Section

Industry

News, trends, and analysis of the trades and services industry, including regulations and market data.

Overhead view of colorful marker pens spread across a world map, emphasizing the Asia Pacific region as the dominant market.

Asia Pacific Dominates Marker Pen Market Trends and Growth

The global marker pen market, valued at USD 2,444.

Ben Foster· May 14· 3 min
Split image showing a modern green building with signs of wear and a team of professionals analyzing data, highlighting the gap between green building design and actual performance.

Green Building Performance Lags Despite Data, But Post-Occupancy Insights Promise Change

A hospital deconstruction project in Boulder successfully recovered 93% of its materials, totaling 30 million pounds, marking a significant departure from traditional demolition practices.

Rick Donovan· May 13· 7 min
Futuristic aircraft engine room with holographic displays showing predictive analytics data for maintenance, symbolizing advanced diagnostic technology.

Predictive Analytics in Engine Maintenance Surges Amidst New Diagnostic Tech

Brazil's Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is proposing new Instructions that could fundamentally change aircraft maintenance planning, allowing airlines to adjust maintenance intervals based on real-world

Ben Foster· May 10· 6 min
Futuristic AI diagnostic machine in a hospital lab, assisting healthcare professionals and showcasing the evolution of medical technology.

Medtech trends 2026 reshape skilled trades, creating new roles and gaps

By 2026, a single AI-powered diagnostic tool could perform the work of five traditional lab technicians, fundamentally altering staffing needs in hospitals nationwide.

Ben Foster· Apr 28· 4 min
Diverse group of Lakeshore College construction and industrial trade apprentices smiling and holding new tools and equipment after receiving scholarships.

Lakeshore College Apprentices Receive Tools of the Trade Scholarships

Fifty-two construction and industrial trade apprentices at Lakeshore College just received $2,000 each.

Rick Donovan· Apr 27· 3 min
Futuristic smart factory floor with robotic arms, technicians, and holographic data displays showcasing advanced manufacturing and IoT integration.

Smart Manufacturing Investment Soars Amidst IoT Market Boom

In 2024, North America's Internet of Things (IoT) manufacturing revenue alone reached $19.

Ben Foster· Apr 26· 10 min
Advanced Vertical CNC Machining Centers displayed in a modern, high-tech exhibition hall with holographic projections.

Asian Machine Tool Exhibition 2026 Showcases Smart Sourcing Innovations

A new high-precision Vertical CNC Machining Center can cost over $300,000, a significant investment for any business.

Rick Donovan· Apr 23· 3 min
A sprawling, advanced data center facility in Taiwan, showcasing rows of servers and glowing network lights, representing significant digital infrastructure growth.

Taiwan Data Center Market Valued at 302.97 MW (2026)

The Taiwan Data Center Market, valued at 302.97 megawatts in 2026, is projected to surge to 468.11 megawatts by 2031.

Ben Foster· Apr 21· 3 min
Vast, illuminated data center interior with intricate network cables and server racks, symbolizing the booming global data center networking market.

Global data center networking market grows to $38.49 billion in 2024

The global data center networking market, valued at $38.

Rick Donovan· Apr 20· 3 min
Diverse apprentices learning in a modern workshop, utilizing advanced tools, representing the future of skilled trades with Lowe's Foundation support.

Lowe's Foundation's $250M Bet: Apprenticeship Programs Reshape Skilled Trades

Lowe's Foundation commits an unprecedented $250 million to train 250,000 skilled trade workers by 2035.

Ben Foster· Apr 19· 5 min
Split image contrasting a messy, packed apartment with a pristine, clean apartment after professional move-out cleaning.

Why Urban Renters Are Increasingly Booking Move-Out Cleaning

The owner of The Cleaning Crew Charleston reported a "substantial increase" in requests for move-in and move-out cleaning services over recent months.

Rick Donovan· Apr 18· 6 min
Nigerian artisans participating in a large-scale training program, learning construction skills to address national labor gaps.

Nigeria to Launch Multiple Artisan Training Programs

Nigeria will launch at least three major initiatives to train millions of construction artisans.

Ben Foster· Apr 17· 4 min
Skilled tradespeople working diligently on a factory floor during a period of declining US industrial production, emphasizing their crucial role in economic stability.

US industrial production dip impacts skilled trades and market stability

In March, US manufacturing output fell 0.

Ben Foster· Apr 17· 4 min
A FieldAI robot dog autonomously scans a construction site, demonstrating the integration of advanced robotics and human labor in the building industry.

Autonomous Machines Tackle Construction's Labor Gap, Reshaping the Building Industry

On a typical construction site, a robot dog from FieldAI recently walked over 100 miles, collected over 45,000 photos, and mapped four floors of a building.

Rick Donovan· Apr 16· 5 min
A high-tech tool manufacturing factory floor with robots, technicians, and digital data overlays, showcasing smart factory IoT integration.

Smart factory IoT adoption surges for tool manufacturers

By 2034, the global Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing market is projected to reach an astounding $172.

Rick Donovan· Apr 15· 5 min
An empty New York brewery taproom with closed doors and silent beer taps, symbolizing industry consolidation and closures.

New York Brewery Closures Signal Consolidation Amid Shifting Industry Trends

After a decade of operation, Strong Rope Brewery's Gowanus location, a pioneer in using all-NY hops and malt, is closing its doors this March.

Rick Donovan· Apr 11· 5 min
Modern industrial facility showcasing a high-tech, energy-efficient automated conveyor belt system with advanced motors, symbolizing the future of manufacturing operations.

The Shift to Energy-Efficient Automated Industrial Motors: What It Means for Operations

The accelerating shift towards energy-efficient automated industrial motors is reshaping manufacturing. This analysis explores the regulations and technologies driving the change and what it means for operational costs.

