Training Education Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 turns up the heat on additive manufacturing to keep AI cool

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:50:42 +0000

Returning to the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from 26 – 28 August, Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 will examine how additive manufacturing (AM) is being applied to one of AI infrastructure’s fastest-growing engineering demands: thermal management. With high-density AI server chips exceeding the thermal limits of traditional air cooling, manufacturers are turning to additive manufacturing to produce liquid cooling components that are too complex for standard machining. The exhibition will feature the equipment and materials behind these applications, set within a wider line-up spanning AM systems, materials, software, post-processing and production services. Confirmed participants include Bambu Lab, CNPC Powder, Creality, Farsoon Technologies, Graphenova, HBD, Intamsys, Kings 3D, Meshy AI, Raise3D, Southern Additive, Tripo AI, UNILASER, UnionTech and Zhongyuan Advanced Materials. Thermal management for next-generation AI computing will be one of the defining application areas of the 2026 edition. A confirmed cluster of exhibitors will cover the industrial 3D printing production chain for liquid cooling components end-to-end, from raw metal powders through to batch component services, supported by a new forum examining AM applications in liquid cooling and heat management. AM’s take on AI’s heat problem The more powerful AI infrastructure becomes, the harder it is to keep cool. As computing workloads increase, next-generation processors are generating more heat than conventional air cooling can reliably handle. Liquid cooling offers a more effective alternative, circulating coolant through internal channels in metal cold plates mounted directly on the chip and carrying heat away before it can build up. It is these internal channels where standard machining runs into trouble. Producing straight passages is easily manageable, but curved, branching and form-fitting channels that follow the contours of the chip are a different matter entirely. Achieving them typically means joining separate metal parts together, with every joint a potential leak path to electronics that are both sensitive – and rarely inexpensive – to replace. This is where additive manufacturing comes in, producing components such as cold plates and heat exchangers as a single, unbroken printed component, with considerably more freedom in how those internal channels are designed. Once a specialist solution, liquid cooling is now moving quickly into the mainstream of AI infrastructure. Goldman Sachs expects liquid-cooled AI servers to climb from 15 percent market penetration in 2024 to 76 percent in 2026[1], while Reuters, citing a JPMorgan report, projects the global market for AI server liquid cooling systems will exceed USD 17 billion this year, up from only USD 8.9 billion last year.[2] To support this fast-growing area of demand, Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 will turn up the heat on the global AM supply chain, bringing together key suppliers of the printing systems, metal powders and batch production services required for liquid cooling at scale. Among them, AM equipment suppliers Addireen, AmPro, BCX Laser, Farsoon Technologies, FastForm3D, Han’s Laser, HP Additive, Southern Additive and UNILASER will present laser and SLM systems capable of processing pure copper and copper alloys, materials valued in cooling applications for their ability to dissipate heat but historically difficult to print using metal AM. Grinm Additive and Zhongyuan Advanced Materials will showcase aluminium and copper powders developed for 3D printed cooling components. Binder jetting and powder extrusion will also be represented on the floor. HP 3D Printing will demonstrate binder jetting for the batch production of copper cooling components, while Uprise 3D will exhibit powder extrusion systems for technical ceramics used in thermal insulation and management. New liquid cooling AM forum pairs with PCIM Asia Shenzhen co-location on thermal management for AI Complementing the exhibition floor, additive manufacturing applications in thermal management will be further examined through the new Thermal Management and Liquid Cooling AM Forum. The forum will feature industry experts and representatives from exhibiting companies presenting application cases for 3D printed components in AI server environments, with the wider fringe programme extending to AM applications in other emerging industrial areas, including low-altitude aviation and drones, new energy vehicles, and robotics. The 2026 edition will also be held concurrently with PCIM Asia Shenzhen, the region’s leading exhibition and conference for power electronics, intelligent motion, renewable energy and energy management, which in 2026 will similarly expand its focus on AI and data centre applications. For Formnext Asia Shenzhen participants, the co-location places them in the same venue as the engineers, component suppliers and system specialists working on the power requirements of high-density computing, and in closer contact with the end-use requirements, procurement activity and business relationships shaping demand in this area. Confirmed exhibitors across the AM supply chain This application area sits within a wider 2026 line-up spanning metal and polymer equipment, materials, software, scanning, and post-processing. Leading exhibitors confirmed to date include: Metal AM equipment: Farsoon Technologies, CharmRay Laser, DEW, EASYMFG, Enigma, Haitian Additive, Kings 3D, GLB, Southern Additive, UNILASER and Zengyi Technology Other 3D printing equipment: Blue Core Intelligent, Creality, ELEGOO, Flashforge, INTAMSYS, PollyPolymer, Prismlab, Raise3D, TPM3D, UnionTech and Zrapid Metal materials: Acc Material, CNPC Powder, P7 Materials, Zhongyuan Advanced Materials, Sino-Euro and Sunrise New Materials Other materials: eSUN, Graphenova, KINGFA, LayerCube, Resione and Sunlu Software: BasicSoft, DreamTech, Hitem 3D, Meigou Information, Meshy AI and Tripo AI, Deep-Mesh Scanning, post-processing and related technologies: BCX Laser, Becker, DLyte, Optris, Revopoint and Scantech, Han’s Photonics

The post Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 turns up the heat on additive manufacturing to keep AI cool appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

