Trade groups, including the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, expressed support for the AI Action Plan unveiled by the White House this week. As part of the plan, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at accelerating AI development. Trump emphasized a commitment to US leadership in AI, highlighting the need to streamline permitting and regulations while securing energy supplies for data centers. The final plan includes several NAW recommendations, such as a federal framework for AI innovation, workforce strategies for AI skills development and clarification of legal barriers to AI adoption.

Uline, a distributor of industrial, shipping and packaging materials, is set to open its 15th facility -- a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Plainfield, Conn. -- in July 2026. The facility will bolster the distributor's reach in the New England area, with the warehouse able to fulfill orders for more than 40,000 products with an 80-truck fleet once it's fully operational in November 2026.

US business activity surged in July, reaching its highest growth rate this year, according to the S&P Global composite output index, which climbed to 54.6 from 52.9. The robust expansion was primarily fueled by gains in the services sector, which helped offset the drag from manufacturing. However, businesses expressed ongoing concerns about the impact of trade policy and rising costs.

AI is set to transform the wholesale distribution industry by replacing outdated systems with AI-powered solutions that can manage data, automate tasks, provide expert-level advice and optimize workflows, writes WayPoint Analytics founder Randy MacLean. The shift will help address gaps left by retiring industry veterans, reduce reliance on manual labor and shift toward digital interactions, says MacLean, noting that distribution-specific large language models include a training library of profit-driving knowledge, best practices and tactics.

As organizations increasingly integrate robotics into their operations, Gartner anticipates significant growth in robot management. By 2030, one in 20 supply chain managers will be overseeing robots rather than humans. This shift parallels the evolution of IT within companies, necessitating new management strategies and structures to handle diverse and expanding fleets of task-specific and polyfunctional robots.

Supply chain leaders are increasingly shifting from globalization to strategic derisking in response to geopolitical tensions, new tariffs and shifting trade policies. Ronak Gohel, director analyst at Gartner outlines four approaches to derisking: divesting, decoupling, diversifying and doubling down on existing operations. Each approach has its benefits and trade-offs, and the choice depends on long-term objectives and market importance.

A GrowthLoop survey reveals a significant disconnect between executives and marketing teams regarding the impact of AI investments. While 51% of executives believe their marketing cycles are fast, only 28% of marketers agree, highlighting a gap in understanding operational bottlenecks. The survey illustrates the importance of operational efficiency in enhancing AI ROI, urging companies to identify and address bottlenecks before investing in AI tools like personalization engines.

Ali Hasham, formerly North American vice president of sales excellence at Motion Industries, has launched Revenue Optics, a sales transformation consultancy for private equity and midmarket distributors. The firm is focusing on outbound sales strategy, team structure, integrating customer relationship management and AI and go-to-market planning.

Workforce development programs funded by public-private partnerships bridge the skills gap by helping companies scale and providing opportunities for less skilled workers, according to a National Bureau of Economic Research report. The report, which looks at 18 states, notes that companies receiving training grants see higher employment and lower education and experience requirements for jobs.

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