Go global, but stay local.(W.W. Grainger Inc. plans expansion)(Company overview)

Industrial Distribution, January, 2007 by Kickham, Victoria Fraza

By Victoria Fraza Kickham, Managing Editor

W.W. Grainger may be expanding outside North America, but its 'local presence' philosophy remains a key part of this company's growth strategy

Three years ago, W.W. Grainger embarked on a multi-year market expansion program designed to increase its coverage in 25 key markets throughout the United States. The plan is to increase Grainger's local presence in those markets by adding or expanding branches and adding salespeople--with the ultimate goal of acquiring more customers. The company plans to spend about $200 million on the program before it's finished, and is already reaping the benefits. Through the third quarter of 2006, the market expansion plan had contributed 2 percent to Grainger's sales...

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