Industrial distribution
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is industrial distribution?
Industrial distribution is the part of wholesale distribution that supplies factories, plants and utilities with the parts, tools and supplies they run on. Those customers use them to make products and keep equipment running, and common lines include bearings, power transmission, fluid power, cutting tools, fasteners, safety products and MRO supplies.
Industrial distribution example
An industrial distributor’s outside rep visits a paper mill, reviews which bearings it has replaced most this year, and recommends a sealed version for the worst position.
Related terms
- Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO)Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies are what a business uses to keep its buildings, equipment and people working, not what it makes or sells.
- Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that makes finished products or equipment, such as machines or vehicles, under its own brand.
- Integrated supplyIntegrated supply is an arrangement in which a distributor takes over most or all of a customer’s purchasing, stocking and storeroom work for a category.
- VerticalA vertical is the industry segment a distributor operates in, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, industrial, jan/san, foodservice or medical supplies.
