Month: January 2026
Can AI Really Help Businesses be More Sustainable?
What is sustainability and why it matters in 2026
Expanding insurance coverage could strengthen societies and boost sustainability: WEF
Canopy Warns Wood Fibre Supply Chains Face Rising Risk as Forest Pressures Mount
AIM Investment Group Acquires Micro Forms, Inc., a Trusted American Manufacturer with Nearly 60 Years of Precision Craftsmanship
GARLAND, Texas, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For nearly six decades, Micro Forms, Inc. has quietly built a reputation as a dependable, high-quality American manufacturer — earning the trust of customers who rely on precision, consistency, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1967 as a small, family-run machine shop, the Garland, Texas-based company has grown into a respected precision metal stamping and engineering operation serving industrial and commercial customers across the globe.
Today, AIM Investment Group (“AIM IG”) announced the acquisition of Micro Forms, marking the addition of a proven manufacturing business to its growing portfolio of industrial companies. Micro Forms will continue operating under its existing name and structure, building on the same values that have defined the company for nearly 60 years.
AIM IG has worked closely with Micro Forms for more than five years, developing a strong relationship rooted in shared values, operational discipline, and mutual respect. That long-standing partnership — combined with Micro Forms’ reputation for quality and reliability — made the acquisition a natural next step.
“This is a business we’ve known and respected for a long time,” said Nate Ungarean, Managing Partner at AIM Investment Group. “Micro Forms has built an exceptional culture and a level of consistency that’s rare. Their team has been doing things the right way for decades, and we saw a clear opportunity to step in as the right long-term steward at the right time. We’re excited to support the next chapter of growth while preserving everything that makes this company special.”
Micro Forms specializes in precision metal stamping, progressive tool and die engineering, and metal fabrication, partnering with customers to solve complex manufacturing challenges across a range of materials including copper, brass, and aluminum. With in-house tooling expertise and a production facility equipped with more than 20 presses ranging from 8 to 150 tons, the company supports short-, medium-, and long-run production with a focus on reliability and repeatable quality.
“We’ve spent decades building this business on relationships, quality work, and trust,” said Angus Gascoigne, VP Operations at Micro Forms, Inc. “Joining AIM Investment Group gives us the backing to continue doing what we do best while opening the door to new opportunities. We’re excited about what lies ahead and the momentum this creates for our customers and our business.”
As part of AIM Investment Group, Micro Forms will remain a standalone operation while benefiting from additional long-term investment support. The acquisition also reflects AIM IG’s continued expansion across industrial sectors, including recycling, manufacturing, and related services.
“Micro Forms has been expertly run for years,” Ungarean added. “This isn’t about fixing anything—it’s about investing in a great company, honoring its legacy, and helping unlock the next phase of growth.”
Micro Forms is open for business and actively pursuing new opportunities. Companies seeking a trusted precision manufacturing partner, as well as business owners interested in exploring a long-term partnership or transition, are encouraged to connect with Nate Ungarean or Angus Gascoigne to start a conversation.
About Micro Forms, Inc.
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Garland, Texas, Micro Forms, Inc. is a precision metal stamping, tool and die, and metal fabrication manufacturer serving industrial and commercial customers. Known for its craftsmanship, reliability, and problem-solving approach, Micro Forms delivers high-quality stamped components and custom tooling solutions backed by decades of experience.
About AIM Investment Group
AIM Investment Group is a diversified industrial holding company with a portfolio of operating businesses across metal recycling, manufacturing, industrial real estate, and industrial services. AIM IG partners with well-run, culture-driven companies and supports their long-term growth through hands-on stewardship and operational expertise.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aim-investment-group-acquires-micro-forms-inc-a-trusted-american-manufacturer-with-nearly-60-years-of-precision-craftsmanship-302661607.html
SOURCE AIM Investment Group
Georgia Power, Waffle House Complete Pilot of State-of-the-Art HVAC Solution
Last July, Waffle House and Georgia Power entered a one-year pilot of a groundbreaking new HVAC technology, both to validate the technology and partner with a customer for potential energy efficiency gains, affordability improvements and load flexibility opportunities. Developed by Blue Frontier, an innovative clean tech company funded in part by several investors, including Bill Gate’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Atlanta-based venture firm Engage, this solution was installed at the Waffle House of the Future demonstration in Macon.
