A. Duie Pyle has opened its first logistics and warehousing center in Gastonia, North Carolina, covering 186,000 square feet to meet the needs of local manufacturing. This center has created 20 job opportunities, with an anticipated additional 15 jobs by the end of the year.
Unmanned forklifts play a crucial role in intelligent logistics and industrial automation. They enhance safety, reduce costs, and adapt to complex environments, driving the smart transformation of manufacturing. In the future, unmanned forklifts will evolve towards greater intelligence, speed, and standardization, supporting broader applications.
The US is proposing a 25% tariff on imported trucks, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. However, this move could lead to increased costs, impacting the logistics and transportation industry, and potentially triggering trade friction. Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns and are closely monitoring the policy's subsequent developments.
This podcast episode features Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global, providing insights into key issues such as the US import outlook, traditional peak season challenges, inventory digestion strategies, and US-China trade relations. Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Rogers offers practical advice for businesses navigating global trade uncertainties, helping them develop robust commercial strategies. He discusses how companies can adapt to changing market dynamics and mitigate risks in the current global landscape. This episode is a valuable resource for businesses seeking to understand and respond to evolving supply chain and trade trends.
Tim Hotze, Senior Vice President of Target, shared the company's supply chain strategies at the SMC3 Connections conference, addressing uncertainties in global trade and tariffs. His insights included diversifying global sourcing, adopting flexible manufacturing strategies, and integrating transportation planning with product design, highlighting how to maintain competitiveness amidst changes.
Safran plans to invest 450 million euros to establish a carbon brake manufacturing plant near Lyon, France, expected to be operational by 2030. The plant will initially employ 100 people and will utilize low-carbon electricity to achieve zero emissions. It is anticipated that by 2037, production could increase by 25%.
ProMatDX features over 100 seminars covering all aspects of manufacturing and the supply chain. MHI's curated seminars focus on AS/RS selection, racking system planning, mobile automation applications, ROI calculation, rack safety, and virtual simulation analysis. These sessions empower businesses with knowledge to drive future growth. Visit promatshow.com for more information.
South Africa's economy shows signs of recovery in 2026, driven by manufacturing rebound, rising commodity prices, and controlled inflation. Enhanced cooperation within the 'Global South' diversifies risks, but structural challenges persist, including government debt and state-owned enterprise reform. Sustained recovery hinges on deepening reforms, transforming positive momentum into durable development.
The African air cargo market faces challenges such as trade barriers and geopolitical conflicts. However, industry leaders suggest measures like resource integration, manufacturing development, and the construction of secondary airports to enhance market growth potential and efficiency. The trade relationship between Africa and East Asia has shown strong growth, indicating significant future development opportunities.
In May 2025, international air cargo demand grew by 2.2% year-on-year, demonstrating the industry's resilience. Despite a contraction in global manufacturing and the impact of U.S. tariff policies on certain regions, the Asia-Pacific region experienced the fastest growth in cargo demand at 8.3%. Additionally, falling oil prices provided relief for the airlines.