Rick Donovan· Apr 9· 8 min
A futuristic industrial setting where advanced agentic AI robots collaborate with human workers, showcasing the transformative impact of autonomous systems on skilled trades and manufacturing.

Agentic AI Adoption Trends Signal a New Era for Industrial Trades

Recent market reports reveal staggering growth in agentic AI adoption for industrial applications. This trend is set to fundamentally reshape the skilled trades by 2035.

Rick Donovan· Apr 8· 7 min
A futuristic industrial vending machine in a factory, dispensing parts to a worker, symbolizing automated, efficient supply chain management.

The Digital Vending Shift: Reshaping Industrial Supply Chain Efficiency

A look at the growing trend of digital vending in industrial supply chains, a shift from reactive, time-consuming procurement to automated, on-demand inventory at the point of use.

Rick Donovan· Apr 7· 7 min
A visually striking image showing the transition in the boric acid industry, with old 56% B2O3 containers being replaced by new, efficient 80% B2O3 containers in a modern industrial setting, symbolizing a significant market shift.

The Meta Boric Acid Shift: What It Means for the Materials Market

For decades, 56% B2O3 content was the standard for boric acid. Now, a new 80% B2O3 product is reshaping the market, creating a new high-value category and redefining industrial efficiency.

Rick Donovan· Apr 6· 6 min
Close-up view of precisely engineered metal gears inside a power tool, showcasing the intricate mechanics that contribute to tool performance and durability in the evolving market.

The Gears of Progress: Analyzing Power Tool Gears Market Growth Trends

The quality of a power tool often comes down to its unseen internal components. This article delves into the power tool gears market, revealing how these critical parts drive performance and durability in modern tools.

Kyle Brenner· Apr 6· 8 min
A vibrant, cinematic overhead view of a bustling Cobb County street, showcasing diverse new businesses with bright signs, symbolizing economic growth and the addition of 42 new service industry licenses.

Cobb County Adds 42 New Business Licenses Across Service Industries

Cobb County recently approved 42 new business licenses for a wide range of service industries. This expansion includes professional services, restaurants, and personal care, indicating robust local economic activity.

Rick Donovan· Apr 5· 3 min
A professional landscaper using a quiet electric leaf blower, contrasting with a blurred background of older gas-powered equipment, symbolizing the industry's transition to sustainable, battery-powered tools amidst new regulations.

The Electric Landscaping Tools Shift: Navigating Gas Blower Bans

The roar of gas-powered leaf blowers is being replaced by the whir of electric models, a market shift forcing landscaping professionals to re-evaluate their entire equipment strategy.

Ben Foster· Apr 5· 8 min
A futuristic construction site at dusk, showcasing AI-driven machinery, drones, and holographic interfaces, symbolizing the integration of smart technology in construction and home services.

The AI Shift: How Smart Technology is Reshaping Construction and Home Services

AI and smart technology are rapidly transforming the construction and home services industries, moving from theoretical concepts to practical realities. This shift is driven by chronic labor shortages, increasing project complexity, and stringent regulations, redefining efficiency and safety.

Ben Foster· Apr 5· 6 min
Construction workers on a green building site, using modern tools and sustainable materials, symbolizing the industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices and advanced certifications.

The Impact of Green Building Certifications on Construction Trades and Services

Green building certifications are rapidly becoming a non-negotiable baseline in construction, fundamentally reshaping material supply chains, tool requirements, and the skill sets demanded of trades professionals. This shift from cost-first to performance-first models is creating new opportunities and challenges across the industry.

Ben Foster· Apr 2· 6 min
Industry leaders discussing AI and sustainability trends at a futuristic pulp and paper mill, with holographic data visualizations, representing innovation in the forest-based bioeconomy.

Pulp & Beyond 2026 Event to Address AI, Sustainability Trends

The Pulp & Beyond 2026 event in Helsinki will gather industry leaders to discuss critical trends like AI, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The conference aims to address challenges and foster innovation in the forest-based bioeconomy.

Ben Foster· Apr 2· 4 min
Construction workers installing reclaimed wood and recycled insulation in a modern, eco-friendly home, highlighting sustainable building practices and materials.

Why Homeowners Are Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Materials in Construction and Home Services

Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in construction and home services, driven by a mix of economic, regulatory, and environmental factors. This shift is redefining industry standards and client expectations.

Ben Foster· Apr 2· 7 min
A diverse group of young, confident skilled trades professionals, including a female plumber, an electrician, and a carpenter, standing proudly in a modern workshop, representing the '40 Under 40' recognition.

The Rise of the Trades '40 Under 40': Recognizing a New Generation of Talent

The skilled trades are seeing a major shift in how they celebrate their own, with new '40 Under 40' programs designed to recognize and empower the next generation of industry leaders.

Rick Donovan· Apr 2· 7 min
Skilled trade workers, including electricians and pipefitters, constructing a large, modern data center, symbolizing the physical foundation of the AI revolution.

The AI Paradox: Data Shows Automation Is Boosting Demand for Skilled Trade Jobs

Contrary to fears of displacement, the AI boom is creating a surge in demand for skilled trade workers. A detailed data analysis shows why the people who build the physical world are more valuable than ever in the digital age.

Rick Donovan· Mar 31· 8 min
A futuristic construction site showcasing sustainable building materials like timber, recycled concrete, and solar panels, symbolizing the industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices and reduced environmental impact.

Beyond the Buzz: How Sustainable Materials Demand is Redefining Construction

The global construction industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, driven by rapidly growing demand for sustainable materials. This transformation is reshaping supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and professional practices, making adherence to evolving standards paramount for competitiveness.

Ben Foster· Mar 31· 9 min