Industry News

Streamlight Launches Ultra-bright MegaStream HP USB

Streamlight announced the launch of the MegaStream HP USB, the new addition to the Stream series of handheld flashlights.

E-Z LOK Expands Line of Heat Stake Inserts

E-Z LOK has expanded its E-Z Press line with stainless steel and brass inserts, while E-Z Sonic added stainless steel inserts.

Acme Tools Expands in Minnesota

Acme Tool has opened its fourth retail store in Minnesota.

ABC Counters Judge’s Injunction on PLA Agreements

The Associated Builders and Contractors has issued a statement disagreeing with a U.S. District Court ruling related to project labor agreement mandates.

JLG Upgrades Low-Level Access Line

Continuing to seek improvements in its products, JLG Industries has introduced the new JLG 1230P push-around lift as part of an overall upgrade of its low-level access products.

Blue Diamond Introduces Hydraulic Rock Rake for Land Preparation

Blue Diamond Attachments has unveiled its skid steer hydraulic rock rake, an advanced ground preparation attachment designed to remove rocks and debris, level terrain, and prepare seedbeds.

Festool Launches First Cordless Sander with Integrated Light

Festool has announced the release of its Cordless Random Orbit Sander with integrated LED lights, the ETCS 2 125/150.

Wright Unveils New Line of Cushioned-Grip Nut Drivers

Wright has unveiled a new line cushioned-grip nut drivers.

Milwaukee Tool Reaches 100K+ Workers During 2025 Construction Safety Week

Each year, more than 150,000 construction workers are injured on the job in the U.S., a reminder that even as the industry navigates challenges like rising material costs and shifting trade policies, the protection of frontline workers must remain a top priority.

Streamlight Appoints Regional Sales Manager

Streamlight announced the appointment of Austin Hazek to regional sales manager for the Industrial/Fire division, focused on the Great Lakes/Eastern Canada region.

NIBCO Promotes Figuly to East Region Wholesale Sales Director

NIBCO has announced the promotion of Paul Figuly to director, wholesale sales-east.

B&F Fastener Supply Rebrnds as BFirst Industrial

Minnesota-based B&F Fastener Supply has rebranded as BFirst Industrial, following the Northern States Supply acquisition in June 2023.

Morse Enhances Sales Team with Promotion, New Hire

The M. K. Morse Company recently announced the promotion of Tim Lee to director industrial sales, and the hiring of Crystal Jones as regional sales manager, West in the commercial division.

Coxreels Exceeds Recommended Salt Spraying Test Hours

Due to its numerous properties and, specifically, its corrosion resistance, powder coating is used for many applications in the industrial sector.

MAX USA Launches Battery-Powered Rebar Tying Tool with Largest Jaw Size

MAX USA Corp. has launched the RB823T, the newest addition to its TWINTIER platform.

ARA, Toro Foundations Complete Project at Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville

The American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation donated equipment and volunteers to clean up and transform the seven-acre property of the Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mi-T-M Unveils ePowerStation

Mi-T-M Corporation has unveiled the ePowerStation, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas generators.

Streamlight Recognizes Holt & McArdle Associates With Sales Award

Streamlight Inc. has named Holt & McArdle Associates as 2024 Sales Rep Agency of the Year for the Industrial and Fire Markets.

JLG Introduces ES1930M Micro-Sized Scissor Lift

JLG Industries is entering the fast-growing micro-sized scissor lift market with the launch of the new JLG  ES1930M electric model.

Complete a System with Latest Additions to Viega's Valve Portfolio

Viega North America has announced the addition of globe, wafer check, and butterfly valves to its MegaPress and ProPress product portfolio.

Diablo Unlocks Productivity with New Metal Demon Drill Bits

Diablo Tools says it has unlocked new levels of productivity in the metal drilling category with a new range of solutions, Metal Demon Drill Bits for mild, hardened and stainless steels.

Bobcat to Showcase Portable Power Equipment  at Washington, D.C. Event

Bobcat Company will be showcasing numerous examples of its jobsite solutions at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) Celebration of Construction on the National Mall, May 14-16, in Washington, D.C.

Construction Job Openings Decreased by 38,000 in March

The construction industry had 248,000 job openings on the last day of March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.

EFJohnson Prioritizes End-to-End Critical Communications Solutions

EF Johnson Technologies has announced a strategic business realignment that designates the company as JVCKENWOOD’s P25 Center of Excellence.

AUSA Parts Ordering Transitions to JLG Online Express Platform

JLG Industries has announced that customers can now source parts for AUSA equipment through the JLG Online Express e-commerce platform.

E-Z LOK Set to Launch Drive Tool Assortment Kit

E-Z LOK is set to launch a drive tool assortment kit containing a variety of tool sizes for installation of E-Z LOK threaded inserts.

