April 2026 News
Sonepar earns two awards for commitment to veterans, military
Sonepar has been recognized as a 5 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards and has separately been honored as a 2026-2027 Vetted Employer.
WEG, SpinDrive partner on next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
WEG S.A., a manufacturer of electric motors, and SpinDrive, a supplier of advanced active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, announced a strategic partnership integrating SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution designed for the demands of modern industrial processes.
March wholesale inventories up 1.4%
Wholesale inventories for March were estimated at an end-of-month level of $932.8 billion, up 1.4% from February 2026, and were up 2.9% from March 2025, according to the latest Advance Economic Indicators Report from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Tencarva Machinery Co. acquires WWaterTech Services
Tencarva Machinery Co., a value-added distributor and service provider of flow control and process equipment solutions to industrial and municipal end markets, announced it has acquired WWaterTech Services, Inc., a manufacturer’s representative for water and wastewater equipment manufacturers and system suppliers.
New PTDA report offers exclusive insight on manufacturer–distributor partnerships
The Power Transmission Distributors Association’s (PTDA) announced the release of its newest proprietary research report, "Voices from the Channel: Insights to Improve Partnerships."
Honeywell to sell Warehouse and Workflow Solutions to private equity firm
Honeywell announced an agreement to sell its Warehouse and Workflow Solutions (WWS) business in an all-cash transaction to American Industrial Partners, an operationally focused private equity firm.
Iveco Group names new president of powertrain business unit
Iveco Group N.V. announced that Sylvain Blaise, president of the Powertrain Business Unit, will leave the company on June 29 to become CEO of Manitou Group. He will be succeeded by Simone Curti who joins the senior leadership team and will report directly to Iveco Group CEO Olof Persson.
Core & Main opens facility in Auburn, Alabama
Core & Main, Inc. has opened a new facility in Auburn, Alabama.
Core & Main appoints new vice president of investor relations
Core & Main, Inc., a specialty distributor dedicated to advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide,announced that Landon Althoff has joined the company as vice president of investor relations.
AUTOMATE 2026 comes to Chicago June 22–25
As artificial intelligence and robotics accelerate across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, energy and other industrial sectors, AUTOMATE 2026 will bring together the companies and leaders shaping the next era of automation.
PTDA welcomes new manufacturer member: WorldWide Electric Corp.
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), announced its latest manufacturer member, WorldWide Electric Corp. LLC.
Applied Industrial Technologies tallies $1.3 billion in fiscal third quarter net sales
Applied Industrial Technologies, a value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies, reported its fiscal third quarter net sales of $1.3 billion increased 7.3% over the prior year.
Kimberly-Clark net sales rise 2.7% for Q1
Kimberly-Clark Corp. reported Q1 net sales of $4.2 billion, up 2.7%, with organic sales growth of 2.5%.
Dematic FIRST Scholarship applications open
Dematic announced it is accepting applications for qualifying high school seniors for two $5,000 scholarships and 10 $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education.
Aalberts IPS advances sustainable performance with “Apollo” stainless steel ball conversion project
Aalberts integrated piping systems (IPS), a provider of advanced integrated piping systems for the distribution and control of liquids and gasses, has completed a strategic conversion of its “Apollo” brass and bronze ball valve portfolio to Type 316 stainless steel balls.
PTDA Foundation hits fundraising midpoint milestone as workforce initiatives expand
At the halfway point of its annual Fund Drive, the PTDA Foundation is advancing a series of workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) talent pipeline — expanding access to education, increasing career awareness and recognizing emerging and established industry leaders. As demand for skilled talent continues to grow, the Foundation remains focused on supporting PT/MC employers through targeted, high-impact programs, including:
Home Depot acquires supply chain automation provider
The Home Depot acquired SIMPL Automation, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based leader in automation and technology systems.
Famous competition sailor, Dawn Riley, to keynote at DPA Buying Group conference
DPA Buying Group announced that world-class sailor and leadership expert Dawn Riley will deliver the keynote address at its 2026 Annual Buying & Networking Conference.
Sonia Timmons named ISA's 2026 Women’s Influence Award recipient
The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced recognized Sonia Timmons, chief financial officer at Vallen, as the 2026 ISA Women’s Influence Award recipient. She was formally recognized April 21at ISA26 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tom Haag receives ISA's 2026 John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award
The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced Tom Haag of KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools Group has been selected as the 2026 John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Haag was formally recognized at ISA26 April 21 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Industrial measures fall in March 2025
By Kristin Bartschi
U.S. industrial production decreased in March after a strong uptick in February, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, noted Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
President of Sellars Nonwovens recognized with INDA award
Martyn Davis, president of Sellars Nonwovens, received the inaugural Industry Advocate of the Year award from INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.
February US cutting tool shipments up 12.8% from February 2025
February shipments of cutting tools totaled $225.1 million in February, an increase of 2% from January and up 12.8% from February 2025, according to the latest Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI).
