Schneider Electric has become the first company to secure NEMA Make it American certification across more than 20 US facilities, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chain resilience

ELECTRIFICATION AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

As demand for reliable energy infrastructure continues to accelerate across the US, Schneider Electric has reached a significant milestone in strengthening domestic manufacturing.

The global energy technology leader has become the first company to secure National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Make it American certification across more than 20 US supply chain facilities, demonstrating its commitment to domestic production, regional supply chains, and supporting the country’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The achievement follows the company’s planned USD$700 million investment in US manufacturing and comes as industries nationwide face unprecedented electricity demand driven by AI data centres, industrial electrification, and advanced manufacturing.

STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC SUPPLY CHAINS

Schneider Electric began pursuing NEMA’s Make it American process certification for facilities last year, initially focusing on its Fairfield, Ohio, manufacturing site.

The Fairfield facility became one of the first in the country to receive certification in May 2025. Following additional independent audits, more than 20 Schneider Electric facilities have now achieved certification and are listed in the NEMA Make it American Build America, Buy America (BABA) Registry.

The certified facilities manufacture a broad portfolio of critical electrical equipment, including low- and medium-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, variable-speed drives, and motor control centres. They are located across California, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

For customers participating in federally funded infrastructure projects, the certification provides independent verification that Schneider Electric’s facilities and products meet Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements, helping to simplify procurement and providing greater confidence in supply chain compliance.

The milestone also reflects Schneider Electric’s broader strategy to regionalise manufacturing and build greater resilience into its North American supply chain as demand for electrification technologies continues to grow.

MEETING THE ENERGY MOMENT

The certification arrives at a pivotal time for the US energy sector.

Rapid AI adoption, expanding data centre capacity, industrial electrification, and the continued growth of advanced manufacturing are placing increasing pressure on the nation’s electrical infrastructure. Against this backdrop, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities has become increasingly important for improving supply chain agility and reducing time to power.

Schneider Electric believes its investment in American manufacturing positions the company to support customers as they navigate this transition while reinforcing domestic industrial capacity.

Becker also said the certification milestone highlights the company’s ability to support customers through a new era of energy transformation and industrial intelligence. As Schneider Electric marks 190 years of innovation in 2026, she added that the achievement reinforces its position as a trusted Energy Technology Partner.

Phillips also discussed how the Make It American programme provides independent verification that facilities and supply chains comply with Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements, giving federal buyers greater transparency and confidence.

She added that, as infrastructure investment accelerates and America’s industrial base continues to expand, Schneider Electric is helping shape the next phase of US manufacturing.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The announcement also coincides with Becker’s appointment to NEMA’s Board of Directors, where she will help shape the organisation’s policy advocacy, workforce initiatives, legal action, and operational excellence during a period of rising energy demand and increasing importance for US electrical manufacturers.

Today, Schneider Electric employs more than 24,000 people across the US and operates over 20 smart factories, facilities, and distribution centres nationwide.

Alongside the expansion of its manufacturing footprint, the company continues to receive recognition for its workplace culture and sustainability leadership. It was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025, earned recognition as a 2026 Gold Military Friendly® employer, and was ranked by TIME magazine as the world’s most sustainable company for the second consecutive year in 2025.

The company was also named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation in 2025 by Corporate Knights, becoming the only organisation to achieve the top position in the Global 100 ranking twice.

As energy demand continues to reshape the industrial landscape, Schneider Electric’s latest certification milestone reinforces its long-term commitment to expanding domestic manufacturing capacity while supporting the technologies driving America’s next phase of industrial growth.

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BUILDING RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

In an ongoing effort to meet strong and sustained customer demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services across industries and regions, global technology titan Microsoft has announced plans to build a new datacenter campus in Pecos, Texas.

Projected to be completed within the next five to seven years, the multibillion-dollar infrastructure highlights the immediate needs the company is responding to today, and the future trajectory of AI. Reliable infrastructure at scale is essential to unlocking the next generation of innovation, and that is precisely what Microsoft is putting at the forefront with this new datacenter.

Writing in a new blog post, Noelle Walsh, President, Cloud Operations and Innovation at Microsoft, said, “This expansion is grounded in a simple principle: we build where our customers need us, and we build for the long term. We have a track record of doing exactly that in Texas. In the San Antonio region, where we have operated datacenters for nearly a decade, our investment has generated billions of dollars in local economic activity and supported thousands of local jobs. We are committed to delivering the same lasting value in Pecos.”

In addition to the new technological possibilities, the company expects to support more than 6,000 construction jobs at peak build-out and to create hundreds of permanent operational jobs that will add a new industry to support the local economy when the new datacenter campus is operational.

Ultimately, Microsoft is meeting the increasing demand for AI and cloud services through capacity that is predictable, resilient, and able to scale quickly.

INNOVATION FOR THE FUTURE

The pairing of the new Pecos datacenter infrastructure with Microsoft’s dedicated onsite energy supply allows the company to bring capacity online at customers’ desired pace, while still maintaining operational reliability.

The energy infrastructure necessary to power the campus is being funded entirely by Microsoft, with the company paying for the new generation and supporting infrastructure needed to serve its own operations.

“The capacity we bring online in Pecos is built to meet our demand, ensuring that our growth strengthens, rather than strains, the energy resources the community relies on,” notes Walsh.

The datacenter in West Texas marks a crucial step forward for Microsoft in how the company builds infrastructure for the inevitable AI era through the combination of capacity at scale, energy, and a commitment to responsible and collaborative growth.

“But just as importantly, it reflects how we do this work: in partnership with communities, with an enduring mindset, and with a focus on creating shared value. As we move forward, we will continue to engage closely with the community in West Texas, provide updates on our progress, and ensure that this investment delivers lasting benefits for both our customers and our neighbours. We look forward to building that future together,” concludes Walsh.