How to tap your Innovation Pipeline when your organization is tapped out

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:52:18 +0000

Three ways to unlock your organization’s hidden innovation potential Stress. Uncertainty. Unrealistic deadlines. Unreasonable goals. You know what they are: the enemy of teamwork, creativity, and innovation. They’re also inescapable. Which leaves today’s leaders in an unenviable position: how to build the capability to achieve business goals while dealing with massive uncertainty. But what if? What if you could grow skills, build resilient teams, and accelerate innovative thinking even though there’s no time, few resources, and high instability? You can. Because every organization has an untapped innovation engine hiding in plain sight: the Lost Einstein. Your Lost Einstein is a super smart person with a game-changing concept that no one understands. They struggle to explain the strategic value, and because of that, their ideas and potential go unseen, unheard, or unrecognized. Or commercialized. You know who they are. The brainy R&D researcher with the meticulous spreadsheets and multi-variate testing results. The super-sharp analyst whose English skills make them hard to understand. The operations leader who didn’t learn to read the room and got a couple of eye rolls at the last C-suite update. Or even the introvert you’ve been ignoring because they never speak up. Does it really matter? How much potential are we talking about? Consider this: for the past 10 years, the annual Gallup worldwide engagement survey has reported that 64-70% of organizations are disengaged. And over time, that percentage hasn’t budged much, averaging 67%. To put this into context: if 67% of the players on a professional soccer team were disengaged, that would mean that, out of 11 players, 7-8 of them aren’t playing to win. In fact, 1-2 of them would be actively disengaged – as in fighting with their teammates, sabotaging the play, or even helping the competition. Would this be acceptable, especially if the team wanted to be championship contenders? And yet corporations routinely battle for market share or scrape for a few margin points, while over half of their workforce is disinterested or even undermining the company’s goals. What if you could tap into that missing capability? And what if the solution didn’t sacrifice short-term results, require a major culture reset, or take years of investment? The hidden innovation engine hiding in plain sight You know what makes your Lost Einsteins so valuable? They’re already on your team and want to be more engaged. They have great ideas that are going unrecognized. You just need a better way to maximize their capability. But don’t overlook them for too long. What makes them valuable to you makes them invaluable to your competition. Here are three ways you can tap into your Lost Einstein’s potential Invest in executive clarity skills for managers presenting to senior stakeholders Your smart managers are excellent at problem-solving, running projects, and directing day-to-day activities. This is perfect for interacting with their functional colleagues. But not for communicating with time-pressed senior leadership and influencing business-wide agendas. Without executive clarity skills, some of your best leaders are getting tuned out, uninvited to meetings or hearing, “no” to groundbreaking ideas. Don’t just hand them a presentation template. Give them skills to: Explain the strategic and commercial value of breakthrough ideas Read executive audiences and create messages that resonate with time-pressed executives Identify, define, and pitch the big picture Pinpoint the strategic barriers to “yes” and shift mindsets Navigate the executive alignment minefield and influence up Clarity skills aren’t about speaking better. They’re about being better understood. Improve executive presence First impressions really matter. Research shows first impressions can be made in the blink of an eye[1], by the pitch of your voice[2], or even by how you say the word, “Hello.”[3] Don’t just think about what your leaders are saying. Help them with HOW they are communicating. For example, offer training on: Concise, engaging introductions to create a powerful first impression Executive intonation so they sound more confident Introducing topics and avoiding hedge words that can damage credibility Enable introverts and quiet leaders to speak up more Speaking up is a critical skill to get breakthrough concepts recognized for their strategic importance. That’s because the more outside the box the idea is, the more times speakers will hear, “no”, get interrupted, or provoke a “here’s why you’re wrong” response. Here’s the thing about Lost Einsteins – they already struggle with speaking up. Drowning out their ideas makes it worse. Instead, try techniques like: Rotate meeting leadership to equalize the opportunity to build and demonstrate skills like priority setting and conflict management. Actively moderate meetings to avoid or reduce interruptions. Adopt an amplification strategy: when a quiet team member, like an introvert or a new or junior member, makes a point, another team member repeats it and credits them. Amplification helps counteract interruptions or crediting the wrong source. Lost Einsteins are your organization’s unrealized innovation engine Your Lost Einsteins can accelerate innovation and unlock value even when there’s little time, shrinking budgets, and mounting uncertainty. You know who they are. And now you know how to develop them and tap into your business’s extra gear. About the Author: Rebecca Okamoto is a clarity consultant and the founder of Evoke Strategy Group. She consults with companies on sharpening their competitive edge by tapping overlooked or underutilized talent. She specializes in teaching high-potential and technical leaders to communicate clearly in dynamic, high-stakes situations. Her signature approach is how to introduce, market, and influence with a 20-word sound bite. To learn more about pitching big ideas and making complicated ideas clear, please visit: https://20words.com [1] https://www.princeton.edu/news/2006/08/22/snap-judgments-decide-faces-character-psychologist-finds [2] https://www.princeton.edu/news/2006/08/22/snap-judgments-decide-faces-character-psychologist-finds [3] https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/149313/

The post How to tap your Innovation Pipeline when your organization is tapped out appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

You’re Not Making Decisions. You’re Defending a Story.

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:16:04 +0000

Narratives are powerful because they compress complexity into something memorable. They give us a neat explanation we can repeat in a meeting or a keynote. But that compression is also where the danger lies. When a story becomes the lens through which we interpret decisions, we stop questioning whether it’s accurate. Instead, we start defending the story. Take the familiar corporate cautionary tales. Kodak “ignored digital photography.” Blockbuster “refused to buy Netflix.” Xerox PARC “invented the future but failed to capitalize on it.” These stories are often presented as simple tales about innovation blindness. But when you dig into the actual history, the story becomes far more complicated. Kodak invested heavily in digital technology. Blockbuster explored streaming long before Netflix dominated. Xerox PARC’s innovations were entangled in corporate structure, market timing, and strategic priorities. Yet we keep telling the simplified versions because they’re easier to remember and easier to weaponize in an argument. They become corporate folklore. And folklore is rarely designed to teach nuance. This is what I call the Narrative Trap. The narrative trap happens when the story becomes more persuasive than the evidence. When a compelling explanation crowds out data. When a satisfying conclusion replaces the messy reality. In organizations, narrative traps show up everywhere. Leaders latch onto a story about why the company is struggling — “our problem is pricing,” or “our issue is awareness” — and then every decision begins to reinforce that narrative. Teams repeat the story until it feels factual, even when the metrics suggest something different. The same thing happens in emerging industries, particularly in technology and finance. Projects are often evaluated based on the story behind them rather than the performance indicators that matter. The narrative becomes the investment thesis. But stories don’t scale a business, results do. What makes this particularly dangerous is that stories don’t just shape how we view companies — they shape how we view ourselves. Every professional carries a set of internal narratives. “I’m not a numbers person.” “I’m better at execution than strategy.” “I’m not ready for that level yet.” These narratives may start with a grain of truth, but over time they harden into identity. And once a narrative becomes identity, it begins to limit possibility. You stop testing the boundaries of what might be possible because the story already told you the answer. The challenge is learning to interrupt the narrative. In strategy work, this means asking, “what evidence would prove this story wrong?” If the answer is “none,” you’re probably defending a narrative rather than testing a hypothesis. It also means shifting the conversation away from tidy explanations and toward observable performance. “What are customers actually doing? What behaviors are changing? What signals are emerging in the data that don’t fit our existing story?” I’m not saying to eliminate stories altogether. Humans need narratives to make sense of the world. But we need to stop treating them as conclusions. A good story may inspire action, but evidence determines whether that action leads anywhere useful. In other words, strategies fail because organizations believe their stories too quickly. And once you fall into the Narrative Trap, the hardest part is admitting the story you loved might not be true. About the Author Trained as an organizational behavioral scientist and customer-centricity expert, Andrea Belk Olson helps companies operationalize corporate strategy through transforming mindsets and behaviors. She is the author of three business books, including her most recent, What To Ask: How To Learn What Customers Need but Don’t Tell You. She is a 4x ADDY award winner and contributing writer to Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, INC Magazine, World Economic Forum, and more. Andrea is also an applied entrepreneurship instructor at the University of Iowa and TEDx speaker coach. More information is also available on www.pragmadik.com and www.andreabelkolson.com.

The post You’re Not Making Decisions. You’re Defending a Story. appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

Compensation costs increase in 1st quarter

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:27:08 +0000

Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported April 30, 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 0.8 percent, and benefit costs by 1.2 percent, from December 2025. Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 3.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent, and benefit costs increased 3.6 percent over the year. Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 0.7 percent, and benefit costs by 1.3 percent, from December 2025. Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 3.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 3.4 percent, and benefit costs by 3.6 percent over the year. Inflation-adjusted (constant dollar) wages and salaries increased 0.1 percent over the year. Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 1.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 1.0 percent, and benefit costs by 1.2 percent, from December 2025. Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent, and benefit costs increased 3.6 percent over the year. Inflation-adjusted (constant dollar) wages and salaries increased 0.1 percent over the year. The Employment Cost Index for June 2026 is scheduled to be released on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).