Blue Frontier’s technology uses a liquid desiccant for dehumidification, moisture removal and fresh air ventilation, with a goal to reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort and lower operating costs for customers. Blue Frontier units also run quietly because they have no traditional condenser.
In contrast, conventional air conditioning systems remove heat from indoor air by converting refrigerants from gas to liquid and back again, after which the cooled air is circulated by fans. Humidity is controlled by cooling the air until the water vapor condenses to liquid, after which it is drained. Thus, conventional AC systems are not as optimally efficient because they cannot remove humidity independently of cooling, which can result in higher energy usage and less flexibility in managing load during peak hours.
Blue Frontier’s technology separates humidity and temperature control by using a liquid salt solution developed with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL). Blue Frontier’s units deliver pre-conditioned ventilation directly to existing rooftop HVAC units, and their energy storage and load shifting capability helps reduce energy consumption at peak times, enhancing affordability and providing flexibility for large-load customers when electricity grids are strained on hot days.
Waffle House and Georgia Power piloted this innovative new solution primarily for the purpose of evaluating the energy savings outcomes, the impact on customer comfort and the potential to deliver meaningful affordability benefits through reduced peak demand and improved load flexibility.
Highlights
- The Blue Frontier system consumed about 40% less electricity overall compared to a traditional Direct Expansion-Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DX-DOAS) system.
- Power consumption was reduced by 89% during peak hours (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), resulting in a 65% reduction in operating costs and clear affordability gains.
- The system’s ability to shift electrical load to off-peak hours was crucial in achieving cost savings, particularly during summer peak hours, when electricity is most expensive. This load flexibility is a harbinger of potential positive impact for large-load customers.
- Waffle House staff reported a significant improvement in space comfort, as the Blue Frontier system reduced the daily relative humidity by approximately 10% and dining area temperature by more than 5% on peak temperature days.
“Blue Frontier’s technology was a welcome addition to our existing HVAC system, bringing enhanced capability to our existing setup,” said Waffle House Innovation Manager David Repp. “We are particularly enthused about the ability to effectively shift load to off-peak hours. And we have heard nothing but positive feedback from our employees and customers about the comfort of the in-store environment.”
“The implementation of Blue Frontier technology at Waffle House’s Macon demonstration is a great example how we work collaboratively with customers,” remarked Georgia Power’s Director of Customer Solutions Cameron Hardin.
“This project also exemplifies the kind of internal collaboration required to bring these sorts of innovative new solutions to fruition in the marketplace,” added Hardin. “Georgia Power Solution Sales and National Accounts, as well as Southern Company Services’ New Ventures and Energy Efficiency Pilots came together as One Team to make energy simple and support the Waffle House of the Future.”
Fourth and Final Horizontal Arm of Sagrada Familia’s Cross of the Tower of Jesus Christ Installed
The final element to be installed is the upper arm of the cross, which will contain Agnus Dei, a sculpture by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito; once in place, the 17-meter-tall cross will crown the Tower of Jesus Christ and bring Sagrada Família’s final height to 172 meters; construction is expected to be completed in June 2026
BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Work on the completion of the Sagrada Família’s Tower of Jesus Christ is progressing at a good pace. Today, the fourth horizontal arm of the cross was installed, following the placement of the third arm a few days ago and the installation of the lower arm, the core, and the horizontal arms of the Nativity and Passion facades a few weeks ago.
The arms follow the double-twist geometry that Gaudí gave to the columns and to the crosses of the Sagrada Família. They are square-shaped at the outer end and an octagonal shape at the inner end, which connects to the core. Each piece weighs approximately 12.8 tons and measures 4.40 meters x 4.50 meters x 4.50 meters. Once completed, the cross will be 17 meters high, approximately the height of a five-story building, and 13.5 meters wide.
