As 2025 winds down, it’s time to look ahead to 2026 and what opportunities may be in store for the fluid power and motion system industries. Though it’s been another difficult year for many markets, as our top story in this month’s newsletter indicates there are some signs pointing to potential recovery in the coming year. There are still a lot of ‘ifs’ going into 2026, but factors such as the promise of future interest rate cuts and fluid power orders beginning to stabilize are offering some hope that growth is on the horizon once again.

Also covered in today’s newsletter are the customer markets expected to bring opportunities in the years to come, such as aerospace which is anticipated to continue its strong increase in order activity into 2026. The boom in data centers is presenting another opportunity area for many. Construction equipment is needed to build the facilities and the infrastructure they require — which should bode well for fluid power and other technology suppliers to that market — while cooling and automation systems used within the facilities also make use of hydraulics and pneumatics.

I hope you’ve been enjoying this monthly newsletter designed to provide you insights on both the economic and technology trends shaping the fluid power and broader motion system industry. Having an understanding of various market trends can be very beneficial from both a business planning and engineering perspective — it provides insight into what technologies markets may need as well as what future customer opportunities may exist. Starting in 2026, we’re upping the frequency of this newsletter from monthly to biweekly basis. Every other Friday starting January 9 you’ll get the latest market trend information delivered to your inbox so you can stay on top of the many trends shaping the industry now and in the future. Have suggestions on topics you’d like covered in future editions? Let me know by reaching out to me at [email protected].

How has 2025 been for your company? What markets do you see offering opportunities in the new year? Take our brief survey or reach out to me directly to offer your thoughts. And I hope you have a great rest of the year and upcoming holiday season.

Sara Jensen, Editor, Power & Motion