2008 is setting up to be an interesting year. With what appears to be a slow growth economy, increasing fuel costs, challenges in finding qualified labor, continued manufacturer and distributor consolidation, green/energy efficiency opportunities and more, it appears to be […]
In mid-September we wrote about the possibility of contract manufacturers eventually reaching out and creating their own brands / going direct (read the post). Two announcements this week displayed their intent. HTC, a manufacturer of cell phones and other electronics […]
Much has been said about the need to accelerate the benefits of the IDW. One of the areas most needed is participation by small to medium sized manufacturers. Without them it is difficult for distributors to further drive costs out […]
As reported by Electrical Marketing, Sigma Electric, an OEM supplier to a number of name brand manufacturers in the electrical industry recently received a significant investment from Goldman Sachs.The company, an Indian manufacturer of fittings in zinc, iron, copper, transformer […]
In case you haven’t heard, Universal Lighting Technologies was recently sold. The announcement, “Littlejohn & Co. has agreed to sell Universal Lighting Technologies Inc. to Matshusita Electric Works Ltd. No financial terms were disclosed. Universal Lighting designs and manufacturers lighting […]
Historically many manufacturers, after reviewing their current year performance, will send out 2008 price increase notices in November/December, and then send their sales people out to “cut” year end “deals” with the intent to “help” the distributor meet their purchase […]
Sorry to all of our Yankee, Cubs and Ohio fans, but need to send congratulations to the city of champions… The Red Sox look like they could be baseball’s champs for the second time in four years The Patriots appear […]
Many industry observers will recall when Branch Electric sold to Rexel in the spring of 2000. A number of distributors asked themselves what Chuck Steiner knew that they didn’t. Some openly felt that Steiner sold “at the top of the […]
CED and USESI issued a press release October 9th that may indicate a change in business models for CED. But then again they may be setting up a successful division that will continue to grow because of the business model […]
Excellent article in the October issue of ManageSmarter, and referenced in today’s NAWSmartbrief. The article, entitled “Price Cutting is for Sissies” hits on two of the key reasons why salespeople discount pricing, and amplify where companies should commit training, marketing […]