The post Compensation costs increase in 1st quarter appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

Most leaders are stuck at one focal length. That’s a problem.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:48:54 +0000

Some leaders are perpetually in the weeds. They’re dissecting every internal process, monitoring team dynamics, tweaking workflows. Others are perched at 30,000 feet, scanning industry reports, tracking competitors, absorbing trend decks. Both groups think they’re being strategic. Neither is. Real strategic leadership requires the discipline to zoom in and zoom out. But it’s not a natural instinct. It’s a practiced skill, and most leaders haven’t developed it. Zooming In Zooming in isn’t micromanaging. It’s forensic curiosity about what’s happening inside your organization at the human level. Consider what happened at a major U.S. retailer trying to roll out a new customer experience initiative. All the fundamentals were in place. But adoption was stalling in specific regions and completely absent in others. Leadership kept diagnosing it as a “communication problem” and kept sending more emails. When someone finally zoomed in — talking to store managers, observing team handoffs, listening to what wasn’t being said in meetings — the real issue emerged. The new initiative directly conflicted with the informal performance norms that store managers had built over years. Managers were being rewarded for speed. The new experience required slowness. Nobody had flagged it because it felt like complaining, and the culture didn’t make that safe. That’s what zooming in finds: the invisible logic that runs your organization in parallel to your official strategy. The cultural friction points, the unwritten rules, the incentives nobody put on paper but everyone understands. These forces don’t show up in dashboards. They live in Slack threads and the meetings that happen after the meeting. Leaders who never zoom in are flying blind, executing strategy into a headwind they refuse to acknowledge. Zooming Out Zooming out isn’t reading trend reports. It’s developing a living, evolving understanding of how the people you serve are changing — their behaviors, expectations, anxieties, and values. Take the shift in B2B buying behavior over the last several years. For decades, sales-led organizations built their entire model on the assumption that buyers needed their reps to navigate complexity. Then buyers started doing 70% of their research before ever talking to a salesperson. They formed opinions, developed preferences, and in many cases made provisional decisions — all before a sales rep entered the picture. Companies that zoomed out saw this shift early. They reallocated investment toward content, peer communities, and self-serve tools. Companies that didn’t zoom out kept hiring more salespeople and wondering why the pipeline had gotten so hard to move. Zooming out is about catching these shifts before they become crises, when you still have time to adapt. Why Most Leaders Only Do One Leaders who came up through operations tend to be chronic zoom-inners. They trust what they can observe and control. The big picture feels abstract, maybe even indulgent. They’ll tell you they’re focused on “execution” — but what they’re really doing is avoiding the discomfort of acknowledging that the environment their strategy was built for may have already changed. Leaders who came up through strategy, consulting, or finance tend to be chronic zoom-outers. They’re fluent in market dynamics and trend analysis. But they often have a mysterious aversion to the messiness of organizational reality. They’ll tell you the “people issues” are somebody else’s problem — usually HR’s. What they’re actually doing is avoiding the accountability of confronting the cultural drag that’s quietly eating their strategy alive. Both groups produce the same outcome: strategies that look great on paper and underperform in practice. Switching Lenses The leaders who actually drive durable change have a practice — usually informal — of deliberately alternating their focus. They ask “what’s the smallest thing that’s blocking the biggest thing?” and then they go find out. They sit in on customer calls not because they have to, but because they’ve learned that two customer conversations are worth more than ten analyst reports. They walk the floor., or they read the verbatim survey responses their teams summarize away. They talk to the person who just quit. And then they zoom out. They look at where their customers are going — not where they’ve been. They study adjacent industries that are further along on the adoption curves they’re navigating. They ask what their most skeptical customers believe, and they take it seriously instead of dismissing it. But the rhythm matters. Leaders who zoom in all month and zoom out once a quarter miss the early signals. Leaders who zoom out all month and zoom in once a quarter discover the friction points when it’s already a fire. The best ones are bifocal by design. No Time Like the Present If you asked your team today, “What’s actually getting in the way of our strategy?” — would they tell you the truth? And if you asked your most disengaged customer segment, “What would have to change for you to trust us more?” — would you be prepared to hear the answer? Both of those questions require you to zoom. Most leaders are afraid of what they’ll find when they do. That’s exactly why the ones who do it anyway have such a significant advantage. About the Author Trained as an organizational behavioral scientist and customer-centricity expert, Andrea Belk Olson helps companies operationalize corporate strategy through transforming mindsets and behaviors. She is the author of three business books, including her most recent, What To Ask: How To Learn What Customers Need but Don’t Tell You. She is a 4x ADDY award winner and contributing writer to Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, INC Magazine, World Economic Forum, and more. Andrea is also an applied entrepreneurship instructor at the University of Iowa and TEDx speaker coach.

The post Most leaders are stuck at one focal length. That’s a problem. appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

Plastics Industry Association: New Analysis Examines Shifting U.S.-Japan Trade Dynamics Amid Rising Tariffs and Global Uncertainty

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:27:36 +0000

The Plastics Industry Association Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis exploring how recent changes in U.S. trade policy are reshaping global plastics trade—framed through a cross-border conversation with international trade expert Professor Shujiro Urata. The analysis examines the evolving U.S.-Japan trade relationship against a backdrop of higher tariffs, shifting supply chains, and increased global economic uncertainty. New data show U.S. plastics trade declined in 2025, while import duties surged—signaling a more complex trade environment driven by rising costs and changing sourcing decisions. Dr. Pineda writes, “While the smaller trade deficit may appear positive on the surface, the data suggest a more complex picture—one shaped by reduced trade flows, higher costs, and shifting sourcing decisions rather than stronger underlying competitiveness. “The broader global trade environment has shifted, forcing countries to reassess commercial relationships as supply chains adapt to new tariffs, geopolitical risks, and slower global growth. For the plastics industry, that means the U.S.-Japan trade relationship is no longer just about bilateral flows—it is increasingly about resilience, competitiveness, and strategic alignment in a changing global economy.” The conversation also explores how changes in exchange rates, investment trends, industrial policy, and consumer demand are influencing global trade and supply chain alignment. Click here to read Dr. Pineda’s full conversation with Prof. Shujiro Urata.

The post Plastics Industry Association: New Analysis Examines Shifting U.S.-Japan Trade Dynamics Amid Rising Tariffs and Global Uncertainty appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

CapEx Finance Index March 2026: Q1 New Equipment Demand at Record High

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:51:53 +0000

The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), shows that while new deal growth edged down in March, total new business volumes (NBV) recorded its strongest quarter on record. Financial conditions remain stable despite ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East. The industry maintains a strong buffer against the surge in energy prices and the upcoming leadership transition at the Federal Reserve. Total NBV among surveyed ELFA member companies was $10.8 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis. Year-to-date NBV rose by 18.6% relative to the same period in 2025. Year-over-year, NBV increased by 12.5% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. “Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty appear to have hit another gear in 2026, but demand for equipment has so far been unaffected,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “New business volume growth slowed modestly in March, but the industry just experienced its strongest quarter ever. The full economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East has not yet been felt in the data, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some deterioration in demand heading into the summer. That said, financial conditions remain healthy, and I’m optimistic that our industry can weather the dual impact of higher prices and a changing of the guard at the Fed.” Equipment demand remained strong. Total NBV grew by $10.8 billion in March, a contraction of 1.8% from the $11.0 billion recorded in February. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity added by banks, independents, and captives in a given month. While the headline index has declined for two consecutive months, total new volumes hit their highest quarterly dollar amount ever at the start of the year. New volume growth is on pace to exceed its 2024 annual total, which was the largest dollar amount ever recorded in the survey’s history. Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals grew by $3.4 billion, down 17.7% from February. December through February saw the strongest total small deal volume dollar amount ever, and the March dollar amount is just under its trailing 12-month average of $3.6 billion. Activity at banks and independents rose by 2.3%, while new volumes declined by a modest 0.2% at captives. New deals at independents plummeted 34.3% from the prior month but were only down 0.3% year over year. The overall credit approval held firm at a high level. The industry-wide average ticked up to 77.2% in March, up 0.1 percentage points from the prior month. Over the last year, the credit approval rate was up 1.1 percentage points. The average small ticket approval rate rose for only the second time in six months, to 79.8%. The rate at banks dropped by 0.2 percentage points, while the rate at captives rose 0.8 percentage points, and the rate at independents was unchanged. The delinquency rate edged up, and the loss rate rose further. The overall delinquency rate rose to 2.0% in March, in line with its average over the last two years. The delinquency rate at banks rose by 0.4 percentage points, while the rate at captives fell by 0.21 percentage points. The rate at independents was up 0.04 percentage points. The overall loss rate increased by 0.07 percentage points to 0.62%. The average loss rate for small ticket deals also rose to 0.93%, driven predominantly by a single survey respondent. The average loss rate for all three industry groups increased from the prior month. Industry Confidence The Monthly Confidence Index tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index in April is 54.6, a decrease from 61.0 in March, and the lowest level since May 2025. “Tariffs may have stalled decision-making in 2025, but 2026 is all about execution,” said John Paradisi, Chief Executive Officer of Libertas Funding. “We are seeing strong activity across construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, where businesses are moving on expansion projects and equipment upgrades that require both equipment financing and working capital. Geopolitical uncertainty, including the situation in Iran, continues to pressure supply chains and input costs, making access to flexible working capital even more critical. As borrowing costs remain elevated, businesses are prioritizing speed and access to capital over cost alone. Working capital has become the bridge that keeps large-scale projects moving forward on schedule.” Technical Note New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.

