By Emma Peterson. 

Paul Trombitas breaks down three major trends that construction professionals should pay attention to.  

With changing regulations and constantly evolving economic situations, it can feel impossible to make predictions or plans about the future of the industry. But just because it feels impossible doesn’t mean it really is! In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Paul Trombitas, partner at FMI Consulting, to talk about their 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and what it tells us about the future of the industry. 

1 – Wholistic operations are growing more popular 

The first takeaway from this report was about the shift from specialized operations to wholistic ones. Paul used the manufacturing market as an example, sharing, “What's been fascinating to me is seeing large roofing manufacturers transition into building envelope manufacturers. So, instead of just making roofing materials, they’re producing products for all six sides of a building, like waterproofing and such.”  

When it comes to what’s driving this, Paul points to our modern understanding of building envelopes as one single system, rather than a variety of unique systems working together.  

2 – Sustainability remains top of mind 

In this report, the FMI team has consistently seen responders emphasize the rising demand for sustainable practices. They have also noticed an interesting dynamic surrounding the conversation of sustainability – miscommunication. Paul explained, “On the sustainability side, the challenge is that everybody defines it differently. We always ask about sustainability and the main takeaway we’ve found is that if you ask 50 people what sustainability means, you'll get 50 different answers.” He went on, “I think, unless the entire building envelope ecosystem can come to an agreement on what sustainability is and how they define it, it’s going to stay a challenge.”  

3 – Supply chains are still a concern 

The last takeaway that Paul highlighted from the 2026 Q2 report was the persisting instability of supply chains. He shared some insights:  

Logistics, like the cost of transportation, have changed and that has impacts on things like delivered costs. And I don’t think that’s going away...In fact, I think this is just the start of the impacts and that there are a lot of evolving and increasing factors that will continue to challenge our supply chains and operations.  

Conclusion 

These takeaways not only confirm the experiences of contractors around the industry, they also quantify those experiences in a way that helps contractors position themselves from success. For example, understanding the simultaneous demand for and confusion surrounding sustainability allows contractors to not only present sustainable options, but the importance of explaining and educating their customers on why the options they are presenting are sustainable. And these are just three of the takeaways that Paul shared with us based on FMI’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report.  

If you want to learn more, Read the report, Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording. 

The combined company will benefit from a highly experienced management team and Board of Directors, drawing from both organizations.

Olin Corporation (NYSE: OLN) and Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals to create a leading North American chemicals company. The transaction is expected to generate significant value for shareholders of both companies, with more than $400 million in total identified cost synergies and integration benefits.

The combined organization, which will be renamed OlinHuntsman Corporation ("OlinHuntsman") following the close of the transaction, will benefit from enhanced scale, scope and expanded chlorine optionality, enabling it to create value across markets and cycles. The vertical integration of Olin and Huntsman's highly complementary upstream and downstream businesses brings together cost-advantaged North American assets and feedstocks with differentiated formulations and high-value advanced materials. From its global manufacturing platform, OlinHuntsman will deliver to diverse and growing end markets including automotive, construction and infrastructure and industrial applications. OlinHuntsman will have a structurally lower cost position and an expanded ability to convert advantaged Electrochemical Units production into downstream materials, unlocking more opportunities to grow.

"This combination provides a compelling opportunity for Olin and Huntsman to create a more resilient and value-focused chemicals company anchored in North America," said Ken Lane, president and chief executive officer of Olin. "Huntsman has built an impressive portfolio of polyurethane systems, formulation technologies and advanced materials serving technical, application-driven end markets. By integrating those capabilities with Olin's world-scale chemicals assets and operations and identified synergies and benefits, we will create an industry leader with greater flexibility to serve customers across the value chain, generate stronger cash flow across the cycle and pursue opportunities that neither business could fully capture on its own. I'm excited by the opportunity to lead OlinHuntsman and deliver long-term value for our shareholders, customers, employees and communities."

"As our industry continues to globalize, we compete more today against countries, than companies, trade policies and global supply chains than ever before," said Peter Huntsman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Huntsman. "The opportunities this merger creates enable us to generate greater value for our shareholders, deliver exceptional service and products for our customers and provide greater stability and opportunities for our associates. This merger of equals takes two great companies and creates a much stronger global leader."

