We currently own MonotaRO Co. Ltd. (TSE:3064) within the Industrials sector. Japan-based MonotaRO is an online distributor of machine tools, engine parts, and consumables for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) activity in Japan and is a strategic supply chain partner to Japanese businesses. U.S.-based W.W. Grainger is the company’s majority owner. Its online business model avoids the fixed costs of store-based competitors and allows it to pass on cost savings to its customers. We expect MonotaRO to continue to grow its share of the Japanese MRO segment and expand and compete in other large markets such as Korea.
From Baron Funds' Second Quarter Insight: Finding Growth in Industrials.
