitable business profitable. He also addresses how to incentivize your team to make these critical changes to how you do business.
MDM: You write in your book that 40 percent of every business is unprofitable. How can distributors make the changes necessary to reverse this?
Jonathan Byrnes: There are four building blocks. The first is the right information. In Chapter 6 I talk about profit-mapping. That will give a company information on the specific products bought by customers. That information can be put into a database program on the profitability of each one, and the company can figure out the best measure for profitability. By the way, that information can be developed by two people within a month or two. … I’ve done that with multibillion-dollar companies.
Building Blocks to a Profitability Mindset Read More »
On Nov. 1, Kaman Corp., Bloomfield, CT, reported third-quarter sales of $359.5 million. A key driver behind that sales growth was Kaman Industrial Technologies, the power transmission, bearing and motion control distribution arm of Kaman Corp., which posted a year-over-year sales increase of 37 percent in the quarter.
Steve Smidler recently took on the role of president at Kaman Industrial Technologies when T. Jack Cahill retired after serving in that post for 17 years. Smidler and Vice President of Marketing David Mayer spoke with MDM Associate Editor Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier at the Power Transmission Distributors Association 50th Anniversary Industry Summit in Phoenix about Kaman’s goals and the outlook for the industry.
MDM: As the new president of Kaman Industrial Technologies, what are your goals for the company, and how will your experience help you attain those goals?
MDM Interview: Kaman’s Expansion Strategy Read More »
This table highlights key financial metrics and trading multiples for 25 publicly traded distributors in the industrial and building products industries up to Sept. 30, 2010. Download this data below. Also find graphic illustrating median EBIDTA multiples for the same distribution companies.
These materials, prepared by Robert W. Baird & Co. for MDM, are for informational purposes only.
Distribution Financial Metrics and Trading Multiples: 3Q 2010 Read More »
Distributors and manufacturers say price sensitivity grew during the recession.
The Balance of Price and Value Read More »
News briefs from Oct. 25 – Nov. 10, 2010.
This is the pdf of this issue of Modern Distribution Management. Apply the full $24.95 pay-per-view cost of this issue toward an annual subscription, which includes two issues a month plus access to more than eight years of online archives and market data. Call 1-888-742-5060 or email info@mdm.com to subscribe. Subscribers log-in to download this issue.
Download this Issue in pdf Now: Nov. 10, 2010 Read More »
Any shift in strategy or improvement in operations requires a shift in mindset.
Commentary: One Way to Mute the Turmoil that Can Come with Change Read More »
Download the pdf below for a look at construction spending trends year-to-date for the third quarter of 2010.
Third Quarter 2010 Construction Spending Read More »
While the economic recovery has been slow, signs of it were still evident at the 50th Anniversary Power Transmission Distributors Association Industry Summit in Phoenix last month. The overall tone of the event was more positive than the previous, with hot-button issues focused on growth rather than tactics designed to just survive.
Those topics covered a spectrum of concerns, as evidenced by issues raised during the “Big Issues for Small Distributors Forum.” Here is a sampling of the discussion.
Distributors Shift Focus to Growth Read More »
Food cost inflation primary driver of sales growth for the foodservice company.
Sysco Sales Up 7% in 1Q Read More »
Lawson Products says Rutland sale is in line with plan to focus on MRO business.
Lawson Products to Sell Rutland Tool to MSC Industrial Read More »
Distributors provide updates on end-market growth, acquisition plans and employee headcount.
Fastenal, Airgas & Genuine Parts Co. Earnings Call Highlights Read More »
‘Mom and Pop shops cannot compete when government over-regulates them,’ she says.
Sarah Palin at STAFDA: ‘Make Smart Policy, Stop Bad Policy’ Read More »
Profit increased to $131.3 million, from $28.9 million a year ago.
Rockwell Automation 4Q Sales Increase 26% Read More »
Manufacturing technology consumption is up 74.1 percent year-to-date.
September Machine Tool Consumption Up 66.1% from August Read More »
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