The country’s biggest broadline distributor got into the PC recycling and POS business this year.
The former will likely be a small benefit to Ingram Micro Canada’s bottom line, while the other’s growth could be considerable.
But the slight increase in IT spending has meant the company
can end 2004 with a smile.
“”It’s been a challenging but successful year,”” says Murray Wright, general manager of Ingram Micro Canada.
“”By the end of the year we’ll have had double-digit growth on a year-over-year basis.””
In many ways 2004 was quiet for the company. Wright’s goals were modest: grow the business profitably, build differentiation and continue developing what he calls a “”high peformance”” culture at the company.
“”Being able to say we achieved success in all three of those is the highlight”” of the year, he says.
The differentiation comes from Ingram’s varied lines of business, such as its video games, components and financial services divisions.
In particular, the logistics division had what he calls an “”outstanding”” year, thanks to a deal to handle distribution of ToysRUs.ca.
The seven-month-old Outlet division, which recycles hardware, is “”getting traction,”” while the Nimax POS division has only just opened.
One source of pleasure is that the VentureTech Network here has grown by about 20 members to 65.
One down side he admits to is that some distributors are dropping their prices. “”In distribution we’ve got some very inconsistant pricing strategies in the marketplace, and I believe that’s a concern.”” Those going that route will find it unsustainable, he says.
Next year, however, may be more exciting for resellers. Wright says he will be “”aggressively working to grow the VAR business.””
His plans will be announced soon.