The Bottom Line: Albany International, Connection and Unitil

A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL OFFICIAL PARTNER FOR WORLD ENGINEERING DAY

Portsmouth, NH-based Albany International (NYSE: AIN) has been named an official partner for World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) 2026, a global initiative recognizing the role of engineering in addressing sustainability challenges.

The materials science company, known for developing advanced fabrics, said its partnership reflects a longstanding focus on innovation and performance. “Our focus on engineering and innovation has driven higher performance and more sustainable solutions for our customers for over 130 years,” said president and CEO Gunnar Kleveland.

WED 2026 launched March 4 in Jakarta, Indonesia, kicking off a year-long campaign featuring events, films and educational content centered on the theme “Smart engineering for a sustainable future through innovation and digitalization.”

Proclaimed by UNESCO and operated by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), the annual observance brings together stakeholders across government, academia and industry. WFEO represents more than 30 million engineers in over 100 countries.

Seng-Chuan Tan, WFEO president, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling global challenges. “When we bring together different voices, perspectives and expertise, we create stronger, more sustainable solutions,” he said.

Campaign content for WED 2026 is produced by SJH Studios and hosted on the official website. Stephen Van Der Merwe of SJH Group said Albany International’s expertise in materials science makes it a strong addition to this year’s initiative.

CONNECTION EARNS PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Connection (NASDAQ: CNXN) has been named Zebra Technologies’ 2025 Partner of the Year for Top Revenue Growth among National Solutions Providers, recognizing strong year-over-year performance and customer impact.

The award highlights partners that expand customer adoption, drive new business, and strengthen Zebra’s market presence through effective sales execution and solution expertise. Connection was cited for helping organizations modernize operations, improve visibility and boost efficiency using Zebra’s technology portfolio.

“Connection delivered an exceptional year of growth, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026,” said Becky Gowan, vice president of channel, territory and supplies at Zebra Technologies. She added that the partnership continues to help customers navigate complexity and identify new opportunities.

Connection President and CEO Tim McGrath said the recognition reflects the company’s customer relationships, partnership with Zebra and the work of its teams in deploying solutions that enhance operational performance. He added the company plans to continue expanding its capabilities to help customers reduce complexity and support growth.

Connection provides IT solutions to business, government, health care and education markets.

SEABROOK CONVERTS STREETLIGHTS, TOWN BUILDINGS TO LED LIGHTING

The town of Seabrook, NH, and the Seabrook School District have completed a series of energy-efficiency upgrades aimed at reducing costs and lowering energy use, supported by incentives from Unitil (NYSE: UTL) through the NHSaves program.

The town replaced 450 streetlights with LED fixtures and upgraded interior lighting to LEDs across multiple municipal buildings, including the community center, police and fire stations, town hall and public works facilities. The new system also incorporates controls that dim or turn off lights when spaces are unoccupied.

The $703,524 lighting project received $167,353 in incentives. Officials estimate the upgrades will cut annual energy use by about 567,969 kilowatt hours, while reducing maintenance needs and eliminating mercury-containing lamps.

“We’re pleased to work alongside the town and school district on these vital energy-efficiency projects,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo, noting the long-term financial and environmental benefits.

Separately, the Seabrook School District installed a second high-efficiency natural gas boiler, completing a multi-year effort to replace aging equipment. Each boiler operates at 97% efficiency and is expected to reduce annual energy use by about 1,315 therms. The $60,250 project received a $4,000 incentive and was completed by American Plumbing & Heating.

Town Manager William Manzi said incentives helped make the projects financially feasible. “The project allows Seabrook to use electricity more efficiently in a time of escalating costs, saving taxpayers a significant amount of money and reducing our carbon footprint,” he said.

For more information on rebates and efficiency incentives, visit www.unitil.com/ways-to-save/rebates-incentives.