Metal Supermarkets Names New Ceo

BRAMPTON, ON (Tuesday, December 06, 2005) - Metal Supermarkets has named Robert M. San Julian its new president and CEO, effective Dec. 1, 2005. Headquartered in Toronto, Ont., Metal Supermarkets is the largest and fastest-growing distributor of small-quantity metals in the world.

The 52-year-old San Julian was formerly CEO of Brafasco, a fastener and industrial distribution company with 25 branch locations in Ontario, Michigan and Illinois. In June 2005, The Home Depot purchased Brafasco.

Recognized as “The Convenience Stores of the Metal Industry,” Metal Supermarkets has locations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. Projected systemwide sales for 2005 are $71 million.

“I am fascinated with the potential for Metal Supermarkets for both its franchised and corporate-owned stores,” said San Julian, who has more than 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing, industrial distribution and senior management. “Metal Supermarkets is a unique business with no national competitor.”

Before Brafasco was sold to The Home Depot, the company had discussed a possible merger with Metal Supermarkets.

“I had gotten to know Bob very well during our merger discussions and this was an excellent opportunity to bring him into the company,” said Michael Young, Metal Supermarkets’ former president and CEO, who will become chairman of the company’s board of directors. “Bob is an outstanding and energetic leader who will provide direction and leadership as we continue building a strong company and franchise organization.”

Since it began franchising in 1987, Metal Supermarkets has grown to 80 locations worldwide (including 22 corporate-owned stores), with 41 stores in the United States and 26 in Canada. Stores are also in England, Scotland, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. Metal Supermarkets opened two stores in 2005 in Omaha, Neb., and Barrie, Ont.

San Julian said he would like to add a combination of about 40 franchised and corporate-owned stores over the next four years while also increasing Metal Supermarkets’ brand awareness.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2005, Metal Supermarkets fills a void in the metals industry because most large metals suppliers prefer not to deal with small quantities. Metal Supermarkets fills a niche for those desiring cut-to-order quantities that might sometimes cost only a couple of dollars. Small-quantity metal orders make up 10 percent of the $75 billion metal products industry.

“Metal Supermarkets is truly a unique player in the marketplace,” San Julian said. “This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in franchising and offers an outstanding long-term opportunity.”

#########



View Company Website: http://www.metalsupermarkets.com

View all Metal Supermarkets Press Releases

This article has been read 398 times.

Printer Friendly