As Microsoft continues to expand its datacenter footprint, the company remains committed to building and operating infrastructure in a way that reduces environmental impact and supports local communities while contributing to a sustainable, responsible future.

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A MAJOR CLEAN ENERGY MILESTONE  

New York City has reached a significant milestone in its clean energy transition with the launch of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), a 1,250-megawatt transmission project designed to deliver renewable hydropower directly from Canada into the heart of the city. 

The project has been brought online through a collaboration between Hitachi Energy, Hydro-Québec, and Transmission Developers (TDI), marking the start of commercial operations for one of North America’s most ambitious clean energy infrastructure developments. 

By linking New York City directly to Hydro-Québec’s network of more than 60 hydropower stations, CHPE is capable of supplying enough renewable electricity to power approximately one million homes. The transmission line is also expected to satisfy nearly 20 percent of the city’s electricity requirements. 

“We partnered with Hitachi Energy from the early stages of CHPE, building a relationship grounded in deep expertise, trusted collaboration, and continuous support. The advanced HVDC Light® technology, combined with strong project execution, has been critical to bringing this project to life,” comments Justin Sauber, CEO of TDI.  

ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY  

At the center of the project is Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light® technology, a Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based solution developed to enable efficient long-distance electricity transmission while minimizing environmental impact. Through advanced power electronics, the system enables precise control of voltage and power flow while maintaining exceptionally low transmission losses. 

Designed with sustainability and resilience in mind, the transmission infrastructure differs from conventional overhead power lines. The cables have been installed underground and underwater along routes through Lake Champlain and the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, helping to protect landscapes, preserve ecosystems, and improve resistance to extreme weather conditions. 

The compact design of the HVDC Light system also allows converter stations and associated infrastructure to be integrated within densely populated urban environments. This supports efforts to reduce grid congestion while ensuring reliable delivery of clean energy where demand is highest. 

SUPPORTING DECARBONIZATION GOALS  

Environmental benefits are expected to be substantial. CHPE is projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3.9 million metric tons annually, an impact comparable to removing 44 percent of New York City’s vehicles from the road. 

“CHPE will help transform how New York City is powered, delivering clean electricity across hundreds of miles straight into the city center,” adds Niklas Persson, CEO of Grid Integration Business Unit at Hitachi Energy.  

“By transforming a former fossil fuel site in Astoria – long associated with air pollution and respiratory health challenges – this project will help improve local air quality while enhancing New York’s energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable power supply,”

By displacing fossil fuel-based power generation, the project will also support New York State’s target of achieving 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030. 

The commissioning of CHPE represents a notable achievement for the transmission sector. It is the second HVDC city-center infeed project globally to operate at ±400 kilovolts, following the commissioning of Hitachi Energy’s pioneering project in Mumbai, which was the first installation of its kind at that voltage level. 

As urban centers continue to experience rising electricity demand while pursuing ambitious decarbonization objectives, CHPE demonstrates how large-scale renewable energy can be transported across borders and delivered directly into major cities.  

The project offers a model for future clean energy integration and highlights the growing role of advanced transmission technologies in supporting the energy transition.

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Breakthrough “Nanostack” Architecture

IBM has unveiled the world’s first sub-1 nanometer (nm) chip technology, introducing a new 0.7 nm (7 angstrom) semiconductor architecture designed to deliver significant performance gains while reducing energy consumption. The breakthrough represents a major milestone for the technology industry as demand for AI, cloud computing and advanced digital infrastructure continues to accelerate.

Developed by IBM Research, the new chip incorporates nearly 100 billion transistors on a chip the size of a fingernail—almost double the density of IBM’s 2 nm chip announced in 2021. At its core is a revolutionary three-dimensional “nanostack” transistor architecture that reimagines how chips are built, extending semiconductor scaling beyond the limits of traditional designs.

Driving More Sustainable AI Infrastructure

As organisations deploy increasingly complex AI workloads, improving compute efficiency has become a critical sustainability challenge. IBM projects the new sub-1 nm technology could deliver up to 50% higher performance or 70% greater energy efficiency compared with its 2 nm generation, enabling more powerful computing while reducing the energy required to support data-intensive applications.

The breakthrough highlights how semiconductor innovation can help address one of the technology sector’s fastest-growing environmental challenges: the rising energy demand associated with AI, cloud infrastructure and high-performance computing.

“IBM’s latest chip breakthrough marks a landmark moment in computing, pushing technology beyond the nanometer era to the scale of atoms. With our new nanostack architecture, we’re not just making smaller transistors, we’re reinventing how chips are built to deliver dramatically more power and energy efficiency,” said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow.

“This industry-first innovation continues IBM’s legacy of leading in next-generation technologies and sets the foundation for the next era of computing.”

Reinventing Semiconductor Design for the Next Decade

The new nanostack architecture represents a significant evolution in chip design. Unlike conventional transistor structures, nanostack vertically stacks and staggers nanosheet transistors, enabling greater transistor density while optimising performance and power efficiency across different layers of the chip.

IBM researchers also demonstrated that the architecture can significantly improve memory scaling, helping support the growing data and bandwidth requirements of advanced AI systems.

The company believes the innovation provides a roadmap for continued semiconductor scaling over the next decade, even as the industry approaches atomic-level manufacturing limits.

Supporting Long-Term Technology and Climate Goals

The development underscores the increasingly important link between semiconductor innovation and sustainability objectives. More efficient chips can help reduce the energy footprint of AI, cloud services, enterprise computing and critical digital infrastructure, supporting efforts to lower emissions while meeting growing demand for computing capacity.

The technology was developed at IBM’s semiconductor research facility in Albany, New York, where the company is collaborating with industry partners on next-generation manufacturing technologies, including High Numerical Aperture Extreme Ultraviolet (High NA EUV) lithography.

