We provide industrial, marine, manufacturing, and government facilities with dependable distribution services designed to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency. Through strong partnerships with leading manufacturers, our team ensures customers receive reliable support, up-to-date products, and cost-effective solutions tailored to their needs.
Services We Provide
Solutions That Support Safer, Smarter, and More Efficient Operations
Our distribution team supports industrial and commercial operations with expert guidance, technical support, and service-driven solutions that help customers reduce downtime and improve efficiency. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of facility needs, we provide proactive support that strengthens safety, productivity, and overall operational performance.
- Plant surveys for the products and materials you rely on
- Standardization recommendations to improve procurement and consistency
- Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and vending programs
- Safety training for facility teams
- Installation of material handling products to enhance workplace safety and productivity
Streamlined, Cost-Saving Inventory Control for Industrial Operations
Our inventory management solution helps facilities reduce on-hand inventory, automate replenishment, and improve overall operational efficiency. By monitoring usage and optimizing stock levels, we help customers save time, reduce procurement costs, and maintain the materials they need to keep work moving.
Reduce Cost, Time, and Inventory
Lower operational expenses and streamline purchasing by improving how your facility manages essential materials.
- Reduce Spend for MRO Purchases
- Reduce Procurement Labor Costs
- Reduce Order Processing Time
- Reduce Equipment Down Time
- Reduce Inventory
Save Money
Cut unnecessary costs across procurement, stocking, and freight with smarter, more efficient inventory practices.
- Reduce on-hand inventory
- Save time searching for a supplier
- Reduce purchase orders
- Eliminate unneeded freight costs
Manage Inventory
Keep critical items stocked and accessible with real-time visibility, automated alerts, and usage-driven reporting.
- Frequently used items will be there when you need them
- Alerts to warn when your stock is below pre-designated levels
- Real-time access to stock levels
- A variety of reports available to analyze tooling data
- Analyze true tooling costs
Support Services
Get dedicated local support from a team that understands your operations and provides ongoing maintenance and optimization.
- Local technical support that knows your business
- Local inventory
- Monitoring of usage
- Maintenance
- Continuous review of dead stock
Reduce Procurement Costs and Improve Operational Efficiency
Improving MRO procurement is one of the most effective ways to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency across industrial and commercial facilities. Our team helps you establish spending baselines, uncover savings opportunities, and track measurable results over time. By lowering the burden cost of MRO purchases and reducing the amount of inventory you need to carry, we help minimize waste, cut unnecessary expenses, and streamline day-to-day operations.
We also simplify the entire procurement process by reducing transaction volume, consolidating suppliers, and improving visibility into material usage. With smarter inventory strategies and more efficient material flow, your team spends less time searching for products and more time focused on productive work. The result is a leaner, more controlled MRO program that delivers real cost savings while keeping essential materials reliably on hand.
Testimonials
Trusted by Industry Leaders
R Lake – 5 Star
We have been with CE Thurston since it was Empire and they have always came through on time with quality products.
William Ruffin – 5 Star
Great Customer Service
Robert H. – 5 Star
Great Sales & Service on product lines. Experienced sales force and extensive line of parts.
Butch Godbout – 5 Star
Great people.
Peter Hastings – 5 Star
Reliable fast and helpful.
Derrick – 5 Star
Order was ready in 30 minutes, quick and efficient.
Clay Dillard – 5 Star
Great folks here. Very knowledgeable and they sell quality products not junk.
Ronald Rushford – 5 Star
Great service.
Kyle Schetzel – 5 Star
Great customer service. Earnest is the best.
Margie Tabor – 5 Star
C. E. Thurston is a fantastic company with a highly skilled staff that are awesome to work with, pay attention to detail, have knowledge of products, and offer quick shipping. C. E. Thurston has taken the time to come to our facility with specialists to ensure all of our
Delivered On Time.
Built to Last.
Delivered On Time. Built to Last.
Huntington Ingles Industries – Welding Tables
Looking for an industrial welding equipment distributor? See how C.E. Thurston supplied welding tables for Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Vending Project
Our Norfolk Distribution team added a custom vending system for a local shipyard, improving access to materials & reducing tool room staffing needs.
Blower Repair
Our Hampton Distribution team coordinated the repair and transport of a large industrial blower, helping a local shipyard avoid a costly replacement.
Huntington Ingles Industries – Welding Tables
Looking for an industrial welding equipment distributor? See how C.E. Thurston supplied welding tables for Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Vending Project
Our Norfolk Distribution team added a custom vending system for a local shipyard, improving access to materials & reducing tool room staffing needs.
Blower Repair
Our Hampton Distribution team coordinated the repair and transport of a large industrial blower, helping a local shipyard avoid a costly replacement.
Trusted. Certified. Connected.
Trusted to Deliver Reliable Industry Solutions
Our long-standing partnerships with leading industry associations and buying groups strengthen our ability to provide customers with quality products, competitive pricing, and dependable supply chain support.
