LOVELAND, Ohio, Oct. 16 -- xpedx, one of North America's largest industrial distributors, said it fulfilled more than 3.5 million online customer orders in the last 12 months -- an annual volume that the company believes positions it as a significant force today in U.S. business- to-business e-commerce. xpedx, which distributes printing papers, graphics, packaging and facility supplies and equipment in the U.S. and Mexico, said it will continue to invest in xpedx.com, its core online commerce platform. The most active users include commercial printers, in-house printers, manufacturers, retailers, building service contractors, facility managers and the hospitality industry. xpedx is currently fulfilling more than 115,000 customer orders online each week -- 20,000 of them via xpedx.com and the remaining 95,000 via direct connections with customer computer systems. Orders via xpedx.com are the fastest growing, up more than 50% in the last 12 months. Customers can reduce total procurement costs and closely monitor spending The number of customers using xpedx.com is also growing rapidly and now stands at more than 10,000 businesses, up 40% since October 2005. xpedx officials said many customers are transitioning a large number of high- frequency, repeat orders online instead of using the phone or fax. Customers using xpedx.com say it helps reduce total procurement costs and employee time associated with ordering supplies and equipment. More than 100,000 SKUs of printing papers, graphics, packaging and facility supplies and equipment are available at xpedx.com. "The majority of xpedx.com customers use it every day," said Dave Wallace, director of eBusiness for xpedx. "Our e-commerce portal has grown quickly because it's convenient, cost-effective, real time, and helps customers monitor their spending with us across their business." xpedx has more than 10 million square feet of warehouses and distribution centers nationwide -- 105 locations coast to coast -- with deep inventories. xpedx officials said this capacity can easily accommodate the expected continued growth in sales via the Internet. Everything xpedx stocks is available via the website and products not stocked by xpedx can be ordered online. The xpedx e-commerce platform is fully supported by a national network of 1,500 sales representatives and more than 1,100 sales service reps/technicians across the U.S. and Mexico. More details on how customers benefit from xpedx.com xpedx.com helps customers better manage supply chains and product inventory levels, both of which are key components in productivity and profitability today. The site features in-depth specifications, real-time pricing and inventory checks for all their products. Any product can be searched using a specific category, part number, manufacturer's part number, manufacturer or by keyword. Order histories are available to download, making it easier for any buyer to keep track of orders, buying patterns and to maximize inventory management. Invoices are sent via e-mail. Other features of xpedx.com include customer-created lists of frequently ordered products, a news and events section, and a personalized tools page. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available via the site make it easier for customers to comply with OSHA regulations and manage information regarding hazardous materials. xpedx has a staff of experts nationwide who can assist customers in integrating xpedx.com and other relevant xpedx e-commerce solutions into their business. A dedicated help desk for xpedx.com and other e-business needs is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT by calling 877-269-1784.