May 6, 2016 – Sales for Affiliated Distributors (AD) members grew by 9% in 2016 Q1 “to a record $8.7 billon”, according to AD.

The $32-billion contractor and industrial products wholesale buying/marketing group says AD member sales also grew 3% on a same store basis, and some of this quarter’s growth can be attributed to its newest division, AD Canada Plumbing & Heating.

“Business conditions continue to be challenging in many regions and segments; but there are strong spots, too,” said Bill Weisberg, AD’s chairman and CEO. “With the guidance of our AD board, we are utilizing our growing economies of scale to make strategic investments to help our members grow now and into the future. AD eCommerce Solutions, AD HR Services, and AD Indirect Spend Services are three such areas of focus.”

Over the last 12 months, the company says AD members across all divisions hired 1267 new employees, opened 20 new locations and made five acquisitions.

AD is the largest contractor and industrial products wholesale buying group in North America, according to the company, and provides independent distributors and manufacturers of construction and industrial products with support and resources for growth.