October 14, 2025
Electric Avenue — News Impacting Lighting Markets: October 2025
Economic uncertainty drives operational flexibility. Volatile commodities prices reshape inventory strategies.
Welcome to Electric Avenue, where each month we explore the intersections between the electrical industry and our beloved lighting industry.
With a focus on news, trends, and economic factors shaping the landscape of electrical distribution, construction, contracting, and manufacturing, Electric Avenue is your resource for staying informed of some of the more notable electrical industry events that may impact North American lighting markets.
Each month, Electric Avenue delivers important news on macro market conditions and changing business dynamics affecting commercial lighting projects and general lighting "stock & flow" distribution across North America.
Here's what's happening in electrical circles since our last Electric Avenue article on September 11.
Electrical Distributor News
Sonepar Canada Consolidates Ontario Operations Under Two Unified Brands
Sonepar Canada has announced a major brand consolidation in Ontario, reducing its five operating brands to two. Aztec, Dixon, and MGM will merge under a refreshed Dixon Electric name, while Electrozad and Sesco will unite under the new Electrozad brand.
The move reflects Sonepar’s ongoing growth and acquisition strategy, aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing service consistency. President Serge Leblanc noted the rebrand marks a pivotal moment for Sonepar Canada, positioning the company to deliver an improved experience for customers, vendors, and associates across the province.
Graybar Unveils STAR Centers to Support Large Construction Projects
Graybar has introduced STAR Centers—specialized facilities designed to support large-scale construction projects by enhancing supply chain efficiency. STAR, which stands for Storage, Transport, and Readiness, brings critical materials closer to job sites and offers customized logistics solutions.
The first centers will open in Reno, Dallas, and Atlanta, totaling 500,000 square feet, with further expansion planned. Integrated into Graybar’s national distribution network, the STAR Centers aim to improve scheduling, reduce labor demands, and support complex builds such as data centers and utility infrastructure. This initiative expands Graybar’s logistics footprint to over 16 million square feet across North America.
Wesco Advances Workforce Development, Unveils New Panelboard Program at NECA
Wesco International announced that over 100 apprentices are advancing through the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship, supported by the Wesco Cares scholarship. The program, now in its first year, spans more than 25 states and aims to strengthen workforce development for the electrical industry.
At the NECA Convention, Wesco also introduced its assembled panelboard program, delivering factory-built, code-compliant solutions that reduce labor costs, speed installation, and improve jobsite efficiency. Alongside other innovations like lighting carts and Paraspin reels, the program addresses ongoing labor and supply chain challenges, reinforcing Wesco’s role as a logistics and solutions partner to electrical contractors.
A Small Win for a Chicago Distributor
Inside Lighting was the only industry news outlet to report on the layoffs and subsequent bankruptcy at Touché Lighting Control, the Indiana-based controls manufacturer that entered Chapter 7 liquidation in March 2025.
While court filings list few assets of notable value, one was accounts receivable—unpaid invoices from customers. Now, one of those customers, KE Electric Supply of Chicago, Illinois, has negotiated a court-approved settlement with the bankruptcy estate. According to documents filed September 29, KE Electric will pay $12,000 to settle its outstanding balance with Touché — less than half the $25,309 originally owed. In return, KE is released from any further claims related to the debt.
It’s a rare win in a bankruptcy process that has left many agents and vendors with nothing. With over $2.5 million in liabilities and less than $230,000 in assets, most unsecured creditors will likely recover only pennies on the dollar — if that.
For KE Electric, the settlement avoids drawn-out legal uncertainty. For others, it may offer a precedent: in the wake of a vendor collapse, early negotiation can be the cleanest way out.
Wesco Enhances Procurement Capabilities with Digital Integration to Simplify Contractor Purchasing
According to Kojo, Wesco International has enhanced its procurement capabilities by launching a digital integration that simplifies complex purchase orders for contractors. The integration connects Wesco’s systems with contractor purchasing platforms, giving users real-time access to pricing, availability, and order tracking within their existing workflows. This advancement helps reduce manual entry, eliminate pricing discrepancies, and cut down on communication delays—key challenges on large-scale projects.
Contractors can now submit accurate, electronic purchase orders directly to Wesco, improving efficiency and minimizing errors. The initiative reflects Wesco’s broader strategy to invest in digital solutions that support the construction industry’s evolving needs. As supply chain demands and labor pressures continue to rise, Wesco remains focused on delivering tools that help contractors work smarter, faster, and more reliably.
Electrical Rep News
JD Martin Acquires WindShine, Expands Presence in Oklahoma
JD Martin Company has acquired Oklahoma City–based WindShine, expanding its footprint in the Oklahoma market, effective October 1, 2025. WindShine will now operate under the JD Martin brand, combining local market expertise with expanded resources.
As part of the transition, Tony Larocco, WindShine’s former Principal, joins JD Martin as Regional Vice President for Oklahoma, working alongside Greg Rutch, Regional Vice President for North Texas and Oklahoma. Larocco brings over 35 years of experience in the electrical industry. The acquisition supports JD Martin’s continued focus on strengthening local partnerships and enhancing customer support across the region. Founded in 1954, JD Martin represents manufacturers in the electrical, lighting, utility, and industrial sectors.
