Acklands-Grainger., Inc. Among Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures of
2009

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Nov. 12 /CNW/ - Acklands-Grainger, Inc., (AGI) Canada's largest distributor of industrial, safety, and fastener products, was recognized as having one of the most admired corporate cultures in Canada in an annual study by Waterstone Human Capital, announced earlier today. This is the first time an industrial company has been recognized.

"At Acklands-Grainger, we're united in our focus on aggressive and profitable growth achieved in a fun and caring way," said Sean O'Brien, President, Acklands-Grainger Inc. "We are passionate about our business and driving success on all fronts. A great culture can only come with a great team and I couldn't be more proud of our organization."

Acklands-Grainger's 2300+ team members are dedicated to helping customers save time and money as they maintain their facilities. The company culture is founded on five operating principles: customer focus, people focus, winning attitude, urgency and simplicity, and living the values. These operating principles are deeply embedded in the culture and are used as a compass for decision-making throughout the organization.

"Acklands-Grainger is a proud company celebrating its 120th year in 2009, but it is also a company that has made a significant breakthrough in the last three years," said Marty Parker , Managing Director, Waterstone Human Capital Ltd. "Their culture is one that balances great customer orientation and a strong drive for results with a family feel, team member focus and strong community commitment. As a result, the company is achieving record heights in financial performance, growth, customer satisfaction, and team member engagement."

Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures program begins annually in the spring with Waterstone's Canadian Corporate Culture Study, a survey of 500 senior Canadian executives. At the end of the questionnaire, respondents are asked to nominate Canadian organizations they most admire in terms of having a corporate culture that impacts performance. The selection process is rigorous and in 2009 there were a record number of both nominated organizations (358) and finalist submissions (71). The submissions were then evaluated and voted on by a 15-member Board of Governors.

About Acklands - Grainger., Inc.

Acklands-Grainger, Inc. is Canada's largest distributor of industrial, safety, and fastener products, with over 100,000 in-stock products available from 159 branches and five distribution centres coast to coast.

Its parent company, W.W. Grainger, Inc. with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in United States , Canada , Japan , Mexico , India , China and Panama . Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done. For more information about the company, visit www.grainger.com/investor.

About Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures(TM):

Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures(TM) is founded and presented by Waterstone Human Capital, a leading professional recruitment, executive search and human capital consulting services firm based in Toronto . Since 2005, the Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures(TM) program has recognized some of this country's top organizations for having a culture that has helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage. This popular program begins in the spring of each year with the Canadian Corporate Culture Study(TM) and culminates in an annual awards gala. www.canadasmostadmired.com

For further information: Leslie Murray, Director, Marketing Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]