🎯Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Updated 18m agoWhat's happening: WITRON posts record order intake amid major retailer contracts
WITRON announced a record-breaking order intake, driven by new contracts with food retailers REWE, Tesco, Walmart and Ahold Delhaize. The company also completed a shift to a dual‑foundation governance model to strengthen independence and long‑term stability.
Also developing:
By the numbers: VOC Port secures ₹15,000 Cr funding for outer harbour project
News•Feb 26, 2026
NSW Backs Startup Manufacturing and Innovation with $1M MVP Ventures Boost
The New South Wales government has allocated more than $1 million to 22 early‑stage companies through the first round of the 2025‑26 MVP Ventures Program. The grants target priority sectors such as housing, manufacturing, energy, health and digital technologies, helping firms move from prototype to real‑world testing and market uptake. Recipients include Bubbafly’s patented baby bottle and Thermal Dawn’s residential thermal storage system. An additional $6 million was earmarked in the state budget, allowing the program to fund up to $3 million per round across three rounds.
By Australian Manufacturing
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Hartman Seatrade Adds Two Liebherr LS 250 Ship Cranes
Hartman Seatrade is equipping its newest vessels with two Liebherr LS 250 ship cranes, each capable of lifting 250 tonnes and reaching 36 metres. In tandem mode the pair can handle lifts up to 500 tonnes, expanding the fleet’s heavy‑lift and project‑cargo capabilities. The...
By Container News
News•Feb 26, 2026
Kennametal Announces Search for ‘Machinist of the Year’
Kennametal has launched a global "Machinist of the Year" program to honor long‑term customers who excel in machining. Regional marketing teams in the Americas, EMEA, APAC and India will each select a winner based on video submissions that showcase tool...
By Australian Manufacturing
News•Feb 26, 2026
LFI Expands Manufacturing Focus with Asia Pacific HQ in Newcastle
La Force International (LFI) has launched LFI Asia Pacific Pty Ltd in Newcastle, marking its first overseas entity outside the United States. The new hub will serve Australia, Singapore and the broader Asia‑Pacific market, targeting mining, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and...
By Australian Manufacturing
News•Feb 26, 2026
From Leftover Plums to Health Products: Nutrafruit Advances Manufacturing From Fruit Waste
Australian firm Nutrafruit is converting bruised or sun‑burnt Queen Garnet plums—fruit that fails supermarket standards—into health‑focused powders, drinks and other nutraceuticals under its PurQ brand. The plums are freeze‑dried to lock in colour, flavour and antioxidant content, turning waste into...
By Australian Manufacturing
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Michel Bechtel Appointed as New Port Commissioner for Port Houston
Michel Bechtel, former mayor of Morgan’s Point, has been appointed to the Port of Houston Authority Commission, succeeding Stephen H. DonCarlos after a 12‑year tenure. He joins the board with a portfolio that spans energy, coastal protection, and maritime governance....
By Container News
News•Feb 26, 2026
Dar Ports Become Bargaining Chip Against Mombasa for EA Traders
South Sudan is redirecting most of its import‑export cargo from Kenya’s congested Mombasa port to Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam and Tanga terminals after a bilateral agreement. The shift follows persistent delays, a $5,000 security levy per container, and higher handling...
By The East African
News•Feb 26, 2026
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Rolls Out Secure Edge Data Center Brand DIAVAULT
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has launched DIAVAULT, an industrial‑grade edge data centre platform that integrates power, cooling and AI compute for on‑premise processing. The solution targets low‑latency, secure workloads in manufacturing, defense and 5G environments, addressing data‑privacy and latency concerns of...
By Australian Manufacturing
News•Feb 26, 2026
Queensland Startup Receives ARENA Backing for Critical Minerals Innovation
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing up to $5 million to Queensland‑based Banks Minerals to develop a pilot plant for its electro‑chemical copper extraction technology. The funding, delivered through the Advancing Renewables Program over three years, aims to de‑risk the...
By Australian Manufacturing
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Indian Register of Shipping Earns USCG Similarly Qualified Organization Status
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has been granted the U.S. Coast Guard’s Similarly Qualified Organization status under Title 46, placing it among only three classification societies authorized to serve the U.S. commercial fishing sector. The designation follows a four‑year technical review...
By Container News
News•Feb 26, 2026
Global Air Cargo to Expand for Second Successive Year; What Makes for a Winning Cargo-Only Airport?
Air cargo is set to grow for a second consecutive year in 2026, despite lingering global economic uncertainty. While it moves only 1% of world trade by volume, it represents more than 35% of trade value, underscoring its strategic importance....
By CAPA – Centre for Aviation
News•Feb 26, 2026
Purecycle Technologies Inc (PCT) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
PureCycle Technologies reported Q4 2025 revenue of $2.7 million, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of sequential growth, while achieving record production at its Denver (14 million lb processed) and Ironton (7.5 million lb produced) facilities. The company reduced feedstock procurement costs by $0.06 per pound,...
