Distribution Industry News

Lucas Systems partners with Carnegie Mellon University to advance algorithmic planning

Warehousing and distribution center software technology provider, Lucas Systems, announced today its latest partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on new research with potential commercial impact for the logistics industry.

3M, Amazon Web Services collaborate on optical connectivity innovation

3M and Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced Wednesday an expanded strategic collaboration. AWS plans to deploy and scale 3M's Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) platform for its data center infrastructure.

August cutting tool shipments up 32.2% year over year

Shipments of cutting tools totaled $278.6 million in August 2026, 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).

The hidden revenue in industrial Walkthroughs

Industrial sales conversations naturally focus on essential products such as cutting tools, abrasives, welding supplies, fasteners, and tools. Safety products, from PPE and fall protection to spill containment and machine guarding, can add another important layer to the conversation.

ContiTech celebrates 80th annniversary of Lincoln plant

Continental’s group sector ContiTech is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its Lincoln, Nebraska plant, marking eight decades of manufacturing excellence and customer-focused service in the Americas.

3M reports 1% sales increase year over year

3M reported sales of $6.6 billion for its third quarter, up 1.0% year over year with organic sales up 0.2% year over year.

Rotor Clip qualifies new family of aerospace piston and sealing rings

Rotor Clip, a global manufactured of retaining rings, wave springs, and hose clamps, has qualified and moved into production a new family of high-performance piston and sealing rings for aircraft pneumatic systems and bleed valves.

stow Group opens first US manufacturing plant in Georgia 

stow Group, a European manufacturer of industrial racking and storage systems, officially inaugurated its first U.S. manufacturing facility on Oct. 15 in Calhoun, Georgia.

PIP Global Safety earns EcoVadis Bronze Medal, joins UN Global Compact

PIP Global Safety reported it is advancing its sustainability governance journey, marked by its first EcoVadis Bronze Medal, membership in the United Nations Global Compact, and publication of its first Sustainability Report.

ISA announces chair, vice chair for Emerging Leaders 

Caroline Hains, senior manager, category management, at Vallen is the new chair of the ISA Emerging Leaders Network, and Peter Vagnoni, director, channel, at Brady Corp. is serving as vice chair. Both stepped into their roles on Oct. 1.

Hy-Tek Intralogistics selected to deliver advanced warehouse automation for NAPA Auto Parts

Hy-Tek Intralogistics, a provider of warehouse automation, software, systems integration and supply chain optimization solutions, and Hai Robotics, a global supplie of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), announced they have partnered with NAPA Auto Parts to support the transformation of its flow center operations to deliver a next-generation automated fulfillment solution.

Atlas Tube to host webinar discussing Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s giraffe barn

Atlas Tube, a Zekelman company, will host a webinar on Tuesday, October 27, 11 a.m. to Noon Central, exploring how hollow structural sections (HSS) helped bring the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s giraffe barn to life.

Capacity utilization among machinery manufacturers continues its rise

By Kristin Bartschi

Total U.S. industrial production increased in September 2026 to the highest level since December 2018.

TIPCO Technologies recognized with multiple Top Workplaces Awards

TIPCO Technologies has been recognized by Energage as a 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence winner, earning honors in Leadership, Purpose & Values, Employee Apprecia-tion, DE&I Practices, Employee Well-Being, and Professional Development.

Gates grows warehouse portfolio with IntraLogix LRB-100

Gates Industrial Corp., a global manufacturer of highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions, announced the launch of Gates IntraLogix LRB-100, a new live roller belt for conveyor systems used in warehouse and distribution center operations.

EMUGE-FRANKEN USA hosts Manufacturing Day event

EMUGE FRANKEN USA, a manufacturer of high-performance end mills, taps, thread mills, drills and other rotary tools, welcomed students, educators, regional workforce, economic development, community, congressional, and senatorial leaders to its West Boylston headquarters on Friday, Oct. 2, in recognition of Manufacturing Day.

Fastenal sales up 15.5% in third quarter

Fastenal Company reported third quarter daily sales increased 15.5% year-over-year, primarily driven by share gains with larger customers, pricing actions, and broad-based demand across core end markets.

