Eleven Distributors form Alliance to Get Global Business

Aug. 1, 2012
Eleven electrical and automation distributors have joined forces to build a network of distribution company partners outside North America. Through EDGE

Eleven electrical and automation distributors have joined forces to build a network of distribution company partners outside North America.

Through EDGE Investment Partners LLC, the founding member distributors — Kirby Risk Corp., Lafayette, Ind.; French Gerleman Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo.; Gerrie Electric Wholesale International, Burlington, Ontario; Horizon Solutions, Rochester, N.Y.; Kendall Electric, Portage, Mich.; McNaughton-McKay Electric Co., Madison Heights, Mich.; North Coast Electric Co., Seattle; Revere Electric Supply Co., Chicago; The Reynolds Co., Fort Worth, Texas; Van Meter Industrial, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Werner Electric Supply Co., Neenah, Wis. — will provide supply chain and technical services to international customers. EDGE is an acronym for Electrical Distribution Global Enterprise.

The group said in a release announcing its formation that the distributors involved have seen an increase in demand for electrical distributors' supply chain and technical value-add services and said the experience of EDGE members can “accelerate the capabilities of potential partner companies to serve those needs.”

Beginning Aug. 1, Bob Eisenbrown, a veteran of Rockwell Automation, ABB and Eaton, will become chief executive officer of EDGE, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis.

“We are excited to create this new opportunity for the members, while taking advantage of our strengths to work with potential distribution partners and suppliers to advance our industry globally,” said John Burke, president of Kirby Risk, in the release.

The founding distributors are all members of Affiliated Distributors and are distributors of Rockwell Automation products.