Multi-Channel Business Solution Makes Sourcing Unique Industrial Products Easy
CHICAGO, Nov. 3-- W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), announced today the launch of FindMRO ( http://www.findmro.com ). FindMRO is a complete business solution that solves the most time consuming indirect materials business problem -- finding the best product solution when a source is unknown to the buyer. This business offers a multi-channel (Internet, phone, or fax) procurement solution, which dramatically reduces the cycle time from identification of a business problem to receipt of the product/service.
FindMRO accesses more than five million maintenance, repair and operating
(MRO) products through a proprietary database of more than 12,000 suppliers
and 100,000 brands so that buyers can get what they need quickly, easily and
more cost-effectively. FindMRO combines supplier product data with leading-
edge technology offering customers unparalleled purchasing solutions.
"Customers are very knowledgeable about their operating costs and are
looking to outsource components that are not contributing value to their
organization," said Donald Bielinski, Grainger group president. "FindMRO is
the answer to outsourcing procurement of unplanned, infrequently purchased
products."
"This product service allows customers to significantly reduce their
number of suppliers and procurement cycle time. In effect we become their
industrial personal shopper," said Ron Paulson, general manager, FindMRO.
"With our proven expertise in the MRO supply industry, we have the sourcing
knowledge, contacts, and systems to provide a cost-effective product and
service solution for customers nationwide."
"Our research indicates that 40% to 45% of a typical manufacturer's MRO
purchases are spot buys -- that is unplanned purchases that are not reflected
on corporate contracts but are required to keep the business or production
line running," said Tim Minahan, research director, eBusiness, at the
Boston-based Aberdeen group. "With its vast domain expertise and e-commerce
transaction capabilities, FindMRO has the potential to significantly shorten
the cycle time and costs associated with spot purchases of industrial supplies
and other MRO goods."
Grainger's online procurement Web sites, Grainger.com and Orderzone.com,
will be linked with FindMRO, providing businesses with a comprehensive,
efficient e-commerce solution that allows procurement purchasers to buy what
they need, when they need it. These Web initiatives are part of Grainger's
overall $50 million investment in Internet technology, making it the leader in
business to business Internet commerce.
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW), with 1998 sales of $4.3 billion, is the leading
North American provider of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies,
services and related information to businesses and institutions. GWW shares
are traded on the New York and Chicago stock exchanges. For more information,
visit us online at http://www.findmro.com or http://www.grainger.com.