AD appoints new president of Independent Electrical Supply Division
AD announced Chris Marlow will join the company as president of its Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), effective May 1.
Honeywell to sell Productivity Solutions and Services business to Brady
Honeywell has agreed to sell its Productivity Solutions and Services ("PSS") business to Brady Corp., an international manufacturer of identification and protection solutions, for $1.4 billion in an all-cash transaction.
Hampton Rubber expands CNG offering with Danfoss products
Hampton Rubber Company, a Singer Industrial company, announced the expansion of its CNG (compressed natural gas) product offering with two Danfoss hoses — tightening the distributor's focus on high-quality, certified hose assemblies for fueling and vehicle applications.
3M organic sales up 1.2% YoY
3M reported Q1 adjusted sales of $6.0 billion with organic growth of 1.2% YoY. Adjusted operating margin for the quarter was 23.8%, up 30 bps YoY.
ALI: National Ladder Safety Month is over, but safe practices must go on
As another National Ladder Safety Month comes to a close, event organizers remind all ladder users that safety is a year-long commitment. The American Ladder Institute (ALI), the only approved developer of safety standards for the U.S. ladder industry, sponsors National Ladder Safety Month every March to remind professionals and DIYers of the importance of always being safe and mindful while using ladders.
Greene Tweed expands partnership with Seal Dynamics to strengthen aerospace OEM support in Asia and Brazil
Greene Tweed, a global manufacturer of high-performance materials and engineered components, named Seal Dynamics the exclusive sales and distribution partner for its aerospace original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products in Asia and Brazil, effective April 1.
February new orders for manufactured goods increases $0.3 billion
New orders for manufactured goods in February, up three of the last four months, increased $0.3 billion or virtually unchanged to $619.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.
New commercial product manager joins Morse team
The M. K. Morse Company hired Jennifer Moore as commercial product manager.
Fastenal Q1 net sales rise 12.4% YoY
Fastenal reported its net sales increased 12.4% in the first quarter of 2026 when compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Zekelman Industries appoints executive director of digital, mission critical infrastructure
Zekelman, an independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, announced Jim Marsh has joined the company as executive director, digital and mission critical infrastructure.
Dematic partners with GreyOrange on AI, robotics, scaleability in distribution
Dematic, a global provider of supply chain automation, announced a strategic partnering relationship with GreyOrange, a global specialist in AI-powered warehouse orchestration and store inventory software.
Singer Industrial names new CEO
Singer Industrial announced the promotion of Pete Haberbosch to chief executive officer.
Momentum of late-2025 machinery demand carries into first two months of 2026
By Kristin Bartschi
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $488.9 million in February 2026, increasing 10.7% over January 2026 and 27.4% over February 2025, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
Kimberly-Clark issues statement on April 7 DC fire
Kimberly-Clark confirmed that a fire occurred April 7 at a distribution center in Ontario, California, operated by a third-party logistics partner, NFI Industries.
AD changes name of Industrial & Safety division
AD announced its Industrial & Safety – U.S. Division will operate under a new name: the Industrial, Safety, and Construction (ISC) Division.
March services sector sees economic activity expand
Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in March, according to the latest ISM Services PMI Report, informed by the nation’s purchasing and supply executives. The Services PMI registered 54%, the 21st consecutive month in expansion territory.
February employment unchanged in manufacturing, wholesale trade
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178,000 in March, following a decrease in February (-133,000), the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. In March, job gains occurred in health care, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline.
Integrion Automation announces CEO transition
Integrion Automation, a Cornerstone Corporation operating company, announced that Joe Gemma will retire from his role as chief executive officer and transition to serve as strategic advisor to the company. Craig Rossman has been appointed chief executive officer, effective Feb. 18.
Advance report: February orders for manufactured durable goods dip 1.4%
New orders for manufactured durable goods in February, which were down four of the last five months, decreased $4.4 billion or 1.4% to $315.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced April 7.
Global Industrial expands Caterpillar licensing agreement with Cat material handling line
Global Industrial Company announced the expansion of its licensing agreement with Caterpillar through the launch of a new Cat material handling product line.
Weiler Abrasives recognized for climate leadership in Europe
Weiler Abrasives, a global maker of surface conditioning solutions, has been recognized for its significant sustainability-related achievements by the Sustainable European Abrasive Manufacturers (SEAM).
Continental celebrates groundbreaking for Iowa compounding center
Continental’s group sector ContiTech will host a groundbreaking ceremony April 8 for its new state?of?the?art compounding center at the ContiTech Mount Pleasant, Iowa plant.
Mouvex celebrates 120 years making eccentric disc pumps
Mouvex, a leading manufacturer of positive displacement pumps, is celebrating its 120-year anniversary in 2026.
March manufacturing growth outpaces February
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March for the third consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Pack-n-Tape. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
