How 2026 Is Transforming Industry Priorities: Trends, Strategy, and Leadership
As 2026 is approaching, many companies plan for another year marked by rising costs and tight labor markets. These conditions shape how executives invest, modernize, and set priorities. Insights from the Ryson 2026 Outlook highlight the forces reshaping industry strategy and show how companies prepare for the year ahead.
Economic Shifts Influence Smarter Investments
Industry analysts expect an uncertain economic climate in 2026. Companies respond by focusing on equipment that keeps operations efficient and dependable.
Many facilities upgrade outdated machinery to cut downtime and reduce cost of ownership. Ryson Spiral Conveyors help meet these goals with reliable performance and thoughtful design that adapts as workflows change. They also help companies conserve floor space, which matters more as real estate expenses climb.
Leadership That Strengthens the Industry
A significant development for 2026 is the election of Claudia Van den Pol, CEO of the Royal Apollo Group, to the PMMI Board of Directors. Her international experience brings new perspective to PMMI and its members. She understands how global trends shape decisions across markets and her presence on the board supports broader collaboration and forward-focused planning for the packaging and processing community.
“I’m always inspired after attending PMMI events. This organization is truly amazing. It offers incredible opportunities to network, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new ones, all while discussing the challenges and innovations shaping our industry. I am very proud and honored to have been elected to join the PMMI Board of Directors ” – Claudia writes on her LinkedIn
Automation Accelerates as Labor Stays Tight
Labor shortages continue across manufacturing, warehousing, and fulfillment. Leaders now view automation as essential. They want systems that run consistently and limit reliance on hard-to-hire skill sets. Spirals support this shift with smooth vertical transport, low maintenance, and compatibility with modern automated systems. Operations now expect equipment to work across multiple load types, layouts, and speeds without complex adjustments, something Spirals handle with ease.
Growing Sectors Shape Facility Design
E-commerce, direct-to-consumer distribution, and cold storage remain high-growth areas entering 2026. These operations demand fast throughput, flexible layouts, and dependable uptime. Spirals deliver these advantages while handling mixed load sizes and supporting multi-level infeed and outfeed configurations. This helps companies build compact footprints during a year when every square foot matters. In cold storage, Spirals continue to work reliably in sub-freezing conditions while helping customers maximize valuable refrigerated space.
Looking Ahead
The year ahead encourages leaders to adopt strategies that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support long-term growth. Companies that invest in reliable automation and flexible layouts will stay competitive in a market that continues to change quickly. Ryson remains dedicated to these priorities with Spirals that deliver consistent performance and leadership that reflects a global view of industry needs.