JLG Adds Three Features to ClearSky SmartFleet Platform

JLG Industries has added three new features to its ClearSky Smart Fleet IoT (Internet of Things) platform.

NIBCO Announces Next Generation PressACR Jaw

NIBCO has unveiled its PressACR 1 3/8 inch OD jaw that is compatible with the RIDGID and Milwaukee Tool 32kN tools as well as NIBCO’s own PC-280 tool.

Hitachi Global Air Power Launches Prairie Restoration Project at US Headquarters

Hitachi Global Air Power U.S. is restoring a significant portion of its Michigan City, Indiana headquarters’ campus from traditional turf grass to native prairie habitat.

PFERD Rebrands as PFERD TOOLS

PFERD, a pioneer in tool solutions for over 225 years, is rolling out a new brand identity as PFERD TOOLS.

Jepson to Showcase PSDMC 9414 at 2025 STAFDA Convention

Jepson Power, the inventor of dry cutter technology, will showcase its latest metal-cutting innovation in November at the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona.

JLG Unveils Enhanced Website

JLG Industries, Inc. has launched its redesigned corporate website, JLG.com.

FallTech Unveils First Ever Field-Repairable Class 2 SRL

FallTech has launched the FT-R+, reportedly the industry’s first Class 2 leading edge SRL that can be repaired directly on-site.

Lawless Group Promotes Former Fastenal Official as CSO

The Lawless Group has announced the promotion of Rodney Hill, a former Fastenal official, to chief sales officer.

Tsurumi Pump Keeps Stormwater Project on Schedule

Installation of two Tsurumi Pump dewatering pumps were critical in allowing a contractor to continue working on a stormwater shaft rehabilitation project.

STAFDA Reveals Workshop Hosts for Phoenix Convention

A variety of workshops will be available for attendees of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix this fall.

Tariffs Drive Surge in March Construction Prices

The price of construction materials and services used in non-residential construction rose 0.4% in March, the third consecutive monthly increase.

Radians Enters Disposable Glove Market

Radians recently launched 14 new disposable gloves to meet the growing demand for single-use gloves to safeguard against contamination, chemicals or injuries.

SENCO Upgrades Line of Paper Tape Collated Nails to ProHead Design

SENCO has transitioned its 30-degree paper tape nails to its proprietary ProHead offset full round head design.

Viega North America Appoints Chief Customer Officer

Viega North America has appointed Todd Schwarzenbach as the new chief customer officer.

JCB Doubles Texas Factory Size in Reponse to Tariffs 

JCB is doubling the size of a new factory currently under construction in Texas in response to the recently announced tariffs which are anticipated to impact business in the short-term.

Fasteners Inc. Rebrands as Professional Contractor Supply

Nevada-based industrial supplier Fasteners Inc. Southwestern Supply  has unified its brand under the name Professional Contractor Supply.

Evergreen Network Honors 2024 Top Distributors and Suppliers

The Evergreen Supply Network unveiled its distributors and suppliers of the year awards for 2024 during the general session of the 2025 Evergreen Partnership Conference in Dallas.

NIQ Launches AI-Enabled Platform to Provide Global Insights

NielsenIQ announced the global launch of gfknewron Supply Chain, an AI-enabled platform that provides manufacturers, distributors and suppliers with a comprehensive view of the market.

Gorilla Technology Group Inks Agreement with Toyota Material Handling Solutions

Gorilla Technology Group Inc. has announced a landmark partnership with Toyota Material Handling Warehouse Solutions (Thailand), to co-develop intelligent warehouse automation technologies for Toyota's global customers.

Oldcastle APG Hosts High School Level Masonry Contest 

More than 60 high school students competed in Oldcastle APG's annual masonry contest that supports masonry and skilled trades education and career development.

PHP Distribution Unveils New President, Logo

PHP Distribution recently announced the promotion of Marc Smith to the role of president and revealed plans to unveil a refreshed logo.

Construction Industry Experts Uncertain on Tariff Impact

Opinions vary across industry associations and companies as to what impact the new tariffs announced by President Trump may have on the overall construction industry within the United States.

Werner Celebrates 17 Years as the Official Ladder for March Madness

Werner again stood at the heart of an unforgettable college basketball tradition, the net-cutting ceremonies this week to celebrate the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Regional and National Championships.

Festool Launches Limited-Edition DF 500 DOMINO Joiner Giveaway

Festool has launched a giveaway of its Limited-Edition DOMINO Sweepstakes to celebrate the 100 year annivesary of the company.

Construction Spending Up In February Rates of Hires, Job Openings Slump

Construction spending increased 0.7% from January to February, even as contractors kept hiring and job opening rates remained at low levels.

Dun & Bradstreet Acquired by Clearlake Capital Group

An agreement has been signed for the Clearlake Capital Group to acquire Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc., a provider of business decisioning data and analytics.

Shorehill Capital Acquires Georgia PPE Supplier

Estex Manufacturing Company has joined the Shorehill Capital LLC portfolio.

Wiseway Group Acquires Alabama Electrical Supply Company

The Park/Wiseway Supply Group, a lighting, electrical and plumbing supply group,  has acquired Northport Electrical Supply, based in Northport, Alabama.

AD Elects New Division Board Member

AD announced the election of Caleb Messer, CEO of the GME family of companies to the Industrial and Safety – U.S. Divisional Board.

Adventurer Scaturro to Keynote STAFDA Phoenix Convention

Conservationist, geophysicist, and adventurer Pasquale Scaturro is set to keynote the 49th STAFDA Annual Convention and Trade Show, November 9-11, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Simpson Strong-Tie Showcases Range at JLC LIVE

Simpson Strong-Tie will feature a range of hardware, fasteners and tools during the JLC LIVE show, March 27–29 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Equip Exposition Debuts New Education Tracks in 2025 

Equip Exposition unveiled new education tracks at its Education and Certification Center for the 2025 show scheduled for Oct. 21-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

MAX USA Announces 2024 Second Half Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

MAX USA Corp. recently announced the recipients of its 2024 Second Half Awards for Outstanding Achievement.

Stryten Unveils New Batteries at ProMat 2025

Stryten Energy LLC unveiled the M-Series Li710, a new line of Class I and II lithium batteries in a range of voltages, at ProMat 2025 in Chicago.

EZ-LOK Introduces Business Development Rep

E-Z LOK has introduced Grant Govel as its new business development representative.

Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Spot at the 2025 Ridgid Experience

Entries are now being accepted for a chance to win a spot at the 2025 Ridgid Experience, taking place August 13-15 at its global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio.

Streamlight Upgrades Portable Scene Light Output to 10,000 Lumens

Streamlight Inc. has nearly doubled the brightness of its Portable Scene Light and Portable Scene Light EXT work lights.

Do it Best brings Diablo and Milwaukee to True Value Retailers

Do it Best has announced the expansion of Milwaukee Tool and Diablo power tools and accessories into its True Value distribution centers.

ARA Projects 5% Growth in 2025

The American Rental Association (ARA) has released its updated forecast for the United States and Canada equipment rental industries.

C.H. Hanson Unveils New Solution for Marking Tools

C.H. Hanson has introduced a Wooden Lumber Crayon Holder with Cap Sharpener to its extensive line of construction and carpentry marking tools.

Northern Tool + Equipment Launches New Line of Powerhorse Generators

Northern Tool + Equipment has launched a new line of Powerhorse Generators.

Strong Hold Launches Modular Drawer Storage

Louisville-based manufacturer Strong Hold has announced the launch of its own Modular Drawer Storage solution to meet growing market demand.

ABC Says Apprenticeship Programs Are Not Meeting Workforce Needs

The Associated Builders and Contractors latest review of government data found that federal and state government-registered apprenticeship programs (GRAPs) are still failing to meet the construction industry’s workforce development needs.

fischer Launching New Products to Preserve Future of Existing Buildings

fischer is launching its new problem-solvers for one of the greatest challenges faced by the construction market: strengthening and retrofitting existing buildings for their long-term use.

Bobcat to Showcase New Forklifts at ProMat 2025

Bobcat Company is set to showcase two new forklifts at ProMat 2025, March 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Construction Employment Shows Strong Growth in February

The construction industry added 19,000 jobs on net in February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gordon Brush Acquires Mr. LongArm

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc. has announced that it has acquired the assets of Mr. LongArm, a leader in the design and manufacturing of telescoping extension poles and accessories.

SPAX PowerLags Win Silver in Pro Builder Magazine's MVP Awards

SPAX PowerLags Structural Fasteners have been honored in Pro Builder magazine’s seventh annual Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards.

PaintLine Introduces New Mobile Rack Solution

PaintLine has introduced a new mobile rack solution for moving cabinet doors, panels, and face frames, while protecting them from damage.

MAX Senior Sales Executive Announces Retirement

After several years of experience in the construction equipment field, Gary Tharp, a senior sales executive for MAX USA Corp., has retired.

Little Giant Steps Up For National Ladder Safety Month

Little Giant Ladder Systems is again taking a stand for ladder safety by working closely with the American Ladder Institute (ALI) for the annual National Ladder Safety Month this March.

Construction Spending Slips in January With Threat of Tariffs Looming

Construction spending decreased 0.2% from December to January as the industry poised for the potential impacts of proposed tariffs.

Dineen Promoted to Head Global Flashlight Company

Streamlight has announced the promotion of Michael Dineen to the role of president.

ABC Sees Faster Labor Contracts Act as Anti-Worker Policy

Support among workers is divided as to the potential impact of the proposed Faster Labor Contracts Act and what it could mean for workers’ rights.

