Lockport, New York-based industrial and contractor supplies buying group NetPlus Alliance announced May 8 that it will invest in technology and drive engagement to “facilitate partnerships and continued growth for its distributor and supplier members in 2023.”

NetPlus said it is investing in key initiatives that include expanded training opportunities for employee development of general business skills on the NetPlus Academy, as well as a member-driven group that provides the development team with feedback on suppliers and product categories.

NetPlus also said it will invest in supplier spend analysis that will uncover opportunities for conversions and consolidation to in-network vendors resulting in a bigger rebate check for distributor members. The company also will focus on financial benchmarking for “greater visibility into performance against peers in the group and the industry at large.”

Last year, purchases by members from the NetPlus preferred supplier base were $418 million, with 27% growth over the prior year. Purchases are up more than 25% in 2023, NetPlus said.

“Our goal is to build a stronger channel,” said NetPlus President Jennifer Murphy. “The success of NetPlus Alliance depends on the growth and partnership of our distributors and suppliers.”

NetPlus added 23 new distributors in 2022 and nine so far in 2023, for a total of 414 members. That represents 2,500 locations in 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, NetPlus said.