TopBuild Corp. has acquired Applied Coatings and Upstate Spray Foam, two companies based in Winfield, New York. Both firms specialize in installing spray foam and fireproofing for both residential and commercial markets in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, generating roughly $20 million in annual revenue.

Singer Industrial has grown into a major platform in the industrial distribution sector, with more than 100 locations in North America. Singer adopted a "coordinated autonomy" approach that preserves the unique strengths of its local distributors while scaling nationally. President Pete Haberbosch joins the MDM Podcast to explain how the model influences Singer's mergers and acquisitions strategy, leadership development and company culture.

Houston-based distributor DXP Enterprises finalized a definitive agreement to acquire Ambiente H2O, a manufacturer representative specializing in pumps, process equipment and instrumentation for the water and wastewater sector. The move is part of DXP's ongoing strategy to expand its DXP Water platform, following several similar acquisitions in recent months.

Orgill CEO Boyden Moore highlighted the importance of the company's ongoing investment in technology to support retailers at the firm's 19th annual Technology Symposium in Orlando. Moore detailed Orgill's use of CNRG stores as testing grounds for new tech strategies. "Technology is an enabler to help make that happen," said Chief Digital Officer Sharms Bala. "My intent and my goal is to come up with strategies to help our customers be successful."

Tractor Supply Co. strategically reduced automation in its distribution centers, noting that traditional fixed-automation systems are ill-suited for the large, non-conveyable items it handles. The company discovered that less-automated centers achieved higher productivity and lower costs per unit, prompting a shift toward de-automation to streamline operations and better accommodate the unique demands of its product mix.

Procurement is evolving from a basic, cost-focused function into a strategic driver of overall business performance. Organizations now see procurement as a crucial influencer in shaping business strategy, enhancing margins and improving resilience to disruptions. This shift requires procurement teams to move beyond traditional roles, embracing dynamic structures and diverse talent to support innovation, forge deeper supplier partnerships and drive sustainable business outcomes.

Avi Chai Outmezguine, CEO of Becausal, warns against the growing trend of self-measurement in marketing, likening it to "grading your own homework." Outmezguine argues that when platforms measure their own performance, it creates biased results and erodes trust. Outmezguine calls for independent measurement systems to ensure credibility and accountability, drawing parallels to other industries that have established boundaries to maintain trust.

US companies announced 108,435 layoffs in January, marking a 118% increase from the previous year and the highest January total since 2009, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Hiring intentions also dropped sharply, with just 5,306 planned new hires -- the lowest January figure since records began in 2009 and a 13% decrease from last year -- reflecting growing employer caution about the economic outlook for 2026.

Eighty years of NAW. Two hundred fifty years of America. One industry powering it all. Our new anniversary video celebrates the story of American wholesale distribution, the companies that keep shelves stocked, factories running, hospitals supplied, communities connected, and our economy moving. Check out NAW's video!

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.

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