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Continuous
REINVENTION
How MSC Industrial Supply is embracing its legacy in a modern , digital world
On a mission to help manufacturers improve operations , MSC Industrial Supply ( MSC ) is a global leader in supplying metalworking and maintenance , repair and operations ( MRO ) products and services . As one of the only suppliers with a true metalworking heritage combined with national scale , MSC has gained a reputation around the globe for its superior quality and service .
It has an unparalleled portfolio featuring more than two million products , as well as inventory management and supply chain solutions from over 2000 leading brands . Combined with decades of industry experience and expertise , MSC is well equipped to not only supply , but also support customers and guide product selection . It has a unique application optimization process , with a team of specialists to survey operations recommend improvements , and test superior products which drive cost down and productivity up .
We ’ re joined by Erik Gershwind , President and CEO of MSC , to discuss the company ’ s latest developments and the secrets behind its tremendous growth . Shedding light on the role of e-commerce and technology , as well as the importance of MSC ’ s legacy , Erik shares his view on how the business rose to success .
“ Our history is a pretty interesting version of an American success story ,” Erik begins . “ The business was founded in 1941 by my grandfather , Sid Jacobson , and located on the Lower East Side of New York City . Today , if you went to the Lower East Side , you ’ d find lots of nightclubs , restaurants , and bars , but back in the 1940s it was full of machine shops .
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