As indicated by the Temple Albums, Gaudí wanted the cross to shine by day and illuminate by night. For this reason, white glazed ceramic and glass have been used; two materials that are radiant and, at the same time, withstand atmospheric exposure.
Spotlights will be installed on the towers of the Evangelists and the Apostles, which will illuminate the pinnacle. Inside the cross, the sculpture of Agnus Dei by the Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito will be placed in accordance with Gaudí’s original design.
Coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ will be a historic milestone for the Sagrada Família and a tribute to its architect. For more information, visit: https://sagradafamilia2026.org.
Editor’s note:
Video and photos of the installation of the fourth arm on the Tower of Jesus Christ
can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/SagradaFamilia-GMG-011426
Media Contacts (for U.S. Media):
Gabriel Marketing Group (For Sagrada Família)
Michiko Morales, michim@gabrielmarketing.com
Michael Tebo, michaelt@gabrielmarketing.com
Media Contacts (for Global Media):
Anna Perarnau, aperarnau@sagradafamilia.org
Irene Savall, press@ext.sagradafamilia.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fourth-and-final-horizontal-arm-of-sagrada-familias-cross-of-the-tower-of-jesus-christ-installed-302661457.html
SOURCE Sagrada Familia
Hyundai Wins ‘Platinum’ and ‘Diamond’ in 2025 Pinnacle Awards for Business
- Hyundai and UCI Health collaborate on child safety seat program, winning two Pinnacle Awards
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor America earned two honors in the 2025 Pinnacle Awards for Business for its partnership with UCI Health to advance community health and safety in Orange County, California, home of Hyundai’s North America headquarters. The company received the Platinum award in the Health and Safety Leadership category and the Diamond Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category.
Through Hyundai Hope, Hyundai Motor America’s corporate social responsibility initiative, the company is committed to fostering a culture of safety by supporting child passenger safety education programs nationwide. Since 2022, Hyundai has partnered with more than 10 leading hospitals to increase awareness of best practices for buckling in young passengers. In 2025, Hyundai expanded this effort by partnering with UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, to advance child passenger safety across Orange County and support the growth of UCI Health’s diabetes care program.
“Hyundai is honored to receive two Pinnacle Awards for its partnership with UCI Health,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America. “By partnering with trusted institutions, we are promoting safe practices in buckling children up as well as fostering access to preventative health services. This recognition underscores our broader commitment to uplifting children and families in the communities we serve, and our goal to help people live safer, healthier lives.”
Research shows that properly installed car seats can prevent injuries, making education essential to increase awareness and promote best practices. To help address this need, Hyundai partnered with UCI Health to support its car seat safety education programs which provide free inspections for families in need in Orange County, California.
The expansion of this partnership builds on Hyundai’s collaboration with the UCI Health Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), two community-based clinics in Santa Ana and Anaheim, California, that provide high-quality primary care, dental, and mental health services to low-income and underserved populations, including individuals with limited English proficiency and those experiencing homelessness. By combining vehicle safety advocacy with community health investment, Hyundai is supporting a holistic approach to well-being, empowering families with knowledge, resources, and access to essential care.
From AI-powered innovations to purpose-driven campaigns, the Pinnacle Awards spotlight the creative and strategic work shaping the future of marketing, public relations, communications, and social media.
Hyundai Hope
Hyundai Hope is the corporate social responsibility initiative from Hyundai Motor North America, committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and the goal of improving the well-being of society. Hyundai Hope dedicates time, talent, and resources to nonprofit organizations that support health, safety, education, and sustainability, fostering positive growth in communities. For more information, visit www.HyundaiHope.com.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-wins-platinum-and-diamond-in-2025-pinnacle-awards-for-business-302661343.html
SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Palmetto Welcomes Clean Energy Visionary Jigar Shah to Advisory Board to Accelerate Strategic Growth of the Consumer-First Clean Energy Platform
Former DOE Loan Programs Office Director and Generate Capital Co-Founder Brings Unparalleled Infrastructure Finance Expertise to Advance America’s Clean Energy Transition
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Palmetto, America’s leading consumer energy platform, today announced the appointment of Jigar Shah as Strategic Advisor, effective immediately. Shah, a renowned clean energy finance pioneer, former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office, and Co-Managing Partner of Multiplier, a clean energy, cleantech, climate-tech and sustainability advisory services firm, joins Palmetto’s advisory board to guide the company’s next phase of strategic growth and capital deployment to help even more households save money by making the transition to clean energy.