By Motley Fool – Earnings Transcripts
News•Feb 25, 2026
3ME Technology Eyes Arctic-Ready Battery Systems Under South 8 LOI
3ME Technology and South 8 Technologies have signed a Letter of Intent to develop lithium‑ion batteries for extreme cold‑weather and Arctic defence use. South 8 will supply its LiGas‑enabled cells, which operate from –60 °C to +60 °C, for integration into 3ME’s EdgeVOLT Cold...
By Australian Manufacturing
News•Feb 25, 2026
Report: Agentic AI to Reduce Entry-Level Hiring Needs
Gartner’s 2025‑2026 survey of 509 global supply‑chain leaders finds that 55% expect agentic AI to shrink entry‑level hiring, while 51% anticipate broader workforce reductions. The majority (86%) agree AI adoption will force new talent‑pipeline processes, especially among high‑performing firms that...
By Supply Chain Quarterly
Blog•Feb 25, 2026
Implementing the Strategic Sourcing Strategy
The article outlines how to move a strategic sourcing plan from theory to market execution, emphasizing that implementation validates the insights from spend analysis, category profiling, and other diagnostics. It describes four primary engagement methods—direct negotiation, outsourcing versus in‑house production,...
By Mining Zimbabwe – Analysis & Features
Blog•Feb 25, 2026
Fujio Cho on Standardized Work: The Foundation for Improvement, Not Control
Fujio Cho emphasized that standardized work is a learning tool, not a control mechanism. He argued that a shared, current‑best‑practice baseline makes problems visible and enables continuous improvement. When leaders treat standards as compliance checks, employees hide issues; instead, leaders...
By Lean Blog
Blog•Feb 25, 2026
Swisslog to Debut AgileStore Pallet Shuttle Storage System
Swisslog announced AgileStore, a four‑way roaming pallet shuttle, to debut at MODEX 2026. The system moves forward, backward, laterally and vertically, allowing cross‑aisle travel and level changes without extra lifts. AgileStore’s modular design promises higher density storage, dynamic routing and...
By Mobile Robot Guide
News•Feb 25, 2026
Beyond Visibility: AI Redefines Logistics
The recent SupplyChainBrain webinar highlighted how generative AI is moving logistics beyond static visibility toward proactive orchestration. Speakers explained that intelligent agents can monitor, decide, and act, turning dashboards into autonomous execution engines. They presented a framework for selecting GenAI...
By SupplyChainBrain
News•Feb 25, 2026
Smart Strategies that Will Help Australian Manufacturers Succeed in 2026
Australian manufacturers face high labour, energy and logistics costs in a small domestic market, forcing them to seek niche growth rather than volume. To stay competitive, firms must maintain deep customer insight and articulate a clear "secret sauce" that differentiates...
By Australian Manufacturing
News•Feb 25, 2026
Hazer Reports Revenue Growth and 27% Cost Reduction in H1 FY26
Perth‑based Hazer Group reported a strong start to FY26, posting $1.5 million revenue in the first half, primarily from an R&D tax refund and two paid project studies. Operating expenses were cut by 27%, reflecting a leaner cost structure as the...
By Australian Manufacturing
News•Feb 25, 2026
NORD Extends IE5+ Synchronous Motor Line with New 112 Frame Size
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has launched the SK 112, expanding its IE5+ permanent‑magnet synchronous motor line to a 15 hp, 112‑frame size. The new motor maintains up to 95 % efficiency and offers both ventilated TEFC and smooth‑body TENV housings, the latter available with IP69K...
By Manufacturing Tomorrow
News•Feb 25, 2026
Shipper Purchase Orders Hold Steady Despite Tariff Uncertainty
Shippers continue to place purchase orders with Asian factories despite ongoing tariff uncertainty, according to Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. January TEU volumes fell about 12% year‑over‑year, with imports down 13% and exports down 8%, while empty...
By Supply Chain Dive
News•Feb 25, 2026
Moody’s: Port Import Gains From Supreme Court Tariff Ruling May Prove Fleeting
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, potentially unlocking refunds on more than $90 billion of duties and lowering landed costs for importers. Moody’s expects a short‑term surge in cargo volumes at major...
By gCaptain
News•Feb 25, 2026
New eBook From Mouser, Microchip, and Samtec Examines PCIe Design for Emerging Embedded Systems
Mouser Electronics, in partnership with Microchip Technology and Samtec, has released an eBook titled “8 Experts on PCIe for Emerging Embedded Systems.” The guide gathers insights from eight industry leaders—including Bosch, DANA, Synopsys, Tektronix and Visteon—to help engineers tackle PCIe integration...