The post CapEx Finance Index March 2026: Q1 New Equipment Demand at Record High appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG names Young as Chair of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:59:26 +0000

Coming off the success of the 2026 show, CONEXPO-CON/AGG has announced Scott Young, Head of Sales Region North America, Volvo Construction Equipment, as the chair of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029. Young has been an active participant in the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ leadership for many years, serving on the association’s boards and committees. “The 2026 show set new benchmarks for innovation, engagement, and industry collaboration,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff. “We are thrilled to welcome Scott Young as Chair for 2029. His vision and leadership will help us build on that momentum and deliver an even more impactful event for the construction community.” “I’m honored to work with AEM in this role as our industry undergoes a historic transformation,” said Young. “CONEXPO-CON/AGG is one of the world’s largest platforms to showcase innovations that help our customers navigate change, overcome challenges, and improve performance. We’ll build on this year’s success and look ahead to 2029.” Scott Young currently serves as Head of Sales Region North America for Volvo Construction Equipment, a position he has held since September 1, 2023. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 25 years in the construction equipment industry at both Ingersoll Rand and Volvo. In his previous role, Scott served as Head of Uptime, where he led teams to implement new technologies and business models focused on services and product support, in partnership with the Volvo CE dealer network. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, and an Executive MBA from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

The post CONEXPO-CON/AGG names Young as Chair of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029 appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

U.S. Distribution and Supply Chain Sector Records 179 New Capital Projects in March 2026, Driven by Warehouse Construction and Equipment Upgrades

Sales Leads — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:24:00 +0000

Industrial SalesLeads released its March 2026 planned capital project spending report for the Distribution and Supply Chain industry, tracking North American capital project activity across new facility construction, expansions, and equipment modernization projects. This month’s research confirms 179 new planned projects across the Distribution and Supply Chain sector, led by 87 renovations and equipment upgrades, 67 new construction starts, and 28 expansions. The following are selected highlights on new Distribution Center and Warehouse construction news. Distribution and Supply Chain – By Project Type Distribution/Fulfillment Centers – 21 New Projects Industrial Warehouse – 158 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain- By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 67 New Projects Expansion – 28 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 87 New Projects Closing – 5 New Projects Top Industrial Equipment Categories in Demand 95%–96% of the identified industrial projects are searching for Compressed Air Systems, Lighting, HVAC Equipment, Mechanical Construction, Fire Protection Equipment, and Networking/Security Equipment. 70%–77% of the identified industrial projects are searching for Material Handling/Storage Equipment, Lift Trucks, Loading Dock Equipment, and Conveyors. 52% of the identified industrial projects are searching for Floor Coatings, cranes and hoists. 52% of the identified industrial projects are searching for Cranes and Hoists. Distribution and Supply Chain – By Project Location (Top 5 States) New York – 13 California – 12 Texas – 12 Florida – 11 Indiana – 10 Largest Planned Project During the month of March, our research team identified 5 new Distribution and Supply Chain facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by NewCold, who is planning to invest $500 million for the construction of a warehouse facility in LEBANON, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Top 10 Tracked Distribution and Supply Chain Project Opportunities Alabama: Automotive component MFR. is planning to invest $430 million for the construction of a 1 million sf manufacturing and warehouse facility in GADSDEN, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Florida: Global online retailer is planning to invest $200 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 1.3 million SF distribution center at 27505 S.W. 132nd Ave. in HOMESTEAD, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2028. Louisiana: Food products distributor is planning to invest $110 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their distribution center in PEARL RIVER, LA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Renovations are expected to start in early 2027, with completion slated for late 2027. Ohio: Specialty carbon product MFR. is planning to invest $100 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their processing and warehouse facility in COLUMBUS, OH. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for early 2028. Michigan: Municipality is planning to invest $45 million for the construction of a 100,000 SF office, warehouse, and maintenance campus at 3006 Douglas Ave. in KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2026. They will consolidate their operations upon completion in Summer 2028. South Carolina: Specialty additive MFR. is planning to invest $40 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a warehouse, office, laboratory, and manufacturing facility at 101 Connexial Blvd. in GRAY COURT, SC. They will relocate their operations upon completion in late 2027. Rhode Island: Logistics service provider is expanding and planning to invest $34 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 65,000 SF warehouse facility at 1 All American Way in NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for early 2027. Georgia: HVAC equipment distributor is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently acquired 1 million SF distribution center in ATLANTA, GA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Illinois: Logistics service provider is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently leased 992,000 SF warehouse facility at 9130 W. 55th St. in MCCOOK, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Pennsylvania: Automated logistics and transportation company is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently leased 973,000 SF distribution center at 2300 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in MORRISVILLE, PA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence, IMI identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

The post U.S. Distribution and Supply Chain Sector Records 179 New Capital Projects in March 2026, Driven by Warehouse Construction and Equipment Upgrades appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

