June 20, 2012 – Citing an opportunity to “leverage their combined distribution expertise and scale”, 11 electrical and automation distributors have formed EDGE Investment Partners LLC. An acronym for Electrical Distribution Global Enterprise, EDGE aims to build a network of distribution company partners outside of North America to satisfy the increased demand for “electrical distributors to fill the supply chain and technical value-add needs of customers”.

“We are excited to create this new opportunity for the members while taking advantage of our strengths to work with potential distribution partners and suppliers to advance our industry globally,” said board member John Burke of Kirby Risk.

EDGE founding members include: French Gerleman Electric Co.; Gerrie Electric Wholesale International Inc.; Horizon Solutions LLC; Kendall Electric Inc.; Kirby Risk Corp.; McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.; North Coast Electric Co.; Revere Electric Supply Co.; The Reynolds Company; Van Meter Industrial Inc.; and Werner Electric Supply Co.

As of August 1, 2012, Bob Eisenbrown will become the CEO of EDGE. According to the group, Bob has over 30 years of global experience in the industrial electrical and automation business with Rockwell Automation, ABB and Eaton. EDGE will be headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisc.