RS vs SNA Comparison

Reliance Inc operates a network of companies providing diversified metal solutions and is the metals service center company. It distributes a full line of over 100,000 metal products, including alloy, aluminum, brass, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium and other specialty steel products. The company services more than 125,000 customers in a variety of industries, including consumer products, general manufacturing, non-residential construction, transportation, aerospace, energy, electronics and semiconductor fabrication, industrial machinery and heavy industry. It also services the auto industry, through its toll processing operations where it processes customer-owned metal for a fee.

Snap-on is a manufacturer of premium tools, equipment, and diagnostics for professional technicians, primarily involved in the repair of passenger cars but having expanded into other industrial applications. The company's legacy business is selling hand tools through franchisee-operated mobile vans to technicians who purchase the tools at their own expense. The company also operates a commercial and industrial business that is focused on repair facilities serving other industries. The third segment, repair systems and information, targets auto OEMs and large dealerships more directly and also offers substantial diagnostic solutions to aid repairs. The company's finance arm provides financing to franchisees to run their operations, as well as underwriting end customer purchases.