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ISS released its 'Facility Management Outlook' report, based on a survey of nearly 3,000 business leaders across 28 countries, revealing challenges in balancing cost control and workplace experience. The report notes that although 83% of leaders recognize the performance-driving role of the workplace, 60% prioritize cost optimization, and 68% view economic pressure as a major industry force, resulting in a 'workplace performance gap.'
With U.S. military recruitment surging, Panel Built, Inc. delivers custom prefabricated towers engineered for demanding training environments. The modular steel systems support rappel drills, observation, and live-fire range supervision, with recent projects including an airfield watchtower in Maryland, a 40-foot range tower in California, and a 67-foot rappel tower.
Soleran, a leader in configurable software for facility operations, announced the launch of Soleran Oro, a new platform designed to help hospitals and organizations manage facility operations with greater visibility, flexibility, scalability, and confidence. The platform features user-configurable workflows, a first-of-its-kind marketplace for facility management apps, and real-time dashboards, aiming to replace disconnected systems with a unified, adaptable solution.
Mobile Concepts, Inc., operating as U.S. Mobile Kitchens, announced the acquisition of Mobile Kitchens Canada, Inc., Canada's leading provider of temporary and mobile kitchen solutions. The deal enhances the combined company's ability to serve customers across North America, with Mobile Kitchens Canada continuing under its established name and leadership.
Seven major U.S. HVAC manufacturers have been sued for allegedly conspiring to inflate prices of commercial and residential equipment, with the lawsuit seeking class action status.
On July 20, 2026, Ecotrak released its AI facility management suite, featuring Claude Connector, AI troubleshooting powered by ChatGPT, work order summarization, predictive intelligence, image recognition, vendor recommendations, and energy management AI, with a 90-day free trial available to all customers.
As automated material handling systems transform warehouse and manufacturing operations, Panel Built introduces custom modular structural solutions, including structural platforms, control rooms, and equipment enclosures, designed to integrate seamlessly into existing facilities, meeting dynamic wheel loads and stringent flatness requirements.
On August 25, 2026, Ecotrak released Ecotrak Energy powered by Entouch, which integrates Entouch's smart building and energy management technologies into the Ecotrak platform, enabling integrated facility and energy operations.
The latest Occuspace report shows that university space utilization has begun to recover after a decline in 2025, with classroom and office usage rates up 6 to 8 basis points year-over-year, but still well below the 70%-85% targets set by institutions. The report also notes that small and medium-sized meeting rooms are vacant 73% of the time during the workweek, and classrooms are unused for nearly one-third of regular working hours.
Building controls startup FTL launches a wireless automation solution, claiming it can significantly reduce deployment costs, targeting small and medium-sized buildings without control systems, and offering AI-assisted work order features.