CHICAGO, Oct. 18 /CNW/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW - News), a leading North American industrial distributor, today announced that Court Carruthers, 34, has been named President of its Canadian subsidiary, Acklands - Grainger Inc. Carruthers' new responsibilities include growing and improving Grainger's business operations in Canada, which had sales of $428 million USD for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
"We have a tremendous opportunity to improve our branch network and supply chain network so that we enhance service to customers across the provinces," said Y.C. Chen, Grainger's Group President in charge of Mexico and Canada. "I look forward to working with Court and his management team to ensure that we help our customers save time and money as they purchase their industrial, fleet and safety products."
Carruthers joined Acklands - Grainger in 2002 as vice president, national accounts and sales, where he has been responsible for the company's sales strategy and operations. Prior to joining Grainger, Carruthers served in increasingly responsible roles at Dynamex Inc., Veredex Logistics Inc. and Purolator Courier Ltd. He holds a bachelor of commerce degree with distinction from University of Alberta in Edmonton, a master of business administration degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and he is a Certified Management Accountant.
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW - News), with 2005 sales of $5.5 billion, is a leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in Canada, China, Mexico and the United States. Through a highly integrated network including nearly 600 branches, 17 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done, saving them time and money by having the right products to keep their facilities running. Grainger is the national founding sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready When the Time Comes corporate volunteer training program.
About Acklands - Grainger Inc.
Acklands - Grainger Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of W.W. Grainger, Inc. The company provides total MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operating) solutions to help its customers run their businesses more efficiently through a network of over 160 branches, five distribution centers and over 2,200 employees from coast to coast. As the industry leader, Acklands - Grainger allows companies to deal with one vendor, one invoice and one shipment, enabling them to save time and money. More information can be obtained on the company and its products through its bilingual Web site, at http://www.acklandsgrainger.com.
For further information
Ernest Duplessis
Director, External Communications
+1-847-535-4356
ernest.duplessis@grainger.com
Robb Kristopher
Manager, External Communications
+1-847-535-0879
robb.kristopher@grainger.com
Both of W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Source: W.W. Grainger, Inc.