W.W. Grainger, Inc. Profile

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (Grainger) supplies facilities maintenance and other related products in North America. The Company operates in three segments: Branch-based Distribution, Acklands * Grainger Inc. (Canada) and Lab Safety. The Branch-based Distribution businesses include Grainger's Industrial Supply division; Grainger's Export division; Grainger's Global Sourcing division; Grainger S.A. de C.V. (Mexico); Grainger Caribe, Inc. (Puerto Rico), and China Distribution. Grainger distributes various supplies and equipment, such as material handling, safety and security, cleaning and maintenance, pumps and plumbing, electrical, lighting, ventilation, tools, metal working, fluid power, heating and air conditioning repair, motors, and power transmissions. Acklands * Grainger Inc. is a broad-line distributor of industrial, fleet and safety products. The Lab Safety segment markets safety and other industrial products to customers under several brands throughout North America. For the six months ended 30 June 2006, W.W. Grainger, Inc.'s revenues rose 7% to $2.9B. Net income rose 17% to $180M. Revenues reflect market & product line expansion and higher sales in U.S. from the government & heavy manufacturing sector. Net income also reflects improved gross margins, the presence of gain on sale of joint venture, higher interest income and rise in equity income of unconsolidated entities.