MODEX 2026 breaks records and announces expanded MODEX 2028

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:28:00 +0000

MODEX, the largest event for manufacturing and supply chain professionals in 2026, concluded its most successful edition to date, breaking records for attendance, exhibition, and global participation. The 2026 event, sponsored by MHI, welcomed 50,000 registered visitors from every U.S. state and 132 countries, alongside 1,057 exhibitors covering 630,000 net square feet and representing all segments of the material handling, logistics, and transportation industry, from traditional, manual equipment to digital, automated systems, robotics, AI-connected supply chain orchestration technologies, and last-mile logistics. MODEX attendees represented manufacturing and supply chain decision‑makers from the world’s largest enterprises, including Fortune 1000 companies, the top 100 retailers, and the top 100 consumer goods firms. The milestone turnout at MODEX 2026 underscores the growing importance of supply chain agility, innovation, and collaboration amidst the growing uncertainty in today’s global economy. “This year’s show exceeded every expectation,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “From groundbreaking product launches to standing‑room‑only educational sessions, the energy on the show floor reflected an industry that is rapidly evolving—and eager to connect, collaborate, and lead.” The event featured 189 educational sessions, including four keynote presentations from industry executives and thought leaders, and hands‑on demonstrations showcasing emerging technologies such as AI‑driven planning, warehouse automation, real‑time visibility platforms, and sustainable logistics solutions. Attendees praised the show’s ability to blend strategic insight with practical, real‑world applications. “The value of this event is unmatched,” said Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer of MHI. “Attendees left with actionable ideas, new partners, and a clear view of what’s next for the supply chain industry.” In addition to thought leadership, Modex delivered measurable business results. Exhibitors reported strong lead generation, high‑quality conversations with supply chain decision‑makers from the Fortune 500 and top retailers and consumer goods firms, as well as expanded international exposure, making the event a critical growth platform for equipment and technology providers. The show also featured an Industry Night event with comedian Jim Gaffigan. That event featured the presentation of several awards, including: The 2026 MHI Innovation Awards: Best IT Innovation – ProGlove Best New Innovation – Dexory Best Robotics Innovation – Anyware Robotics Inc Best Sustainability Innovation – Flux Power MHI also announced the recipient of the 2026 MHI StartUp Award during MHI Industry Night. The StartUp Award honors an emerging company selected from participants in the Modex 2026 StartUp Pavilion, an area of the show floor dedicated to showcasing breakthrough supply chain technologies from early-stage innovators. This year’s StartUp Award winner is Fork Mule. Building on this year’s momentum, MHI announced that MODEX will return to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on April 3-5, 2028, and launch a new MODEX West event to be held October 18-20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with plans to expand programming, global partnerships, and interactive experiences. Information on both 2028 events will be launched on MODEXshow.com in the coming months. ProMat 2027 will be held in Chicago’s McCormick Place from April 19-21, 2027.

The post MODEX 2026 breaks records and announces expanded MODEX 2028 appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

The PTDA Foundation Hits Midpoint Milestone as Workforce Initiatives Expand

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:59:23 +0000

At the halfway point of its annual Fund Drive, the PTDA Foundation is advancing a series of workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) talent pipeline—expanding access to education, increasing career awareness and recognizing emerging and established industry leaders. As demand for skilled talent continues to grow, the Foundation remains focused on supporting PT/MC employers through targeted, high-impact programs, including: Expanded Scholarship Opportunities Building on continued demand and success of the 2025 scholarship program, the Foundation has increased total scholarship funding to $39,000. This includes eight student scholarships and six scholarships for current PT/MC employees pursuing industry-related education. A new partnership with Scholarships360.org is extending the reach of the student program, connecting with a broader pool of prospective talent. Applications for both programs are open through June 1. Career Awareness Through “Start Your Career. Move the World.” The Foundation’s campaign continues to bring PT/MC careers to life through a dynamic recruitment video highlighting real-world pathways, hands-on roles and the impact of working in the industry. Nearly 30 PT/MC companies have already taken advantage of this free resource by having it branded by the Foundation for their recruitment efforts. A second video is currently underway and will showcase the wide range of career opportunities available across the industry, from engineering and sales to maintenance and beyond. Recognizing and Elevating Industry Leaders With a newly streamlined application process, the Foundation’s annual awards program is making it easier to recognize excellence across the PT/MC community. The Robert K. Callahan Advancing Leaders Award honors rising professionals demonstrating leadership and industry impact, while the Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional woman whose achievements reflect professional excellence, resilience and a commitment to inspiring others. Nominations are open through May 16. These efforts are supported by strong industry engagement. Nearly 200 individuals and companies have contributed to the 2026 Fund Drive through direct contributions or with their PTDA member dues. These contributions bring the PTDA Foundation to more than 50 percent of its fundraising goal and reinforce a shared commitment to building a skilled, sustainable workforce. The PTDA Foundation, whose work is funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982 to champion education, outreach and research initiatives relevant to the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry that enhances the knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity for industry stakeholders. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation; contributions are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by law.

The post The PTDA Foundation Hits Midpoint Milestone as Workforce Initiatives Expand appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

MODEX 2026 Delivers Insights, Innovation, and Connection

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:01:10 +0000

The material handling industry came together in Atlanta, Georgia for MODEX 2026, one of the leading trade shows for supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics professionals. Hosted by MHI, the event showcased the latest innovations shaping the future of the industry while bringing together thousands of professionals from across the country with over 1,100 exhibitors. Throughout the week, MHEDA offered a dedicated space for members to connect, recharge, and engage away from the show floor. The MHEDA Lounge served as a central hub where members could take a break, hold informal meetings, and have meaningful conversations with industry peers. The connections continued off the show floor during the MHEDA Networking Reception, held on April 14. The event brought together hundreds of industry professionals for an evening of conversation, collaboration, and relationship building. Sponsored by Stow Group, the reception created a relaxed setting where members and industry peers could exchange ideas, strengthen existing relationships, and make new connections. We sincerely appreciate everyone who joined us and contributed to making the evening such a great success! Looking ahead, MHI announced an expansion of its exhibition portfolio with the launch of MODEX West, debuting October 18–20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The addition of a West Coast event reflects growing demand for expanded access to supply chain innovation and creates new opportunities for industry professionals to connect across regions. MHEDA is excited to see this continued growth and looks forward to supporting and participating in future events, as the expanded MODEX platform provides even more opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and gain insights that support stronger business decisions across the industry. MODEX continues to be a key gathering place for the industry, and MHEDA is proud to support its members by creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and meaningful engagement throughout the event. A huge thank you to MHI for putting together a world-class event.

The post MODEX 2026 Delivers Insights, Innovation, and Connection appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

Show me the value, or I’ll show you the door

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:53 +0000

How do you make a sales presentation? No, I don’t mean warm up, probe, present, overcome objections, close. I mean, what’s the big picture of your sales presentation? What’s the content of your sales presentation? And most importantly, how are you certain that you engage your prospect in your presentation? What makes your sales presentation different AND compelling? CONSIDER THIS: In order to engage your prospect, or your probable purchaser, or even your customer, there must be some form of interest or perceived value on their part. If there’s no interest or perceived value, there’s no engagement. There are many obvious customer-based values. For example, they need what you’re selling, you have it in stock, or no one else does. But that’s too easy. And that situation hardly ever exists. CONSIDER THIS: If you had a customer-based value proposition every time you went into a sales call, and that value proposition had REAL VALUE for the customer, it would give you a consistent approach, consistent engagement, and a consistent competitive advantage that takes price off the table as an issue. If you do it right, it can even eliminate, or level the playing field, of “three bids.” Most companies have created the mythical term added value. It’s a term that I have never understood. It usually is a bunch of gibberish containing very little value, and if I asked you to describe what added value is, or define what added value is, you probably couldn’t. WHAT IS A VALUE PROPOSITION? Let me define each element. Once this value proposition is broken down, you will clearly see how your sales presentation needs to be restructured so the customer knows what’s in it for them. And oh, by the way, if you’re using a “system of selling” or trying to “find the pain” and you’re not comfortable with it, this may be an alternative to win the sale without any manipulation whatsoever. The value proposition is broken into 5.5 strategic parts. Each part stands alone, but each part is critical to the other because they build momentum, reduce perceived risk, and ultimately create a buying atmosphere. Here are the components: The value that your company provides. This is an opportunity for you to talk about your company in terms of what it stands for, how it partners, how it has produced for others, and how it serves others. It’s a chance to talk about capability and loyalty without mentioning the words integrity or ethics (in my opinion, if you have to say those words, you probably are just the opposite). The value your product or service provides. The best way to present product value is through the technique known as ‘similar situations.’ This gives you the opportunity to talk about how your product or service has performed successfully in other environments. Be aware that it’s not yet time to use testimonials. Similar situations are: you telling a story about other successful users. Testimonials can be used at the end of your presentation to close the deal. The value that you (the salesperson) provide. If you understand that the first sale that’s made is the salesperson, the first sale that’s made is you, then you can understand the impact that this piece of the value proposition can play. If you bring no value to the table, then your price will dominate the discussion and the outcome. Your values include industry knowledge, product knowledge, customer knowledge, a desire to serve, timeliness, and an overall understanding of how your customer can best utilize your product or service for THEIR benefit. You have to go beyond a salesman to a consultant. You have to go beyond a salesman to a business friend. You have to go beyond salesman to being a resource. By combining those three elements, consultant, resource, friend, you achieve the most coveted business position possible: you become a trusted advisor. The value of a short-term incentive. Everyone wants to feel like they get a ‘deal’ when they buy something. Every infomercial on television ends its sales presentation with some form of “Ginsu knife” or buy two for the price of one. Short-term incentives are designed to create greater buyer urgency. In your case, it may be six months of free service, a starter kit of supplies, a factory rebate, an added piece of equipment at a reduced cost, or something that enhances your offer on a one-time basis to get that customer to buy now. The danger in any short-term incentive is that the customer will want it again. Your job as a master salesperson is to ensure you have spent enough time communicating that this is a one-time-only offer. About the Author: Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of twelve best-selling books, including The Sales Bible, The Little Red Book of Selling, and The Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude. His real-world ideas and content are also available as online courses at www.GitomerLearningAcademy.com. For information about training and seminars, visit www.Gitomer.com, email Jeffrey at salesman@gitomer.com, or call him at 704 333-1112.

