U.S. manufacturing activity contracted for the third straight month in May as the ISM’s PMI dipped, falling short of expectations amid ongoing demand weakness.
Economic Trends
Article
Advance: Wholesale Inventories Unexpectedly Held Steady in April
U.S. wholesale inventories were flat in April, missing expectations, while the trade deficit narrowed sharply on a steep drop in imports.
Human Resources
Article
Truck Parts Distributor TransAxle to Close After 46 Years
The truck parts distributor and remanufacturer is shutting down after failing to find a buyer, with over 200 layoffs planned across multiple states.
Tariffs
Article
Trump’s Tariff Legality in Question
A federal trade court blocked most of Trump’s tariffs late on May 28, only to be temporarily reinstated the next day.
Economic Trends
Article
1Q U.S. GDP Decline Narrows in 2nd Estimate
U.S. GDP remained in contraction territory staying as declines in imports and consumer and government spending offset gains in investment and exports.
Power Transmission/Motion Control
Article
Motion Opens First Canadian Conveyance Shop
Motion has opened its first Canadian Conveyance Solutions shop in Calgary to expand service capabilities across Western Canada.
Economic Trends
Article
March Cutting Tool Orders Rise 4.3%
Consumption increased during March 2025 trail year-ago levels, reflecting persistent year-over-year declines.
Inventory Management
Article
Staples Rolls Out New WMS Across its Fulfillment Centers
Staples is implementing the Manhattan Active Warehouse Management system across its U.S. fulfillment centers to enhance operational efficiency, and the company shared updated stats on its warehouse network.
Economic Trends
Article
April U.S. Durable Goods Orders Slide to End 4-Month Climb
U.S. durable goods orders declined in April for the first time in four months, led by a sharp drop in transportation equipment.
Safety Products
Article
SureWerx Appoints Former Wesco Industrial Leader as CEO
Chris Baby is transitioning to an M&A and advisory role after 15 years leading the PPE manufacturer.
Fasteners
Article
Endries Makes CEO Promotion as Knight Steps Down
The fasteners distributor promoted from within for its new chief executive, who steps in immediately.
Heusinkveld and Cavossa come to F.W. Webb as the wholesale supplier makes other significant additions to its leadership team.

