Expectations for revenue growth in 2012 continued to decline in the second-quarter 2012 MDM/Baird Distribution Survey. On average, survey respondents expect revenue growth of 5.2 percent for the full-year 2012, compared with 5.6 percent in the first-quarter survey. Respondents expect revenues to increase by an average of 5.5 percent in the third quarter.

Actual revenue growth for the second quarter exceeded expectations, with an average increase of 7.5 percent compared with the forecast 7 percent. Cutting tools, PVF – industrial & energy, and safety products saw the greatest growth, while respondents in janitorial/sanitation and plumbing sectors reported…

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Economic Trends

Premium

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2012

This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the First Quarter 2012 report here.

These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Second quarter 2011 pricing levels are compared with second quarter 2012, and first quarter 2012 with second quarter 2012.

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for immediate access. Or click Buy This Issue Now at the bottom of the product listing to purchase.

Industrial

Abrasives
Adhesives & Sealants
Metal Cutting Machine Tools
Metal Forming Machine Tools
Pumps, Compressors, & Eqmt
Ind. Material Handling Eqmt
Rubber & Plastic Hose
Rubber & Plastic Belts & Belting
Ind. Rubber Products, nec
Personal Protection Clothing & Equipment
Metal Valves (not fluid power)
Steel Mill Products

Construction

Softwood Lumber
Hardwood Lumber
General Millwork
Gypsum Products
Hardboard, Particlebd, Fiberbd
Plywood
Plastic Construction Products
Wood Ties, Siding, Shingles, Shakes

Electrical

Electrical Machinery & Eqmt
Electronic Components & Accs
Integrating and Measuring Instruments
Motors & Generators
Wiring Devices
Transformers & Power Regulators
Switchgear, Switchboard, etc. Eqmt
Communications & Related Eqmt
Electric Lamp Bulbs & Parts
Nonferrous Wire & Cable
Fabricated Ferrous Wire & Cable Products

Power Transmission/Bearing

Mechanical Power Transmission Eqmt
Ball & Roller Bearings
Plain Bearings & Bushings
Speed Changers, Drives &
Gears

Fluid Power

Fluid Power Eqmt
Fluid Power Valves
Fluid Power Hose/Tube Fittings
Fluid Power Pumps & Parts
Fluid Power Actuators/Accum/
Cylinders

Plastics

Plastic Resins & Materials
Plastic Products (Overall)

Fasteners

Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Rivets,
Washers (overall)
Aircraft Fasteners
Externally Threaded Fasteners
Internally Threaded Fasteners
Nonthreaded Metal Fasteners

Hardware

Hardware (overall)
Builders’ Hardware

Tools

Cutting Tools & Accs (overall)
Hand & Edge Tools
Power-Driven Hand Tools
Precision Measuring Tools
Small Cutting Tools
Tools, Dies, Jigs, Molds, Fixtures

Gases/Welding

Industrial Gases
Welding Machinery/Equipment

Jan-San

Sanitary Paper Products

Packaging

Boxes
Packaging & Ind. Conv. Paper
Packaging Products from Plastic
Pulp, Paper and Allied Products

HVAC/Plumbing

Air Cond. & Refrigeration Eqmt
Heating Eqmt
Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Research & Analytics

Premium

Distributors Leverage Online Tools

Recent advancements, generational demands and the need to compete on a different level have all contributed to a technological shift toward e-commerce, mobile and social networks. While the technologies themselves aren’t new, the fact that more distributors are taking action to leverage the capabilities of those technologies is.

This article is part of the 2012 Distribution Trends Report. To access this annual update for premium subscribers, subscribe now or log-in.

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Strategy

Premium

Commentary: For Best Results in Strategic Planning, Keep It Simple

Keep it simple. That’s the underlying message of Brent Grover’s new book, The Little Black Book of Strategic Planning for Distributors. A strategic plan does not have to be the result of a long, drawn-out process, with hundreds of pages of text and graphics only to be presented to a board of directors and set on a dusty bookshelf at the end of the day.

That’s not to say strategic planning is easy. But in his new book, Brent outlines a simple, straightforward approach to refining and implementing a plan. He doesn’t reinvent the wheel – but instead takes his years of experience and best practices across industries…

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.