Electrical Products Wholesalers
Companies in this industry distribute electrical products used in applications such as construction and power generation, transmission, and distribution. Major US-based companies include Anixter, Graybar Electric, and WESCO; top companies based outside the US include Gerrie (Canada), Inaba Denki Sangyo Group (Japan), and Rexel and Sonepar (both of France).
Large global distributors have been acquiring US-based distributors to broaden their reach. Emerging markets such as China and India have also been targeted. Many wholesalers approach new markets through partnerships or acquisitions.
The US electrical products wholesalers industry includes about 15,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $160 billion.
Competitive Landscape
Sales are driven by demand from the construction, manufacturing, utility, telecommunications, and hardware retailing industries. Profitability largely depends on efficient inventory management and effective merchandising. Large wholesalers enjoy economies of scale in purchasing and in building distribution networks. Smaller operators tend to compete through a focus on specialty products or superior service. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 60% of sales.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major products include lighting fixtures (17%), interior and exterior wiring (15% of industry revenue), industrial controls (6%), and switchgear and switchboard
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