TROY, OHIO -- March 7, 2007 -- Grainger, a local supplier of facilities maintenance supplies to businesses, donated $5,000 to the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT). The contribution will be used toward the purchase of new equipment for classrooms and learning labs.

“Grainger has a long tradition of supporting our local community, and we’re excited to partner with the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology as they prepare the skilled workforce of tomorrow,” said Octavia Matthews, Grainger’s Regional Branch Services Vice President. "We’re proud to invest in the young people who will help fill the growing demand for skilled welders and other trade workers in our country.”

Manufacturers across the U.S. are reporting a dire shortage of skilled tradespeople, including welders, electricians and machinists. The American Welding Society predicts that by 2010, demand for skilled welders may outpace supply by about 200,000. Through specialized training and certification programs, HIWT is helping address this shortage by preparing young people for successful careers in welding.

 “On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Hobart Institute, we’re grateful to Grainger for this contribution that will have a direct influence on the training that our students receive,” said Andre Odermatt, Chairman of the Board and President.  “Grainger’s support of welding training is extremely important at this time when the demand for workers in all the trades is very great. The future of the U.S. economy is largely influenced by companies like Grainger who are willing to step forward and take an active role in preparing young people for the workforce.”

Since 1930, HIWT has trained more than 85,000 welding students from all over the world.  The HIWT training curriculum focuses on hands-on supervised welding practice in both structural and pipe welding, including specialized courses in tool and die and aerospace applications.  Technical courses in inspection and weldability of metals are also offered.

Grainger has been serving businesses throughout the Dayton area for nearly 50 years, supplying them with the products they need to keep their facilities up and running. In summer 2006, the company opened a new 17,500 sq. ft. facility in Troy at 1781 West Main St and relocated its Dayton facility to a new, more convenient facility at 2321 Needmore Road. The company currently operates 7 locations in the Cincinnati-Dayton area.

About Grainger
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2006 sales of $5.9 billion, is a leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in Canada, China, Mexico and the United States.  Through a highly integrated network including nearly 600 branches, 17 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done, saving them time and money by having the right products to keep their facilities running.  Grainger is the national founding sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready When the Time Comes corporate volunteer training program.

About Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to welding training and education excellence.  Located in Troy, Ohio, the Institute educates and trains individuals in the use and application of welding technologies; develops and disseminates welding training and educational materials; and conducts certification and qualification for the welding industry.