With commercial adoption potentially beginning within the next five years, IBM’s sub-1 nm breakthrough demonstrates how advances in chip design can help deliver both higher performance and greater energy efficiency—critical requirements for the future of AI-driven, sustainable digital infrastructure.

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What is Accenture Edge?

Accenture is expanding its reach into one of the fastest-growing segments of the technology services market with the launch of Accenture Edge, a dedicated business designed to help mid-market organisations harness AI and accelerate digital transformation.

The new offering brings together Accenture’s enterprise-scale expertise, industry knowledge and technology ecosystem partnerships to deliver solutions tailored to companies that often face the same challenges as large enterprises but with fewer resources and tighter timelines.

According to Accenture, the global mid-market technology services segment represents an estimated $240 billion opportunity and is growing at a high single-digit rate annually.

Bringing Enterprise AI Capabilities to a Fast-Growing Market

Mid-market companies are increasingly navigating legacy technology environments, rising cybersecurity threats and growing pressure to adopt AI to remain competitive.

Accenture Edge is designed to address these challenges with platform-based, ready-to-deploy solutions that help organisations modernise core systems, improve operational efficiency, strengthen security and accelerate AI adoption.

“The companies shaping tomorrow’s economy are moving fast, thinking boldly and redefining what growth looks like,” said Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture.

“Mid-market companies face many of the same technology, data, AI, cybersecurity and productivity challenges as large enterprises, but they need solutions that are faster to deploy, more repeatable and right-sized for their scale.”

Ecosystem Partnerships Drive Faster Technology Adoption

A key component of Accenture Edge is its focus on leveraging partnerships with leading technology providers to deliver scalable solutions that can be implemented quickly and efficiently.

The business will also integrate closely with Accenture’s joint venture with Microsoft, Avanade, providing mid-market customers with access to cloud, AI and cybersecurity capabilities built on Microsoft technologies.

By combining industry expertise with preconfigured platforms and accelerators, Accenture aims to help organisations reduce implementation complexity while accelerating business outcomes.

Growing Demand for Practical AI Solutions

Industry analysts note that mid-market companies are under increasing pressure to modernise while balancing cost, speed and resource constraints.

According to IDC, many organisations in this segment face the same transformation demands as larger enterprises but often lack access to the technology ecosystems and specialised expertise needed to implement AI at scale.

Accenture believes this gap creates a significant opportunity to deliver AI-enabled business solutions that are specifically designed for the operational realities of mid-sized organisations.

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Circular Economy Models Gain Momentum Among Consumers

Circular economy business models are moving from the margins to the mainstream, according to Mastercard’s latest report, The Next Era of Conscious Consumption.

The research reveals that consumers increasingly view sustainability and affordability as complementary rather than competing priorities. While cost, product longevity and brand trust remain the top purchasing drivers, more than half of consumers say they are willing to pay more for products that align with their values. That figure rises to more than 60% among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

Mastercard: Sustainable Consumption Is Becoming Mainstream

As Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard, explained:

“Sustainable living may have taken root among the environmentally conscious, but today it’s gaining momentum by delivering tangible value everyone can feel, from saving money to accessing better, more durable goods and supporting personal health and well-being. Circular purchasing behaviours are becoming more mainstream for everyday consumers because the tools and infrastructure to inspire, inform and enable them are finally emerging.”

“At Mastercard, we see this transformation from a unique vantage point. We sit at the center of the global economy, connecting 150 million+ acceptance points and hundreds of millions of digital access points, thousands of banking partners, and 3.7 billion cards in circulation. That position gives us both responsibility and opportunity: to help turn intention into action, and to make the infrastructure of commerce work in service of a more sustainable future.”

Resale, Repair and Rental Drive Growth in Circular Commerce

The report highlights growing demand for circular commerce models, with resale, rental, repair and reuse becoming increasingly common purchasing behaviours.

Mastercard Economics Institute data shows second-hand clothing sales grew 28% year-over-year in 2025 across leading circular commerce markets, significantly outpacing traditional retail growth. Rental models are also gaining popularity among younger consumers, while repair continues to emerge as a key pillar of sustainable consumption.

71% of consumers say they would rather repair products they already own than replace them with new purchases.

Consumer Demand Creates New Opportunities for Sustainable Business Models

The findings point to a growing opportunity to align sustainability strategies with customer value propositions.

As consumers seek products and services that reduce costs while supporting more responsible consumption, circular business models are increasingly becoming both a sustainability initiative and a commercial growth opportunity.

The report suggests companies that can combine affordability, quality, durability and environmental performance will be best positioned to capture changing consumer demand.

Building the Infrastructure for the Circular Economy

Mastercard argues that scaling circular commerce will depend on stronger supporting infrastructure, including digital payments, sustainability data, rewards programs and tools that help consumers understand the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

The company highlighted initiatives such as carbon footprint tracking, sustainable rewards programmes and digital solutions that make lower-impact purchasing choices easier and more accessible.

“The data behind this report points to a steady shift in how people are spending,” said Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist, at Mastercard Economics Institute.

“Circular commerce is showing up more often across categories and markets, not as a one-off trend, but as part of everyday consumer behaviour. At the Mastercard Economics Institute, we look at aggregated and anonymised spending data to understand how these changes take shape over time.

What we see is practical: as people stay focused on cost, they are finding ways to get more value out of what they buy — whether through resale, rental or repair — and those options are becoming easier to access. For businesses, this changes the growth model.

Products and services that support longer use and offer consumers greater choice are becoming a more consistent part of the market, shaping how companies think about demand, inventory and customer relationships. Seen through the data, circular commerce reflects a lasting shift in how people define value and how commerce will continue to evolve.”

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Nasdaq links sustainability and resilience in evolving financial markets

Nasdaq has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining progress across environmental stewardship, responsible technology deployment, governance and workforce development as the company seeks to strengthen resilience across the global financial system.