JD Martin and United Automation Form UAI Martin to Serve Gulf Coast Market
JD Martin and United Automation have launched UAI Martin LLC, a new joint venture focused on serving the industrial automation market across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Based in Houston, UAI Martin combines JD Martin’s regional sales expertise with United Automation’s technical knowledge to offer automation solutions tailored to OEMs, system integrators, and end users.
The partnership aims to deliver enhanced support and product access in a growing market. UAI Martin will operate independently while leveraging the strengths of its parent companies to meet evolving customer needs in the Gulf Coast region.
Executive Moves
Border States Promotes Four to Vice President Roles
Border States has promoted four employee-owners to vice president roles, reflecting a strategic focus on key areas of the business. Each new leader brings deep experience and a strong commitment to the company’s values.
- Nick Longfors – VP Finance, Financial Planning and Analysis
A 20-year veteran of the company, Longfors began as a Finance Intern in 2002 and has held multiple roles in Finance and Operations. - Cedrick Phillips – VP Services
With Border States since 2012, Phillips advanced through roles in Operations and Branch Management and most recently served as Director of Services. - Tom Roehrich – VP Category Management
Roehrich joined in 2018 as Strategic Pricing Manager and has led the Category Management team with a focus on vendor engagement and strategic sourcing. - Lori Schramm – VP Finance, Corporate Controller
Schramm, who joined in 2021, brings leadership experience in finance and public accounting to her expanded role.
Wesco Broadens Dan Furrow’s Executive Role Across Key Business Units
tED Magazine reports that Wesco has expanded the role of Dan Furrow, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Electrical and Electronic Solutions (EES), to include leadership of the company’s Industrial business. Furrow will also continue to oversee Wesco’s International business and Global Accounts organizations.
A Wesco veteran since 2005, he has held leadership roles in marketing, category management, and sales, most recently managing the company’s largest customer relationships as VP & General Manager of Global Accounts. Wesco credits Furrow’s extensive cross-functional and global experience as a strong foundation for his expanded responsibilities.
What We are Reading
Government Shutdown Threatens Delays Across Building Materials Industry
A U.S. government shutdown can cause immediate disruptions across the building materials and construction sectors, particularly as demand softens in 2025, according to Dodge Construction Network. While short shutdowns have limited economic impact, prolonged delays may halt federally funded projects, stall permits, and disrupt supply chains.
Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Interior may furlough staff, slowing inspections and environmental reviews. State and local projects tied to federal funds could also face uncertainty. Additional risks include delayed payments to contractors, financial strain on small firms, and lost market visibility due to suspended federal data releases. Dodge anticipates the current shutdown is unlikely to extend beyond three weeks, which may cause short-term challenges but remain manageable for most builders.
AI Emerges as a Key Driver of Supply Chain Transformation
MDM reports that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used as a transformative tool in supply chain operations, enabling distributors to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and decision-making. By automating routine tasks, identifying patterns in large datasets, and predicting demand more accurately, AI helps companies reduce costs and mitigate disruptions.
Experts emphasize that AI adoption is shifting from experimental to essential, with more firms integrating it into core supply chain strategies. As supply chains grow more complex, AI offers scalable solutions to enhance agility and resilience, positioning it as a critical asset for future-ready distribution operations.
Design-Build Approach Gains Traction as Smarter Construction Method
Construction Dive reports that design-build project delivery method is gaining momentum across the construction industry as firms seek faster, more collaborative ways to manage increasingly complex projects. By uniting design and construction under a single contract, the approach streamlines coordination, reduces change orders, and accelerates timelines. Industry leaders note that design-build fosters earlier involvement from key stakeholders, allowing for improved risk management and better cost control.
Adoption is expanding beyond traditional sectors like transportation and into commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects. Experts highlight that this model also supports innovation through integrated technologies such as BIM and prefabrication. As the industry grapples with labor shortages and rising material costs, design-build offers a flexible and efficient solution to meet evolving demands.
Economic Factors
Steel Imports and Copper Imports Highlight Market Shifts
According to Border States’ monthly Commodity Update, copper prices are rising sharply after production cuts at Indonesia’s Grasberg and Chile’s El Teniente mines, both impacted by deadly natural disasters. Bank of America raised its copper price forecast, citing global supply setbacks and sustained demand from renewable energy and AI infrastructure.
U.S. aluminum demand fell 4.4% year-over-year, driven by declining shipments and a rise in scrap inventories linked to tariff policies. Steel imports dropped 16.8% in August, while the U.S. government shutdown has disrupted federal tracking systems, raising concerns over undetected shipments. China’s steel exports are projected to reach record highs, and the European Union is tightening quotas and tariffs.
PVC prices continue a downward trend, with manufacturers reporting steady stock levels. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to 4–4.25% in September, the first cut since 2024, amid signs of a cooling labor market and ongoing inflation concerns.
Daily Copper Prices
Data source: Yahoo! Finance
Global Container Freight Rates
Above: Container rates from China to West Coast USA. Data source: Freightos
The FBX01 global ocean freight container pricing index tracks the cost of shipping 40-foot containers between major ports in China and East Asia and the West Coast of North America. This index, developed in partnership with the Baltic Exchange, includes key Chinese ports like Shanghai (PVG) and Ningbo (NGB), and U.S. ports such as Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD).
This trade route is a vital artery for global commerce, facilitating the movement of billions of dollars' worth of goods across the Pacific. Commonly shipped items on this route include electronics, clothing, furniture, toys, and machinery.