White Cap Expands with Acquisition of Kris-Con

Kris-Con Supply & Fasteners, a distributor of specialty construction supplies, and safety products has been acquired by White Cap.

Franklin Electric Executes Strategic Acquisition to Enhance Growth in Latin America

Franklin Electric has signed an agreement to acquire Barnes de Colombia S.A., a manufacturer and distributor of industrial and commercial pumps based in Cota, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

InCord Unveils New Workplace Safety Product

InCord, a woman-owned manufacturer of custom safety netting solutions, has announced its latest product, Hatch Nets.

MBW Inc. Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification

MBW Inc., a manufacturer of compaction, concrete finishing, and utility equipment, announced that it has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification.

STAFDA Releases Concierge Customer Service 2.0 Manual

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) continues to provide the most up-to-date research and information with its series of educational training manuals.

Southwire to Open New ATL Distribution Center in West Georgia

Southwire has announced the construction of a new 1.2 million square foot distribution center located in Bremen, Georgia.

Packer Fastener Opens Facility in Ohio

Green Bay, Wisconsin-based threaded fastener and industrial supply distributor Packer Fastener recently announced the opening of its latest distribution center in Columbus, Ohio.

AD Electrical Division Celebrates Milestone

The AD Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), which was formed as a part of the 2024 merger with IMARK Electrical, announced a significant milestone in the merger integration. 

Starrett Appoints New Leadership Team

A former president of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation has been appointed as the new CEO of the now privately held L.S. Starrett Co.

Westlake Ace To Build New Store in Shawnee, Kansas

Westlake Ace Hardware recently announced that they signed an agreement to build a new store in the Monticello Shopping Center in Shawnee, Kansas.

William Hackett  Strengthens Bespoke Capabilities With Acquisition

William Hackett, a supplier of safety-critical lifting, rigging and chain solutions, has strengthened its customer offering through a new acquisition.

Contractors Brace for Tariff Impact on Material Prices

A surge in demand due to potential tariffs is among the factors that pushed construction input prices higher in January. Economists suggest prices could continue to rise.

Custom Equipment Rebrands to AXCS Equipment

Custom Equipment LLC, the manufacturer of Hy-Brid Lifts, has rebranded under the name AXCS Equipment.

Unirope Opens New Training Center

Ontario, Canada-based Unirope Limited, a specialist in the manufacture, distribution, testing, certification, and inspection of high-performance wire rope and rigging products, has opened a new training center at its headquarters in Mississauga.

Weil-McLain Refreshes Its Century-Old Brand

Weil-McLain has unveiled a refreshed vision of its century-old brand to reflect its legacy of dependability and a vision for the future of hydronics.

Rehlko Appoints New Engines President

Eric Fontaine has been appointed to succeed Vincenzo Perrone as president of the Rehlko engines business.

Case Study: Steel King Portable Racks Provide Flexible Warehouse Asset

Selective pallet racking is a versatile, efficient storage system that enables direct access to pallets, making it ideal for operations with diverse inventory needs.

National Distributor Expands Offerings in Michigan, Tennessee

National specialty building materials distributor US LBM has announced the acquisition of building product distributors in Michigan and Tennessee.

Non-Residential Construction Adds Modest 4,400 jobs in January

The construction industry added 4,000 jobs on net in January, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

White Cap Acquires Pacific Northwest Sealant Distributor

Portland, Oregon-based JLA Supply, a distributor of sealants, waterproofing and concrete accessories, has been acquired by White Cap.

Hideki Fujimoto Appointed New President and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power

Hitachi Global Air Power US announced Hideki Fujimoto will be appointed president and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power, effective April 1, 2025.

Caldwell Names Sochocki RUD Regional Sales Manager

The Caldwell Group Inc. has named a new eastern RUD sales manager. 

Safety Hoist Names New Executive VP, COO

Safety Hoist Company hired Jacobus van Zyl as their new Executive Vice President, COO.

JLG's ES2646 Electric-Drive Scissor Lift is Flight Ready with Aviation Package

JLG Industries has introduced a new aviation package for the JLG ES2646 electric-drive scissor lifts, specifically designed for use in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance applications.

Makita Hits Hard at World of Concrete 2025

Makita drew heavy traffic at World of Concrete 2025 in Las Vegas last week with an expansive and interactive booth featuring solutions for concrete, formwork and storage, as well as the world’s first 40V max 16-gauge rebar tying tool.

CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE

The April/March 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!

Our cover story, Four Generations, One Legacy,  for more than 100 years, customers have counted on the family-owned LIttle Hardware Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina to always have the right tools for the job. Now, the fourth generation of the family is leading the company into its next century.

Also in this issue are Industry Updates on Adhesives and Sealants; Anchoring Systems; and Safety Equipment.

This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!

Read the Articles                                       Read the Digital Edition