Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions

What Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions does

Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions (Applied MSS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) that distributes Class C Maintenance, Repair, Operating and Production (MROP) consumables — fasteners, fittings, hose and tubing, cutting tools, chemicals, electrical, safety, shop supplies, transportation, and welding products — to industrial customers across the United States and, via the parent network, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and New Zealand. The company operates from its Strongsville, Ohio headquarters and distribution center, holding GSA Schedule Contract #GS-21F-0050X for federal procurement alongside an OMNIA Partners cooperative agreement (Contract #16154) for public-sector buyers. Founded in 1948 (firmographics list 2013 but multiple primary sources confirm 1948), Applied MSS sits within Applied Industrial Technologies' broader network of 480+ U.S. operating facilities, providing national reach behind a localized distributor model.

The company combines physical product distribution with a stack of technology-enabled inventory services. It carries 47,000 stocked SKUs and reports access to 250,000+ SKUs through its distribution network and 60 million+ SKUs via its SupplyPro technology partnership, which powers vending solutions (SmartDrawer, SupplyBay, SupplySystem, SupplyMobile, SupplyLock). Proprietary service offerings include Clean Sweep (excess-inventory conversion to credit), Transformation (a 6-S based methodology — Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Safety, Sustain — for re-engineering customer parts rooms), Inventory IQ (locked storerooms with real-time tracking, job-code cost capture, and automated replenishment), and Spill Control stations. Applied MSS also markets a set of proprietary brands (RapidGRIND Ceramic Discs, Kwik Cut Durablue and Hurricane drills, Couplamatic A Series fittings, ALLSPORT safety products) alongside third-party manufacturer lines.

Applied MSS earns revenue primarily through product distribution (transactional) supplemented by managed-services revenue from vendor managed inventory (VMI), vending, Transformation, and Inventory IQ engagements. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the company publicly claims customers can save up to 30% on indirect material spending through its programs. Go-to-market is a sales-led, enterprise-field motion, with dedicated account managers providing complimentary site surveys, EDI integration, and management reporting. Direct sales, a digital catalog and mobile app, the GSA Advantage portal, and OMNIA Partners serve distinct customer segments: manufacturers, construction, natural resources, transportation, government/military, and public-sector agencies.

Name

Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions

Legal name

Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions, LLC

Website

https://appliedmss.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions is a Strongsville, Ohio-based Class C MRO industrial distributor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT), serving manufacturers, construction, transportation, natural resources, and government accounts across the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and New Zealand with VMI and inventory management services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial MRO Distribution

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Machine Shops (332710)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560), Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Supplies & MRO Marketplaces (CRAFAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial MRO Supplies for Vehicle/Equipment Workshops (Bearings, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Fasteners) (TLAKAOAK)

Keywords

• Industrial distribution
• MRO supplies
• Vendor managed inventory
• Fasteners and cutting tools
• Maintenance repair supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Strongsville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. MRO Product Distribution: Distribution of Class C Maintenance, Repair, Operating and Production (MROP) supplies including fasteners, cutting tools, hydraulics, paints and chemicals, PPE, electrical, janitorial, and transportation products. Revenue generated through product sales with over 60,000 high-quality products stocked and access to 250,000+ SKUs.
2. Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Services: Value-added VMI services including automatic restocking, inventory management, and supply optimization. Services help reduce MRO consumption and can save businesses up to 30% on indirect material spending.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Applied MSS is a value-added national distributor of Class C Maintenance, Repair, Operating and Production (MROP) supplies, stocking approximately 47,000 SKUs across fasteners, fittings/hose/tubing, chemicals, electrical, cutting tools, safety, shop supplies, transportation, and welding. The company complements physical product distribution with vendor-managed inventory services (Vending Solutions, Inventory IQ, Transformation, Clean Sweep, Spill Control) powered by the proprietary 6-S methodology and SupplyPro dispensing technology for industrial and government customers.

