After a tariff-driven May-August slump, orders accelerated throughout the rest of 2025 and entered 2026 with underlying momentum.
Gartner predicts gamification will become more widespread in large warehouses and distribution centers as labor shortages and turnover persist. Here’s what the firm says that could look like in practice, and tips for deploying it.
That’s despite a small monthly downtick in the portion of in-market locations reporting growth, meaning Fastenal got relatively more out of its biggest customers. Get our full breakdown of the January numbers here.
Fenco is the second investment for private equity-backed Averon, and it is actively pursuing others.
Though the figures were a positive sign for manufacturing momentum, ISM survey commentary acknowledged that January is a reorder month and likely was influenced by buyers trying to get ahead of expected price increases.
The news comes just a few days after the bankrupt auto parts supplier said it would wind down operations at several of its key brands.
White Cap is owned by PE firm CD&R, and Colony by Audax Private Equity. It will net White Cap more than 60 new locations.
The bankrupt company said it has begun winding down parts of the business as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring, while continuing to operate and seek buyers for its remaining units.
The move diversifies Britton Lumber’s business into packaging and strengthens its presence in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
AIT added a like distributor with about $20 million in annual revenue, while encouraging financials led to raising the lower end of the company’s guidance.
Metalforming manufacturers indicated month-to-month improvement in their January outlook survey for near-term business conditions, incoming orders and shipping levels.
The new capability is designed to help pros create project material lists within minutes.
