MRO distributors now are helping customers help customers

By Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 6/26/2008 8:38:00 AM

Graybar facilities located in Iowa where the flooding has occurred have not been directly impacted. All of the distributor’s operations are up and running.

And, for the most part, all of its industrial and electrical contractor customers are up and running as well, says Ken Arnold, area manager for Graybar in Cedar Rapids and Davenport. “Many of our electrical contractor customers are now focused on helping their customers get back in business.”  

In the region, Graybar is providing supplies for temporary power and lighting, and entering supply orders for rebuilding. “Our customers are looking to replace all their wet equipment, including wiring, panel boards, breakers and motor starters,” Arnold says.

To meet customer needs, St. Louis-based Graybar is able to draw material from its other 250 branches across the country.

Arnold says the distributor is considering opening on Saturdays to accommodate the spike in service calls.  “We have extra storage space and people to help manage distribution,” he says. “Our business has practically doubled overnight, and we’re doing our best to help our customers and the people affected by the floods.”