From VMI to PMI, KRUE Industrial is Changing the Face of MRO

Since its inception in 2012, KRUE Industrial in Tempe, Ariz., has been changing the way its customers view Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI).  Their slogan says it all: “We build and maintain partnerships with the people who build and maintain everything else.” The concept of Partner Managed Inventory (PMI) has always been the focus of KRUE’s management team.

“True vendor consolidation is a powerful thing,” said President and co-founder Mike Obbema.  After working in the Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO) service field for years, Obbema was able to hear directly from his customers what they truly needed and weren’t getting.

KRUE’s business model allows its customers to eliminate numerous touchpoints. “With over 25 years of industry experience, our team has built a virtual All-Star roster of manufacturers and resource partners that enable us to provide exactly what – and only what – is needed.  This is the vendor consolidation model that gives our customers proven savings. We understand their businesses in depth and quickly become integral in removing the profit and productivity killing efforts of parts research and acquisition,” Obbema said.

Working with Arizona Public Service, KRUE built a growing partnership that brings value to the maintenance and operations of APS’ power plants and solar fields statewide.

“KRUE Industrial is exactly the type of company APS chooses to partner with. They are knowledgeable, extremely nimble, stable, and community focused. Most importantly, they understand our business; from what we do in each division to our number one priority – safety,” said Jesús Borboa, APS Supplier Diversity Program Manager.

With a client roster that includes Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project, NRG Energy, and many other municipalities and critical businesses to Arizona, KRUE Industrial is an example of what a strong minority owned business can accomplish. The KRUE Industrial team understands and fully participates in the mission of the Pacific Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council.

Operations Manager Theresa Higby has been with KRUE from the beginning. “We are so proud to be a member of the Council. Their advocacy and encouragement has been amazing. We look forward to many years of working alongside the Council to bring awareness and opportunity to other diverse businesses.”

Feature Article - Pacific Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council