CHICAGO - A new study prepared by Pembroke Consulting and Economy.com for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), predicts a favorable outlook ahead for wholesale distribution companies in the Midwest.

According to the NAW Economic Forecast 2004, among wholesale distribution companies in the Midwest, Illinois will lead in revenue growth at 6.5 percent followed closely by Wisconsin at 6.2 percent. Distributors in Indiana and Michigan will see revenues climb by 5.4 percent and Ohio's distributors will see revenues grow 5.2 percent. By comparison, wholesale distributors in the Midwest will outpace the 2004 national forecast for revenue growth by wholesale distribution companies, which is 5.6 percent.

"The outlook for wholesale distribution companies is positive," said Mark Dancer, Pembroke Consulting vice president. "This is a good sign for the general economic recovery that is now underway in many business to business markets."

Among the region's wholesale distributors, Michigan and Wisconsin will lead in employment growth at 1.4 percent, followed by Ohio at 1.3 percent, Illinois at 1.2 percent, and Indiana at 1.1 percent.

The NAW Economic Forecast 2004 for wholesale distribution is available for purchase online at www.nawpubs.org or by calling 202-872-0885.

Publication date: 11/03/2003