Shortages

January 15, 2026

Shortages

Last month I talked about Construction Labor Shortages, caused by the Data Centers under construction. This month I want to talk about equipment shortages.

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) has gone up 71% in the past year. No, this has not been the sale of bulldozers; it has been the sale of standby generators--more data center driven activity.

I have been informally talking to equipment suppliers closer to home. They are talking strong inquiry levels and a strong belief that business will be good in 2026. Believe them.

In years gone by, I have explained how the OEM business works in our industry; Early buyers in the cycle get the bargains, late buyers in the cycle can't buy equipment at any price. Be an early buyer. Activity is pointing up.

By the way, I come to mills and talk to various departments about many subjects. To arrange my custom visit to your mill, just email me at jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com or call me at 678-206-6010.

Young Engineering Manager of the Year, call for nominations

We are looking for an individual who has done an extraordinary project, one that almost defies belief. Its extraordinary features can be schedule, technology, cost or all three. There is an age limit on the manager eligible for this award: they must be under 35 years old when they completed the project.

We have often gotten nominees that go something like this, "I nominate Joe because he has done a great job of running our engineering department for the last fifteen years." Quite frankly, we are not interested in such nominees.

However, if you know someone who has led a very exceptional project in the recent past (the last two or three years) and meets our age requirement, we want to know about it. We want to honor them and hold them up as an example for Engineering Managers in every pulp and paper mill around the world.

Just send your nomination, with as much details as you can provide, to jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com. We will seriously consider it.

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Please write when we tickle your brain cells! Email jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com