By Manufacturing Tomorrow
News•Feb 25, 2026
Can Project Vault Fortify the US Industrial Base Against Mineral Chokepoints?
In February 2026 the U.S. Air Force faced F‑35 radar delays because gallium supplies were blocked by China, prompting the launch of Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic critical‑mineral reserve backed by the Export‑Import Bank and private investors. Unlike the historic...
By Atlantic Council – All Content
News•Feb 25, 2026
NEW PRODUCT: FlexiSan Modular Spray System for Mobile and Efficient Equipment and Plant Sanitation
BETE introduced the FlexiSan Modular Spray System, a portable, cost‑effective solution for equipment and plant sanitation. The base model features a mobile cart with a clean‑in‑place spray header, dual blending pumps that can hold two liquids, and connects to existing...
By Manufacturing Tomorrow
News•Feb 25, 2026
IAG Cargo Launches AOG Service
IAG Cargo announced a dedicated Aircraft on Ground (AOG) service that operates 24/7 across its 250‑destination network. The offering targets urgent transport of aircraft parts to minimize downtime and protect schedule integrity. Intel Market Research projects the AOG logistics market...
By Air Cargo News
Blog•Feb 25, 2026
Accreditation Places OryxAlign on Tier-One Assurance Platform
OryxAlign has secured the BuildingConfidence Gold accreditation from Achilles, a tier‑one supplier assurance platform used by major construction contractors. The Gold status, awarded in January, applies across the company’s UK operations and signals compliance with rigorous governance, compliance, and operational...
By BIM+ (Construction Computing)
News•Feb 25, 2026
The New Age of Western Industrial Policy: Is There a New Playbook?
A virtual “Trade Winds” event on March 11, 2026 gathered top economists and policymakers to assess the resurgence of Western industrial policy. Speakers outlined a growing toolbox—including procurement preferences, subsidies, and public‑private partnerships—driven by competitiveness, innovation, and economic‑security concerns. The measures aim...
By Peterson Institute (PIIE) – Updates (all content)
News•Feb 25, 2026
The State of US-Japan Economic Relations in a Changing Global Economy
A recent webinar examined the evolving economic partnership between the United States and Japan, highlighting trade, investment, and supply‑chain dynamics amid shifting global patterns. Experts discussed how post‑pandemic realignments and technological change are reshaping bilateral ties. The dialogue also addressed...
By Peterson Institute (PIIE) – Updates (all content)
News•Feb 25, 2026
Eidesvik Wins PSV Extension From Aker BP
Eidesvik Offshore has secured an additional contract extension from Aker BP for its 2012-built platform supply vessel Viking Prince. The extension adds roughly two months to the vessel’s hire, pushing the end‑date to the end of April 2026. This follows...
By Splash 247
News•Feb 25, 2026
Five Major Shifts Shaping 2026 Manufacturing Tech Priorities
Rootstock’s 2026 State of Manufacturing Technology Survey shows five pivotal shifts in tech priorities. Workforce talent shortages have risen to become the leading barrier, increasing from 25% to 33% of respondents. AI investment is moving sharply toward supply‑chain execution and...
By Manufacturing Tomorrow
Blog•Feb 25, 2026
Manufacturing Industry Forecast 2.9% Growth in 2026 As Asia Leads The Way
Interact Analysis projects global manufacturing output to grow 2.9% in 2026, up from 2.0% in 2025, with an average annual rate of 3.1% through 2030. Asia emerges as the strongest region, delivering 3.2% growth and a $30.1 trillion output, while India...
By The Manufacturing Connection
News•Feb 25, 2026
Bahri Charters Five Supertankers as Rates Approach $200K/Day
Saudi Arabia’s largest oil shipper, Bahri, provisionally chartered five very large crude carriers as daily charter rates neared $200,000, the highest level since 2020. The vessels are slated to move Saudi crude to Asian markets, chiefly China, in the coming...
By gCaptain
News•Feb 25, 2026
SPS Commerce Introduces MAX, Embedded AI for Supply Chain Workflows
SPS Commerce has launched MAX, an AI‑driven set of capabilities embedded in its supply‑chain network that currently operates in an advisory mode, surfacing anomalies and recommending actions within existing EDI workflows. The system is designed to improve supplier compliance, order...
By ERP Today
News•Feb 25, 2026
Air France KLM Targets High Tech Cargo with Incheon Freighter Service
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is adding a dedicated freighter service between Amsterdam Schiphol and Incheon, launching on 30 March with three weekly Boeing 747‑400 flights. The route integrates into the carrier’s Schiphol‑Hong Kong rotation, raising the frequency to six flights per week. The...
