Handy Distribution
A Longstanding Hub for Distributors
Handy Distribution’s story is one of tradition, innovation, and growth—all rooted in the Lynchburg region. As the company continues to expand and evolve, it remains committed to the community that has supported its journey for over a century.
Handy Distribution has thrived in the Lynchburg region due to its strong sense of community, skilled workforce, and strategic and central location. The region’s commitment to economic success and skilled workforce, aligns perfectly with our vision for growth enabling us to expand and deliver solutions to customers throughout the southeast and mid-Atlantic. We operate in four different buildings in the Lynchburg region. Handy’s corporate office, Lynchburg servicing branch, Mach Solutions, and Sentrigard Metal Systems.
A Century of Business Built by Strong Leadership
For over 130 years, Handy Distribution (N.B. Handy) has called Lynchburg its home, growing into a trusted distributor of metals, HVAC, commercial roofing, and machinery products. Serving both commercial and residential markets across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the company operates out of 15 locations in six states.
But it’s the strategic location in the Lynchburg region, with its robust transportation infrastructure, that has been the bedrock of Handy Distribution’s successful operations.
A Hub for Seamless Distribution
The Lynchburg region’s transportation network has played a critical role in Handy Distribution’s growth. With easy access to major highways, railways, and ports, the company can efficiently deliver products across its broad service area. This logistical advantage allows Handy Distribution to meet the demands of its clients promptly, ensuring that both commercial and residential markets receive the materials they need when they need them.
Empowering Leadership and Skilled Workforce
In 2016, Handy Distribution proudly became a woman-owned business, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity and leadership. The company is also dedicated to growing new talent, apparent in its Future Leaders Program — an 18-24 month program that helps recent college graduates progress seamlessly to a position in sales, operations, or corporate support.
The top workforce development program in the nation, the Virginian Talent Accelerator Program, also helps to provide a pipeline to talent in the Lynchburg region. The region’s local universities have been another invaluable resource in helping Handy Distribution match in-demand skills with available talent. And with close to 600 employees across the U.S., the company has not only grown but also earned a reputation as one of the best places to work.
Strategic Growth and Acquisition
Handy Distribution’s growth trajectory reached new heights in 2022 when it was acquired by Industrial Opportunity Partners. This partnership opened doors to new opportunities, including the 2023 acquisition of 4M Metals, a South Carolina-based fabricator and supplier of architectural metal roofing panel systems and components. This expansion has allowed Handy Distribution to further diversify its offerings and strengthen its presence in the roofing industry.
The Lynchburg region continues to be a strategic asset for Handy Distribution. Its strong connectivity to major eastern markets ensures that the company can serve a wide geographic area with ease. Additionally, the abundance of talent from local colleges and universities provides a steady stream of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the company’s ongoing success.