Gerrie Electric Wholesale

What Gerrie Electric Wholesale does

Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited is a third-generation, family-owned Canadian electrical, automation, lighting, and datacomm wholesale distributor founded in 1957 in Burlington, Ontario. The company operates 24 branch locations across Ontario, supported by more than 400 team members, and is WBE Canada-certified as a majority women-owned enterprise (owned by Ken, Heather, and Elaine Gerrie). It serves eight horizontal customer segments — Industrial, OEM, Contractor, Institutional, Commercial, IP Network, Utility, and Retail — through dedicated account managers, product specialists, and after-hours emergency service, with named product divisions including the Gerrie Rockwell Automation Group (formed 1982), the Gerrie ABB Automation Group, and the Gerrie Lighting & Fan Studio retail showroom in Oakville.

The company's offering combines physical distribution with a B2B digital ordering platform: Gerrie.com e-commerce, an iOS/Android mobile app with barcode scanning, EDI 850/810/855 transactions, Punchout eProcurement integration with Ariba/Coupa/Jaggaer, Auto Email Order email-PO processing, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs. It holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for distribution and sale of electrical, automation control, datacomm, and lighting products, and was recognized as a Deloitte Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club member (eight consecutive years through 2022). Recent adjacent-vertical expansion includes EV charging, video surveillance, and real-time inventory analytics product lines.

Gerrie generates revenue through product distribution with quote-based pricing (with 24-hour validity on volatile raw-material-driven wire and cable), Net 30 invoiced terms at 1.5% monthly interest on overdue balances, and the Gerrie Rewards loyalty program powered by AD Rewards. Distribution channels include 24 Ontario branches, Gerrie.com, mobile app, EDI/Punchout for enterprise accounts, and supplyFORCE access to 200+ distributors with 2,500+ stocking locations. The company made an inorganic expansion move with the April 2022 acquisition of FM Supply (Waterloo and Stratford), received FedDev Ontario federal investment in March 2021, and formalized its third-generation family leadership transition in April 2023 with Jonathan Kwant, Joanna Kwant, and Taylor Gerrie appointed as Directors of Strategic Transformation. Annual sales are stated as in excess of $200 million (CAD).

Name

Gerrie Electric Wholesale

Legal name

Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited

Website

https://gerrie.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Gerrie Electric Wholesale is a Canadian third-generation family-owned electrical, automation, lighting, and datacomm distributor serving industrial, commercial, contractor, OEM, institutional, utility, and retail customers across 24 Ontario branches with 400+ team members and integrated B2B digital ordering tools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Burlington

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Electrical Product Distribution: Core revenue from distribution and sale of electrical, automation control, datacomm, and lighting products. Revenue generated through product sales across multiple categories including wire and cable, automation components, lighting fixtures, and related electrical equipment. Annual sales exceed $200 million.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Gerrie Electric Wholesale distributes electrical, automation, lighting, and datacomm products through 24 branch locations across Ontario, serving industrial, commercial, contractor, OEM, institutional, and utility customers. The company provides comprehensive product categories including wire and cable, conduit, distribution equipment, automation controls, lighting fixtures, fuses, and wiring devices, supported by specialized Rockwell Automation and ABB product groups. B2B ordering is facilitated through Gerrie.com e-commerce, EDI, Punchout eProcurement integration, mobile app, and Vendor Managed Inventory solutions.

Product overview

Gerrie Electric Wholesale is a Canadian electrical, automation, and lighting wholesale distributor operating a unified multi-channel platform with both physical branch operations and digital ordering solutions. The core offering consists of: (1) Gerrie Digital Tools — a B2B e-commerce platform including Gerrie.com online ordering, Gerrie mobile app, EDI, Auto Email Orders, Punchout (Ariba/Coupa/Jaggaer), and VMI; (2) Gerrie Rockwell Automation Group (formed 1982) specializing in Rockwell products including Variable Frequency Drives, FactoryTalk Analytics/GuardianAI, Emulate3D, Stratix Switches, and Fiix maintenance management; (3) Gerrie ABB Automation Group covering ABB variable frequency drives (ACH580, ACS580, ACS880), motor control, and power quality products; (4) Gerrie Lighting & Fan Studio for retail/commercial lighting; (5) extensive product categories spanning Automation & Control, Boxes & Covers, Conduit & Raceway, Distribution, Enclosures, Fuses, Lamps & Bulbs, Lighting, Safety (Smoke/CO Detectors), Tools, Wire & Cable, and Wiring Devices; and (6) supporting services including After Hours Emergency Services and Gerrie Rewards loyalty program. The company stocks featured brands including InVid Tech, PSI Data, Electric Avenue, RAB, and Siemens. Operating since 1957 with 24 Ontario locations and over 400 team members, the company serves Industrial, OEM, Contractor, Institutional, Commercial, IP Network, Utility, and Retail markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gerrie Lighting & Fan Studio: On-trend lighting showroom in Oakville with over 1000 fixtures on display for Interior Decorators, Interior Designers, and homeowners
• Gerrie Digital Tools
• Gerrie Rockwell Automation Group
• Gerrie ABB Automation Group
• Gerrie Rewards
• Gerrie Automation Group