Product overview

Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions is a value-added national distributor of Class C MROP (Maintenance, Repair, Operating and Production) supplies. The company operates as a broadline industrial distributor with a portfolio of core product categories including Fasteners, Fittings/Hose/Tubing, Chemicals, Electrical, Cutting Tools, Safety, Shop Supplies, Transportation, and Welding. Beyond distribution, the company offers a suite of proprietary branded products (RapidGRIND Ceramic Discs, Kwik Cut Durablue/Hurricane Drills, Couplamatic A Series, ALLSPORT) and vendor-managed inventory services including Vending Solutions (powered by SupplyPro technology), Clean Sweep, Transformation, Inventory IQ, and Spill Control Station. The offering combines physical product distribution with technology-enabled inventory management solutions designed to help industrial facilities optimize their MRO supply chains.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fasteners Industrial fastener line including HexAlloy 180 high-strength fasteners, Grade 8 and Grade 5 hex cap screws, 18/8/316/410 stainless variants, metric fasteners, anchors, rivets, and threaded repair products, sold through the Applied MSS digital catalog for industrial and construction buyers.
• Fittings, Hose and Tubing Complete fittings line including brass SAE 45 and brass compression fittings, industrial push-to-connect, hydraulic couplers, ball valves, and ContiTech and Weatherhead hoses, with adapters, crimp fittings, and tubing tools for industrial fluid-handling applications.
• Chemicals Industrial chemicals including lubricants, greases, cutting tool lubricants, protectants, thread lockers and sealers, gasket makers, epoxies, PVC/CPVC cements, parts washers, cleaners, degreasers, paints, coatings, and specialty chemicals.
• Electrical Supplies Electrical supplies including lead-free terminals, wire connectors, fuses, electrical conduit and fittings, cord grip connectors, wire, cable ties, insulated tape, heat/cold shrink tubing, and electrical tools for industrial maintenance.
• Cutting Tools Cutting tool line including jobber, cobalt, carbide, and stainless steel drills, taps, dies, end mills, saw blades, hole saws, abrasives, files, wire brushes, and abrasive wheels for industrial machining and fabrication.
• Safety and PPE Personal protective equipment including eye, hearing, hand, head, and respiratory protection, masks, protective apparel, safety vests, first aid, fall protection, and absorbents for industrial workplaces.
• Shop Supplies General shop supplies including tape, strapping, tarps, shop cloths, wipers, dispensers, tissue, can liners, extension cords, lighting, batteries, measuring tools, and cleaning equipment for industrial shops.
• Transportation Supplies Transportation and fleet maintenance supplies including battery maintenance, switches, hose clamps, automotive lighting, fuses, circuit breakers, tire repair products, wiper blades, brake lines, and wheel weights.
• Welding Supplies Welding equipment and supplies for soldering, brazing, MIG, and TIG processes, including tungsten and general welding accessories for industrial fabrication.
• Vending Solutions Vendor-managed inventory program powered by SupplyPro technology, providing tracking and control of up to 60 million SKUs through SmartDrawer, SupplyLocker, SupplySystem, and SupplyMobile dispensing equipment, with customizable cabinets and secure bins for industrial facilities.
• Inventory IQ Smart inventory management service featuring secure storeroom setup with locks and cameras, real-time tracking, job-code cost tracking, user/department/job tracking, automated replenishment, tool check-in/check-out, and an integrated dashboard.
• Transformation Operations transformation service that converts disorganized facilities into efficient, fully-stocked custom parts systems. Includes site survey, plan-o-graph proposal, equipment setup, labeling, and installation using the proprietary 6-S Inventory Management System.
• Clean Sweep Program Inventory management service that converts excess and obsolete customer inventory into credit toward next orders, including clean-up assistance, new storage solutions setup, and restocking of actively used parts.
• Spill Control Station Vendor-managed spill response solution providing organized absorbent stations with pads, rolls, socks, wipers, and pillows in a durable steel cabinet with adjustable shelves, offering universal gray, oil-only white, and hazmat yellow absorbent options.
• Mobile Catalog App Mobile application providing on-the-go access to the Applied MSS product catalog, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for self-service ordering by industrial customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Save up to 30% on indirect material spending
