Grainger on Friday officially announced the winners of its 2026 “Partners in Performance” awards, including overall supplier of the year Klein Tools.
The MRO giant initially recognized the award recipients at its Grainger Show event, held earlier this month in Orlando.
In addition to the suburban Chicago tool company, winners of the 2026 awards included new supplier of the year Essity, sourcing partner of the year Husky Rack & Wire, and sustainability supplier of the year Schneider Electric.
The awards also recognized direct suppliers MCR Safety Group, Interplast, 3M, Mechanix Wear, Klever, Nu-Calgon, Knipex Tools, Vikan, Fein Power Tools, Ghent, Agsco Corp., Zipwall and the Jel Sert Co.; indirect suppliers WTW and Quad Graphics; and carrier and transportation partners Southeastern Freight Lines and Continental Courier Inc.
Individual honors went to 3M’s Teresa Wu for “excellence in partnership” and Brandon Sonich of Elkay Inc. for contract of the year.
The awards, Grainger said, recognize suppliers that demonstrate excellence across operations, commercial performance, product content and partnership. Grainger Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Supplier Management Barry Greenhouse said that fewer than 1% of Grainger’s over 5,000 suppliers are picked for the annual honors.
"These partners exemplify the innovation, reliability and customer-focused approach that define our most valued relationships, allowing us both to grow together,” Greenhouse said in a statement.
Grainger said that the 2026 edition of its biennial show drew more than 10,000 customers, suppliers and industry leaders to central Florida.
