Around the Industry

Oct. 21, 2011
Grainger divests South Korean partnership W.W. Grainger, Lincolnshire, Ill., has divested its 49 percent share in MRO Korea, selling its stake to affiliates

Grainger divests South Korean partnership

W.W. Grainger, Lincolnshire, Ill., has divested its 49 percent share in MRO Korea, selling its stake to affiliates of its former ownership partner, SK Networks, for $12 million. Grainger didn't give its reasons for getting out of the venture, but said the new ownership will pursue a new business model for MRO Korea that will turn it into “a social enterprise focused on job creation for the underprivileged.” In its release, Grainger said it will continue to expand its presence in the Asian markets with its three remaining operations there, Grainger China, Grainger India and a 53 percent interest in MonotaRO in Japan, as well as its export business and network of resellers in the region.

Networking products manufacturer partners with Graybar Electric

ZyXel Communications Inc., Anaheim, Calif., a manufacturer of broadband and security networking and routing products, said it's going to market with Graybar, St. Louis, to expand its reach to more independent and regional service providers. Graybar will sell ZyXel's residential gateways, digital home connectivity solutions and networking and security products for small to medium business clients.

Leviton and Ford say EV charging station is now UL-certified

Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc., Melville, N.Y., and Ford Motor Co. said the new Ford Electric Vehicle Home Charging Station, designed and built by Leviton exclusively for Ford, has gained UL certification under UL 2231, UL 2251 and UL 2594. The new Level 2 EV charging device is also compatible with all additional industry safety standards and recommended practices, including SAE J1772 and NEC 625, Leviton said.

The Ford charging station provides up to 32A at 240V AC, fully charging a Ford Focus Electric's battery in a little over three hours, more than four times faster than the standard portable charger. The EV charging station, including standard installation retails for $1,499 and is now available through select Ford dealerships and Best Buy stores to support the upcoming launch of the electric version of the Focus.