The post Show me the value, or I’ll show you the door appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

2026 MHEDA Annual Convention & Exhibitor Showcase: Driving Innovation and Collaboration in the Material Handling Industry

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:16:02 +0000

The 2026 Annual Convention & Exhibitor Showcase hosted by the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) promises to be one of the most significant gatherings for professionals in the material handling sector. Scheduled for May 2–6, 2026, the event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in the vibrant city of Nashville. Designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and professional development, the convention brings together distributors, suppliers, integrators, and other leaders across the industry. With its theme “Harmony in Motion,” the 2026 convention emphasizes the importance of synergy across people, systems, and technology in the material handling industry. Through keynote presentations, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a dynamic exhibitor showcase, the event is structured to inspire fresh ideas and support the continued growth of businesses within the sector. A Premier Industry Gathering MHEDA’s Annual Convention has long served as a central hub for industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore the latest developments in material handling. The 2026 event continues that tradition by offering an immersive experience for attendees seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Participants will include representatives from companies specializing in industrial trucks, storage and handling equipment, and systems integration. By bringing together a broad cross-section of industry, the convention creates a space where professionals can share best practices, discuss emerging trends, and form valuable partnerships. The event also emphasizes professional growth. Through workshops and keynote sessions led by experts, attendees will gain insights into leadership, customer experience, economic forecasting, and future technologies that could reshape the industry in the years ahead. The Exhibitor Showcase: A Hub for Networking and Industry Connections One of the highlights of the convention is the Exhibitor Showcase, taking place on Monday, May 4, 2026. Featuring more than 90 companies, the showcase provides attendees with an opportunity to connect directly with suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers from across the material handling industry. Designed to encourage conversation and collaboration, the showcase allows distributors and industry professionals to engage with exhibitors, discuss challenges, and explore potential solutions. These face-to-face interactions often lead to valuable insights, new partnerships, and stronger business relationships. Learning From Industry Leaders The 2026 convention also features an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and industry experts who will deliver insights across leadership, customer engagement, economics, and future technology trends. Among the featured speakers are: Jimmy Yeary – Award-winning songwriter and speaker presenting “5 Strategies to Songwriting: Building Valuable Relationships.” His session explores how storytelling and authenticity can strengthen communication and relationships in business. Crystal Washington – Futurist and technology strategist delivering “The Competitive Edge: Spot Trends and Thrive in the Future of Work.” She will discuss how emerging technologies and workplace shifts are shaping the future. Brittany Hodak – Customer experience expert speaking on transforming brands into a “Category of One” by turning customers into passionate advocates. Connor Lokar – Senior forecaster at ITR Economics presenting economic insights designed to help businesses align strategy with market trends. These sessions aim to deliver actionable knowledge that attendees can bring back to their organizations, enabling them to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the marketplace. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities Beyond the formal presentations, the convention offers a wide range of networking opportunities designed to strengthen relationships within the industry. These include: opening and closing parties; networking lunches and social events; interactive breakout sessions and more. These interactions allow professionals from different companies and specialties to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that extend beyond the event itself. The Significance of the Theme: “Harmony in Motion” The theme “Harmony in Motion” reflects a key concept in modern material handling operations: success depends on the seamless integration of people, processes, and technology. In today’s logistics and distribution environments, companies must coordinate multiple functions—sales, service, equipment management, inventory systems, and data analytics—to deliver efficient and reliable results. The theme highlights the importance of aligning these components to create a unified approach to business operations. Through its educational sessions and showcase of innovative products, the convention illustrates how collaboration and technological integration can drive performance improvements and long-term growth for companies across the material handling ecosystem. Why the Convention Matters For many industry professionals, the MHEDA Annual Convention is more than just a conference—it is a strategic opportunity to gain insights that can influence business decisions for the year ahead. Key benefits of attending include: Industry knowledge: Learning about emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of material handling. Business connections: Building relationships with distributors, suppliers, and technology providers. Professional development: Gaining leadership and strategic insights from recognized experts. Product discovery: Exploring innovative solutions presented by leading manufacturers and service providers. By combining education, networking, and product exploration in one event, the convention creates a comprehensive experience that supports both individual and organizational growth. Nashville as the Host City Hosting the convention in Nashville adds another dimension to the event experience. Known as “Music City,” Nashville offers a vibrant culture, rich history, and renowned hospitality. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore local attractions, enjoy live music, and experience the city’s dynamic energy while participating in the convention. The Grand Hyatt Nashville provides a central and modern venue for the event, located in the heart of downtown Nashville near entertainment, dining, and cultural landmarks. This setting ensures that both professional and social aspects of the convention are easily accessible for attendees. Looking Ahead As the material handling industry continues to evolve with advancements in automation, data analytics, and supply chain technologies, events like the MHEDA Annual Convention play an essential role in keeping professionals informed and connected. The 2026 convention will serve as a platform for exploring new ideas, strengthening industry relationships, and identifying solutions that help companies remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. With a packed agenda of keynote sessions, an engaging exhibitor showcase, and a collaborative community of industry professionals, the 2026 MHEDA Annual Convention & Exhibitor Showcase stands poised to deliver meaningful insights and opportunities for everyone involved in the material handling industry. For more event information and

The post 2026 MHEDA Annual Convention & Exhibitor Showcase: Driving Innovation and Collaboration in the Material Handling Industry appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

