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Latest In Research
New research highlights how quickly automation is moving from pilot projects to mainstream strategy across US industrial companies. With nearly all firms planning new automation investments — and robotics adoption poised to accelerate — the findings point to a strengthening market for physical automation products, creating fresh opportunities for electrical, motion control and industrial supplies distributors.
Though up year-over-year, September wholesale durable goods sales saw a considerable monthly decline. We break down the Census Bureau's latest monthly Wholesale Trade Report here.
Three dissents underscored a shift toward less appetite for future cuts in 2026.
GEP’s newest volatility index shows spare capacity widening across global supply chains — with North America seeing the steepest pullback. Manufacturers are delaying orders ahead of a key tariff ruling, reinforcing a buyer’s market heading into 2026. Here's a breakdown of the data and analysis of what it means for distributors.
For the third month in 2025, new metalworking machinery orders surpassed $500 million.
Distributor inventories remain elevated after flattish demand this year.
Decreases in two of the PMI’s four demand indicators overwhelmed the gains posted by new export orders and customer inventories.
The government shutdown-delayed figures were in line month-to-month with economists’ expectations, though core inflation was less than expected.
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Monthly sales decelerated from July’s modest gain, while year-over-year sales remained strong, aided by inflation impacts. See how each product sector fared in August.
Commentary in the latest monthly cutting tool report suggests subdued conditions are likely to last through at least 4Q25.
While annual sales expectations tracked down slightly overall from midyear, almost 1 in 3 members anticipate 2025 growth of at least high-single digits.
Overall economic outlook grew more pessimistic vs. October, while expectations for incoming orders had a solid improvement.
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New government data for August manufactured goods matched economists' forecasts and snapped two straight monthly decllines. Get a full breakdown of the figures here.
New Census Bureau figures were some of the first official data released after the U.S. government shutdown ended.
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Wipfli’s new 2026 distribution outlook warns that pricing pressure, supply uncertainty and labor strain are intensifying — and that digital tools now separate those who stay ahead from those who fall behind. Here, we distill the report’s key findings and recommendations.
Despite strong growth in order values, the number of units ordered continues to grow at a slower pace.
