Business Expansion

Zurich – September 19, 2026 -- ACROBiosystems has established a dedicated office within The HIVE Innovation Center on Campus Grand Parc in Villejuif, deepening its footprint in France's oncology research corridor. The move, facilitated by real estate operator Kadans Science Partner, gives the roughly 1,000-employee biotechnology group direct proximity to biotechs, hospitals, and translational research institutes clustered around Paris-Saclay.

ACROBiosystems joins a biocluster it entered as a member last year

The company became a member of the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster (PSCC) in 2025, and the new HIVE office is positioned to extend those regional ties. Campus Grand Parc concentrates oncology-focused clinical partners and research teams, an environment ACROBiosystems says aligns with its role supplying reagents and services across the drug development chain -- from recombinant proteins and antibodies to GMP-grade custom production.

Seattle – September 19, 2026 -- Summit Fire & Security LLC has opened eight new branch locations across Washington state and O'ahu, Hawaii, expanding its fire protection, security, and marine services footprint into two new states.

Five branches target Washington's commercial and industrial corridors

North Seattle, South Seattle, and Mount Vernon offices will cover Western Washington, serving commercial, marine, and multi-tenant clients with inspection, maintenance, monitoring, and installation of life safety systems. Pasco and Spokane branches extend coverage into Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.

Hawaii office reaches four islands from a single O'ahu base

The new O'ahu location will provide fire protection and security services across Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, marking Summit's entry into the Pacific island market.

Dublin, Ohio – September 18, 2026 -- Little Diggers, the construction-themed indoor sandbox playspace chain, has signed more than 50 franchise locations across the U.S. and now operates six corporate-owned stores, with additional openings planned before year-end.

Franchise pipeline swells after 2025 launch

Since opening its franchising arm in 2025, the company has fielded thousands of inquiries from all 50 states and more than 85 countries. Signed or in-development locations now span 21 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Little Diggers plans to expand into California, with location details to be announced.

Kansas City – September 17, 2026 -- KanEquip, Inc. has opened its first dealership dedicated exclusively to JCB equipment in Kansas City, expanding its footprint beyond the six existing Kansas locations that carry the brand.

KanEquip enters Kansas City after Trane's acquisition of CSTK creates market opening

The sale of Central States Thermo King (CSTK) to Trane, Inc. left a gap in local JCB support in Kansas City, which KanEquip moved to fill. The company said retaining CSTK's experienced staff, some employed since 2014, was the primary driver behind the market entry, citing their established knowledge of JCB equipment and rental-house customer relationships.