165 New Industrial Manufacturing Planned Industrial Project Reports – March 2026 Recap

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:43 +0000

Industrial SalesLeads released its March 2026 planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry, tracking North American capital project activity across new plant construction, facility expansions, and equipment modernization projects. This month’s research confirms 165 new planned projects across the Industrial Manufacturing sector, led by 82 renovations and equipment upgrades, 56 expansions, and 39 new construction starts. The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 140 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 75 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 39 New Projects Expansion – 56 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 82 New Projects Plant Closings – 14 New Projects Top Industrial Equipment Categories in Demand 85% of the identified industrial projects are seeking compressed air systems, lighting, HVAC, Material handling / Storage Equipment, lift trucks, and heat exchangers. 79% to 84% of the identified industrial projects are seeking air emissions control equipment, manufacturing equipment, control systems & instrumentation, loading dock equipment, conveyors, and cranes & hoists. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) Ohio – 15 Texas – 15 Indiana – 12 Wisconsin – 10 Alabama – 9 Michigan – 8 New York – 7 South Carolina – 7 California – 6 North Carolina – 6 Kentucky – 5 Largest Planned Project During the month of March, our research team identified 26 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Saronic Technologies, which plans to invest $3.2 billion to construct a manufacturing facility in BROWNSVILLE, TX. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects These 10 projects span from automotive, battery technology, consumer products, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with a combined investment value exceeding $8.6B, reflecting broad-based capital commitment in March 2026. GEORGIA: A pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $2 billion in the construction of a 460,000 SF. processing and office campus in DACULA, GA. The project is in the early design phase. Watch Industrial SalesLeads for updates. MASSACHUSETTS: A consumer products manufacturer is planning to invest $1 billion to construct a manufacturing, research, and office facility at 232 A St. in BOSTON, MA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. TENNESSEE: A battery component manufacturer is considering investing $1 billion to construct a manufacturing facility on West 19th Street in CHATTANOOGA, TN. Watch Industrial SalesLeads for updates. NORTH CAROLINA: A steel manufacturer, A Steel, is planning to invest $875 million to construct a 1.6 million SF. manufacturing facility in COEFIELD, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. KENTUCKY: An automotive manufacturer is planning to invest an additional $800 million in expansion and equipment upgrades at its manufacturing facility in GEORGETOWN, KY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. OKLAHOMA: A tissue paper manufacturer is planning to invest $775 million in a 1 million sf expansion and equipment upgrades at its manufacturing and warehouse facility in INOLA, OK. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Spring 2028. PENNSYLVANIA: A medical isotopes company is planning to invest $450 million in the construction of a 250,000 SF. processing facility in PHILADELPHIA, PA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2029. ILLINOIS: A transportation equipment manufacturer is planning to invest $450 million in renovations and equipment upgrades at two manufacturing facilities in JOLIET, IL. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2027. ALABAMA: An automotive component manufacturer is planning to invest $430 million to construct a 1 million-square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility in GADSDEN, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. OHIO: An automotive component manufacturer is planning to invest $313 million in a 215,000 sf expansion and equipment upgrades at its manufacturing facility in BELLEVUE, OH. Completion is slated for Fall 2027. Want to know the deadline and contact information for these or hundreds of projects going on? Click here. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence (IMI) identifies timely insights into companies planning significant capital investments, such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization, and plant closings, in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension of your sales team, is designed to drive growth by generating qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

The post 165 New Industrial Manufacturing Planned Industrial Project Reports – March 2026 Recap appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

MODEX 2028 expands to two exhibitions

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:32:48 +0000

The officials at MHI made a special announcement in regard to MODEX 2028 this morning. They are expanding the reach of MODEX by creating a new exhibition in Las Vegas—MODEX West. The new trade show will debut October 18-20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This location was chosen to facilitate the continued growth of MHI’s trade show portfolio and to expand the reach to supply chain professionals. MHI CEO John Paxton affirmed that this event is the association’s response to the needs of both exhibitors and attendees, who expressed interest in having a new market access opportunity that provides even greater penetration into the enormous supply chain audience, both on the West Coast and internationally. “MODEX West will extend and expand the strength, relevance, and value of the MODEX brand,” Paxton said. “The goal is to deliver the kind of unmatched show experience that MHI attendees and exhibitors have come to expect at both MODEX and ProMat, which includes a complete range of technologies physically on display, hands-on solution demos, leading-edge education delivered by industry experts, and unrivaled connections to the supply chain community.”

The post MODEX 2028 expands to two exhibitions appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

American Ladder Institute promotes Ladder Safety all year

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:42:51 +0000

National Ladder Safety Month is over, but safe practices must go on As another National Ladder Safety Month comes to a close, event organizers remind all ladder users that safety is a year-long commitment. The American Ladder Institute (ALI), the only approved developer of safety standards for the U.S. ladder industry, sponsors National Ladder Safety Month every March to remind professionals and DIYers of the importance of always being safe and mindful while using ladders. This year was the 10th anniversary, observed with five themed weeks that focused on all aspects of ladder safety. ALI reminds all ladder users that safety begins well before the first step. There are safety considerations to be made through all phases of ladder usage: choosing the ladder, pre-use inspection, setting it up, climbing, and even during transport and storage. Helpful tips can be found all year long here. Ladder safety training sanctioned by ALI can be found here. The free training includes video classes and other coursework that can stand alone or complement a company’s existing safety programs. As National Ladder Safety Month comes to a close, ALI also reminds industry professionals that the 2026 Ladder Safety Training & Citations Survey remains open through April 17. The quick, anonymous survey helps identify trends in ladder use, training practices, injuries, and OSHA citations, with findings that help inform future safety education and industry initiatives. Complete the survey here. Ladders are commonly used tools, yet they’re often taken for granted. Ladder safety remains a critical and preventable issue on jobsites across the country and at home. ALI urges contractors, construction crews, safety professionals, and DIYers to always pay attention to training, equipment inspection, and safe climbing practices. National Ladder Safety Month is an opportunity for every ladder user to take the time to review procedures and recommit to being safe. It’s an opportunity that should be seized all year long. Helping to motivate safety and the success of National Ladder Safety Month this year were these sponsors: Batavia Services, Inc., Builders Mutual, COSCO, Fasteners Direct, Goshen Stamping, Guarantee Electrical Company, Gutter Saver PRO Inc., T. Hasegawa USA Inc., International Masonry Institute, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Liberty Wire Johnstown, Little Giant, Louisville Ladder, Lynn Ladder & Scaffolding, National Association of Home Builders, New England Ladder, Risk Retention Services, Inc., RT Specialty, Strongwell, Tricam Industries/Gorilla Ladders, Valley Fastener Group, and Werner Co.

The post American Ladder Institute promotes Ladder Safety all year appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

Master Plan Communications promotes Kirsten Brundahl to VP

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:15:29 +0000

Master Plan Communications, Inc. (MPC) has announced that Kirsten Brundahl has been promoted to Vice President. Brundahl brings more than 25 years of PR agency experience to the senior management role and has been a key part of MPC’s success since its founding. As the agency’s first Vice President, Brundahl will oversee all client accounts and operations. “As a mentor to the MPC staff, and a trusted advisor and strategist to our clients, I’m confident Kirsten’s expertise and grit will serve her well in this important role,” said Ashton Maxfield, founder and president of MPC. “MPC’s continued success for our clients is dependent on this VP role maintaining the strategic counsel, exceptional client service, and the MPC crew culture.” MPC exists to provide value to our clients and the agency is grateful for the long-term relationships it maintains with them. Big Joe Forklifts has worked with Kirsten for five years, and the company’s Director of Marketing, Alyssa Stephens, noted that, “Kirsten’s elevation to VP is a reflection of the extraordinary value she brings to every client relationship she holds. Over the years, she has been an indispensable partner to our team – providing sharp strategic counsel, steady leadership in high-pressure situations, and a level of commitment that consistently goes above and beyond. She has helped shape how we communicate and positioned our company for lasting success. This promotion is richly deserved, and I have no doubt she will excel in this new role.” Consistency, perseverance, loyalty, and expertise are qualities that can only be demonstrated over many years. Kirsten has demonstrated her leadership strength at MPC since 2012. Prior to working at MPC, Brundahl served as account director at Global Results Communications, Senior Account Supervisor at Golin Harris International Limited, and an account supervisor at Bock Communications. As VP of MPC, Brundahl will focus on building the company’s position as the leader in PR and marketing services for warehousing, data center, and outdoor companies.

