December 2025 News
Radians donates over $500,000 in supplies for disaster relief, community outreach
Radians, a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), recently donated more than $500,000 in safety products and apparel to support disaster relief and community outreach efforts across the U.S.
CoStar ranks top U.S. small-bay and big-box industrial markets
Richmond, Virginia, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, were ranked as the top-performing small-bay and big-box industrial markets, respectively, according to CoStar, a global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
IRS sets 2026 business standard mileage rate
The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the optional standard mileage rate for business use of automobiles will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026, while the mileage rate for vehicles used for medical purposes will decrease by half a cent, reflecting updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments.
Consultant offers year-end advice for manufacturers
Lisa Anderson of LMA Consulting Group release the following summary of the proactive plans successful manufacturers are focused on executing as 2025 draws to a close.
RelaDyne relocates to Houston
RelaDyne, a large lubricant distributor and a market leader in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), emergency response services, and industrial reliability services, announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Houston, Texas, effective January 1.
FloWorks acquires Cranford Equipment Company
FloWorks International LLC, a specialty distributor of critical flow control products and a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”), has acquired Cranford Equipment Co. Inc.
Frank’s Supply Co. joins AD
Frank’s Supply Company Inc. will join the AD Industrial & Safety Division – U.S. on January 1.
3M debuts AI-powered assistant 'Ask 3M'
3M announced two digital innovations it says will accelerate customer design workflows: (1) Ask 3M, a new AI-powered digital assistant that helps customers find solutions to design challenges using 3M's vast portfolio of adhesives and tapes, and (2) An expanded 3M Digital Materials Hub that enables direct collaboration with 3M scientists through the Workbench feature and powers virtual materials sampling for generative solutions that don't yet exist.
October cutting tool orders jump 14.7% YoY
Shipments of cutting tools totaled $250.1 million in October, and increase of 12.7% from September and 14.7% higher versus October 2024, according to the latest Cutting Tool Market Report, jointly compiled by AMT and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI).
Sonepar appoints new president in West region
Sonepar appointed Scott Jansen president of its West region, effective January 1.
Industrial Supply Company gives $20,000 to Utah Food Bank
Industrial Supply Company donated $20,000 to the Utah Food Bank, the result of a successful fundraising effort at the company’s annual Charity Classic golf tournament.
October durable goods orders down 2.2%
New orders for manufactured durable goods in October, down following two consecutive monthly increases, decreased $6.8 billion or 2.2% to $307.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced on Dec. 23.
NORD gives back to communities
Among its many charitable donations focusing on physical health, mental health, children’s advocacy, and general support resources for those in need, NORD is sponsoring Food for Kidz.
Fastenal sponsors Ireland's pro hockey team
With an eye on brand exposure in Northern Ireland, Fastenal has entered a sponsorship agreement with the Belfast Giants, the only professional ice hockey team on the island.
Fastenal announces CEO transition
Fastenal Company CEO Daniel L. Florness has announced his decision to step out of his current role on July 16, 2026.
Kimball Midwest receives e-commerce honor
Kimball Midwest, a family-owned national distributor of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products, finished among the top three finalists in the prestigious 2025 Americas B2B eCommerce Awards, honoring excellence in digital transformation by manufacturers and distributors.
American Ladder Institute ramps up National Ladder Safety Month
The American Ladder Institute (ALI), the only approved developer of safety standards for the U.S. ladder industry, is gearing up for its annual ladder safety blitz, National Ladder Safety Month.
Sonepar to run customer appreciation month in January
Sonepar will launch of its first national customer appreciation initiative, "January Jumpstart," running throughout the month of January across 12 Sonepar brands in the U.S.
Enerpac net sales dip 1% YoY for fiscal Q1
Enerpac Tool Group Corp. reported net sales of $144 million, a 1% decline year-over-year, for its fiscal first quarter ended November 30.
Crown Equipment appoints new senior vice president
Crown Equipment, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, announced Alex Dicke will join the company in March 2026 as senior vice president.
Mayhew Tools launches new website
Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. (Mayhew Tools), a manufacturer of professional-grade hand tools, launched its newly redesigned website at mayhew.com.
Morse hires sales manager for Mexico operations
The M. K. Morse Company has hired Ivan Robles as sales manager, Mexico.
Manufacturing, wholesale trade employment remain flat in November
Employment showed little change in November for major industries including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; and retail trade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
PTDA's Immersion Conference returns March 25 in Nashville
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announces the return of its professional development offering, the Industry Immersion Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 25.
Economic improvement to continue in 2026: ISM
Economic improvement in the U.S. will continue in 2026, say the nation’s purchasing and supply management executives in the December 2025 ISM Supply Chain Planning Forecast, formerly known as the Semiannual Economic Forecast.
William Hackett, Vulcan Hoist strike strategic partnership deal
William Hackett, a global supplier of safety-critical lifting, rigging and chain solutions, has signed a strategic partnership with Vulcan Hoist.
Air Turbine Technology partners with Okuma on high-speed spindle options for CNC machines, lathes
Air Turbine Technology Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with Okuma America Corporation, to integrate Air Turbine Tools’ governed 25,000 to 90,000 RPM spindles and live tooling into Okuma’s advanced CNC machines and lathes.
Favorable economic outlook for 2026 touted as Fed cuts rates
By Kristin Bartschi
After ploughing through an extended drought of official statistics because of the government shutdown, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point for the third consecutive meeting, landing at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
Zekelman Industries announces procurement leadership transition
Zekelman Industries, an independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America has promoted Brian Churlik to vice president of procurement, succeeding Mike Mechley, executive vice president of procurement, who is retiring after nearly two decades of service to the company.
