Ferguson Enterprises, headquartered in Newport News, VA, is the largest U.S. distributor of plumbing supplies, PVF, waterworks, and fire and fabrication products. The company is the third-largest distributor of industrial and HVAC/R products and has grown from a local distributor to an $19.9 billion company with more than 1,600 locations and over 29,000 associates nationwide. Ferguson serves customers in all 50 states, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
Ferguson delivered a strong performance in 2020, which given the global pandemic has highlighted the resilience of their business model. Early in the crisis, Ferguson moved decisively to protect the health and wellbeing of their associates while continuing to serve customers supporting critical infrastructure. Ferguson rapidly adjusted their ways of working to adapt to this new operating reality – the customers needed them, and they wanted to be there for them. From delivering job site trailers and emergency water heaters to providing products for field hospitals at facilities like CenturyLink Field and Sleep Train Arena, Ferguson worked with a variety of essential businesses in different industries to help local communities push forward throughout the pandemic.
In addition, Ferguson recently exited their UK plumbing and heating business which means that today 100 percent of their revenues are now generated in North America. In early March, Ferguson announced the completion of an additional U.S. listing on the New York Stock Exchange. This is an important milestone for the company as it provides the opportunity to grow its shareholder base in the U.S.
Ferguson is deeply rooted in Hampton Roads and has been proud to call Newport News home for more than 60 years. They’ve grown tremendously during this time and in 2017 they announced a new headquarters expansion, choosing to stay in Newport News after talking with several other regions.
“It’s the partnerships we have established with many organizations throughout the city and state that solidified their decision to stay,” said Keith VanderVennet, Senior Vice President – East Region, Ferguson Enterprises. “Ferguson is thankful for the unwavering support this region has shown them, and most importantly the strength of the community.”
Hampton Roads’ large presence of local colleges and universities as well as military personnel provides a pipeline of new talent. Over the years, Ferguson has tapped into this resource by recruiting recent graduates and retired military members transitioning into the civilian workforce. They firmly believe that Hampton Roads has a unique offering for businesses that want to operate in Virginia.
The Hampton Roads market is unique because it is relatively stable compared to other markets, both economically and politically. This makes for a healthy business atmosphere and a strong local economy. World-renowned port facilities, an abundance of land available for development, and central East Coast location also make Hampton Roads a desirable place for organizations looking to grow and expand.
Hampton Roads has a thriving business community and when those businesses come together to support a common cause, big things happen. Ferguson has had the opportunity to partner, mentor, and support start-ups and early-stage companies and help propel them to profitable growth, not only helping the company itself but also the community at large. 
Lastly, several emerging markets could bring new growth into the Hampton Roads region – specifically, offshore wind and renewable technology. Growth in these industries will lead to job and economic growth. There is also a great opportunity to attract established businesses in advanced manufacturing including food and beverage. Not only is it a strong industry but there is also overlap in the skills needed with the region’s already established shipbuilding and ship repair workforce.
Ferguson is a company that cares deeply about the region and local community, which is why they were motivated to invest in the Alliance. Ferguson Enterprises is committed to retaining and creating quality jobs that bring talent and contribute to the economic vitality of the region. Ferguson believes that working together with other leaders across the region will create resiliency for their business, while also creating a strong environment for future sustainable growth for all businesses in Hampton Roads.
Learn more about Ferguson Enterprises: https://bit.ly/3sjKGRH