Strategic and financial rationale

• Creates a $12B+ North American chemicals leader. Together Olin and Huntsman would have 2025 revenue of approximately $12.5 billion on a combined company basis. Complementary portfolios and enhanced geographic footprint, including a significant presence in the U.S. Gulf Coast, will position OlinHuntsman to capitalize on regional sector dynamics. This, along with its presence in Europe and Asia, will enable it to better serve customers across key markets. Olin's ammunition business, Winchester, will continue to operate as a key business within the combined company, growing its industry-leading brand and deepening its long-term relationships with sporting, law enforcement and military customers.
• Vertical integration improves cost position. The transaction will combine Olin's manufacturing and feedstock capabilities, including chlorine and caustic soda, with Huntsman's downstream products and formulation expertise. This platform will enable OlinHuntsman to grow with customers at multiple points in the value chain, utilize lower-cost producer economics to drive value globally and improve margins and cash flow through a more efficient operating model.
• $400M+ cost synergies and integration benefits. Olin and Huntsman have identified more than $300 million of cost synergies and integration benefits, with the vast majority realized within 24 months and all expected by the end of year three. These synergies will be driven by purchasing and raw material integration, optimization of operations and SG&A savings. The companies have also identified an additional $100 million of raw material integration benefits starting in 2031. In addition to the $400M+ synergies, OlinHuntsman expects to realize approximately $125 million of cash tax benefits through the acceleration of net operating losses.
• Enhanced scale and disciplined capital allocation drive shareholder value. The all-stock merger of equals structure will preserve balance sheet strength, and the combination is expected to improve earnings and cash flow generation through the cycle. OlinHuntsman will prioritize disciplined capital allocation focused on deploying maintenance capital to support safe and reliable operations, a stable dividend policy, near-term deleveraging and the deployment of future excess cash toward shareholder returns and high-return organic and inorganic growth projects.

Leadership, governance and headquarters

The combined company will benefit from a highly experienced management team and Board of Directors, drawing from both organizations. Upon closing of the transaction, current Olin president and chief executive officer, Ken Lane, will serve as chief executive officer of OlinHuntsman. Current chairman, president and chief executive officer of Huntsman, Peter Huntsman, will serve as non-executive chairman of OlinHuntsman's Board of Directors. Current Huntsman executive vice president and chief financial officer, Phil Lister, will serve as the chief financial officer of the combined company.

OlinHuntsman's Board of Directors will consist of ten members, with equal representation from Olin and Huntsman, including Peter Huntsman and Ken Lane.

To underscore the commitment to deliver on the identified synergies, Todd Slater, current senior vice president and chief financial officer of Olin, will serve as chief integration officer of OlinHuntsman, reporting to the chief executive officer. A Strategic Integration Committee of OlinHuntsman's Board of Directors will oversee the integration and synergy realization.

Upon closing of the transaction, OlinHuntsman will be headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

Transaction details

Under the terms of the agreement, Huntsman shareholders will receive 0.5476 shares in Olin for every one (1) share of Huntsman. Upon completion of the transaction, Olin shareholders will own approximately 54.5% and Huntsman shareholders will own approximately 45.5% of the combined company.

Peter Huntsman further stated, "Ken and I agreed to use an at-the-market exchange ratio using volume-weighted average prices over the trailing 30 days, measured as of the close of June 12, 2026. This delivers a premium to Huntsman's shareholders relative to the historical averages while reflecting current market conditions. It is also equitable for Olin's shareholders, smoothing out share price movements from last week's trading. Looking ahead, our shared focus is on capturing the significant long-term value this transaction creates for both sets of shareholders."

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of Olin's shareholders and Huntsman's shareholders.

Advisors

Lazard is serving as financial advisor to Olin, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Sidley Austin LLP are serving as legal counsel.

Citi and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as financial advisors to Huntsman and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel. David Fox & Co. LLC acted as advisor to Huntsman.

Conference call and additional materials

Olin and Huntsman will host a joint investor conference call today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the transaction.

The conference call will be available via live webcast on the investor relations section of each company's website at www.olin.com/investors/investors-overview/ and www.huntsman.com/investors, or directly at the following web address:

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5394127/E052E3C66157E626B1E63E314E310A1E.

Associated presentation materials will also be available for viewing on the respective websites prior to the call.

The conference call can also be accessed by dialing:

Participant Toll-Free Number:

800-420-1459

Participant Direct/International Number:

203-518-9861

Conference ID:

OLNHUN

About Olin

Olin Corporation is a leading vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. The chemical products produced include chlorine and caustic soda, vinyls, epoxies, chlorinated organics, bleach, hydrogen and hydrochloric acid. Winchester's principal manufacturing facilities produce and distribute sporting ammunition, law enforcement ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, industrial cartridges and clay targets.

The 2026 NPA Convention & Expo brings parking and mobility professionals together for education, networking and the latest products and services shaping the industry. Attendees can connect with industry leaders, explore innovative solutions in the Expo Hall and gain insights through educational sessions focused on leadership, technology, operations and the future of parking. The event also features networking opportunities, facility tours and interactive programming designed to help professionals build connections and discover new ways to grow their businesses.

