Graybar adds GE Security

ST. LOUIS--Graybar announced in December it now carries the GE Security line in its North American locations. The Fortune 500 distributor of electrical and communications products is calling it "one of the most significant enhancements" the company has made to its security portfolio since it entered the market in 2004. "The security business is a strategic focus for us," said Mike Dumas, Graybar vice president, comm/data business. "Adding GE Security's line enhances our security offering with a company that has a broad range of products, plus allows us to provide our customers with an end-to-end solution from one supplier." Graybar will carry GE's video surveillance, intrusion, access control and fiber optic systems to offer integrated end-to-end solutions that simplify installation for integrators and contractors. The company has also added lighting and signaling products from GE's Edwards division and fiber optic systems from GE's IFS division. From GE Security's perspective, Dave Busco, GE Security's midwest regional sale director, said, "they provide access to new construction projects ... the ability to get specified earlier in a project cycle." He also said Graybar was likely to funnel maintenance and service work to GE dealers and he said Graybar's national footprint was probably only rivaled by Anixter's among GE Security's current distribution partners. "They're in areas we can't get to," Busco said. "They have great relationships. They've been in business a long time, and we're piggy-backing on their relationships with our brand to sell solutions to customers." Dumas indicated that the piggy-backing would pay dividends: "Security is a primary growth initiative for Graybar, and we've continued to accelerate that growth in significant double digits year over year."