Motion has completed the acquisition of Sunset Industrial, a Cerritos, Calif.-based distributor specializing in power transmission parts and industrial lubrication solutions. The transaction, which closed on Nov. 1, marks Motion's fourth acquisition of the year and its second consecutive deal in Southern California. The integration aims for a seamless transition for customers and employees, aligning both companies' customer-centric and quality-driven cultures.

TopBuild has announced four acquisitions in the insulation and door sectors. Acquisitions of Insulation Fabrics, Diamond Door Products and Performance Insulation Fabricators have been completed, while the acquisition of L&L Insulation is pending. The four companies total $53 million in annual revenue. The moves follow TopBuild's $1 billion acquisition of SPI and its $810 million purchase of Progressive Roofing.

DXP Enterprises has completed its fourth acquisition of 2025 with the purchase of Triangle Pump & Equipment, a Ridgefield, Wash.-based distributor and manufacturer's representative specializing in pumps and process equipment for the water and wastewater sector. The move expands DXP's Water division with new geographic reach and technical capabilities, supporting the company's strategy to build a comprehensive platform for municipal and industrial water markets.

Core & Main Inc. has opened a new branch in Sedalia, marking its fifth location in the Denver area. The South Denver facility expands the company's local footprint, aiming to better serve regional customers as part of its national growth strategy.

Builders FirstSource is leveraging technology to maintain its competitive edge, focusing on digital and customer engagement platforms under the leadership of Gayatri Narayan, president of technology and digital solutions. The company's digital platform, enhanced by the acquisition of Paradigm, aims to streamline the construction value chain from home design to material procurement. Narayan emphasizes the importance of AI and data intelligence, predicting a shift toward integrated digital platforms and immersive customer experiences.

Logistics companies are set to prioritize digitalization next year, with nearly 40% planning to allocate more than 25% of their budgets to technology investments, according to an Ontegos Cloud survey. However, only 11% of respondents cite cybersecurity as a top investment priority. "The key challenge for 2026 won't be whether the industry continues to innovate, but whether it can innovate safely," says Ontegos Managing Director Oliver Gritz.

To thrive in an AI-first landscape, brands need to develop robust content and experience flywheels. The content flywheel focuses on creating, distributing and iterating high-quality, AI-structured content that addresses real-time customer needs and ensures visibility across AI platforms. Experience flywheels utilize unified customer data and AI for dynamic personalization, driving conversions and loyalty through ongoing optimization. These cycles empower brands to attract, engage and retain users, essential for competitiveness in seamless, omnichannel environments.

Industry groups have raised concerns about OSHA's proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard, urging a flexible, performance-based approach that takes into account regional differences. The National Association of Manufacturers, the Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Home Builders have highlighted potential disruptions to operations and increased costs. At the same time, the National Retail Federation and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors have labeled the rule as "inflexible." The groups have suggested that OSHA allow employers to determine break structures and adopt a risk-based approach to heat safety.

Performance reviews have been a staple of workplace management for over a century, originating around World War I to objectively assess worker performance. Initially focused on flaws, the practice evolved to include positive feedback in the 1960s. Today, companies are shifting toward regular feedback and 360-degree reviews, facilitated by digital platforms, to promote employee development and motivation.

Third-quarter earnings reports are showcasing a K-shaped economy, in which wealthier Americans are maintaining or increasing their spending, while lower-income consumers are reducing their spending. Higher-income consumers continue to drive growth for many major firms, particularly through premium products and larger purchases, while lower-income customer segments are spending less due to inflation, economic uncertainty, job market concerns and rising health care costs. The divergence has been observed across multiple industries, including automotive and hospitality, and could be exacerbated by a potential loss of federal food benefits and further labor market deterioration.

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