The Wayne, Pennsylvania-based AD buying and marketing group recently reported an 11% increase in member sales across 12 AD divisions, totaling $41.4 billion in 2018.
Purchases from AD suppliers grew by 13% in 2018.
On a same-store basis, by industry, 2018 PHCP sales were up 12%; Industrial-PT sales were up 11%; Electrical sales were up 8%; and Building materials was up 4%.
By country, same-store sales in the U.S. grew 10%; Canada was up 8% and Mexico grew 10%.
Bill Weisberg, AD’s chairman and CEO reflected on the year. “2018 was an exceptional year. We broke sales, purchases and distribution records across all AD divisions, and we added value to our members and suppliers through our innovative programs,” he said. “Our most notable strategic accomplishment in 2018 was AD’s transition to member ownership. Given that ownership was not mandatory, we are particularly gratified that more than 500 members chose to become AD owners. Collectively, these members represent 95% of AD’s business and include every member of every divisional board.
“Using our unique economies of scale, we also delivered added value on a number of strategic fronts. AD eCommerce Solutions ended the year with close to 4 million SKUs across six AD divisions and increased the number of AD members using our content on their live digital branches by 91%. AD members saved $8.3 million using AD Procurement Services, which represents more than a $3-million increase compared to 2017. AD HR Services provided our members with more than $1.5 million in value. I couldn’t be prouder of what our members, suppliers and associates accomplished.”
Member owners elects AD Board of Directors
Also, AD member owners recently elected the group’s board of directors. Following an AD member owner vote, AD named the 2018 AD LLC Board of Directors election.
Chrissy Nardini, president of American Metals Supply Co., was elected to join the board, replacing Brian Peirce, CEO of Perice-Phelps. Peirce rolled off the board after 14 years of service.
Don Slominiski, president & CEO of McNaughton McKay Electric Co., and Martin Deschenes, vice chairman of the board of Groupe Deschenes, were elected to continue on as members of the AD LLC Board of Directors.