W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) is an industrial supply distributor founded in 1927 and headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. The company supplies maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products and services to businesses, institutions and government customers. Over its long history Grainger has developed a broad product assortment and a national distribution network that supports operations across a range of end markets, including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, transportation and public sector organizations.
Grainger's product portfolio spans core categories such as electrical and lighting, safety and personal protective equipment, material handling, motors and power transmission, plumbing and HVAC, fasteners and adhesives, hand and power tools, and janitorial and facility supplies. In addition to physical products, the company offers services and solutions designed to help customers manage inventory, streamline procurement and maintain facilities, including catalog and e-commerce ordering, technical support and inventory management programs tailored to institutional and enterprise needs.
The company sells through multiple channels including a network of distribution centers, branch locations, telephone/catalog sales and online platforms, enabling both large industrial customers and smaller businesses to access its assortment. While Grainger's largest presence is in North America, its operations and customer base extend internationally through various channels and partnerships, with a focus on serving customers where they operate and supporting multi-location enterprises.
With nearly a century of operating history, Grainger has positioned itself as one of the prominent suppliers in the MRO market by combining broad product selection with supply chain and inventory services. The company's long-standing emphasis on distribution efficiency, product availability and customer service underpins its role as a supplier to commercial, institutional and government customers seeking to keep facilities and operations running reliably.