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W.W.Grainger Strategic Plan

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Strategic plan for W.W. Grainger Jayme Knapp June 17, 2008 Grainger will drive the future of material requirement for operations (MRO) purchases through strategic operations by focusing on growing current customers and embracing new technologies that will strengthen the company’s current capabilities. Over the last three years Grainger has made significant investments into emerging technologies that allow for more efficient workflow and faster turnaround times on sourcing quotes for those hard to find items or “one-offs”. An internal audit of Grainger shows that of a stable, forward thinking and very strategically planned company that looks for top quality people who will provide world class service to its customers. …show more content…

The grainger.com website, which hit $1 billion in sales in 2007 had, until recently been operating at a negative margin, with a write-off of $125 million in 2001, grainger.com has gone back to the basics. Yet, one of Grainger’s most significant core competencies will always be with the company’s knack to efficiently manage logistics, supply chain and warehousing of over 188,000 products in 9 distribution centers, and over 450 branch based stores. According to Harps (2002) Grainger continually reinvents itself to meet the changing needs of its customers. One example is that customers have the option to “call”, “click”, or “stop by” to order product. Another significant change has been the explosive expansion of the product line since 2001 – from 100,000 to over 188,000 in 2008. As Grainger continues to lead the industry its focus must be to maintain product deep and breath that is economically justifiable to meet the needs and service levels of its current and future customers. The focus on ebusiness, market expansion and availability will be key to the future success. In addition, to clearly understanding the opportunities within the walls of the company, Grainger must stay focused on product knowledge, supply chain and logistics. There are several significant external threats facing

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