Dennis Dickinson

Manufacturers and distributors report on what's working, what's changing and what's in store for the future. End-users continue to demand the best for the least, as fast as possible, driving distributors and manufacturers to draw on their creativity and problem-solving skills to make it happen. Meanwhile, dynamics within the independent channel, as well as within the ranks of the major directs, are shifting, creating both opportunities to be explored and obstacles to be surmounted. Several manufacturers and distributors spoke with BFL&S about their products and services, relationships within the supply chain, the impact of the major directs and their outlook for the future.