Industrial Distribution releases its 57th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations -- in-depth findings on the state of Distribution today

NEWTON, Mass.--Sept. 5, 2003--Industrial Distribution magazine has released its 57th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations, an exclusive survey of more than 800 owners and executives of industrial distributorships from around the United States.

"This year's study is one of the largest, if not the largest, of any study done of the industrial distribution sector," says Jack Keough, editor of Industrial Distribution. "By reading it, executives will be able to compare their own operations to others in the industry. Broken out by sales volume, the report allows distributors the opportunity to compare themselves to their peers. In addition, the study details the trends that are occurring in the industrial distribution industry."

In the report's introduction, Mark Dancer, vice president of Pembroke Consulting, a firm providing strategic management consulting for distributors, manufacturers and B2B technology companies, writes, "Industrial Distribution's 57th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations provides timely and insightful feedback for industrial distributors and their manufacturer suppliers. This year, new questions focusing on distributor value add and supplier relations reveal a fault line of contradictions."

One of those questions, regarding distributor-manufacturer relationship status resulted in findings from the respondents showing that the relationship is worsening. Only a small percentage of distributors view themselves in a true partnership with their suppliers. And according to the responses, the economy, customers going out of business, price competition and manufacturers selling direct top the list of concerns for distributors.

These are only some of the facts and figures available in the 57th Survey of Distributor Operations. Other findings include suppliers' loyalty, the economic downturn, health care costs, manufacturing plants moving overseas, and the role of technology. This extensive report also tells how many distributors are selling fee-based services, how they are using technology, and how they intend to grow their businesses in the year ahead.

To get your copy of the 57th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations call (617) 558-4504 or purchase online at: www.inddist.com

Industrial Distribution is a Reed Business Information publication written for distribution owners, executives, managers and salespeople. It is a "how to" magazine for distribution professional, describing ways for distributors to increase their profitability, managerial skills and selling techniques. To learn more about the publication visit www.inddist.com.