PHOENIX - Blue Hawk Distribution, a purchasing cooperative of independent HVACR distributors, exceeded 400 branches nationwide. The member-owned cooperative, formed in May 2005, serves 94 members with 417 locations in 40 states.

"Our company strongly believes that the independent distributor plays a vital role in the HVACR supply chain, " said Nancy Hammer, Milwaukee Stove and Furnace Co. and Blue Hawk board chair. "There is strength in community and the democratically controlled purchasing co-op model provides tremendous efficiencies through working together versus individually."

"That is what cooperatives are all about," noted Lance Rantala, Blue Hawk CEO. "Our objective is to create a cohesive community that taps the collective knowledge and resources of our shareholders to deliver bottom-line value to our members' businesses."

The group also announced its 40th preferred vendor partner.