CHICAGO, March 22, 2017 – True Value Company, one of the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperatives, named The Hillman Group 2016 Supplier of the Year. In addition, 10 other vendors were recognized for their commitment to delivering the highest quality service and innovation to retailers and their customers. These vendors exceeded retailers’ needs by offering strong retail and handled sales and delivering a fill rate of 95 percent and above.

“The Hillman team is tremendously honored to win Supplier of the Year with True Value,” said Brett Hillman, Director of Sales, The Hillman Group. “This award is a direct result of both organizations partnering to launch new products and provide retailers with world-class service each and every day.”

The chosen vendors’ continued dedication to the company’s growth initiatives including participation in the Reunion conventions, Customized True Blue assortments and Destination True Value store remodels ensures shared growth.

“We appreciate the outstanding support that our supplier partners provide to our retailers through their cutting-edge products and excellent service,” said Heath Ashenfelter, Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. “They embody our customer-first mentality and are crucial to the advancement of the next generation of independent hardware retailers.”

The following eleven vendor partners were honored in February at True Value’s Spring Reunion in Anaheim as our 2016 Suppliers of the Year:
• Electrical: Halex, a Scott Fetzer Co.
• Farm, Ranch, Automotive and Pet: Camco
• Hand and Power Tools: Milwaukee Tool
• Hardware: The Hillman Group Overall Supplier of the Year • Home: Bona Kemi USA Inc.
• Lawn & Garden: Teknor Apex Co.
• Lumber and Building: Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
• Outdoor Living: Arch Chemicals, Inc.
• Outdoor Tools & Power: Magid Glove & Safety
• Paint: 3M
• Plumbing: Bemis Manufacturing Co.

ABOUT TRUE VALUE COMPANY
True Value Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s largest retailer-owned wholesale hardware cooperatives with gross billings of over $2.0 billion and revenue of $1.5 billion in 2016. The True Value cooperative includes approximately 4,400 independent retailer locations worldwide operating under the store identities of True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental, Party Central, Home & Garden Showplace and Induserve Supply. Additional information on True Value and its retail identities is available at www.truevaluecompany.com
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For more information, contact:
Lauren Henderson, Merchandising Communications
773-695-5262, Lauren.Henderson@TrueValue.com