AD, the contractor and industrial products wholesale buying/marketing group, reported a 11 percent increase in member sales across 12 AD divisions, totaling $41.4 billion in 2018. Purchases from AD suppliers grew by 13 percent in 2018.

On a same-store basis by industry, 2018 PHCP sales were up 12 percent; industrial/PT sales were up 11 percent; electrical sales were up 8 percent; and building materials were up 4 percent. By country, same-store sales in the U.S. grew 10 percent; Canada was up 8 percent, and Mexico grew 10 percent.

“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," said AD Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg. "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 over 500 members chose to become AD owners.  Collectively, these members represent 95 percent 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," Weisberg continued. "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 percent. 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 over $1.5 million in value. I couldn’t be prouder of what our members, suppliers and associates accomplished.”