MSC Industrial Supply expands with acquisitions of ApTex and Premier Tool Grinding

MSC Industrial Supply Co. (NYSE: MSM), a leading distributor of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supplies, has recently broadened its market presence in North America with the acquisition of ApTex, Inc. and Premier Tool Grinding, Inc. This move, integrating two companies with a combined revenue of over $20 million in 2023, represents a strategic expansion to enhance MSC’s product and service offerings across the United States.

Under the terms of the purchase agreements, ApTex and Premier Tool Grinding will maintain their operational independence under their current brand names, now as part of the MSC family. This arrangement preserves the distinct identities and specialties of each company while leveraging MSC’s extensive network and resources. MSC’s President and CEO, Erik Gershwind, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting the complementary strengths of the new additions to MSC’s portfolio.

ApTex, located in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is recognized for its technical proficiency in metalworking distribution, focusing on cutting tools, abrasives, and metalworking fluids. The acquisition is set to solidify MSC’s influence in the Wisconsin area, combining local expertise with MSC’s comprehensive metalworking solutions. On the other hand, Premier Tool Grinding, based in Goodyear, Arizona, brings advanced capabilities in the design, manufacture, and reconditioning of carbide cutting tools, enhancing MSC’s specialty tooling and regrinding services.

Both ApTex and Premier Tool Grinding are poised to integrate their technical expertise and innovative solutions with MSC’s broader product offerings, driving cost efficiencies and enhancing service quality for customers. Dean Meier, President of ApTex, and Shaun Schilling, Co-Owner of Premier Tool Grinding, both highlighted the potential for growth and customer benefits stemming from their integration into MSC’s operations.

The strategic acquisitions by MSC Industrial are likely to generate significant synergies, enhancing the company’s competitive edge in the tool distribution and manufacturing industry. By maintaining operational independence while integrating into MSC’s larger infrastructure, ApTex and Premier Tool Grinding can leverage MSC’s scale to enhance their market reach and operational efficiencies.