CINCINNATI - Excellence Alliance Inc. (EAI), Aire Serv, and a steering committee comprised of contractors from each group have developed a new buying group for members, partnering with Johnstone Supply and the Barnett Group.

According to EAI and Aire Serv, the organizations have combined forces with Johnstone Supply and the Barnett Group to create a program that will provide "outstanding service, the depth and breadth of inventory you require, and a rebate program that is unsurpassed in the industry."

Johnstone Supply has over 300 independently owned and operated HVACR distributor locations throughout the United States that are supported by three regional distribution centers. Local ownership enables each Johnstone location to position their business to reflect the local market's needs. EAI will be rolling out the Johnstone program on a regional basis.

The Barnett Group is another large plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and hardware distributor, with 51 locations that are located in almost every major metropolitan market. It is also one of the largest direct marketers in the United States. The Barnett stores will all come on board at the same time, so EAI members can start purchasing from them right away.

Major benefits of the new program include:

  • Technology advantage - A software solution, ProTradeNet, will data mine all member's Johnstone and Barnett invoices. It will be able to monitor total gross purchases, purchases by manufacturer, all the way down to component purchases by manufacturer.

  • Rebates from Johnstone and Barnett - By bringing incremental business and by lowering the cost of doing business with these "technology partners," members will receive rebate offers.

  • Component manufacturer rebates - EAI will be negotiating rebate programs with component manufacturers and others that will be added to the Johnstone and Barnett rebates.

    Publication date: 09/26/2005