The report centres on what Nasdaq describes as a “Future Forward” approach, aligning business strategy with the technological, environmental and economic forces reshaping capital markets while supporting long-term stakeholder value.

As sustainability becomes increasingly intertwined with risk management and corporate performance, the report highlights how Nasdaq is integrating climate considerations and responsible innovation into its role as a technology provider for global financial markets.

Responsible innovation becomes a strategic priority

A key theme throughout the report is the growing importance of responsible technology deployment, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded across financial services.

Nasdaq says it is taking a deliberate approach to AI adoption, balancing innovation with governance, accountability and environmental considerations.

In the report, Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, said:

“As a leading technology platform powering the world’s economies, Nasdaq’s focus is on serving as the trusted fabric of the financial system. That means we are Future Forward – architecting the world’s modern markets, powering the innovation economy, and building trust in the financial system.”

“This past year reinforced our conviction that innovation is not about reacting to disruption, but about designing durable solutions the global financial system can depend on over time.”

AI governance moves to the forefront

The report highlights Nasdaq’s efforts to establish governance frameworks around AI deployment as organisations increasingly seek to balance productivity gains with responsible implementation.

Sarah Youngwood, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Nasdaq, wrote:

“Responsible innovation has always been part of how we think about technology at Nasdaq, and AI is no different.”

To support this approach, Nasdaq has established a dedicated AI Integration Team and expects employees to receive role-specific training focused on ethical AI use.

These measures are designed to create shared accountability while ensuring AI deployment remains aligned with the company’s values and risk management framework and the focus on governance reflects a growing trend among organisations seeking to operationalise responsible AI principles rather than treating them solely as policy commitments.

Managing the environmental impact of AI growth

The sustainability report also addresses a challenge increasingly facing technology-intensive organisations: the environmental implications of expanding AI adoption.

Youngwood noted that Nasdaq is seeking to understand and manage AI-related environmental impacts while maintaining its broader climate commitments.

The company’s approach includes:

• Procuring 100% renewable electricity across operations
• Encouraging employees to use appropriately sized AI models for specific tasks
• Engaging cloud and technology suppliers on energy efficiency
• Working with suppliers to promote responsible water use

As demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, sustainability leaders are placing increasing attention on the energy consumption and resource requirements associated with emerging technologies.

Nasdaq’s approach signals a recognition that AI governance must encompass environmental as well as ethical and operational considerations.

Climate resilience remains central to sustainability strategy

Alongside its technology agenda, Nasdaq continues to position climate resilience as a core element of long-term business strategy.

According to the report, the company’s climate approach focuses on:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Improving energy efficiency
• Maintaining carbon neutrality
• Managing climate-related risks
• Strengthening long-term operational resilience

This reflects a wider shift across financial services, where climate risk is increasingly viewed through the lens of business continuity, infrastructure resilience and long-term value protection.

Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone initiative, organisations are increasingly embedding climate considerations into enterprise risk management and strategic planning.

Building trust through sustainable market infrastructure

As capital markets increasingly rely on digital infrastructure and AI-enabled capabilities, expectations around transparency, governance and environmental responsibility continue to rise.

Friedman emphasised the importance of making long-term investments that strengthen both sustainability and resilience:

“As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear: to advance sustainable growth, deliver transparent, measurable impact, and create long-term value that endures beyond the next cycle.”

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TRANSFORMING MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS 

Rockwell Automation has partnered with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to publish a new white paper examining the growing impact of smart manufacturing across the automotive, tire, and battery industries. 

Titled ‘Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact’, the report was authored by CAR using extensive data supplied by Rockwell Automation. It explores how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation technologies are transforming manufacturing operations and influencing future competitiveness. 

According to the findings, the industry has reached a turning point. Rather than debating whether to invest in smart manufacturing technologies, manufacturers are increasingly focused on determining where and how quickly they can deploy them. 

EXPANDING AUTOMATION CAPABILITIES 

While advanced automation has long been established in areas such as body production, painting, and welding, manufacturers are now extending these capabilities into more complex functions. 

Electronics assembly, validation processes, production coordination, and logistics are among the areas seeing increased automation adoption. At the same time, AI and ML technologies are helping manufacturers enhance predictive maintenance programs, improve inspection accuracy, and optimize overall system performance. 

“The industry has built a strong automation foundation. What is changing now is how manufacturers are using AI and data to manage growing complexity, improve decision-making, and create competitive advantage,” said Edgar Faler, Principal Mobility Analyst and Strategy Lead at CAR.  

“Those that move faster are starting to see measurable advantages.” 

DRIVERS OF INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION  

The white paper combines CAR’s analysis with proprietary findings from Rockwell Automation’s 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report. 

The research identifies several factors fueling adoption, including increasingly complex production environments, persistent warranty challenges, rising operational costs, and intensifying global competition. Smart manufacturing technologies are also supporting onshoring initiatives by helping manufacturers maintain cost-competitive operations despite ongoing labor constraints. 

Manufacturers implementing these technologies are already reporting tangible benefits. In select applications, organizations have achieved reductions in unplanned downtime of up to 50 percent, alongside approximately five percent improvements in overall equipment effectiveness and throughput gains of between five percent and seven percent through the use of real-time production analytics. 

“Manufacturers are being asked to do more with less while managing greater complexity,” said James Glasson, VP Global Industry – Automotive, Tire & Advanced Mobility at Rockwell Automation.  

A GROWING COMPETITIVE DIVIDE  

The report also highlights an emerging divide across the automotive manufacturing landscape. 

As adoption rates vary between organizations, differences in quality, productivity, and operational uptime are becoming increasingly pronounced. The findings suggest that these gaps could have significant implications for supplier performance and long-term competitiveness as smart manufacturing technologies continue to mature and scale across the industry. 