Patti Engineering achieves Siemens platinum status
Patti Engineering Inc., a control system integration company, has been recognized as a Platinum Siemens Certified Solution Partner, the highest level within Siemens newly unified Global Partner Framework.
Fastenal joins Red Cross Disaster Responder Program
Fastenal Company has expanded its support of the American Red Cross by becoming a Disaster Responder Program member.
Kennametal, Hexagon collaborate on cloud-based tooling library
Kennametal Inc. announced a new integration with Hexagon's cloud-based Tool Library, combining Kennametal's tooling expertise with Hexagon's advanced computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology.
Metrology manufacturer OGP appoints new president of global sales
Optical Gaging Products (OGP), a division of Quality Vision International Inc., a global manufacturer of optical and precision multisensor metrology systems for industrial quality control, has appointed Panos T. Angelopoulos as president, global sales, succeeding R. Stephen Flynn, who is retiring after 31 years with the company.
Packer Fastener opens Cedar Rapids branch
Packer Fastener, a construction and industrial supply distributor in Green Bay Wisconsin, has opened its newest branch in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, located at 10000 6th St. SW, Building #1, Unit 100.
Services sector continues to expand
Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in November, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest ISM Services PMI Report. The Services PMI registered at 52.6% and is in expansion territory for the ninth time in 2025.
Winsupply of Garden City opens in rural Kansas market
The Winsupply Family of Companies has welcomed a new Local Company with the opening of Winsupply of Garden City in Kansas.
Kennametal recognized by 'Newsweek'
Kennametal Inc. has earned a place on "Newsweek's" list of America's Most Responsible Companies 2026.
FPT Industrial appoints Highmark Marine Fabrication as authorized service, parts provider in Alaska
FPT Industrial appointed Highmark Marine Fabrication LLC as its new authorized marine service and parts distributor for the Alaska region.
Former MSC executive joins BlackHawk Industrial
BlackHawk Industrial, a distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, has appointed Steve Gettleman as vice president of category management.
Bellofram Elastomers expands capacity
For the third time in less than a year, Bellofram Elastomers is expanding its flash cutting capabilities—the latest investment more than doubles production capacity.
Fastenal net sales up 6.2%
Fastenal net sales rose 6.2% in November, totaling $6.3 million, versus $5.9 million in November 2024.
WireCo executive to retire this month
WireCo, a manufacturer of mission-critical wire rope, synthetic rope and netting, and electromechanical cable, announced José Gramaxo, president of its Global Synthetics Division, will retire at the end of 2025.
Dematic brief: 2026 warehouse winners will be able to flex capacity
Across industries, supply chains are still operating in a state of “managed volatility” rather than true stability, according to the latest Dematic Intelligence Brief.
Manufactured goods order continue upward trend
New orders for manufactured goods in September increased $1.2 billion or 0.2% to $612.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.
ITT to acquire SPX FLOW
ITT Inc. a provider of highly engineered critical components and manufacturer of innovative technologies, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Lone Star Funds to acquire SPX FLOW for $4.775 billion in cash and equity.
Fastenal launches corporate partnership with Future Farmers of America
Fastenal Company announced a new corporate partnership with the National FFA Organization, strengthening its long-standing support of agricultural education and youth development.
October metalworking machinery orders surge 40% YoY
By Kristin Bartschi
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $538.9 million in October, a 9% increase from September and a 40.3% increase from October 2024, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
DXP Enterprises completes purchase of Pump Solutions
DXP Enterprises Inc. has completed its acquisition of Pump Solutions Inc.
Sonnhalter wins PRSA 'Rocks' award
Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, received a gold award in the “B2B Campaign” category at the 23rd Annual Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Cleveland Rocks Awards competition, recognizing excellent communications programs and tactics.
Hapman celebrates 80th anniversary
Hapman, a provider of custom bulk material handling equipment, is celebrating its 80th year in business.
U.S. Rigging Supply–Pelican Rope Works open new DC in Louisiana
U.S. Rigging Supply–Pelican Rope Works have opened a new 24,000-square-foot distribution center at 12047 Old Baton Rouge Hwy in Hammond, Louisiana.
Austin Hardware opens new Ontario location
Missouri-based Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc., a provider of access hardware, fasteners, adhesives, and industrial supply solutions, has opened its first location outside the U.S. in Ingleside, Ontario, Canada.
WALTER Surface Technologies acquires Hermes North America
WALTER Surface Technologies, a Candian provider of productivity and safety solutions for the metalworking industry, has acquired Hermes North America, a supplier of coated abrasives with primary facilities in Virginia Beach.
Industrial hose industry loses TIPCO Technologies' Bob Lyons
Robert (Bob) A. Lyons, 84, passed away peacefully on November 18 in hospice care.
Texcel relaunches fluid sealing division, introduces six new products
Texcel, a provider of industrial and hydraulic hose and fluid sealing solutions, has relaunched its Fluid Sealing division and introduced six new products as well as a product enhancement to an existing product.
Sonepar to offer real-time shipment tracking across 570+ branches
Sonepar announced it is offering real-time shipment tracking and delivery scheduling with Innovo’s Deliver app throughout its U.S. network of more than 570 branches.
November manufacturing contracts slightly
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in November for the ninth consecutive month, following a two-month expansion preceded by 26 straight months of contraction, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Applied Industrial Technologies. 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.