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• SupplyProcoreTechnology or IntegrationApplied MSS has partnered with SupplyPro to bring industry-leading inventory management solutions. The partnership enables tracking and control of more than 60 million SKUs, combining flexible inventory management systems with robust intelligence software. Solutions include SmartDrawer, SupplyBay, SupplySystem, SupplyMobile, SupplyLock, and Virtual Inventory Module.
• OMNIA PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic sector cooperative purchasing agreement (Contract #16154) through OMNIA Partners National IPA and U.S. Communities. Provides expedited procurement, cost savings, and competitive pricing structure for public agencies. Grants access to more than 7 million products from over 4,000 manufacturers.
• Applied Industrial TechnologiesflagshipOthersParent company (NYSE: AIT) providing advanced motion, power control, and automation solutions. Applied MSS is a subsidiary of Applied Industrial Technologies, leveraging their nationwide network of over 480 US operating facilities and robust supply chain.
• HUB Industrial SupplyminorOthersFamily of companies member providing industrial supplies with focus on safety, MRO, and production consumables to pallet/lumber industries, galvanizers, auto recyclers, glass manufacturers, waste industry companies.
• Atlantic FastenersminorOthersFamily of companies member offering industrial pipes, fittings, construction fasteners, anchors, shoulder screws, bolts, cutting tools, cleaners, and other hardware.
• Atlantic Fasteners AerospaceminorOthersFamily of companies member specializing in aviation, aerospace, and military fasteners and hardware. Experts in locating hard-to-find fasteners and associated hardware.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• McMaster-Carr: Direct-ship industrial supply retailer with a famously deep catalog covering fasteners, fittings, tools, raw materials, and shop supplies—directly competitive with Applied MSS in the digital/e-commerce procurement motion for routine MRO items.
• Fastenal Company: Industrial supplier with the deepest vending/FMI (Fastenal Managed Inventory) network and on-site inventory management solutions directly competing with Applied MSS's SupplyPro-powered vending offering across similar industrial verticals.
• W.W. Grainger: Largest broadline industrial MRO distributor in North America with KeepStock inventory management, vending solutions, and a digital catalog competing directly with Applied MSS for similar industrial customers and federal/government contracts.
• Motion Industries: Industrial parts distributor (a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company) focused on bearings, power transmission, and industrial MRO supplies with vending and inventory management services that overlap Applied MSS's product categories and customer base.
• Kaman Industrial Technologies: Industrial distributor of bearings, power transmission, and MRO supplies with inventory management services, comparable to Applied MSS's product breadth across fasteners, hydraulics, and electrical components.
• MSC Industrial Direct: Major broadline metalworking and MRO distributor with vending solutions (MSC Vending) and a customer base heavily overlapping Applied MSS's manufacturing and industrial segments, including government and aerospace customers.
• Lawson Products: Industrial MRO distributor with a sales-led model and vending/inventory management services targeting the same mid-market industrial customer base as Applied MSS, with strong overlap in fasteners, cutting tools, and shop supplies.
• Würth Industry: Industrial fastening and assembly materials distributor with vendor-managed inventory and on-site inventory management services (CPS) targeting the same industrial customers as Applied MSS, particularly in automotive and heavy equipment verticals.

Emerging players

• HD Supply (now White Cap): Construction-focused industrial distributor with MRO supplies, tools, safety products, and pro-supply vending solutions—directly overlapping Applied MSS's construction vertical and product categories including fasteners, cutting tools, and PPE.

Broad incumbents

• Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT): Direct parent company and largest broader competitor—Applied MSS operates as a subsidiary within the AIT distribution network, sharing customers, supply chain, and 480+ US facilities while competing against other AIT distribution businesses for product lines and customer wallet share.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@appliedmaintenancesupplies9787
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/appliedmss

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions