William W. (Bill) Grainger founded a wholesale electric motor sales and distribution business in Chicago in 1927. Today, Grainger stock is sold under the GWW symbol on the New York and Chicago stock exchanges.

Grainger Timeline

March 1927
Company founded in Chicago, Ill.; generates sales through an eight-page catalog - the Motorbook

November 1933
Opens first branch in Philadelphia, Pa.

December 1942
Expands to 24 branches and 24 territory sales reps

July 1975
Lists on New York Stock Exchange

April 1992
Acquires Lab Safety Supply, a premier direct marketing company

June 1995
Launches first Web site

December 1996
Acquires the industrial distribution business of Acklands Limited

September 2006
Opens first branch in China - Shanghai Master Branch