Distribution Solutions Group to acquire Winzer and FastServ Supply

Distribution Solutions Group Inc. a specialty distribution company, announced a definitive agreement to acquire GradeEight Holdings LLC (GradeEight), a multi-brand MRO distribution platform utilizing a national network of franchisees under Winzer Corporation (“Winzer”), and retail-facing storefronts through FastServ Supply located in Texas and Arkansas.

Platinum Tooling introduces first private label custom machining center tooling 

Expanding beyond standard tooling, Platinum Tooling announced it now offers custom machining center tooling solutions, designed around the unique requirements of each application.

Rivet|MRO introduces AI-powered website assistant for independent distributors

Rivet|MRO has introduced ChatBolt, an AI-powered website assistant designed specifically for independent industrial, electrical, MRO, safety, HVAC, plumbing and construction supply distributors.

Dayco N.A. makes strategic hires in supply chain, sales and product management

Dayco, a supplier of engine products and drive systems for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, has added six industry professionals in the last several months as a key phase in its growth strategy.

Dakota Fluid Power celebrates 35 years of engineering, service and support

Dakota Fluid Power, a provider of integrated hydraulic, pneumatic, pressure washing, and engineering solutions, celebrates its 35th anniversary this month.

Streamlight Portable Scene Light III wins 2026 OH&S new product of the year award 

Streamlight Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting tools, announced that its Portable Scene Light III (PSL III) has been named a 2026 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) New Product of the Year Award winner in the Lighting category.

Rally in machinery orders extends onto the heels of IMTS 2026

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $732.9 million in August 2026, 21.0% above July 2026 and 36.3% above August 2025, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

BlackHawk expands Jackson, Michigan, operations

BlackHawk Industrial, a distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, is strengthening its Jackson operations with a new, larger facility designed to strengthen support for manufacturers throughout the region.

Hapman unveils CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor

Hapman, a provider of custom built bulk material handling equipment, is unveiling the new CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor at PACK EXPO Oct. 18–21.

DENIOS helps grade school with maple sugaring project

DENIOS, a provider of safety and material handling products, recently donated an IBC Funnel to the Symonds Elementary School in Keene, New Hampshire, for their maple sugaring project.

Dematic unveils Lifecycle Services to support peak season readiness

Dematic, a global provider of supply chain automation, announced the expansion of four targeted Lifecycle Solutions and Services offerings across the Americas.

Industrial Supply Company expands Salt Lake City headquarters 

Industrial Supply Company acquired the property directly east of its Salt Lake City headquarters at 229 West Harris Avenue.

Services sector continues positive trend in September

Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in September, according to the latest ISM Services PMI Report. The Services PMI registered 54.9%, the 27th consecutive month in expansion territory.

Singer Industrial buys Filtration & Hose Specialties

Singer Industrial, a North American distributor of industrial rubber, fluid power and related products, acquired Filtration & Hose Specialties, LLC (FHS), an industrial supply business headquartered in Abilene, Texas, with additional locations in Cleburne and Odessa.

Triad Technologies acquires Filtration Corporation of America

Triad Technologies, an Ohio-based distributor of hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical, filtration, sealing, and lubrication technologies, acquired Filtration Corporation of America (FCA) on Oct. 1.

September employment remains steady for manufacturing

Manufacturing employment was little changed in September (+9,000) but is up by 72,000 since a recent low in December 2025, according to the latest Employment Situation Summary from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

September manufacturing activity remains in expansion territory

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in September for the ninth consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report.

Sellars names new president and COO

Wade Kemnitz has joined Sellars Absorbent Materials as president and chief operating officer.

August construction spending up 1% over July estimate

Construction spending during August 2026 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,203.1 billion, 0.9 percent above the revised July estimate of $2,184.5 billion.

Factory orders inch up in August

New orders for manufactured goods in August, up two consecutive months, increased $0.7 billion or 0.1% to $663.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Oct. 2.

Global Industrial concludes 2026 hands-on trade show in Texas

Global Industrial Company, a value-added national distributor and source for industrial equipment and supplies, concluded its 2026 National Trade Show, held September 30–October 1 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.