THE INDUSTRIAL HORIZON
ASC Global brings you The Industrial Horizon, a biweekly intelligence report created specifically for industrial buyers, MRO professionals, and plant-level decision-makers. Strategic industrial insights to maneuver the 2026 procurement roadmap.Â
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Last Updated: 3/2/26
ABB And NVIDIA Partner To Scale Industrial Physical AI
ABB Robotics and NVIDIA are partnering to deploy industrial-grade physical AI at scale by integrating NVIDIA Omniverse into ABB’s RobotStudio platform. The collaboration enables highly accurate digital twin simulations, up to 99% real-world fidelity, allowing robots to be trained virtually before deployment. This reduces costs, accelerates production timelines, and supports scalable AI-driven automation across manufacturing and logistics industries.
Tesla, LG Energy Strike $4.3B Michigan Battery Deal
Tesla and LG Energy Solution are investing $4.3 billion to build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Michigan, strengthening U.S. energy storage supply chains. Production is expected to begin in 2027, supplying Tesla’s Megapack systems. The deal reduces reliance on Chinese imports while supporting domestic manufacturing, with the facility targeting large-scale energy storage demand rather than electric vehicles.
Eagle Point Funds Texas Distributed Solar and Storage Expansion
Eagle Point Credit Management has provided a $28.5 million loan to Heritage Energy Holdings to support distributed solar and battery storage projects across Texas. The portfolio spans about 40 sub-10 MW sites designed to operate as a virtual power plant within the ERCOT market, improving grid flexibility and accelerating deployment timelines compared to large-scale renewable projects.
Saks Closes Pennsylvania Distribution Centers, Impacting Nearly 600 Jobs
Saks Global is closing two Pennsylvania distribution centers in Wilkes-Barre and Pottsville, impacting about 590 employees as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring. Layoffs will occur between April and May 2026. The move reflects broader supply chain consolidation and cost-cutting efforts following financial struggles, as the company streamlines operations and prioritizes fewer, more efficient facilities within its logistics network.
GE Vernova, Hitachi Explore SMR Deployment in Southeast Asia
GE Vernova and Hitachi are exploring deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Southeast Asia using their BWRX-300 design. The collaboration targets growing regional demand for reliable, low-carbon power. The 300 MW-class reactor offers simplified design and lower costs, positioning it as a scalable solution for energy security and decarbonization across emerging Southeast Asian markets.
Schaeffler And Leju Partner to Advance Industrial Humanoid Robotics
Schaeffler has partnered with Leju Robotics to accelerate development of humanoid robots for industrial use. The collaboration focuses on applications such as factory inspection, logistics, and human-robot collaboration. By combining Schaeffler’s motion components and manufacturing expertise with Leju’s robotics platforms, the companies aim to enable scalable, series production of humanoids for smart factories.
More Industrial Compass news
Mechanix Wear Acquires OTEX To Expand Smart PPE
Mechanix Wear has acquired OTEX, a developer of technology-enabled personal protective equipment, strengthening its innovation-driven PPE portfolio. OTEX’s patented solutions—focused on air quality, cooling, and advanced hood protection—will integrate into Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division. The move supports continued platform expansion under Gryphon Investors and accelerates next-generation safety product development for industrial applications.
Cheney Brothers Invests $42.5M to Expand South Carolina Facility
Cheney Brothers is expanding its Florence County, South Carolina distribution facility with a $42.5 million investment, adding 85 jobs and increasing logistics capacity. The site, operational since 2023, supports regional foodservice demand across the Southeast. The expansion will boost warehouse throughput and supply chain efficiency, bringing total local investment to over $108 million and reinforcing the region’s role as a key distribution hub.
Arvato Partners Unchained Robotics to Scale Logistics Automation Globally
Arvato has partnered with Unchained Robotics to accelerate deployment of modular, vendor-independent robotics across logistics operations. The deal includes a minority stake and plans to roll out hundreds of robots, tested in real environments before scaling globally. The collaboration aims to reduce implementation time, increase flexibility, and expand automation across Europe and the U.S.
PDI Expands Capabilities with Chemical Systems Asset Acquisition
Plastics Design Industries (PDI) has acquired select assets of Chemical Systems Services to strengthen its engineered systems portfolio for cleanroom and industrial environments. The deal enhances capabilities in chemical fume scrubbing, air handling, and corrosion-resistant infrastructure. By integrating expertise, PDI aims to deliver end-to-end solutions for semiconductor, life sciences, and industrial markets, improving performance, reliability, and responsiveness in high-purity processing applications.
EnerQuest Expands Ontario Facility To Reshore Switchgear Production
EnerQuest is investing about $15.8 million to expand its Ontario facility, bringing switchgear sub-assembly manufacturing in-house from a U.S. sister site. The move will create 125 jobs and retain over 150 roles while reducing tariff exposure and strengthening domestic supply chains. Increased capacity will support demand from data centers, modular infrastructure, and medical systems, reinforcing regional manufacturing resilience.
GE Aerospace Secures AI-Driven Contract For J85 Engine Support
GE Aerospace has won a contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to enhance reliability and readiness of the J85 engine used in U.S. Air Force T-38 training aircraft. The program deploys AI-driven analytics and digital fleet management to predict parts demand and prevent supply disruptions. By integrating data across stakeholders, the initiative improves maintenance efficiency, supply chain visibility, and aircraft availability.
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