Highlights include:

• Explore products and services from 100+ exhibitors in the Expo Hall.
• Attend educational sessions covering innovation, leadership, technology and parking operations.
• Connect with parking professionals, industry leaders and decision-makers from across the industry.
• Take part in networking events, facility tours, mentoring programs and interactive Expo Hall activities.
• Celebrate the National Parking Association's 75th anniversary in Las Vegas.

Register for the convention today.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how major acquisitions, emerging technologies and evolving supply chains are changing the competitive landscape for contractors, manufacturers and distributors alike. 

Paul Trombitas is a partner at FMI Corporation, a consulting firm specifically focused on providing insight and data to the engineering, construction and built environment fields. He stopped by The Coffee Shops® for a recent episode of Contractor Outlook™, sponsored by SRS Distribution, to talk about the ways the industry has evolved and grown.  

The main thing that Paul has noticed recently is the restructuring of the supply side of the industry. He shared, “Think about Home Depot with SRS, GMS, QXO, Lowe's. There’s been a lot of major acquisitions in the supply sector.” And with a restructuring of this scale, the impact and effects will not only be felt by suppliers and distributors, but it will also be felt by contractors and manufacturers. Paul explained, “With distributors and suppliers consolidating at this scale, it has potentially significant downstream effects. And I think for contractors and firms, there's going to be a gap between those who are adjusting and those that are not.” 

What has created this consolidation dynamic in the industry? Paul points to technological advancements, adding, “The proliferation of AI and other technologies like eCommerce have really changed all industries, including ours. And I think that these suppliers have been able to implement these tools in a way that fosters growth and scaling that creates the consolidation we’re seeing.” 

In other words, technology’s continual development has enabled the restructuring of our supply chains, which subsequently changes how everyone in the building products sector conducts business. The best advice Paul has? Adapt with the change. He shared, “I think that competitiveness is going to be a really big pain point for those that aren’t adopting and changing.” 

Want to learn more? Listen to the episode or Watch the recording on YouTube!  

In this episode of Coffee Conversations®, industry experts explore the growing role of roof restoration in today’s market. The discussion covers what defines a restoration project, the challenges contractors face in selling and executing these services, and the key standards that guide successful outcomes. Panelists dive into best practices before, during, and after a restoration, and examine how adhering to these standards shapes market perception and builds confidence with clients. This webinar will provide practical guidance and thought leadership to help you succeed in roof restoration.

Register today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Woodchuck AI is helping contractors turn construction waste, like lumber products, into savings and renewable energy. 

In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™ sponsored by SRS Distribution Inc., Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Thomas about how his company, Woodchuck AI, is helping contractors manage job site waste more efficiently. This is now the third year that Woodchuck has been operating. Their story starts back in Michigan with North Star Clean Energy, the state public utility renewable energy branch. Todd recalled, “North Star Clean Energy does solar farms, wind farms and bioenergy (burning biomass to generate electricity) facilities in the state of Michigan. And their goal is to get the state off petroleum products, which requires finding a large source of energy.” 

Looking at this issue, Todd and his team turned their gaze to what’s going to waste in our landfills and if there was a solution there. What they found was that in a single year, “the United States sent forty-two million tons of wood waste from construction sites to the landfill.” Not only is this a waste of a biomaterial that could be used to fuel our energy needs, it’s also expensive. Todd explained, “When we send things to landfills, we’re usually paying two dollars to bury one dollar's worth of material. That adds up. Across the entire United States we spent two billion dollars to bury one billion dollars worth of materials in landfills just last year.”  

And from there Woodchuck AI was born. Todd described how they fit into this story, sharing, “Woodchuck works with construction and manufacturing companies to divert their waste from landfills and instead convert it into biomass that can be used to generate renewable energy.” 

What does this look like on the job site? It looks like unique containers for each material, one for wood, one for plastic, one for cardboard and one for metal. From there, as a construction crew works in the field, they simply take a few extra moments to sort their debris as they go. Helping them is an AI-powered camera in each container, which alerts them when material is mixed up and put in the wrong place.  

Once the containers are filled, the Woodchuck team is able to take them to places, like North Star Clean Energy, that can use the materials to create more energy. The best part? Taking the time to sort doesn’t just help contractors feel better about their environmental impact, it also helps their bottom line. Todd explained:  

When you have all your debris and materials mixed together, it costs you money to have someone haul it away. But by sorting it and having us take it, you avoid those costs entirely... In general, our clients save 30%-40% by working with us! 

With this type of monetary savings, combined with the knowledge that you are helping build a more renewable, sustainable future, working with Woodchuck becomes a no brainer. 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more!  

By Emma Peterson. 

From major industry announcements and scholarship awards to emerging market trends and wildfire preparedness, these were the RCS articles that got the most clicks this August.  

