Grainger branches out in Latin America

New location is in Panama

By Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 10/7/2008 8:11:00 AM

Grainger has opened its first branch in Panama.

The industrial distributor’s 23,000-sq. ft. showroom and store facility, located at the intersection of Via Simon Bolivar and October 12 Avenue, carries more than 20,000 products, including motors and power transmission products, electrical, lighting, cleaning and painting supplies, safety equipment, material handling and power tools.

"Grainger selected Panama as its second expansion market in Latin America, after Mexico, because it offers exciting business opportunities and a business- friendly environment," says Bonnie McIntyre, vice president, international market development at Grainger.

Customers have access to a broad base of facility maintenance supplies through the branch, Spanish-language catalog, phone, or online at www.grainger.com.

In addition, Grainger has a network of sales representatives throughout the country to help institutions that maintain locations in other areas of Panama. The company plans to continue to build its presence in the country by adding more products and services to address local customer needs.

"We are excited to build similar capabilities in Panama to help businesses in this booming economy become more efficient in maintaining their facilities," adds McIntyre.    

To build upon its history of giving back in the communities in which it operates, Grainger will contribute $30,000 (U.S.) of facilities maintenance products to Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (SINAPROC), a disaster preparedness and response agency. The donation will include such items as power saws, rescue equipment, winches, hydraulic jacks, and other tools.

See: Grainger adds vendor managed inventory services to line up and Purchasing takes a new look at distribution