Research: Distributors & Manufacturers Split on Signs of Pullback, CapEx Plans

Respondents in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey were divided on 2025 demand and investment outlooks, as tariff uncertainty clouds confidence and prompts cautious strategic planning. See our full breakdown of the results.

Mergers & Acquisitions

MDM’s 1Q25 M&A Report is Here, Now with a Breakdown of Activity by Product Category

Tariffs

Distributors Forecast Shaky 1-10% COGS Increase with Tariffs Influence

Tariffs

How Are Distributors Combatting Higher Costs from Tariffs? Here’s What They Told Us

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HVACR

Watsco 1Q Sales Dip Amid Product Transition, but Margins Improve

Watsco reported softer first-quarter results as it navigates a product transition driven by new regulations impacting over half its sales, but showed healthy margin performance.

April 23, 2025

Paper Products & Packaging Distribution

Uline Set to Open New Reno DC in August

Uline is expanding its Reno presence with a new distribution center set to open in August, adding 25 jobs to meet growing demand.

April 23, 2025

Paper Products & Packaging Distribution

TricorBraun Appoints Former FleetPride, Grainger Leader as President & CEO

TricorBraun appointed a well-known industry veteran to lead its global operations, succeeding Court Carruthers as he transitions to vice chair.

April 22, 2025

Facilities Maintenance (MRO)

Motion’s 1Q Comparable Sales Tick Down, but Outlook Holds

Though comparable sales declined year-over-year, the gap narrowed sequentially as EBITDA margin had a considerable jump from 4Q.

April 22, 2025

Electrical

OmniCable Consolidates 2 Atlanta Facilities into Larger DC

OmniCable opened a new facility in Buford, GA, consolidating two nearby locations to boost efficiency and better serve growing customer demand.

April 22, 2025

Marketplaces

Applico Releases 2025 Top 50 B2B Marketplaces Report

The fourth annual report offers a comprehensive look at the digital marketplaces redefining how businesses buy and sell physical products.

April 22, 2025

Association/Buying Group News

MDM Wins Business Journalism Award for Fastenal Case Study

MDM won a Silver Azbee Award for its in-depth case study on Fastenal’s transformative shift to a digital-first distribution model, written by John Gunderson. It was the first feature in MDM's Case Study series, which continues to roll out new reports in 2025.

April 22, 2025

Manufacturing

3M Safety & Industrial Sees Continued Solid Organic Growth in 1Q

While total sales growth decelerated for 3M's Safety & Industrial segment, they ticked up sequentially in organic growth.

April 22, 2025

Building Materials/Construction

Foundation Building Materials Acquires REW Materials for $600M

With 45 branches across 23 states, REW Materials is a distributor of interior and exterior building materials, offering both specialty and commodity products.

April 22, 2025

Fasteners

Endries International Adds Tariffs Resources Hub

The fasteners distributor launched a new resource hub to help customers and suppliers navigate changing tariff regulations.

April 21, 2025

Economic Trends

Data: 2025 Business Travel Expected to Sink 33% Amid U.S. Government Actions

April 21, 2025

Building Materials/Construction

QXO Offers $2B in Secured Notes to Facilitate Beacon Acquisition

QXO issued a separate release extending its all-cash tender offer to acquire outstanding shares to April 28.

April 21, 2025

Investment Banking Directory

Work with a banking partner that knows your business. Get detailed information on investment banks with expertise in the wholesale distribution industry.

In Pursuit of Practicality: 52 real use cases for AI in wholesale distribution today

This multi-month research effort includes surveys, interviews, extensive publication scanning, and deep synthesis to…

Essential Financial KPIs – Unlock the Power of Financial Metrics

This new guide from MDM provides real-world examples from companies that recently innovated on…

MDM Guide: Tailor Your Tech Strategy to Win in Any Market

This new guide from MDM provides real-world examples from companies that recently innovated on…

A True Business License Compliance Framework Guide

Avalara solutions enable companies to centralize their business licenses, standardize their workflow for obtaining…

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