August was a month of announcements here at The Coffee Shops®! For our team, we launched a new microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.ca) designed specifically for the Canadian market. Similar to our U.K. microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.uk), this site will not only bring together contractors in its dedicated region but also strengthen the global roofing community.  

In addition to our big announcement, our site saw a lot of announcements and quite a few of them made our August 2026 top article list. For example, one of our R-Club members, Excel Roofing and Siding, sent out an announcement of a name change to Excel Slate and Copper. This change was designed to “better reflect the company’s long-standing expertise in slate roofing, copper craftsmanship and historic home restoration.”  

Another example was the Roofing Alliance’s announcement about the 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship. “A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships.” 

And coming in first and second on our August 2026 top 10 article list were two announcements, both from industry associations. In second place was an article about the Colorado Roofing Association’s new advisory about wildlife code requirements. As for first place, that went to the he Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s announcement of the results of metal roofing market study conducted by FMI Consulting. 

The top 10 August articles 

10 - Excel Roofing and Siding becomes Excel Slate and Copper

9 - Why the most successful roofing contractors plan further ahead by John Kenney. 

8 - TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs by The Coffee Shops® 

7 - When the economic signals don’t agree by John Kenney. 

6 - Becoming a ROOFEREE by Emma Peterson. 

5 - The secret to managing commercial roofing projects by Emma Peterson. 

4 - The Roofing Alliance announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship recipients.

3 - Heavy-duty adhesives for every jobsite by The Coffee Shops®. 

2 - New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements by Alex Tolle. 

1 - New market survey forecasts strong growth, significant potential for residential metal roofing in U.S. 

In this episode of Coffee Conversations®, industry experts explore the growing role of roof restoration in today’s market. The discussion covers what defines a restoration project, the challenges contractors face in selling and executing these services, and the key standards that guide successful outcomes. Panelists dive into best practices before, during, and after a restoration, and examine how adhering to these standards shapes market perception and builds confidence with clients. This webinar will provide practical guidance and thought leadership to help you succeed in roof restoration.

Register today!

The two registered marks strengthen the company’s brand identity across construction industries. 

The Coffee Shops®, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announce that “The Coffee Shops” name and The Coffee Shops “Where the Industries Meet” logo have each received registered trademarks from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

The registrations protect two distinct marks: the company name, “The Coffee Shops,” and the logo featuring the words “The Coffee Shops Where the Industries Meet.” Together, the marks support the company’s business information, online trade directory, buyer-and-seller connection, educational webinar, podcast and digital publishing services.  

“These registered trademarks represent the growth of The Coffee Shops and our commitment to creating trusted places where professionals can connect, learn and grow,” said The Coffee Shops CEO and President Heidi J. Ellsworth. “Our name and Where the Industries Meet logo reflect our mission to bring people together through meaningful information, education and community.” 

The two registered trademarks further distinguish The Coffee Shops brand as the company continues expanding its reach and developing resources for the construction industries. 

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four sites, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop™, CoatingsCoffeeShop™, OutdoorCoffeeshop™ and AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

Event to include discussions on CCUS, AI applications and impacts, and more.

The American Cement Association, the national association representing U.S. cement manufacturers since 1916, is pleased to announce the dates and agenda for its fourth annual 2026 Virtual Sustainability Summit. The online event will be held August 25-27, 2026, beginning at noon each day and registration is free. Leaders and subject-matter experts across the value chain will provide updates and insights on key developments advancing the industry’s progress toward net zero, centering on the event’s 2026 theme: “Measurable Progress. Meaningful Impact. Moving Forward.”

Day 1 (August 25) will feature:

• Opening remarks from UNACEM North America CEO Rafael Villalona, who will discuss innovative initiatives at his company’s plants, including a project with the U.S. Forest Service and using woodchips as an alternative fuel;
• Keynote speaker Brian Potter’s exploration of how technology transitions are shaped, examining the role of efficiency and optimization as foundational for sustainable outcomes; and
• Two panel discussions—the first on CCUS, the second on taking a closer look at the various roles of our value chain partners and how they’ll help get the industry to carbon neutrality.

Day 2 (August 26) will focus on the imperative solutions to industry decarbonization—alternative fuels and blended cements—and where the industry is seeing the most success. Afterward, subject-matter experts will examine the newest approaches to facilitating the adoption of the latest technology at cement plants.

Day 3 (August 27) speakers will examine the forces shaping the cement industry's next chapter, including evolving regulations, workforce challenges and the growing influence of AI. Speakers will discuss how to navigate policy uncertainty and build the talent and capabilities needed for long-term success.

Please join us for these important discussions that should not be missed.

Access the full ACA Sustainability Summit agenda, speaker line-up and registration information HERE.

About The American Cement Association

The American Cement Association, founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. ACA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth. For more information, visit www.cement.org.