Despite the clear impacts of the pandemic, AD achieved a 1% increase in net distributions to its members and was able to offer innovative services and support to help members navigate the rapidly changing environment.

AD announced it has completed mergers with SafetyNetwork and Delta Distributors.

AD has finalized a merger agreement with pipe, valves and fittings buying group Delta Distributors effective Jan. 1, 2021.

After eight years serving AD and its members and supplier partners, and more than 25 with one of AD’s major supplier partners, Senior Vice President of Business Development Tom Blue has elected to retire effective Sept. 30, 2020.

In July 2020, Van Meter’s strong brand story got the attention from MSN.com and was recognized as the most-loved company in the state of Iowa, along with the many global and national brands that were recognized in other states.

On a same-store basis, member sales across all AD’s divisions and countries were down 6% through the first six months of this year, to $21.6 billion, driven by a 13% decline in Q2. 

As part of a holistic effort to maximize support to members during the coronavirus pandemic, AD co-hosted a webinar with lawyers from the global law firm Dentons that examined recent changes to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. 

AD has announced to its community of members, supplier partners and service providers that in anticipation of the need for continued emphasis on local operations, employees and families, sensitivity to financial impacts and an ongoing focus on safety and wellness, the group will be going to a virtual format for its slate of 2020 North American and other fall meetings. 

With a mission to help its members, supplier partners and associates to grow and prosper, AD has seen 2% increase during the first three months of 2020.

On March 17, 2020 AD held its first ever live virtual member meeting, welcoming over 250 member distributors in their Industrial & Safety – U.S. division to the event.