USG Mission Critical Solutions and Subzero Engineering have formed a strategic alliance to deliver integrated containment systems for data centers. Launching in June 2026, the new USG DataConstrux Containment powered by Subzero Engineering combines the companies’ expertise in data center interior construction and containment technologies.

The offering includes ceiling- and floor-mounted containment systems designed for hot aisle containment and liquid cooling applications. The companies said the partnership will simplify design and construction by providing contractors with a single source for containment materials, technical support and installation expertise.

USG President of Ceilings Division Diane Earll said the collaboration addresses growing demand for containment systems that can be deployed quickly and reliably, while Subzero Engineering President Shane Kilfoil said customers increasingly want both high-performance products and expert technical support from one provider.

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QXO named Vanessa Fusco, CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Conn., the winner of its 2026 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year award. The annual program recognizes women making an impact in roofing through leadership, innovation, safety and mentorship.

Fusco, who receives $10,000 and tickets to the 2027 National Women in Roofing Days and International Roofing Expo, was selected through a nationwide public vote. She founded Rejoice and Restore and grew the company from its first project in 2024 to a multimillion-dollar business while creating opportunities for individuals in recovery.

More than 2,000 nominations were submitted across the U.S. and Canada. Finalists included Jennifer George, Lauren Marsh, Kathleen Maxwell and Stacey Oakley, each receiving professional development funding.

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Central States has launched a new integration between its Central Link customer portal and the Saberis middleware platform to streamline ordering for building material dealers. The connection allows customers to transfer quote data directly into Saberis-connected ERP and point-of-sale systems with a single click, eliminating manual file downloads and duplicate data entry. Central States says the process takes just one to two seconds, improving efficiency, reducing errors and simplifying workflows. The integration is available immediately for customers with a Saberis subscription and is intended to create a more seamless ordering experience.

Photo credit: Central States.

ContractorHUB, a Nashville-based software platform for contractors, has partnered with digital marketing agency Webrunner Media and received a strategic investment from the company. The partnership aims to connect marketing and business operations into a single workflow, helping contractors generate leads, convert customers and track performance more effectively. ContractorHUB said the collaboration addresses a common industry challenge in which marketing and operational systems operate separately, creating inefficiencies. The companies also plan to influence future product development and expand integrations across the home services sector. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

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A new industry report found that contractors increasingly view artificial intelligence as a tool for improving efficiency and profitability as labor shortages and rising costs continue to pressure margins. According to ServiceTitan's 2026 Residential State of the Trades Report, 74% of contractors see AI as a key driver of efficiency, though only about 25% currently use the technology. Early adopters reported gains in productivity (48%) and time savings (45%). The report found contractors are prioritizing operational efficiency, customer retention and automation to support growth, while barriers to adoption include training needs, integration challenges and uncertainty about return on investment.

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U.S. asphalt shingle shipments fell 9.9% in the first quarter to 38.1 million squares, down from 42.3 million a year earlier, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. The decline follows a smaller drop in early 2025 and reflects continued softness in roofing demand.

Other categories posted steeper declines. Built-up roofing shipments dropped 16.7%, while modified bitumen fell 13.8%. Canadian shingle shipments declined 13.4%. Despite typical seasonal gains from the fourth quarter, year-over-year demand remains weak, particularly as residential construction activity lags and nonresidential growth remains uneven.

At the same time, rising material costs are adding pressure. Construction input prices increased 4.8% year over year in March, the largest gain since early 2023. Energy costs led the surge, with diesel fuel jumping 37.8% in a single month. Industry economists warn that persistent cost increases and uncertainty could delay projects and further constrain roofing demand.

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