Forward Solutions, Chicago, a provider of centralized growth services for independent manufacturers’ reps in a broad array of market niches, is expanding in the electrical market in a big way with the mergers of ElectroRep Inc., Sausalioto, CA, and R/B Sales Corp., Hiawatha, IA.
ElectroRep has served customers in California and northern Nevada since 1960, and R/B Sales Corp. has been a force in the Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska territories since 1977.
A Forward Solutions press release said, “The strategic merger with ElectroRep and R/B Sales is a natural fit that leverages each company’s respective strengths, expanding Forward Solutions sales expertise and enhancing its ability to serve a broader customer base. By combining the data-driven systems of ElectroRep with the national end user relationships of R/B Sales, the new electrical division will bring a holistic approach to serving electrical distributors, OEMs, MROs, electrical contractors, specifying engineers and other end users.”
President/CEO of Forward Solutions, Joe Orednick, said in the release, “We are thrilled to welcome ElectroRep and R/B Sales into the Forward Solutions portfolio. These mergers mark the beginning of a new era as we strategically invest in the electrical channel. Additionally, it positions us to unlock immense potential, drive sustainable growth and deliver unparalleled value to our customers through insights and data.”
“Joining forces with Forward Solutions marks another thrilling milestone for ElectroRep,” said Kelly Boyd, CEO and president of ElectroRep. “We were impressed by Forward Solutions’ track record in uniting multiple mergers seamlessly, making this partnership highly enticing. By combining our culture and investments with Forward Solutions resources, we have the catalyst to deliver diverse and unique solutions that address evolving trends in the electrical market. This merger allows ElectroRep to maintain local strategies while implementing broader initiatives and enhancing specialization where needed. We are proud to be Forward Solutions first step into the electrical channel, unlocking compelling opportunities for our employees, customers, and the manufacturers we represent.”
Bill Devereaux, president of R/B Sales, echoed this sentiment in the press release, emphasizing the value the merger will bring to customers. “We are excited to join Forward Solutions and become part of their growth strategy. Our unwavering commitment to growing sales, marketing, and service aligns seamlessly with Forward Solutions vision. Together, we will deliver exceptional experiences to electrical distributors, contractors, and other end users across the region.”
The newly formed division will operate under the Forward Solutions umbrella while retaining the individual expertise, relationships, and strengths of ElectroRep and R/B Sales. Customers can expect business operations to continue without disruption. The capabilities of each business will be further enhanced to provide support that is both more comprehensive and personal in their established territories.
Through its Avision, Curate, Integrated Access Corp., OneSolution, RelyPak and StruXur divisions, Forward Solutions cater to manufacturers selling through reps who seek to effectively grow their businesses through outsourced sales, marketing, customer support, and data analytics.
The independent manufacturers’ reps now part of the various divisions of Forward Solutions collectively provide an array of products sold through distribution to schools, hospitals, restaurants, commercial businesses, office buildings, manufacturing plants, contractors, utilities and more. In addition, Forward Solutions’ Allynt Solutions and C3Team, offer consulting services to manufacturers, distributors, and end users. The company currently operates in the following industries: facility maintenance, cleaning, hygiene, foodservice disposables, foodservice equipment, industrial/MRO, safety, construction, electrical, utilities, telecom and packaging supply.
In the September/October issue, Electrical Wholesaling will be publishing a feature article on ElectroRep and RB Sales joining Forward Solutions and the company’s plans for growth in the electrical market.