The post Master Plan Communications promotes Kirsten Brundahl to VP appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

LogiMAT 2026 hits all-time highs across the board

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:50:41 +0000

LogiMAT 2026 wraps up on a high note, drawing a record number of exhibitors and visitors, filling a bigger-than-ever exhibit space, and offering an unprecedented international profile. The volume of contracts signed and orders placed further strengthens LogiMAT’s brand as the industry’s signature event, where professionals come together to do business LogiMAT 2026, the International Trade Show for Intralogistics Solutions and Process Management, draws to a close after three days, hitting new all-time highs across all key performance indicators. “Given the challenging economic conditions around the world, we didn’t dare hope that LogiMAT 2026 would scale new heights across the board,” concedes LogiMAT Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty from Munich-based event organizer EUROEXPO. “It seems that the market has come to realize the wisdom of investing countercyclically during times of crisis, and LogiMAT has always offered a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations and state-of-the-art solutions.” “PASSION FOR DETAILS – Discover the Difference” was the theme that drew a record 1,671 exhibitors from 46 countries, including 296 presenting at LogiMAT for the first time. Together, they transformed 68,969 square meters of net exhibit space across ten fully-booked exhibit halls at the Messe Stuttgart convention center into a platform for the latest innovations in efficient intralogistics. Even before the doors opened, exhibitors had already announced over 120 global or European product debuts. The percentage of exhibitors from outside Germany rose to 37% (from 35.9% last year), of whom one in five came from Asia or elsewhere overseas. LogiMAT 2026 attracted a total of 69,856 visitors over three days, up 4,137 from last year and well above the previous high-water mark of 67,420 from 2024. In a difficult macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, this year’s LogiMAT proved once again to be the pivotal international industry event of the year. “LogiMAT serves as a networking hub, information platform, and showcase for both the industry and working professionals,” explains Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty. “Given the show’s status as a bellwether of trends and the industry as a whole, these new record figures serve as a testament to the industry’s resilience and a vote of confidence in difficult times.” The leading product groups this year, based on exhibitor responses with multiple responses allowed, came from the industry segments of material handling and warehousing technology (38.2%); software for simulation, warehousing systems, and inventory management (37.1%); industrial trucks and accessories (34.8%); information and communications technology (30.2%); and automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (28.2%). An analysis conducted by the independent market research institute Wissler & Partner in Basel found that more than half of visiting professionals (56%) held decision-making authority in their companies, and 35.9% came to Stuttgart with specific investment projects in mind. A total of 25.3% of visitors reported awarding a contract during the show or planned to do so immediately after the event. As a result, many exhibitors reported new sales in Stuttgart. Sensor manufacturer Sonair from Norway, for example, a winner of this year’s LogiMAT BEST PRODUCT award, announced a deal for the first deployment of its innovative new ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging) sensor in a ready-to-ship autonomous robot. Wiferion announced an agreement with SEER Robotics of China to provide inductive charging technology for robots. The Brabender Group and the software provider PTV Logistics signed a partnership agreement. The Dutch systems integrator Syncore and the Stuttgart-based AI robotics company Sereact have agreed to roll out 100 AI-controlled robotic systems. “LogiMAT is not just a platform for showcasing innovations and state-of-the-art solutions; it’s also a working trade show where professionals come to forge business partnerships and strategic alliances,” remarks Exhibition Director Ruchty. Broken down by sector, 55.2% of visitors work in the manufacturing sector and 14.2% in wholesale and retail. Most visitors (42%) traveled over 300 km to attend LogiMAT 2026, with over one in four (26.7%) coming from abroad – an increase of 3.6% in foreign participation that underscores the growing international character of LogiMAT attendees. LogiMAT emerged as a trendsetter this year by incorporating the topic of “humanoid robotics” early on. Several exhibitors showed off their initial developments not only as eye-catchers but also in intralogistics settings, and Fraunhofer IML even presented a recent study on humanoid robotics at LogiMAT. The topic was also featured in the accompanying program of events, which was expanded to incorporate a second LogiMAT Arena in the ICS hall. Organizers also succeeded in addressing the shortage of skilled workers with three targeted programs: The Young Innovators initiative, the introduction and pitches of the finalists in the Startup Competition, and the LogiMAT CareerDay on the final day all shined a spotlight on emerging startups, bold innovators, and intralogistics specialists. To complement the successful CareerDay, which aimed to enhance the image of intralogistics and attract young talent and people entering the industry from other career fields, a study on the world of (intra)logistics careers commissioned by LogiMAT and Die Wirtschaftsmacher was also published. Its results highlight how “intralogistics made in Germany” can drive success and boost exports. “An engaged group of investment-ready visitors and satisfied exhibitors has yielded an exceptional overall outcome for LogiMAT 2026,” concludes Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty. “This serves as an incentive for the entire EUROEXPO team to build on the factors that have fueled this success so that we can return next year with another innovative event for the industry.”

The post LogiMAT 2026 hits all-time highs across the board appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.

Dematic FIRST® Scholarship Applications Open

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:45:09 +0000

THE OPPORTUNITY: Dematic is committed to supporting the upcoming generation of science and technology leaders and innovators. Since 2008, Dematic has partnered with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing STEM education. In the last seven years, Dematic has invested nearly $500,000 in local FIRST teams, events, and student scholarships. As part of this continued partnership, Dematic is awarding: Two $5,000 scholarships 10 $1,000 scholarships THE APPLICATION: Applications are open from April 10, 2026 to May 31, 2026 and can be submitted online. Students need to upload: A high school transcript for graduation verification or expected graduation date. A letter of recommendation from an adult mentor, FIRST team coach, teacher, or guidance counselor (recommended, not required). An essay (max. 1,000 words) addressing the following topic: REBUILT — Reimagining Solutions in Our Community The 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition theme, REBUILT, challenges students to look at what already exists and imagine how it could be repurposed, improved, or rebuilt to solve real problems. Engineering is not only about creating new machines; it is about understanding systems, resources, and people and using STEM to create meaningful change. Scholarship applicants are asked to identify a problem or challenge within their community. Community may be defined at any scale, including one’s school, neighborhood, town, state, or even the nation. This problem should be something that needs to be fixed, improved, or redesigned rather than completely replaced. Applicant essays should explore how this challenge could be addressed by modernizing, rebuilding, or repurposing to extend the lifecycle of existing resources. WHO: To be considered for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria: Participated in a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) or a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC®) Team during high school. Applied or admitted to a postsecondary institution (including trade schools) as a full- or part-time student. Applicants do not need to be admitted at the time of application. Pursuing a post-secondary degree or certification at a North American academic institution. STEM degrees and certifications are preferred. Must not be a previous Dematic FIRST Scholarship winner as they are ineligible to win again. Open to all undergraduate students for Fall 2026. WHEN: Applications will open for submission on April 10, 2026 and will close on May 31, 2026.

The post Dematic FIRST® Scholarship Applications Open appeared first on Material Handling Wholesaler.