Shah, one of TIME100’s most influential people, brings over two decades of transformative experience in clean energy infrastructure finance, having facilitated billions of dollars in investments that have accelerated the deployment of renewable energy technologies across the globe. At Multiplier, Shah works directly with management teams to strengthen fundamentals, sharpen strategy, navigate policy, and align capital formation with likely outcomes. His appointment reinforces Palmetto’s commitment to scaling its digital-first marketplace and expanding access to clean energy solutions for millions of American households.
“Jigar Shah is one of the most respected voices in clean energy finance, with an unmatched track record of turning innovative technologies into scalable, profitable businesses that put money back in consumers’ pockets through lower home energy costs,” said Chris Kemper, CEO and Founder of Palmetto. “His deep understanding of infrastructure capital markets, combined with his passion for democratizing clean energy access and helping families save on their energy bills, makes him the ideal advisor to guide our strategic vision as we enter this critical growth phase.”
Driving Strategic Innovation in Consumer-Centric Clean Energy
As Strategic Advisor, Shah will provide counsel on Palmetto’s long-term strategic planning, capital allocation initiatives, and market expansion opportunities. He will play a key role in advising on the company’s innovative financing solutions, which currently help homeowners access solar, storage, HVAC, and energy-efficient appliances through flexible payment options that reduce barriers to clean energy adoption.
“Palmetto has built something truly remarkable – a consumer-first platform that makes clean energy accessible, affordable, and actionable for everyday Americans,” said Shah. ”I’m committed to leveraging my experience in infrastructure finance to help guide this model’s expansion nationwide and help even more people lower their electricity bills – Americans deserve a system that provides a simple, accessible platform that meets their needs at the best possible value.”
Bringing a Proven Track Record of Clean Energy Leadership
Shah co-founded Generate Capital, a leading sustainable infrastructure investment and operating platform that has deployed over $7 billion in capital across hundreds of projects. Prior to Generate, he served as the founding CEO of SunEdison, where he pioneered the solar power purchase agreement (PPA) model that revolutionized renewable energy financing.
Most recently, Shah served as Director of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office under the Biden Administration, where he managed a $40+ billion portfolio focused on deploying clean energy technologies at scale. His leadership helped accelerate critical investments in battery manufacturing, clean hydrogen, and renewable energy infrastructure across the U.S..
Ushering in the Next Strategic Expansion Phase
Shah’s appointment follows Palmetto’s recent strategic initiatives, including the expansion of its Charlotte, NC headquarters, the launch of the Palmetto App, and the acquisition of The Cool Down, a leading clean-lifestyle media platform. These moves position the company to serve growing consumer demand for comprehensive clean energy solutions while maintaining its triple-bottom-line commitment to people, planet, and profit.
The addition of Shah to the advisory team underscores Palmetto’s evolution from a solar marketplace to a comprehensive consumer energy platform. With his expertise in large-scale infrastructure finance, Shah will help the company explore new financing mechanisms and partnership structures to accelerate clean energy adoption in the home.
About Palmetto
Palmetto is a consumer energy platform dedicated to making the clean energy transition simple, accessible, and affordable for American families. Through its digital-first marketplace, Palmetto connects homeowners with vetted clean energy partners and flexible financing solutions across solar, storage, HVAC, backup power, and energy-efficient appliances. The company’s mission is to enable millions of households to reduce utility costs, increase energy resilience, and achieve energy independence while supporting its Get Solar, Give Solar initiative that funds renewable energy access for underserved global communities.
Contact: press@palmetto.com
View original content:SOURCE Palmetto
