Fortune Names Grainger as Most Admired Company in Diversified Wholesalers

Fortune magazine has honored Grainger as the “most admired” diversified wholesaler in its annual World’s Most Admired Companies list, published in the March 22 issue. The award recognizes Grainger’s leadership as the premier broad‑line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products to businesses and institutions worldwide.

“This honor belongs to our outstanding employees,” said Grainger Chairman, President and CEO James T. Ryan. “Their passion for serving the professionals who keep workplaces safe, efficient and operating sets us apart.”

Fortune’s list evaluates companies on nine criteria—including innovation, people management, asset use, social responsibility, management quality, financial soundness, long‑term investment, product/service quality, and global competitiveness. Grainger has been a regular on the list and this year topped eight of the nine categories.

“Superior people, products, service and an unwavering commitment to communities differentiate Grainger,” added Ryan. “For more than 83 years, we have earned the respect and admiration of customers, suppliers, partners, investors and the community.”

About Grainger
W.W. Grainger Inc., with 2009 sales of $6.2 billion, remains the leading broad‑line supplier of MRO products in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is expanding its presence in Japan, India, China, and Panama.