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A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE

Amazon has announced plans to invest several billion dollars in Missouri by developing a state-of-the-art data centre campus in Montgomery County, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the state and driving economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and community development.

The investment is expected to create more than 400 full-time data centre positions and thousands of construction jobs, whilst generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue for Montgomery County over the coming years.

Building on its existing footprint across Missouri, where the company already employs more than 10,000 people and supports an additional 10,000 jobs indirectly, Amazon says the project represents a significant milestone in its continued expansion in the state.

Kehoe highlighted the wider impact of the investment, stating that projects of this scale create lasting benefits for communities by improving critical infrastructure, generating new tax revenue for schools and public services, and strengthening the foundations for future economic growth.

INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES

Alongside the construction of the new campus, Amazon has committed more than $7 million in direct community contributions to support public services, education, and local development initiatives.

Among the largest commitments is a $3 million contribution towards emergency dispatch services, designed to strengthen public safety infrastructure across Montgomery County.

The company is also investing more than $1 million to create a new community gathering space at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, whilst serving as a major sponsor of the county fair.

Further investment will support STEM education, workforce development, sustainability programmes, and local nonprofit organisations. Amazon is launching the Amazon Montgomery County Community Fund with an initial commitment of $150,000, providing grants of up to $10,000 for community-led projects through nonprofit partner ChangeX.

In addition, a new $50,000 fund established alongside the Montgomery County School District will provide grants for teachers and school supplies, complemented by the introduction of the Amazon Think Big Program, which delivers hands-on STEM learning experiences for students.

These initiatives build on Amazon’s broader community impact across Missouri, where employee volunteers have supported education programmes, computer science learning opportunities, food banks, and nonprofit organisations throughout the state.

BUILDING RESPONSIBLY

As part of its commitment to responsible development, Amazon has worked closely with utility provider Ameren Missouri to ensure costs associated with the new data centre campus will not be passed on to existing customers.

The company states that its rates are structured to fully cover the costs of its energy use, preventing additional charges from being passed on to other ratepayers.

Amazon has also invested in a carbon-free energy project in Missouri capable of generating 138 megawatts of power – enough to supply more than 28,000 homes – helping to support regional energy availability and long-term affordability.

Water stewardship has also become a key component of the project. Amazon will fund the construction of the water infrastructure required for the campus before donating the completed system to Montgomery County Public Water Supply District No. 1 at no cost.

The company says its facilities are designed to be highly water efficient, with cooling systems expected to rely on water for less than seven percent of the year. During periods when water is required, rainwater harvesting and on-site recycling systems will help reduce overall consumption.

Further supporting its water-positive ambitions, Amazon is partnering with agricultural technology company Arable Labs on an irrigation optimisation initiative in northeastern Missouri. Using sensor technology and Amazon Web Services cloud capabilities, the programme is expected to reduce water usage by approximately 100 million gallons annually within the local watershed.

CREATING LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY

Beyond the immediate construction phase, the development is expected to create a diverse range of highly skilled roles, including electricians, HVAC technicians, project engineers, network specialists, operations managers, and security professionals.

Amazon plans to work alongside community colleges, technical schools, universities, and K-12 institutions to develop workforce training programmes that support both the company’s future hiring needs and the wider data centre ecosystem.

Highlighting the company’s longstanding commitment to the state, David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer at Amazon, notes that Amazon has operated in Missouri since 2017 and now employs more than 10,000 residents.

For Montgomery County, the project marks a significant economic transformation. Land that previously generated less than $9,000 annually in property taxes is projected to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue once the campus becomes operational, creating new funding opportunities for schools, roads, public services, and future community priorities.

As Amazon deepens its presence in Missouri, the company is positioning its latest investment as more than a technology project – it is a long-term commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development, workforce advancement, and community prosperity.

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FROM EXPERIMENTATION TO IMPLEMENTATION  

Deloitte has unveiled a new AI Studio at its London campus, expanding its ability to deliver agentic AI solutions to businesses across the UK. 

Developed in partnership with Google Cloud, the facility is designed to help organisations accelerate the adoption of autonomous AI systems and move beyond the experimentation phase towards large-scale deployment. 

Scheduled to open in late July, the Deloitte AI Studio will operate as a collaborative innovation hub where the company’s specialists and clients can develop and implement production-ready agentic AI solutions.  

The initiative is aimed at supporting organisations across a range of sectors, including the public sector, financial services, retail, consumer products, healthcare and life sciences, and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT). 

For retail businesses, the studio will focus on advancing customer experiences through agentic AI, moving beyond traditional generative AI chat interfaces towards more sophisticated and autonomous systems.  

Within healthcare and TMT, efforts will centre on transforming established business models and streamlining day-to-day operations through AI-driven solutions. 

FORGING A STRONGER BOND  

The launch also strengthens the existing relationship between Deloitte and Google Cloud. Alongside the opening of the studio, Deloitte has announced a major skills development programme that will see 1,000 members of its UK AI and data workforce trained on Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise platform. 

The certification initiative is intended to equip Deloitte’s AI and data engineers with the expertise required to deploy Google’s advanced agentic architecture, creating one of the region’s largest pools of certified AI professionals. 

Speaking at the Google Cloud London Summit, Hayley McKelvey, Chief AI Officer at Deloitte UK, said: “Our clients are looking for more than just productivity gains – they want AI that can take action and drive real-world business outcomes.”  

Maureen Costello, Vice President for the UK, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa at Google Cloud, added: “We are witnessing British organisations move their AI initiatives into production, building a new era of agentic AI that delivers tangible value.” 

BUILDING AI CAPABILITY  

The facility will also host regular innovation laboratories, enabling clients to prototype and validate agentic AI solutions in as little as four weeks, helping to accelerate the delivery of complex AI projects. 

