W.W. Grainger Inc. posted net earnings of $140 million for the third quarter, an increase of 28% from the same period last year, as sales rose 11% from 2007's third quarter.

Grainger has been aggressively expanding its product line, adding about 150,000 new products in the past three years. "Despite what is happening in the economy, these customers still have to maintain and repair their buildings and Grainger is well positioned to help them," Director of Investor Relations William Chapman said.

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