The U.S. Justice Department filed a civil complaint against SB&D, alleging the toolmaker failed to promptly report safety hazards tied to certain DeWALT utility bars and miter saws. The case seeks civil penalties and injunctive...
Economic Trends
Article
U.S. Industrial Production Edges Up in November
A monthly rebound in mining output powered the better-than-expected overall figure.
Economic Trends
Article
1st Estimate: U.S. 3Q GDP Accelerated to Strongest Growth in 2 Years
A long-delayed Commerce Department report showed that strong consumer spending powered acceleration in the July-September quarter.
Legal & Regulatory Issues
Article
DoJ Settles with 2 U.S. Distributors Over Tariff Evasion, Goods Smuggling
Two distributors caught in tariff enforcement sweep; one to pay a $54M settlement and another’s COO faces prison.
The acquisition continues AAR’s accelerated growth strategy.
It’s at least the third time Cintas has made a takeover offer, and this time it’s added a deal-break fee it would pay in case the transaction isn’t approved.
Metals Service Centers
Article
Metalformers’ Outlook Outlook Improves Despite Lower Shipments
Surveyed metalforming manufacturers indicated month-to-month improvement in their December outlook for near-term business conditions and incoming orders.
Staffing Changes
Article
Florness to Step Down as Fastenal CEO in July
Dan Florness has been with the company since 1996 and its CEO for the past nine-plus years.
Facilities Maintenance (MRO)
Article
DXP Refinances Debt & Raises $205M for Reinvestment
The pumps and MRO supplies distributor plans to continue to grow through acquisitions in 2026.
Facilities Maintenance (MRO)
Article
E&R Industrial Taps Former Fastenal & Motor City Exec as CEO
Now privately owned, the former Grainger subsidiary lands a new leader with over 30 years of driving growth in distribution.
Gases & Welding Equipment
Article
Propane Distributor Letterman’s Energy Privately Acquired
Revelar Capital, recent rebranded from Wellspring Capital Management, will help Letterman’s scale its propane distribution business.
Fasteners
Article
Park-Ohio’s Supply Technologies to Add Large DC in Ohio
The new facility will be the company’s flagship location with advanced warehouse operations, quality and engineering lab and an innovation center.