By Air Cargo News
News•Feb 25, 2026
Cold Storage Market Working Off Oversupply
Lineage reported flat Q4 revenue of $1.34 billion and a modest $6 million net profit as the cold‑storage market works through a 10% oversupply. New refrigerated space expanded 14.5% from 2021‑2025, while demand rose only 5%, creating a capacity gap that is...
By FreightWaves
News•Feb 25, 2026
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs – What It Means for Freight Markets
The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose country‑specific tariffs, but the tariffs themselves remain in place through a new global duty under Section 122, initially set at 10%...
By Air Cargo Week
News•Feb 25, 2026
U.S. Treasury Sanctions 12 Tankers in Iran’s Shadow Fleet
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions on 12 tankers and their owners that have shipped hundreds of millions of dollars in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. The designations also include nine individuals and entities in Iran,...
By gCaptain
Blog•Feb 25, 2026
Numina Group Launches Batchbot 2.0 with Upgraded Software
Numina Group unveiled Batchbot 2.0, a modular warehouse automation platform that fuses its Real‑time Distribution Software (RDS‑WES) with KUKA’s fifth‑generation AI‑infused autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and a voice‑guided picking suite. The system claims to eliminate more than 20 minutes of...
By Mobile Robot Guide
News•Feb 25, 2026
ESAB Launches Ruffian EMP 270G Engine Drive
ESAB, together with Linde Gas & Equipment, unveiled the Ruffian EMP 270G engine‑driven welding generator at CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026, offering show‑only pricing and bundled accessories. The unit delivers 270 A at a 100 % duty cycle and 11 kW of generator power from a 23.5‑HP KOHLER...
By MarineLink
News•Feb 25, 2026
Donald Trump’s Tariffs Affect AmiAmi, Aitai Kuji, and Hobby-Genki
U.S. courts have struck down President Donald Trump’s 2025 tariff authority, prompting a revised global tariff of 10%. The ruling has forced Japanese hobby retailers AmiAmi, Aitai Kuji, and Hobby‑Genki to hold or delay shipments to the United States. Both...
By Siliconera
News•Feb 25, 2026
Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Operating Contract
Keolis North America has been awarded a new contract to operate Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail services after a competitive procurement process. The award confirms Keolis as the incumbent operator, extending its role in providing daily passenger service across...
By Railway Gazette International
News•Feb 25, 2026
Walmart: Supply Chain Spending Set to ‘Peak’ Next 2 Years, CEO Says
Walmart’s CEO John Furner said the retailer’s supply‑chain capital spending will likely peak this year and next, as automation projects accelerate. Twenty‑three of its 42 U.S. distribution centers are being retrofitted with robotics, and similar initiatives are beginning abroad. About...
By Retail Dive
News•Feb 25, 2026
GIT Coatings Launches XGIT-FORCE
GIT Coatings has launched XGIT‑FORCE, a graphene‑based hard foul‑release marine coating. The product claims up to 10% fuel savings and a 6% power gain compared with premium biocidal paints. Its Dynamic Phase Engineered Technology creates a durable, amphiphilic surface that...
By MarineLink
News•Feb 25, 2026
Applied Materials to Pay $252.5M to Settle Export Violations
Applied Materials agreed to pay a $252.5 million penalty to the U.S. Department of Commerce, settling 56 export‑control violations involving illegal shipments of ion‑implanting equipment to China’s SMIC. The settlement also requires two internal audits of the company’s compliance program, and...
By Supply Chain Dive
News•Feb 25, 2026
Senators Reintroduce Railway Safety Act
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has re‑introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2026, targeting the safety gaps exposed by the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio freight‑train derailment. The bill requires railroads to install defect‑detecting technology, expands hazardous‑material train restrictions, and...
By Progressive Railroading
News•Feb 25, 2026
What A2A Really Means in a Supply Chain Context
Agent-to-agent (A2A) communication introduces software agents that coordinate decisions across supply‑chain functions, moving beyond simple data exchange. It directly tackles the coordination gap where real‑time data outpaces manual decision making. By allowing bounded agents to evaluate constraints and act within...
By Logistics Viewpoints
News•Feb 25, 2026
Digi International Launches MCP Server to Power AI Driven Workflows for Digi Remote Manager and Genesis Users
Digi International announced the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for its Digi Remote Manager and Genesis platforms, allowing seamless integration of large‑language‑model AI tools such as Claude. The server provides natural‑language querying, automated workflow generation, and context‑aware troubleshooting for large...
By Manufacturing Tomorrow
News•Feb 25, 2026
After 2019 Flood, Arkansas Port Gets $8M for Rebuild
The Arkansas River port, devastated by the 2019 flood, secured an $8.1 million federal grant to modernize its facilities and expand rail capacity. Operator Five Rivers Distribution will construct three 30,000‑square‑foot warehouses to handle freight arriving by rail. The city’s port...
By FreightWaves