Products and services

• Gerrie.com Online Ordering Platform
• Gerrie EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
• Gerrie Electric Mobile App
• Scan and Go Barcode Ordering
• Auto Email Orders
• VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory)
• Punchout eProcurement Integration
• Gerrie Rockwell Automation Group
• Gerrie ABB Automation Group
• Automation and Control Products
• Conduit and Raceway
• Distribution Products
• Fuses
• Wire and Cable
• Wiring Devices
• Lighting Products
• Lamps and Bulbs
• Boxes and Covers
• Tools
• Smoke and CO Detectors
• Gerrie Lighting & Fan Studio
• After Hours Emergency Services
• Gerrie Rewards Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Error-free picking through small-scale robotic automation implementation

Named customers2 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Affiliated Distributors (AD)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAD is an association bringing growth-oriented independent distributors and best-in-class supplier partners together. Gerrie is a member participating in AD Rewards program, offering customers access to supplier promotions and rebates.
• Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFC is an association moving the Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunications markets forward in Canada. Co-Presidents Heather and Elaine Gerrie have served terms as Chair of the Board at EFC. Gerrie participates in EFC Young Professional Network (YPN).
• supplyFORCEminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational MRO service provider program giving Gerrie customers access to over 200 distributors with 2,500+ stocking locations in Electrical, Industrial, Safety, Pipe, Valves & Fittings, and Power Transmission & Bearings categories.
• Rockwell AutomationcoreTechnology or IntegrationGerrie Rockwell Automation Group formed in 1982, providing modern automation solutions supported by automation specialists, product managers, and technical support. Offers full array of Rockwell industrial components including PLCs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, and safety products.
• ABBcoreTechnology or IntegrationGerrie ABB Automation Group provides automation solutions including low voltage motor control, variable frequency drives, power quality products, PLCs, sensors, and motors. Experienced specialists support requirements in GTA, tri-city, and southwest areas.
• AvettaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSE (Health, Safety, Environmental) compliance membership providing account setup, questionnaire, training documentation, and maintenance updates based on industry standards and requirements.
• Take Back the LightminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegistered Take Back the Light distributor since 2009 for lamp recycling. Has recycled 572,855 lamps producing 167,678kg of glass, 2,093kg of metals, 2,628kg of phosphor, and 17.4kg of mercury.
• Canadian Diabetes AssociationminorOthersCorporate fundraising initiatives including annual charity golf tournament to support diabetes research and awareness.
• Alzheimer Society FoundationminorOthersCorporate fundraising initiatives including annual charity golf tournament to support Alzheimer's research and awareness.
• United Way Centraide CanadaminorOthersLong-standing participant in United Way Workplace Campaign with employees donating weekly through dress casual Friday program.
• Power2FeedminorOthersCanadian electrical industry fundraising campaign supporting Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC), having surpassed $1 million in donations. Focus on feeding hungry children globally.
• Salvation ArmyminorOthersAnnual toy drive collecting toys, clothing and books from staff, customers and vendor partners for Christmas donations.
• Habitat for Humanity CanadaminorOthersExecutive team volunteer participation in building Habitat homes in the community.
• SickKids FoundationminorOthersGerrie Volts Volleyball Team participated in beach volleyball corporate challenge in support of SickKids Foundation.
• Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan HouseminorOthersGerrie Lighting Studio contributed lighting assistance to Halton/Peel Wellspring Centre cancer support facility.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sonepar: Global family-owned electrical distribution group and parent of Sonepar Canada. Competes with Gerrie through its Canadian operations and across the broader industry, with substantially greater scale, multi-country presence, and a wider digital/investment platform.
• WESCO International: Global electrical, communications, and utility distribution leader (including Anixter). Operates a much broader portfolio across data communications, utility, and broadband alongside traditional electrical distribution, competing with Gerrie in automation and MRO supply at the upper end of the customer scale.
• Graybar: Large employee-owned US-focused electrical, communications, and data networking distributor. Overlaps with Gerrie's electrical, lighting, and datacomm categories and competes in cross-border North American MRO and project supply, though with a US-centric footprint.
• Rexel SA: Global parent of Rexel Canada, one of the world's largest electrical distribution groups. Competes with Gerrie through its Canadian subsidiary but at substantially larger scale and broader geographic footprint across multiple continents and product categories.

Direct peers

• Guillevin International: One of Canada's largest independent electrical distributors with broad product lines and multi-province coverage. Directly comparable to Gerrie in business model (electrical/automation wholesale), customer mix (industrial, contractor, commercial), and Canadian family/private operating history, though with broader geographic reach.
• Viking Electric Supply: US Midwest independent electrical distributor with a similar privately-held, branch-based operating model to Gerrie. Comparable in product breadth (electrical, lighting, automation), customer segments, and the digital/EDI tooling investments typical of mid-market independents.
• Rexel Canada (Westburne): Canadian electrical distribution arm of global Rexel Group, operating under the Westburne banner. Directly competes with Gerrie across industrial, commercial, and contractor segments with similar product breadth in wire/cable, lighting, and automation.
• EECOL Electric: Canadian electrical distributor (now part of Sonepar) with broad industrial and contractor focus. Comparable to Gerrie in product mix (wire, cable, distribution equipment, automation) and B2B digital ordering capabilities.
• CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors): Employee-owned US independent electrical distributor with hundreds of branches and a similar independent/multi-generation operating structure. Comparable to Gerrie in mid-market independent positioning, broad electrical/automation/lighting mix, and contractor-industrial customer focus.
• Sonepar Canada (Nedco): Canadian operations of global Sonepar Group, with comparable electrical, automation, and lighting product portfolios targeting the same industrial, commercial, and contractor customers as Gerrie across Canadian markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Gerrieelectric
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gerrie-electric
• Xx.com/GerrieElectric

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Gerrie Electric Wholesale