Matt Lacey, Global Chief Commercial Officer for Alphabet Google at Deloitte, highlighted the significance of the investment, stating:  

Google Cloud provides an AI technology stack that includes infrastructure, Gemini AI models, data management capabilities, multi-cloud security solutions, developer tools, platforms, agents, and applications. The company supports customers in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. 

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PRIORITIZING REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

The recently released Nescafé Plan 2030 Progress Report details the company’s targets for the next four years, which prioritizes regenerative agriculture to enhance farming practices and coffee supply resilience, which will benefit farmers and farmland ecosystems for a sustainable future.

In the 2025 progress report, Nescafé sourced approximately 53 percent of its green coffee from farmers adopting regenerative farming practices, and over 100,000 coffee farmers in 15 countries received training on these practices, alongside farming economics and social topics. This training was provided by more than 1,600 Nescafé Plan agronomists and field staff.

Additionally, the company adjusted its procurement approach to source more coffee from farmers utilizing these regenerative practices.

“With more than half of our green coffee sourced from farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices in 2025, Nescafé has reached a major milestone. This shows how we are working with farmers to scale regenerative agriculture across our coffee supply chain. We aim to support farmers in this transition, strengthen resilience to climate change, and help secure Nescafé’s long-term access to coffee, a key growth driver for the company,” notes Antje Shaw, Head of Sustainability for Nescafé.

To further help farmers scale their farming practices, the company is assisting them to renovate plots with new coffee varieties that are more resilient to climate change and disease. It is well-known that as coffee trees age, they become less productive and more vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, Nescafé distributed 20.3 million coffee plantlets to farmers in 2025.

BUILDING A MORE RESILIENT COFFEE SUPPLY CHAIN

The Nescafé Plan 2030 emphasizes practices including agroforestry, cover crops, and optimized fertilization to help improve soil health and support long-term yields. In the 2025 progress report, Nescafé reported an 18.3 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its green coffee compared to 2018.

Additionally, 94.3 percent of Nescafé coffee was responsibly sourced, meaning that the company’s green coffee lots were traced to identified groups of farmers and independently certified or verified as being produced in alignment with its responsible sourcing requirements.

Looking beyond the company’s farming initiatives, the report also highlights Nescafé’s work toward strengthening human rights in coffee-growing communities via due diligence, supplier capability building, and partnerships to expand impact on the ground.

A prime example of Nescafé’s efforts is the Nescafé Plan Child Protection Framework that the company co-developed with Terre des Hommes to strengthen child protection systems in coffee supply chains.

Roy Tjan, Child Rights and Business Global Advisor at Terre des Hommes, states, “We believe in supporting systems that protect children today and help secure better opportunities for the future. Our partnership with Nescafé reinforces this belief by integrating the company’s child protection efforts on the ground with the community and public state systems already in place.

Through Nescafé’s integrated approach, the company is actively working toward building a more resilient coffee supply chain for the future.

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Toyota Alabama marks 25 years of manufacturing growth

Toyota is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Alabama manufacturing operation, a milestone that highlights both the company’s long-term commitment to North American production and the strategic importance of regional manufacturing hubs.

What began in 2001 as a $220 million investment has expanded into a $1.7 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, the plant assembles nearly 1 million engines and 500,000 differentials annually, supplying vehicles built across the continent.

The facility employs approximately 2,400 team members and has become a critical part of Toyota’s North American production footprint.

From one engine line to a regional manufacturing powerhouse

Toyota Alabama originally launched with a single engine line supporting production of the Toyota Tundra.

Twenty-five years later, the facility manufactures four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines for seven of the nine Toyota vehicles assembled in North America, accounting for nearly half of the automaker’s engines produced annually in the region.

To date, the Huntsville operation has produced more than 11 million engines.

The site’s capabilities continue to expand. In 2025, Toyota announced a $282 million investment to broaden production capacity through the assembly of three advanced differentials, further strengthening the facility’s role within the company’s manufacturing network.

For manufacturers across North America, Toyota Alabama illustrates the value of continually reinvesting in established facilities to adapt to changing product requirements and market demand.

Advanced manufacturing investment remains central to competitiveness

The evolution of Toyota Alabama reflects a broader shift in North American manufacturing strategy.

Rather than viewing facilities as static assets, manufacturers increasingly treat plants as adaptable platforms capable of supporting new technologies, components and production processes over decades.

Marc Perry, president of Toyota Alabama, credited employees for the plant’s sustained growth.

“Toyota Alabama’s decades of growth and success are a testament to our 2,400 committed team members,” said Marc Perry, president of Toyota Alabama. “Their dedication, skill and passion make Toyota a leader in quality and innovation. We are proud of every team member who contributes to this legacy.”

The continued expansion of the Huntsville facility demonstrates how workforce capability and long-term investment remain essential drivers of manufacturing resilience.

Alabama’s manufacturing ecosystem continues to mature

State and local leaders positioned Toyota’s anniversary as evidence of Alabama’s emergence as a major manufacturing destination.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said:

“What began as a historic investment in North Alabama 25 years ago has grown into a world-class manufacturing operation that drives Alabama’s economy and puts our state on the map for automotive innovation. I congratulate Toyota Alabama and the thousands of hardworking employees whose dedication has fueled its success and made this milestone possible. As Toyota Alabama celebrates 25 years of excellence, I am proud of the jobs, opportunities and partnerships it has created, and I look forward to its continued success for years to come.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle added:

“Toyota’s investment in Huntsville was a defining moment for our community. As one of the first global manufacturers to establish a major presence here, Toyota helped demonstrate that Huntsville could compete on the world stage for advanced manufacturing and innovation. Their success paved the way for other industry leaders to follow. Today, Toyota Alabama stands as a cornerstone of our economy, providing high-quality jobs, producing world-class products and giving back generously to the community. We congratulate Toyota Alabama on this remarkable milestone and look forward to many more years of partnership and success.”

Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett said:

“Congratulations to Toyota Alabama on 25 remarkable years in our community. What began in 2001 with a $220 million investment and a bold vision for advanced manufacturing has grown into a cornerstone of our regional economy. Toyota’s impact reaches far beyond the plant floor. Team members have shown, time and again, that corporate success and community stewardship go hand in hand, giving countless volunteer hours and resources to make life better across North Alabama. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and to proclaim June 11, 2026, as Toyota Alabama Day.”

Chip Cherry, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber President and CEO, added:

“We are honored to have Toyota Alabama as one the premier members of our business community. Toyota Alabama is the gold standard for community engagement. We are proud that one third of Toyotas on the road in the U.S. have an engine made in Huntsville. The Toyota Alabama team has worked to help make our region stronger through their engagement in civic and educational endeavours. We look forward to working with Toyota Alabama for many years to come!”

Community investment remains part of the manufacturing equation

Over the past 25 years, the company has contributed more than $24 million to local nonprofits and community organisations, including almost $11 million invested in Huntsville City Schools through the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative.

To commemorate the anniversary, Toyota announced $125,000 in donations to five local nonprofits supporting students and families:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley, funding student mentoring programmes
• Free 2 Teach, providing teachers with classroom resources
• The Enrichment Center, supporting school-based mental health services
• The Schools Foundation, advancing professional development for school administrators
• Huntsville Hospital Foundation, supporting child passenger safety programmes through access to properly installed car seats
• Driving Possibilities, Toyota’s national STEM education initiative, brings together educators, nonprofits, community leaders and industry partners to support the next generation of talent.

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ONGOING SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY

Mars, Incorporated (Mars) has announced that all of its US operations are now powered by 100 percent renewable electricity, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing sustainability journey.

Detailed in the company’s 2025 Sustainable in a Generation Report, the achievement spans Mars’ factories, offices, veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and other direct operations across the US.

Combined with broader decarbonisation efforts, the milestone has helped drive substantial reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while supporting continued business expansion.

The company reported a 42.6 percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions compared to its 2015 baseline, successfully delivering its Science Based Target for operational emissions reductions.

Meanwhile, Mars achieved a 6.4 percent reduction in absolute GHG emissions across its entire value chain in 2025 – its largest annual reduction to date – bringing cumulative emissions reductions to 16.9 percent against 2015 levels, despite growing the business by approximately 75 percent over the same period.

Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, described the achievement as an important step in building a resilient and sustainable business.

ACCELERATING RENEWABLE ENERGY

A key driver of Mars’ progress is its Renewables Acceleration (RAcc) programme, launched in 2025 to extend renewable electricity adoption beyond the company’s own operations and throughout its wider value chain.

By 2030, the initiative has the potential to reduce emissions by approximately three million tonnes, representing around 10 percent of the company’s 2025 carbon footprint.

As part of the programme, Mars recently signed a contract with Enel North America to support three new solar projects in Texas. Together, the projects are expected to generate approximately 1.80 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, supporting both Mars operations and suppliers.

Alongside investments aimed at reducing and converting energy consumption, the company also maintains wind and solar projects that generate Renewable Energy Certificates equivalent to the electricity consumed by its direct U.S. operations.

SUPPORTING CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE

Beyond renewable energy, Mars continues to invest heavily in climate-smart agriculture programmes designed to strengthen resilience across key agricultural supply chains.

During 2025, the company expanded its global portfolio to approximately 77 projects spanning 26 countries and 12 crops.

Among its flagship initiatives is Protect the Peanut, a five-year investment of approximately $5.2 million focused on developing drought- and disease-resistant peanut varieties while helping farmers adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

Mars is also investing $20 million between 2020 and 2030 through its Raising Rice Right programme, supporting the adoption of climate-smart farming practices, farmer training, and greater resilience within rice production systems.

Collaboration remains central to the company’s approach. In Poland, Mars partnered with PepsiCo and ADM to launch a regenerative agriculture programme supporting 24 farmers across more than 5,450 hectares. Through the initiative, Mars is supporting regenerative wheat production across 3,450 hectares for brands including WHISKAS® and PEDIGREE®, helping improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen long-term climate resilience.

INVESTING FOR LONG-TERM RESILIENCE

Alongside sustainability initiatives, Mars continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint and invest in long-term operational resilience.

In 2025, the company announced plans to invest an estimated $2 billion in U.S.-based manufacturing and €1 billion across its European Union operations by the end of 2026.

Mars also launched the Mars Sustainability Investment Fund, backed by a capital commitment of up to $250 million, while establishing the Mars Impact Fund to complement existing sustainability and philanthropic programmes.

According to Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars, collaboration remains essential to achieving meaningful progress.

As Mars continues to advance its sustainability strategy, the company is demonstrating how science-led, commercially disciplined investments can help reduce emissions, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term business growth.

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BOOSTING AI CAPABILITIES  

Accenture has agreed to acquire Industries eXcellence Group (IndX), a division of Engineering Group and long-standing partner of Siemens Digital Industries, in a move designed to enhance its capabilities in digital engineering and manufacturing transformation. 

The acquisition will bolster Accenture’s ability to help manufacturers modernize product development, production processes, and supply chain operations through the integration of software, data, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies. 

According to Accenture, manufacturers are increasingly investing in digital technologies to create more intelligent, connected, and adaptable operations. However, integrating these technologies across products, factories, plants, and supply chains remains a significant challenge. 

“Manufacturers are increasingly investing in software, data and AI to make engineering and factory operations more flexible, intelligent, and connected,” said Tracey Countryman, Global Supply Chain and Engineering Lead at Accenture.  

DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION 

Headquartered in Rome and Chicago, IndX specializes in software solutions for discrete and process manufacturers built on Siemens technologies. 

The company delivers digital thread solutions that connect engineering, manufacturing, and automation functions across information technology (IT) and operational technology environments. Its expertise spans product lifecycle management, simulation, digital twins, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), industrial edge computing, and cloud computing. 

IndX serves clients across a range of sectors, including aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer goods, energy, high tech, industrial equipment, life sciences, and utilities. 

The company employs more than 650 professionals located across Italy, the US, India, Germany, Mexico, and other European countries. 

Following completion of the transaction, IndX’s team and capabilities are expected to support the continued expansion of the Accenture Siemens Business Group, a dedicated global business practice launched last year that combines industrial technology with AI-enabled engineering and manufacturing capabilities. 

“Accenture’s acquisition of IndX is a milestone for the Accenture Siemens Business Group,” said Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries Software.  

“It brings proven skills in our industrial solutions for digital manufacturing, engineering, automation, digital twin and simulation, plus long-standing relationships with clients that apply them.” 

STRENGTHENING INDUSTRIAL AI 

Accenture and Siemens have been working together to develop industrial AI-enabled solutions aimed at accelerating engineering processes and improving manufacturing performance. 

“Together with Siemens, we develop industrial AI-enabled solutions that shorten engineering time to market, increase manufacturing efficiencies, and strengthen the digital core for our clients,” added Vivek Kaushik, Global Head of Accenture Siemens Business Group.  

“IndX will strengthen the Accenture Siemens Business Group and help deliver on Accenture and Siemens’ shared ambition to scale these AI solutions.” 

As part of its plans following the acquisition, Accenture intends to establish two new Centers of Excellence focused on Siemens Digital Industries solutions in Italy and India. 

The centers will bring together specialists in industrial software and advanced digital technologies to support clients in improving product design, factory operations, and supply chain management through a combination of industrial software, AI, and digital engineering expertise. 

“Italy has a unique combination of manufacturing excellence, engineering capabilities, and innovation talent,” said Teodoro Lio, Market Unit Lead of Accenture Italy.  

Upon completion of the acquisition, Accenture will integrate IndX’s assets and services supporting other technologies into its respective business units. 

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lululemon explores a new model for supply chain decarbonization

As companies confront the challenge of reducing emissions beyond their direct operations, many are discovering that traditional renewable energy procurement models are not always suited to complex global supply chains.

lululemon is seeking to address that challenge through a new approach: investing directly in renewable energy infrastructure designed to benefit its manufacturing ecosystem.

The apparel company announced it is investing in a renewable energy fund managed by Schroders Capital’s Infrastructure team to support the development of new wind and solar capacity in China. The initiative aims to accelerate the transition to renewable electricity across one of lululemon’s most important sourcing markets while advancing an investment model that could offer a blueprint for other businesses grappling with Scope 3 emissions.

Targeting renewable electricity where supply chain emissions occur

The fund focuses on renewable infrastructure projects in late-stage development and construction across China, prioritising wind and solar assets.

According to lululemon, participation in the fund will enable the company to achieve the equivalent of 100% renewable electricity in collaboration with its suppliers in China Mainland, based on projected electricity use in 2030.

Capital from the fund has already been deployed into multiple wind projects currently under development and expected to be completed later this year.

Rather than relying solely on suppliers to independently secure renewable energy contracts, the model pools demand and directs investment toward expanding renewable generation capacity in manufacturing regions.

Why supply chain emissions remain the biggest challenge

For many consumer brands, the majority of their climate impact sits outside their own operations.

These indirect emissions—known as Scope 3 emissions—often stem from purchased goods and services, manufacturing activities and transportation across global value chains.

Addressing them requires collaboration with suppliers operating across different regulatory environments, varying energy markets and diverse levels of renewable energy access.

“Decarbonizing global supply chains requires new ways of thinking—about capital, collaboration, and scale,” said Noel Kinder, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at lululemon.

“This fund demonstrates how companies can pool demand for renewable energy, reduce complexity, and accelerate project development. As we work toward our climate goals, this investment creates a scalable pathway to bring more renewable energy to manufacturing regions where it can have the greatest impact—while contributing to a model that others can build on.”

Supporting progress toward 2030 climate goals

Supply chain decarbonisation forms a central pillar of lululemon’s broader sustainability strategy and increasing renewable electricity use throughout its supply chain is a core component of its roadmap toward achieving its Scope 3 science-based target.

lululemon has committed to a 60% intensity reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline, with the target measuring progress relative to business growth.

By directing investment into renewable energy infrastructure in China, the company aims to address emissions where they are generated rather than limiting efforts to its owned operations.

Moving beyond individual action toward collective solutions

The investment also reflects a growing recognition that supply chain decarbonisation cannot be achieved by companies acting alone.

Many manufacturing suppliers serve multiple brands simultaneously, meaning collaborative approaches can unlock greater scale and efficiency than fragmented initiatives.

lululemon positioned the fund as part of a wider ecosystem of partnerships intended to accelerate industry progress.

The investment builds on its existing work with organisations including:

• Apparel Impact Institute
• Asia Clean Energy Coalition
• CEBA’s Clean Energy Procurement Academy

Together, these initiatives are intended to support renewable energy adoption across shared supply chains while helping overcome barriers that individual suppliers may struggle to address independently.

Renewable energy finance evolves

The announcement also highlights the emergence of investment-led models as a complement to more established renewable procurement strategies.

While power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates remain widely used, direct participation in investment vehicles offers companies another mechanism to influence energy systems in regions critical to their supply chains.

Schroders Greencoat, which advises the strategy, is among the world’s largest pure-play renewable energy and energy transition infrastructure managers, with active investment strategies spanning clean energy development and asset management.

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